Birthday Gift - A puppy for my little sister - her 1st one. What to get?
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crack_a_beer
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 Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:07 am Post subject: Birthday Gift - A puppy for my little sister - her 1st one. What to get? |
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| Ok, So my sister wants a puppoy for a long time now and her birthday is coming up so I really want surprise her and get her a puppy. The only thing is I have no idea about puppy's. I want to get her a smart (easy to train), very cute looking, and a dog that doesn't bark that much.. What puppy should I get her? and Is it true that mixed dogs are smarter (hypbrid dogs) that the ones that are not? |
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Rose
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:11 am Post subject: |
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| i dont like dogs which dont bark too much... a good and smart dog should bark... but that's a very lovely gift... i would advise that u buy her a mixed dog... i have a mixed one and he's very smart and adorable... happy birthday to ur sister... |
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Dog Lover
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:16 am Post subject: |
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| First of all, don't go to a pet store. They commonly buy from puppy mills and they are almost always sick and irresponsibly bred. That being said, all dogs bark if bored, lonely, etc. Not barking has more to do with the personality than the breed.Mixed breeds aren't necessarily more intelligent, but they do tent to have less health issues since inbreeding isn't a problem. As for cute, all dogs are cute, it's better to do reasearch on what type of dog will fit your sister's lifestyle and go with that. Go to: www.akc.org and look at a lot of breeds and read their discriptions and find one that will fit her. Shelters and rescue groups are great too becuase they can usually tell you more about the personality of the dog, and help you find a non-barker. |
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twosweethounds
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:18 am Post subject: |
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| What puppy?-one that isn't a surprise,-one she gets to choose,-one she'll be happy to take care of for the next 15 years,-one that, like all dogs, will need lots of patient work to be trained,-one that, like all dogs, will bark unless patiently taught not to,-one of a breed that you will have taken time to research,-one you will have gotten from a responsible breeder who doesn't sell puppies on short notice, or for birthday gifts. |
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Bea S
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:20 am Post subject: |
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| No, it is not true that mixed-breeds are smarter. Each dog is just like a human, each one is different and learns at a different rate.Find out what she is interested in. This is the most important, because if you get her something that she 's not interested in then it might be neglected.There are a lot of toy breeds. Pappions, Maltese, Yorke's, toy Poodles, etc.... Check out the AKC web page and search toy breeds.Remember that some breeds require more maintenance than others. Check out inherent health problems in all breeds that she is interested in.How old is your sister and is she ready to make this kind of commitment for the life of the dog?Good luck and enjoy your new addition no matter what you choose. |
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Whippet keeper
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:23 am Post subject: |
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| I would say buy her a dog bed and a collar and give her those and then go with her to pick out a dog at a local shelter.And no it isn't true that mixes are smarter or healthier. But many mixes and purebreds end up in shelters...and some are small and a few are puppies. If you want to buy a dog, don't buy the hype...do research and buy from a good breeder...not an expensive mix.Does your sister have enough time to train a puppy? Puppies are a lot of work. An adult or older pup might be easier.http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/how_to_find_a_good_dog_breeder/http://www.dogchannel.com/ready/evaluation/articlepuppybuy.aspxhttp://cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/findpet/findpup.htmLive animals are not the best gifts. A good breeder will not sell a puppy as a gift. They will want to meet your sister and know why she wants their type of dog and what kind of home she can provide.If your sister still lives with your parents make sure they are ok with it as well ! |
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mair
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:26 am Post subject: |
