Dog for Aging Parents

[Anonymous]

I know there are a thousand posts addressing questions like this but I need an answer ASAP: my aging parents need a small, purebred hypoallergenic dog that is female, easily trained -- a puppy is best -- ASAP. While not a service dog, the pet can't be one that requires intense exercise but would have a fenced yard (my parents aren't terribly mobile). They need the dog to help with mental health issues. It would need to be friendly towards grandchildren. Please help: I need this ASAP and need to be able to get a pet to Richmond. TIA

[Anonymous]

Are your parents really going to be able to care for and train a dog? From what you've said I question whether a dog is a good idea at all, but certainly I would not do a puppy. Go to your local shelters and rescue places and they can help you find a dog that fits your needs but is already house trained and over the puppy phase.

Also, even a small dog is going to need to get out of the yard sometimes. Even if it doesn't need a lot of exercise, it needs stimulation and a change of scenery. If your parents can't walk the dog out of the yard at least 1-2 times a day, even for short walks, it is not fair to the dog.

[Anonymous]

I totally understand your point and I share the concern: I am going to have to help with logistics (dog walkers, etc.). What I need is a recommendation for a hypoallergenic breed because of allergies on an SIL's part.
I would be grateful for as little judgment as possible. I am actively working on figuring out how to provide fairness to the dog. I mentioned a puppy because that is what my dad would prefer but I also take the point about that.

[Anonymous]

So their yard will be poo-filled?

A cockapoo or westie fulfills your requirements.

But I will just say that dogs have mental health just like people do. And if the dog never goes beyond the house and back yard it too, will get depressed just like the parent you're trying to save with a dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So their yard will be poo-filled?

A cockapoo or westie fulfills your requirements.

But I will just say that dogs have mental health just like people do. And if the dog never goes beyond the house and back yard it too, will get depressed just like the parent you're trying to save with a dog.

+1. A healthy pet lives in a physically and mentally healthy environment.

[Anonymous]

Poodles and poodle crosses are known for being "hypoallergenic," so perhaps a toy poodle, cockapoo, pug-a-poo, etc. would work out (although the latter couple are not purebred).

Honestly, your parents sound like perfect pug owners, although they shed and are not hypoallergenic. Pugs are a lazy breed, so they don't need much more than a stroll around the block for a walk, especially with a yard. They are good companions (super sweet and friendly), easy to train, and don't require grooming, and are pretty low energy and content to nap most of the day.

[Anonymous]

^^oh also, they are GREAT with kids. I have never met a pug who isn't gentle with children.

The downside is of course the health issues from having a sausage-y body and a smushed face.

[Anonymous]

We have elderly neighbors who got a Portuguese water dog as a puppy and it is a struggle for them.
They got the dog because the husband is in the early stages of dementia and he takes the dog for walks.
Whenever I see the dog on walks, he is desperate for attention and quite a handful on the leash.
It's none of my business, but I do wonder what will happen if they have to move to assisted living or an apartment. It would be very sad for them and for the dog.

[Anonymous]

I have a shi-poo who is wonderful!
I got her as my companion dog and she is so
Loving & sweet. I take her everywhere and she sits next to my on the couch and sleeps near me. She is small 9 lbs
A mini goldenDoodle may be something to consider also

[Anonymous]

Bichon.

[Anonymous]

A friend's mom had a miniature poodle and it was wonderful. Died and she got a bichon-everyone I know with a bichon had housetraining issues. You want small get a poodle. Next size up-a sheltie. Both are incredibly easy to train. Despite the hair shelties don't shed much and you brush out the undercoat. Skip the mixes /doodles which are usually more $ than a real poodle or lab or golden.

Most terriers are more work behaviorally than poodles or labs or shelties. A nice small dog that actually does well in obedience is the papillon.

[Anonymous]

Ditto on the toy poodle. I have bichons and love them but they are not housebroken. May I suggest an older dog? Poodles can live up to 17-18 y.o. so even a 5 year old would live for a long time. You want a dog that doesn't have too much puppy energy and is also housebroken. IMHO I think seniors are best for seniors and a senior toy poodle isn't that old compared to many other breeds.

[Anonymous]

Not thinking a dog is a good idea here. Dogs that aren't service dogs are like having a perpetual unpotty-trained baby. Not ideal for the elderly.

What about cats?

[Anonymous]

OP, you seem to be rushing into this without giving it much thought. And I don't mean that in a judgemental way, my dad has health issues and has done a lot of research into what kind of dog would be best for him, so I don't think it is something you can just say "ok this is what we are getting"

1. a puppy is a TON of work even if you have a dog walker or family help. For elderly people with mobility issues, this is a recipe for disaster. Plus, dogs have their own personalities and you want to try to get a dog who is calm and easy going because if you wind up with a hyper dog, they're in trouble.

2. A small dog is dangerous for those with mobility issues, especially as a puppy. I can't tell you how many times my dad tripped on his friends small dog because it got in the way and he doesn't have the best balance

3. Because you are dealing with health issues, you should call some sort of support group dealing with that issue. They will likely be able to recommend a dog breed that has worked well for that particular issue. My dad did this and ended up with a dog that was completely different than what he was going for. But all the reasons they told him this breed would be better have been spot on.

Anyways, not judging or criticizing, just urging you to take more time to think this through. The last thing you want is to make your parents life more difficult.

[Anonymous]

My uncle, who is only 65 was a dog breed - Westminster level - and he recently switched to golden retrievers because he "needed a lazy dog for old age"

He is still doing agility training with the dog, but not shows. Just stuff to keep them both busy. (once a dog show person always a dog person)