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30 January 2008

Dog lovers, help please! →[More:]We are ready to adopt a dog. We have been to the humane society almost everyday for weeks on end. Either the puppy is not suitable for family with young kids or they are spoken for. There are some shepherd/husky mix puppies available, but I am leery. Huskies have double coats and are miserable in the Florida heat. They are sweet as pie, we would have them in the AC of course, but I am unsure.

I am not picky. I will take any dog that is good with children. There are an incredible amount of pit bulls and pit bull mixes and adult dogs, There are a lot of adult hounds and hound mixes. Hunting dogs seem to be very popular, there are a ton at the shelter. Not sure if these are the best family dogs.

Anyway, when we go to the shelters usually the puppies/young dogs have been spoken for and we are too late. It's very competitive. I've been looking on Craigslist. I've been in touch with a no-kill shelter. One of the volunteers contacted me today via email and stated that she is fostering a male Boxer puppy that is four months old. The boxer puppy lives with other dogs and has been socialized, and is very sweet. I love Boxers. They are beautiful dogs but I am leery of such a powerful dog. Will it scale our four-foot fence? My research has said that Boxers are good with the kids. The fact that it is male kind of worries me too. Will it escape and kill all of the other dogs in the neighborhood? I'm kidding of course, but I don't know much about boxers.

I love dogs, but have never owned a dog in my life! I've only owned cats. We currently have no pets and have never owned a pet as a family. Husband has owned dogs and is a huge dog lover, but we've been waiting to take on a dog until the kids are old enough. They are 4 and 7.

I just read this Craigslist ad about Boston Terrier puppies. I am skeptical. She found them in a duffle bag? It seems kind of shady. What do you think?

Our neighbor has a brother that has a 3-year old mini-pincsher that he wishes to give away to a family. He is at work 13 hours at a stretch and feels guilty. We're not so sure if this breed is a good family dog. She's teeny -- only 10 lbs.

We are looking for a lab mix, or a beagle, or a golden or golden-mix. Any dog that is sweet and will hang out with us, go on walks on a leash, and play with the kids inside and out.

We tried to adopt a beagle/jack russell mix, but the shelter wouldn't let us, since we have young kids. He had bit a little girl's face and was returned to the shelter. He was so sweet, we hung out with him for an hour in the courtyard of the shelter and it seemed he wouldn't hurt a fly. We loved him! We wanted to take him home, but I trusted the shelter's judgment.

We're going back again tomorrow. Adopting a dog is harder than it sounds! Thanks for letting me ramble on. I would love to know your opinion on Boxers, the boston terrier ad, and any advice in general. Thanks.

post by: LoriFLA at: 18:55 | 17 comments

Look into the Boxer. Ask about the fence. My neighbor had a daughter in law and small children and (admittedly older) male Boxer staying with her for some months. He was a very good dog. If your husband has experience with dogs, he should be trainable. Ask about his early history.

The min-pin may require lots of attention, may be hyper, may mess the house. YMMV.

I do personally perfer a female dog - less likelyhood of leg-humping, smaller/more docile for whatever the breed standard is. Spaying is much more traumatic than neutering, however.

Yay dogs! Take your time. You'll know when it's right.

posted by rainbaby 30 January | 19:09

Boxers are good family dogs. No matter what dog you get you are going to have to train it so that it follows the rules.

Min pins are insane little turdballs. They usually pick one person that they prefer and they stick with that person. They can also be snappy. I associate Min Pins with a very specific kind of person - a person who is not at all relaxed. Min Pins and their people tend to be high strung and high maintenance. (My aunt has min pins.) I would not get a min pin if I had kids that are four and seven.

I love Bostons but that story does sound sketchy.

