Puppy Advice (merged)

scruffy96uk

OMG how cute is SHE,does she have a name yet?

pboae

Raksha wrote: »

If it can come in on a dogs paws, it can also come in on human feet...... What about puppies who go to live in a house where there are already adult dogs?.........

It can come in on shoes too, and be brought into the garden by birds or other animals, and on car tyres. It is most likely to be picked up from dog faeces or soil that has been previously contaminated with faeces and then later disturbed. As dogs tend to seek out areas where other dogs have toileted, they pose a much greater risk, especially if they then use the same area and kick their legs afterwards. Obviously if a human knowingly walks in dog mess they should clean their shoes thoroughly, preferably with bleach as parvo is extremely hardy and is unaffected by many disinfectants.

As for other dogs, yes it's a risk. New owner's should be absolutely fastidious about hygiene, especially if they have existing dogs, when they have a new pup in the house. It is possible for adult dogs to be symptomless carriers.

You cannot remove the risk entirely, all you can do is try to minimise it. Everyone has to decide for themselves how much risk they are willing to take. For me, that's as little as possible, in the hope that I never have to see another dog dying of parvo.

pboae

Bexbex she is beautiful!

rev229

My son has wanted a dog for ages and we have finially persuaded my husband that it would be a really good addition to our family. We have DS who is a very energetic 11 year old who will happily keep a dog entertained and amused for hours. He will feed and walk it and poo scoop obviously with help from all of us. I am at home all day so no problems with leaving the dog on its own. We have a dog walking area just where we live and are a 5min walk away from the woods so no problems with exercise. Our only problem is DD she is nearly 10 but has autism, epilepsy and severe learning disabilities we need a dog who is very child friendly. I don't think she would cope with a dog jumping up on her and she is quite timid near dogs. saying that I feel that having a dog will be beneficial for the whole family as rather than us being totally focused on our daughter and her needs. We plan on getting a dog from a rescue centre and hope they can meet our/dogs needs. We don't want a small yappy dog! I was brought up with a family dogs we had a whippet (boring dog, just slept) boarder collie and bearded collie both X breeds but very good family pets. We are thinking collie, labrador, retriever but would welcome any advice or suggestions, Thanks

Jellicat

Most breeds of dog will jump at you until you they are trained not to do so. Normally I dont recommend border collies to anyone, but if you are around all the time and your son is energetic you might be a perfect home for a dog like that...they are brilliant dogs if you have the time for them, great for things like agility and flyball which your son might like, they are great fun. Also easy to train so stopping the dog from jumping up should be easy. However the odd collie will be snappy so bear that in mind. Rescue centres are often full of collies so you wont have a problem finding one.

Labradors can be very over-exuberant and bouncy so maybe not your best choice, but perhaps a golden or flat coated retriever? Both are lovely pets. Springers tend to be very bouncy too but cocker spaniels and sprocker spaniels are delightful, and quite small so not too imposing for your daughter.
Staffies are also lovely dogs.
Lastly dont forget about crosses and mongrels. They can make lovely pets, although unfortunately because crosses are so "in" right now you might end up paying a stupid amount for what is essentially a mutt. And I would say avoid labradoodles...they can be a nightmare to train.

pollyanna24

I always thought labradors or retrivers were the best dogs ever. Not quite sure why as I've never owned one, but I just think they are lovely.

Them and Staffies are the only breeds that the Kennel Club recommends with children. I have a staffie and fully recommend that they are great with children, i.e. won't get bored and will put up with a hell of a lot. On the flip side, they are quite jumpy and licky. Ours is 1 1/2 years and we are still trying to beat (not literally!) the jumping out of her.

I have also had a Alsatian cross and she was absolutely lovely, but all dogs can have different temprements (sp).

I think you are right not to go for a small yappy dog. You want a tough dog who can roll around on the floor your kids.

k1mmie

I would thoroughly recommend a labrador. I bought a black lab 2 years ago and its the best decision ever. He is great, so obedient and fantastic with the kids. He is also like my best friend (i do have human friends just in case your thinking!!!!). He will follow me everywhere and comes to the coffee shop with me and sits by my side.

I would say if you have very young children that all dogs have a jealous streak, not to say they would harm anyone but be aware of this.

Happy hunting.

lizzie_dripping

I am in a very similar situation to the OP and have found the replies here very useful.

Thanks

xxlaurissaxx

I would say a lab or a westie. It depends on the size your wanting. I always think that labs are the friendliest dogs but there hair gets everywhere and its not nice having to sweep the floor 3x per day! I have a westie and she is brillant. Shes small, doesnt cast her hair and very well tempered and when my nephew was born she was great and wasnt jealous at all. /It really depends on size, if you can give them lots of walks and bigger dogs do need longer and more walks and the bigger the house the better.
Mongrels are by far the best for training and loyalty but you have to remember that alot of dogs from rehoming centres have troubled past and can snap very easily.

Good Luck

xx

marlot

You're clearly thinking things through, and the rescue will be pleased that you have - they'd love all potential owners to do so. I'd say a dog could be a good addition to your family.

However ... rescue centres tend to be overrun with requests for labs and retrievers which are good with children, so you might be waiting a long time if you want to be that specific. You'd do better looking at the personalities of the dogs they have - A 2-3 year old heinz-57 may well be perfect?

You don't say how severe your daughter's epilepsy is, but I've seen some fantastic dogs warning their owners of impending fits, and I've seen other dogs traumatised by the event - its all down to the temperament and training. You need to guage one with the help of the rescue, and a good rescue will help you plan the other.