Looking for a family dog

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by 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.

Don't know if I've ever told you this, but I always read your stories....you have "the gift" man....just like we all know dawgs do

To the OP....you're doing it exactly right imo....keep looking and when the right one comes along and picks you...we DO expect a pic or three. Happy hunting.....

[Seahawk]

Like most here, I have had a lot of dogs over the years, Shepard’s, Labs, Heelers, rescues, Jack Russels, etc.

In your case, I’d look at a Corgi. Great, gentle dogs who are excellent with children. We had one for 12 years and she was simply bullet proof, even here on the farm, with kids and other dogs.

Best of luck.

[Superman]

Many, many breeds are lovable and faithful. That said: The gentlest, most loving of all possible dogs is, as everyone knows, a female Golden Retriever. Second place would be a black lab.

[rammstein]

Originally Posted by dewolf

Greyhound. Everybody overlooks them but they are super friendly and just like a big cat. They like to play but love to sleep. My son adopted a small female ex-racer and she is beautiful. Very loving and very smart. Sadly a lot get put to death early in life because they no longer win races.

I've had 3 greyhounds. Happy to answer any questions.

Greyhound basics:
Lazy
Sleep a lot
Enjoy Television
Have probably never seen stairs, glass doors, tile floors, etc even though they may be 3 years old.
Make great therapy dogs due to their gentle nature.
If you have a rescue local to you they will have many to choose from so you can go see them and find one who jives with you.

Possible areas of concern:
Flight risk. When doors open, sometimes they just decide its time for a race. If they get out of the house off leash they may take off. Even if they don't get hit by a car, they wont know which way home is once they've run off a mile. Must be on leash at all times. Consider a secondary gate by the front door to keep them from being able to slip out.

I'd give Greyhounds a real look. Sounds like it could be a match. We actually years ago had a family walk by us on the street. They had a very autistic son and when he walked by our dog he actually stopped and started petting her. The family was kind of amazed- they said he was normally very anxious about animals.

[RKDinOKC]

There is a reason most service dogs are Goldens.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by RKDinOKC

There is a reason most service dogs are Goldens.

I did not know that...all that I've been around were Labs (just a few) and one GSD that's about a year into her training...all seeing eye.
I haven't been around a Golden in many years...they just don't seem to be around like when we were kids....can't really go wrong with a "good dawg"... of any breed imo.

[Aerkuld]

As others have mentioned, try to find a rescue. Go to your local shelter and see what they have. They will give you a chance to be in the room and see how you, your son, and the dog get along. Find a bond, take it home.
Be careful with the puppy idea. They are cute, yes, but they are also a handful. They have a lot of energy in very small bursts, and they'll also go through the phase of trying to chew on things, including hands and fingers, which may be intimidating for someone who's hesitant with dogs.

Just a thought, but we have an organization near us (https://muttville.org/) which specializes in senior dogs. There's probably somewhere similar near you. This may be a good move. They are generally well trained already, and more docile. Because everyone thinks they want a puppy these poor pooches get overlooked, but they need love too, and are super loving and grateful when someone gives them a home.
The disadvantage, being older dogs, is that they won't last as long and that you have a shorter time before the possibility of medical expenses crops up.
Still, think about it. You may be able to help your son and a 'senior' dog

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by KC911

Labrador Retriever....(female imo)

.....can your son throw a tennis ball ?

Get the English variety versus the American variety. We have had both and the English is SOOO much more laid back. The American will need lots of play time, the English is just happy to be with you but will play all day if you want to.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by flipper35

Get the English variety versus the American variety. We have had both and the English is SOOO much more laid back. The American will need lots of play time, the English is just happy to be with you but will play all day if you want to.

My last Yellow...came from primo AKC stock though I never intended to breed her. The breeder told me she would be laid back based on her parents...and she was...totally. A lot of the hiper Labs come from back yard breeders imo...Oh yeah...seen them too

[flipper35]

We never knew there was a difference between an English and American until we had an America. Night and day difference like they are a totally different breed.

The English natural state:




The American natural state:

[jrj3rd]

On third one and have just been fantastic animals. Loving and kind and true family members.

Winnie is latest, and is probably the smartest of the three. Russian father/English mother. Picture is 18 months ago, but still her most frequent position.

[KFC911]

She might have been English for all I know....yep, like the first two pics (similar in color too). That and hand signals is all I ever taught her...well southern English

[vash]

i read an article written by some Veterinarian.

it was titles something like, "5 breeds of dog i wish didnt exist" or something.

a Golden Retriever made the list!!! why? he said most Goldens will get cancer. is that true with all of your past goldens?!

[flipper35]

As an aside, my sister has had all Golden Retrievers. Her first male was NOT kid friendly. The others all were.

[jrj3rd]

Originally Posted by vash

i read an article written by some Veterinarian.

it was titles something like, "5 breeds of dog i wish didnt exist" or something.

a Golden Retriever made the list!!! why? he said most Goldens will get cancer. is that true with all of your past goldens?!

First one had cancer at 13 years, Second one never developed. Cancer is prevalent in lots of Goldens. Breeding counts. Less occurrence in the English strains from what I understand

[aschen]

great Pyrenees bond with "thier children" and are very protective and gentle with them. They do bark and shed a lot however, and are very independent (polite for not easily trainable)

[Sunroof]

I do not recommend a Sherpei! They will dedicate themselves to only one family member and slowly eat the other family members!! Wonderful companions, intelligent, dedicated and bred as Chinese Temple Guard dogs...............

Our Lily...............recovery dog!

[Starless]

Originally Posted by vash

i read an article written by some Veterinarian.

it was titles something like, "5 breeds of dog i wish didnt exist" or something.

a Golden Retriever made the list!!! why? he said most Goldens will get cancer. is that true with all of your past goldens?!

Ours died at 8 years old from cancer. Fantastic dog.

[RKDinOKC]

First Golden lived 17 years and passed from old age, white faced and all.

2nd Golden did not get cancer, BUT very soon after I got her fixed she had growths start and one was on her spine and had to put her down. Didn't get her fixed until she was 13. She kept herself so clean it wasn't an issue. She even trimmed her own toenails. Got her fixed because she started getting urinary infections.

Current Golden is 3.

[sammyg2]

If considering a herding dog, remember one thing: they herd.

They will herd sheep, cats, kids, whatever.