Dog Community

Really confused on what breed is right for me.

Posted : 4/2/2006 12:02:41 PM

Hello everyone. I am interested in getting a dog, but not just any dog...the perfect dog for me and my family. Unforunately we've run into some bad luck with dogs in the past year.
First Santa brought us a Taco Bell dog (lol) who was 7 months old when we got him. He was a very naughty little dog as he pooped and peed in the house constantly, even though Santa assured us he was potty trained. We could NOT broke this dog from the habit, so enventaully we gave him to a family friend who adores these dogs.
Then we bought a Westie, so even though we were told from EVERYONE that puppies will not soil in the place they sleep, she did....and it wasnt just 1 night in her kennel, it was every night for 3 months solid. She only made it through the whole night twice, so I know it was possible for her to. (and if anyone is wondering, yes I have had many dog before, and everyone was capible of being potty trained, may I add very quickly) But she seemed so uninterested, and due to unforunate events we had to sell her to another family. (I only hope they have better luck then we did)
Well, now we would like to find a puppy that will be in our house for the long term, but running into walls along the way. I did my research on both dogs, but apperantely those two were the "odd ones" of the breed.
What I am looking for is a non shedding, or minimal shedding dog. Size isnt an issuse, but would like a bigger dog. I would like a mellow dog, who is eager to please. Also one who wouldnt give me greif with potty training would be excellent. I was thinking of a Wiem, but I heard they're hyper dogs. Could someone please recommend a dog that would work? Someone is home at all most all times, except a couple hours in the day. So, that puppy would be with someone almost all all times.
If you need any more info, please let me know. Thank you for your help!

willowchow

Posted : 4/2/2006 12:15:54 PM

First, I just wanted to say that I pet sit for two Westie's. One of them poops in the house on a regular basis. And, she's very well bred. So, you're not the only one.

There is a chance that no matter what dog you get, they could take a long time or have trouble with potty training. Or, they could have other issues.

They are all going to need supervision and consistent training in the beginning. And exercise always, though some more than others. Are you sure you are ready for this??

It sounds like your looking for perfection and no dog is going to be perfect all the time.

Another thought---Do you absolutely have to have a puppy?? I'm thinking an older dog would already have established potty training and if there was a problem you'd know it before you got the dog.

Bella Rose

Posted : 4/2/2006 2:42:52 PM

First off, there is no perfect family dog....all breeds have their good points and bad points. My first question to you would be, from where did you get your two previous dogs? I am sure the Chi did not come from a responsible breeder, as responsible breeders do not sell "Christmas puppies". If you got them from a pet shop or a BYB, then that may explain the housebreaking problems. It's not uncommon for dogs raised in cages like livestock to become used to sitting in their own waste, so housebreaking problems with these dogs are common.

How did you deal with the housebreaking problems? Did you consult your vet? Did you call a behaviorist?

I would probably not recommend a Weim, or any other high drive sporting dog for you; if a small breed housebreaking problem was a deal-breaker for you, I can't imagine what a high energy sporting dog could do that would confound you...barking ,chewing furniture ,digging. They require a good deal of hard excersize, training, and a "job" to keep their minds busy.

Your post reminded me of a term used by author Jon Katz...everyone is looking for the "Disney dog". Trust me, he doesn't exsist. If you are serious about getting a dog, you need to consider an older dog, one already housebroken and who has basic manners. You may actually have a hard time getting a puppy from a reputable breeder; my breeder would never sell a puppy to someone who had recently "gotten rid of" two pups because of housebreaking issues.

I would contact a reputable rescue organization to see if they have any calm, well-mannered older dogs available for adoption.

fuzzy_dogs_mom

Posted : 4/2/2006 2:45:21 PM

I think the advice you just got is good. A slightly older dog (not old, but just out of puppyhood) could be a good choice. The dog might be a little more mellow, and if not already housetrained, could probably learn more quickly than a very young pup.

Saradrin

Posted : 4/2/2006 4:20:43 PM

I also beleive alot of the advice you have recieved so far has been excellant. I also have been in the same situation as you as far as trying to find a dog that fit my life style. After figuring out what was most important to me I decided to give up on the whole dog thing and get a boat instead. Sounds like maybe you should go that route also. I personaly like the Lunds.

