Huge Question

Need your help, never had a dog in my life.
I told Bobby that we could get a dog, he is old enough now.
We live on 7 acres of land, neighbors are a1/4mile down.
What type of dog should I get that loves kids?

I work part time about 6 hrs 3 days a week. so I think I would need to put the dog somewhere, right?


HELP!

Deb C

A golden retriver or a lab would be a good dog and you have plenty of running space for a big dog. But if you didn't want a super big dog. Something like a border coile would work too. I would go to your shelter frist and see what they go before you go spend hundred to 1000 on a dog. I spent 1300 on my 2 brats. That was just to buy them. I spent another couple hundred on stuff for them.

You wont need to lock the dog up somewhere. Just make sure you have plenty of food and water for the dog while your at work. Also try to have something for the dog to play with or to chew on while your gone so if it get's bored it wont attach your stuff.

Mason gets bored and goes looking for trouble..mainly the trash can..lol

Thanks so much Randi. I am so out of my legue with this.

I will take time today and head for the shelter and get some ideas.

Cute Dogs

Deb C

I agree with Randi about the breed but if I may make a suggestion, I would go to the nearest bookstore (or check at the the library) and get a "For Dummies" book on what ever breed you decide on. They are full of so much helpful information on the breed and their temperment, why you should have them spayed or neutered, potty training tips and other training ideas etc. When I got my little "Killer" I bought one and I learned sooooo much. I keep mine handy all the time and it is so helpful. Of course the way my brain works a book is "ALWAYS" a necessity for me. I think one of these books would be very helpful for you especially since you have never had a dog. I am a huge proponent of having pets spayed or neutered for about a million reasons. Please think seriously about this and talk to your vet about health issues and behavior issues related to doing and not doing it. Plus the book will give you info. I think pets are just like kids, they can be a handful of frustration but one kiss from you puppy or just they way they are so happy to see you when you come home makes it all worthwhile. Anyway, I wish you good luck with your search, you will not regret welcoming a loving wonderful pet in you family! This is my little Killer

I agree with isappb. Get a book for dummies and a book for the spacific breed. I wanted babies, so we went to a pet store here in stafford, I was living in MD at the time and paid the 1300 for both mason and dixie. It would cost less than that had I not begged for a second puppy.

I call my babies Little People. I also treat them like people as I talk to them and feed them bits of what i eat. But I am not seggusting you feed your dog table food.. bad idea really. I just like to spoil my brats.

If you go with a bredder deffently get your dog fixed. Cause with a kid, if you got a girl, you son would want to keep the puppies. Mine got fixed by the time they were 6 mos old.

Get online and look into every breed that interests you - read boards about them - Golden retrievers are great yes but they have a LOT of energy and need to release it. Some dogs have seperation anxiety and feel better being crate trained (its safer for them and your home) other dogs are perfect alone for times. Everyone has their own special breed - just do the research and be willing to train your dog to what you expect and want. We have rescued lots of dogs over the years (always picking them up on the roads and searching for owners etc) and each one no matter the breed is an individual. Also decide if you want a puppy or a dog - the shelters often have pre-trained dogs but ask for trial visits if possible! That way you will know if it is the right match for you and family. The shelter people are pretty good about helping (some of them). You could also ask a vet - mine takes calls about anything with no charge. Just a thought. Take your time. Good Luck - hope you find the perfect friend!

My personal choice would be a mutt from the pound. Mongrels tend to have better dispositions (pure breds are often more high strung) and usually have less health problems. A big area of concern would be whether you are looking at getting an older dog or getting a puppy. An older dog will likely already be house broken but often come with their own set of issues. (We had one once that was sweet as could be but would growl at anyone who picked up a stick around her...she had been beaten by her previous owners). A puppy is good because you can train it yourself.....the bad news is that you have to train it yourself! That means you had better be prepared to have "accidents" in the house until it is trained and expect to have things chewed...like those new shoes you just bought! There are also some breeds which are non-shedding if you don't like the idea of pet hair in the house and some breeds which are non-allergenic if anyone in the house is allergic to pet hair.
Lots of different issues to consider when getting a pet but once you bond with your dog, you will never be without one again! Good luck!