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First check with your parents to be sure they want to have the responsibility and cost of a dog. Too many dogs end up in rescue because the getting of a dog was not thought out. Before You Get A Dogby Sandi Dremel, Copyright© 1997-2002, The DogInfomatPermission to reprint granted for non-profit use only. The article is not to be edited. http://www.doginfomat/com/b4ugetadog.htmPREFACEThe decision to get a dog is not something to be taken lightly. An adorable puppy can tug at our heartstrings but, in the end, will require a significant investment of your time and money for a significant number of years. Socializing and training a new puppy is time consuming and, occasionally, frustrating. It can increase the amount of stress on the family, and the dog, working to provide the constant supervision, socialization, and training that is necessary to successfully integrate a dog into a family environment. This is especially true if the primary caregiver(s) are working outside of the home and/or have young children, an elderly parent, or other persons and/or pets to care for. This does not mean that it cannot be done. But, prospective dog owners often underestimate the investment of time, energy, and money, required.Additionally, depending upon what breed or mixed breed you ultimately select it may take some time to find the right breeder and/or the right puppy/dog. Reputable, ethical breeders do not breed frequently. And, they only breed when they have found a pair who has been proven to possess the health and temperaments required to insure, to the extent possible, healthy, well tempered, offspring. Making this decision impulsively, can lead to frustration, disappointment, and eventually, may result in the surrender of the dog to a shelter or rescue. In the US, the tragic fact is that, millions of the dogs are prematurely euthanized, annually. And, most often, it is the owners, not the dogs, who are responsible for their premature deaths. Impulsive or poorly thought out decisions; the selection of a difficult or headstrong breed because it is 'popular' or you like how it looks; or, for that matter, any dog selected for looks rather than temperament, 'match' to your lifestyle, and your ability to provide proper care and environment; the lack of consideration of the lifestyle changes you may experience over the next 12 to 14 years; as well as the lack of proper socialization, training, physical activity, and attention -- these are all major contributors to the need for so many shelters and rescues. And, results, all too frequently, in premature euthanasia.WHY DO YOU WANT A DOG?The first question you should ask yourself, honestly is . . . Why do I (we) want a dog?If your answer is:For my son/daughter/children . . . Trust me, this will be YOUR dog! After the 'honeymoon period', the kids may only play with the dog, occasionally. They may groan and grumble about any dog-related responsibilities, doing them, begrudgingly, only after significant prodding from you. As children's interests and activities change, over the years, their level of involvement with the dog will most likely be, inconsistent, at best. Additionally, your children, especially, young children, will need to be 'trained' in how to behave with the dog and will need to be supervised when with the dog.For protection . . . I know some may disagree but, it is my opinion, that the only time is it a good idea to get a dog for the purpose of protection is in professional or agricultural situations and only when the owner/trainer is humane and knowledgeable of dog behavior and dominant dog training/handling. In all other situations - probably 99.9% - an alarm system, security fence, or other measures are much more appropriate and effective.To breed puppies . . . If you've read the third paragraph of this piece and still feel this way, there is probably little I can offer to change your mind. But, just in case, let me restate the case a little more thoroughly. The breeding of dogs is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If it is not your intention to remain responsible for all of your puppies for their entire lives, including being willing to take back and care for those who may find themselves homeless, do not enter into this endeavor. If you are planning on breeding for profit, understand that there are much easier, more profitable and ethical ways to make a buck. Dogs are living beings and dog breeding requires a significant investment of time, money, labor, knowledge, both academic and practical, patience, and emotional fortitude, to be done responsibly and humanely. Please visit a few of the shelter and rescue websites, or your local shelter, and witness the problem yourself. View the faces of the homeless dogs and talk to the volunteers and staff who, all too often, must take that 'final walk' with them.Because BreedX is 'Cool', was in a movie you saw, is unique and exotic, is free/cheap, or other such nonsense . . . One of the WORSE reasons to get a dog, or any other animal, for that matter, is because of their physical appearance or