Dogs for children?

[Happy Valley]

They are depending on me, resident dog lady to advise them, and I am depending on you, knowledgable people willing to help, to help me and make me look smart.

They have two boys, ages 1.5 and almost four.

Will be an outside dog.

They don't have a LOT of time to spend.

Need something sweet and gentle by nature. Not for a watch dog, just a pet. It will be loved and taken care of, I know that.

I suggested a beagle. I will be the one to take the dog if they can't manage, so a mini-friendly breed would be a plus.

(I'm thinking of just suggesting a Great Pyranees, as I'd like to have one to watch over the minis and I will probably be adopting this dog) Kidding, really needs to be a medium sized dog, short hair, little shedding and low coat maintenance. Child friendly.

Thanks!

Stacye

 

[justaboutgeese]

Please do not take offense but from the description given this family just does not need a dog. Two very young children, outside dog and lack of time. If they get a dog it should be stuffed one. I realize you intention of taking over if need be. I think you would be taking over very soon so why not just go out and get the dog of your choice while you are able to do the picking.

 

[Happy Valley]

I agree, Vic, but everyone has to have their opportunity to "have a dog" its just that this one won't go to a shelter if it doesn't work out, it will be incorporated into my menagerie! I would like to give them a shot, though.

edited to add: Should I just buy my nephew a Great Pyr for his Birthday? smile

And edited again to add: No offense taken, dear Vic!

 

[Marty]

I was thinking the same thing as Geese.

A new dog requires lots of time. And once teathered outside, he's going to become territorial and aggressive and will become a watch dog if not given a lot of daily interaction.

He needs to be trained, worked with daily to know the rules. That takes a lot of time. A lot. Or they are infer trouble big time. Very time consuming.

I don't think they are anywhere prepared to be spending quality time with a doggy right now.

Breed doesn't matter that much. The time element does.

 

[mininik]

"They have two boys, ages 1.5 and almost four.

Will be an outside dog.

They don't have a LOT of time to spend."

I'd suggest a cuddly and soft, stuffed "puppy" for each boy. IMO, the above just does not describe a family that needs a dog. If they must own one, I do hope they can find something suitable at www.petfinder.com. I know I certainly wouldn't suggest a puppy of any kind to them for many reasons. An adult dog that'll be okay with children and living outside probably won't be hard to find but add to that "medium sized... short hair, little shedding and low coat maintenance" and they might be looking for a while. All things considered I'd say that probably won't be a bad thing as it'll give them time to research what they're hoping to get into and maybe they'll change their minds before a dog is involved.

 

[Happy Valley]

Thank you Thank you Thank you! I have uttered these words myself, but if someone is bound and determined to do something, they will.

My brother asked me what kind of dog he could trust with the baby, and I told him "nothing with teeth"

I want them to be able to enjoy a dog, I really do, I don't think they are ready either. If it could be a house dog, maybe.

I have coached them against puppy and recommended petfinder.

I will email this to myself and print it for them.

BUT, all that having been said, if they are bound and determined, then any suggestions? They really are a darling family and I think it might work out for them. They have lots of love to give.

Stacye

 

[runamuk]

OK

Where do they live? in town in country etc....

Do they have a well fenced yard?

How much time do they actually have?

I am going to say a puppy is definately not right BUT there are plenty of other options.......I have some ideas but the above questions need answers first....

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

I dont know i would ever trust an outside dog only that I dont spend alot of time with .. with my kids especially babies. Now that said I am not against dogs living outside with adaquate shelter, and time with there humans but .. a dog to get along with a toddler needs to be very bonded with that kid to allow for the ear tugging, riding, tail pulling and all those things toddlers subject dogs to

I personally wouldnt feel it would be safe to have a dog kept outside who would be for lack of a better term starved for attention as of course the first thing it will do is knock down the kids in an effort to get attention and play but that is JMO

 

[Happy Valley]

OKWhere do they live? in town in country etc....

Do they have a well fenced yard?

How much time do they actually have?

They live in the country.

Yard is not fenced, but an area of the yard (one side) (large area, not a pen) will be fenced with chain link before a dog comes.

Time? Depending or weather and season, they are outside most every day for an hour or so up to several hours when the weather is warm and the days are long. They like to be outside, but my SIL is in graduate school and there is at least one day a week when nobody is home until bedtime. They also attend church on Wednesday nights, so Wednesdays are time restricted. We don't get REALLY cold weather like some of you, but it does rain a lot in the winter,and that would keep them in.

