Getting a dog [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

Mum2J&M

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 00:36

Camellia

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 00:42

There are soooo.. many factors to consider. The ages of your kids are the amongst the least of the factors that I would focus on.

Have you researched those breeds you mentioned? What about the breed attracts you?

If you get a lab or a golden be prepared for a longer than average "puppy" stage. They also need a lot of exercise. Like ridiculous amounts. I grew up with labs and so thought they were perfect for me when I was ready to get an dog as an adult. It turns out I'm actually quite lazy, so I have pit bulls :lol:

Best of luck to you. Dogs are wonderful companions and add so much to a person's life. Just think long and hard about the kind of dog you want. I would also suggest looking into a rescue association. The dogs live with foster families who can tell you so much about a dog's individual personality. It's much less of a gamble going through a foster/rescue set-up.

Mike

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 02:41

AirBrontosaurus

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 03:07

As long as you're prepared to do all of the work, there's no problem ;).

As you said, the kids are too young to walk the dog. But, they're also too young to remember to feed it, give it water, clean up after it inevitably goes in the house, etc. You can use it as a tool to teach them responsibility, but for the most part you'll be doing everything.

That said, I've always had a dog at my house and I loved it. They're great companions, can relive stress, and will teach your kids responsibility. If you're OK with doing the work, then I'd say go for it!

NZDoug

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 03:08

Sounds good for the lads and yourself.
Retreiver will bowl them for a year, but has good temprament.
A walk every morning and every evening is good for all parties, rain or shine.
Make the boys accept responsibility to their new friend.
Team work. :D

txcanon

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 04:24

I can't comment about the Corgi but I've had Goldens all my life and they make wonderful pets.
Goldens need a place to run and get excercize. They have a bunch of energy. Goldens also need alot of companionship. They are people oriented dogs.
The only downside to Goldens are they shed a lot. :)
Your kids will have a friend to play with.
Good Luck

KirkHMB

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 07:23

I'm not sure you need that much extra excitement in your life right now. Dogs, especially puppies need a LOT of work and commitment the first few years. Its different than kids, as its hard to put a diaper on the dog. And, as mentioned above, Labs and Goldens keep their puppy brains much longer than other dogs. But if you decide to, rescue is a wonderful way to go. My next one is coming from that source. If you do get a puppy, crate train it. You and the dog will both be happier for it.

just_a_girl

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 08:39

We tried a Lab when our kids were around that age - he was just too hyper (prolonged puppy) no matter how much I walked him, he would come right back in and run and jump around. My kids got to the point where they didn't like him because he would jump up on them, scratch them or knock them down. I know this may not be true with all dogs of this breed, jmo. If I were you, I would lean more towards the corgi - I hear they are wonderful family dogs - not too big, not too small. I don't think your kids are too young, I just think you need to thoroughly think through the breed you chose.

Mum2J&M

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 09:37

families who can tell you so much about a dog's individual personality. It's much less of a gamble going through a foster/rescue set-up.

Yep - this is the route we are planning to take. I've been in touch with a rescue foster place who's keeping me up-to-date as to what's going on. We are looking at 4-6 month old labs instead of little puppies. We plan to meet with a few of them prior to just jumping in head first. Thanks for your input. I know they are active dogs to say the least. We will have a fenced in yard, though, and it wouldn't hurt for me to get up off my lazy arse for a change.

Mum2J&M

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 09:40

My folks have kept golden retrievers for as long as I can remember and they make great pets. One of my earliest memories is riding in a car with one of the dogs - I cant have been any older than your kids so no, I don't think they are too young. And growing up with dogs provides an extra buddy for them to play with.

Yes, I have similar memories as well. We always had a Springer Spaniel while I was growing up. My parents had her when I was adopted as an infant. She looked after me.

BillsBayou

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 09:48

Labs chew on EVERYTHING in your house. If they can get their teeth on it, it'll be ruined. I'm not talking "Oh, there's teeth marks on this." I'm talking about "Why in the world did the dog gnaw the corners off the coffee table?" and "Where's the leg to that chair?"

Get a standard poodle. They're smart. They're loyal. They don't bite. They don't shed (but you do need to brush them and keep their hair groomed, so buy a good Oster grooming tool). They defend their owners and territory. They're very playful.

