I think I might cave... - Should I or Shouldn't I?

MommyToAshley wrote: First of all, a little background. I was bit by a dog when I was young and have been afraid of them ever since. When I was younger, I was really afraid.

Ashley has been begging for a puppy. She hardly ever asks for anything, but she asks for a puppy on a daily basis. I go back and forth, I really want to get her one because she wants one so badly. But, then on the other hand, it is a big commitment and responsibility that I am not sure I am willing to make. Then, there'd be the hassle with any time we want to go on vacation, etc.

I go back and forth weighing the pros and cons on a daily basis.

lisar replied: When we go camping or anything like that we put ours in a kennel. They are attached to a runner that goes inside and out. They are not just in a cage all weekend. Which is what I wouldnt want.
I can understand you being scared of them, maybe get a really small breed that you way you wouldnt have a problem with dominance or anything.

PrairieMom replied: its not that bad. Get one. Family pets bring such a dynamic to the house, and it will teach her about responsibility. As far as going on vacation or what not, thats what family , friends, and kennels are for.

TheOaf66 replied: I see where you are coming from. I love Lucy that we've had for 3 weeks now but we are having issues. I cannot get her to use the yard to go potty and with the split shifts right now I can't stand out there with her until she does. She had another accident last night because she didn't let me know she had to go out. I let her out all the time but she doesn't go, she just stands there and waits to come in.

If anyone has any advice I would love it because I really don't want to give her up.

mckayleesmom replied:
Have you tried cracking the door a little and letting her go out on her own? I have to do that with Gunner because he is afraid I will go into the house and leave him out there, but if he goes out on his own he feels like he has more control.

TheOaf66 replied:
if it weren't for the 2 cats and 1/2 yo child who would slip out as well not to mention the wonderful weather in WI that might be an option

punkeemunkee'smom replied: What about a smaller breed Dee Dee? That way you won't have the fear of you being bit again or Ashley being bit. I understnad that completely as it was a concern for me too!

jcc64 replied: I am completely biased Dee Dee- I freely admit there are times when I like dogs better than people, including my own kids! I have always had dogs and always will. They bring so much to a family, from the sense of responsibility to learning to deal with love and loss. Especially in light of the fact that Ashley's an only child, they are constant companions and sometimes even offer a different kind of comfort than humans can. I say DO IT!
As far as tying you down, get the dog used to staying at a kennel when you travel. No one is away more than this family with all of our travel baseball/gymnastics tournaments, and we simply drop the dogs off at the local kennel for a relatively nominal boarding fee, and off we go. Some people leave their dogs at home and have drop-in dog sitters come over several times a day to feed, let the dog out, etc...but I'm just more comfortable with the kennel. Many vets also kennel dogs.
Puppies are always more work than adult dogs- they can be as needy as babies in the beginning- crying at night, housebreaking, etc...I'm a HUGE fan of adopting adult shelter dogs, I just can't see the logic in paying BIG BUCKS to a breeder when there are already so many great dogs in need of a home that you can get for a small donation to the shelter or rescue organization. Shelter volunteers will NEVER give an inappropriate dog to a family with children- they know the dog will just come right back, so they have no incentive to deceive you. If you tell the shelter workers what type of dog you're looking for--mellow, athletic, docile, etc...they're very good at making matches. You can also go on petfinder.org and do detailed searches- each pet bio includes info about whether the dog is compatible with cats, other animals, kids, etc...
I'd do it, Dee Dee, you'll be paid back in spades.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: I would highly suggest a breed like a shih-tzu. They are mild mannered and great around kids.

A&A'smommy replied: get one, they are more work when they are puppies then when they are grown, as long as you train them (which is actually REALLY easy) and take them outside to play whenever you guys go. Its fun and my kids LOVE their animals

A&A'smommy replied:
I COMPLETELY agree!!!

mom21kid2dogs replied: It's adding another family member~if you aren't all that jacked up about it don't do it!

luvbug00 replied: ahh puppies...if you have the time. go for it
If you have lot's of work to do and no time for potty training..don't

Troy take her out on a leash several times a day on a schdual.
then take away the leash and use only the coller. still walking out with her.
then do like you would a child. walk out only so far each time until you have inched your way into the door. she will become comfortable by then in going out alone. It's all about ruitne ( like with kids)
hope it works!

gr33n3y3z replied: I would say go for it but then I dont have to deal with it LOL
Dogs are great and bring much joy to others how I miss dogs

Boo&BugsMom replied:
We don't have a fenced-in yard, we have to use a leash. And we have been taking her out on a schedule this whole time. She does whine at the door to go out, so we let her out when she does, but she doesn't go potty. We have tried everything in the book that we can, even went as far as buying that pee-smelling spray...yuck.

mckayleesmom replied:
There are these little feremone (sp?) steaks you can pound into your grass that help a dog realize that is where he/she is suppose to pee.

Boo&BugsMom replied:
Pee Post! Yep...got that too.

Kaitlin'smom replied: IMO if you are all ready to take care of a puppy/dog then do it but if you have any heasitations then keep thinking about it.

oh and if you do decided I woudl do it now while its nice out still, my advice dont get one in the winter that needs to be potty trained......

we had a dog for 1 week and sadly we had to give it back. I wont go into details and it was long before Kaitlin. I still want one but not sure if or when I will be ready for it.

jem0622 replied: My DH was afraid of dogs due to a childhood incident. We adopted a German Shepard (sp) that is fully grown. Overall, I have zero complaints about Lady. We love her to pieces. The kids do too! Consider talking to Ashley about dogs that are a year old or more. They need homes so that they are not put down.