Med Dog

What kind of dog should she get?

We have a 6 yo boy who would like to get a dog. Granted, I understand that it will be MORE of my responsibility, and I am ok with this.... but previously I have only had large dogs. The place we are in is a 2 bedroom condo, we already have 2 cats. There is not a lot of room for the dog to run, but the place is pretty big and we would plan on taking the dog out with us a lot.

So, I guess we are looking for a small - med dog - under 30 lbs that would be good with kids and other pets. Anyone have any ideas?

6 years old huh? Then this could be a passing whim. I BEGGED FOR YEARS and that is not the criteria, but it sure makes you appreciate alot more what you want when get you it. I had to wait until I was 13 and I don't think that was a bad age. It would not even hurt to test your son's determination or maybe I should say idea about this. Maybe some number of days and tasks before he can get a dog. I was bent for years on having one and determined to take sole care. Common, how much trouble can feeding twice a day and watering and walking be? I am here to tell you now that I was shocked how big of a pain in the pandora or whatever it was, it was for me when I was young. Most of the time, you are right-mom had to do it all. Ofcourse it was not like that the first few days or week or two but I sorely -and regretfully remember how much it interfered with my plans after that. I also remember about every day we had with the guy. He died of cancer when I was 27 years old. Most importantly tho, I remember all the dogs that neighborhood kids had that got outside or loose and hit by cars. Some died soon, some lingered and it was horrible. Honestly, i think 6 is too young, not just to be walking and caring for a dog but to able to keep it inside when it has to be and to watch doors so it doesn't get out but if you are bent to do this now, I also remember how many of the neighbor dogs I liked and what it felt like when I asked where is Peggy or Ginger only to learn they were sold to strangers or taken to the shelter because there was not time or space enough for them. Animals have feelings and are loyal, please be TOTALLY committed to the responsibility of one if you get one. I guess that brings me to another point which is that so far over 90% and close to all of the pets that are taken to shelters are killed. They call it euthenation. If you get a dog now or later, please save one from death row. By which you know i mean go to the shelter or humane society and I have a suggestion about that...people don't seem to want dogs after they are over a year old. After a year most are done chewing and ruining things, and they are done darting out when they are older or being wild like young dogs are. I thinik adopting a more mature dog is a much better idea. Ussually they are trained and housebroken not to mention that you can find out which ones were raised and get along well with cats because no matter what the breed is-it is personality too and not all dogs will accept cats. By the same token, not all cats will accept a dog but a cat is much more likely to if the dog is agreeable to them and not chasing them around the house or growling at them.

The breed is a more difficult question. Sometimes smaller dogs are quicker to bite out of fear and a stronger need to be in control. I guess the best house dogs for children are mostly know to be collies (so a miniture collie-called a boarder collie perhaps), or a medium sized cockerspaniel maybe. Another decent choide would be a schnauzer. They are one of the most intelligent and there is alot to be said for know when do something and when not to. They are very loving and not overly small...nor overly large. Remember that most cities have a limit of 2 or 3 pets per household so that no one comes and takes your beloved animal away. Vaccinations are a legal necessity and that they be kept up to date, for the pet's sake and the sake of people. Then last of all, make sure your landlord says it is ok first. Remember too it is difficult to find places that allow pets so keep in mind how permanent your stay will be where you are. And if you do this, I would by all means check the dogs out first on the net-most shelters advertize there with photos. Get an idea what is where and when you see appropriate choices it would be really nice to take your son and let him make the final decision. talk to other pet owners first and get a feel of what you want and what you are in store for.Remember that this actually is a big step so think it through well and best of luck. I love cats and dogs and am committed.

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