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Kathryn
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they realllly want a dog. We used to have a dog but she died 5 years ago and when it came time for another dog, we had another baby instead.  
They've asked for a dog really but have even offered to get a hamster, a guinea pig, a rabbit, chickens! We live on a typical suburban lot so not lots of room.
If we got a dog, I wanted one with minimal shedding, no more than about 35 pounds, good with kids. A beagle kept coming up but most people say they're howlers. So, not sure on the dog front. We previously owned a West Highland terrier but my kids want a bigger dog so I've settled up to that mid size range.
At any rate...if you've owned any of the other above mentioned (hopefully less maintenance pets) can you share pros and cons?
They would LOVE to have a pet under the Christmas tree and I would so LOVE to give it to them. That may not be feasible but getting them a pet at some point soon would be great.
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SallyT
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Hm. We have run the gamut of small pets, mostly as bait-and-switch efforts because we were in situations which prevented our getting a dog (three years ago we finally adopted a Plott Hound-Lab mix -- about twice as big as your 35-pounder, but a fabulous family dog).
Guinea pigs and rabbits really aren't that low-maintenance, in my experience. I like both, mind you (guinea pigs more than rabbits, though we've had rabbits for a long time, and our current one for about 5 years), but they require a *lot* of attention and socialization to be remotely satisfying companions, especially for younger children. Rabbits, particularly, can be nasty if not given attention and some room to roam -- and if they roam in the house, they can be VERY destructive. Even really-too-small cages take up a lot of room and need regular, not to say constant, cleaning.
I say all this guiltily, because my daughter's old rabbit, left behind when she went to college, hasn't been out to play for some time now, though I do clean his cage religiously, talk to him, pet him, etc. And that's another thing . . . older kids, say 10 and up, *may* do a good job of caring for pocket pets, but my experience has been that pets like this in the hands of anybody younger than a teenager really become mine, mostly because younger children tend to find them boring fairly quickly. Not that they don't love them, but the work it takes to make and maintain a relationship with an animal like this, that doesn't have thousands of years of domestication behind it, is more than many children can handle for very long.
Both rabbits and guinea pigs have relatively long lifespans, so once you have this pet, you will have it for an average of five years, given that it's receiving adequate care. Hamsters tend to live maybe two years, which is either an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on how you look at it.
Now, I really like pocket pets. We had guinea pigs in our flat in England for four years, and I loved them. They were personable and cute, whistled at us when we came home, etc. And although I can be kind of sour about rabbits, of which we have had a long series, mostly because people were dumping them and we took them in, in whatever debilitated or unsocialized condition they happened to be, they can be personable and fun. Our current rabbit is really quite sweet, though he did destroy my daughter's sewing machine cord, her rug, the spines of many of her books, and no telling what else in the years he lived in her room. Rabbits do have distinct personalities, so it can be fun to have them around if you're willing to interact with them enough to appreciate rabbit personality.
I have to say, though, that nothing quite compares with a dog in terms of being a really satisfactory companion. I never thought I was that much of a dog person, but seeing how much my kids love our dog, and how much he gives back to them and to all of us, I'm converted. I thought I wanted a much smaller dog, but when we went to the rescue shelter to meet dogs, this dog was the only one who didn't shy away from my younger children. Hounds have their quirks for sure -- vocal (though Plotts don't bay and howl like other breeds), headstrong, like to rummage through garbage, can't be off-leash outside the fenced yard -- but really make up for those quirks in affection, loyalty, and patience with children. They also have short hair, though my experience is that there's still plenty to vacuum up. Not like my mother's shepherd-mix dog, who sheds several man-sized sweaters daily, but I definitely have to sweep and vacuum more than I did pre-dog.
So, no real advice, but these are my experiences and perceptions. Basically there's no such thing as a pet that doesn't take up room or demand a lot of attention, so you're looking at tradeoffs between finding room someplace for a large cage set-up and deciding that you can handle a pet whose territory is basically your whole house.
Oh, and did I mention that I love Plott Hounds, even when they're not purebred? Best Dogs Ever -- gotta spread the good news!
Good luck with your discernment process. And my kids, having waited years and years for the dog they really wanted, can feel your kids' longing! When the time is right . . .
Sally
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HSMama
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a cat? relatively clean, keeps to itself and you can keep it outside and don't need to worry about keeping it contained so it won't get run over by a car or knock over the neighbor kids.
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Michaela
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My now 11yo son desperately wanted a hamster. He read books about them and saved his money. After begging at least a year, with our permission he bought a white dawf hamster and cage. I was sure after all that begging and saving he really would take care of it!  As soon as my son let Peanut run around his room he found out hamsters poo everywhere. Immediately...he was done with that hamster. Everyone else had to care for it. My youngest dd would throw fits to play with it. She was so kind, but young and needed constant supervision. It really was a horrible time because she loved it so much and wanted to hold it constantly. Pro: hamsters have a short life span
Con: If you like them out the cage once in a while, the poo issue.
