So I'm Thinking About Getting My Son A Dog For Christmas

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
21

The problem with greyhounds is that few of them are safe around cats - they’re gentle, sweet dogs though.

I also ditto the suggestion to find a dog that’s already been fostered in a home. The foster “parent” will have very good insight into what the dog’s general temperament and traits are - something you’re not likely to get from the shelter. The up-front cost of getting such a dog would be worth it - look at it this way, most shelters are supported by taxes and licensing fees so one way or another you’re going to foot the bill. $200 is cheap for a speutered, vaccinated, heartworm-free dog. Amortize that number by the number of years you’ll have left with the dog. Twenty bucks a year? :slight_smile:

I’ve been involved and fostered dogs for almost 20 years - in most cases, what the rescue charges for dogs does’t even come close to covering actual expenses. It just offsets them a bit. Most people involved put a lot of their own time and money into the dogs (and cats) in their care.

Another option would be to call and see if your local shelters have a dog-walking or fostering program, so that you can “try out” different dogs.

You and your son sound like you’ll be great dog owners. I’d strongly suggest that you arrange to take your new dog :slight_smile: to basic obedience classes, just for fun and so everyone learns. Money may not be a primary concern, but you do need to be aware that you’ll have to spend money on flea and tick prevention, heartworm preventative (don’t know how much of a concern that is in Tucson), as well as related costs like food, toys, crate, licensing, classes (if you so choose) and the general paraphernalia that a dog needs as well as occasional veterinary attention. The smaller the dog, the cheaper, typically.

One more quick tip: Research breeds. Most (purebred) dogs were developed for a purpose. Some are more likely to need a lot of exercise, be vocal, dig for various reasons, have high prey drive, be aloof or territorial, etc. Not every dog of that breed/mix will have those traits, but getting, say, a beagle or beagle mix and expecting it to be quiet and OK with lots of time alone (like most hounds, they were selectively bred for voice and to work in a pack) would be unrealistic.

22

catpoop/litterbox tip: I keep the litterbox in the laundry room with a baby gate across the door. Do not get a doggie gate – go to Target or WalMart and buy a baby gate (MUCH less expensive). The cat can jump over a baby gate and the dog will get the message. (Mind can jump over, but she knows not to.)

Also, if the dog you wind up with is 2 years old or younger, please consider crate training. Crating can save your stuff from shredding and gives the dog a safe little den to retreat to when he/she is on his/her own.

My two tidbits of advice to anyone considering getting a dog: 1) Crate train and 2) Get obedience training. You’ll be glad you invested in both later on down the line.

23

You just listed all the reasons I’ve been hesitant in the past to get a dog. However… Fortunately, we’ve dogsat for three different families we know, so I’m fairly sure they’d reciprocate for us if needed- although we never go anywhere, anyway! The vet expenses would be okay if it came in dribs and drabs- it’s emergencies that I’m concerned about being able to afford. Although, I guess that there are funds out there for such things, if necessary, from what I’ve seen. The wear and tear- um, I’ve had three boys, so that doesn’t bother me! The urine in the carpet- I have two cats, so am well-trained in carpet cleaning and deodorizing. No lawn, as we live in an apartment, which I guess is kind of a reason not to get a dog, but if they’re sitting in a shelter anyway, I think they wouldn’t mind not having a yard.

24

All this too. Other advantages of crate training: a crate trained dog is not going to be as distressed if they have to be at the vet’s overnight, can be transported more safely while travelling, is an easier client for groomers, learns to find their “off switch”, etc.

When I had indoor cats plus dogs, the litter boxes were in the basement with a baby-gate across the doorway. The cats could easily get to the basement, the dogs couldn’t.

One other thing - take into account your level of fastidiousness when choosing a dog. The larger the dog, the bigger the muddy footprints. I have three dogs plus fosters and thank God for a mudroom at the back door, because when it’s raining or damp or squishy outside, my house would be trashed if the muddy paws weren’t contained by the mudroom.

Double-coated dogs (German shepherds, huskies, etc) WILL shed. A lot. Some dogs need more grooming and ear care (Cocker spaniels, many small fluffy dogs) which you can easily do yourself if you don’t want to pay a groomer. But it does have to be done.

As a very general rule of thumb, small-to-medium, prick-eared, mixed breed brown or brown and white dogs are going to be healthier and more robust.

All that aside, I cannot imagine a house without dogs!

