Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,
I am in need of some help on what dog to get for a family member. She wanted help from me because I know a lot about dogs, and wanted me to help her decide which breed was best. Here is what she wants: 1. She wants a small dog.
2. She wants a dog that doesn't shed at all.
3. She wants a low matenecine dog.
4. She wants a dog that is wonderful with kids.
5. She doesn't want a dog that shows any aggresion at all, an dog that is friendly to all creaters.
6. She wants a playful dog, but not one that boucnes off the wall when not given enough exercise.
7. She wants a cute dog and only a cute dog.
8. She wants a smart and easy to train breed.

I have not heard about a dog like this at all, and the schnoddle sounded close enough. The thing is she doesn't give dogs enough attention. She thinks that if she doesn't have time for the dog that she can just put it out back for the day with a bowl of food and water. I plan on making it very clear to her that the dog will need TONS of attention, socilizaltion, training, and love. It would be easier to fine her a breed if she didn't care so much about looks, and it seems she is very picky. I pan on showing her the schnoddle tommorrow. Any ideas on another breed or mix that fits this descrition? Please don't e-mail me, at the time I am on a friends computer because mine broke, also if you have questions to ask me please be patien, I won't be able to get on a computer for awhile. Tommorrow and the day after that I will be on, so get back soon. Please help, thanks for reading, bye all.

>>Hi all,
>> I am in need of some help on what dog to get for a family member. She wanted help from me because I know a lot about dogs, and wanted me to help her decide which breed was best. Here is what she wants: 1. She wants a small dog.
>> 2. She wants a dog that doesn't shed at all.
>> 3. She wants a low matenecine dog.
>> 4. She wants a dog that is wonderful with kids.
>> 5. She doesn't want a dog that shows any aggresion at all, an dog that is friendly to all creaters.
>> 6. She wants a playful dog, but not one that boucnes off the wall when not given enough exercise.
>> 7. She wants a cute dog and only a cute dog.
>> 8. She wants a smart and easy to train breed.
>>
>>I have not heard about a dog like this at all, and the schnoddle sounded close enough. The thing is she doesn't give dogs enough attention. She thinks that if she doesn't have time for the dog that she can just put it out back for the day with a bowl of food and water. I plan on making it very clear to her that the dog will need TONS of attention, socilizaltion, training, and love. It would be easier to fine her a breed if she didn't care so much about looks, and it seems she is very picky. I pan on showing her the schnoddle tommorrow. Any ideas on another breed or mix that fits this descrition? Please don't e-mail me, at the time I am on a friends computer because mine broke, also if you have questions to ask me please be patien, I won't be able to get on a computer for awhile. Tommorrow and the day after that I will be on, so get back soon. Please help, thanks for reading, bye all.>>>>

Sounds like you know the answer. A Schnauzer-Poodle mix would be unpredictable, but most of all, if she allows children to do whatever they want to with the dog, then eventually any dog's ability to cope with children will be ruined. She needs a robot dog. I hear there are some very sophisticated ones out now. In the long run, they are far, far, far less expensive than real dogs.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Tell her that she isn't prepared for dog ownership. A sog needs attention. With her attitude, I wouldn't trust her to own a dog.

sorry, but I can't be anything but brutally honest on this topic.
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Lesya & Sophie

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.
-Helen Keller

I agree with you, she doesn't seem ready for a dog and neither do her kids. Ever sinch they saw me dogs (well behaved obedient Akitas) they wanted one, thinking all would be like that. She also said she wanted to give the dog to me to train and to bring it back to her when it was fully trained. Last night I suggested for her to get the kids a robot dog, she just laughed. They had three cats and got rid of them when they weren't kittens anymore, they also had a golden and get rid of it when it wasn't a pup anymore, that is what I am worried about and they said that it wasn't the right dog for them. A friend of mine suggested a hamster, but they don't like them. I am thinking of just buying them a robot or getting a fully trained adult that I like so that when they don't want it anymore I can have it. Thanks all, bye.

>>I agree with you, she doesn't seem ready for a dog and neither do her kids. Ever sinch they saw me dogs (well behaved obedient Akitas) they wanted one, thinking all would be like that. She also said she wanted to give the dog to me to train and to bring it back to her when it was fully trained. Last night I suggested for her to get the kids a robot dog, she just laughed. They had three cats and got rid of them when they weren't kittens anymore, they also had a golden and get rid of it when it wasn't a pup anymore, that is what I am worried about and they said that it wasn't the right dog for them. A friend of mine suggested a hamster, but they don't like them. I am thinking of just buying them a robot or getting a fully trained adult that I like so that when they don't want it anymore I can have it. Thanks all, bye.>>>

Would you enjoy a nice gentle rabbit (probably a giant lop) when they got tired of it? How about a guinea pig? They really do sound like terrible pet owners. If you do the trained adult dog route, make sure they don't get a chance to ruin the dog before you get it!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

OMG....I would pity the poor animal who ended up in her household. And with her history of giving animals up when tired of them, it wouldn't be fair to the animal. I'm shaking my head and have no advice.
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Tasha