We had chickens on our suburban lot...poo issue. lol Plus, they really aren't cuddly pets like a dog or cat.
We've had cats. After the last one, that would constantly urinate down the heater vent....NO MORE.
I didn't realize how much of a dog person I really am.
Back in June we had to put our 5yo Boxer down. She was a great dog, perfect in every single way. No complaints or gripes. Dealing with her sickness the last year of her life was no fun, but that wasn't her fault.
After putting down our boxer, I thought NO MORE PETS!! The cleanup when they are sick 
 the expense of the unexpected vet bills ......just the extra stuff that happens when you have pets. I kept saying I'm too busy taking care of my children and house to deal with another pet.
Well, last month, someone was getting rid of their 1yo boxer. He is absolutely the best (pet) addition to this family!!
Dogs require much more training and work than a hamster or rabbit, but they give so much love to the family.
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JodieLyn
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I like cats and dogs.
Cats really need much less training than dogs, usually don't create messes in the house if they are allowed outside, can be left for trips with just someone to come in and make sure they're fed, can be quite cuddly and social and yet also more independant than other critters.
Dogs are wonderful but I've come to the conclusion that unless one comes fully trained there is no way for me to deal with a dog at this time.. probably not for years.
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JennGM
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We've been a no pet family. We bought a hermit crab at the beach this year. The boys were chanting on the way home "We have a pet! We have a pet!"
For me it would be hermit crab or fish.
That's just me, though.
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mom2mpr
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I had a beagle in my single days. Awesome dog. I wished I had kids to get rid of her energy though 
I can only speak from my experience but she was not a howler. My current lab howls more than my beagle ever did. Beagle was crate trained and was so quiet in there. She had no need to "protect" her digs in the crate. I rented quite a few apartments with her and most landlords and neighbors were surprized how good she was. She was in the crate any time I left the house.
They do have A LOT of energy. I walked her one to two times a day--I was in apartments and condos most of her life. She learned to play fetch quite well--dusts my lab on retrieving, too . I did keep her on a long leash though because she never quite got a recall. Oh, I think she knew how,if she picked up any scent she was interested in she decided it was more important. They are VERY food interested and motivated. Mine dug through a sealed, cardboard moving box to get to a big bag of treats my brother sent for her She went through the side. She also snarfed my bosses kids PBJ sandwich from the back of his stroller while we chatted at a fund raising walk
She was clean, funny, happy, energetic, and loving. She was with me for 16 wonderful years and ds remembers her fondly. I think a beagle is a great additon to a family--with kids 
Good luck in your search for a pet.
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Lara Sauer
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I have always found "no" to be an acceptable answer to that question!
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Kathryn
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SallyT wrote:
| Oh, and did I mention that I love Plott Hounds, even when they're not purebred? Best Dogs Ever -- gotta spread the good news! |
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I'll have to check those out.
unfortunately ds and I are both pretty allergic to cats. another reason I was looking for less of a shedder type dog.
Michaela wrote:
Con: If you like them out the cage once in a while, the poo issue.
We had chickens on our suburban lot...poo issue. lol Plus, they really aren't cuddly pets like a dog or cat.
I didn't realize how much of a dog person I really am.
After putting down our boxer, I thought NO MORE PETS!! The cleanup when they are sick
the expense of the unexpected vet bills ......just the extra stuff that happens when you have pets. I kept saying I'm too busy taking care of my children and house to deal with another pet.
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Ok...I do not want "untrainable" poo issues! Yes, I really am a dog person but everything you cited above is exactly why I haven't gone there. Our previous dog cost many vet trips, much $$$$$ and of course, much  when she was sick and died but oh how we loved her so very much. She was our "first baby". You know, in the Christmas photos pre-kids and all. DH and I got her when we'd only been married 4 months and she was with us 13 years until oldest kiddos were 6 and 7.
JodieLyn wrote:
| Dogs are wonderful but I've come to the conclusion that unless one comes fully trained there is no way for me to deal with a dog at this time.. probably not for years. |
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I think it'll have to be one completely trained and prob. 2 years old.
JennGM wrote:
| We've been a no pet family. For me it would be hermit crab or fish. |
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That's been my stance but we did do a fish and it lasted about a month! I just don't know if **I** am ready for another responsibility!
mom2mpr wrote:
| I had a beagle in my single days. They do have A LOT of energy. |
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I really prefer a "free roam" indoor/outdoor dog...not in a crate. That's how our last dog was. Would that be ok? If I got a beagle in the 2 yr old range, would I already be able to know it's traits? Also, since we homeschool and my DS has A LOT of energy and we are outside A LOT in our mild TX weather, I think we can deal with the energy aspect...as long as I get my sleep at night. 
