Insane to get a family dog? If not, which kind?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP you get what you pay for in dogs. Adult dogs up for adoption usually have serious problems mental or physical. YOU will be taking care of the dog if like 99% of other moms. Get a small non shedding dog. Bichon is the lowest maintenance dog.

What makes you an expert on adult dogs up for adoption? How many dogs have you adopted or fostered?

In my experience, all dogs are individuals. Adult dogs with problems are euthanized by the thousands per day. The dogs that make it into the foster system are good dogs that got caught up in family problems such as death of the owner, unemployment, divorce, move, natural disaster, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd get an older, more chill dog that is good with kids. Try fostering. You get to try a dog before you buy. An experienced foster coordinator will know what dogs to send you and which to not.

Word of advice, always give the flea preventative on day one when you get a new dog in the house. I have fostered with this group and had really nice dogs come through who have been good with my kids: https://worthydog.org/adopt/available-dogs/

We have done 16 fosters so far.

We got a great family dog through Worthy Dog. They were great!

Oh I'm so glad! I wonder if you are one of my adopters What was your dogs's name at adoption time?

[Anonymous]

I’ve heard rescue greyhounds are great

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a cat.

Why get a cat when you can get a hamster. You can leave a hamster in its cage all day everyday.

[Anonymous]

2 FT working parents, and 2 kids (11 and 13). We adopted a 2 YO hound/beagle mix about two years ago, and she has been the most amazing dog we could ask for. Totally chill, completely house trained, low key, friendly, and aside from some initial skittish behavior, never caused a single moment of trouble in her life. The kids adore her, we all walk her (DH does the early morning and late evening walks), MS DD, who gets home around 2:30 does the mid-day walk, and either ES DD or myself walk her one more time in the late afternoon, so she gets plenty of exercise. More importantly, this little stray mutt gets lots of love, a roof over her head and secure meals every day. What more could a dog ask for? The key for us was that she was being fostered with a family nearby, and we had a chance to visit and meet her, and get a decent idea of her temperament/personality from the foster family. Otherwise it's a crap shoot - even regardless of the breeds "typical" traits, you could still end up with a dog that is snappy, or barks a lot, or is high-energy, neurotic, accident prone, all sorts of issues. Try to get to know the dog a bit before you adopt, so you can find one that fits your family and your lifestyle, and it is absolutely doable. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

The biggest change for us getting a day was walking the dog early in the morning. Someone, usually me, is up early walking the dog for 30-40 minutes before work at 6 am every day. I actually like it and my wife helps out a few times a week, but it is a change that you have to get used to. You just have to do it whether it is cold out, or raining out, or you are tired or not.

That said I wouldn't give up my dog for the world, but just be aware that was the biggest adjustment for our family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:2 FT working parents, and 2 kids (11 and 13). We adopted a 2 YO hound/beagle mix about two years ago, and she has been the most amazing dog we could ask for. Totally chill, completely house trained, low key, friendly, and aside from some initial skittish behavior, never caused a single moment of trouble in her life. The kids adore her, we all walk her (DH does the early morning and late evening walks), MS DD, who gets home around 2:30 does the mid-day walk, and either ES DD or myself walk her one more time in the late afternoon, so she gets plenty of exercise. More importantly, this little stray mutt gets lots of love, a roof over her head and secure meals every day. What more could a dog ask for? The key for us was that she was being fostered with a family nearby, and we had a chance to visit and meet her, and get a decent idea of her temperament/personality from the foster family. Otherwise it's a crap shoot - even regardless of the breeds "typical" traits, you could still end up with a dog that is snappy, or barks a lot, or is high-energy, neurotic, accident prone, all sorts of issues. Try to get to know the dog a bit before you adopt, so you can find one that fits your family and your lifestyle, and it is absolutely doable. Good luck!

