Getting a dog, any advice?

[Mike Hoxbig]

If you know nothing about dogs I would probably say just have another child rather

My vote though would be a Boston. For me personally it would be a bull terrier but they aren't for inexperienced owners.

We're dog people, we each grew up with them with our parents. We just haven't had any in a while. In some ways it's harder having a dog, we understand the challenges.

On that topic, what do you guys do with them when you need to go away on holiday? Growing up, we had live-in helpers who looked after them so they wouldn't be lonely.

I'm not yet comfortable enough to leave the keys with the neighbours, and I'm not entirely sure about these "doggy spas" and the effect it would have on the dog...

 

[3WA]

Get a location mutt:

Not going to go and die because your kid fed it some grapes
Not going to snore or suffocate because its face is wrong for breathing
Won’t develop hip or back problems
Can eat chicken bones and live
Instinctively knows how to stay out of trouble

 

[mbayshark]

Also seem to bark all the time and at shadows.

We also have a chocolate Yorkie, just a month older. It's s hell of a lot more alert to sounds and movement, and barks significantly more. However, both dogs are young and quick learners. They respond well when told to shut up and will stop barking and observe.

We were in a similar situation, needing hypoallergenic dogs due to my wife's asthma and animal hair allergies. But kids need pets when growing up, and having the dogs in the house, always happy to see them really makes a difference.

If I had to choose, I'd definitely pick the Schnauzer. They have uniquely almost human-like personalities.

 

[longboy]

Get a bull terrier pup.

They will die protecting your kid if need be and are very playful/energetic. Bonus points goes to their keen sense of awareness and intelligence.

 

[Jean Claude Vaaldamme]

My dogs and cat stay at home when we away. Have a friend that stay close that come look every day if they still have food, although I say they can just come every 3rd day.
I don't like kennels. Its a place and people your dogs don't know with a lot of other dogs around them barking the whole day. They also in some cage most of the day and just get some play time here and there.
Staying home is the place and environment they know and are relaxed. Why stress out your animals. But that said, I always have two dogs to keep each other busy.

 

[longboy]

I'm surprised people keep saying Dachshunds, they are some of the worst aggressive little shits out there

This.

They are like ADHD little devils...always barking/snapping/biting kids.

 

[Steamy Tom]

We're dog people, we each grew up with them with our parents. We just haven't had any in a while. In some ways it's harder having a dog, we understand the challenges.

On that topic, what do you guys do with them when you need to go away on holiday? Growing up, we had live-in helpers who looked after them so they wouldn't be lonely.

I'm not yet comfortable enough to leave the keys with the neighbours, and I'm not entirely sure about these "doggy spas" and the effect it would have on the dog...

I used to take my dog to a dog hotel type thing, but he is very reactive so it isn't good for him, now I rather leave him at home and have a family member come in to feed and check up on him but we don't go away very often.

 

[Hamster]

Long spines + children

+ Medipet

The heck is wrong with you?

 

[3WA]

On that topic, what do you guys do with them when you need to go away on holiday? Growing up, we had live-in helpers who looked after them so they wouldn't be lonely.

I instruct one of the juniors at work to live in my house and feed the dog.

 

[Hamster]

Get a bull terrier pup.

They will die protecting your kid if need be and are very playful/energetic. Bonus points goes to their keen sense of awareness and intelligence.


View attachment 1762488

When I was in primary school our neighbours had one of these ('n varkhond).

Tennis ball went over the wall and landed not too far from the front fence. So I risked it and climbed over.

Next moment that dog came around the corner. Now I don't believe is magic or phase shifting, but I was back on the other side of the fence in an instant. A real vivid memory

 

[wizardofid]

This.

They are like ADHD little devils...always barking/snapping/biting kids.

The barking sure, they will jump up and bark and chase just about everything in ear shot. Mine were expert mouse hunters, and they did extremely well with my cats. They are super intelligent one of the few breeds I had that absolutely can't mention the word car or keys. They would go nuts and was at the ready to take a drive.

The one dog knew its spot in the car, and would silently go sit in the back seat, and look out the window, it knows its surroundings that it would get excited when we turned down the street we lived in.

the snapping and biting, not really they like their boundaries and suited to older kids, that won't push pull and unnecessarily rough house them.

had 4 of them best dogs ever if you can match their energetic nature.

 

[Hemi300c]

Wow lots of Dachshund lovers.