Natali

Posted : 4/2/2006 5:37:11 PM

If you've had housebreaking problems I really would suggest a older dog. You mentioned that both of the dogs that you gave away were both smaller sized dogs. Dogs on the smaller side tend to have housebreaking problems. A weim as others said may be too energetic. If you don't want an energetic dog get a "slower dog" that's on the bigger side. I would highly suggest get a dog just out of puppyhood from the shelter, that's housbroken of course.

willowchow

Posted : 4/2/2006 5:37:51 PM

I'm sorry, is there a language barrier here or something?? Did Saradrin not start this thread and then responded saying someone was given excellent advice. I'm lost.

glenmar

Posted : 4/2/2006 5:50:24 PM

OK, I'll be the bad guy. Unless you are willing to make a LIFETIME commitment to a pup/dog, warts and all, get a stuffed one. There is NO perfect animal and training takes time, commitment and consistency. You didn't HAVE to give the first away, nor did you HAVE to sell the second. It was too hard so you gave up. Stick with stuffed animals or ones that you don't have to worry about house training, like hampsters.

Natali

Posted : 4/2/2006 5:57:13 PM

I'me going to have to agree with Glenda now, you could have housetrained your Chi. It just might have taken a longer time, up to 5 months. Obviously your dogs didn't listen to you saying ,"No, no, no," maybe right now you should stick to stuffed animals.

willowchow

Posted : 4/2/2006 7:14:22 PM

Did you guys see my post???

tiffy

Posted : 4/2/2006 7:32:46 PM

I'm also cofused Lori.[

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willowchow

Posted : 4/2/2006 8:51:29 PM

Thank you Tiffy, I thought I was going crazy!

Jenn D

Posted : 4/2/2006 9:00:35 PM

ok in case someone else sees this thread (because the original poster is I guess responding to him/herself) Westies can be hard to train but only because they are stubborn. They are very very intelligent and usually the only ones that are hard to train are pet shop westies. However, I wouldn't want someone who is so quick to give up a dog to have a westie any way....

Saradrin

Posted : 4/2/2006 10:06:11 PM

I didnt write that last messege, I was at work when it was posted. Maybe a glitch with someone else's account?
Anyhow...I dont think you understand. I didnt ask for help to be critized and ridiculed. I asked, because I need help. If you cant offer that without making assumptions or passing judgement then people dont respond at all.
You would think you people who loved dogs as much as you say you do would want to HELP someone who loved them just as much.
You dont know WHY I had to sell my Westie, and it was something that was IN FACT out of my hands. If you choose to believe that or not is a different story.
I have a lot of patience for animals. I've had dogs, cats, goats, chicken, ducks, geese, a LEGAL RECUSED pet raccoon, peacock, ferret, and so on a so forth. Some trained others didnt need to be. Point being, I, myself love animals just as much as the next on this forum. If I didnt think I was capible of being happy/making my dog happy I wouldn't get one. The reason why I asked for help is because all of my life I have had German Sheperds. They're gorgous, smart, friendly, and the prefect dog, unforunately they shed, a lot. Even when I was brushing them at least once a day. DH doesnt want a dog that sheds, so we're trying to meet in the middle. (Before passing judgement, he loves dogs as well, so please dont think by all means that comment meant he didnt want one. Id never bring a dog home who wasnt loved by everyone.) And for the people who honestly tried to help, thank you. I noticed by a lot of other people's topic's is seems many are very bias here. Unforunate.
And for the other person's post about getting a dog right out of puppyhood. I ran that by DH and we agree that's probably the route we'll go. Who would have though the so odvious wouldnt be so odvious.

Jenn D

Posted : 4/2/2006 10:16:51 PM

Saradrin,
I didn't mean my post to seem like I was being mean. I wouldn't want a westie with a person who isn't willing to put up with their antics. They are a hard breed to deal with sometimes and definitely not for a casual dog owner (which isn't meant rudely some breeds are just a lot easier than others.. terriers are stubborn and bratty but extremely intelligent and loving) If you have the time and love for a dog I hope you can find one for you, just make sure you get a dog that is right for you. Toy/minature breeds tend to be a lot harder to train if that helps you.