 

[mininik]

I think it's incredibly rediculously selfish of these people to think that a poor dog should be made to stay outside ALONE even 20 or more hours a day and also be expected to greet the family at their whim and with respect to toddlers it will barely know. I think they need to get a clue before they get any dog.

 

[runamuk]

OKWhere do they live? in town in country etc....

Do they have a well fenced yard?

How much time do they actually have?

They live in the country.

Yard is not fenced, but an area of the yard (one side) (large area, not a pen) will be fenced with chain link before a dog comes.

Time? Depending or weather and season, they are outside most every day for an hour or so up to several hours when the weather is warm and the days are long. They like to be outside, but my SIL is in graduate school and there is at least one day a week when nobody is home until bedtime. They also attend church on Wednesday nights, so Wednesdays are time restricted. We don't get REALLY cold weather like some of you, but it does rain a lot in the winter,and that would keep them in.

OK

Rather than get all negative

: what is their motivation to getting a dog.........I mean have they always longed for their own home so they could have a dog and now that is possible......or is it more of a passing phase? Believe me their are animals I have thought I wanted then realized it was better off not happening

: ..... I think an outdoor dog can be a very happy dog however it works better for people who spend alot of time out in the dogs environment.........do they realize they will have to make time for the dog? I mean they will have to go out of their way to go on vacations etc.........My last question WHY don't they want an indoor/outdoor dog?

 

[Relic]

l always feel sorry for the poor dogs so for them l would say get a great big stuffed dog put it in a sheltered place in the yard and whenever they have time to see it no problem well behaved no mess and doesn't get to lonely. :lol:

 

[Miniv]

I'm afraid I agree with the others ------ I think the family should wait until the youngest is at least 4 years old and then reassess their situation.

The parents need to realize that they are taking on a RESPONSIBILITY of an additional living being for the lifetime of the dog. If they decide on a dog with the belief that all they have to do is pass it on to you if things don't work out, then they aren't ready to make a serious long term commitment.

Please reconsider, Stacye.

MA

 

[Triggy&Blue&Daisy Too]

I say you should pick the dog you want because as you said you will probably end up with it anyway. Everybody will be happy in the end but too bad the dog couldn't have a home where it is loved and given full attention from the start though.

 

[Shelley]

Sorry, but IMO the timing is not right for this family to be adding a dog.

Shelley

 

[KrisP]

Yikes they've put you in a tough situation, they really don't sound like a dog would be a good choice right now, especially a puppy! I'd explain it to them that it would be like adding another child to the family.

And if you still can't change their minds then yes, pick a dog YOU want, sounds like it will be your dog before you know it.

krisp

 

[Marty]

How about a cat?

They're more independant.

Yea, a cat. And get two. So they can keep eachother company.

by the way beagles are way hyper, hunting doggies, and bark like crazy. I know, the mountains are full of them.

 

[Miniv]

How about a cat?

They're more independant.

Yea, a cat. And get two. So they can keep eachother company.

by the way beagles are way hyper, hunting doggies, and bark like crazy. I know, the mountains are full of them.

LOL! I almost suggested the same thing, but didn't have the guts! (Wasn't sure if the family was ready for ANY animal!)

MA

 

[Marty]

I'm not trying to be rude. I'm being honest. I've got all kinds of cats outside here. Every now and then I go through them and when I don't recoginize one, I scoop it up and haul it to the spay/neutar clinic. Simple.

What's the matter? They don't want a doggy in their beds to cuddle up with?

Nobody wants to pick up poo poo boo boos on the floor?

They don't want a nice pup chewing up their good furniture and shoes or barffing on the carpet?

They don't want a doggy hiking his leg on the Christmas tree? We get that one, once a year..........ugh!

When we adopted Devin, he was to be an outside doggy. A front porch doggy to bark for me at boogars. Because I was going to have a clean house. hehe.........Joke of the century!

Jerry began to build a pen for him and we got him a large, insullated dog house. After setting two posts in the ground, Jerry was getting eaten up by biting flies something awful. He threw the posts down and said that the pup was going to be eaten alive out there and said to bring him in the house to live within an hour of his arrival. He turned out to be "Jerry's Baby." Devin turned out to be the baddest doggie I thin I've ever known! He'll get anything or anyone that moves, I swear. No matter what bad stuff that old junk yard dog does, he's Jerrys sweet loving innocent little puppy..........sickening..... :bgrin Now Tracey on the other hand is perfect.

 

[Miniv]

:lol: Too Funny, Marty. We never made any attempt to do that with our dogs.....BUT we kept trying to get a "barn cat" that would stay out IN THE BARN. End result? We have four indoor/outdoor cats!

:

MA

PS: for the record -- all of our dogs and cats are spayed/neutered.