1st time pet dog owner

[jamaica_dreamin]

A friend is thinking of adopting a dog for her and her 6 year old son. She may have had dogs in the yard in Jamaica but has never had a house dog in the US.

She will be adopting not shopping. She is looking at the local animal control and humane society on line.(of couse I always see a Pit or Shar Pei mix that I want )

She will have no trouble adopting as she owns her home and has a fenced yard. She knows she needs to buy the dog a crate.

She knows that a baby (the adorable 8 week old ones that every one wants) would not be a good idea for a working Mom. She knows a baby can not hold it all day etc.

She wants a dog that will be smaller than my 34 lb Barney but not a toy or tea cup.

I showed her a 14 lb 10 month old Manchester terrier mix and 1 year old Mini Pin on line she was luke warm. I said she's racist cause she does not seem to like black dogs. I was thinking that they might have some watch dog potential as well as being nice pets. . She liked the poodle mix till she thought about the grooming.

she said she does not like Chihauhau's (I see plenty of mixes)

I have not seen any Boston Terrier or Boston mixes on there.

She has liked the looks of Beagle mixes. One was 5 years old. I know it is great to adopt an adult as they have less chance of finding a home and may be house trained already but, I was wondering about the life expectancy etc. Beagles are hunting dogs, right?

I know some people in English Bulldog and Shar Pei rescue but she is not real interested in them. (I don't think either would be a good choice for her either) Too may potential medical issues and I think the adoptions fees are higher (she is not rich)

Any thoughts?

[diabolical_Tanya]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

she should go visit in person and meet a wide cross-section of dogs

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diabolical_Tanya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">she should go visit in person and meet a wide cross-section of dogs </div></div>

I'm sure she will.

[Tulip]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

So she is looking for a small dog that plays well with children and does not require a lot of grooming. Since this is her first time, she probably needs one with an eager to please personality too. I agree that she should not get a toy, and a lot of rescue organizations will not adopt toy dogs to families with children under 10. Has she thought about how much exercise the dog will get? A high exercise dog living a low exercise life will not a happy home make.

I think the poodle mix is a good choice depending on what it is mixed with. A cockapoo or pekapoo would likely be small while a schnoodle on the other hand would likely turn out to be medium sized. In the poodle’s defense, they really do not need a lot of grooming but they do have to get haircuts more than some other breeds because they don’t shed.

I think a cocker spaniel or miniature schnauzer would be a good choice. Both are easy to train, kid friendly, loyal, and good natured. Cockers shed like it is going out of style, but schnauzers are low shedders.

If she is partial to a lighter colored dog, then the West Highland White Terrier might suit her. Same good qualities as the cocker spaniel and miniature schnauzer, and it is also a low shedder. (Tell her good look with that red discharge that shows up under all white dog's eyes. Keeping that area white can be a battle in itself.)

This is a good site to use because they post listing from both the human society and rescue organizations in the location you select: http://www.petfinder.com.

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

Thanks Tulip,

I am under the impression that cockers are likely to be nippy and bite.

[Tulip]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jamaica_dreamin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Tulip,

I am under the impression that cockers are likely to be nippy and bite. </div></div>

Girl no. They are sturdy, playful, and easygoing. (Now that's unless you screw them up, but you can screw up any of them.) My parents had a cocker spaniel named Rembrandt. My niece who was 3 or 4 at the time, rolled around with him on the floor, pulled his ears, and all sorts of things that you normally should not do. He took it all in stride when I know most of my other previous dogs would have been nipped at her.

Also, I had one that I rarely mention because I gave him away. His name was Mon Ami. He had the same sweet and playful temperament. Also, they do not have dominant type personalities which makes them a good choice for first time owners.

Now, they definitely will bark if a stranger approaches the door, but that's more of a plus as a watch dog feature than yappiness.

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

hmm. cockers sound like they might be a good option if she like them.

[Tulip]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

Aside from the shedding, it would be my first choice if I had a young child. That's taking size into consideration. The English cocker spaniel is slightly larger than the American cocker spaniel, but in my opinion, the Americans are better looking. The English are calmer though. (My parents had an English and I had an American.)

If size were not an issue and I had a child, I'd probably get lab or a golden retriever. The cocker spaniel temperament is similar to those and they are eager to please you.

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner



She watching some shelters in the area. If I see a cocker or cocker mix I'll point it out to her.

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

This is the dog they are getting. He is an 8 month old crate trained Beagle named Benjy. (They are keeping the name)



A very nice lady who's family does not have time for him posted him as free to a good home. She talked to 8 potential owners and chose my friend. The woman was really interested in the dogs happiness. He loves kids. So she wanted him to have one

She is giving his new family all of his things (crate, toys, dishes, leash etc)
He will relocate on Thursday.

[Tulip]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

I was wondering about this the other day when I looked in the pet forum.

Well congrats to her. She got a Snoopy lol. That worked out great especially since a beagle was one of the ones she wanted. So do I have to ask? Are we going to see a pic of Benjy Thursday?

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

The picture posted is Benjy.
Hopefully there will be more to post (if not Thursday at some point)

[Nanook]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

Awesome!

Looking forward to the pics!

[Tulip]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

What picture ja_dreamin? I don't see one.

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: 1st time pet dog owner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tulip</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What picture ja_dreamin? I don't see one. </div></div>



That is weird. I can see it.