As for the choices listed - I would definitely go with the boxer. They are super good family dogs as long as they are taught to be part of the family. A boxer will definitely play with the children. Just make sure that the kids know how to treat the dog and that they aren't poking it or pulling on it's ears or tail (nub if it has a docked tail.) As to the fence - Boxers are jumpers...however they're jumping tends to be of the type where they want to jump on their people and not so much over fences. Whatever the case, don't leave the dog unattended in the yard. Get a crate for the house (this will also make housebreaking easier for you) and keep him in the crate when no one can be with him in the yard to supervise him. I would crate him overnight for a goodly while until you know he's not going to pee or poop all over the house. At that point he can sleep with a kid.

posted by fluffy battle kitten 30 January | 19:10

Boxers are indeed good with kids. Beagles are sweet, but they can't ever be left alone; a jack russel/beagle would be something of a nightmare - very cute, I'm sure, but very hyper and very needy. Both breeds need a lot of training/face time. The Boston terrier thing could well be legit. Stranger things have happened. My experience with BT's has been pretty positive, but I've never lived with one. Min-pins can be neurotic, althought that's true of any breed. Goldens are great with kids - any Lab is, actually - but everybody wants them.

And let me follow all that up with a hearty "I am not a dog expert". Do your breed research, but remember that those descriptions are all generalities. Try to spend a little time in a quiet place with the dog you're thinking about, and see how he/she interacts with you and your family.

Lastly, good luck. Dogs are great friends. I can't imagine having grown up without them around.

posted by bmarkey 30 January | 19:17

for what it's worth I still have a scar over my left eyebrow from the Boxer that tried to rip my face off when I was four. I wasn't even in their yard, just running down the sidewalk to the ice cream truck. that was the only time I ever saw my chubby, innocuous dad go completely batshit medieval on somebody, btw.

That dog is entirely responsible for my continued fear / dislike and hinkiness of dogs to this day. I know that single datapoint doesn't make much difference, but... here's my thoughts.

most Jack Russells I've known have been hyper, uncontrollable balls of idiocy. Well but then there was that one my coach owns, who's as quiet and loveable as can be.

Every Beagle I've ever known has been a stubborn uncontrollable singleminded pain in the ass. That breed was developed for 2 things: to follow rabbits and not to quit. If they get off the leash or out of the yard and hit a rabbit line? Gone. Ask Doohickie how trainable a Beagle is.

Every Golden Retriever I've known has been a rude, brainless, out-of-control mess that jumps and drools on every person within range. With the possible exception of one owned by a former boss, but that family were really good with dogs and dog socialisation / training.

The point I'm trying to make here is that ANY dog can be sweet and loveable, and ANY dog can be an antisocial mess. Even Goldens can be aggressive if they're poorly handled (I've seen it happen)

Bottom line: Dogs are a ton of work, and dog ownership can be very, very rewarding, but it's a long, continuous, involved process that most people have NO IDEA what they're getting into. Giving a dog to kids "because they're old enough to be responsible for them" is a slippery slope because no 4-7 year old I have ever met (even me, who had to grow up awfully early) has the consistency, experience or patience to be the primary caregiver. You will have to step in, clean up, feed, train and discipline any dog you get, because your kids aren't going to have the (constant) knack for it (yet). It. Takes. Time.

The main thing with having a dog is making sure you can make the commitment to the time it takes to get them trained and socialised properly. Most people don't exercise them enough, don't give them enough proper bonding OR the right boundaries / discipline. Big dogs are excused from manners because "oh, he's just being friendly" and little dogs are excused because they can just be picked up when they're being nuts.

Like I said, I'm probably not the best one to respond here, but I grew up on a farm with several dogs that I really, really loved, so you can consider me a (mostly) unbiased opinion.

posted by lonefrontranger 30 January | 19:32

Thanks everybody. These comments are very helpful.

LFR, you poor thing! That is why I am leery of a boxer. They are beautiful, but I'm afraid of their ingrained tendencies. A boxer almost killed my parents' cat. He bare escaped, and his tail was almost severed. It was hanging by a thread. Multiple stitches and a drain were required. I know that not every boxer is like this, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I would never get a purebred Jack Russell. I've read over and over that they aren't the best family dogs. I am also aware that beagles are difficult to reign-in. Other then having a one-track mind, I've also heard that they are diggers and stool eaters. Nice! Now I'm not so sure about a Beagle.

