Looking for a family dog

[Alan A]

I’ll offer a contrarian opinion.

1. Don’t get a puppy.

They nip. Ours right now is going through the wants to mouth everything stage. That’s bad enough for my kids - who aren’t scared of and have always had dogs. I would be loathe to introduce same to a kid that’s scared of them.

2. Get something low energy. Again we get back to the fear thing. A dog that jumps, or worse jumps up can be scary for kids. One of ours was called Bouncer - pre kids. He wouldn’t have been a good choice as an adolescent dog in a house with any children. As he got older he was perfect.

We have bigger dogs and I’m not a fan of little ones, but for you I’d recommend something smaller. A lot smaller. Something like a Cavalier King Charles. Yes it’s a lap dog but they are affectionate and good with kids, and most important not especially scary.

Caveat - all our dogs are rescues. I’d say try that but make sure it wasn’t abused. They can have issues

[craigster59]

We just welcomed this little guy to the family on Thursday. 9 weeks old, Little Nula. He's smart as a whip and is almost potty trained after 2 days, does well on a leash too. I hope he keeps it up, it will make the training much easier. I'm sure the chewing will kick in soon enough, will have to nip that in the bud.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by craigster59

We just welcomed this little guy to the family on Thursday. 9 weeks old, Little Nula. He's smart as a whip and is almost potty trained after 2 days, does well on a leash too. I hope he keeps it up, it will make the training much easier. I'm sure the chewing will kick in soon enough, will have to nip that in the bud.

Oh yeah...gimme an 8 week old puppy....every time. Properly crate trained, you're done after four months....totally house broken, no chewing (on stuff they shouldn't), no jumping, etc. Not letting a bad habit develop is easier than retraining one imo....done a lot of both.

Nip it in the bud - Barney Fife was spot on

[LWJ]

I have had two lab rescues. First one was perfect from day one, the other was a spaz for years and is now perfect. They do need exercise.

I had a golden retriever as a kid. As much as I think labs are fantastic, goldens seem less spastic. Agree with female as well.

If your son is on board with walking? Either is great.

Good luck!

[oldE]

Here's another vote for a rescue dog that "clicks " with your family.
Our best one was a (we think ),golden lab/husky cross. Fantastic with kids and amazing with other dogs and our cats.
Your results may vary.
Good luck.
Les

[aigel]

Alan makes very good points. A puppy is not the way to go IMHO due to play biting and jumping.

One thing you guys may not know, but in the Bay Area it is a royal PITA to get a dog from the pound. I think adopting a child may be less complicated. I have had several people try to adopt and they were alienated with all the questions and requirements, house visits, questions about income etc. If you go this route, take a trip (I recall you have a nice camper?) up to some of the less populated counties and pick a pup in a shelter there. There will be a lot less red tape and you also may have more choices.

And last but not least, why not get in touch with an organization specializing in companion dogs for special needs kids? You could also find people with "therapy dogs" that can come see you and your son to get him accustomed. These dogs are usually brought to hospitals, nursing homes etc. to lift people's spirits.

A companion dog is more than a pet but it may be better geared towards your son. I see this as a one time chance (if the dog scares him good, he may be done for life wanting one), so better not mess it up.

Don't rush this and most of all, make it fun!

G

[Baz]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Please at least consider rescuing one from your local shelter , it will do your son and the pet some good . We are partial to daschunds but have owned the gamut of breeds over the years . In my opinion picking out a dog is like picking out a car , you just know the right one when you see it . Good luck .

PLUS 1 for a RESCUE!!!

They are after all....the BEST breed out there!

[RKDinOKC]

Won't just say rescue. My dogs have always been Goldens.

If you don't have a breed in mind, under your circumstances I would take the boy to the pound and let him pick out a dog he likes. I'm sure he will then be a lot more tolerant of the dogs "mistakes." and it will make it HIS dog.

If he is too afraid of dogs to go to the pound, maybe getting a dog right now is not a good idea. Get him used to the idea, and maybe he will want a dog. Maybe watch some movies with him that have good dogs in them. Find some video on the internet of people interacting and having fun with their dogs.

