Advice Welcomed

[JennyWI]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a first-time poster and long-time lurker. I thought I'd pick everyone's brain, if that's okay.

I don't currently have any fur-kids, but do have three boys, ages 9,7, and 5. We're done having kiddos, and are looking to add a dog to the family sometime soon (in the next six months or so) I have been keeping my eye out on petfinder, (I'd kind of like to adopt) and have a question for everyone.

Breed suggestions? Mixed are great too, I just don't know what to look for. We're looking small (not too small since I have kids) to medium-large. From personal experience, I'd kind of like to avoid retrievers and retriever mixes. Something a bit calmer that I'd feel okay walking with at night would be nice. Moderate shedding is okay, and the most important thing is that it needs to be great with kids. We're willing to commit time and money to training, but I don't want to bring a timid/agressive dog into the house. We have almost 2 acres for it to run on, although it will be an indoor dog.

Any thoughts? Thanks!! :hail:

Jenn

 

[ToscasMom]

Heck, based on your description and plans, I can't think of many dogs who wouldn't want to put in their application!

Smart Chazzers will be along shortly.

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

welcome to you! Looking at your shelter, or rescue groups I am sure you would be able to find a nice dog--there are many out there!

 

[ToscasMom]

You can also contact breed rescues if you have an idea what breeds you are interested in. It's kind of hard to find the perfect dog although sometimes you can find the dog that's perfect for you. That's what happened to me. Now Collies fill your bill completely but for the extra shedding when they blow their coats in season. But then there are also smooth collies.

 

[jess2416]

some shelters/rescues could also give you recommendations of a dog that they have that could fit your lifestyle


Oh and welcome to Chaz

 

[JennyWI]

Thanks, Everybody! I found my oldest son trying to walk a friend's rabbit the other day, and figured it might be time for a dog, lol.

The only problem I've found with breed rescues is that almost all of them that I've looked at require a fenced yard, and although we have a lot of land, it's not fenced. Now, almost all of our neighbors also have dogs, and they are good at using training, leashes, etc. to keep them at home.

 

[ACooper]

Welcome Jen!

I think it's great that you are looking to adopt! Do you have any ideas on a particular breed? (or mixes) People generally have an idea of what they like "the looks of", and if you do I am SURE there are Chazzers here that own one and could give you the goods and bads

 

[Lizmo]

Hi and Welcome, Jenn!

I agree, from what you want, basically most any dog will fit that.

Maybe some dogs to look into would be a Newfoundland. They are big, but make great family dogs and sounds like what your looking for.

 

[bubbatd]

Welcome !!! You'll find the right one !! To start with , don't disregard Goldens ! Yes, too many today are hyper through bad breeding , but many adult need homes who are calm and house broken etc . Let us know !!!

 

[jess2416]

Welcome !!! You'll find the right one !! To start with , don't disregard Goldens ! Yes, too many today are hyper through bad breeding , but many adult need homes who are calm and house broken etc . Let us know !!!

Ditto on what grammy said also..

 

[Toller_08]

I think an older Doberman might fit your description. The younger ones might be a bit too energetic for you, but something about 5ish I think would be good. We adopted our Dobe from breed rescue when he was 6 1/2, and he's been an absolute joy. One of the best family dogs we've ever had (next to one of our Rottweilers). I'm sure there are others that would easily fit your description too, but I can't think of any at the moment.

 

[HoundedByHounds]

Every boy needs a Beagle....and Beagle rescue usually has a Beagle perfect for every boy!

 

[Herschel]

Thanks, Everybody! I found my oldest son trying to walk a friend's rabbit the other day, and figured it might be time for a dog, lol.

The only problem I've found with breed rescues is that almost all of them that I've looked at require a fenced yard, and although we have a lot of land, it's not fenced. Now, almost all of our neighbors also have dogs, and they are good at using training, leashes, etc. to keep them at home.

Please don't be dissuaded by that requirement! Getting approved will be harder for you, but if you can provide enough evidence that you will properly exercise and stimulate the dog you have a chance at breed-specific rescue. (I am speaking from experience. I live in a condo and adopted a Border Collie puppy)

Contact the rescues, spell out your situation, and make it absolutely clear that your dog will be a member of your family.

