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I want to get a dog

2

Comments

  • #32
    Granadino
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 729 ✭✭✭Granadino


    I just had a look and there are several rescues around Dublin and Ireland with small dogs waiting to be adopted so don’t mind whoever tells you otherwise.
    Fostering would be a good first step as previous poster recommended.


  • #33
    anewme
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,142 ✭✭✭✭anewme


    Granadino wrote: »
    I just had a look and there are several rescues around Dublin and Ireland with small dogs waiting to be adopted so don’t mind whoever tells you otherwise.
    Fostering would be a good first step as previous poster recommended.

    It's very hard to get a small dog.

    Up to 300 applications for each one.

    Puppies are extremely difficult.

    I'm looking for 9 months now.


  • #34
    Granadino
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 729 ✭✭✭Granadino


    anewme wrote: »
    It's very hard to get a small dog.

    Up to 300 applications for each one.

    Puppies are extremely difficult.

    I'm looking for 9 months now.

    There are orgs overseas too with dogs. <snip> in Spain for example


  • #35
    Antares35
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,845 ✭✭✭Antares35


    memomtoo wrote: »
    Definitely i cannot manage a big sized dog

    I'm confused as to why you say you can't manage a big dog but think you can manage a small one? There isn't that much difference between the sizes in terms of their needs and the responsibility. Just because a dog is small doesn't mean you don't need to spend as much time on it.

    I've a seven kilo dog who demands much of my attention, and requires twice daily exercise (once vigorous). I don't get to ignore her needs because is small. She also costs just as much in veterinary bills - vets don't give discounts based on size. Neither do boarding kennels or pet sitters.

    Not trying to be smart but you seem to think small dogs are less work but it isn't true.


  • #36
    memomtoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭memomtoo


    Cherry Blossom wrote: »
    What level of grooming are you prepared to do? Are you willing to pay €50 every 6 weeks to have the dog professionally groomed? How far will you walk the dog every day? How much training are you prepared to do every day?

    Owning a dog is not comparable to owning a budgie, it’s comparable to having a baby that doesn’t wear nappies, runs around and chews your furniture and the kids toys if they are not put away.


    Definitely ill be prepared for all that
    I work so can afford for another baby

    All we want to cuddles too
    Thats the reason i started researching on everything
    Really thanks for all headsup
    But still confused when checking online sellers
    Whats the best thing to check first and what to prepare with
    And how much its gonna cost
    Example someone advertised for 2500e for pomeranian puppy
    Someone for 1500 what could be so different
    Whom to trust best


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  • #37
    memomtoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭memomtoo


    Antares35 wrote: »
    I'm confused as to why you say you can't manage a big dog but think you can manage a small one? There isn't that much difference between the sizes in terms of their needs and the responsibility. Just because a dog is small doesn't mean you don't need to spend as much time on it.

    I've a seven kilo dog who demands much of my attention, and requires twice daily exercise (once vigorous). I don't get to ignore her needs because is small. She also costs just as much in veterinary bills - vets don't give discounts based on size. Neither do boarding kennels or pet sitters.

    Not trying to be smart but you seem to think small dogs are less work but it isn't true.

    Really own wish that i would prefer a small pet and understand the fact that we have to take same effort though
    Each are different and each have different choices so i prefer small furry type for home and for us


  • #38
    memomtoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭memomtoo


    Granadino wrote: »
    Sorry but that’s just not true. I can’t understand why you would pay for a dog. There are associations abroad who will rehome dogs to Ireland. These have so many dogs of all sizes and ages looking for another chance in life. But if folk want to pay for a fancy breed then best of luck to them too. I can’t advise there.
    Oh dear!
    Please read again
    No need to scare people if someone conveyed an interest
    I didnt even know they can be adopted from somewhere as I mentioned im new to dogs
    Being a mother of two kids, I understand the value of another life but i need to learn about it too and get encouraged but not discouraged please


  • #39
    Cherry Blossom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,002 ✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    Please do not buy a dog from online sellers, they are not reputable. Contact the breed club of the breed you are interested in. Be aware that very few reputable breeders have puppies now because of COVID restrictions. There are very long waiting lists. You may have to wait up to two years. I’m not sure how much reputable sellers sell pomeranians for but it will be in the region of €600 - €800


  • #40
    Max H
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 224 ✭✭Max H


    Going to say this. I hate the term we want cuddles. A dog is a live animal not a fashion addition. From experience of over 30 years of owning dogs. They can be a pain in the arse. They can wreck your house, they can cost you a fortune, they can tie you down, so you cannot just do something at short notice. They can break your heart. So if you are prepared to put up with that for up to 10-15 years depending on the breed. Do your research, research the breeder, visit their premises ( difficult at the moment) so best NOT to get a dog during lockdown. If a breeder won't let you visit and see the premises and the litter and living conditions. Walk away. Oh and we got our 4th GSD pup in October from the same breeder we have gone back too in 30 years. For all the negatives if you do it right, you will never look back


  • #41
    Cherry Blossom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,002 ✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    https://www.ikc.ie/dog-ownership/types-of-dog/breeds/breed-details/179

    I would advise getting someone to call who has a good command of the English language.