IMO hounds are the best family dogs. Yes, they can have a lot of energy - and our beagle was crazy as a puppy, but what puppy isn’t really? - but she has chilled out a lot and is GREAT with kids. Kids just love her and she loves them. Plus, there’s not an ounce of aggression in hounds. They’re just silly, happy, funny, dramatic things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP you get what you pay for in dogs. Adult dogs up for adoption usually have serious problems mental or physical. YOU will be taking care of the dog if like 99% of other moms. Get a small non shedding dog. Bichon is the lowest maintenance dog.

What makes you an expert on adult dogs up for adoption? How many dogs have you adopted or fostered?

In my experience, all dogs are individuals. Adult dogs with problems are euthanized by the thousands per day. The dogs that make it into the foster system are good dogs that got caught up in family problems such as death of the owner, unemployment, divorce, move, natural disaster, etc.

Actually I am an expert and I have fostered dogs. You do you. I prefer a dog with less problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get a cat.

Why get a cat when you can get a hamster. You can leave a hamster in its cage all day everyday.

It won't stay there. It will escape and eat your clothes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get a cat.

Why get a cat when you can get a hamster. You can leave a hamster in its cage all day everyday.

It won't stay there. It will escape and eat your clothes.

Put a muzzle on the hamster.

[Anonymous]

Do you have access to a doggy daycare place? Could you afford sending him a couple times a week?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd get an older, more chill dog that is good with kids. Try fostering. You get to try a dog before you buy. An experienced foster coordinator will know what dogs to send you and which to not.

Word of advice, always give the flea preventative on day one when you get a new dog in the house. I have fostered with this group and had really nice dogs come through who have been good with my kids: https://worthydog.org/adopt/available-dogs/

We have done 16 fosters so far.

Really, really good advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:2 FT working parents, and 2 kids (11 and 13). We adopted a 2 YO hound/beagle mix about two years ago, and she has been the most amazing dog we could ask for. Totally chill, completely house trained, low key, friendly, and aside from some initial skittish behavior, never caused a single moment of trouble in her life. The kids adore her, we all walk her (DH does the early morning and late evening walks), MS DD, who gets home around 2:30 does the mid-day walk, and either ES DD or myself walk her one more time in the late afternoon, so she gets plenty of exercise. More importantly, this little stray mutt gets lots of love, a roof over her head and secure meals every day. What more could a dog ask for? The key for us was that she was being fostered with a family nearby, and we had a chance to visit and meet her, and get a decent idea of her temperament/personality from the foster family. Otherwise it's a crap shoot - even regardless of the breeds "typical" traits, you could still end up with a dog that is snappy, or barks a lot, or is high-energy, neurotic, accident prone, all sorts of issues. Try to get to know the dog a bit before you adopt, so you can find one that fits your family and your lifestyle, and it is absolutely doable. Good luck!

This. Choose a dog out of the puppy stage and being fostered with a family. You will know what you are getting with no unpleasant surprises. Be clear that you are looking for a low-key dog, good dog for first time owners, etc., and rescues are very good about helping you find your match!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, we gt a golden when kids were about the same age as yours. They cared for all of 2,3 months and all fell on me. And we live in a suburb with lots of forest areas and long walks are a possibility. How are you going to talk the dog several times per day? You need a dog walker. You will be tired at night and trust me your kids will flake on walks within a month. I love my dog, but unless your kids are not typical DMV kids even nice ones, they will not help at all. And the mess? No matter how much you vaccum and clean his fur is everywhere.

+1

You will need a dog walker.

You will need to walk the dog yourself in addition to that.

You will need to curtail your after-work/school activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP you get what you pay for in dogs. Adult dogs up for adoption usually have serious problems mental or physical. YOU will be taking care of the dog if like 99% of other moms. Get a small non shedding dog. Bichon is the lowest maintenance dog.

What makes you an expert on adult dogs up for adoption? How many dogs have you adopted or fostered?

In my experience, all dogs are individuals. Adult dogs with problems are euthanized by the thousands per day. The dogs that make it into the foster system are good dogs that got caught up in family problems such as death of the owner, unemployment, divorce, move, natural disaster, etc.

Actually I am an expert and I have fostered dogs. You do you. I prefer a dog with less problems.

yeah ok. You’re an expert just cuz you say so.