What kind of dog, if any?

gettingready

teddysmum wrote: »

Many rescues won't let a dog go to a home where there won't be a person about for most of the day

And in today's world this is simply not realistic so that is why so many dogs are being PTS or spend years in shelters behind bars rather than on a comfy sofa with a full belly and toys waiting for the owner who loves them to come home and take them for a walk,

pinkteapot

Be very cautious unless you're sure your cat is OK with dogs.

Our cat previously belonged to a friend. She had our kitty for two years (rescued as a kitten) and then she got a puppy. It was only then that she found out how much her cat hated dogs. After eight weeks of kitty being incredibly stressed and attacking the dog several times, she sadly rehomed kitty to us. She was devastated but felt it was the best thing for all. We went to visit kitty to see if we wanted him (like the answer was going to be anything other than yes once we'd seen him!) and he was so on edge when pup was around - it was so sad. Pleased to say kitty has a great life with us, is utterly spoilt and as relaxed as he can be (he's an anxious cat in general but has improved a lot).

Read up online about methods of introducing cats and dogs to each other gradually. It is really important, especially if your cat doesn't have much experience around dogs.

I think, from what I've heard, it's best to add a cat to a household with a dog, than to do it the other way round.

I think our kitty's story is an extreme case and obviously the vast majority of dogs and cats learn to tolerate each other, but read up and give it thought beforehand.

meritaten

your work schedule sounds ok to me - but have you considered how the cat would react to a dog coming to live with you? Some cats are fine with dogs once they establish who is the boss (they are). Others can get very upset and become little psychopaths. how does the cat react to visiting dogs? dogs passing the house?
if you are sure that the cat will fine - then visit a local rescue centre, more than once if necessary - because you and the dog will both 'bond' instantly. Looking up breed characteristics will give you an idea about how big they grow and the average daily food requirements, and coat shedding etc - what they WONT do is tell you that particular dogs personality.
I love Staffies - mine was the best dog in the world with kids and me - she just hated other dogs, post, and was a right escape artist - fairly typical of the breed. BUT, I have known other staffies I would not have trusted with kids or even adults.
its a judgement call, and you and DD will have to go with your hearts and your heads on this one.
GOOD LUCK!

Mary_Ko

Best friend for you and your family would be a Labrador Retriever! Selecting this breed you got the best friend for the whole family. Labradors have a reputation as a very even-tempered breed and an excellent family dog.This includes a good reputation with children of all ages and other animals.
Good luck!)

TBagpuss

Your hurs sound fine as long as the dog has no major anxiety issues. I would be more concerned about whether bringing a dog into the house hold would be stresful for the cat.

Think about practicalities on that. One of my cousins got a dog a couple of years ago - their rule is that the dog is not allowed upstairs, so that cats have a safe, dog-free part of the hosue they can retreat to if they want to. They are now realsonably comfortable with the dog but having the dog-free zone helped a lot when Dog first joined the household, as the cats knew they could relax there.

In terms of breed, think about the size of the dog and the amount of exercise it will need (bigger doesn't always mean more) and also about things such as practicalities of getting it in and out of the car, where it will sleep, how much it will eat.

A smaller dog might mean you have a dog-door in your back door to give the dog access to the garden, without leaving the hosue open to any passing burglar.

How much time to you have to spend on grooming and vacuuming up hair? Does anyone in the family have any allergies ?

If I were you, I;d consider spending some time now reseaching what might suit you, and perhaps plan to get a dog at the start of the summer holidays so that you have 6 weeks to get it settled into its new home, and so you can work out your routine.

arbrighton

TBagpuss wrote: »

A smaller dog might mean you have a dog-door in your back door to give the dog access to the garden, without leaving the hosue open to any passing burglar.

How much time to you have to spend on grooming and vacuuming up hair? Does anyone in the family have any allergies ?

re small dogs and 'dog doors'. MIL had a dog flap fitted for her terrier mix as she is disabled with the theory that Bonnie could go out into the enclosed garden as necessary. Bonnie never used the flap but my BIL (over 6 foot and fairly well built) used it to let himself in when he'd forgotten the keys

Our poodle doesn't shed but does need clipping and brushing (and she's not hugely keen on that). I'm not allergic to her (why we got her) but I am to many dogs who shed