Getting our 1st puppy! Advice please

Newtodis

Hello,

I would love to get a puppy for my family, wanted one for years but have been too busy with full time work, small kids ect.. Kids r now 5, 8, 10 I'm working part time and will b off all summer :-)
Middle son is terrified of dogs, never had a bad experience but is always looking out for dogs, crosses road to avoid them ect, this is the main reason I am going for a pup - I want him to bond with the young pup and help train it. In the last few months he has mellowed around friends dogs and I think a family dog would really help overcome this fear.
I have never had a dog so I don't know much about rearing them. I regularly bring my kids for cycles and walks, often walking a neighbours dog, so should have the exercise side covered.
Breed wise I'm thinking jack Russell or small dog crossed with jack because they r small and have had rats in the estate, believe they are good for deterring rats? I would like to buy the pup from another family at the end of June as school holidays start then... Have lots of time to prepare!
Any advice? What. Equipment will I need - bed, crate, food and water bowl, lead, collar?
Can u recommend a good book for kids to read in preparation? Is two months of summer enough time to do basic toilet and training - sit, stay, paw?
Any other tips?

Hooked

Based on our own experiences, my top 3 pieces of advice would be...

1. Crate train your pet.
It helps with so many things. Don't just lump them in there. Introduce it slowly and positively. Use it for toilet training. This will mean getting up 2 or 3 times a night, for the first few months to let puppy out. I'm totally against an area or papers in the house. We have two crate trained dogs that are currently in their crates, on a campsite (day 3) with us. We couldn't dream of better behaved pets. All thanks to the crates and training.

2. Teach your kids how to interact with a dog. Puppies have razor sharp baby teeth. They won't know a 'soft mouth' until you teach it. Your middle child is already fearful. You don't want to exacerbate this. And puppies/dogs don't think like humans do. Why do we read so many 'horror stories' of dogs biting kids. Because everyone, especially the humans in the house - need to respect and understand how a dog communicates.

3. Stimulate your dog. Mentally and physically. I can't reccomend the best breed for you... But each will need their own level of training and exercise. The mental training is almost as important as the physical stuff. The breed of dog should match your circumstances.

Enjoy!

mistress_gi

Keep in mind Jack Russels even though small need a lot of exercise and a "job" otherwise you'll end up having a small teraway on your hands which is never good. Also, don't forget to socialise your puppy properly introduce him/her to everything, other dogs (large and small) people. noises, the car, different places etc!
Also, vets are expensive so look into what the breed common health issues are and either get insurance (before any of the issues arise otherwise insurance will not cover them) or put a set amount of money aside to cover issues in the future.
I own a large bullbreed dog and can tell you insurance has been a lifesaver, you don't want to be stuck in a situation where you cannot afford to care for your pet!

kylith

I wouldn't recommend a terrier for someone who is nervous around dogs, they're very feisty and energetic. I'd say to look at a larger, more chilled breed as he'd probably find them easier to relax around.

DBB

Having worked with many, many families who bought puppies for their dog-fearful children, I'd urge you to think very carefully about getting a puppy. Their relentless and painful bites are enough to put the most confident children off them, and with nervous kids all that biting just confirms their fears and often makes the problem worse.
I would also avoid a terrier, of any breed. They tend to be very mouthy, very cheeky, pushy, stubborn, and can often lack tolerance.
If I were looking for a pup for a young family, one of whom is afraid of dogs, I'd be looking at a young adult Cavalier King Charles or the like, and I would also suggest that you foster on behalf of a rescue with a view to keeping the dog if it all works out.
That way, if your son can't get over his fear, you're not left in a position where you have to get rid of the dog. A young adult will be through the worst of the biting and chewing, and will possibly be housetrained. Cavaliers are generally very gentle, tolerant, and far less challenging than a terrier.

SingItOut

DBB wrote: »

I would also avoid a terrier, of any breed. They tend to be very mouthy, very cheeky, pushy, stubborn, and can often lack tolerance.

I agree with the rest of your post and this to a certain extent. None of the 8 terriers I have owned and trained, or my current terrier could be described as the above. The terriers that are described in your post are the ones who are let run loose to do what they want, those who are properly trained and given daily vigorous mental and physical exercise rarely show any of the above symptoms. Socialisation while young is an absolute must for a terrier.

OP have you thought about an older dog who may be less robust than a puppy? They also won't mind too much being left alone for longer than a puppy would. Most are already house trained so that's another hassle avoided. If you are dead set on a puppy I would agree with DBB on a King Charles, their lovely little things personality wise.

cnoc

A dog should not be left alone for a very long period of time. They get very lonely.

DBB

SingItOut wrote: »

I agree with the rest of your post and this to a certain extent. None of the 8 terriers I have owned and trained, or my current terrier could be described as the above. The terriers that are described in your post are the ones who are let run loose to do what they want, those who are properly trained and given daily vigorous mental and physical exercise rarely show any of the above symptoms. Socialisation while young is an absolute must for a terrier.