A couple of my nephews when little were scared to death of my golden. If they saw her they would run screaming. Now they have dogs themselves on even has a pit bull. They brought home strays, not even pound puppies.

One nephew stayed with me for 2 years. At first he was afraid of my golden. In college he got his degree as a veterinarian and opened a clinic after school. Says it was because of my dog.

[ckelly78z]

We have an Aussie, which for where we live is the perfect choice, he has 10 acres to explore and patrol. He is inside 90% of the time, but can be off leash on the farm for hours during the day. I think he would be just fine with children, but may be a bit active/high maintenence for your situation.

[DanielDudley]

Golden retrievers are patient, loyal and gentle. Some are very smart, and they can learn to do a lot of things. You hear a lot of stories about dogs saving kids and people. A lot of those stories are about Golden Retrievers.

[rfuerst911sc]

Our oldest son had a male Golden it was the perfect dog . At some point my son and daughter in law decided to get a female golden for a companion to the male . It was a rescue and the most high energy spastic dog I have ever seen . Just saying not every golden is an angel or mild mannered . But that's why they are dogs Good luck with your search , regardless of the breed when you get a good one they are priceless to the love and life they bring to a family .

[varmint]

I have a 12-13 year old blue heeler. She doesn’t like other animals. Doesn’t like most people. Just a mean snappy old girl.

There’s a guy with Down’s syndrome who works at the local coffee shop. TRex adores him. It’s five minutes of belly rubs and kisses every time I take her there.



There’s really no way to judge ahead of time how a dog will react.

[LWJ]

Regardless, this just sounds like a great story with a happy ending. Keep us posted.

My cousin's oldest has Down Syndrome. They skipped a vacation two years ago and got a dog.

They don't regret it.

[Bill Douglas]

Islander dogs. Also known a Scottish Border Terriers.

Cafe hounds. I don't know how many kids and toddlers have given them a hug and kiss at a cafe.

[JavaBrewer]

I would love to rescue a dog but 90% of the dogs here are pit mixes. No thanks.

You mention indoor dog lifestyle. Have you considered a dog that does not shed? We bought (sort of adoption) off Craigs list a Maltipoo ~ 6 years ago. The sweetest dog on the planet. Yes he is a "lap dog" but is a complete companion always ready to cuddle and love. He was a bit mouthy as a puppy but has since been the perfect dog for us.

Again this option is only for folks not looking for a traditional dog.

[JavaBrewer]

Here is Scout. Loves people.

[KFC911]

Love me some Labs...but shedding comes with the territory....that's why they come in three colors...depending upon your decor . A small price to pay...but true!

[cantdrv55]

Thanks everyone!

I started out looking at shelter digs but most are pits or pit mixes. Can't take the chance. Looking at Labradoodles but the wait list is long. Like you all have suggested, we're going to take our time to find the right dog. I'll post up a pic when we bring one home.

[Bill Douglas]

I love that Scout dog. My sister has one just like him called Lou. And he has two good buddies called Brutus and Ted LOL. A lot can be said for fluffy white dogs. Smart too.

[RKDinOKC]

Had a Golden Retriever and was primary caregiver for my Mom with Alzheimer's. She was Mom's dog. Slept with har and always went to her first when hungry or wanting out. Would not go for a ride in the car unless Mom was going.

The Golden passed at 13 one morning. Mom was devastated. Basically stayed in bed and would not get up, eat, or do anything. Same the next day so did some interneting and found one litter of Golden puppies the right age to bring home that day. Barely got Mom up and out to go see the puppies. Mom held our new puppy in her lap bringing it home.

Mom latched onto that puppy and the puppy latched on to Mom. There was no crate training the puppy had to sleep with Mom. That puppy was Mom's shadow. In order to avoid any house training problems I just left the back door ajar for the puppy and that worked great.

Now for the amazing part. Having the puppy woke Mom up from her Alzheimer's. Mom started cooking for herself again. It was so she could feed the puppy from her plate, but she was cooking. She also started remembering what was going on. Usually when I took Mom anywhere I would get asked every mile or so where we were going. After getting the puppy she not only remembered, she reminded me that we were going somewhere and where we were going!

When Mom passed it was very very early in the morning. It was the puppy that came, woke me up, and lead me to her.