Getting a family puppy

NSAman

Msrob wrote: »

I'm not keen on a rescue dog as I'm afraid of it snapping at the kids?! They are 5&6 were outdoorsy people

My last dog was a rescue. A labrador, a more loyal dog you could never find. Ok he had separation anxiety was horribly abused as a puppy and I got him along with stitches all over his face at a year old. He was absolutely fantastic, a real lover of people. Never snapped was a fantastic guard dog, and loved to simply snuggle with anyone on the couch. He had boundless energy and only wanted to please. Was brilliant with other dogs and animals. A more gentle and loving soul you could not find. Alas he developed brain cancer.

I now have two labs who are very very similar, loving puppies two totally different personalities who are brilliant with kids and other dogs (still getting used to the cats).

It all depends on how you treat dogs, how they develop. Smaller dogs IMO tend to have less tolerance, but it is all about training and knowing that they are part of the family dynamic.

muddypaws

Msrob wrote: »

Yes I have a secure garden, at the moment I'm in college kids in school I have 2 long days 3 short and here all weekend, we are outdoorsy family and can walk the dog when my partner gets home, I plan for the dog to sleep in doors

One thing that strikes me is that the pup will be on its own a lot during term time, 2 days a week is a long time for a small puppy. You could actually encounter problems with lack of socialisation because of it, and so you could end up with a pup that does bite the children.

A school holiday seems to be an ideal time for you to introduce a new pup into your family, however, the next one, Christmas isn't a good time for a family with children to get a pup, due to the high excitement levels, extra noise etc, but if you could wait until Easter, you and the children would be at home for a couple of weeks, which could help. If you could wait until next summer, it would be even better. Or, if there is a good doggy day care near you that the pup could go to for the 2 long days at least. The other alternatives would be for a family member or friend to have the pup for those days, or have a dog walker pop in a couple of times during the day to play with the pup, short walk etc.

With regards to a breed, would you consider going along to a dog show, seeing the different breeds, chatting to the owners, or Pet Expo is on in Dublin this month and there will be a breed village there, with owners more than willing to chat about their dogs.

The other alternative, and I'm not pushing the rescue agenda, is to go to a local rescue and have a chat with them, they will have a lot of experience of all different breeds that have been through their doors, and could give you some good advice.

sillysmiles

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Why are people trying to push the OP towards a rescue? I don't remember them asking for one. Only three posters have given advice more in line with what the OP wants...

The OP asked about getting a dog as a family pet and didn't mention buying or rescueing.
The point is there is no one breed that will suit all families and I think if you read most of the posts they give advice on how to find a dog to suit a family. And ask a lot of questions because the up had given very little information.

Dirty Dingus McGee

I'd recommend a Basset Hound.They are incredibly loveable and friendly dogs its like having a new baby in the house .

peasant

Maybe we should rule out a few dogs you shouldn't get as a family dog:

- Chihuahuas, Poms, Yorkies or any other tiny/teacup dog ...the kids will simply break them, they are so delicate

- herd protection dogs like Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Ovtcharka etc ...way too much to handle for a busy family and not for the novice

- sheep / cattle dogs from working strains and their mixes. They need a job, their job ...without it they'll drive you bonkers

- Any dog that is on the restricted breeds list. Not that these dogs are inherently dangerous (because they aren't) but all it takes is one grumpy neighbour and they'll make your life hell for not having them under control / not wearing a muzzle etc.

- Any dog that is over-bred. Too many breeds to mention but generally speaking bulging eyes, very short noses, excessive skin, exaggerations in the general proportions, etc are all bound to make your dog sick, unfit for purpose and expensive when it comes to vet bills.

micar

We had a black lab cross as a family pet for just over 13 years. she was wonderful. Incidentally, she was a rescue dog. She was less than a year old when my dad got her. She was very quite to begin with. Whoever had her before did not treat her very well.

My parents then got a red setter pup. She'd be now only be 8 1/2 months now and fully grown. She'd be a little taller than the black lab but equally as wonderful. She'd need more exercise.

If I get a dog for myself I may go for a beagle.

borderlinemeath

micar wrote: »

We had a black lab cross as a family pet for just over 13 years. she was wonderful. Incidentally, she was a rescue dog. She was less than a year old when my dad got her. She was very quite to begin with. Whoever had her before did not treat her very well.

My parents then got a red setter pup. She'd be now only be 8 1/2 months now and fully grown. She'd be a little taller than the black lab but equally as wonderful. She'd need more exercise.

If I get a dog for myself I may go for a beagle.

Beagles aren't for the faint hearted! As I mentioned before, scenthounds in general are harder to train, and beagles fall into that category. They are easily distracted, follow their nose, and generally have terrible recall. Lead walking can also be troublesome as they will just follow their nose and walking to heel can be a huge challenge with a beagle. They truly are a pack animal and need almost constant company, and they love to make noise! A beagle barking isn't so much of a bark, moreso a howl/foghorn/baying sound!

That said, I've met some beagles bred from show lines and they are a lot less work than some I know that have come from working lines, so again it's all about the breeder. I have Irish setters, and mine, from working lines, need a good deal of exercise, they really enjoy getting down into ditches and getting filthy dirty like most gundogs. But their recall is excellent so I can let them off lead to tire themselves out with a good run.

Msrob

Thanks for all the replies! I have decided to leave it until the summer to get either a rescue or pup I am grateful for all views it gave me a lot to think about!!

sillysmiles

Msrob wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies! I have decided to leave it until the summer to get either a rescue or pup I am grateful for all views it gave me a lot to think about!!

I know what you mean. I got a dog two weeks ago but had planned to wait until after Christmas. Nights like tonight when it's lashing rain reminds me why I wanted to wait!!
Good luck with your search. I have found this forum to have a lot of information on behaviour/training/food/socialisation.
Have you gotten any closer to deciding on a breed?