buying a pet dog, yes or no?

[cookiedough]

Kids want a dog - one for sale (free) from a kid in high school he bought without asking his parents first and parents told him he has to get rid of the mini (very small) labradoodle house dog since NEVER asked first.  Sounds like dog is house broken, female and fixed,  all shots, lap dog very nice no barking, and 3 years old. 

I said NO, since don't want to be tied down on weekends and if gone for one week or even overnight,  no one who we know locally that can take care of the dog at home.  I also think my kids won't be taking care of it EVERY single day like they say they will.  I'm not a pet hater, just being realistic. 

Whatcha think,  am I being too harsh by not letting my kids ages 13 and 15 from having a small house dog for the next say 5-9 years probably teaching them some responsibility for a change or should I stick to my guns and say NO which I am FIRM on.  Plus, my wife is severly allergic (sneezing, etc.) to cats/dogs but I guess this breed of mini labradoddle is 50/50 mix is supposedly hypoallergenic meaning no shedding and not allergic but you never know until you actually get the dog?

[saab9k]

I always had a smaller house dog. My 3 daughters all have dogs, youngest 23 oldest 37.

People with dogs are usual nice people.

[da prez]

Have them sign a contract for care with the stipulation of loosing the dog if they do not abide by their agreement.  Or keep the dog and give the kids away!

                                     da prez

[sandy]

Contract is a good idea. The poodle part has hair which doesnt shed. Fur sheds. Try it to see if the wife has issues. Most dogs add a lot of joy to a household.

[Moonshot_1]

This will be YOUR dog. And I will tell you why.

You are the top dog of your household. The dog will recognize that. It will compete for your attention.

If you do not want a dog, if you have a nice house and don't want it ripped up while you are asleep,
don't get a dog.

We have a dog. Our shoes cannot be on the floor, we can have no pillows on couches. She will occasionally run off and come back with a shoe or kids toy from somewhere. Her doghouse is filled with "treasures".

Springer Spaniel. Loves Pizza.

They are fun and can bring much joy. But I could do without.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Can't imagine not having dogs when I grew up. I think they add to people's character   Yes they can cramp your style but you can find a dog sitter or boarding kennel if you want to.

[john]

 
                    $0.02
  I've  have had dogs for  40 years .. their are family members ...
if I can't bring my little dogs ... I ain't come'in
  they need people .. if its gonna be left out and ignored ... please ... don't go there
    ( a sorry piece of crap for sure )   please forgive ... just the way I see it
plus the grief of loss after   15  years is tough ... to be considered as well
if you don't love dogs and from reading your post I would say   ...   
                  no           
                            they all love pizza ...   

         

[R J]

I have had dogs since I was 3 years old and I'm currently working on 81.

I've had Shauzer, Chinese Pug, Pit Bull, Doberman, Heinz 57, and several other breeds that I didn't know what they were then and still don't know the breed.

When we lose Dizzy, I'll probably look for another one just like her.   She is a no shed, and just crazier than a bucket of crabs.    That is the reason for the name.

I have a picture of her, she is a fun little dog.   If we leave the house she goes in her kennel, at night she gets to sleep in her comfy bed at the foot of the bed.      Tell her to kennel up and she will lay down, roll over on her back with 4 very short legs straight up in the air.     NO ONE taught her that, she came up with it on her own.   She learns tricks very quickly and remembers them.

[hubcapsc]

Your call... if you don't have dependable friends to take care of the dog when you're gone,
the vet (and pet care places) will store him for you.

-Mike

[Oss]

and dont forget dogs are loyal and forgiving

if you accidentally lock both your wife and dog
in the trunk of the car for a few hours the dog
will still be happy to see you and wont take half of what you own
when you open the trunk

Just remember the dog will likely depend on you to know
when the end is there.... and time to go to the vet unless you take
care of that on your own property.... that is the hardest thing but
you will know when the time comes

Hope it works out for you if you do go for it

[Hoser]

There are two kinds of people, dog people and non dog people.  If you are, get a dog.  If not don't.  Hoser   ???

[Quicksilver]

We've had 5 dogs over the years. The little guy we have now comes from our son, inherited him 10 years ago when son started traveling. He's 14 now and still with us although has some problems with left hip and arthritis throughout. Do not get a dog if you can't see yourself letting it out to do it's business on a regular basis, then cleaning up after, feeding it at least twice a day. Some times dog needs to go out at 5 am, and every 3 or 4 hours through the day. Goes out last time at 10 pm whether you want to stay up that late or not. Consider what will you do if you wish to travel on bikes for a weekend or take a holiday. They do not have auto-pilot and require a lot of attention. Some are good with kids, some not. Some kids are good with dogs, some not. Your life does revolve around caring for your best friend.