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joann10
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We have a lovely little beagle(2 years old). It is the best dog we have ever owned.(we have "tried out" of few others). It is great with the kids and it does not howl, or even bark very often. It was easy to house break, and stays close to home.
(just my little two cents worth of info)
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ShannonJ
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I just remember my Great-Aunt's beagle. It was crazy! Bazonkers! Anyhow, I don't think she trained it either.
I have relative that have had two successive Australian Sheep Dogs. No tail to make your tea going flying off the coffee table, no shedding even though they have long hair, they got along pretty well with my kids when they went to visit, and seem very well behaved in comparison to training our very strong willed Chocolate Lab!
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ShannonJ
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Now after reading more about the Australian Sheep dogs it says they can be shedders. Hmmm. Not sure here, but I do remember them saying their dogs never shed. Maybe its a specific type? I remember wishing I didn't have dog hair floating around the floor many a time!
Oh yes, we also have two little Chinese hamsters too. They are nocturnal, but good tempered and easy to care for. They do need to be handled carefully since they are so small. I would be wary of young hands. My five year old does pretty well under supervision, but the littlest isn't allowed to touch. We keep them in an aquarium tank with a wire top so we don't have to worry about the bedding getting thrown out of the cage.
We had a gerbil before that. Very hyper and difficult to catch. My daughter loved it to death, but I think the Chinese hamsters are a bit easier for her to deal with.
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Vanna
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Growing up I had a Cairn Terrier (like Toto from the Wizard of Oz). She was the best dog. She had lots of energy but not too much. She was cuddly, let me dress her in dresses (poor thing) everyday. She was great.
We currently have a 1 yo Doberman. He is the best but Doberman's need tons of exercise and lots of room to run. It's my son's chore to take him out twice a day for at least a half an hour at a time and play with him. If they don't do it, he chews up stuff in the house and is generally a pest in the evenings.
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organiclilac
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I was going to suggest a Cairn terrier also! Excellent breed for families. They are smart and affectionate, and don't tend to choose a "favorite" person - they love everyone.
We have a guinea pig, and they are fun, but one thing I did NOT know about beforehand is that they are more allergenic than cats! One of my best friends cannot visit my house until the guinea pig dies because she almost had to go to the ER the one time she was here. If you have people with animal allergies who live in or visit your house regularly, you may want to make sure they can tolerate guinea pigs before you buy.
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Mimip
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This is an interesting post for me to reply to since we are in the middle of training our 8 month old yellow lab, golden retriever mix. She is beautiful and an absolutely wonderful dog BUT she is a puppy.
If left to her own device, by herself with no supervision she will chew the entire house up!
We have crate trained her since I did not want a dog in the sleeping sections of the house at night. It has worked out really well. Also when we leave the house, she gets crated.
We will never get a puppy again but we were dealing with fear issues with our youngest and our vet suggested a puppy that would grow up with him. It worked and our youngest loves dogs now. My husband and I are dog people but I think an older not in the puppy stage dog would have been the better choice for us but alas this has worked out for the better.
I had hamsters growing up and loved them but I did not want to clean cages and that is all I ever remember my mom doing with our hamsters. Guinea pigs tend to smell and shed quite and bit down here in S. FLA. I kill fish. 
I think the decision comes into how much responsibility you want to take on. My husband walks out dog every morning and evening. My older kids walk her during the day at lunch and I take over walks on the weekend. We knew getting the type of dog we got would mean constant exercise.
Ahh, and just like Tracy, we did not realize that one of our closet friends has a son that is VERY allergic to dogs. No more trips to hour house.
Good luck with the decision!!!
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mom2mpr
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joann10 wrote:
We have a lovely little beagle(2 years old). It is the best dog we have ever owned.(we have "tried out" of few others). It is great with the kids and it does not howl, or even bark very often. It was easy to house break, and stays close to home.
(just my little two cents worth of info) |
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Oh yes. I forgot to mention, the beagle also outperformed the lab in potty trainng-with crate training she was done in about a week. Smart dog!
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mom2mpr
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mom2mpr wrote:
| I had a beagle in my single days. They do have A LOT of energy. |
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I really prefer a "free roam" indoor/outdoor dog...not in a crate. That's how our last dog was. Would that be ok? If I got a beagle in the 2 yr old range, would I already be able to know it's traits? Also, since we homeschool and my DS has A LOT of energy and we are outside A LOT in our mild TX weather, I think we can deal with the energy aspect...as long as I get my sleep at night. [/QUOTE]
I personally have tried an older dog and it didn't work out. I have always had puppies and been able to train and bring them up. I do know quite a few people who have had successful adoptions of older dogs and it can work. I think it takes more time. Either way, you'll need to spend a few hours with the dog/pup to figure it all out. Someone once told me to pick a "naughty" puppy to have the smartest of the bunch. I did that with both beagle and lab. Beagle was SUPER smart and learned quickly, lab was a little slow (took a year to house train ) but has mellowed quite nicely. The lab is currently at the energy level of the beagle at about 10 years, she is only 5
You CAN sleep at night after a few nights of getting up to let a puppy out. Crate training is wonderful for that. I used, as my "bible," The Weekend Dog by Myra Milani. Not sure it is still in print but it was a wonderful help with my working and all.