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  • #42
    eviltwin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,495 ✭✭✭✭eviltwin


    memomtoo wrote: »
    Definitely ill be prepared for all that
    I work so can afford for another baby

    All we want to cuddles too
    Thats the reason i started researching on everything
    Really thanks for all headsup
    But still confused when checking online sellers
    Whats the best thing to check first and what to prepare with
    And how much its gonna cost
    Example someone advertised for 2500e for pomeranian puppy
    Someone for 1500 what could be so different
    Whom to trust best

    Its not just the money, its the time commitment. A dog needs to be walked - often twice a day. That means no matter how wet or cold it is, no matter what is on tv you want to watch or if you don't feel like it. It really is like taking care of a small child only one that will never grow up. It really sounds like you want a living doll for your kids and haven't really seen beyond the cuteness to what work actually goes into looking after a pet.


  • #43
    Zak Flaps
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,357 ✭✭✭Zak Flaps


    Granadino wrote: »
    There are orgs overseas too with dogs. <snip> in Spain for example

    It's true. There is a shortage of small dogs. Any that come in to the shelters over here are snapped up. Huge waiting lists as a previous poster said.
    Do you know how much it is to rescue from abroad? I don't actually know .
    A friend who is in the UK is importing a rescue from Cyprus. I must ask her how much it's costing.


  • #44
    Knine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,773 ✭✭✭Knine


    As fast as the new lockdown came in, within 30 minutes, I got numerous requests for puppies. Still getting 3/4 a day now and people have no issue contacting me at all hours of the night either!


  • #45
    Buddy Bubs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,526 ✭✭✭Buddy Bubs


    Why is it every thread someone starts has dog owners on their high horse telling new and first time dog owners they don't know how or don't have the time to have a dog. There must be over half the houses on my road have young families and dogs and they're all fine.


  • #46
    Antares35
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,845 ✭✭✭Antares35


    memomtoo wrote: »
    Definitely ill be prepared for all that
    I work so can afford for another baby

    All we want to cuddles too
    Thats the reason i started researching on everything
    Really thanks for all headsup
    But still confused when checking online sellers
    Whats the best thing to check first and what to prepare with
    And how much its gonna cost
    Example someone advertised for 2500e for pomeranian puppy
    Someone for 1500 what could be so different
    Whom to trust best

    Maybe ask to see the mother, so you know the pup wasn't farmed. Beyond that I don't know. I've never paid for a dog.


  • #47
    Antares35
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,845 ✭✭✭Antares35


    Buddy Bubs wrote: »
    Why is it every thread someone starts has dog owners on their high horse telling new and first time dog owners they don't know how or don't have the time to have a dog. There must be over half the houses on my road have young families and dogs and they're all fine.

    Well maybe when the poster seems to only be interested in a dog "for cuddles" that sets off alarm bells? I wouldn't so much call it a high horse than trying to prevent yet another dog being turfed out when reality hits and OP realises it isn't a hamster.


  • #48
    Zak Flaps
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,357 ✭✭✭Zak Flaps


    Memomtoo - Do NOT buy from online sites. Many of these people are selling dogs from cruel puppy farms, and may end up having behavioural or medical issues from the word go.
    Someone posted earlier that you may be waiting years to get the exact pup you want from a reputable breeder.
    I would contact a few rescues and get your name on some waiting lists. Tell them your situation and what kind of dog you're interested in. I know <snip> are currently fostering them first to see if the dog is suitable instead of just giving them up for adoption. Maybe a lot of the other rescues are doing that also.

    Cavalier King Charles, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Pug, Miniature Poodle, French Bulldog, Daschund are suitable small breeds when it comes to kids.


  • #49
    Cherry Blossom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,002 ✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    Buddy Bubs wrote: »
    Why is it every thread someone starts has dog owners on their high horse telling new and first time dog owners they don't know how or don't have the time to have a dog. There must be over half the houses on my road have young families and dogs and they're all fine.

    When I was a child, pre school age myself and my dad came across a man with a Polaroid camera and a monkey dressed in clothes. He was charging people a few quid to have their picture taken with the monkey. I asked my dad if he was selling the monkey. Without hesitation my dad asked the man ‘how much for the monkey’. My dad was the sort of person when it came to animals he thought any kind of pet was a good idea without thinking about it’s care or how much cleaning up after it is needed. I am quite sure that neither myself, a pre school age child or my dad were capable of taking care of that monkey and I eternally grateful that the man refused to sell it to us. The OP here has no experience of dogs and talks about wanting the smallest, cutest, furry one, watching funny videos and wanting cuddles. In all honesty, if you were in charge of finding suitable homes for a litter of pups given the fact that there is currently no shortage of people offering homes, would you chose the OP?