I have two standards and they're incredibly house-trained. I like to think I did the house training myself, but they're very intelligent dogs.

I guess the only down side is that they know when they're receiving the short end of the stick. If we come home from work and then go right out to dinner, we need to give them some chewy treats or they'll look for some trouble to get into just out of spite.

DuaneJ

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 09:52

Dogs poop. Every day. Kids will step in poop. If the kids are big enough to wield a shovel, you're in good shape.

HarleyQuinn

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 09:54

Are you going to be putting your kids in activities such as sports? We got got a dog a couple of years ago when they were about your kids age. Last year all 3 started sports which puts us out of the house every day of the week.
How will the dogs be kept then? Will they be crate trained or roam the house or outdoors?

We had ours spoiled with spending so much time with us and not being an outside dog. He was perfct. No chewing, no messing, nothing. When we started being gone non-stop, he got naughty. I don't blame him, he was bored and wasn't getting the attention he was used to. He ended up going to live my sister and it killed me and the kids. Had I known we would become this busy I would have never gotten a dog to begin with

You really need to think long term and that is something I didn't do and regret it.

Mum2J&M

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 09:54

Dogs poop. Every day. Kids will step in poop. If the kids are big enough to wield a shovel, you're in good shape.

Damn good thing too. I'd imagine it would get quite uncomfortable if they didn't. ;)

DuaneJ

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 09:55

Damn good thing too. I'd imagine it would get quite uncomfortable if they didn't. ;)

I have Basset hounds and one got constipated once. He walked around in poo position for about 2 hours until he finally birthed it.

sevillafox

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 10:35

Get a cat and see how your family handles that addition before making a decision for a dog. Cats will still play but they are better at being independant and easier for mom to take care of. :)

BillsBayou

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 10:41

sevillafox

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 10:42

"What kind of dog should I get?"

"Feline."

:D:D:D:D

:rolleyes: You got the point I was trying to make. ;)

breal101

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 10:49

My first Lab came from a family with young children. They named him Bulldozer because of the way he bowled over the kids. They thought it was cute at first but later began to fear he may injure the children. For me he was a great dog and I missed him so much after he died I got another one from the shelter. Both dogs were easy to house train but I never had any luck getting either dog to control himself around kids, they just love to play and don't know their own strength.

AngryCorgi

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 12:34

Is this just a completely stupid idea? I am considering getting either a lab, a golden retriever, or a corgi. We're in a house now with a yard. I think it's important for the boys to have a pet. Is 3 and 5 too young? Will I hate myself the second I bring one home? I know it's a hell of a lot of responsibility. I know what's behind those cute puppy dog eyes. ;) What's a good age for a kid to get a dog? My oldest isn't old enough to walk him yet obviously. Thanks for your input.

Go Corgi! They are the most fun you can have in a compact animal! ;)

Seriously, they are pretty active (yard helps), love to play fetch and act like big dogs. They are also very good property guard dogs. Probably the best dog for a small child is a lab, though a corgi will never "run over" your young ones either. Labs are good at taking abuse that kids often dish out. Corgis will hide if your kids are abusive, as they seem to be more sensitive to incidental smacking and squeezing of ears.

Corgis have personality as the #1 selling point, IMO. Pembrokes, especially, are attention whores. Cardigans will attach more to the "alpha dog" personality, but Pembrokes are more of the "everybody's my best friend" kind of dog. Corgis do better in mixed indoor/outdoor roles. If you are going to leave the dogs outdoors 24/7, a Corgi will need another dog or animal of some sort to pal around with, even in adult stages.

AngryCorgi

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 12:48

Get a cat and see how your family handles that addition before making a decision for a dog. Cats will still play but they are better at being independant and easier for mom to take care of. :)

They also keep these things from sucking your children's breath/soul out in the middle of the night...or so I hear! I assume, of course, that Stephen King's writing is fact! ;)

http://www.monstersinmotion.com/catalog/images/contemp/cattroll2.jpg

P.S. - Stephen King has a pembroke welsh corgi!

sevillafox

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 13:26

They also keep these things from sucking your children's breath/soul out in the middle of the night...or so I hear! I assume, of course, that Stephen King's writing is fact! ;)

http://www.monstersinmotion.com/catalog/images/contemp/cattroll2.jpg

P.S. - Stephen King has a pembroke welsh corgi!

