Quote:
Originally Posted by Mandyangel  I just want to make sure whatever we get is a trainable dog, easily house trained, good with kids, and won't mind being lugged around everywhere we go (so small)... Are there other breeds I should maybe consider as well? |
Most - if not all - dogs are trainable. It's the humans who are difficult. The pup may or may not be "easily house trained", however. That's a real consideration with small children. I had dogs when my children were younger and it was a very difficult experience. Now that my kids are teens, it's easier. It's nice that one of my kids really wants to be a vet too. She's up with our Lucy at 6:30 a.m. (even in the summer!!) Not every kid will do that.
Don't think that just because the pup is small that it's very much easier than a large breed. What will you do when your new little guy starts chewing up all the furniture and cabinets in your house; or when he lifts his leg on everything horizontal; or she whines throughout the night and nobody can get any sleep; or she's soiled your carpeting so badly that you must throw it away?
I've had both large and small dogs. The one big difference is that large breeds eat greater amounts of food. That's it.
Be prepared for a whole lot of extra work for YOU! No matter how 'ready' your daughter is to help, most of the work will fall on your shoulders. And you'll be amazed at how quickly the novelty of a new pup wears off for kids. You have to devote a great deal of time to a new pup. And the real question is: Do YOU have the time to give right now?
It you want something that's easy to keep (and low cost), I'd suggest a kitten.
Best wishes with whatever you decide.
Tracey