By the way, I second Grammy's suggestion of a Golden rescue (a lot of times they can be found as puppies). Unless you buy from a responsible breeder (for which you will have to wait 6 months or more), there is no way to predict the temperament of a puppy.

http://www.petfinder.com should help you.

 

[Tazwell]

Many rescues don't have big issues with fences. You can look around at local shelters, that's always most effective, I think. Meet a few dogs, see which ones fit your bill! There's tons of mutts out there that are perfect for your family, regardless of what mix they are. Rescues will usually know which are good with your family's lifestyle, too.

But the first thing that comes to mind is Beagle! I've always liked beagles as family dogs. They love to play, they're good with kids, they are good first-time owner and childhood dogs, I think. They're a good size, and readily available in shelters, too!

 

[noludoru]

Also, invisible fencing is always an option.. it's cheaper than other kinds, and, well, invisible. I know some HOAs don't allow fencing.

Poodles of standard and miniature size could fit your bill, as could so many breeds. Poodles are all that are coming to mind at the moment. Maybe Greyhounds, as well?

 

[mrose_s]

GREYHOUND! I plan on an ex-racer one day. They are surprisingly calm (which is he reason I won't be getting one anytime soon) and most already walk well on leash. They don't need huge amounts of energy but they do need to be inside dogs as they get cold due to very light coats and hardly any body fat.

I recomend them so highly, they arn't the guard dog type but their size should keep people at bay, particularily as they have many misconceptions surrounding them that they are "agressive" due to having to wear muzzles.

They shed very little and there are huge amounts of them in need of homes due to the racing industry breeding the hell out of them when cery few are actually fast enough. They are probably one of the most abused breeds on the planet and they suit so many family's, they make great pets.

ETA: just saw the thing on no fencing, maybe not a grey than as they do have a huge prey drive and it would most likly over run any training, same thing might be said for scent hounds, they catch a good smell and just wander away.

 

[Tazwell]

Ya know, I foster, and I rescue, I've owned dogs for quite some time, and I've never had a fence. Ever. I put my large dogs on a 40ft cable to go potty, and I go out with them. I take my small dogs out on long leashes (except for the one that's too fat and lazy to run away.). I don't understand why people can't contain dogs with no fences...? None of mine have ever run away.

I usually am not so strict on fencing, since a lot of dogs can go over fences, anyway. I'm sure that if you talk to the rescue about your plans for containing the dog, they might understand and let up about it.

 

[mrose_s]

I like fences, when we're away its easier to leave them in the yard then in the house.
A few weeks ago mum and my sister left the side gate open when they walked the dogs down to pick me up. Next day we put Mac and Bustre out the back and went to school, I got home. Put all 4 out the back. 40 minutes later i hear harry barking, sounds like he's out the front. Go and check, sde gate wide open. Buster appears beside me like "oh... look at that." I run through the house, Sophies asleep on the floor, mac appears behind me. Run out the front, call Harry and he comes running.

I knwo they're all good dogs but I got home from school to find both Mac and Buster meet me at the back door, I think mac went out wiht Hary but was back in the house before I could get out the door. They're great dogs. The last house we were in, Mac constantly jumped the fence, we'd come home and find her outside the front door. A neighbour mentioned it, she would jump the fence after we'd leave then just go and sit on the front verandah and wait for us, as did Buster when we had or temp fence in.

I do like fences though, just makes things easier.

 

[JennyWI]

I do like fences though, just makes things easier.

You're preaching to the choir. I really wish we could have one; it's just not an option. That's one of the reasons we've held off. I couldn't imagine trying to keep track of a crew of toddlers and a puppy outside...or inside for that matter, lol. I guess that's one of the reasons that I'm looking for an "older" dog.

 

[Rosefern]

I'd say go to your local shelter/rescue groups and explain your situation, family, schedule, etc...and try to make a perfect match!

If you need help finding a good shelter/rescue, feel free to PM me...I might be able to offer some assistance..

There's usually a dog for everyone!

Good luck!
-Rosefern