Choosing A Puppy

[TN_Vixen]

My exhusband, the sweetheart that he is, has so graciously (rolls eyes) given me the responsibility of choosing our son's puppy. (HIS birthday present to him, btw.. but of course, he can't be bothered to attend to this task because he's needed at a most important and urgent FISHING TOURNAMENT today) ~sigh.

Point is, aside from my needing to bitch about what a fucking loser fucktard asshole my exhusband is, is that I have no clue as to how to choose a puppy for my son.

Last time I had a puppy of my own, I was ... hmm, maybe 6? And, we didn't choose them back in them days, they chose US. heh.

So, we're headed down to the local shelter to pick out a pup. Good God Almighty, help me now.

Advice is welcome.

 

[SexySlut2]

Good Luck!!

 

[Weird Harold]

...I have no clue as to how to choose a puppy for my son..

Don't get one with big feet unless you want a big dog. Otherwise, get the one he falls in love with.

 

[just pet]

And along with the fun of picking out the new puppy, will you be the one feeding it and cleaning up after it, training it, taking it to the vet...? Is your ex still mad at you?

 

[BigDawg69]

Well choosing a puppy is serious business! Will the loveable mutt have a yard to play in? How big is too big?

I myself am a big dog kind of guy, duh. I love my Golden, and grew up with a couple Labs so I am biased towards those breeds. I think the most important thing to remember is that, with a very few exceptions, no matter the breed it is the upbringing that really spells good dog! This is even more true for mutts. If your son can be sweet and nice to the dog, and care for it, love it then the dog will return that 10 fold no matter the breed. So it really depends on size. Get a right size dog.

Also don't be afraid to drill the shelter about the dog's history. Where did they acquire the animal? Ask about vaccinations, and spay/neutering compensation. Many shelters will pay for fixing the dog (this is a very good thing). Look at the dogs teeth check for plague build up (yellow or brown coating) look at the gums are they healthy? Puffy red gums could indicate a sick dog when all other appearances are fine. Ask about fleas, and worms. The dog should be free of both.

Really any dog will be great, assuming it's treated with love and respect in the home. That is the absolute most important thing about a dog. You're getting a pet, so pet it!

Good luck!

 

[TWB]

If the dog is living with dad, get him a hairless Chihuahua. If it is living with you, get him a doberman and teach the dog to bite your x's rear every time he comes over.

That'll learn him to go fishing instead of taking care of his obligations to your son.



Seriously, it is hard. We got one from a pound just to try to save a life. She is a great dog, but required some work for the first 3-5 months.

IF not that, see if there are any dog rescue services in your area. If you don't have any time, go to a pet shop, but I have read alot of pet shop dogs are overbread and sometimes aren't that great. (they are awfully cute tho).

Good Luck. (get the doberman)

 

[Wizard]

I have no dog myself but have worked at a few shelters..........I think another thing is how old is your little one?......

If there young something like a collie mix is a good start..they will let you little one pull there hair, and beat on them a little without getting to upset......They may just sit there and give you a look like why is this happening but have a great temper. A nice melow dog....

I too like big dogs and they can look after your little one very well .


A dobby is a good choice also....Good temper and very protective of little ones....Also like to play hard......

 

[tswyk]

I've had 3 Goldens and they were all the most wonderful, loving, devoted dogs - yes, they tend to be big, so be prepared for that. But they practically train themselves - they are just so smart.

But, like Dawg said - it's all in how you treat them. Almost any dog will be loving and kind if that's how you treat him/her.

Good Luck!

 

[Hamletmaschine]

If they're floating belly-up in the tank, you don't want 'em. I know they'll tell you that they're "just sleeping," but don't believe 'em.

 

[JennyOmanHill]

Hi TN Vixen

The people at the shelter will be very helpful in recommending breeds that are compatible to your living situation. They are usually very helpful and informative.

Once they confer and take down all your info, they will then likely take you to the available puppies matching your criteria.

Then, the puppy WILL choose you!!

Good luck!

http://www.hideandseekpuppies.com/images/icons/puppies-cover.jpg

 

[Cheyenne]

But, like Dawg said - it's all in how you treat them. Almost any dog will be loving and kind if that's how you treat him/her.

Just like people!

 

[KillerMuffin]

Pick one that's young enough to learn to be housebroke.

Make sure the dog:

- comes up to you and your son in a very friendly manner when you're at its cage.

- isn't afraid of leaving the cage when you open the door.

- doesn't try to escape like greased lightning when you open the door.

- doesn't display tremendous amounts of fear when you're near. bring a male adult along to make sure it doesn't display fear or hostility. most abused dogs were abused by men.

- has an easy, comfortable looking way of moving when you walk it around.

 

[SINthysist]

Labs are great.

Avoid Dalmation mixes - Insane and hyper
Avoid Terrier mixes - Incessant barking and digging
Avoid most exotic mixes - neurotic and unpredictable
Avoid the Rotwieler, Pit Bull, Doberman mixes -

Cocker Spaniels are a good mid-sized dog.

