i need a sweet, fun, low maint., kid loving, likes to go for walks, can stay outside in a fenced back yard, able to come inside to visit (not stay) doesnt mind being alone (i work full time, daughter goes to school all day) dog! do they make them? ive considered pugs, boxers, border collies, and parakettes! help! we really want a dog, but, also don't want to be unfair to one.
2007-03-11 12:19:12 · 21 answers · asked by luvmyboxer 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Here is an article on "Are You Ready For A Dog". Just because it seems you are having a little doubt! But that's okay.
Dogs are pack animals. They love and need to be by you and your family. So staying outside isn't really a good idea for a dog. Why wouldnt it be able to stay inside? Is it because of the shedding? There are loads of dogs that dont shed! Here is a list is non-shedding-very little shedding: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lightshedders.htm
If you want a dog that wont mind having some quiet time while you're out, I suggest adopting an older dog. http://www.petfinder.com or try going to your local shelter. Puppies need alot of attention and have to be taken out every 3-4 hours, and don't like to be left alone. So an adult dog will do better.
If you decide that a dog is right for you, look through some breeds to see what one is right for you! http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm (there is also a test there too)
Some other pets you might want to consider are a rabbit! I have one and she is just so amazing. She is an inside rabbit with a pretty good sized cage and doesnt smell as long as you change the care 2 times a week. A bag of hay lasts 2 months (about) and pellets about 1 month. You can litter box train them also.
You mentioned parakettes, they make good pets also! They may tend to chirp too much though.
I wouldn't recomment a ferret, as they are a little mischievious and need constant supervision like a baby. But they are very cute!
This would be with a rabbit; a chinchilla, hamster (they live only 3 years .. about), a rat/mouse.
or .. fish? You could buy a big fishtank and you and your daughter could find some cool fish and plants to put in the tank. That would be pretty cool. And it could be her "job" to feed the fish everyday.
A cat would be good too! (inside cat only) I think every girl wants a cat when shes younger. I know I did! They are playful, and you can litterbox train them. I find that mixbred cats make the best pets! Your local shelter can help you pick out one that matches you and your daughters personality!
Just some suggestions! :]
Good luck in finding a pet!
2007-03-11 12:40:19 · answer #1 · answered by xtaintedLOVE 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Shetland sheepdog. It's like a miniature collie. They're great with kids, fun, however protective (they're from the herding group), they love the outdoors, love a good walk, DO NOT GIVE IT PEOPLE FOOD! My dog begs the mess out of us for our food. When your daughter is away it might get nervous but it will get use to it. They are the best greeters on earth. They are relatively clean dogs, and they are protective and if there are other kids over and there is rough play they can be protective and bark. They are a very smart and over time will learn a good vocabulary. For more info go to: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_Sheepdog
2007-03-11 14:24:52 · answer #2 · answered by will w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A dog needs alot of attention, especially when you first bring them home. I wouldn't consider having a dog unless he/she lived in the house with me. Dogs love to be part of the family and do more than be alone in a fenced yard all day and night. Perhaps you will be better suited to a cat?
If you insist on having a dog, get a mutt. Mixed breeds are generally good tempered, have fewer health problems, and make wonderful pets. Both of our dogs were rescue dogs and are part of the family - 100%.
2007-03-11 12:55:11 · answer #3 · answered by gold 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no border collie,,, they are too smart and need to work and need to be a part of the family - would not do well left in a yard alone.. i believe same would go for boxer. since you are honest about not wanting the dog to live in your house and be part of the family,,,,, go with a parakeet or even a cat ( but make sure the cat gets to be inside with the family)
Please understand, dogs are pack animals,, they are not solitary creatures,, taking a pup away from its littermates,mom etc. and banishing him to be alone outside is very cruel... even if you let him in once in awhile.... maybe you could rethink your decision and read up on proper crate training etc.. and then we could offer you some very very nice breeds that would be good for a single mom and daughter...
2007-03-11 12:25:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I honestly think it would be unfair to a dog to be brought to a home where he/shes alone all day. Dogs are not just pets, as with any pet, they become part of your family, and want and need lots of attention just as if they were a kid of yours. I think its unfair to get one and just chain them in the backyard all day, but if you really want one, I would get a golden retriever, they are so loving and kind, very family oriented dogs. Dont consider a dog that requires lots of attention, like for instance, a boxer, we have 2 of them, and even have the book on them, those kinds of dogs require lots of attention, you cant just leave them in the backyard and ignore them, its bad on their personality, and will change them. Try getting online maybe on a pet website and asking around, even go to your local pet clinic or pet store and just look up your options. Good luck!
2007-03-11 12:28:16 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Check out your local humane society, some of them are very helpful. they list how well the dog is potty trained, what kind of personality you can expect(needy, lazy, hyper ect.) and other helpful things to know about them. DONT GET A PUPPY. puppys are very cute, but require more time and training to become the kind of dog you want. An older dog is easier because you dont need to spend as much time on it, and you usually get the kind you want if you go to a humane society.
2007-03-11 12:27:26 · answer #6 · answered by Katie B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, A dog needs attention, and it sounds to me like you both aren't home all that much. You are working and she is at school.
Also you mention that it would have to stay outside?
Imagine yourself tied outside all day with no companionship, then you're only let in for a few hours in the evening and then put back out. This is not the way to treat a dog.
You may want to consider a ferrett or another similar animal that you can easily care for and not have to worry that it is all alone like that.
Dogs need attention. Please don't get a dog if you don't have the time for it. Neglect is abuse. in any form.
Sorry.
2007-03-11 12:26:56 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa R. 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You shouldn't get a dog if you and your daughter are going to be gone all day. Sounds like you plan to leave it outside while you are gone all day as well - not a good idea - too much can happen.
My friend came home and found her dog hanging from the fence by it's collar. He tried to jump the fence & got caught.
A bird or a cat is your best bet.
2007-03-11 12:24:57 · answer #8 · answered by Lucy 5 · 6⤊ 1⤋
i personnaly like English Bulldogs. their pretty low maint. they love to go for walks. mine stays outside a lot. the only thing is if you live in a cold area they would have to stay inside. they have real short hair. they also can be tought to skateboard.
2007-03-11 12:26:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd recomend a golden retreiver. there nice, sweet, and are perfect for kids. they are really talented too so with a little work you can teach them many tricks. just remember, if you get a puppy it will be a while before it'll stop peeing in the house and will be able to stay on its own so maybe adopt a little older pup. but, yes, golden retreivers rock!!
2007-03-11 12:35:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