I Brought This Dog Book Home . . .
Remember way back in December I wrote about how, less than 10 hours after The Spouse’s 18-year-old cat died just after we decorated our Christmas tree, that The Girl began inquiring when we’d be getting a dog, just like the Obama girls? The issue about which I also wrote a column?
Well now it’s been four months since we first broached the subject of getting a dog for our family. The Obamas got their dog a few weeks ago, and now The Girl is wondering where OUR dog is. I told her that we’re still in the deliberative/research phase of this whole canine thing. The first step was to figure out what kind of dog we’d like, I told her, so, when we were at the library over the weekend, I borrowed a photo-filled book of dogs for everyone’s browsing pleasure.
The Youngest Boy (7), for some reason, kept saying, “Let’s get a pit bull!” To which I replied, “Never. No way.” Then he modified his request, suggesting that we get a dog he could “ride,” To which I said, “Never. No way.”
Since I work from home and will likely spend more time with this dog than anyone else in the family, I’ve made the executive assertion that I get to set some of the ground rules such as: No huge or drooly dogs. “Small dogs make small poop,” I’ve joked with the kiddos (half joking . . . kind of), adding that I don’t want some princess-y pocketbook dog either.
With those loose criteria in mind, the kids started to place bookmarks in the dog book to indicate their favorites. The Youngest Boy put bookmarks next to pictures of Yorkshire terriers, Cairn terriers (like Toto from The Wizard of Oz), a West Highland terrier (sensing a theme here?), and a pit bull terrier (he just wouldn’t let that pit bull thing go). The Girl echoed her younger brother’s West Highland terrier choice (those dogs look just like the McDuff character in the Rosemary Wells books) and a miniature poodle (my parents have a black one named Kelly whom she loves). The Eldest Boy, who has repeatedly said he does not want a dog but is resigned to the fact that it’s going to happen whether he likes it or not, ironically identified big dogs, a golden retriever and a Labrador retriever.
I decided not to identify any type specific breed because I don’t want to overly influence others, except for eliminating pit bulls and giant, drooly dogs that a 7-year-old could ride like a pony.
However The Spouse has yet to put any bookmarks in the dog book . He’s not so much on this dog bandwagon. Me thinks he’s going to need a bit of a nudge.
That being said I’d love to hear from you dog owners who have dogs and young kids: What kind of dog do you think would work for a busy family of five (kids ages 7, 10 and 10), given that I don’t want a big, drooly dog that’s difficult to care, groom or train?
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Author and columnist Meredith O'Brien gives you a peek behind the picket fences of modern day life and parenting in the 'burbs. With humor and candor, it's her take on real parenting in the real world.
Now, stop looking at the dog pictures and research what kind if dog temperament you and your family should have. This is the most important thing. Visit dog shelters — they love to talk about dogs and you’ll probably learn a lot. A great place to visit is Buddy Dog in Sudbury, on Rt. 20/Boston Post Rd.
It sounds as if you don’t want what we have, a golden retriever. But a good smaller-sized family dog is a cocker spaniel. My friend and her family (two kids) have been very happy with theirs.
Will you be getting an adult dog or a puppy? I’m not going to kid you, puppies are A LOT of work in the beginning, but they are so much fun. Dog training is very important if you wish to have any kind of control over your new addition. We trained ours on the basics and were glad we did so.
When they are puppies, they need to release a ton of energy! This means you and your family will be walking him/her quite often (think how fun that will be on frigid, rainy days!!) Be prepared for teething marks in your house and doggie accidents throughout. Find a good carpet cleaner.
You will likely crate your puppy until it’s house-trained. And very important to get your dog spayed/neutered!
Think about:
-How you will contain your dog in your yard — a built fence or an electric dog fence?
-Ask your neighbors/friends to recommend a good vet.
-Are you going through a breeder? If yes, make sure they are reputable and provide you with all the right paperwork…AKG dog registration, canine eye registration, certified pedigree, etc.
If I had to do it all over again, I’d have my dog experience a reputable kennel as a puppy (during vacations). She has never been to one and would shrivel up and die if we tried one for her now. Start habits early.
It’s said that being a dog owner adds one whole year to your life. Some say it’s because it gets you outside more, but I think it’s because of the unconditional love your dog will give you! Good luck with your search. Can’t wait to hear what you get.
Comment by Kris Spazz — April 30, 2009 @ 7:19 pm
Thanks Kris for all that info. Lots to think about.
Comment by Meredith — May 1, 2009 @ 9:09 am
i think books are a great place to start. they offer an idea on not only what dogs look like, but also give information of temperment, training, grooming, and more. use the books and do the research. otherwise, when you get to shelter, you’ll end up with the first cute puppy you see. then you’ll be bringing it back to the shelter a year later when you realize a 75 pounder isnt well suited for a townhouse with no yard.
seek the input from others with dogs (as you are) and from vets/kennel/shelter owners and personnel. this info will help you know what you are getting into. keep up the research and let us know how it goes.
Comment by Shanna — May 4, 2009 @ 7:42 am