25

I’d definitely get a crate for it. Most dogs I’ve ever known have had a crate and it seems to really be the way to go.

26

Glad you’re looking at shelter dogs. Mutts are the best!

My advice would be to take your time looking - don’t try to rush the process. It may take several visits to find the best dog for you guys. The more time you can spend with the dogs, the better.

Don’t (necessarily) believe what you’re told about what kind of dog it is. It’s a guess, at best, and it’s been shown that even experts are not very good at guessing the breeds mixed into a particular dog. And any particular dog may or may not have the characteristic tendencies for a particular breed anyway.

OTOH, it’s fun, so get the boyo involved in researching the breeds. It can help you decide what type of dog you want to get.

99.9% of behavior problems in dogs are caused by owners, so even those are usually fixable. Do sign up for obedience classes (they’re more to train you than the dog anyway). Look for a dog that’s eager to please - that sort of dog is going to be more trainable than one that’s aloof and independent.

As far as vet bills - yup, you’ll have 'em. If you’re worried about big emergency bills, look into pet insurance.

If you want the dog to bond with your son instead of you, then y’all need to make sure that he’s the one spending time with the dog, especially at first. He should feed the dog, walk the dog, play with the dog, keep the dog with him as much as possible, etc. The more time he spends with doggie in the early days, the faster and better the dog will bond with him.

Crate training is the way to go. I used to think it was horrible, and it shouldn’t be misused, but when done properly is a great thing for the dog. Our girl loves her crate.

27

Yup, my boyfriend has a crate trained dog and she loves it in there, even when we’re all at home sometimes she likes to just go in her crate and rest. I thought it was weird/cruel at first, but then I realize that it’s really good for the dog and for the house.

I don’t know much about breeds but labs are about the best dogs you can get if you train them well from when they are puppies. My boyfriend’s dog is part lab and she gets along well with my cat.

28

A couple more thoughts:

1 - All dogs shed, just some more than others. My worst shedder was my very slick, fine coated Dalmatian, 24/7 and lots of it. The Labs blew their undercoat once or twice a year and that was a couple weeks of massive hair loss, and then almost nothing. Brushing helps.

2 - Crate training is a must and a godsend!

3 - Obedience classes are worth every penny. You should both go so the dog is getting consistent training, and personally I’d go with something other than classes offered through Petsmart - but that’s just me. See if there’s an obedience club near you that offers classes, or can at least give a recommendation.

I seriously can’t recommend training enough. One, it just makes for an easier pet, and if your son is on the shy side it can be a real confidence booster to have a dog that responds to him and hangs on his every word. Good training can instill that kind of relationship. Two, if for some awful reason you should ever have to rehome the dog, it will be much easier to place if it is well behaved and well socialized. Socialization is incredibly important - dogs don’t come having read the manual on how to behave, unfortunately :stuck_out_tongue: Three, if your son likes to compete but isn’t crazy about team sports, dog obedience rallies, agility, flyball etc are a great way to get out there and compete. Agility is fun and fast paced, great for an active dog and an active kid.

I think a dog is a great idea (not on Christmas day though!) so I say go for it!

29

I’m terrible of keeping track of posters, so forgive me for not being familiar with your son’s health issues and other concerns, but…depending on what they are, would he perhaps qualify for a service dog? My parents have a neighbour whose son (now 16) is high-functioning autistic and he qualified for a service dog from MIRAa few years back. There was a delay in getting the animal and lots of training at the MIRA site to learn the commands the dog knew, but the animal they got is a well-behaved, housebroken, fully trained animal capable of helping the boy deal with his anxiety and other issues. This dog doesn’t have to prevent him from wandering off or anything, though when his younger brother (5) was a toddler, she’d often get between him and the road when he was playing on the lawn!

If that’s neither an option or appropriate for your son (and please don’t take offence that I suggested it!) then a shelter dog is a great option and I pretty much agree with everything people have suggested so far.

A lot of people tend to think of “big dogs” as being crazy active animals that aren’t suitable for an apartment, but in my experience it’s the other way around; the big dogs are content to sleep all day and only spaz out once outside/going for a walk while the little dogs are little hyperactive freaks all day long :smiley: My sister has had golden retrievers and even though her current one is only a year old, he’s still lazy most of the time, punctuated by periods of bouncing off the walls.

