Advice on getting a dog

[MsGee]

Hi, DH and I are thinking of getting a dog and I'm a bit clueless to be honest and would appreciate (honest) advice as to whether we should.

Background: we have DD (nearly 4) who is a little scared of animals so ideally I want a dog that can grow with her so she can build confidence. She is very gentle with animals, just a bit hesitant. DH has had dogs as a child. I've never had a dog and am a bit scared of bigger dogs so want something small. I'm allergic to cats and we want an animal to be part of the family (i.e. not a hamster). There is an emotional subtext ... We lost a baby during pg last year, won't be trying again, DD desperate for pet / sibling and I think we all want a new member of the family to love.

Pros: I work from home so would be home with dog all the time. We have decent sized house and ok size garden (for a small dog). DD is gentle with animals. Doggie will be well loved and DH has experience with dogs.

Cons: we are house proud (particularly DH). I'm not sure he'd cope with muddy paws every day. Walks of more than 1 hour per day would be difficult. As the person home I understand I'd have to be in charge in terms of doggie training. I'm not exactly a natural at that. We holiday (although am sure PIL would help for a week per year).

So ... I really would love a dog but not sure if I'm unrealistic. Given above - could we offer the right home a dog? Secondly what sort of dog - small, ok for allergy sufferers, not needing lots of exercise, good with kids, easy to train? And then where to get one? Have read posts below but if a rescue centre how do you know which are reputable? Same for breeders?

Apologies if this is hopelessly naive but I know it's a bit commitment and don't want to offer a doggy a home if it wouldn't work.

Are you joking toboldlygo ? Greyhounds mysteriously don't take up much space??

Please could you come and have a word with my greyhound and very greyhoundy lurcher? Neither of them will even consider tucking up to sleep. Nor can they possibly lay on anything less than the thickness of three duvets. So they have to have an area at least the size of a single bed set aside for them- actually they would like that much room EACH!

They are the most lovely house dogs but they are pretty crazy outdoors. I think you need to be an experienced and canny dog owner to consider letting ANY sighthound off lead.

Think the OP is more in the realms of a miniature poodle?

Or what about a miniature dachshund? Not much fur to shed and very cute to look at? (disclaimer- I know nothing about them!)

I have allergies and had reservations about getting a dog, but have had no problems with our cockapoo. He's low-shedding (due to the poodle in him) but we had a cousin visit at Christmas who was wheezing like anything, so it's not necessarily OK. It might help if you found someone who has the breed you settle on, and go round for a cuddle. Not failsafe, but might give you an idea.
I despair sometimes about the mess he seems to create - we have cream carpets! I'm not particularly houseproud, but carpet shampooers help and throws on any chairs he can get to. We have had to train ourselves not to leave stuff lying around and to shut doors religiously. Not allowing them upstairs halves the amount of dog-proofing you have to do. We used stairgates for a while, until he grew big enough to leap over them. Still knows to stay downstairs though. He lies with his nose on the bottom step and looks upwards mournfully!

As a child I had a staffie puppy and he grew up to be my best friend. My nan had a border collie, he was such a lovely dog but became very protective over me and my little brother. My mum has recently had a border terrier who is a proper little character and after having my DS 11 weeks ago they get along brill. When we decide to have a dog (which won't be too long left too me) we will be going for a staffie!! Amazing dogs. We have 3 cats as well that get on great with DS, but I suppose that is no use as you are allergic Hope you find the right dog for you! X