Puppy
The Batterson family may be adding a new member of the family. Summer has been on puppyfind.com every day for the past four months! She wants a puppy. Bad!
We've been looking at Bichon's because they are hypo-allergenic. But we just found a Shichon that is a mix of the Bichon Frise and Shit-Tzu. We really like both breeds so we might go for the mix.
Gotta admit--I have mixed emotions. A puppy running around the house sounds like a ton of fun, but the responsibility is a little scary! And then there is the potty-training issue :)
Anybody want to talk us into it or out of it?
We've been looking at Bichon's because they are hypo-allergenic. But we just found a Shichon that is a mix of the Bichon Frise and Shit-Tzu. We really like both breeds so we might go for the mix.
Gotta admit--I have mixed emotions. A puppy running around the house sounds like a ton of fun, but the responsibility is a little scary! And then there is the potty-training issue :)
Anybody want to talk us into it or out of it?
25 Comments:
Pets are awesome, and our 3 year old is addicted to both our golden and poodle.
If you're going to do it though, I'd recommend training. We dropped our golden off every day for two weeks of intense training. Almost immediately she was well behaved and, years later and with our lack of reinforcing the training, she can still go on long walks without a leash.
Have fun!
I just got a Boxer pup. Lot's of fun and lots of work-somewhat like a kid.
However, I've been able to teach my daughters (7 & 5) a ton through having the pup.
It does cost a good chunk of change, and a lot of time commitments.
But I think it's worth it, as long as the dog is trained and well behaved.
Good luck!
Shih Tzu dude, Shih Tzu. :)
David... hysterical.
If you get a bichon, you'll have to turn in your man card. If you don't mind parting with it, they're a good breed.
My wife wanted a yippy dog, and I wanted a lab. We compromised on a small beagle, and she's been the greatest dog in the world.
As far as potty training, I highly recommend crate training. We crate trained ours, and she was potty trained in less than a week. She's only ever had one accident in the house in 3 years, and that was when she was sick.
Don't do it! We have a Lab and a Jack a poo (Jack Russel/Poodle). Don't do it! Don't do it! Save the dog, buy a Ping Driver instead.
"But we just found a Shichon that is a mix of the Bichon Frise and Shit-Tzu."
Oops!
David,
What would I do without you :) That was a genuine mistake. Yikes! I guess I need to work on my pronunciation too :)
And Chris...my little girl is so cute I am willing to hand in my man card :) Maybe we'll just give it a really manly name like bruiser or something!
Mark
Run away...Run Run away as fast as you can!!!
Hey Mark,
My wife is a dog trainer and Bichons, well, let's just say they're always in the remedial class. Not too bright.
We have a pekingese-poodle mix, which is hypo-allergenic and cute! He happens to be a famous Target model, but that's another story.
Go for it. My wife didn't have any desire to own a dog when I convinced her to let us get our golden. That took about a week to change her opinions of having a dog. Yes, it's a lot of responsibility, but it's also a great way to work with your kids on responsibility. It will really become another member of the family.
Hey Mark
I actually have a Bichon and he is great. I had one growing up and when my wife and I got married we got a dog before a kid:) He is super playful and he has adjusted great with our little boy. They play together and have alot of fun. The great things about Bichons are that they dont smell and they dont shed which is awesome. I know someone said they arent smart. I dont find that with ours. He is sometimes stubborn, but they love people, always have to be in the middle of everything going on and he is obedient if your faithful to discipline just like a kid:) Anyways, I would most def recommend a Bichon.
Mark,
DON'T DO IT! Sorry for the intensity there. I caved and my wife got the dog she wanted (Malti Poo). Our little Sadie has been a terror on both our furniture and carpet. She chews everything, and still isn't quite trained (not to my specs anyway). My biggest issue is the attention/time they require.
All of that said, she's pretty cute and my wife loves her... not sure it's worth it even at that though.
Enjoy your decision!
Mark,
Heard you speak at Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh. Listen: my wife and I got a Poochi (miniature poodle and chihuahua mix) in October. Best thing in the world; super, super smart and great with little kids! We love him. Definitely go for the dog. The fun outweighs the pain of training them.
Mark,
Bill, Troy and Luke are all trying to save you aggravation you don't need. It is a bit hard to throw the wet blanket, when everyone really wants to think happily and talk happily about dog ownership experiences.
