dog for nervous/afraid 10 yr old

[MaryAnnSingleton]

I'd love a dog, ds would love a dog in theory but is very anxious/nervous around animals...I think that having his own dog would help him get over this ( we've tried hypnotherapy) ...I'd like a rescue hound if possible and love the idea of a whippet or a greyhound...what do people think ? there are cats living on both sides of us btw.
Another thing - dh hates the idea of shedding hair - so to appease him,which dogs don't shed so much ?
In the past I've had ( when living at parents) a collie cross,spaniel and Jack Russell - I don't think ds would cope with a very perky,mischevious dog like a JR ! thank you

I've got a whippet greyhound cross. She is very gentle & extremely affectionate. Also greyhounds are very lazy. They're built for speed not stamina so a short walk followed by 23.5 hours asleep on the sofa is the norm

Hi there, we had a whippet for years and they were probably the most gentle with the kids. You can get loads of them or greyhounds rescued and they are truly wonderful pets. They dont cast much and are so gently and laid back, they like nothing better than curling up on the couch, or infront of the fire and being pandered too. They are lovely and I would highl;y recommend them.

mmm, I have heard that about greyhounds...the exercising shouldn't be a problem as I work from home and welcome the excuse to go out !

do whippets always take up the best seat in the house?

Usually yes but when they look at you its okay and you let them.

aawww - I love them so - I've wanted one for years...

a friend has a chorkie (chihuahua/yorkie cross) but I think that's just a bit too wee

Having had a Whippet for years we were out at the weekend and came across a puppy one, I have never seen a puppy one before and now I want a Whippet again. Already have 2 mad collies though so dont think thats a good idea. I hope you get one. My kids totally loved ours.

so, would a puppy whippet be a better idea do you think, to introduce to ds,thjan perhaps a full grown dog ?

Well to be honest they are so gentle anyway but I think if I had a child who was slightly fearful introducing to a big dog might intimidate him a bit, on the other hand puppies can be rough and tumble and can unintntionally hurt, I think I would go for a fully grown one. yes that is what I would do having now argued with myself.

I know two rescue grayhounds. They are both lovely dogs, but needed quite a bit of socialization befor they settled into their new families. One is also so affectionate that it's really hard to stop her jumping up - which might be scary for a nervous child?

yes,think you're right there - puppies are bitey and their scooting around might unnerve him !

seeker - yes, that's something to think of..I think we'd have to do visits first to find the right dog and to see how ds would respond to it..he shows great interest in all dogs but is very fearful

our vet says he's never had a nasty king charles spaniel.

My firend rehomed greyhounds - I doubt they are suitable for families - they generally not at all socialised with peopel (and particualry children). It's easier for a child to bond with a puppy.

poodle/poodle crosses don't shed and are lovely (you don't have to shave them funny shapes!)

my granny had king Charles spaniels and I used to walk a pair as a teenager... granny also kept Boston terriers -they seemed very sweet

Your local greyhound rescue centre would be able to help. Your DS could visit and see the dogs there. The centre would know which dogs are good with people/children

great idea iklboo - thanks

King Charles spaniel - the most docile, lazy dogs imaginable.

I'd be wary of a greyhound. MIL has a greyhound/whippet cross and she can be quite snappy with children (although has had only minimal training) and jumps up in a nutty mannerwhen greeting people. A neighbour has one too (which has had a lot of training) and his is a very grumpy dog indeed.

I was totally dog phobic until my early '20s (after being bitten as a child) and the dog that helped me get over that was an ancient collie.

Most of the greyhounds/ whippets I meet in my job (vet) are gorgeous, gentle dogs (unless you are a cat !) The rescue ones are generally so grateful for a comfortable home, and I've only ever met one (and we do loads of work for GAL) that was in any way nervy/ snappy. Go and meet a few, contact GAL (Greyhound Awareness League), they will find you the right dog, and take it back if it doesn't work out. Good luck!

Greyhounds are great with kids. We re-homed on 3 weeks ago and he has settled in really well. He loves the attention he gets from us all.

Kewcumber I disagree. They are very sociable. And love being in a family home.

Also retired greyhounds will be assessed before rehoming. Some are fine with cats(again they are assessed for this). Ours isn't very good if he sees one though!

we have a border collie / cocker spaniel cross and she is fantastic, esp as dd2 who is 21months tortures her

oh thanks everyone - will give it all some thought

Whippets are fantastic dogs (mine is curled up on the sofa next to me as i type), They hardly shed at all, don't bark and are just so gentle and sweet natured - perfect with a nervous child i think. But i agree with an earlier poster about not getting a puppy, they are like mini whirlwinds and can be devilishly naughty, all that rushing about and general puppyishness could be a bit daunting for your ds. An older dog would be gentle and quiet.

Your neighbours cats will be fine by the way, they just learn not to come into the garden! Make sure the gardens secure though, ours kept breaking into our neighbours garden to steal the food they put out for the birds - greedy sod

You could try JR whippet rescue, although i think they have a long waiting list.

frogmarsh - I was told Greyhounds don't bark either (my Mums never did), ours has a very loud bark especially if i dare to leave him alone downstairs during the day! Or if he sees a cat!