Training and taking care of the dog will be left up to my husband and I. I don't expect that my small kids will be doing much, except helping us out and doing small chores like pouring food into a dish. I've been holding out on getting a dog for the longest time because it's like having another kid. I've tried to persuade the boys and husband to adopt a cat instead. They like cats but have their heart set on a dog. I've put my foot down for the longest time. I've been pet resistant. Not because I don't love animals. I do. I just know the huge amount of responsibility that is involved. I'm not looking forward to dog hair all over the place. I don't want huge piles of dog poo to clean up. I know this is inevitable. I would just like to delay it as much as possible. Eldest child has been asking for a dog since he was five. At first I was like, we can look at them in books!, We have grandma's dogs to play with! I don't want to be inflexible and never let my kids own a pet. I have a tendency to think that everything is a pain in the ass. I've inherited this trait from my parents. They've always said: Dogs are a pain in the ass! You can never go on vacation if you own a dog. Swimming pools are a pain in the ass. Camping is a pain in the ass. Having company is a pain in the ass. Disney World is a PIA, etc. I'm trying not to be the parent that declares everything is a PIA, even if I think it is.

About goldens -- they are big. The hair is everywhere. They do require a lot of exercise, as most dogs do. I love the look of goldens, but am not sure it is the best choice for us. I would run and walk with it, no big deal. But I'm not sure I want a large dog. I'm leaning toward a medium sized dog.

I am home almost every day. Hubby is home four days a week. We will have a lot of time to devote to our dog and will never leave her for long stretches. There is always somebody at the house.

After your comments fbk, I will not be getting the mini-pin! :) Y'all are so funny! (I do feel bad that the mini pin is home alone all day. Poor thing.)

Thanks again everybody. I need this good advice.

posted by LoriFLA 30 January | 20:14

Please don't restrict yourself to just puppies. A young, already house broken dog will do just fine. Trust the shelter or foster "parent" to hook you up with a family type dog. I still regret not getting a quiet, curly haired dog at the shelter when we got our puppy (hubby really wanted a puppy). I still remember the eyes on the other dog. And although we got our dog as a puppy, her aggressive tendencies didn't come out until she got a little older. She's great with us, but I wouldn't trust her around small kids, and she's distrustful of stranger. She's a pit bull/shepard mix, who came from an abused situation. Everyone wants puppies, and other dogs who could make great companions get passed by.

Most of my best dogs were mixed breeds, for what it's worth.

posted by redvixen 30 January | 20:59

I am totally up for young adult dogs. Like you, redvixen I think it has its advantages.

On the other hand look at this dog. OMG!! Cute! She's spoken for! *cry*

But, look at this sweet girl. She's two. I'm driving to meet her tomorrow.

posted by LoriFLA 30 January | 21:07

do you have a doggy-door from inside to your yard?

i have two wonderful foster dogs i could deliver! LOL. they're great, and wonderful with kids, but might be a little large for you. and they come together as a package and are pretty much inseparable.

you'll probably "know" when you find the right dog. and from then on it's a bit of work, but all worth it. and the dog park is a wonderful place for fun and socialization.

good luck! keep us posted, eh?

posted by shane 30 January | 22:31

+ Infinity on adopting an adult dog. We've adoped three adults and they have been the sweetest. dogs. ever. (well, except the 12-year-old male that had never been fixed and really liked to hump things, but he did that sweetly)

I would try to find a retriever mix. For instance, check out some of these cuties at Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid Florida. Good luck!

posted by Doohickie 30 January | 22:38

Bless you all for rescuing a kiddo, Lori. If you're committed to a certain breed, please check out PetFinder. They'll link you up nicely with breed-specific orgs and local rescue groups.

I refuse to offer breed-specific advice. I've known way too many "dangerous" breeds and mixes that have gotten along swimmingly with all kinds of situations. A good, solid, rescue org or a foster home is probably your best bet.