popularity due to a movie, TV show, or other publicity. Often, these venues feature exotic, rare or unique breeds that are, in the overwhelming majority of pet situations, unsuitable as companions. This visibility may also draw out those 'breeders' whose primary motivation is profit versus health, temperament, structural soundness and the welfare of their dogs.And, remember to incorporate the same thoughtful consideration on whether or not to get a dog, and which breed or mix, when your friend, coworker or relative offers you one of Fluffy's puppies. Dogs are never really 'free' or 'cheap' and, in reality, require significant financial, physical, time, and environmental resources. At a minimum, none of these, or other such reasons, are sound selection factors for getting a dog and selecting a particular breed or mix. And, remember, if it is difficult for you to find information on a particular breed, or a breeder of the breed, it follows that you will most likely also have difficulty finding local support services that are familiar with the training, health care, and maintenance needs of that breed.THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DOG OWNERSHIPHowever, if you are interested in getting a dog for the RIGHT reasons, please ask yourself the following 10 questions, prior to selecting a breed and breeder or visiting your local shelter or rescue facility:1) Are you, and all those who live with you, committed to spend 12+ years providing health care, food, grooming, training and attention to a dog? Do the people who live with you also want a dog?2) Do you have the time and/or resources available . . . To take your dog for walks and to the vet? To bath, brush, clip, and, otherwise, groom your dog as often as necessary? Will you want to play and, perhaps, work on training daily, with your dog? Are you willing to take your dog to puppy socialization, kindergarten, and basic obedience classes?3) Are there lifestyle-altering events that could occur in your foreseeable future? - A baby, caring for an elderly family member, a divorce, job uncertainty, etc. And, how would you deal with these changes as they impacted your ability to care for a dog?4) Is your personality conducive to dog ownership? Do you often feel 'stressed out'? Do you like to have total control over your environment or 'space'? Are you a 'neat freak'? Are you flexible? Patient? Answer honesty - nobody but you will know AND, more importantly, nobody but you will have to live with the results of your trying to 'fit' your personality to a dog.5) Are you physically able to care for a dog? Are you economically able to provide care for a dog?6) Is your environment prepared for a dog and/or are you willing to make the investment of time and money necessary to insure that it does? Is there a yard or park-like area for your dog to walk and relieve him- or her- self? Is your yard, or a portion of it, fenced? If your dog will be outside for any period of time, will you provide a secure and comfortable shelter for your dog? Although you may have a secure and comfortable location for your dog while it is outdoors, dog should not be left outdoors, unattended, for extended periods of time. They can be taunted, released, stolen, or worse. Tethering can cause serious physical harm or death in the event of an entanglement or other such accident. Further, prolonged tethering can cause undesirable behavioral and personality traits to surface. Additionally, garages may contain chemicals, tools and other items that can be dangerous and/or harmful to your dog.7) Will your dog be alone for long periods of time, daily? Can you arrange for the dog to be let out for a romp, given water, medication, and playtime, as necessary, during the day? Or, will you become angered and frustrated by behavioral issues that may arise due to the fact that your dog is alone for long periods of time? (i.e., relieves him or herself indoors; chews up a blanket, your shoes, your favorite chair cushion; barks incessantly, causing your neighbors to become angry or, perhaps, even call animal control on you; etc. Do not plan to leave your dog outdoors or in a garage all day while you are away! If this is in your plans, I suggest you revisit the question "Why do I/We want a dog?" Are you willing to spay/neuter your dog, as soon as possible, to reduce the chance of an accidental breeding?9) Do you travel frequently? Will it be difficult for you to find quality care for your dog when you are away?10) Do you really LOVE dogs? If you are truly motivated by your love of dogs, or a particular dog, you most likely don't need this page. You've done your homework and are ready for a lifelong commitment. You will train and play with your dog, provide appropriate veterinary care and nutrition, you will bath and groom him or her, happily, and the occasional behavioral problem won't throw you for a loop. If this is the case, please visit the other related sections of the library for helpful articles on breed or mix selection, puppy or adult?, adoption or breeder, finding a breeder, preparation for your dog, training