Small dog for my 2 yr old...continued?

Question

Ok, let me explain. I have a beagle now, but he belongs to my sister, and she's moving out. My son is great with him, and the beagle is great with my son. Of course, we care for the beagle, and make sure my son doesn't mistreat him. I'm an animal lover, and can't tolerate people who own pets, but don't take care of them. This beagle even had insurance, so he's very well taken care of. Problem with the beagle is that he too sheds a lot, and he's way too spoiled; he never was fully potty trained. (Our fault of course...comes with having to live in apartments and working all day) I'm looking for a smaller dog now for my son to have that kind of companionship.

Answer 1

it sounds to me that you are looking for maybe a mini poodle (or a non shedder of that sort) they are great gentile compagnions. as for the potty training, we have 4 boston terriers (another great breed but shed and are quite hiper) and we found that crate training is #1. they can go for quite a while in their crate. if you are not there they will sleep. the first two days are the worst but after they get used to it they will love their kennel...it greatly helps control the potty training
good luck and have fun

Answer 2

Even though your son was very good with the beagle, very small dogs are fragile and can be easily injured by a toddler - beagles are sturdy little dogs but toy breeds must be handled with care. Beagles are not particularly big dogs or excessive shedders, and you had some training problems. If these problems were an issue, it may not be the right time for a dog.

Since you are working all day and caring for a two-year old, you probably cannot properly crate train a dog to housebreak it or teach it proper manners and obedience, so I think you should think carefully about this decision.

I really suggest you wait till your son is older, and you have more time to devote to being a good dog owner.

Answer 3

Sorry to sound tough but, how do you expect to teach a new dog when you haven't taught the current dog where to go to the bathroom? How do you expect that the new dog gets enough time, attention, and training? Like I said I am sorry to sound tough but, I really care for animals and want them to be in a home where they are cared for and trained properly. I don't know if your situation at this moment is right for a dog. When your son is older then you can go out and get a puppy.
I realize your son was gentle with a beagle. Dogs that are small like mine which are only up to 7 pounds can easily get a broken leg or get seriously injured from a fall off the bed or couch. And I know so many people it has happened too. I think a larger dog would be better for you at this time. Maybe when your son is older then you could get a smaller dog but, right now a dog under 20 pounds is at risk for getting serious injuries.

Answer 4

A Crestie is not for you just yet! They are wonderful (really amazing) dogs but in spite of the hairlessness they are labor intensive with their skins and teeth. Besides that they are extremely gregarious animals. They need to be part of a pack!
Do you have someone come to the house while you work to care for your child or are you able to take your dog with you?
Cresties are lap dogs! They do their jobs very well. If your answer is no, will you consider adopting 2 instead? As as far as potty training well, accidents will happen even in the very best dogs, so how will you feel with 2 additional two year olds in the house FOREVER?
My naked kids (5 and 2 ) are about as well-behaved and obedient as you can get and even so, this morning when I woke up, I found 'presents' on the floor. It seems that last night instead of asking to go out they chose to climb off the bed and do their business and come back to bed. It rarely happens but occasionally it does still HAPPEN.
These dogs are companion animals. They don't like to be alone and if they have to be without their humans, they need to be part of a small pack. With a two year old human and two Cresties, you would really be overwhelmed. Plus, there are skin care issues and possible allergies to deal with.
My first Crestie was perfect until she was 2. Then she developed severe allergies. She had to undergo treatment costing hundreds of dollars and I had to administer daily shots. She was a 'bubble' dog for sevral years and because of her allergies and sensitivities we eneded up having nobody at our house for years! Would you be prepared to do this, or would your dog suddenly find himself/herself on the Crest-Care board up for adoption? Adopting a dog is like adopting a child. It should be for keeps.
I know it sounds harsh but I am positively setting you up for the best doggie experience. I would look at a less problematic breed and in the meantime, why not volunteer at a local shelter so you and your child can get some ideas about the characteristics you would like in an animal companion? In a couple of years when your son is older, he and you should actually look at some kind of poodle mix in the miniature (15-20lbs.) size range - not a toy- for the two of you. They are usually rocket scientists and playful. They will usually be non-shedding too or less shedding that other breeds. Yes, there will be ALWAYS be some brushing and grooming involved but overall, this may be a better choice for you with your youngster.
I am not saying that a Crestie is impossible- they are aren't. But with a small child to raise as well, it may be more than you bargained for..

Answer 5

You don't want a delicate dog-even with a watchful eye it is too easy for the dog to be hurt.

I would recomend a Boston Terrier (that is what I am getting, my daughter is 6). They are small, very family friendly, sturdy, and playful.

In your defense, Beagles are notoriously difficult to housebreak. It's just the breed.

Also you should note that male dogs (after being fixed) to tend to be better tempermented then females.

One more tip-small doesn't mean better. Many many of the small breeds are very active while many of the larger breeds are calm and very suitable for apartment or small space living. You need to look first for a dog that will suit your environment, then one that will suit your family.

Answer 6

I would not recommend a Yorkshire or a mini-poodle. They are very fragile, and do not do well with small children. I would highly recommend a Chinese pug or a Boston Terrier. Although they, too, are small, they are very sturdy and playful, and do very well with children. I own a pug and have a 5 y.o. son. They do extremely well together, and he goes with us wherever we do. We, also, live in an apartment and he is completely house trained, does not bark, and well-behaved. Good luck. Definitely do a lot of research!!

Answer 7

I'd just keep the beagle and bathe the dog more and brush frequently. I love beagles and they are so good with children. It seems like the smaller dogs bark more and are more Moody around people. But I am a beagle lover!

Answer 8

If you didn't have time to even potty train your sister's dog, what makes you think you have time to take care of a dog with one LESS adult in the house? A new dog takes a LOT of effort to care for properly, especially if you have a small child! They need training, attention, walks, and playtime. If you don't have the time to devote to a dog, then DON'T GET ONE. It and you will both be miserable, and then you'll post questions on here asking us all how to fix your dog's behavior problems.

Buy him a stuffed animal and let him use his imagination.

Answer 9

Any small dog will do. I have two chihuahuas that I keep crated with their toys, doggie bones, food, etc. and all while I am at work. They are in their crates for 8 hours and out of their crates for about 6. I don't recommend chihuahuas for your son as they can be temperamental with kids due to their size (5 lbs.), maybe a poodle, cocker spanish or some short breed.

Answer 10

I have two toy poodles that I love like my children, they do not shed, i choose poodles because I am allergic to pet hair. A bigger dog that is great with children are boxers, but they shed. We had boxers and they got stolen out of my fenced in back yard.