i'm thinking about getting a dog...?

Question

I need one that can live in a small house with a small yard, that doesn't bark all the time and can stay alone during the day when I am at work. I don't have that much time, so I was thinking about getting an older dog that needs a home from the shelter. I have a cat, but I don't know any dogs that really get along with cats. It also has to be nice with kids ( I am a single mom with a 3 year old son). Any ideas?

I mean i have time but i don't think i have enough to get a puppy, because i hear they need lots of training and stuff, and when i was a kid we never had a puppy, we only had a 4 year old dog that our neighbor gave to us when he moved.

Answer 1

A lot of shelter dogs get along with cats because they came from the street and had no choice. I would say if you're looking into shelter adoption, check out what they have, take you child with you and see what you can find. Older dogs are so sweet and wonderful! They really appreciate being adopted because they've been in much worse conditions!

Answer 2

I have 3 dogs and one cat. The cat rules the house. She will smack a dog so fast. They back down to her. Most smart dogs will learn to leave the cat alone. Just make sure you give the cat one room where the dog can not go use a baby gate the cat can go over it. That way if the cat wants alone time it can be alone.
Never have your 3 year old alone unsupervised with any dog not matter how good with kids the dog is. That is how bites happen. Kids and dogs need to be supervised by an adult at all times.
An older dog from the shlter would be a good idea. Most are housebroken and all need a good home.
Tell the shleter people about your lifestyle and time and home situation and let them show you dogs that would work in your situation. That way you will be more likely to get a dog that fits into your home with less trouble.
Good luck.

Answer 3

if you can get an older dog that has a good background with cats and chidren then excellent. but always remember that you may not have that dog for very long and you son getting attached would only break his heart so soon. a puppy is often best with getting along with cats and children as you can bring them up the way you want. youre asking for a dog that doesnt bark all day/night can stay alone all day, is good with cats and small children your askin a lot from a stray. i work at a stray centre. youve got to be less demanding as dogs like that tend to be less likely. taking a dog from a shelter can be tough as the staff normally dont have a background on that dog. depends on how the dogs been brought up. and nobody no s.

Answer 4

I think you are asking a lot of any dog. First a small dog usually needs a lot of exersize and bark a lot as they are hiper. An older dog will need to go out a lot and if your working or not home there could be a mess for you to clean up when you get home. An older dog from the pound is a good idea and they can tell you if the dog will get along with children and cats. I think you can find what your looking for at the pound but it will take time as your looking for a very special friend. One that won't bark at every little noise, get along with your cat, befriend your son and hole its water all day. It is not that you can't find a dog like that it however will take a lot of searching to find him/her...Good luck in your search...

Answer 5

hm well i have a lab and she is wonderful with kids...i personally dont think that the breed of dog effects whether it likes cats or not...i think it just depends on the dogs personality, same with barking except most little dogs bark a lot...a lab may not be a good dog to keep in a small house & yard but just to give u an idea, they are really nice dogs and if u happen to get it as a puppy im sure it would get used to the small area

Answer 6

I recomend that you start by doing some home work if you really want to get a dog. their are many breeds which could fit your profile the only thing that conserns me is that you say you do not have much time. This leads me to beleive that any dog will be to much for you to handle.

I would suggest the you check out a pamphlet written by Dr Ian Dunbar you can find it online and Print it or read it online at http://jamesandkenneth.com, if you then deside to get a dog you should continue by reading "Don't Shoot The Dog" by Karen Pryor and "Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson, these will help prepare you for training any dog that you may get old or young.

Then you should start doing some breed research, by reading Simon and Schuster guide to Dogs, or the encyclopedia of Dogs. then get a breed book on the breed you like best. Finally you can talk to rescue orgainizations, veterinarians, breeders, etc.

You can try out a dog from a rescue organization. If it does not fit, the organization will take it back. no harm done. then after your trial you can work with the rescue to find just the right dog or talk to a breeder for a puppy it is your choice. just remember having a dog is like having another child, it takes time to get along.

Answer 7

Are you looking to adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeder? If you're not looking for a show dog, I recommend that you adopt from a shelter. They are less money and are just as great dogs. Also, you might want to reconsider getting a puppy. An older dog, one over two, is usually already housebroken, and they lack the hyperactivity of a puppy.

Here's a site to get you started. Animal rescue groups usually post their dogs/cats for adoption on this site. Just type in your criteria!

http://www.petfinder.com/search.html...

Most animal rescue groups (at least the ones that I've worked with) keep their animals in 'foster homes', so that they are exposed to different situations, such as kids, cats, and other dogs.

Good luck!

Cheers,

Rosefern

Answer 8

Dogs and cats can definately get along however older dogs unless they have spent a lot of time around cats will have a harder time getting used to living with one. Also certain breeds of dogs tend to be "cat killers", only because it is in their breeds nature to run down and kill small game. Stay away from any small breed that originated as a hunting breed (esp terriers). That is not to say they CAN'T get along with a cat, but why tempt fate?

Answer 9

Yep, big old (say over three) dog should be fine. They are more established in their behavior, easier to housebreak if not already done, and less likely to be disturbed by your scary flappy occasionally screechy three year old. Ask the shelter staff for suggestions of which ones don't seem to be high energy. Also the old ones are harder to place, so you'll feel really good about saving a life.

Answer 10

Check out some books at your library about dogs/puppies. If you do get one. Take the time to train the puppy. It will make it much easier on your family and also make the puppy happy.