These little animals are so cute... but they come with a high price.
They require lots of attention, lots of work and exercise. Then, they must have adequate babysitters whenever you and your fam go out of town.
On the other hand, stuffed animals are GREAT!
I made the wrong choice a year ago and our cute little pooper could live til she's 20.
JUST SAY NO...
to Shih Tzu!
We actually have three dogs in our house Mark. I never would have guessed it in a million years but I live with three women (my wife and two daughters) and let's just say they know how to get me to cave in. We have a Yorkie, a Boston Terrior, and the newest addition a teacup Chihuahua that will fit in my shirt pocket.You're right, the worst part is the potty training. Go for it!
I work in in ministry and got a puppy back in February. One of the best things we did was train her to go potty inside on a "puppy pad" since we're away from home so much. This way she isn't holding it all day and we know if we get caught up at church doing something she'll live...
Go for it! We are a 3 dog family (A new english mastiff puppy) and love it! Of course my wife would have a farm at the house if I let her. I would reccomend reading the Cesar Millan(the "Dog Whisperer") book, "Cesar's Way"; as well as his tv show. Great stuff. Even a great leadership read.
Be consistent and walk the dog!
Go for it Mark! Dogs are great and yes they can teach responsibility to the kids. I however would recommend a Yorkie. We have one and he is great (get a girl though or neuter the little fellow). We have a 4 year old and a 6 month old and Zeke is great with both of them. He likes to give our 6 month old, TJ, kisses on the bottoms of his feet!! Yorkies are great dogs, no allergies just like the Bichon.
Summer is cute, that is true...but remember that she is ten years old and these dogs live around 15 years. So, assuming she moves out at 18, this will be YOUR dog for an additional seven years. I think it will look good in your man purse though! :)
To tease you a bit more, I looked up the breed and Bichon Frise in French literally means "curly lap dog." And the American Kennel Club refers to the breed as a "small, sturdy, white powder puff of a dog." Powder puff? Yep, that will cost one man card.
Three syllables and Lord Byron. Byron first, "All the virtues of man and none of the vices." He was describing his beloved dog. The three syllables - New-found-land. How wonderful? Remember Peter Pan could only take the kinds when Nana (the Newfie) was out of the room.
Mark, I have to agree with j-walking. Newfies are the best dogs - however, you will pay a lot for them (I inquired about one here in Nashville and the breeder wanted $4000 - you can fly to Newfoundland, Canada and get one there for that and not spend that much). Plus, DC (like Nashville) is a little too hot for them. Casey and I love our lab/rhodesian ridgeback pups. Just ask my sister Heather Z. She can tell you all of the funny stories and horror stories, but, there is never a dull moment in the house with Radar and Shadow around!
My sister went on the hunt for the perfect dog when her kids went into their "I want a dog stage." She wanted non-smelly, non-shedding, least-barky, kid-friendly, blah-blah, you get it...She didn't want her house dogified. They bought a purebred Bedlington Terrier - and honestly Mark, they are awesome. Yes, "they" are awesome, because they bought a female and bred her numerous times and kept one of the pups. (BTW - they got 2K a pup! Crazy!) Anyway - awesome dogs, they don't smell, they don't shed, they are awesome companions, very intelligent and super soft! And I thought you'd like this, Bedlingtons have been described as the dog with the heart of a lion and the appearance of a lamb. I, am not a dog person, I'd be the first to say, don't do it! But if I were to one day do it, I'd get a Bedlington!
Mark,
I've been following your blog for a while now....I love your way of thinking.
As for the puppy. My 8 year old wanted a puppy for his 9th birthday and I fought it for a long time. I finally broke down 2 days before his b-day party because it was the only thing that was going to make him happy with the surpise. TOTALLY WORTH IT. Check out my blog post about it and the video of him getting it. It was one of the funnest days of my life.
http://paulmcdill.typepad.com/pauls_blog/2007/07/the-mcdills-get.html
Paul McDill
http://paulmcdill.typepad.com/pauls_blog/2007/07/the-mcdills-get.html
There is the link.
Sorry...it wont post the entire link.
Go to www.paulmcdill.typepad.com and look under the title "The McDill's Get a Puppy" from a few weeks ago.
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