Hello Newbie here!!

[Nutz4you]

Hello everyone,

My name is Monica. We don't have any dogs yet. We hope to get one soon. I love animals. I have always had cats for pets cause my mom was not a dog lover. I don't know my favorite breed because I love dogs. I have always loved the dog that played Lassie. If you would like to know more just ask.

[Swiftwind]

Hi Monica, welcome to Global Paw!

[Lunachick]

Welcome to the forums

[Cassiepeia]

Welcome to Global Paw! The dog that played Lassie (a Rough Collie) was gorgeous. He was actually a male too, not a female. LOL Because the males supposedly have a more luxurious coat.
Good luck finding a dog to add to your family. If you need any help, just ask....we're more than willing to suggest breeds and places to find puppies and adult dogs. We're at your service.

Cass.

[britishbandit]

Welcome aboard!

[Ritz459]

Welcome to the site!

I second what Cass said. If you have any questions, just ask!

[Rivsky]

Welcome to GP

[cocoa41]

Hi Monica,
Welcome-I am new too. I love dogs too-Take your time picking a dog. I always heard
you should let the dog pick you. Good Luck
Karen

[PawNclaws]

Welcome to GlobalPaw !

[DogLover8]

Welcome to Global Paw!

[Nutz4you]

Thank you for all the warm welcomes. My son wants a Wolf Husky mix. My children are 17 and 16 yrs. old so I know if we get a dog I will be left taking care of it because the kids will move out and forget about him/her. I would love any suggestions on the breed(s) I should consider.

Thanks,

Monica

P.s. The picture for my avatar is my sons dream puppy.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Welcome aboard!

I second what everyone else has said!

As far as your son wanting a wolf mix, I don't think that's a good idea. Wolves are wild animals, and need to be kept that way. Mixing it with a domestic animal is just asking for trouble. Actually, wolf/husky mixes are one of the reason for purebreds and other husky mixes being on the "dangerous breeds" list for some insurance companies and renters. You also would have to check with your city/town and find out if it is even legal to own one there. I believe they have to be a certain % of wolf and dog to own as well. To me, a wolf mix is a liability. There are lots of great wolf mixes out there, but I don't think it's right to try and domesticate a wild animal. Their instincts are far too strong to just breed out with a couple of generations.

I find huskies to have wonderful temperments, mixed or not. I think you should find a dog based on what EVERYONE would like, and not just what your son wants. Because like you said, they'll probably be off to college soon and won't be able to care for the dog during that time.

The best way to choose a dog is to look at your lifestyle. Are you guys active, or do you like to stay at home and watch TV? Does everyone work? If so, how long? Who's home during the day? How long would the dog be left alone? What if the dog had an emergency vet visit, would it be affordable?

Lots of things to consider! Tell us a little bit about your lifestyle, and we can suggest some breeds for you!

[Nutz4you]

Thank you Icey!!

Yes I know the wolf husky mix is considered dangerous and I did find out that in PA I need a permit. I will have to check with the locals here to see what they say about having a wolf husky mix.

Now our life style right now is busy because I work full time and so does my husband. My daughter goes to school and works. My son does school on the internet so he is home all day right now but in about 2 to 3 years he will be off to college. My daughter's boyfriend stays here and has very odd hours because of school and work. I know I could come home for lunch everyday because my boss is very nice like that and I work very close to home.

I have always wanted a collie. One reason we don't have a dog is because we have 2 cats and no one takes care of them but me and I have told them they have to prove to me that they can handle taking care of cats, i.e. - feeding them, cleaning their litter box, vacuuming up after them, picking up the dead animals they bring me etc... They haven't proven that to me yet.

I had a friend growing up who use to raise dogs for the blind hoping he would get one that didn't pass the criteria for the job of being a seeing eye dog. He always took care of the dog, played with it, took it for walks etc... I use to help as much as I could.

My husband has always wanted a golden retriever. I supposedly am allergic to dogs, but that was before I was married and I know allergies change.

Well I hope I didn't give you too much information.

[Cassiepeia]

First things first....NEVER expect kids to take care or responsibility for pets. There are always exceptions, but for the most part kids and teens are not capable of that type of commitment. Simply because they get distracted with their changing lives.
If they are going to be commited carers of their pets they'll need very little motivation, IMO. They'll just be naturals at it. So, if I was in your place I would be forgetting about your kids responsiblities and worrying more about whether you and your husband can find a dog that suits you both. Your kids can eventually get whatever dog/cat/ferret/horse/elephant they want. They're nearing the stage where they'll be on their own anyway.

Collies and GRs are both great breeds. I think you'd be happy with both. If you're both busy with work (and life) I'd suggest going for an adult rescue dog. That way the house training isn't as much of an issue and the dog won't mind being crated for longer periods of time. Puppies need to be let out every couple of hours (sometimes more) to help house train them. They have teeny tiny bladders. Adult dogs can 'hold it' much longer.

As far as your allergies are concerned. When looking for a dog, don't ever believe the "hypoallergenic" claims. NO dog is hypoallergenic. Not a single one. Some people can even have reactions to poodles, so be very careful and be sceptical about the claims people make for breeds and mixes. It's an individual thing...you have to find one that you're ok with allergy wise.

Just as a side note....geez I can talk, can't I? Please feel free to tell me to shut up. !

Cass.

[Nutz4you]

Thanks for your advice. I don't expect my kids to take care of the dog(s). I know my daughter won't because she gets easily distracted from taking care of things and she can be very much like a princess. My son on the other hand has always wanted a dog but has felt that he gets the short end of everything since he is the youngest. I think if we did get a dog he would help with taking care of it more then I think he would. My main concern is my husband helping out with taking care of the dog. He hates to take care of the cats I just don't see him helping with the dog, and seeing that if we do get a dog it will most likely be just the two of us sooner then we realize.

My husband also says that we have to have the yard fenced before we get a dog, personally my son and I are tired of hearing this. I keep telling him that instead of going on a vacation why don't we put the money towards doing things to the house. I just think that would be better then always going away. A trip is just temporary but doing things to get an animal is something that will last a lot longer then a trip. (IMO)

Now when you say an adult rescue dog do you mean like getting one from the local SPCA? We have always gotten our cats from there or ones that we have found in the neighborhood. I feel that is better then letting them either get hurt, killed or forgotten. I believe the pet smart near us has rescue animals too.

I don't think I am allergic to dogs because I never have a reaction of any sorts from them. Now my daughter and husband I think will because they seem to have more allergies then me or my son.

Don't worry about talking too much. I can use all the advice possible.