I knew from the get-go that adopting a Border Collie/Labrador mix that was a misfit stray would be a huge pain in the ass. I have no regrets. She's the best $40 I could've ever spent.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any concerns. I spend way too much time and money and thoughts dealing with dogs - some rescue some from breeders. You seem to be doing it right, and good on that. If I can be of help, then more the better.

posted by ufez 30 January | 23:03

Hey, my Dad adopted a boxer about six months ago! From the Florida Boxer rescue. Smike is the nicest, dumbest, sweetest, most loving dog ever. He follows everyone around the house looking for someone to lick, and when he can't lick you, he just gives you a big dog smile . I wouldn't let him lick my face, but he about licked my elbow clean off. Nothing makes him mad- Twinkie would jump and try to bite him in the face, and he would just turn around and look for someone to lick. My father took him to obedience school, and he's very well trained.

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 30 January | 23:35

Oh yeah, also. I highly highly highly recommend getting a mutt. Both of mine happen to be pug mixes. (I would never allow Lulu to be around small children, EVER.)

I always see tons of mutts on petfinder that look like they'd be delightful. I found both of my dogs on petfinder. Decide how far you are willing to go to look at or get a dog. I had no problem being willing to drive a couple states away if I thought it was the right dog - I just happened to find both of mine in state, though. Be sure you have the kids with you so you can see how dogs will react to them. It's important to remember that sometimes dogs don't feel secure in a shelter setting and may be more introverted there. When I went to get Binky he came bounding out of the building with the rescue lady but then got behind her being all shy. As soon as we took him to a fenced area and let him play with Lulu he chilled out. Once I put him in the car for the drive home he curled up and fell asleep. When we got home he jumped out of the car and acted as if he'd known Lulu all his life. That night he fell asleep and slept for 10 hours. I was sure he'd wake me up super early the next morning to go out but he didn't wake up until I did (he fell asleep before I did.) And then he was like, "OH GOODY I AM IN BED AT HOME!" Binky is ALWAYS happy. He has the best disposition I have ever seen in a dog. I have never seen him sad or angry. Even when I got him and his leg was screwed up with a huge open wound on it (he was hit by a car before I adopted him) - he was super happy. He may be dumb as a box of rocks but he's always nice and happy. (It's a nice counterpoint to Lulu who is a super genius & also moody. hahaha.)

It might be that you find a slightly older dog that is perfect for your family. Don't get your mind set on getting a puppy. Dogs that are 2-3 years old can be easier to work with since they don't have as much puppy in them. Hopefully you will luck out and find one that is already housebroken. Somehow I managed to pick two dogs that were already housebroken.

posted by fluffy battle kitten 30 January | 23:42

Thanks all. We are really leaning toward adopting a young adult dog after these comments. Shane, I have read your trials of finding a permanent home for your doggies. You're such a good pet owner.

I'm worried that we won't find a dog, but the fact is there are plenty to choose from.

I'll definitely post pics when we adopt our new doggie.

posted by LoriFLA 31 January | 07:43

You'll find a dog, LoriFLA. We hunted far and wide for ours, at local shelters, adoption events, and on CL. The search went on for months. Returning from the Williamsburg pound one Sunday afternoon, we decided to stop almost as an afterthought at another adoption event in Park Slope. As we crossed the street, I saw a drowsy beagle mix sitting outside the bar the event was happening at. I turned to my girlfriend and said, "There, that's the one." And she was.

That was in July. Scout's a two and a half year old beagle mixed with god knows what, and is one of the best things that's happened to either of us. Her prior owners had surrendered her because they couldn't afford her (she'd delivered a litter and had a prolapsed uterus that had to be fixed by the shelter, who also spayed her, which is why she was so sleepy that first day we saw her). She's evidently been raised around children, since she loves them beyond reason, is great with other dogs and is very good with adults. She's definitely got that beagle nose, and will not give up on a scent, but she's proven very malleable to training with lots of treats (since her sense of taste is even more highly developed than her sense of smell!), and is fine being left alone at home for the most part.