30

I think you have a really good grasp of what you’re getting into. :slight_smile:

And, congratulations! You know, this is going to be the best Christmas ever.

31

I think you should go for it! I also recommend a rescue group that fosters, because you can choose a dog that you KNOW likes cats and kids. You probably won’t get that from the shelter (although, with an owner surrender, you might). It’s one of those “you get what you pay for” things. I don’t mean the dog is less quality (they are the same dogs, really) but the support is much better, and for a first time owner that can be very valuable. I understand that you don’t want to spend that much though, but I do caution that dogs can be expensive, and if $200 is a no-go, you need to re-evaluate if you can really afford a dog.

My other advice is to research breeds and types (there is a ton of online information and breed matching stuff out there) and WAIT. Seriously, wait. Don’t have a “By Christmas” deadline. Talk to every organization you might want to adopt from (*all *the local shelters, any affordable rescues, etc.) and talk to them about what you are looking for. If you want a specific dog, and you are willing to wait a couple months, you will almost certainly find it in rescue. Purebred, or just a list of characteristics; they all come through rescue. But you have to be wiling to talk to the people and follow up, and be patient.

(p.s. I’m biased, but I think, from what little I know, that a Boston Terrier might be a great fit for you)

32

:smiley:

You know, I think you’re right! He’s wanted a dog so bad, for so long, there definitely will be tears of happiness.

33

That’s been my experience as well.

34

I think it could be great for your son, but if **you **don’t want the (totally PITA when you don’t have a yard) responsibility of taking care of a dog every day for the next decade, I wouldn’t get one. No matter how fervently a young teen promises to be **totally **responsible for a pet, I can’t remember a single kid I’ve ever known who was. I sure wasn’t. But, I still have the dog my parents finally caved and got me when I was 11, and I’m 26. :slight_smile: There was never any question of me not taking the dogs with me when I moved out at 18; as an older teen I did end up doing the majority of the daily dog-related work, and my parents never wanted dogs in the first place. However teenagers aren’t always at home a lot (although I was but only because I was too depressed to leave my house much), which is another thing to consider. In 3 or 4 short years your son might be going to school, working part-time, driving his own car, and wanting to spend what little free time he has on outside activities or with friends/a girlfriend; rather than at home giving the dog the attention it needs. I don’t get much of a sense from your OP if you yourself enjoy dogs, and how much you would mind doing most of the care for one.

Dogs can be very expensive, as well. If you’re not okay with putting a seriously ill or hurt dog to sleep promptly, you should have a spare thousand or two in the bank to cover emergency vet expenses. I am poor and don’t believe in spending much to prolong my pet’s lives, but I’m apparently more cold-hearted than most dog owners… also my dogs aren’t anyone’s best friend but mine. I might hesitate to get my kids pets in the future because of this issue.

If you do decide to get a dog, get one from a shelter or rescue who has spent some time with him/her and knows all about her personality. And make a reasoned decision to get a calm, well-trained, adult dog without a high need for exercise or mental stimulation, that will fit into your life as smoothly as possible.

35

Aw, Debbie Downer! :stuck_out_tongue: No, you make good points, and I have thought of these. I wouldn’t say that I am or am not a dog person, but it’s been 20 years since I had one, so I don’t know. I am a softie, though, and I do believe that I could get attached to one, and thus it wouldn’t be much of a burden if it did end up being mine most of the time, as long as it’s not an asshole dog. I can’t stand an asshole dog, but that’s where training comes in, I guess.

As for the walking and care of a dog- that part of it I do think would end up being very beneficial for either of us. We could both stand to walk more, and I have heard many times that walking a dog is great for both your health and your sociality. A lot of people, I have heard, actually meet their neighbors and make friends because of walking their dog.

As for the money for emergency expenses, you’re right about that. It’s really the only thing about getting a dog that I am iffy about. It’s something to consider, for sure.

36

I think Alice’s kid might be more like my sister…getting a dog was something she desperately wanted for years and years, and when she got her first one when she was 13 or so, she bonded immediately and that dog … and the two since… became her shadow. She takes better care of her dogs than she does of herself or her husband!