    People are just trying to make sure she understands the seriousness and responsibility of such a decision. A new puppy in the house can be quite a shock to the system and there is no harm in trying to prepare someone for that.


  • #50
    Zak Flaps
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,357 ✭✭✭Zak Flaps


    Buddy Bubs wrote: »
    Why is it every thread someone starts has dog owners on their high horse telling new and first time dog owners they don't know how or don't have the time to have a dog. There must be over half the houses on my road have young families and dogs and they're all fine.

    I don't frequent this page regularly on boards so I can't comment on that.
    I imagine that people were concerned about the OP's reasons for wanting to adopt.

    Talk to any of the main rescues and ask them how many dogs are dumped into their shelters in January/February after the novelty of a new pup wears off after Christmas!


  • #51
    anewme
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,142 ✭✭✭✭anewme


    Cherry Blossom wrote: »
    https://www.ikc.ie/dog-ownership/types-of-dog/breeds/breed-details/179

    I would advise getting someone to call who has a good command of the English language.

    That’s a bit harsh and unfair . English may not be the posters first language. Does not mean they won’t love the dog.

    I’m shocked at the tone of many of the posts here towards the OP.

    Fair enough, people may feel the poster may not be ready for a dog, but the tone and posting a link a toy diog saying get this instead , are nothing short of bullying.

    The OP has been polite in their posts and deserves to be respected in return.


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  • #52
    Cherry Blossom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,002 ✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    anewme wrote: »
    That’s a bit harsh and unfair . English may not be the posters first language. Does not mean they won’t love the dog.

    Maybe so, I am not in any way racist so I hope I haven’t come across that way. They will need to be able to articulate why they want a Pomeranian. ‘I watched funny videos of them’ and ‘I want cuddles’ isn’t going to cut the mustard. I would never have thought the OP had a nine year old son, they come across as being a young teenager which I am putting down to their use of English.


  • #53
    memomtoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭memomtoo


    Zak Flaps wrote: »
    Memomtoo - Do NOT buy from online sites. Many of these people are selling dogs from cruel puppy farms, and may end up having behavioural or medical issues from the word go.
    Someone posted earlier that you may be waiting years to get the exact pup you want from a reputable breeder.
    I would contact a few rescues and get your name on some waiting lists. Tell them your situation and what kind of dog you're interested in. I know <snip> are currently fostering them first to see if the dog is suitable instead of just giving them up for adoption. Maybe a lot of the other rescues are doing that also.

    Cavalier King Charles, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Pug, Miniature Poodle, French Bulldog, Daschund are suitable small breeds when it comes to kids.

    Ahh thanks a mill I literally noted them down for researching more!


  • #54
    memomtoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭memomtoo


    Cherry Blossom wrote: »
    Maybe so, I am not in any way rasist so I hope I haven’t come across that way. They will need to be able to articulate why they want a Pomeranian. ‘I watched funny videos of them’ and ‘I want cuddles’ isn’t going to cut the mustard. I would never have thought the OP had a nine year old son, they come across as being a young teenager which I am putting down to their use of English.

    I have no time to deal with this please
    See other posters how they are respecting
    May be you are not used to chatting with different people, as long as we take it positive it sounds positive
    Cuddles are absolutely suitable to using for dogs as they are as innocent as babies and at same time when i compared with babies i mean to treat it like a baby as well! So my babies arent ofcourse toys for me...


  • #55
    Cherry Blossom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,002 ✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    Here is a good site that gives a brief overview of different breeds and their common health problems.

    https://www.dogbreedhealth.com/

    I suggest you research all the breeds that may suit you before making a choice based on what you find. Then you will be able to answer the question why you want that breed. Please look at breed specific sites for more in depth descriptions on temperament and breed traits. Funny videos on youtube will not add much to your research.


  • #56
    Cherry Blossom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,002 ✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    Dogs do not like to be cuddled the way you might cuddle a child or a stuffed toy. It is a quick way to get bitten.


  • #57
    em_cat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,291 ✭✭✭em_cat


    In all honesty, I was raging red when I saw the OP requesting a tea cup size, however I waited to make a reply as I know that it is too easy to come across as judgemental when it comes to things like people searching for dogs in this country.