care, and more.CLOSING THOUGHTSWhile there are a few breeds, especially exotic or rare breeds, which I would not recommend to people considering dog ownership, there are several shared traits and needs that are basic to all dogs. All require socialization, training, a secure, comfortable and safe environment, grooming and health maintenance, professional health care, a quality diet, companionship, attention, and love. All dogs are canines and think like canines. It is important that you educate yourself through books, training classes, etc., so that you will be able to interpret and understand their behavior and respond appropriately.Additionally, with regard to "non-shedding dogs", while there is no such animal (except for hairless varieties which present greater maintenance and care challenges), some do shed considerably less than others (i.e., several terrier breeds, schnauzers, poodles, etc.). However, understand that if it is an allergy or asthma that you are concerned with, it is likely not the shedding of hair that causes the reaction in humans, it is proteins in the saliva, dander or contact with urine, that will often trigger allergic reactions. Non-allergenic breeds of dogs or cats do not exist. Animals tend to shed dander at different rates and hair length is only a minor factor in the amount of dander an animal makes. Animals may also be more allergenic at certain times of the year as they go through dander-shedding cycles. The characteristics of a person’s allergies can also change over time. Purchasing a so-called "non-allergenic" breed usually does not work out. Getting rid of a pet after emotional attachments have been made is hard for all involved. Additional recommended online materials includes: Cindy Tittle Moore's Allergy FAQ and the Pets and Allergies: Minimizing the Reaction by Clifford Bassett, M.D., FAAAAI. However, if it is the 'mess' you are concerned about, while you can minimize the amount and/or length of the hair/undercoat shed via breed selection and proper grooming, dogs can and do make messes having nothing to do with shedding. So, if muddy coat and paws or a bit of doggy 'fragrance' are going to throw you into a tailspin, please reevaluate if this is the best time for you to get a dog. Thoughtful breed and breeder selection can improve, to some degree, the odds that you will find a healthy, well-tempered, dog that meets your expectations in a family pet. Deciding to get an older adoptable pure or mixed breed dog can eliminate a few 'unknowns' (See "The Virtues of an Older Dog" by Valerie Macys) but, may, on the other hand, present alternative concerns. In any event, at some point during your dog's life, you will face some 'surprises' or 'issues' that will require some flexibility and out-of-the-ordinary amount of patience, time, and effort on your part. Even when dealing with the most reputable breeder, rescue or shelter, and being extremely diligent and thorough, in your research, your ability to predict you and your dog's future, is limited. Therefore, just as in marriage or parenthood, you must be willing to be somewhat flexible and sincerely committed to responding, responsibly, to deviations from your expectations. And, finally, while doing some research on weight pulling, I came across a great, practical, primer/warning, by Amy Gerson, on what life with dogs can be like. While, specifically, written for Malamutes, these 'issues' can be found in any dog breed or mix and are examples of what you must be willing to deal with when you decide to get a dog. It is true, that many behavioral issues can be solved through training and sufficient activity and exercise; some of these traits are inherent enough to be recurring and frustrating to owners. If digging, chewing, etc. are likely to result in your packing your dog off to a shelter, please reconsider your decision to get a dog.Still interested in getting a dog? Here is a site to help you pick the breed: http://www.doginfomat.com/breedsintro.htmGood luck. |
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Anneska
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:27 am Post subject: |
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| The safest one to go for is a Golden retriever. The breed is known to be easily trained and is not really the bark allot type. It is used for the blind so it is definitely one of the smarter breeds. I think it fits the cute looking perfect. A Retriever is like the poster dog of the century, very cute. Just make sure you don't get a normal labrador, they tent to get fat if they are not exisiced regulary. I don't think it's true about mixed dogs being smarter. You get surten breeds tat is smarter but in the end it depends on the dog. If you are buying put the puppy on the floor and call it. If it makes no attemp to come and totally ignore you its dumb. I'm just not sure if you have a big garden? If you don't have a garden maybe you should rather go for a smaller dog. Dutchounds is good to keep indoorsTell her HAPPY BIRTHDAY by the way. |
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eggie.