Off topic...but I saw that movie TOO young and wasn't able to sleep on the floor for years!

AngryCorgi

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 13:34

Off topic...but I saw that movie TOO young and wasn't able to sleep on the floor for years!

You didn't have kitty to save you? ;)

Mum2J&M

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 13:35

:rolleyes: You got the point I was trying to make. ;)

We already have a cat.

crazyskillz07

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 15:09

I am not about to read this whole thread. All I can say is... Get a boxer!

bbqKing

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 19:22

We have a 7 month old Westie that thinks he's a 70lb pit bull,heck of a watch dog for inside the house and could'nt do much if you made it in(very fun little dog for the kids),,
Outside are 2 Blue Healers that will show you that they will bite if you get out of your car (and they will until i call them off). They stay on the acreage and keep everything else off the acreage.They need alot of room and are very protective but are great with the kids

SoaringUSAEagle

30th of April 2008 (Wed), 21:04

Here's a thread to help you once you get a dog and it starts barking: Saves you some time and effort of making another thread.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=490790

:D

Stocky

1st of May 2008 (Thu), 03:49

My parents just got a greyhound from one of the rescue programs and it was an easy first dog to deal with. It came house trained and requires relatively little attention on a daily basis. The dogs are used to being kept in a crate and will spend most of their time there by choice. When you do want to play with them they have a whole lot of energy for a few minutes at a time and will run a dozen laps around your house at 30 mph before going back to the crate for some more rest.
Pepper, as she is called, is very tolerant and extremely disciplined. It makes me worry a little about what happened to her before we got her, but I think she is a perfect match for my parents who spend most of their time out of the house.
When we first got Pepper you could set her food dish 4' from her cage and she would starve to death because she was trained to only eat in her cage. Cattle prods can condition in just about any thing I guess... sorry, did I say that out loud?
I also had Pepper just sit there and stare off into space one day as I poked her in the eye trying to get some dirt or dust out for her. She didn't flinch or seem to mind at all. She would certainly tolerate kids poking her every once in a while.
Pepper is beginning to get a little more of an interesting personality now, but I think she would make an easy dog for a family that isn't sure if they can handle a dog yet. Oh, and our cat doesn't bother her at all either.
Getting a greyhound through a rescue program will also guarantee that you save a dog's life; most of them are destroyed when they finish their racing career, and the most personable ones get saved and offered to a nice family. That makes a big difference to some people.

NZDoug

1st of May 2008 (Thu), 04:05

Communication is the most important thing.
It doesnt matter what kind of dog you get.
The important thing is to spend enuf time with it so that the dog knows "your one of us".
Like kids, really, if you want a really GREAT dog. :D

blueM

1st of May 2008 (Thu), 06:45

Most of the main issues have been covered, so here are a few other things to consider

Yes side: Dogs never complain about having their picture taken. You might even get new opportunities with your boys playing with the dog & forgetting about the camera.

No side: Dogs don't do well at home, alone. Something to consider if you go back to work

JeffreyG

1st of May 2008 (Thu), 07:07

Do you travel much? Dog's are a drag when you want to travel.

Are you a neat freak? Having a dog means hair everywhere.

Are you able to train a dog? Or willing to learn? Untrained dogs bother everyone.

Jorgie

1st of May 2008 (Thu), 07:37

Get a German Shepherd.

No one will ever mess with your kids.

They also know how to treat children with much more care and they are SMART! You can train one to do so many things.

Gary Lindquist

1st of May 2008 (Thu), 07:42

Just don't get a black dog or cat--too difficult to photograph!

Mum2J&M

1st of May 2008 (Thu), 10:03

Just don't get a black dog or cat--too difficult to photograph!