My beagle was crated because I was single, lived alone, and wanted to know she was safe while I was gone at work ALL DAY(our lab does not know how good she has it ). In fact, my house got robbed while I was at work one evening and I came home and dog was still in crate-terrified, but there. I was so worried about her when I realized my home was ransacked.
I think, after some time and getting through teething and all, you can have a free range beagle. Our lab is so spoiled compared to my poor beagle. She has an electric fence and pretty much comes and goes as she pleases. We are home most days all day and there are plenty of people to throw balls (though she is not the best retriever ) and take walks with her. We love on her ALL day and she rests under the DR table while we do our work. I think a beagle would have a great time with your family.
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SallyT
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So much depends on the dog and where it comes from. Our dog was 3-ish when we got him from a rescue shelter, and the people were wonderful: all their dogs had been living in foster homes and receiving training and socialization, and they went to great lengths to ensure that the dog we chose was a good fit for us. A lot of it was just this dog and his good personality: he had belonged to some guy who had acquired a whole bunch of dogs, presumably to hunt with, but he wound up just hoarding and neglecting them. Our dog was in the shelter/foster home for six months and came to us housebroken (some accidents in the beginning due to separation anxiety, but those quickly resolved), knowing some basic commands, and very well socialized despite his background. He settled in pretty quickly and has been a very issue-free dog. So I have no regrets about getting an older, settled dog, and my kids really have not missed having a puppy.
It does take some time to learn an individual dog's traits and quirks, but no dog is quirk-free, any more than any person is. You can, however, pretty easily judge things like fearfulness (a nervous dog is more likely to bite and have other stress-related problems) and affinity for people. One recommendation I remember reading before we got our dog was to pay attention to how the dog responds to being touched and petted -- when you stop, does it immediately shake, as if it wanted to shake off the feel of your hands? That's not a good sign. I also remember reading a recommendation that, if possible, you be with the dog when it's eating to see how it responds to being touched: does it growl if you approach or touch it or its bowl? Any dog will dislike being messed with while eating or having its food messed with, but a good family dog should not be immediately territorial like that.
On the other hand, friends of ours just got a first dog after doing massive research and settling on a Havana Silk Dog. They got a puppy because two of their three children were very fearful of dogs, and she is apparently darling and very gentle and tolerant -- essentially a canine baby doll in a houseful of little girls, to judge from the pictures. I forget exactly why they chose this breed, but maybe Silk Dogs don't shed? Anyway, that was what worked for them. Obviously there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
We haven't had a cat, either, because of my husband's allergies; he actually thought for years that he was allergic to dogs, too, so getting this dog and allowing it to be in the house was a HUGE concession on his part. Before we got the dog he went to the allergist to see about shots and asked what breeds of dog were more hypo-allergenic. The allergist said that basically there's no such thing, because the allergens are proteins in the dog's saliva, which is airborne (as in when the dog exhales) and will totally infiltrate your house within a week. Which . . . you probably don't want to think about too much, though I guess it's true that our saliva totally infiltrates our houses as well . . . and I don't want to think about that, either.
Anyway, I think considerations about the dog's coat really come down to the question of your tolerance level for dog hair in the house, as something to be hoovered up.
And dog-walking is a great thing -- I would not have an exercise routine otherwise. It's been good for my kids, too.
Sally
PS I agree about the allergenic-ness of guinea pigs. Rabbits, too. They make me sneeze big time, which is one reason why ol' Bosco Rabbit stays in his cage so much since his real mistress has flown the coop, leaving him with me. His nails really need trimming, and I so don't want to do it . . .
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Kristie 4
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Hedgehog! Likes to be ignored- doesn't smell- very, very low maintenance- eats cat food and the occasional mealworm. We have had three hedgehogs and find them to be sweet, and very hardy (our first live almost 5 years and would have live longer but got a draft in our new home (it gets to -40 here) and got quite sick! Our first hedgie was the best- came from a breeder (only because we lived on an island and the breeder was coming our way- but in the long run it was a very healthy and well adjusted pet!).
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Kristie 4
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Oh, and hedgehogs are hypoallergenic (meaning there are hardly any people allergic to them- my mom is horribly allergic to cats and my daughter's past guinea pig but the hedgehog has yet to give anyone any problems!)
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: My kids reallllly want a pet...
