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The doghouse

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Original poster

Small size dog for us?

86 replies

NewToDogOwnership · 25/08/2023 20:18

I have no idea about dogs. I was brought up with cats.

DD is 9 and has SN and a medical issue. She loves animals, especially dogs. Just DD and I at home

We’re moving soon and she’s asked for a dog, backed up by her physio and paediatrician who both think it’ll be great for her. Won’t be getting it until we’ve lived there at least 6 months and sorted out our routine so this is just research.

However rules they’ve suggested:

  • Small in size (ideally under 15kg)
  • Not going to pull on lead
  • Easy to train
  • Happy to be let off lead (as running alongside the dog or playing fetch etc is great for DD)

Other things to consider:

  • Need only a 15-20 minute walk twice a day (but will have a longer walk of 2-3 hours in the country side every other weekend when DD is with her dad)
  • Also needs to be quite relaxed and laid back when home – happy to sit and be stroked and sang to
  • Can be left for a couple of hours once a week when I go to the office - i'll literally be out the house 10am-2pm but have a family member who'd check on the dog at about 12.30 and let them in the garden
  • Get on with other dogs as I have family members with dogs
  • Get on with other visitors as we often have physio or podiatry visit us during school holidays – the dog is allowed to join in with these exercises as long as it’s friendly
  • Need to be suitable for first time dog owners as I’ve never had a dog

Not important:

  • Doesn’t have to play fetch just needs to be able to be off lead and either walk/run beside us
  • Doesn’t need to be fluffy just needs to have character

Breeds I don’t like

  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Chihuahua

DD wants a dog she can stroke and sing to and can teach a few tricks to, she really likes West Highland Terriers and I like Yorkshire Terriers, would either of these be suitable?

As I said very new to dog ownership. We want something that’ll make us both laugh and will happily greet us both.

OP posts:
Riverlee · 25/08/2023 20:24

A Westie was my first thought.

However, be prepared that puppies are Hard Work, and puppy blues are a real thing. It’s like having a new born /toddler again, ncluding sleepless nights, wees everywhere, chews, bitey etc. They do mature and these negatives do stop, but they do need constant training as well. Not trying to put you off, but make you aware how hard it can be at first.

Original poster
NewToDogOwnership · 25/08/2023 20:25

Riverlee · 25/08/2023 20:24

A Westie was my first thought.

However, be prepared that puppies are Hard Work, and puppy blues are a real thing. It’s like having a new born /toddler again, ncluding sleepless nights, wees everywhere, chews, bitey etc. They do mature and these negatives do stop, but they do need constant training as well. Not trying to put you off, but make you aware how hard it can be at first.

@Riverlee Very much like a kitten then, I have a lot of experience with kittens!

OP posts:
Riverlee · 25/08/2023 20:35

Not had kittens, but yes, similar.

It’s lucky they’re so cute when small!

Chevrotains · 25/08/2023 20:59

I've had lots of kittens and one puppy, my puppy has definitely been harder Grin

YoDood · 25/08/2023 21:04

I think any healthy dog is going to struggle with a couple of 15-20 min walks per day.

Missingmyusername · 25/08/2023 21:22

15-20 mins walk? Have you considered an older rescue?

Will you have a huge garden? My friend didn’t walk her dogs, but lived on the edge of a meadow/rural. They walked themselves. If not, you’ll need a dog walker.

I’ve had puppies and kittens- they are not the same- my puppy almost broke me. 😉 I would say a puppy is closer to a child in terms of being woken up with crying and the amount of pee and poop generated. Not to mention chewing and biting. All puppies bite. It hurts. There may be blood.

“We want something that’ll make us both laugh and will happily greet us both.” - You can’t really breed that in. I know some incredibly grumpy yorkies who don’t like to be touched much, they can be very reactive. Westie- no idea.

Have you owned a dog before OP? I think you’ve built up a bit of a picture in your mind and the reality will be quite different.

Original poster
NewToDogOwnership · 25/08/2023 21:24

Missingmyusername · 25/08/2023 21:22

15-20 mins walk? Have you considered an older rescue?

