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03-06-2010, 06:44 AM
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4,226 posts, read 14,917,891 times
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Does she have 3 young kids too? That might be a problem, also they were bred to be companions and if are left alone for long periods of the day, it would be a tough situation all around.
Quote:
Originally Posted by D0gl0v3r
my sister has two king charles spaniels and they get on real well with her cats.
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03-06-2010, 07:01 AM
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Location: Sunny Florida
7,136 posts, read 12,199,247 times
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From what you have posted, I do not believe you should go the puppy route.
I'd go the rescue route and get a young dog that's already housebroken and as a history with cats and kids. It's much easier to see what you are getting with a dog that's out of puppyhood and there are so many to choose from. Petfinder.com or a rescue group could give you a wealth of information and match you to the right dog for your family.
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03-07-2010, 08:43 AM
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Location: Denver
4,564 posts, read 10,626,464 times
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I'm going to agree with everyone and say don't get a puppy. If you really feel the need to get a dog, adopt one that is a bit older.
We did the puppy thing ONCE. This was before we ever had our son, we lived out in the middle of no where so they lived outside and had tons of room. What they managed to get into, eat, dig, etc. was unbelievable! I loved those dogs dearly but vowed to never do that again. And later when our son begged for a dog, we adopted a dog that was 2 years old.
Since then that dog got old, passed away and a year ago we were ready to get another. So we adopted Bridgett who was 5.
It's like having a 2 year old child in the house again. She is so much work (and my husband and I both work from home!). Now she gets along with our 10 year old cat (she's afraid of the cat), but I wouldn't recommend her mix to you with your schedule.
If you have a shelter near you I would check it out. Ours here does a lot of checks with the dogs before putting them up for adoption - if they are good with cats, with kids, etc. And you can go spend time with a dog to see if it might be for you.
Trust me - you get a puppy and you'll be pulling your hair out wondering what in the world you were thinking.
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03-07-2010, 11:28 AM
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5 posts, read 8,104 times
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Newfoundland
Standard size poodle
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03-07-2010, 12:18 PM
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Location: Mountains of middle TN
5,244 posts, read 15,777,335 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWalkInTheBarkPetService
Newfoundland
Standard size poodle
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Newfie? A small/medium or medium size dog? Uh, no! They easily hit 100 pounds. Granted, after living with a 180+ pound dog for years I see 100 pounds as smaller but I don't think the OP will! 
How about a beagle? School aged kids doesn't really say what age. Beagles are tough little things so if your kids are younger they'll be better with a nice sturdy breed.
Keep in mind though they are hounds. Barking / baying could be an issue. And as much as I love them - I think of all puppies they are by far the cutest - they're not always the brightest dogs in the world. Because they are hunting dogs, the cats can be an issue. But since you really don't need a puppy - I very strongly urge you to NOT get a puppy - finding a rescue with a young adult beagle that's cat tested could be a great option. They are very sweet little dogs and not too many health problems. And God knows there's tons of them dying in shelters every day.
I've got a friend with three of them. Indoors they're big couch potatoes. They do love a good walk a couple times a day though. Great exercise for a family though! |
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03-07-2010, 02:49 PM
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2,540 posts, read 6,021,625 times
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My Westie and Lab sleep right up on our bed w/ the cats.
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03-07-2010, 05:17 PM
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511 posts, read 2,147,036 times
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If I'm not mistaken, the OP is saying she will get the puppy in the summer and she WILL be home for the potty training stage. So the puppy will not be locked up for 7 hours while it is being potty trained.
Thinking back, this was the exact situation our house was in when we added a puppy, when I was a child. 3 kids, 2 cats, even a few hampsters & a rabbit. We brought home a golden puppy one summer. We were all home over the summer (my mom worked at a school) and by the time we had to go back to school, Shiloh was housebroken and he just chilled out in the house while everyone was at work/school. At first he graduated from the crate, then to being gated in the kitchen, then to run of the house. So, I'd say it's very doable  As long as you can provide excersize & training, and it won't be too hectic for you (it wasn't for us) I say go for it. Just know what you're getting into. I also suggest getting a puppy, as long as you have the time required for the extra work. I feel it's better that way for training & socialization, and it forms a stronger bond between you & your dog. You know your dog's history and don't have to play a guessing game. That's just my opinion though. |
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03-07-2010, 05:25 PM
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Location: Mountains of middle TN
5,244 posts, read 15,777,335 times
Reputation: 6121
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SheridanPDC
If I'm not mistaken, the OP is saying she will get the puppy in the summer and she WILL be home for the potty training stage. So the puppy will not be locked up for 7 hours while it is being potty trained.
Thinking back, this was the exact situation our house was in when we added a puppy, when I was a child. 3 kids, 2 cats, even a few hampsters & a rabbit. We brought home a golden puppy one summer. We were all home over the summer (my mom worked at a school) and by the time we had to go back to school, Shiloh was housebroken and he just chilled out in the house while everyone was at work/school. At first he graduated from the crate, then to being gated in the kitchen, then to run of the house. So, I'd say it's very doable As long as you can provide excersize & training, and it won't be too hectic for you (it wasn't for us) I say go for it. Just know what you're getting into. I also suggest getting a puppy, as long as you have the time required for the extra work. I feel it's better that way for training & socialization, and it forms a stronger bond between you & your dog. You know your dog's history and don't have to play a guessing game. That's just my opinion though. |
Housebreaking a puppy in a couple or three months that can be alone for 7 hours is rough. I'm not sure of the OPs background / experience in training. Some dogs don't train that easily either. It could take longer. I'd hate for her to bring home a puppy and not be able to have it properly trained before school starts. I'm one of the better safe than sorry types I guess.
And no, getting a puppy does not mean it will 'love' you anymore than getting an adult dog. You may feel closer to the dog, but that dog feels no less close to you because you brought it home as an adult. Dogs don't work that way. And there's no guessing game involved in rescued dogs. Shelter dogs, yes, that can be tough. But if you get one from a rescue they can tell you if it's good with cats. And most times it's already housebroken. A bonus. |
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