What breed of dog is good for therapy after attempting suicide??

Question

Over the last year a lot has happened, i have been diagnosed with severe anorexia, i have self harmed, i attempted suicide and came very close to suceeding and then in the past week my brother died unexpectedly at the age of 17.

I have one dog already, but my parents want to get me my own dog (my present dog belonged to my brother) so that he can hopefully aid me in recovery so that i can get my life back on track. I am only 15, so it has to be quite an easy dog to train and stuff...does anyone have any specific breeds which can be good in helping recovery??

Thank you.

Answer 1

Dogs can be wonderful, they can get your focus on them and off of the problems in your own life. What kind of dog depends a lot on your own personality. A active breed or younger dog is great for someone who needs a reason to get out of the house and do something to take their focus off their problems. A more sedate breed or older dog may be just the thing if you want a dog to snuggle with.

Dogs are also a responsibility. For some its exactly what they need and they put the dogs welfare as a reason to tough out those hard times. They have to persiver because the dog depends on them and needs them. For others the additional pressure of having another living being that relies on you can create additonal stress. You would be the best judge of which type your likely to fall under.

Remember that a puppy or untrained dog will also need training and patience, at times it can seem they are a burden but if you keep working with them your persistance will pay off with a new best friend. Just don't expect them to learn overnight and they only know what they are taught. Crate training and supervision will reduce the amount of accidents and chewed up items with a pup or new dog. Just like children they have to learn the rules of the house.

Also consider size and how much maintance you want to do. Long straight coat dogs, especially german shepherds shed constantly, will this cause you more stress? Fuzzier dogs actually shed less (less loose hair falls freely off them as they move about) but both require daily brushing. Fuzzy coats (poms, chows etc.) not kept brushed will mat. Short coat dogs shed but the hair is less obvious. Long coat dogs need bathing if they get dirty, short coat dogs can often be brushed clean and washed with a damp towel between baths.

Think about all aspects of your new friend and choose the type that will cause you the least amount of stress.

A shelter pup that needs you as much as you need it may be the perfect answer. Shelters have all types of dogs with various needs and temperaments.

Sounds to me like your brothers dog needs you, unless it is unsuitable I would consider sticking with the dog your already familiar with.

A dog won't solve all your problems but I am sure you already know that. If you are not in counciling please seek help.

Best wishes, life can be tough. Take it one day at a time.

Answer 2

I would recommend adopting one from the humane society. Each dog is unique and there is no way to say which is better but the staff at the animal shelter can tell you the dogs temperment and any information about the dog and best of all you are giving that homeless pet a home. It's rough going through all you have and I think a dog is a great thing to show you that someone want's you and loves you to be around that you will be the most important person in the world for him/her. I'm glad you are still a part of this world and hopefully you learn to find some peace within it. I felt the same way when I was your age. I would cut myself and think about suicide and few times I went without eating for a day or two but then I couldn't go any longer. Now that I've grown up and got outside the world of high school drama and I've seen that I am a part of something biigger it's changed me. I found that keeping myself busy with positive things helps. I read, go to school, exercise and do yoga, I only put good things into my body, I play with my dog and cat, and treat myself to a massage once a month. I really feel great now and I hope you find a productive way to deal with what you are feeling and going through. Stay strong and proud and don't let anything get you down.

Answer 3

There is no easy answer to that question. But if a larger dog is ok, try a Golden retriever. They are friendly, smart, and good with families. If you want a smaller dog, go for a poodle, a shetland sheepdog, or a mixed breed from the shelter. A shelter dog will love you forever because you saved it from a lifetime of being unloved.
I dont advocate relying on an animal for your self-reliance because things happen to animals. Pets die, and then you're right back in the same boat as you are now. Keep up with your therapy as well.

Answer 4

I would suggest researching on different kinds on internet. Smaller dogs tend to be more hyper and active, probably not the best thing for your nerves.
I have a Border Collie, very lovable and easy to train. Most collie breeds are.
But why not keep with your brother's dog. You are both experiencing a loss and can be comfort to each other.

Please do some counseling, with your whole family.

Best of luck with everything and I am sorry for your loss.

Answer 5

All dogs are loving and can help you feel better. I also went through a highly depressive episoide where I had to be hospitalized as a teen. My parents bought me a bichon frise, a fluffy lapdog, and he was the best therapy ever. He's very sweet and affectionate, calm, and makes me feel better. When I used to cry he would lick up my tears, truly the best dog. He's an old boy now, he's 12, but I still love him dearly. The bichon frise is a great breed to look into

Answer 6

EVERYONE SHOULD REPORT FTHE FIRST PERSON SHE HAS BEEN WRITING THAT EVERYWHERE AND IT IS REALLY RUDE...anyways...i have 2 dogs and theyll love you forever go to the vet store and any dog that you fall in love with... like really fall in love with( when you see the dog you say oh my god instead of ohh how cute or something like that)... thats you dog... i think that having your ownh dog will definitely help you but you r life cant depend on it... dogs are the same as humans... all dogs are really playful so i think you parents have a good idea with getting you your own dog i think it will really help you in your current situation... as i said before all dogs are really playful so it doesnt really matter what kind it is and they will always love you... i really hope i helped and i know you must be hearing this a lot but i know how you feel and sorry for your loss
♥ jan♥

Answer 7

The person who posted about rescue dogs had some good advice.

My humble opinion though would be to stick with your brother's dog. You've both gone through a terrible loss and can be of immense comfort to each other. Another dog is a big commitment with training, vet bills, exercise, etc. Spoil the one who needs you most, your brother's dog (bet s/he's lovely).

Answer 8

Will the dog be safe with you? Don't be upset for me asking, because it is a valid question.
Your dog cannot make you well. He is like a child who needs you and depends on you. He can't be the caretaker in the situation. He will love you unconditionally, but he can't be the caretaker. Are you in a position to be the caretaker? You need to be honest with yourself about that before you get a dog.

If you can care for one, then get a golden. They are the most responsive, gentle dogs available at this time.

Answer 9

Any breed that you are attracted to and like. I have golden retrievers and they are extremely affectionate, human -loving and easy to train which I would think would be a good choice if you want a big dog. My big male golden loves to give and get hugs.

If you want a smaller dog, Cavalier King Charles spaniels have all the affectionate, human loving qualities and easy training of goldens in a small package. They are very sweet and want to be with you all the time.

Good luck in working through your issues. A lot for you to be dealing with.

Answer 10

Labrador Retrievers are very good dogs for bonding closely with their masters. Their favorite thing is just to be near you and devote themselves to you. Their abitities to form strong bonds with people make them the number on service dogs and companion dogs. My Lab as well as my boyfriends and friends all have amazing abilities, even as pups to sense human emotion and act accordingly.
Golden Retrievers, King Charles Cavaliers, or even mixed breeds with Labs and Goldens make excellent dogs.