Avoid a Poodle mix for a boy!

Rin Tin Tin or Lassie or Ol' Yeller...

 

[BigDawg69]

If you are going to get a full breed dog with papers do the geneology research on the dog. Be weary of inbreeding. The popularity of Dalmations and subsepquent inbreeding to meet demand has left the breed sadly quite prone to deafness. Also watch out for smaller Cocker Spaniels they have a tendency to be fiercly and in some cases dangerously protective of 1 person in the household. Temper temper. Inbreeding has also lead to Hip Displacia in Goldens.

But as I said before the breed is really of little consequence for most people hwo are just looking for a fun loving loyal family pet. Find the size that fits your lifestyle, treat the dog right, and responsibly and you'll have a cherished member of your family for 10-15 years!

 

[ShamelessFlirt]

my personal favorite ...


http://www.pembrokecorgi.org/2001Natnl/2001BOB.jpg


Pembroke Welsh Corgi

they're cute and they have stubby legs so they can't jump on the furniture ...lol

 

[Woodmiester]

Avoid Dalmation mixes - Insane and hyper

Have you ever had a Dal? Sure some are a tad fucked in the gene pool but mine, who I got as a pup was very good and a true part of the family and very protective to us and our friends. After 14 yrs the day he had to be put down a piece of me went with him.

Okay, now here's another option besides a shelter, decide on the breed then do a serch for a rescue, most breeds have them and they want to find a viable home for them. We got a boxer from Boxer Rescue that was left to die in a womens backyard in Kansas because she new no one wanted a 8 months old male that was also deaf but since my Dalmation was deaf I was used to dealing with a deaf dog and know how special they are.

But here's my personal choice and it doesn't shed believe it or not, an Old English Sheepdog. Yes they need brushed daily but you really can't beat them for kids. Gentle and protective. If raised in an apartment they adapt to it or if a yard they do well also. Again, try a rescue organization. Good Luck

 

[explain]

I've had a lot of dogs through my younger years, and with my two kids now, we have two dogs and two cats. Of all of them, the ones that stayed the healthiest and lived the longest without the enormous vet bills were the "mutts" from the pound. There's a lot of good advice from above about what to watch for.

The mutt we have now, Pepper, is a german shepard mix that is only 14" tall and has huge paws (go figure.) This one was abandonded with her brothers and sisters at about 6 weeks of age (Pepper is now 4.) She appeared friendly at the pound, but always kept her tail tucked. And even now, she's very timid around strangers, but warms up to them within a few minutes.

We've had thoroughbred Shelties and Dachshunds. The Dachshund died of genetic crap and the sheltie is costing us an arm and a leg in surgeries now at age 10. I will say this much, the Sheltie is one of the best pets we've ever had as far as discipline and obedience goes. The Dachshund is just a one-person dog, mean to everyone except it's "parent".

Oh yeah, we did have a Border Collie for a while. We eventually sold it. Those dogs just need way too much play time, so whenever we left the house for a few hours, we had couches, rugs, bedding, linen and towels shredded when we got home (just was too boring for him.)

Type to avoid (IMHO) for kids:
Schnauzers
Pinschers
Chihuahuas
Jack Russell Terriers
Bull Terriers
Rottweilers
Poodles
Pekingese

From what I've seen from these breeds, they are not good with children.

Good luck!

 

[glamorilla]

I'd go with a golden retriever or a lab myself if you have the room...much as I'm a cat person dogs are awesome pets...I had a belgium shepard growing up and he was the best...If you're seriously looking for a pet all I can say is you'll know when you find him/her...you'll feel that litle spark and you'll know your son has a pal for life...

 

[hatara]

Awe I want a puppy!

http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/puppies.jpg

 

[Debbie]

I love puppies!
It is hard though, choosing a puppy.
You have already had some great advice.
Questions I ask if and when I am getting
a dog.

1. How big a dog do I want?
(How tall is my fence? Gates?)

2. What sort of breed?
(Especially since it is to be your
son's)
(I have had Staffordshire and
English Bull Terriers and they have been
wonderful with my kids.)

3.Am I going to buy a puppy from a breeder,
get one from a shelter or advertise in the local
paper?

If you have friends who have dogs or puppies
ask their opinions and suggestions.
If not call a vet or your local shelter for advice.

There are also some great sites on the net
that are very helpful, even with advice on
housetraining.

http://www.akc.org/love/dah/buyapup.cfm


Good luck.

 

[TN_Vixen]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. It was well received.

Here's a pic of the pooch he chose.

 

[JennyOmanHill]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. It was well received.

Here's a pic of the pooch he chose.

What a sweetheart!! Those eyes!! Thanks for sharing, and all the best with your new family member! (There's a LOT of love in those eyes!!)

 

[Laurel]

What a total cutie!

 

[miles]

What a great picture.

He could be the poster dog for the Humane Society.

"Take me home!"

 

[lavender]