[Robert]

Your concerns are justified and its not 5 to 9 but more like 9 to 15, small dogs live longer. You will probably be the care taker and realize that small dogs may have more vet bills than larger dogs. They may be a problem if you want to get away but maybe not either, because if someone is home or people are more willing to look after a small dog. I take my dog most everywhere he was actually fun to train after some difficult events. Now when I go to Home Depot and get a wagon to load wood on he rides right in front looking at people like a maiden head on a boat. He doesn't get off hes learned not to. When I go away he rides in the saddle bag he loves it and many have taken pics of him on the roads. When we get on the highway he looks out till the wind gets to much and then lies down in the bag. He was my daughters dog that we told her not to get but obviously she didn't listen. Hes been through college, dating and then kids which is how we got him. He accidentally scratched our grand daughter and he became public enemy #1. She said she was going to get rid of him and I said no way Ill take him. Hes a Yorkie and was supposed to be 6 to 8 lbs turns out to 13 and was supposed to be a travel companion you know one of those handbag dogs. LOL Well I thought the fashionable women take their dogs everywhere why not a man dog. Hes been a really good dog loves to travel, loves people, and a source of fun to watch especially when chasing squirrels. The looks I get when hes in the saddle bag is priceless. Make him part of your life dont make him a house dog and you will be fine.

[OverdueBill]

Having had both, dogs are much easier to deal with than kids.  A doggie door into a fenced yard will your life better.

[Jess Tolbirt]

Your concerns are justified and its not 5 to 9 but more like 9 to 15, small dogs live longer. You will probably be the care taker and realize that small dogs may have more vet bills than larger dogs. They may be a problem if you want to get away but maybe not either, because if someone is home or people are more willing to look after a small dog. I take my dog most everywhere he was actually fun to train after some difficult events. Now when I go to Home Depot and get a wagon to load wood on he rides right in front looking at people like a maiden head on a boat. He doesn't get off hes learned not to. When I go away he rides in the saddle bag he loves it and many have taken pics of him on the roads. When we get on the highway he looks out till the wind gets to much and then lies down in the bag. He was my daughters dog that we told her not to get but obviously she didn't listen. Hes been through college, dating and then kids which is how we got him. He accidentally scratched our grand daughter and he became public enemy #1. She said she was going to get rid of him and I said no way Ill take him. Hes a Yorkie and was supposed to be 6 to 8 lbs turns out to 13 and was supposed to be a travel companion you know one of those handbag dogs. LOL Well I thought the fashionable women take their dogs everywhere why not a man dog. Hes been a really good dog loves to travel, loves people, and a source of fun to watch especially when chasing squirrels. The looks I get when hes in the saddle bag is priceless. Make him part of your life dont make him a house dog and you will be fine.

you may have a silkie instead of a yorkie,, i wanted a yorkie and the one we got wound up fat,,turns out she is a silkie,,,

[Fritz The Cat]

Keep in mind that all dogs have their own personality and no two are alike. I have two Yorkies. One is sweet and affectionate. Definitely a person dog, needs lots of love and attention. The other one a a mean-as-hell little yapper who only acknowledges you exist when she's hungry. She snorts, grunts and barks continuously. Yet in spite of all this, we still love her.

Dogs are like your kids except they never grow up and learn to take care of themselves. They'll never go out and get a job either...... just like your kids.
 

[solo1]

I've never owned a dog.   When I was a councilman my number one complaint from citizens right after potholes, was barking dogs and owners that didn't give a s***.

Not the dogs fault, just owners that ignored them.

If I got a dog, which I won't at my age, it would be a Bajengi. 

[POPS 57]

I'm retired and the wife still works. We have a Australian shepherd and he is an outside dog. We have forty acres and he has the run of it. He is my best buddy and wants to go everywhere with me.  I can leave him out all day and ride. If I could not do that I would not have a dog. He comes in at night because of skunks. And he likes pizza also. Just ask Strider who had some of his pizza at the Minnesota ride in a couple of years ago.

[fudgie]

Id say no cause I hate lap dogs. I only perfer working dogs.

[Spirited-6]

What a GREAT WAY to make friends !!!! The Kids and the Dog. Go for it and lay down the rules. There are a hell of lot things that will change your life, not this one.  
Unless you let it !

[fudgie]

We have a Australian shepherd and he is an outside dog. We have forty acres and he has the run of it. He is my best buddy and wants to go everywhere with me.  I can leave him out all day and ride. If I could not do that I would not have a dog.