Will you have a huge garden? My friend didn’t walk her dogs, but lived on the edge of a meadow/rural. They walked themselves. If not, you’ll need a dog walker.

I’ve had puppies and kittens- they are not the same- my puppy almost broke me. 😉 I would say a puppy is closer to a child in terms of being woken up with crying and the amount of pee and poop generated. Not to mention chewing and biting. All puppies bite. It hurts. There may be blood.

“We want something that’ll make us both laugh and will happily greet us both.” - You can’t really breed that in. I know some incredibly grumpy yorkies who don’t like to be touched much, they can be very reactive. Westie- no idea.

Have you owned a dog before OP? I think you’ve built up a bit of a picture in your mind and the reality will be quite different.

@Missingmyusername Never had a dog before, I wouldn't have even considered one until DD mentioned it and physio and paeds said it was a good idea

OP posts:
Original poster
NewToDogOwnership · 25/08/2023 21:25

YoDood · 25/08/2023 21:04

I think any healthy dog is going to struggle with a couple of 15-20 min walks per day.

@YoDood My dad walks his dog whose 20kg for 30 minutes twice a day and he's fine, Vet says he's a really healthy the right weight and happy. He lets him off the lead as well.

Ex-ILs have greyhounds who get 2x 15 minutes a day and are also perfectly happy.

OP posts:
rumred · 25/08/2023 21:27

Older rescue dog or you're condemning a young dog to a pretty shitty existence. 20 minutes walk is only enough for old dogs

Original poster
NewToDogOwnership · 25/08/2023 21:29

rumred · 25/08/2023 21:27

Older rescue dog or you're condemning a young dog to a pretty shitty existence. 20 minutes walk is only enough for old dogs

@rumred what even twice a day? With at least some of that off lead in a field near to my house?

OP posts:
Rowgtfc72 · 25/08/2023 21:31

We've got a dachsund. Friendly, easily trained. Little bit barky but he's still a puppy, loves fuss and attention. Small.
Admittedly he does like a good walk but we've got a lage garden and would equally chase his ball all day.
I'm not sure there's a particular breed that is good home alone but ours is happy to be left for a good few hours, but then he's done this since he was small so used to it.

Original poster
NewToDogOwnership · 25/08/2023 21:32

Rowgtfc72 · 25/08/2023 21:31

We've got a dachsund. Friendly, easily trained. Little bit barky but he's still a puppy, loves fuss and attention. Small.
Admittedly he does like a good walk but we've got a lage garden and would equally chase his ball all day.
I'm not sure there's a particular breed that is good home alone but ours is happy to be left for a good few hours, but then he's done this since he was small so used to it.

@Rowgtfc72 I wfh on the other days so it'd be once a week at most and not at all for the first 4-8 weeks (I work term time only so if I plan right I can get the dog in the summer holidays)

OP posts:
LyndaLaHughes · 25/08/2023 21:32

I have a maltese- she is the most loving, Sweet natured dog and amazing with children. They don't need long walks as can be prone to issues if overwalked. From what you are looking for, I'd really urge investigating this breed as apparently her disposition is standard. They don't shed either. She is also the cutest dog I have ever seen and strangers all coo over her.

MiniTheMinx · 25/08/2023 21:32

What about a Boston Terrier?

Missingmyusername · 25/08/2023 21:33

“physio and paeds said it was a good idea” can they suggest where you may look at being considered for a therapy dog then?

Seems odd they’d suggest a puppy. They’re a lot of work… that’ll be your work. You will have to train this dog. I guarantee it’ll not be fun.

It sounds like an awful idea to be honest, the ideal dog- yes amazing- but this has potential to end badly imo.

OccasionalHope · 25/08/2023 21:35

Bichon maybe?

Original poster
NewToDogOwnership · 25/08/2023 21:37

Missingmyusername · 25/08/2023 21:33

“physio and paeds said it was a good idea” can they suggest where you may look at being considered for a therapy dog then?

Seems odd they’d suggest a puppy. They’re a lot of work… that’ll be your work. You will have to train this dog. I guarantee it’ll not be fun.