I agree with everyone here who suggests considering an older dog -- which it seems you're leaning towards also. I'm also with ufez in refusing to be breed-specific -- I think it's really about the temperament of the individual dog. Be patient, and you'll find the right dog for your family. I look forward to seeing the photographs when you do.

posted by Lassie 31 January | 08:49

Just chiming in to let you know that Boston Terriers do not do well in heat. Their smooshed faces make it hard for them to pant in high temperatures. But they are AMAZING animals. If you get a chance to get one in your life do. If you are skeptical about how they were found, etc, call the local Boston Terrier Club:

* Boston Terrier Club of Miami Florida
Mary A. Hunter, 365 Navarre Dr., Miami Spring, FL 33166

* Florida Suncoast Boston Terrier Club
Sharon Hansen, 1392 Lemon Street, Clearwater, FL 34616, E-Mail: GeoBestbet@aol.com

Usually breed clubs keep eyes open for animals that need to be rescued.

Good luck!

posted by terrapin 31 January | 09:10

I've never known a mean boxer but I have known several seriously nasty Golden Retrievers. Yeah, I know, the stereotype is that they're so sweet - I wouldn't count on it. I prefer mutts, myself, and if I ever get another dog, it's going to be another shepherd mix like my darling departed Toby. I love shepherds - but they do shed, OMG, do they ever shed. As do collies, but I wouldn't recommend them for Florida - my collie mix hates summer even up here in the mountains.

With young kids, actually, I would recommend getting a younger dog or a puppy. That way the dog is used to children from the get go, whereas I'm always a little leery of a dog who hasn't been raised alongside kids. This isn't to say, btw, that the dog might be mean - it's just that an adult dog who hasn't spent a lot of time around children may well have more trouble understanding their place in the hierarchy and that can lead to trouble. Now, if you're getting the dog from a foster home with kids or if the shelter swears s/he's been around them, that would help. I'd trust the shelter who didn't let you adopt a dog because it had bitten a child - that was the right decision on their part.

Hounds are not dogs. They're hounds and they're the most stubborn things on god's green earth. They're also totally impossible until they're around five, at which point they turn into fantastic amazing wonderful dogs, but up until then, good lord. Terriers are hyper and they nip but then I'm a big dog person. My dogs are both around 50 pounds, which is a nice size, I think.

What about a spaniel or spaniel mix? I can't believe I'm saying this, given how my springer (who we found on the side of the road as a tiny puppy and no one ever claimed, go figure) likes to eat my furniture and everything else I own, but if you crate trained and were home more, I doubt that would be an issue. He is the single sweetest happiest dog I've ever had, if not the sharpest knife in the drawer, and he doesn't shed at all and loves water. We had two when I was growing up in Charleston and they are fabulous beach dogs.

posted by mygothlaundry 31 January | 10:42

I love all of the doggie pics! Thanks for sharing the pics, guys! You all are such good dog parents!

Thanks so much for all of these helpful replies. I loved reading them.

Hounds are not dogs. They're hounds and they're the most stubborn things on god's green earth.

I now know exactly what you mean. We took a hound mix out today from a local shelter for a visit and he could not keep his nose off the ground. (BTW the entire shelter went absolutely berzerk when the tech came in with a collar. We all sat there in amazement while 15+ dogs lost their minds) The hound mix was a sweet dog, and a very pretty dog, but nothing was going to get him to pay attention to us, he was entranced with the ground.

There were some Australian Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix puppies at the shelter. They were taken away from their mother at what they believed to be four weeks. Someone surrendered them to the shelter in the middle of the night, so there was no information. Anyway, we spent an hour with one of the female puppies. She was a sweet little thing as most puppies are. All of the puppies had a "first hold". We put a "second hold", meaning we are the second in line if the first request falls out. It rarely does. We loved the puppy, but I'm not sure about the early weaning.

Thanks again for all the awesome comments.

We're still looking. Thanks again for all of the awesome comments.

posted by LoriFLA 31 January | 18:13

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