should we buy? i have two toddlers and both my boyfriend and i work with the police. so maybe a small dog would be good for us?
thanks.
2006-11-27 09:23:00 · 11 answers · asked by Mandy 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
well i work 9 hours from 4am to 12pm. and my boyfriend works from 2pm to 10p, so someone is always at the house. unless they call us both in for an emergency.
2006-11-27 09:45:14 · update #1
I've tried going into the K-9 unit but the don't have any positions open right now. and they don't open one up till one of the officers moves to another part of the unit.
2006-11-27 11:37:48 · update #2
Ask yourself a few questions to help choose the best breed for you:
-How much grooming time can you provide?
-How much exercise can you provide?
-What size yard do you have?
-How long will you be away from the house each day?
-What energy level can you handle in a dog?
-The ease of trainabily?
-What temperature range you live in?
-The playfulness and affection level?
-Do you want a dog that can protect you, or just one that will alert of things?
-etc.
You may want to go online and do some dog breed selector quiz type things, such as this one-http://www.showdog.com/Breeds/breedselector.aspx-, or this one-http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm.
Of course, as others have suggested, you could always go to a local shelter or human society to find a dog for you. But before selecting one, be sure to watch the dogs carefully. Look for one that is alert, and that will, carefully, come to you. I wouldn't suggest bringing your children on the first visit, as they might become emotionally attached to a dog that isn't right for you. Go without them first, and choose a couple that would work, and then bring the children later and see which one you all agree on.
I wish you the best of luck on choosing a dog! They are great companions, and you will really enjoy your dog's company!
2006-11-27 09:50:07 · answer #1 · answered by el Rocky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Small dogs aren't a good idea with children. Because they are small, they tend to get nervous and scared easily and will bite if they feel threatened. We've had this bad experience with Jack Russels' Yorkie's, Yorkie - Poos, and Cocker Spaniels. Labs and Golden's are VERY good with children as are Shelties. Shelties are herding dogs so they like to try to keep everyone in the same room and outside will wrangle kids to stay in the yard. Labs are gentle, loyal, and protective and will take just about anything a small child can dish out. Golden's you have a lot more shedding but they are great as well. Labs rock!!!
2006-11-27 17:28:42 · answer #2 · answered by MasLoozinIt76 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I agree with KJ...shelters are the best. I found my best friend in a shelter and shes awesome! Plus, if you get an older dog, then you wont have to put up with the chewing and potting trianing as much. Plus, they may be a little calmer for the kids.
2006-11-27 17:29:01 · answer #3 · answered by Christine T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your house and your kids- mainly, though, size won't matter unless you're unable to exercize or take care of larger dogs. (Likewise with hair length- if you won't have time to brush a long-haired dog's fur, you'd be better off getting a dog with shorter hair.)
I would suggest not looking at certain breeds, but looking at certain personalities- is it good with kids, will it need a lot of attention, is it noisy, etc.
Of course, certain dog breeds do have "set" personalities, but there are always exceptions to the rule...
2006-11-27 17:29:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are with the police, why not get into K9 training? German Shepherds, Rotties, Pitties... they way I understand it (the way it works here) you actually keep the dog that is your partner, and not only are they excelently trained, they are fiercly loyal to you and your family. Of those I mentioned, I only have experience with pitties, and they are great with my 4 and 5 year olds!
2006-11-27 18:43:12 · answer #5 · answered by MotherBear1975 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You definitely don't want a larger dog cause of your young children. Go to an animal shelter and find an older or gentler dog, puppies are harder to care for and are more rambunctious.
2006-11-27 17:28:12 · answer #6 · answered by B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have enough time, I would suggest a Coton de Tulear.
2006-11-27 17:40:19 · answer #7 · answered by DogLover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a miniature pincher would be good for your family!
2006-11-27 17:31:00 · answer #8 · answered by Pig girl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I like Boston Terriers. They can be hyper, but they are very loving and devoted and seem to really like kids.
2006-11-27 17:27:51 · answer #9 · answered by lemonpopps 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Go to your local shelter and see who picks you out.
2006-11-27 17:24:53 · answer #10 · answered by KJ 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