I had a Border Collie that was the same way but he slept in the house at night. I live on a highway and we would let him out in the morning and we would be gone all day and when we come home he would be still laying at the fence line watch the horse and steer.

[hubcapsc]

We have a Australian shepherd and he is an outside dog. We have forty acres and he has the run of it. He is my best buddy and wants to go everywhere with me.  I can leave him out all day and ride. If I could not do that I would not have a dog.

I had a Border Collie that was the same way but he slept in the house at night. I live on a highway and we would let him out in the morning and we would be gone all day and when we come home he would be still laying at the fence line watch the horse and steer.

Yeah, Bonnie has her own door... nothing too bad that's not her has ever come in through her door...



We have awesome neighbors who have horses and a dog (Bonnie's sister) and
we take care of each other when the other is gone... almost like not being tied
down at all...

-Mike

[f6john]

    No need to buy a dog. Far to many in shelters waiting for you to adopt. We have two dogs, one we bought at a pet store who has been a constant companion for the past 15 years and an interloper who showed up in our yard last spring. The interloper was scared, covered in tics and stick-tites. We gave her a bath that night and asked all the neighbors if they were missing their dog. She has been here for almost a year and has been grudgingly accepted by all.

The interloper on day 2 at our house,


Our constant companion for 15 years,



They have progressed in acceptance from this,



to this,



to this,




   Sorry for the poor quality pics but you get the idea.

[Jack]

I have six small house dogs.  They always make me smile.  I just wish my kids did the same.  Throw out the kids and get a dog.  You will be much happier over time. 

[grandpaweaver]

Dogs are God's second greatest gift to man kind. In almost 50 years of marriage we have never been without a dog.

Posted this once on Facebook and received quite a list of gifts better than a dog, Went something like this

1 Jesus Christ
2 Dogs, grand daughter said "No girls are second"

I said ok Jesus, girls, dogs then beer.

then she says how about moms and dads, brothers and sisters

I say ok Jesus, girls, moms and dads, brothers and sisters, grandpa and grandma, dogs then beer

this went back and forth for several days until dogs were down to about #20.

But DOGS are great!

[alph]

oh yes, the smell of thawing dog crap in the yard!!  can't wait till spring so I can smell my neighbors back yard!  he's got two black labs that he doesn't clean after all winter.  they're nice people, and they've got two nice dogs, but come spring time when the ground thaws out, it'll release those wonderful aroma's!! 

myself, I don't "hate" dogs, I just don't like the way people "love" dogs!!  you know, if I came to your house and stuck my nose in your wife's crotch, then crap on your carpet you'd get pissed off! but if I waked in on four legs, you'd be saying; "OH, MY DOG MUST BE SMELLING YOUR DOG!"  and then the BIG question comes in; why does your wife's crotch smell like a dog?  what's she been doing when you're at work?

and how about those people that share their dinner plates with their dogs?  then they've got that mental reply; "A DOGS MOUTH IS CLEANER THAN A HUMANS" !!  yeah, right, how many humans have you seen drink out of the toilet and lick their ass, then eat cat crap out of the litter box?!?  well, I guess if their wife's crotch smell like dog......  I can see them accepting that thought......

all joking aside, I'd get a cat.  they're easier to kick and no one feels bad when you kick a cat.  plus, when they're dead you can just put 'em in a walmart bag and toss 'em in the trash!! 

we've got fish.  darn guppies, can't kill those stupid things, and they flush good.....   

[R J]

I don't remember what or why I had a bell hanging off the back door knob.

One day I heard the bell jingling, I went to see shy and as soon as I walked into the kitchen Dizzy stood looking at the door.  Was like saying let me out.

Ever since then if I don't automatically let her out, she wanders over to the bell and rattles my cage with it.

She taught herself to do this.  like I said in my ealier post, she has some learning talent I've never seen in a dog.

In fact right now she is setting on my lap watching the letters appear on the screen.

Yupper, love that little puppy to death.

She is much easier to raise than them little darlings mom produced.

Actually wouldn't trade either bunch of them off.   Would be too expensive.   They might come back broke and expect daddy to help them out.   The youngest one is 42, she is a divorcee, w/2 girls,  her ex found something he liked better.   She is a lawyer and makes mucho $$$$$, that is all life is to him, $$$$$$ and more $$$$$$.

Enough of my sorrows, like I told mom, I should have run his ass off when he 1st showed up to pick her up on a date.