LOL. :lol:

bbqKing

1st of May 2008 (Thu), 20:40

Here's a thread to help you once you get a dog and it starts barking: Saves you some time and effort of making another thread.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=490790

:D

:lol::lol::lol:

ShootMeToo

1st of May 2008 (Thu), 22:02

I didn't read all of the responses, but as a Labrador owner I can say that they are great dogs. However, they are not born great dogs -- it takes hours and hours of training and years worth of patience. They are worth the investment ~ just make sure you have it to give! :)

If you want a puppy I would personally wait until your children are older. If you want an older dog, you might consider a rescue organization. Generally they foster the dogs out and they can tell you exactly what you'll be getting.

Whatever you decide, do your homework. Research the breed. Make sure that you get a dog that will fit your lifestyle. If you decide to buy a puppy, please spend time researching breeders. Make sure they do ALL of the appropriate health clearances.

I would avoid buying from a backyard breeder (who matched up their dog with a neighbors dog because they thought it would be nice to have a litter of pups) or a pet store (in which case you'll probably be supporting a puppy mill). Either find a reputable breeder or go with a rescue organization.

There are a lot of great forums for individual breeds ~ definitely worth a look!

eddarr

2nd of May 2008 (Fri), 00:25

What ever you do make sure it is a rescue dog. There are to many in need of rescue to support making more.

Another vote for Golden. Always a safe dog around kids (as long as it wasn't abused). Not real smart but very trainable.

Mum2J&M

2nd of May 2008 (Fri), 13:43

Well, we adopted a 9 week old golden last night. We paid $300 for him. He is purebred from a breeder. Got him so cheap because she was told she had to find another home for him as she's in army housing with her family. His name is Sammie. So far, so good. Moderate whimpering and only a few peeing accidents so far. He's good about going #2 outside - thank goodness. We got a crate for him and tons of goodies today. Cost us a fortune, but hopefully it will pay off in time. The kids are loving him and learning it's not so easy to care for a dog. My husband said he didn't want one, so I'm primary caregiver at this point. He does love dogs, though, so I'm sure things will change at least a little bit soon. The puppy is asleep in his crate right now. In fact, he sleeps quite a bit, which is good. Wish me luck! Here are a few pics from today:

http://Priors.smugmug.com/photos/288490606_ohxro-L.jpg

http://Priors.smugmug.com/photos/288490570_Fua7q-L.jpg

http://Priors.smugmug.com/photos/288490566_83EyH-L.jpg

http://Priors.smugmug.com/photos/288490558_sLH7P-L.jpg

AngryCorgi

2nd of May 2008 (Fri), 14:00

Of the dogs you listed, the golden was my least fav...but this is a cute dog!! ;)

Congrats!

NZDoug

2nd of May 2008 (Fri), 15:00

Caongratulations! :D
Sam will get those kids in line in no time.

Mum2J&M

2nd of May 2008 (Fri), 17:05

Of the dogs you listed, the golden was my least fav...but this is a cute dog!! ;)

Congrats!

I couldn't pass this one up. The price was too good for what it was. I definitely like corgis too. But somehow this just worked out for us this time around.

SoaringUSAEagle

2nd of May 2008 (Fri), 17:09

Dont expect it to be potty trained within a couple more days. Those guys take time and it seems like you are aware of that. You'll have to be patient through the chewing stages too. Keep that gear hidden in a safe place. ;)

Mum2J&M

2nd of May 2008 (Fri), 17:10

Mum2J&M

3rd of May 2008 (Sat), 08:40

Ok, not that anyone cares, but we have re-named him "Murray" - partly due to the Wiggle named Murray, but mostly because we like the name better than "Sammie". I hope he won't be too traumatized with the name change. ;)

LW Dail

3rd of May 2008 (Sat), 08:51

Congrats on your new family member! Murray's adorable!

We recently raised a passel of puppy (stray blue heeler Molly Brown and her 7 offspring) and bought the following book for our each new family:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1577790766

I have one unopened copy I'd be happy to send you, if you're interested. Shoot me a PM with address and I'll mail it over.

The training they get at this point is crucial to the rest of your lives, so it's a puppy-warming gift!

AngryCorgi

3rd of May 2008 (Sat), 09:03

I couldn't pass this one up. The price was too good for what it was. I definitely like corgis too. But somehow this just worked out for us this time around.

Oh, $300 for a pure golden is a freaking steal! I don't blame you one bit. Are the kids in love yet? ;)

Mum2J&M

3rd of May 2008 (Sat), 13:59