Should I get a dog?

Question

I used to have a miniature schnauzer but I had to give him away because he was too hyper-active and was impossible to train. It's been almost six months and even though I had a bad experience with my past dog; I really want to give my puppy parenting skills another shot. I love dogs, and I have a new job, thus I'll be able to spend a lot more time with this new dog; and I've always wanted a tea-cup sized dog and have never been able to get one. I think a smaller dog and more time off will be the best combination, but I'm not sure my boyfriend, whom I currently live with, will go for it. He thinks that he's heard this all before and that this time won't be any different. I feel terrible that I had to give my other dog away, but he's happier now. He lives with a lovely family with two young kids and a nice huge yard. He needs that. I know I can be a good parent, but I'm affraid my boyfriend might be right, what if it doesn't work?? What should I do?

Answer 1

Do not get a dog!

Answer 2

Adopting or buying a pet is the same as having a child, you are making a life to commitment to this animal, you can not give it away to some one when it does not do what you want, or does not behave to your liking, or you have a job or family. I do not mean to sound nasty, but I do rescue work, and all of the animal that come into the shelter, I always here the same thing, I do not have time, I have a new baby, I got a new job, and the kids lost interest. It is sad, what we do to our animal. Why don’t you try a homeless kitten or cat as they are independent and if you get busy, they do not mind as much. I do with you the best in what ever you decide, but if you get anything please if at all possible adopt, I have listed three for you.

http://www.petfinder.org
http://www.pet-ark.com
http://www.pets911.com


I would also like to leave you with the national statistic for dog, it is sad but true

National Stats
The sad fact is once a puppy is past its cuteness; or a dog displays behaviors we do not know how to deal with, many canines are discarded like old newspapers. On average 100,000 dogs and puppies are listed on www.petfinder.com, daily. The National Council reports it on Pet Population Study and Policy, from the 5000 or so US agencies who responded to the survey, that over 2 million dogs enter shelters annually. Of those 27% are relinquished by owners, 42% are turned in by animal control, 31 by other sources, of these dogs, 56% are euthanized.

Answer 3

You already have good intentions- that's a step in the right direction.
You said you would like to get a tea-cup sized breed, but narrow that down even further to a specific breed- and READ READ READ. Talk to others who have that kind of dog- ask about potential training problems and how to deal with them. Ask about the breeds activity level... You should have about 20-25 questions in mind before you do your research and talking to others. Answer those first, then start looking for a dog. This way- you are already "armed" with information before you get the dog- and thus much more prepared.
Training a dog takes a lot of time and patience. It is not easy, but every effort will be worth it when you have a dog who is a pleasure to have in your home for many years. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I think you need to research your breed choice a lot, then spend some time with dogs of that breed. Terriers may not be right for you as they are often hyper and high-strung. But you say you want teacup so perhaps a chihuahua would suit you. You should then visit a chi breeder and spend time with the mother and other chis that are there, see if you like the dogs.

Set yourself up for success - sign up for puppy classes right away. They will help you work through the tough puppy situations and reassure you that the annoying behaviours will stop with the right training.

Answer 5

If we all lived in what if we wouldn't do anything. What if this isn't the right job? what if he isn't the right one? will i be a good mother? if we lived with the i shouldn't do it because i might not be good at it we would never do anything beneficial to us. If you feel its the right time talk to your boyfriend and tell him you really want to try again. I know where your coming from i have a Yorkie pup that is 11 months and he is extremely hyper and territorial but i have to keep working with him. i cant just let go though i wish i could. my children would hate me if i did. but i would say try again with a diff rent kind of dog that is what your looking for. look around and check out the specific dog types and behavior issues before getting the dog maybe that will help.

Answer 6

I would suggest that you do your research first. That helped me out a great deal. I researched for about 5 months ( though I was dying to get a dog in the time I was looking). I wanted to make sure I got the right one, and I did.

My husband did not want a dog in the house. But after I did my research, checked websites like http://www.dogbreedinfo.com (a very GOOD website), spoke to a few dog owners of a similar breed, I was able to convince my husband and myself that that was the type of dog for me, I bought a few books as well. It is good to know about the growth stages, what to expect in mating season and reasearching really prepares you for the fun as well as and challenging times (like when your dog is a puppy - up to 6 or 8 months they are teething so they like to chew in YOUR stuff - that is natural but passes) reading up on the growth stages will help you know how to deal with these little habits.

I have a very sweet Shih-poo and after researching again, a year later, I got a Cocker Spaniel mix. My husband and I are very happy with my choices and both dogs love each other.

Good Luck whatever your choice as long as you are happy.

Answer 7

IMO if you have to ask yourself if you should get a dog and you bring up all these reasons not to get a dog, then your answer is in the question. NO you should not get another dog. The reasons you could not keep the other dog were not the fault of the dog. They are yours. Think about it. The next dog may not be as lucky to find a good home when you have to give it up.

Answer 8

Try volunteering at your local humane shelter first. I know the SPCA is always looking for volunteers to walk, to groom and to spend time with their dogs. That way you can find out if that's what you really want, you can pick up new skills and you may even find a new friend. If you take it seriously and are dedicated to it you may prove to your boyfriend that you will take a new dog seriously.

Answer 9

Well I know I got a pomerainan and she is so sweet. If you want one go to www.ponderapom.com and there is so many to look at. It is a pomerain rescue group. I would get a older pom cuz they are potty trained.

Good luck :)

Answer 10

If you are ambivalent about whether or not you will be able to keep the dog and make it work, then I wouldn't do it.