[donaldcc]

  get a dog and a cat so they will have someone to play with when everyone is gone.  just don't let them play on the bed! 

[RainMaker]

Your kids are 13 and 15.  They will be off at college and out of the house during the life of this dog.  So, if you get it, it's your dog.

My son got a sheltie when he was in college.  It was his buddy during law school.  It now lives with me and my wife since John has an apartment and works all day.  Not really fair to the dog to be stuck inside a cage when we have a yard for him to visit when he's not inside.  So he lives with us, sticks right to our sides while we work, goes with us to the bank, etc.  I like the dog.  It's really a good dog, a good watchdog, too.  But having a dog is more trouble than not having one.  If you decide to keep it, invest in a good steam cleaner for the inevitable messes and realize that dogs live in the moment - they don't think about what they did or what they are going to do - just about what's going on at that time.  So you can't shame them into thinking about what they did, only praise them for what they are doing.  Like kids, they enrich your lives.  Like kids, they are trouble at times.  And they die, which will tear your heart out.  

So, that's my 2 cents.

[dreamchaser]

Unless this Labradoodle is an adult and small, it is doubtful itt will be a small dog.  The Labrador retriever half will see to that.  It probably will not bother your wife's allergies as it will have hair Which grows and needs trimming a few times a year....most dogs have fur that reaches its natural length and sheds and has dander, which  is what triggers allergies.

The rest has been covered Quit well by all the other answers to your original question.  I to recommend adopt from a shelter:  Save a dog from an undeserved death.  That may be the case with your Labradoodle also.

How do I feel about leaving our pooch behind?  I want one of those trailers with a hole in the top with its own little windshield.  Good luck with your decision.  Consider it carefully.

[Hooter]

  I love dogs but I get too attached. They do get in the way if you want to travel or be gone. I just put my dog down last fall and can't have another one. It's too tough to watch them suffer or when the time comes, put them down. The thing is, it will happen! Too hard for me!
  Kids ALWAYS say they will take care of it and on and on and on if they can have one......for a week maybe. You and your wife will eventially take care of the dog, count on it. This is just the truth of the matter.
  Every kid should have a dog. But they need to understand the ramafications up until the end. There is NOTHING BETTER than coming home and having one meet ya at the door or just being a buddy!
  Its a tough decision, but you know your kids. You will have to evaluate your life style as well. That in itself would be my determining factor.

[WNGD]

Folks, he said the dog is 3 (not getting any bigger) and free (no need to visit a shelter, this one needs a home too).

Count me in the group that could never imagine a house without a dog. I've had 4, all German Shepherds and you simply couldn't find a more loyal, smart and giving companion. Kids and homes are almost always better with a dog around (cats are evil  )

Having said that, this is only the case where a dog is wanted and loved, since they do require regular training, exercise, feeding and time. I do have a crazy dog lady pet sitting service that comes to the house on the odd time when we're all away and i think that's preferable to a kennel.

If you're not a dog person and not sure if the kids will take care of the dog long term (at least until college or moving out), don't get the dog, it deserves better.

I can't imagine my life without a dog, they give back so much more than they require imo

[chip]

Your concerns are justified. You children will not always be around to take care of the dog. I love dogs and have had Labs for about 25 yrs. They do tie you down and free dogs still cost money. If you give in be sure to require an obiediance class it can make a huge difference. "Train don't complain"

[Fritz The Cat]

oh yes, the smell of thawing dog crap in the yard!!  can't wait till spring so I can smell my neighbors back yard!  he's got two black labs that he doesn't clean after all winter.  they're nice people, and they've got two nice dogs, but come spring time when the ground thaws out, it'll release those wonderful aroma's!! 

myself, I don't "hate" dogs, I just don't like the way people "love" dogs!!  you know, if I came to your house and stuck my nose in your wife's crotch, then crap on your carpet you'd get pissed off! but if I waked in on four legs, you'd be saying; "OH, MY DOG MUST BE SMELLING YOUR DOG!"  and then the BIG question comes in; why does your wife's crotch smell like a dog?  what's she been doing when you're at work?

and how about those people that share their dinner plates with their dogs?  then they've got that mental reply; "A DOGS MOUTH IS CLEANER THAN A HUMANS" !!  yeah, right, how many humans have you seen drink out of the toilet and lick their ass, then eat cat crap out of the litter box?!?  well, I guess if their wife's crotch smell like dog......  I can see them accepting that thought......

all joking aside, I'd get a cat.  they're easier to kick and no one feels bad when you kick a cat.  plus, when they're dead you can just put 'em in a walmart bag and toss 'em in the trash!! 

we've got fish.  darn guppies, can't kill those stupid things, and they flush good.....   