Whilst it's important to state that there are always exceptions, I am describing terriers here in a general sense, describing traits that are common and to be expected, even written in to breed standards. Like any breed group, these traits don't describe every individual, but do give a potential owner an idea of what they are likely to be taking on.
Expanding on a more generalised experience of a wide range of dogs, I specialise in rehoming terriers, I've rehomed hundreds of them, and have worked with more than I can remember from a training/behaviour perspective. Most of them are well socialised, well trained, and not allowed run loose to do what they want, but still should not live with young children 24/7. Many of them are happy to be around kids for short bursts, but living with kids 24/7 is a whole different ball game. Most of them are stubborn and cheeky, it's almost what makes a terrier a terrier. In fact, I think it's fair to say that many of them are surrendered due in some part to their tenacious, independent, stubborn nature. Again, this is despite many of them being perfectly well cared-for, trained dogs... My own terriers have been well-trained, extensively socialised demons... That's why I love them, but it's not for everyone.
Whilst socialisation is indeed very important, it still does not make many a terrier safe around children 24/7, due to their inherent lack of tolerance and patience. Terriers are also more likely to bite, and more likely to bite hard, than other, milder breeds. These are all qualities that are vital for a dog that does the terrier's job, and are not qualities that good socialisation can stop too easily, because it's extremely difficult to change genetically hard-wired behaviour.
Again, I appreciate that your experience has been different.

micar

My parents got a 9 week old red setter last week.

She's so docile. she does have really sharp claws and teeth.

My sister has a 2 year old golden cocker spaniel. She's hyper as but adoreable.

The cocker spaniel is not all that big. She much the same height as the red setter.

Both dogs are great with kids.

Junglewoman

Puppies are hard work and I don't have children! I took in a dumped Jack Russell I found recently, poor thing was suffering from every ailment. 8 weeks later and she is in near full health and bouncing with energy. I have another older dog, a collie, who has been very tolerant. Even though she has been drilled in the house rules and has a lovely temperament, the pup is very active which goes with the territory and is still biting and chewing. Luckily the 2 dogs get on and play together. As other posters have suggested, maybe an older dog is the answer.

lulu1

Please think very carefully about getting a dog. Think about things like have you the time to look after it and exercising it because speaking from experiences after a few months when the novelty wears off for the kids you will be the one left to look after it. I would get a small dog like a bichon that dosent need much exercise and I would go for a puppy.We have a bichon and we had him house trained in less than two months he really is a very good little dog he in 4 now but he dosent like to be annoyed by children pulling his tail and trying to lift him although he would never bite them. Although I would never get rid of him you are definately tied to the house when you have a dog because I do not believe dogs should be left on their own for more than a few hours. Also be prepared to have your furniture ruined because when they are teething they can ruin the legs of chairs and tables. once they get over the puppy stage and learned how to behave they are no bother

Newtodis

Thanks for all the info, I really don't know much about dogs at all! My aunt has two dogs a mini JR and a bichon.the JR has a lovely gentle temperament and this is one reason I am drawn to a JR. I spoke to her this morning and she has offered to lend me the dogs for a weekend to see if I am ready to take the plunge! My son is someo what relaxed around these dogs and likes to pet them, so I hope he will enjoy this experience...
Lulu, my three kids have pretty much wrecked any good furniture I had already! I really want a dog to be part of our family but I am sure my kids will treat him with respect and won't pull at him. I would closely monitor them all..

Daily routine would be walk to school/shop, I work for 3 hrs per day, walk to collect from school and then cycle/walk after dinner - I would take the dog along on these walks. The dog will not be alone much during the day...

Can u recommend a book? Want to learn all I can about having a dog before the end of June...

Junglewoman

The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell

aonb

go to your library and ask the librarian for any books on dogs suitable for children. Ask the librarian to order some from other branches if s/he doesnt have any in your branch.

I have always had terriers/JRT crosses. I love them to bits, lovely personalities/easy dogs, never had any real problem with any of them, but I would say that most of them are at least wary of children (the noise, the invasion of space, the lifting/pulling, sudden movements etc etc). Some actively dislike children (one of mine HATES children, I wouldnt trust him near a child, yet I can do anything to him without fear of him snapping/biting me) They can be feisty little sods, and if you are not experienced you could get into a situation where a problem easily develops. On the otherhand, one of my terriers adores children, and is happiest with a little boy coming to play football/rough-housing til he falls down with exhaustion (the terrier!) - because they are not true breeds, its a lottery what you get personality/size/looks-wise.

Think its a great idea to foster: Contact the rescues near you, and see if they have any young/calm/easygoing dog that you might foster and potentially keep, as someone mentioned. REALLY talk to the handlers at the rescue. Spend time at the shelter and watch the interaction human/dogs. Bring your children for a visit, if you see something that you think you could foster.

My daughters friend was terrified of dogs. Her parents got a super little King Charles puppy. It all worked out great - Sarah is no longer afraid of dogs, and Coco is spoiled rotten & loved to bits. Good luck!

kylith

I second going to a rescue and asking to foster a relaxed young dog, with a view to keeping it if it works out.

I grew up with a JRT cross and despite being well socialised with children and not being pulled at I've lost count of how many times she bit me, and I was lucky because she didn't break the skin but she sent both my brother and my grandmother to hospital for stitches, and had deliverymen so terrified that they'd phone half an hour before coming to the house to make sure she was locked up.

Some terriers will love children, some will hate them but, in my experience they do not have a lot of patience, they are fast moving, they have a high prey drive (which can be scary to people not used to it. You say you have had rat problems - terriers are great ratters, but will your son be ok with seeing his pet enthusiastically killing them?), and they can be hard to train taking commands more as suggestions than orders.

I feel like I'm doing terriers down now. I have two Cairn crosses at the moment and they're lovely dogs but I wouldn't trust them with children at all; they don't like the way kids squeal and run around. If I were to recommend a terrier to you it would be a staffy. Any I have met have been friendly, playful, solid little dogs.