Opinions on puppies?

[Tak]

I'm considering getting a second dog. One for my daughter. It would be strictly a pet. I'm positive that my Wesley would love to have someone to play with. My daughter wants a dog that will lick her more and be more affectionate with her. She lost that with my boy after the tree incident. She's two years older now and understands much more how to treat and train a dog. I, of course, would still be the main trainer and care giver. Assuming that we can afford this, does anyone have some input? My daughter is 8 and my Wesley will be 2 in July. We would most likely be waiting until next April for a puppy when my daughter is 9.

 

[The Cleo Collector]

Do you want a big dog or more smaller?

 

[tulagirl]

I would suggest you look at puppies and research the breeds. Find out what you like first or if you are going to do rescue be aware that sometimes those dogs have had a bad start. Some make great dogs and others are wounded and not so great with children. I have had this happen to me a lot so, I only go for the Japanese Chin now as this breed is perfectly suited for my temperament and needs in a dog. It is hard to recommend a dog to someone else because, dogs are so specific. When you visit puppies you can tell a lot about their interest in your daughter. Just don't be in a rush. Wait for the right dog. Kind of write down all the things you want in another dog. When I had my pug she was wonderful and so good with children, but there were things I didn't want to deal with again so, I didn't get another pug. LOL even though pugs are a huge love of mine. It is almost too hot in Houston for the little guys. She suffered so much in the summers.

 

[ElectricHarpsichord]

PUPPIES!

My main recommendation would be to do your research and meet with the pup before adopting it. While breed isn't the only determiner of character, dogs of specific breeds are more likely to have certain personality traits, and it's good to have a "ruff" idea of what you're looking for.

I would agree with @tulagirl that rescue puppies are more of an unknown quantity, but since puppies are so young they're likely either to not have traumatic experiences or be so young that it doesn't affect their personality. And you could luck out and get puppies who were born in foster care, and have never known a tough life on the streets.

DEFINITELY meet with your preferred pup before adopting/purchasing it. I'd recommend meeting the pup at first just you (and any other adults in your house), then with your daughter, and then finally with everyone and Wesley. You want to make sure that the dog would work well with everyone, and that your current dog would get along with your new one. If you adopt from a rescue organization, some of them will have "trial adoptions" where you can take the dog home for a few days to test and see if the adoption would work out, which is great! Rescues also have suggestions on how to calmly introduce new pets to current ones.

Good luck, and post plenty of pictures!

 

[Tak]

Thank you all! we were thinking of another schipperke. I can't handle cleanup for big dogs and used to be a groomer so I like easy maintenance. My boy Wesley has been great and another schipperke would fit right in with size, personality, upkeep, and energy level. I'm thinking that we will if we can afford it in April. There are some good breeders in the area, too. Since it would be for my daughter, I'm leaning away from rescues since she's inexperienced.

 

[tulagirl]

Oh yea that is right I had never heard of the Schipperke before I met you Tak. My mother is very familiar with them because she loves dog shows and going to them from time to time. I think this is an excellent idea because, this is a breed you like and already have. I had to sell a bunch of stuff on ebay to afford my Yuki, plus I had some friends that gave us funds towards the little guy. Japanese Chins are so expensive but so worth it. We started saving for one I guess about 3 months before we ended up with Mr. Yuki the surprise puppy I wasn't expecting to get so soon. So, I am still trying to pay off his plane ticket. There are no small chins in our area so, we had to fly him in from Oklahoma. LOL It was all such an amazing adventure.