Thanks for the laugh. 

[Oss]

But Alph, like the wife, the cat wont be happy to see you when you open the trunk

The dog is "pre rinse" then plates go in the dishwasher

Daughter Stacy named her fish, a beta, a japanese fighting fish  " asshole"

Actually its Asshole the 2nd   Asshole the 1st lived almost 3 years in his bowl


Damn fish is indestructible  but they do flush easily

[cookiedough]

oh yes, the smell of thawing dog crap in the yard!!  can't wait till spring so I can smell my neighbors back yard!  he's got two black labs that he doesn't clean after all winter.  they're nice people, and they've got two nice dogs, but come spring time when the ground thaws out, it'll release those wonderful aroma's!! 

myself, I don't "hate" dogs, I just don't like the way people "love" dogs!!  you know, if I came to your house and stuck my nose in your wife's crotch, then crap on your carpet you'd get pissed off! but if I waked in on four legs, you'd be saying; "OH, MY DOG MUST BE SMELLING YOUR DOG!"  and then the BIG question comes in; why does your wife's crotch smell like a dog?  what's she been doing when you're at work?

and how about those people that share their dinner plates with their dogs?  then they've got that mental reply; "A DOGS MOUTH IS CLEANER THAN A HUMANS" !!  yeah, right, how many humans have you seen drink out of the toilet and lick their ass, then eat cat crap out of the litter box?!?  well, I guess if their wife's crotch smell like dog......  I can see them accepting that thought......

all joking aside, I'd get a cat.  they're easier to kick and no one feels bad when you kick a cat.  plus, when they're dead you can just put 'em in a walmart bag and toss 'em in the trash!! 

we've got fish.  darn guppies, can't kill those stupid things, and they flush good.....   

Thanks for the laugh. 

Alph surely has a unique sense of awareness to him - very funny!

Thanks all for the good/bad points.  Not sure even now if the mini labradoodle is even for sale still.  I guess the parents were furious the high school kid brought it home without asking them first,  but has grown on them so who knows?  If the time comes soon and we visit it and let it come into our house to get a feel for the dog,  I may end up changing my mind.  Like I said,  I am not a dog/cat person, but the kids are and they will be home for the next 5-6 years of the dog's life to take care of it.  I've already told the kids if ever it needs major surgery costing over say 1000 bucks,  it will be put to sleep.  I know 2 pet owners who have spent 2500 and 5K on 2 major surgeries to extend the dog's life another 3-4 years so not really sure if that is worth it to me at least.  2-5 grand, in my opinion, can be used for a lot more things like helping pay for college tuition when that time comes.

[Rams]

If you have to ask us, then no, don't get one.    You are either a dog/pet lover or you aren't.   I'll leave it at that.

[BobB]

It's funny to see this topic today.  We lost both of our elderly dogs last year and have gone nine months without the pitter patter of paws in the house.  Sue was more eager to get a new dog than I.  We are in our very late 60's and have considered not going through the pet thing again.   

Well today, we went to visit a near by breeder with five week old miniature golden doodle pups.  To make a longer story short, we will be picking up our new pup around March 10th.

[Skinhead]

It's funny to see this topic today.  We lost both of our elderly dogs last year and have gone nine months without the pitter patter of paws in the house.  Sue was more eager to get a new dog than I.  We are in our very late 60's and have considered not going through the pet thing again.   

Well today, we went to visit a near by breeder with five week old miniature golden doodle pups.  To make a longer story short, we will be picking up our new pup around March 10th.

See, now that's where you screwed up!   NOBODY can resist 5 week old puppies!  I hear though that you have a 3 day cooling off period and they cannot legally hold you to picking that pup up if you change your mind and let them know with in the cooling off period.


No really, good luck with the new family member.

[BobB]

It's funny to see this topic today.  We lost both of our elderly dogs last year and have gone nine months without the pitter patter of paws in the house.  Sue was more eager to get a new dog than I.  We are in our very late 60's and have considered not going through the pet thing again.    

Well today, we went to visit a near by breeder with five week old miniature golden doodle pups.  To make a longer story short, we will be picking up our new pup around March 10th.

See, now that's where you screwed up!   NOBODY can resist 5 week old puppies!  I hear though that you have a 3 day cooling off period and they cannot legally hold you to picking that pup up if you change your mind and let them know with in the cooling off period.


No really, good luck with the new family member.

I here ya...  Yup, I walked right into this.  There is NO cooling off here, I would be in to much hot water with the wife.