The reason I think there’s a similarity in the two cases is the health issues; starting at age 12, my sister started having leg problems; excruciating pain, swelling, stiffness. It took about 2 years - during which time she got the dog - before a diagnosis was made. She had juvenile arthritis (and has a more precise diagnosis since she hit adulthood). That dog became her life…he was the reason she got out of bed through the pain. He was the reason she kept her legs moving, going for walks and doing exercise…something critically important for her, as her arthritis is ankylosing. He gave her something to think about other than her pain, and made her incredibly happy. This dog, sadly, died very young, and my sister immediately sought out other dogs; the neighbours’, my cousin’s etc for comfort.

Her next dog lived a decently long dozen years or so, and he was as much a companion as the first. Followed her everywhere and helped her through some very tough times, both health-wise and emotionally/life challenges. When her arthritis flared up, before they found a better medicine for her, getting out of bed was nearly impossible for her…she trained this dog to pull her up! She moved into her first apartment with him, she went through university with him, she met her husband with him. He died before the wedding, but the new puppy was there to carry the rings for them.

I think, the way Alice describes the surgery and the challenges her son has gone through: this dog won’t just be a pet. He won’t just be a companion. He’ll be a part of him, and be his #1 supporter and help him through life.

A lot…maybe most…kids don’t take responsibility for their pets, it’s true. But I have the feeling that this case is special. I hope so!

37

Do you understand what is funny about this statement? :stuck_out_tongue: Cats and dogs are both great, but they are NOT the same!

C’mon, get that kid a dog already! Maybe not a terrier (too stubborn), but a regular ol’ mutt, a Heinz 57 Varieties puppy.

38

I am in total agreement with everyone… your boy needs a dog. Dogs are the best friend you’ll ever have.

I would stay away from a terrier tho, hard to train and not always good with cats.

Do you plan on picking the dog out or letting him?

39

You’re right that they all shed, but the degree of difference between dogs can be astronomical. Some dog breeds don’t shed in a way that you would notice, though the trade-off there is that you have to clip their coat every few months. I grew up with a poodle and now own a poodle-mixed mutt. Even though some hair comes off my poodle mix when I brush her, I never see it on my clothes or furniture. It’s awesome.
Labs are sweethearts but they are definitely horrendous shedders. When I met the lab-poodle mix a friend had (some poodle mutts inherit the non shedding coat and some don’t), I was stunned by the massive quantities of hair that dog left all over my clothes.

I actually didn’t realize how annoying it was to get pet hair all over everything until I got my cats, because I was “spoiled” by the lack of shedding from my childhood poodle. :slight_smile:

It is also nice that my boyfriend who is allergic doesn’t react to my poodle mix. Poodles and other non-shedding dogs TEND to be easier for people with a dog allergy to tolerate, though some allergic people react even to them so you can’t count on it.

I think the poodle is a wonderful dog breed. Intelligent, fiercely loyal to its family, easy to train, and they hardly shed. Some other “non shedding” breeds to consider would be schnauzers and Airedales.

40

I am a believer in “There are no bad dogs, just bad owners”. In the vast majority of cases, when a dog doesn’t behave, it’s because the humans haven’t found the right way to communicate with and train the dog.

When I adopted my dog, she wasn’t trained at all and in fact we suspect she may have been neglected/abused in a puppy mill situation because of how she acted.
She also was a “submissive urination” dog
I think the natural instinct for most people when a dog pees in the house is to scold the dog. With a dog like this, though, that kind of approach just makes the problem worse.
Instead, I taught her to stop peeing inside by REWARDING HER for peeing in the RIGHT place. I think most dogs respond much better to rewards for good behavior than punishment for bad behavior.

You should also probably ask the shelter workers if there are certain dogs that they think are especially friendly or good-natured and would recommend taking a look at. Often, they will have a better sense of what the animals’ temperaments are like from caring for them over the course of a few days than you can determine from just walking by the cages.

You should definitely look into pet insurance. Some of them are better than others from what I understand so definitely look into what they cover.

If he is the one who always feeds it and gives it treats, trust me, it’ll be his dog. :slight_smile:

Terriers can be very energetic and “feisty” dogs, just so you’re prepared for that. As I said in my previous post, I am a lifelong poodle owner. I would recommend considering a miniature poodle if you think you can afford a trip to the groomer every few months to keep the coat tidy (or if you wouldn’t mind learning to shave the coat yourself).
They are one of the smartest breeds, wonderful family dogs, and as I commented above, they have a bonus of very minimal shedding.
I definitely think that getting your dog from a shelter is a great idea. It was very rewarding to see my shelter dog blossom into a happy, confident family dog.