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Question:
My family is ready to get another pup and we have been looking for a small one. I on the other hand think that a small pup is similar to a large cat. I would prefer a larger dog, particularly a yellow lab. It's a 3 to 1 favor for the small dog. Should I give in, or stick to my guns?
My family is ready to get another pup and we have been looking for a small one. I on the other hand think that a small pup is similar to a large cat. I would prefer a larger dog, particularly a yellow lab. It's a 3 to 1 favor for the small dog. Should I give in, or stick to my guns?
Suggestion:
Bringing a new pet into the family is always a tough decision, you have to choose the right one. If for protection purposes any size or breed will really do the job since each has it's own unique thing. The things I always think about when choosing the appropriate size or dog and breed of dog is the following:
1.Are there young children present?
2.How much up keep and attention does this particular breed need?
3.Do I have the time to spend giving this particular breed the attention it needs?
4.Is my house safe for it?
This includes indoor and outdoor. You should alway consider this when bringing home any type of animal. This especially includes small breeds since they can get into a lot more because of their size.
5.Will this be an indoor dog or outdoor dog?
It's an important question because if it's an outdoor dog you have to keep up with Animals Laws of the state. The basis of each state is adequate housing for X number of animals, fresh water, fresh food, access to the food and water, etc...It's always good to check up on your state's specific animal laws because animal negligance can be considered a felony in most states.
6.Do I have enough space for this particular breed?
Usually needed for bigger dogs and some really hyper active dogs for exercise and living purposes.
7.How many tall, heavy set, and big footed people do I know or how many people come over regularly?
I know a silly question right? But it's important because if you are getting a smaller dog, sometimes people tend to miss them and the most common people who miss them are taller people, children, heavy set people, and big footed people. A smaller dog will become injured easier because of it's small size.
8.Where will I be getting the dog from?
This is important because you want to check out how the animal has been treated thus far, I always suggest getting an animal from a local shelter because although they may have been mistreated or abused before, it's an animal that will give constant graditute and you never really know what animal you will leave with.
I went in to a local shelter once with my aunt because she wanted a cat and she was determined to get a cat but since they were doing cleanup on the cat cages we stopped and looked on the dogs while we were waiting. She ended up going home with this mutt that is the cutest thing in the world, the only problem she has is an anxiety seperation problem but my aunt didn't care. We never even saw the cats. Just goes to show you that once you are there, who knows what you are going to end up with.
These are just a basis of questions to ask, if you have owned a pet before or are adding to your bundle of beloved pets, then you know the care guide and regiments. If it's a family discussion about the size and breed of the pet, have everyone (even the children, if they can) write down or express why they want that particular one. That way all get a fair share in the descision making process. I would discuss what types of small breeds or large breeds you are looking for then research that particular breed to see how much maintenance and attention that breed needs and if it suits your lifestyle. Some smaller dogs are easier to care for than others.
Bringing a new pet into the family is always a tough decision, you have to choose the right one. If for protection purposes any size or breed will really do the job since each has it's own unique thing. The things I always think about when choosing the appropriate size or dog and breed of dog is the following:
1.Are there young children present?
2.How much up keep and attention does this particular breed need?
3.Do I have the time to spend giving this particular breed the attention it needs?
4.Is my house safe for it?
This includes indoor and outdoor. You should alway consider this when bringing home any type of animal. This especially includes small breeds since they can get into a lot more because of their size.
5.Will this be an indoor dog or outdoor dog?
It's an important question because if it's an outdoor dog you have to keep up with Animals Laws of the state. The basis of each state is adequate housing for X number of animals, fresh water, fresh food, access to the food and water, etc...It's always good to check up on your state's specific animal laws because animal negligance can be considered a felony in most states.
6.Do I have enough space for this particular breed?
Usually needed for bigger dogs and some really hyper active dogs for exercise and living purposes.
7.How many tall, heavy set, and big footed people do I know or how many people come over regularly?
I know a silly question right? But it's important because if you are getting a smaller dog, sometimes people tend to miss them and the most common people who miss them are taller people, children, heavy set people, and big footed people. A smaller dog will become injured easier because of it's small size.
8.Where will I be getting the dog from?
This is important because you want to check out how the animal has been treated thus far, I always suggest getting an animal from a local shelter because although they may have been mistreated or abused before, it's an animal that will give constant graditute and you never really know what animal you will leave with.
I went in to a local shelter once with my aunt because she wanted a cat and she was determined to get a cat but since they were doing cleanup on the cat cages we stopped and looked on the dogs while we were waiting. She ended up going home with this mutt that is the cutest thing in the world, the only problem she has is an anxiety seperation problem but my aunt didn't care. We never even saw the cats. Just goes to show you that once you are there, who knows what you are going to end up with.
These are just a basis of questions to ask, if you have owned a pet before or are adding to your bundle of beloved pets, then you know the care guide and regiments. If it's a family discussion about the size and breed of the pet, have everyone (even the children, if they can) write down or express why they want that particular one. That way all get a fair share in the descision making process. I would discuss what types of small breeds or large breeds you are looking for then research that particular breed to see how much maintenance and attention that breed needs and if it suits your lifestyle. Some smaller dogs are easier to care for than others.
Example:
[Small Breeds]Jack Russells' need large amounts of space to run around and need constant attention, also requires lots of training since their attention span is short while dachshunds on the other hand usually suffice with attention you are able to provide with a hectic work schedule and since their fur is short it's less upkeep (not to mean that you shouldn't groom them still, but it does require less attention).
[Large Breeds] Yellow labs are very energetic and need regular exercise and their coats are short but still need grooming at least once or twice a month where as Border Collies are more relaxed animals, still needing regular exercise but not to the extent that labs do, their hair needs almost constant grooming since they are a longer hair breed of dog.
It's a tough call, both sides have something to offer but with some discussion of the breed of the dog you are looking for a bit of research on that breed then you will find the right one that fits your lifestyle. As far as the giving in part, I wouldn't exactly say just give in but if it comes to a point where they aren't backing down then your guns have to go back in the holsters since it's going no where.
Any dog, with proper training, can be the right one for you but some require more.
Personally, bigger dogs offer more as far as protection purposes. They have a larger muscle mass and whenver you are in a jam, they are strong enough to get you out of that situation. I mean small dogs can help you in a situation but if you were to fall into a river, they can't pull you out like a bigger dog can. I hope I have helped if I haven't rambled into high heck by now. I would love to hear how it goes.
UPDATE: Here's a good website to research the small breeds and they even list off the 10 easiest to train.All Small Dog Breeds
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