Should we get a dog?

[Anonymous]

Not a fan of the breed due to reasons other posters have pointed out about disposition. But, dogs are great. Your kids will be so happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a fan of the breed due to reasons other posters have pointed out about disposition. But, dogs are great. Your kids will be so happy.

But will she? Talking about the size of the yard makes me think she doesn't understand how dogs get exercise. You don't just put them in a fenced yard while they aerobicize.

I like having a yard so the first and last trips out are just a matter of standing on the back porch while the dog does the needful. I like having a place to play fetch. But we still go for walks.

[Anonymous]

If you have to ask.......

[Anonymous]

If you want a small-ish dog who will love a large yard, love to cuddle, have lots of energy, and great with kids - get a beagle instead. They are perfect for running around with kids and ours are super snuggly. LOVE their people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a fan of the breed due to reasons other posters have pointed out about disposition. But, dogs are great. Your kids will be so happy.

But will she? Talking about the size of the yard makes me think she doesn't understand how dogs get exercise. You don't just put them in a fenced yard while they aerobicize.

I like having a yard so the first and last trips out are just a matter of standing on the back porch while the dog does the needful. I like having a place to play fetch. But we still go for walks.

Why can’t the dog run around in the backyard with kids? Our dog rarely goes on a walk. He doesn’t even like them. He loves hanging in the backyard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Why can’t the dog run around in the backyard with kids? Our dog rarely goes on a walk. He doesn’t even like them. He loves hanging in the backyard.

Well, if they get the dachsund, the dog is going to hate the kids, so there's that. But sure, if the kids can be relied on to play with the dog for hours, that will be fine.

But dogs don't play alone. That was my main point -- we get people on here mad because their dog has too much energy and is too demanding, and they don't understand why, when they're putting the dog outside all the time.

Some breeds just want to snooze and hang out, but potential owners shouldn't assume their dog will be like that. And even canine-sloth hybrids need exercise.

[Anonymous]

Before adopting a dog, do some research and really think about what you’re getting into. Dogs don’t train themselves and rarely come to you already impeccably trained. The kids will help care for the dog, but not that much. Even the most responsible, diligent children won’t reliably complete dog related chores on their own on a daily basis; there will have to be adult oversight and reminders to ensure that the dog’s needs are met. Not only is a dog a living thing with its own needs and quirks and feelings, but it will always be your dependent. A dog will never outgrow his need for someone in your household to feed him, clean up after him, exercise him, groom him, and provide medical care for him. Dogs can experience vomiting or diarrhea or incontinence, just like humans. They can’t recognize potential dangers any better than a young child can. They’ll have vet appointments, just like you have medical appointments. If you adopt a young puppy, expect high energy, lots of chewing, some nipping, no manners and a tendency to be destructive if you’re not wearing him out with appropriate activities.

Different breeds require different levels of dedicated exercise, attention and grooming. They’ll also have different medical issues that that they are prone to suffer. Some breeds are easier to train than others. Some breeds are more likely to bark frequently compared to other breeds. Some breeds shed more than others. Dogs who have been bred for many generations for a specific purpose will exhibit certain behaviors dictated by that breeding. Mutts often have delightful personalities and can have a lower risk for some of the health problems purebreds have, but it’s still worth having some idea what mix a mutt has because that can clue you in to some of his particular quirks and needs.

Think about what qualities a dog absolutely has to have for you to enjoy having him as a pet, and what qualities are a dealbreaker. Be honest with yourself about what qualities you’re willing to compromise on.

Adopting a dog is a big commitment, involves another dependent moving into your home, and will serve as a life lesson for your children. If you make the right choices for your family, adopting a dog can bring years of humor, love and happiness to your family, or, if you decide that dog ownership isn’t for you, not adopting a dog on a whim will spare your family unhappiness, resentment and heartache.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a fan of the breed due to reasons other posters have pointed out about disposition. But, dogs are great. Your kids will be so happy.

But will she? Talking about the size of the yard makes me think she doesn't understand how dogs get exercise. You don't just put them in a fenced yard while they aerobicize.

I like having a yard so the first and last trips out are just a matter of standing on the back porch while the dog does the needful. I like having a place to play fetch. But we still go for walks.

People can’t win.

Mention a large yard = don’t understand dogs

No fenced yard = rescues won’t adopt to you (for good reason according to many posters)