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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To REALLY want another dog - a small one?

66 replies

spudulika · 30/08/2011 23:53

Got an adorable labrador, who's 7. I'm at home during the day and feel I could open my heart to another one, but don't want another big, stinky, sheddy, fill up the boot of the car with her body, and cover everything with mud dog. I want a small, neat one who won't make the house even more disgusting than it is at the moment.

DH is putting his size 9's down. He's got an problem with small dogs. Anything smaller than a labrador he sneers at. He calls them 'rat dogs'. Sad

Now I admit that big dogs are lovely in many ways. Our labrador is a good, cuddly armful of dog. And small dogs do YAP, which isn't good. But - well I just want one. I really, really do.

And I think our labrador would enjoy the company during walks especially.

So - AIBU?

OP posts:
Andrewofgg · 31/08/2011 10:15

No - I have agreed with DBF on issues that don't concern animals before. So far as I can remember I have not "met" Valhalla before - if I am wrong, sorry, if I am right, Valhalla, pleased to meet you!

DooinMeCleanin · 31/08/2011 10:26

Ah we have this in our house. I always win. I was 'allowed' Hmm one, single dog, when I moved in with DH. We now have three and on occassion, four Grin

In my defense I never agreed to one dog and he was warned very early on in our relationship that I was pet mad and if he wanted a pet free home he needed to do himself a favour and walk away.

Imo he had all the warnings, he knew I never agreed to just one pet. I warned him myself that if I found an animal in need it would come home with me, be it a dog or a wild bird.

He has started to slowly accept this. He even talked about 'when' my parents parrot comes to live with us while we were on holiday. This bird has caused many arguments and has previously been 'banned' from our home (yeah, right Grin). He knows if he gives me an ultimatium he will be the one that loses not my pets. It's not that I don't love him, it's that pets and surrounding myself with as many as I can physically fit into my house is part of who I am. I cannot be happy without them and I cannot understand why someone who is supposed to love me would want to see me miserable just so they can have a quiet house.

I do agree with Val though. In most normal households all adults need to be on board for it to work smoothly. DH does eventually learn to accept and love our pets, even squitty cat Grin.

Wrt your situation op, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier would be a good compromise. You'd get a lapdog to cuddle upto and Dh would get to feel all manly or whatever on walks. Most are great with children. Better than any other Terrier type breed. They are not nicknamed the Nanny Dog for nothing. Doris Banham Trust is filled with Staffies and they do consider people with children. You will get all the back-up you need and will not be given a dog that is not suited to your needs. No decent, loving pet owner would rehome their dog via Gumtree and the like so you have question what sort of homes these dogs are coming from and what issues they would have. People lie. This is why rescues assess all the dogs themselves and they are far better placed to do this than you are. Please do not rehome via Gumtree. You could be putting your child in danger, aswell as support puppy farmers and backyard breeders.

Greyhounds are also great and the perfect over grown lap dog Grin

CalamityKate · 31/08/2011 10:31

YANBU.

I love my medium sized girls but I do hanker for a small dog which can sit on my knee without crushing me. One I can put in my bike basket so we can all cycle to the country park.

DS2 has been promised a dog of his own when Elder Dog eventually goes (may we have years with her yet, mind) so it will be a small one as described above. I then plan to "steal" it Grin

Vallhala · 31/08/2011 10:46

Andrew, oh you've met Vallhala before in her canine alter-ego. :o

CalamityKate · 31/08/2011 10:55

Similar here, Dooin

I had a dog when I met DP. He is SO not a doggy person. When said dog eventually went, that was it. No more dogs.

Except I missed having a dog SO much, so eventually he relented and said OK Grin

Except we ended up with Mum as well as Pup. Nobody was more shocked than I was when he agreed to that, I can tell you!

He's fond of them (probably fonder than he lets on; I catch him cooing and fussing them when he doesn't think anyone's looking) but I know he'd still prefer to be a dogless house. He knows that isn't going to happen though Grin

Cheeseandharps · 31/08/2011 10:55

OP: as well as Dogs' trust and Blue Cross, have a look at Terrier Rescue

www.terrierrescue.co.uk/

Tanif · 31/08/2011 11:38

I agree with everything that's been said about rescue and would like to add one thing about the second gumtree pup...

FOUR HUNDRED QUID FOR A MUTT/MONGREL?!

Jesus, they see people coming, don't they?! Just because you give it a jazzy name (puggle, cockapoo etc) doesn't stop it being a mongrel. If you really want a decent cross breed get thine arse to a decent rescue centre.

Andrewofgg · 31/08/2011 11:45

Vallhala what sort of dog was I and what sort were you last time round?

wordfactory · 31/08/2011 11:52

Can I recommend a Border Terrier? They're known as a big dog in a small body.
Good with DC, good with other dogs. Bloody tough buggers. Easily portable.

wordfactory · 31/08/2011 11:52

Oh and fantastic for allergy, asthma sufferers.

Booboostoo · 31/08/2011 11:53

Get a JRT. I dare anyone to call a JRT small!

PinkSchmoo · 31/08/2011 13:29

Can I do a slight hijack?

I am thinking of getting a dog in a few years when my dcs are about 3 and 5, it's manic enough as it is now.

Would prefer a rescue, greyhound is in my head as I think they are plain class. Would it be suitable with 2 small children? Could it be left whilst I work a few 8-6 a week and are they usually ok to transport c 1.5 hours in car every few weeks? Btw had dogs previously pre dcs and know that there is no definitive answer but looking for general guidance.

DooinMeCleanin · 31/08/2011 13:36

I have a fostered grey who lives happily with my two small children. My sister's kids are horrified of most dogs, but like her because she is so gentle.

They are generally used to car travel. Mine gets car sick, but only after leaving the car. She manages to hold it while she is in the car.

Working 8-6 would be a major problem, but could be worked around. You'd need to pay for a dog walker to come in for at least an hour midday, preferrably longer. Or you could consider a doggy daycare facility. Doggy daycare would be the best option. Leaving a dog alone that long with no interaction or toilet breaks is cruel at best.

PinkSchmoo · 31/08/2011 14:10

We don't have any doggy daycare in the area.... Know the long work days would be a problem. Few years to work it out though.

MothershipG · 31/08/2011 14:40

I get really peeved at all the prejudice and generalisations around small dogs, I wouldn't choose to have big dogs but wouldn't dream of casually slagging them off at every opportunity the way some people seem to think it is ok to do about small ones. Confused

But this... "I want a puppy because I have a 6 year old with ASD who is very.... ahem...... 'hands on' with dogs." raises concerns for me. A small dog is not likely to enjoy this and if it feels threatened enough it will retaliate. Sad
I have 2 small, but sturdy, dogs who are very wary of young children for this very reason. So I have to say, OP, that if you really want a small dog I'd hold out until your DC is older.

Pinot · 31/08/2011 15:10

I have a Vizsla and a Cavalier and they get on great. I'd recommend it actually - looks really cute too

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