Should we get a dog?

[Anonymous]

A bit of background: I have two DDs, 7 and 10. They both really want a dog and I think one would be a good companion for them. We have 3 acres of yard and a large house. I found a small daschund up for adoption nearby, but am not sure if we should get one.


What do you think?
(I'll provide more info if requested)

[Anonymous]

yes, so long as both parents (if 2 in household) are on board and one of the parents is willing to be the primary caretaker of the dog (ie responsible for training, making sure medical appointment needs, and exercise needs) are met. 7 and 10 is a great age for having a dog, but the reality is that an adult needs to have final responsibility for the dog and its quality of life.

[Anonymous]

We just got our first puppy. Is a dachsund the kind of personality you want? Breed characteristics are a very individual choice. A dachsund won't need the big house and yard like many other kinds of dogs would. I would say only get the dog if you and your partner realize that all the work and expense will be on you (and that is significant). That said, I think having a dog around has been really great for my kids (similar ages) in learning to care for something else, and help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just got our first puppy. Is a dachsund the kind of personality you want? Breed characteristics are a very individual choice. A dachsund won't need the big house and yard like many other kinds of dogs would. I would say only get the dog if you and your partner realize that all the work and expense will be on you (and that is significant). That said, I think having a dog around has been really great for my kids (similar ages) in learning to care for something else, and help.

I want a dog that will love being cuddled with and have lots of energy.

[Anonymous]

I think with the ages of your children and your set up with a large property, a dog would be a great addition to your family! I don't think you should go with the dog that is available, just because it's available. Do your research on dog breeds before you make the decision. Dachshunds love to dig, tend to bark, have a strong prey drive. They can also be a bit temperamental. That being said they are wonderful dogs! It's all about fit for your family and your needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:yes, so long as both parents (if 2 in household) are on board and one of the parents is willing to be the primary caretaker of the dog (ie responsible for training, making sure medical appointment needs, and exercise needs) are met. 7 and 10 is a great age for having a dog, but the reality is that an adult needs to have final responsibility for the dog and its quality of life.

This. plus are you ok planning on being a dogs family for the next 10-15 years depending on how long it lives?

[Anonymous]

Be 110% certain your spouse is also on board. And also take into consideration the cost - not only vet and grooming, but also boarding if you take vacations. And you may be home a lot now to care for a dog, but if things go back to "normal" will you have to leave the dog for extended periods during the day, will you take it to doggie daycare? It's $$$!

[Anonymous]

Seconding the poster above. The daschunds I’ve known were all snappy, eager to chase small critters, and had generally unpleasant dispositions. They were cute, though! For a yard of that size, maybe fence off just a small section of it with a fence that’s sunk below ground-level if you can to avoid escapes via digging. The breed can also be quite small and become prey itself. Don’t leave it in the yard to fend for itself if you have urban coyotes, hawks, or eagles nearby.

[Anonymous]

OP, we got a dog when I was 11 and it was one of the best times of my life. The 10 year old especially will be able to help with the dog and take some responsibility. My only question is what will happen during the day after Covid is over? Will you get a dog walker? Doggy daycare? Work from home forever?

[Anonymous]

The best thing about getting a dog now is that the dog will likely die around when the kids leave for college so you will be completely free. The worst thing is that the dog will die when your kids are leaving for college and you will be alone.

[Anonymous]

The large yard is pretty irrelevant to this question, assuming you want a pet as opposed to a working ranch dog. Pet dogs will only play in as much space as the humans will play in. In other words, don't think that your dog will ever be in the yard without its humans. It would be super lonely outside alone, and it could be injured by other animals. Rather than focusing on the yard, think about your house itself since that's where it will spend almost all of its time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just got our first puppy. Is a dachsund the kind of personality you want? Breed characteristics are a very individual choice. A dachsund won't need the big house and yard like many other kinds of dogs would. I would say only get the dog if you and your partner realize that all the work and expense will be on you (and that is significant). That said, I think having a dog around has been really great for my kids (similar ages) in learning to care for something else, and help.

+1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233995885_Breed_differences_in_canine_aggression

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seconding the poster above. The daschunds I’ve known were all snappy, eager to chase small critters, and had generally unpleasant dispositions. They were cute, though! For a yard of that size, maybe fence off just a small section of it with a fence that’s sunk below ground-level if you can to avoid escapes via digging. The breed can also be quite small and become prey itself. Don’t leave it in the yard to fend for itself if you have urban coyotes, hawks, or eagles nearby.

+1 They're the opposite of cuddly, although the ones I know all bond to one person - usually the adult woman in the house that feeds them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The best thing about getting a dog now is that the dog will likely die around when the kids leave for college so you will be completely free. The worst thing is that the dog will die when your kids are leaving for college and you will be alone.

Depends on the breed. If OP's dog lives to 15 like ours did, she'll have it after her kids graduate college.

[Anonymous]

Yes! Your family seems ready for a dog and you certainly have the space. I cosign everything a PP said about the entire family needing to understand this is a responsibility and a clear understanding of chores such as feeding, walks, and poop pickup. Get a good vet, behavioral training for your dog early on, and don't forget a bit of socialization weekly such as at a dog park or meeting other dogs on walks. All of these things will help keep your family and dog happy. The AKC has a quiz on what type of breed might be best for your family. Something to keep in mind even if you do as we tend to do and adopt from rescue shelters. https://www.akc.org/dog-breed-selector/
Good luck OP!