So we're considering getting Sarah a dog or puppy for christmas. (I tell you all knowing that you're all smart enough to keep it quiet!:)) She just about died the day we left Snowball there in Utah. We promised her that we'd get another pet when we moved out here, and now that we've got a yard and fence, she keeps asking about a dog.
I was hoping you could all comment on what type of dog we should consider. I know labs are great with kids, but what else? Labs get pretty big and I don't know if they'll scratch up the wood floors. Any dog will do that though. Is it cruel to declaw a dog? Can you do that? Geoff doesn't like dogs that jump and I know puppies are more excitable than older dogs. I just want a dog that won't bite Jake, bark incessantly, and knows where to do his business. Some people have said it's easier to train a puppy the way you want, rather than teach an old dog new habits.
What should we do?
6 comments:
My general rule of thumb is indoor dogs = small dogs, outdoor dogs = big dogs. Labs are big dogs and I'd not let them in the house.
How about a labradoodle?
Jess
We had a lab and he at age 4 still knocked over Scott. I was afraid that he'd give Scott a concussion so since Hobbs (the dog) never settled down and he had been to 2 sessions of puppy school and been de-dogified and he still didn't settle down. He was always jumpy and hyper. So I wouldn't suggest a lab unless he can be outside a lot.
The best dog is a dead dog. (Meaning, of course, no dog at all.)
Now don't take offense at all this -- it was a joke. (Sort of.)
Mom Clark
P.S. My co-worker said Golden Retrievers are the most loyal, lovable dogs in the world. That's the kind they use to train as companion dogs, by the way.
My mom says it's much easier to buy an older dog that is already trained than to have to potty train a new puppy. My mom would have to wake up in the middle of the night to take the dog to the bathroom while they were training him and he still peed all over! It seems like you would be better able to tell the personality of a dog if you got an older one.
(I tend to agree with your mom about the no dogs. I'm not an animal person. Although those miniature Yorkies are SOOOO cute...too bad they cost so much!)
Jen
I have heard both labs and golden retrievers are great for kids. But maybe labs aren't since Michelle's was obviously crazy.
I loved my lab but he needed more exercise than I had time to give him. Older dogs are indeed easier to deal with because they do tend to chill out with age. Labs usually start to calm down by age five. Also, stay away from springers and collies, they are also very active. Good luck. Get a cat.
Jason
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