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:36 am Post subject: |
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| Mixed dogs are not necessarily smarter, since you obviously don't know what they were mixed with. That makes a difference. I agree with one of the comments above - dogs are not good birthday gifts, as a suprise. Unless she's very serious and ready to make a lifetime commitment, I would get her something that isn't so dependant as an animal. They're not just dolls that you can toss away once you're bored with them. If you're clear on that situation, I would suggest getting one for her that she can pick out - not one at a pet store. They're typically overpriced and are either from puppy mills who don't give a rip about their health, or they're the 'left over' puppy that the breeder didn't want to care for anymore. You don't want either. Research different breeders when she makes the decision on which breed she wants. Nice selections would be a golden retriever, cavalier king charles, or a greyhound. Those are easy going friendly dogs. |
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kimea29
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:37 am Post subject: |
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| Cocker spaniels are pretty good with kids, also Golden retrievers, or Laboradors ...Cockerpoos---(Poodle & cockerspaniel) if mixed breed is what you want( they usually don't have the problems that special breeds have) Another mixed breed is a Labradoodle(Labrador & Poodle) I have a friend that has some part Labrador & Pit that are so cute --they look like poodle & Lab (and they are so quiet, too) Their dog had 11 puppies, and they are up for adoption right now !!! |
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Kiddo
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:37 am Post subject: |
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| first no dogs are easy to train. and if you want a cute dog that will make your sister happy than you should get a shitszu. As for hybrids being smarter I really don't know the anser to that. |
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Caz B
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:57 am Post subject: |
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| I agree with everything that Whippet says. We have two puppies (both cross breeds) and we love them both heaps... BUT ... they are an enormous amount of work, cost a bit with food, vet checks, flea treatments, worming etc.Puppies like to dig holes so hopefully your parents don't have an award winning garden or lawn!!Definitely check out one of the websites that tell you about different breeds. I like using Selectapet which asks you questions regarding what your lifestyle is like, how large a dog you want, how much you can afford in time, food, grooming, etc.Good luck but make an informed choice! |
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Confused & Young
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 4:59 am Post subject: |
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| Yes, in my opinion mutts (mixed dogs), are not only smarter, but they are also more loyal. My dad had one that lived for about 20 years. He was a great dog, and i knew him since the day i was born, he was very patient with me from my terrible twos to my ferocious fives. I loved that dog. so i would say that get her a female mutt. Females are smarter (no offense) and easier to train. But i would suggest getting the puppy fixed before you give it to your sister, that way she could avoid any of the issues that come with unaltered dogs. And most all dogs are cute as puppies, and if you fall in love with a cute puppy and watch it grow up, it's kind of hard to find it 'ugly' once it is older. |
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Beata g
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 5:01 am Post subject: |
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| Please, read the whole thing and Please, Please don't surprise her with the dog, suppose she wants a dog, but she wants a totally different one than you give her. You will ruin the dog's life and ruin the chances of the girl getting something she is happy with. So if you want to get her a dog, check with your parents and see if they say OK, and if so, buy her a DOG BOOK, because she can have some tips about how to raise her new dog,(not an easy task)with a card that says what the whole thing is about , and that you will pay for the dog. Then, first off go to the shelter, here are some reasons to do so...http://www.borntodiepets.com/html/video.htmwatch the DR.death video first.There can be great dogs at the shelter, and hybrid dogs are not necessarily smarter, but if they used to be street dogs, and they had to rely on their smarts to live(doesn't mean they are wild, at least most of them), they are definitely smarter than other even purebred dogs. As for all the Cockapoos, and Cavachons that you can easily get at pet stores, they are probably stupider and yappier and more unpredictable than all the other dogs. If you decide the shelter doesn't have any good dogs, try the breed selectorhttp://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.doand see which breeds come up. Then let your little sister decide which one she likes, find a reputable breeder in your area that doesn't breed hybrid dogs on purpose, and buy a puppy. DO NOT MAKE IT A SURPRISE, it will only make it worse. I REALLY, TRULY, hope this helps you, and I am sure that giving your sister a dog book and saying, I WILL get you a dog will be better than getting her something she doesn't want and the poor dog willl get thrown into a shelter and killed within 6 days.Thanks for reading |
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Soccer37
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 5:26 am Post subject: |
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| I would say get your sister a Labrador. They have wonderful tempers, great around everyone, and a relatively easy to train. Labs are common, and wonderfully loyal, with a relatively long life span. The only down side is the shed, but you can give them pills to prevent this. I would suggest looking into different breeds and determine which one is best for your sister, but you can't go wrong with America's Number One breed. Oh, and about hybrid dogs, they are not basically smarter, and could possibly have genetic problems, but I really don't know a lot about them. |
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