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Original poster

Suitable dog

110 replies

Ronnie1234 · 06/05/2024 07:53

We're planning to get a puppy / dog for our youngest is 7 & is desperate for a pet, we've debated & promised her for a while & now decided the time is right as recently her nan lost her dog & we had said it's not fair to introduce another dog around Nannie's dog as he was old.

Please could I have some advice on suitable dog breeds, daughter wants a lap dog type that she can pet, baby, look after, take for walks but doesn't need huge amounts of walking, can be left alone at home for few hours in days - up to 7/8 hours maximum but I work from home some days so won't be every day

OP posts:
DiscoBeat · 27/05/2024 09:14

You should never leave a dog 7-8 hours! We have a lab and are home all day but have a doggy day care back up - eg yesterday we went to visit a new baby and he went into daycare as it was 6 hours. We leave him home for 4 hours max.

SantaBarbaraMonica · 27/05/2024 09:16

Ronnie1234 · 06/05/2024 10:13

I know the pet will have requirements obviously will be registered at a vets, require grooming, possibly dog training sessions. Obviously lots of work involved for us as a family too.
We have a horse which we've managed to feed, look after, daughter rides for 3 years. We know & understand work!
Walking is not an issue as with or without my daughter I can walk the dog - I average 15,000 steps a day between my walks & runs so the dog can be involved too - obviously at the right time.
Believe it or not I've kept two children alive & well brought up.
I'm not sure how other working people manage when they get a puppy - give up work for a few months maybe?! I'm in a fortunate position to only be in office two days a week.

With regards to looking after yes my daughter wants a more placid dog that will probably let her brush, have cwtches I know you can't 100% say a dog will like that but maybe there are breeds more suitable to those requirements.

I came on here for suggestions on suitable breeds & feel I've like I've been shouted at for considering a pet purchase!

Don’t mind them OP, this thread is totally bonkers, all these professionally perfect dog owners picking apart your comments 🤨

I'm sure you’ll find the right dog, and I’m sure you’ll have tough days with it. I haven’t got one as I’m terrified of regretting it knowing how much work they are but someday the time will be right for me psychologically to get one. Sounds like you’ve reached that point so good luck and hopefully you’ll get one that is happy to be a much loved family member.

Choccyoclocky · 27/05/2024 09:57

We are on day 10 of having our puppy, he is 11 weeks old. He is a mixed breed of sausage x patterdale so quite small.

He has the odd accident but mostly uses his puppy pads and in the garden. We have a puppy pen and a crate. He spends from 10pm - 7am happily asleep in his crate with the door open to pen for toys and toilets. During that time he doesn't bark or whine. He takes himself off to sleep in there during the day too. He's there atm.. he had his breakfast, a play and a poo, now having a snooze haha!

We did take it in turns to sleep on the sofa for a week which was a bit annoying but he has settled in so well.

He is bitey but so much fun. He is also so happy and loving. He is left alone from 8:15-3:30 but either DH or MIL will pop in to see him at lunch time to feed, play and take outside.

Youngest dc is 6 and absolutely fine with him. He'll say no when pup is too bitey and helps keep an eye on him.

We've never had a dog before, only cats. I can't believe how much difference a dog has made already. He just brightens up the house and I wish we'd had one sooner.

CommeUneVacheEspagnole · 27/05/2024 10:03

@TeenLifeMum I think that's a lot. Not border collie level but a lot. I have the laziest of dogs and one walk a day is more than enough. Not sure if it's breed as we were told 2hrs exercise a day which is one reason we got him but others say lazy. I think he is a one off. American Akita.

redboxer321 · 27/05/2024 10:24

Choccyoclocky · 27/05/2024 09:57

We are on day 10 of having our puppy, he is 11 weeks old. He is a mixed breed of sausage x patterdale so quite small.

He has the odd accident but mostly uses his puppy pads and in the garden. We have a puppy pen and a crate. He spends from 10pm - 7am happily asleep in his crate with the door open to pen for toys and toilets. During that time he doesn't bark or whine. He takes himself off to sleep in there during the day too. He's there atm.. he had his breakfast, a play and a poo, now having a snooze haha!

We did take it in turns to sleep on the sofa for a week which was a bit annoying but he has settled in so well.

He is bitey but so much fun. He is also so happy and loving. He is left alone from 8:15-3:30 but either DH or MIL will pop in to see him at lunch time to feed, play and take outside.

Youngest dc is 6 and absolutely fine with him. He'll say no when pup is too bitey and helps keep an eye on him.

We've never had a dog before, only cats. I can't believe how much difference a dog has made already. He just brightens up the house and I wish we'd had one sooner.

I must have missed the announcement that they've move Aprils fool to May bank holiday.

Choccyoclocky · 27/05/2024 15:17

redboxer321 · 27/05/2024 10:24

I must have missed the announcement that they've move Aprils fool to May bank holiday.

Show quote history

Ah, you must have also missed the announcement where it's got nothing to do with you Grin

Helplessandheartbroke · 28/05/2024 10:15

@Choccyoclocky there must be a lot of dog owners that don't work on this thread.... quick to judge people! Ignore

Era · 28/05/2024 10:22

Leaving an 11 week old puppy alone for 7 hours at a time (even with a "pop in" visit at lunchtime) is out of order.

Choccyoclocky · 28/05/2024 14:06

Era · 28/05/2024 10:22

Leaving an 11 week old puppy alone for 7 hours at a time (even with a "pop in" visit at lunchtime) is out of order.

"Pop in" is just a phrase. They are here for an hour or so giving him their full attention. I work in a school so I'm here all this week (half term). We have a camera and he's absolutely fine.

What is the difference to him being in his pen overnight? I'm not coming down and checking on him every hour when he's asleep! Even with us being here, he has chosen to sleep in his crate (doors open) rather than with us. He'll play for a bit, run riot in the garden but he's still a sleepy pup.

charlieinthehaystack · 24/08/2024 15:55

no no no you cannot let your daughter play with a dog like this they are not toys they have feelings and needs you cannot leave them for such a long period of time they cant be dressed up wheeled in prams etc you are asking for trouble they are not toys and will rebel by biting they need space
added to which when she gets fed up what happens then? when she moves on and gets fed up of it then it gets dumped in a rescue

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