OT: What dog am I looking for?

Oh! ROTFL! Of course she would! She'd eat the younger cat, too, given the chance!

I was just pointing out that my terrier does not seem particularly interested in my rodents while a different breed does. I can thoroughly recommend Bullies as pets (if you can get past their noses as an aesthetic barrier). They like exercise, but will happily take care of that by themselves in a decent-sized yard. Be prepared for a large running-track being eroded down into your lawn, though... ;-D

Marissa: A couple days ago ... Saturday, I think ... I was piecing and had the TV on. A morning news show had a feature about dogs. There was quite a bit of information on teaching the dogs toileting habits. The expert said it can take up to ONE YEAR for a puppy to be fully trained. (Caps because I was astounded!)

So, I'd say to find an older dog who is house broken, likes little kids, and is okay with being home alone in day time. IOW, a mellow fellow! One about 2 years old will still have lively young ways. Go to the pound and find a dog that fits my suggestion and you will be very happy. BTDT.

You did not ask, but I do have another suggestion. Perhaps you should postpone getting the dog until after your mother goes home. That way the dog will not think she is the Alpha Dog in the family. Also, it would avoid having her spoil the dog and then leave the results for you and Fer to fix! Besides, having a loving Grandma visit is exciting enough for a chile. Just get Sofie another gift, then surprise her with the dog when things settle down after her Grandma leaves. JMO.

PAT > I am also looking for a dog and want suggestions. This would be for

It may be different for others but I think many of us have had to live near or watch a dog that was just thrown in the yard and the busy family that might have meant well really had no time for. There has been neighbor dogs that I am sure would have been better off being put down than living a life just thrown in the back yard. Maybe that is cold but quality of life is important to me.

If you haven't watched the dog whisperer or the couple of dog training shows on animal planet you might want to tune in. Lots of info about what dogs are more work and the type of lifestyle they fit in. Also there are lots of things to teach kids on how to approach dogs and safety kind of things. My kids were 6 and 7 when we got our first dog. I missed having a dog around the house too but I knew life needed to be a little less chaotic for me to enjoy it. Whatever you decide will work for your family will probably be fine too. I did forget how often young puppies need to go out and pee at night. Yikes, that was not fun. Taria

DrQuilter wrote:

well, we are not planning on 'throwing the dog in the backyard' - I love dogs too much to do that to one! I was thinking of quality vs quantity of time, plus maybe getting a dog walker or putting one of my teenage neighbours on the dog's detail...

I d> It may be different for others but I think many of us have had to live

I'm another who isn't a complete Dog Whisperer fan. But I was raised with dogs, always responsible for them and learned early on that the way to teach a dog to do what you want is a mixture of firmness and love. Oh yeah, and treats.

Sunny

In answer to your question, would the dog really be that much better off? In both places they are "housed" - one in a cage, the other in your yard/room. In both places they would be alone for a large percentage of the day and prone to being bored/destructive. We've all walked past the shelter cages and seen the dogs barking/yelling/tearing up blankies because they have nothing to do.

In a shelter they have the option of being adopted by people who have the time to spend with them.

I've had my share of dogs, and whilst the girls sometimes ask for a new doggy (they still miss good ol' Tassie Jim) I have explained to them that with our lifestyle (house is empty 5 days a week from 8.30am - 4pm and most weekends) it is not fair on the dog to be left alone for so long.

Plus, if you are going to be out most of the day be it for work or whatever, how long will it be before you start to resent having to come home, walk the dog, play with the dog, clean up after the dog, in between taking care of kids and other family things.

A dog is a huge commitment, as is any pet and I would strongly advise you to think long and hard. If you do decide to take one, think how hard it would be for the dog if you had to return him/her/it after say 3 months because things just didn't work?

Just my lil ol' opinion.....

Why not volunteer at the local animal shelter to be a dog walker/player? That way you can help out as often as is convenient for you, no dog needs to be alone in a backyard all day whilst you are working, and you can have all the doggy contact you want?

Just an idea...

.... another good example of your "Jojo" lesson! ...works for raising kids, too!

Here's a website that might help...

com

Hi! I don't think you should have to justify your plans for a new furkid to us! If I read your original message correctly, you weren't asking permission to get a dog -- just for ideas regarding breeds, types, etc. I don't have a clue what *I'll* be doing tomorrow -- how can I tell someone I don't even know except in cyberspace what she should do? Just make your own choice (as I know you're doing) and enjoy your new dawg... (Sometimes, we tend to be judgemental instead of empathic, don't we?)

rusty

You are right there Rusty. I admit I just took from the first line that said that they are not home most of the day and Sofi is

1. My pers>

You shouldn't have to justify your decision to anybody! If I read your original post correctly, you didn't ask permission to add a dog to your home--just ideas regarding size, breed, etc. I've lived alone for years except for a furry companion. For many of those years I worked eight hour days, while having a terrier-type mutt, a rescued racer, and a gentle black lab. They were all 'single' dogs, with a doggie door to a large fenced-in yard. If I'd waited 'til retirement those three dogs and I would have missed much love and enjoyment from each other. Just go with your heart, and enjoy the new addition to the family.

rusty (if this is redundant, i typed it once earlier but it hasn't shown up on the list ...)

Howdy!

I'm w/ ya', Marissa.

Dog breed: our English Springer is the best. ;-D

R/Sandy--in rain, chilly north Texas where Stanley is sleeping high & dry, on his quilt on his sofa