    OP, in reality, you want your children and yourself to have the best experience when it comes to having a puppy, and that’s very understandable. Please understand that say when a tea cup is advertised, the mum has most likely had to have a forced c section as they often can’t deliver naturally due the littler size, the puppies often have faulty heart issues and can almost never receive anaesthetic or pain relief should they need it, they tend to also have underdeveloped brains, bones and organs and generally not bred from the best of breed samples, for lack of better wording... I know that Instagram and YouTube are full of videos of the tiny micro and tea cup sizes, you just need to be able to resist and see that part of pet ownership is caring about how that pet has been bred and cared for before you ever get it.

    Maybe look into the toy type breeds, someone listed a few, although I would stay away from the french bull dogs or pugs as they have a myriad of breathing difficulties and some of the most puppy farmed and unscrupulously bred breeds, also the breed clubs haven’t done much to help them yet either.


  • #58
    Grainnef93
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11 ✭Grainnef93


    I have 2 kids with 6 dogs, we have german shepherds and 1 American bulldog and they are great with kids but not for every owner. And honestly be prepared to pay for quality dog food, vet bills, grooming and everything else. Small fluffy dogs need lots of grooming and maintaining.

    Dogs go for a small fortune now so you could expect to pay over 1k. And the puppy stage can be like having a toddler. But if you put the time and effort in the outcome is a best friend for life.

    As someone who works with dogs and has seen the down side to owners not putting the work in. You really need to be sure that your prepared to train, socialise and care for a dog.


  • #59
    volchitsa
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,777 ✭✭✭volchitsa


    memomtoo wrote: »
    Cuddles are absolutely suitable to using for dogs as they are as innocent as babies and at same time when i compared with babies i mean to treat it like a baby as well! So my babies arent ofcourse toys for me...

    Actually this is something I didn't really know until I got a dog myself, which is that while they love attention, they usually don't like to be held or cuddled, and I think that's what people are trying to explain to you, OP. Studies show that all dogs, even the ones that tolerate being hugged and cuddled by their owner, still show signs of stress when they're being held - and a novice owner and their children probably aren't going to be able to notice that in time. That's why there's a risk of a child being bitten.

    My dog is anyone's for a belly rub or a stroke, but she doesn't like being held. She likes to come to you for a stroke. She tolerates us holding her because she's so good natured, but smaller dogs may find being held even more stressful than a bigger dog. In my exerience they sometimes tend to be more aggressive than big dogs, and being tiny in a big stressful world with boisterous children probably wouldn't help.

    So while you may not have meant it to sound like you intend to let your boys carry the dog around like a toy, I think that's what some people are hearing.

    I hope you find a dog that suits your family, but you say you never had a pet: in that case you do need to know that having a dog is far more work than, say, a cat. They really need your attention every day, in a way that cats just don't. And their behaviour can get very challenging (especially if you add children into the mix) if they don't get enough attention from their owners.

    Someone said a puppy is like having a toddler that can run very fast and with very sharp teeth - which I thought was so true! But don't forget that if you don't have the time to train the puppy, its behaviour won't improve much from that puppy stage.

    ”I enjoy cigars, whisky and facing down totalitarians, so am I really Winston Churchill?” (JK Rowling)



  • #60
    ZX7R
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,393 ✭✭✭ZX7R


    Would a cat not suit the op better, from reading there posts they seem to be seeking cuddles a cat would be a much better option.
    Not one of the high maintenance types.
    A nice short hair tabby would suit there family perfect.
    Easy to toilet train, rarely get sick,would also only require once a year check up with the vet.
    Does not require been taken for a walk.


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  • #61
    Ave Sodalis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,555 ✭✭✭Ave Sodalis


    memomtoo wrote: »
    Cuddles are absolutely suitable to using for dogs as they are as innocent as babies and at same time when i compared with babies i mean to treat it like a baby as well! So my babies arent ofcourse toys for me...


    Hi OP. I'm not going to weigh in on getting the dog as I feel most points have been covered at this stage. However, for the interest of safety, I feel I have to respond to this so please do not take it the wrong way.

    Majority of dogs do not enjoy cuddles. The very act of cuddling (wrapping your arms around their neck) is seen as a threatening manoeuvre in canine body language and whilst some dogs tolerate it, they rarely enjoy it. If there are to be cuddles, it is usually on the dog's terms and in the dog's way, which is something children especially can struggle to understand. My dog is a cuddly dog and has no concept of personal space. However, if I tried to force a cuddle on him, he will probably bite me.

    The second point is to please, do not treat your dog like a baby. It is incredibly detrimental to their mental and emotional health. I cannot tell you how many dogs, particularly small dogs, that I've met with severe behaviour issues because they've been babied. Dogs are dogs, even if they're small. You can consider them as part of the family, or even en par with your children if you wish, but treating them like a child will result in an incredibly confused dog which often leads to aggression issues.

    Again, please do not take this as an attack on your post. These are just very important things to know.


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