It sounds like an awful idea to be honest, the ideal dog- yes amazing- but this has potential to end badly imo.

@Missingmyusername They didn't suggest a puppy, they suggested a dog, didn't specify age. I know it'll be my job to look after the dog, I'm not expecting DD to do all the work, but I do think it'll help her.

It came up because DD says "We're moving soon, and we'll have a garden and that means I'll have space for a dog". I said "We can think about it maybe a few months after we've moved in" and physio said to me "Please think about it, it'd help her for X, Y and Z reason" and paeds said "Animals can be a great help, especially children with your daughters condition. Obviously it's up to you and if it's right for your circumstances though"

OP posts:
Original poster
NewToDogOwnership · 25/08/2023 21:38

OccasionalHope · 25/08/2023 21:35

Bichon maybe?

@OccasionalHope Just googled those, I am in love!

OP posts:
Daysafter · 25/08/2023 21:39

Toy poodle, toy spaniel or Maltese. All extremely intelligent and easy to train. Females are less likely to run off and like to stay close by. Hope this helps.

Wolfiefan · 25/08/2023 21:42

You would be unlikely to get a puppy in the summer holidays. Good breeders breed rarely. And it’s not an exact science so the can’t plan a litter for an exact month. That leaves puppy farmers.
A puppy is WAAAY harder than a kitten. Kittens generally don’t chew the house, can be left for short periods and don’t need toilet training.
That’s a very very small amount of walking. You don’t really sound like you have the real desire for a dog or the time either.

BasiliskStare · 25/08/2023 21:45

If you think a dog would fit into your family - then I would ( not sure if others agree ) book an appointment with a vet maybe and ask about the circumstances you have. So eg I know people with rescue greyhounds - so not a small dog - but so gentle . They will still need a good run. I have border terriers who will welcome you and cuddle up & great with children BUT they need their 2 decent runs per day. & as puppies ( as with any puppies ) they re hard work. ( More so than kittens by a country mile IMHO - and have done both )

I think if you can find somewhere where you can test the water with visiting a therapy dog that sounds a really good idea.

dahliadazed · 25/08/2023 21:49

Puppies are hard, you have to really want one to make it worthwhile.

Have you thought of a rescue dog so you can test the dogs temperament.

XelaM · 25/08/2023 21:51

Our pug would fit your description perfectly. But he's a special one in a million dog (I think he's secretly human 😅). He was bred for health, so doesn't have the usual breathing issues the breed has. When you dream of the perfect doggy companion whom you can take anywhere and do anything with and who adores everyone- that's him 🥰 He's just the most perfect boy.

Small size dog for us?
Small size dog for us?
MerryBeard · 25/08/2023 21:52

Do bear in mind that whatever dog you end up with he/she and you will need training. That 'not pulling on the lead' and 'walking off lead beside you' don't just come with certain breeds. It's a really good idea to go to training classes with a new dog, even if the dog is trained, because you will learn so much about your dog and will also gain confidence handling your dog around other people and dogs.

Do you like walking? I know so many people who got dogs because they thought it would encourage them to go out for walks but if you don't like walking you might end up resenting the dog for needing to go out (at least) twice a day, every single day, whatever the weather.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 25/08/2023 21:54

I would not recommend a poodle of any sort for someone who is only walking the dog 2x15 minutes a day.
Maybe a shihtzu?
My friend has a bichon who now just gets one 30 minute walk a day but went through a nightmare stage as a teenage dog (about 18-36 months) of needing an insane amount of walking for that breed.

I would also say, I think buying dogs for children with SEN is really over romanticised . There is a reason huge percentages of dogs bred to be service and support dogs fail… let alone a pet bred dog. It’s a very special dog that’s cut out for it.

Puppies fucking suck. They are horrid. We put up with them because they are cute.
They cry, they bite, they shit on the floor, they chew loved toys, expensive shoes and they would not be able to be left from 10-2 for several months, which is a serious consideration.
They also aren’t very fun for a child, they are easily over stimulated so need to be left alone for huge periods of time, if not the biting and chewing gets worse.
Another point to consider as you’re wanting a smaller dog is generally (not always) they are harder to toilet train.