IMO get a Dachshund and buy shares in a vet. Yes they are loveable but they have more issues that Zille

 

[The Darkness]

Staffie. They call them the 'nanny dogs' for a reason.

 

[Azbubu]

Not sure if anyone mentioned it but a toy or miniature poodle would be ideal. Smart companion animals.

 

[Thugscub]

Be aware dogs turn food into huge turds and are deafening noise generators.

Train them properly.

Another problem is dogs bark, yowl and howl when left alone.
Most owners do not realise this as the dog shuts up when the owner gets home.
Responsibility to the dog.
Food.
Exercise.
TLC.
Vet checkups.
Inoculations.
Bathing.
It will probably be easier to have another child.

 

[animal531]

My new favourite is the Silken WIndhound, although I don't imagine they go too well with little kids.

 

[RedViking]

The heck is wrong with you?

Let's start with your first. You share . I share.

 

[SlinkyMike]

ITT: everyone shouting out their favourite breed with no regard for the OP.

Although you did express concerns about Maltese with kids and although I have heard similar rumours, I am still going to recommend them because:

1 . I think those rumours arise from old ladies Maltese Poodles who have not been socialised with kids so this could really be any dog/cat/bird for that matter.

2. Hypo-allergenic and easy to groom.

3. Intelligence really goes a long way when you are trying to fit a dog into a family unit and they have it in abundance.

4. Loyal and playful but also able to chill on their own. Some breeds it's more like having another child than a play-pal for a child. If a Collie or Lab bonds to you - that's your new life for the next decade and then some. They will need your attention constantly for every waking hour.

5. Little poos.

6. Another point for their personality: there is just something about these little dogs. They are kind of funny in a way and they will surprise you with how dialled in they can be to certain peoples emotional state. This translates into so many good things like: dog understands when it's time to chill and not constantly need to play, they fit into your schedule a lot better than more demanding breeds, which brings me to...

7. A walk around the block twice a day is enough to exercise a little Maltese but if you want to take them on longer adventures they are fine to chill in a backpack when they get tired.

Good luck with the first few months. Not sure if this is your first puppy but clear your calendar and vasbyt.

 

[TofuMofu]

Get a rescue dog. They’ll love you and your kids forever.

Can vouch for this. Have had our rescue for almost 2 years now and she has been awesome to have. Love her to bits. If you get them from a good rescue place, they are well adjusted/trained. Mine is a pit bull mix. Indoor dog. Didn't have to train her anything. Came apartment trained.

 

[Hotfuzz]

They would have been my first choice if I didn't have a kid. I have no idea what their background is and how safe it will be. I want a dog that's going to grow in personality with the kid, so rescues are unfortunately out...

We adopted a rescue this time last year and my son was just under 2. She was badly neglected and had burns all over her body. Something between Lab x Sharpei x Pitbull we think. In our scenario the shelter was small and the owner predominantly looks after all the dogs so she had a very good idea about her nature so when we did the intro with our son + our other rescue dog it was easy for us to make our decision. When we first brought her into our home she had no idea how to walk on our floors, walk on a lead or sleep on a dog bed. I had to convince her every night to come inside to sleep for about 3 weeks. 1 year on and couldn't be more pleased with our choice. She is family and loves us more than anything in the world, great with people, kids and other dogs. She isn't 'happy go lucky' like you would typically get from a dog who is raised from birth with their arse in the butter. So a bit cautious of unknown environments and protective over us which are actually great attributes. Her arse is in the butter now and she knows it, such a huge contrast to when we got her, its pretty awesome. Most people won't take the risk but if you do your due diligence you will find the right match, probably multiple matches.

There are literally thousands of dogs looking for new homes from all types of people + organisations so don't restrict yourself to just rescue shelters. There are tons of people who emigrate and leave their pets behind who are already well adapted to kids and home environments. Also many rescue organisations foster dogs into homes including with children, these types of people can easily identify behaviours and give you first hand insight. Do a quick search on Facebook you will see endless amounts of opportunities.

Obviously going to rescue/adoption route won't give you complete control of breed for allergies etc since you will be going for personality rather that looks. If the dog has had some type of trauma as a rule of thumb it will take around 3 months to settle and up to a year to earn full trust depending on how you treat it. It takes a bit of patience but is extremely rewarding.

Any young puppy would work if you are prepared to go through the motions. Not ideal for small children and I personally prefer to adopt when they are a bit older and grown out of their biting & chewing phase.