Comments on: When to Take the Puppy Plunge? http://everyotherthursday.com/2009/11/18/when-to-take-the-puppy-plunge/ Dads blogging about parenting, tech, sports and beer Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:17:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jenn http://everyotherthursday.com/2009/11/18/when-to-take-the-puppy-plunge/#comment-1413 Jenn Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:55:07 +0000 http://www.everyotherthursday.com/?p=1557#comment-1413 I am SO a dog person. My partner and I have a pug (we live on the third floor of a condo in Canada, and the weather gets pretty cold here as well). We really debated about getting a dog as well as both of us work and we are usually out and about. However, we spend a lot of time with him after work and on the weekends and take him everywhere possible. We had him in training right away and that increased our confidence and his confidence. If we need to be away for the night we are really fortunate that my sister volunteers to look after him (she gets paid in caffeine-free diet coke and mini chocolate bars).<br>I would also suggest you really think about the breed you want to get. Certain dogs (like pugs) are more suited to condo life (as I am sure you know, being a dog person and all!). If you don't want to be out walking your dog 5 times a day because they have too much energy, a Boston Terrier is probably not for you :)<br>Bottom line: you are right. There is no good time, but if you are really ready then you find yourself making the adjustments. If it makes you feel better whenever myself or my partner has a day off and our dog is out with us he usually just sleeps, but pugs are like that. I am SO a dog person. My partner and I have a pug (we live on the third floor of a condo in Canada, and the weather gets pretty cold here as well). We really debated about getting a dog as well as both of us work and we are usually out and about. However, we spend a lot of time with him after work and on the weekends and take him everywhere possible. We had him in training right away and that increased our confidence and his confidence. If we need to be away for the night we are really fortunate that my sister volunteers to look after him (she gets paid in caffeine-free diet coke and mini chocolate bars).
I would also suggest you really think about the breed you want to get. Certain dogs (like pugs) are more suited to condo life (as I am sure you know, being a dog person and all!). If you don't want to be out walking your dog 5 times a day because they have too much energy, a Boston Terrier is probably not for you :)
Bottom line: you are right. There is no good time, but if you are really ready then you find yourself making the adjustments. If it makes you feel better whenever myself or my partner has a day off and our dog is out with us he usually just sleeps, but pugs are like that.

]]> By: bloggingbelmont http://everyotherthursday.com/2009/11/18/when-to-take-the-puppy-plunge/#comment-1414 bloggingbelmont Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:46:16 +0000 http://www.everyotherthursday.com/?p=1557#comment-1414 Hey -- I like Joni Mitchell!! :-) Hey — I like Joni Mitchell!! :-)

]]> By: Jenn http://everyotherthursday.com/2009/11/18/when-to-take-the-puppy-plunge/#comment-1412 Jenn Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:55:07 +0000 http://www.everyotherthursday.com/?p=1557#comment-1412 I am SO a dog person. My partner and I have a pug (we live on the third floor of a condo in Canada, and the weather gets pretty cold here as well). We really debated about getting a dog as well as both of us work and we are usually out and about. However, we spend a lot of time with him after work and on the weekends and take him everywhere possible. We had him in training right away and that increased our confidence and his confidence. If we need to be away for the night we are really fortunate that my sister volunteers to look after him (she gets paid in caffeine-free diet coke and mini chocolate bars).<br>I would also suggest you really think about the breed you want to get. Certain dogs (like pugs) are more suited to condo life (as I am sure you know, being a dog person and all!). If you don't want to be out walking your dog 5 times a day because they have too much energy, a Boston Terrier is probably not for you :)<br>Bottom line: you are right. There is no good time, but if you are really ready then you find yourself making the adjustments. If it makes you feel better whenever myself or my partner has a day off and our dog is out with us he usually just sleeps, but pugs are like that. I am SO a dog person. My partner and I have a pug (we live on the third floor of a condo in Canada, and the weather gets pretty cold here as well). We really debated about getting a dog as well as both of us work and we are usually out and about. However, we spend a lot of time with him after work and on the weekends and take him everywhere possible. We had him in training right away and that increased our confidence and his confidence. If we need to be away for the night we are really fortunate that my sister volunteers to look after him (she gets paid in caffeine-free diet coke and mini chocolate bars).
I would also suggest you really think about the breed you want to get. Certain dogs (like pugs) are more suited to condo life (as I am sure you know, being a dog person and all!). If you don't want to be out walking your dog 5 times a day because they have too much energy, a Boston Terrier is probably not for you :)
Bottom line: you are right. There is no good time, but if you are really ready then you find yourself making the adjustments. If it makes you feel better whenever myself or my partner has a day off and our dog is out with us he usually just sleeps, but pugs are like that.

]]> By: bloggingbelmont http://everyotherthursday.com/2009/11/18/when-to-take-the-puppy-plunge/#comment-1411 bloggingbelmont Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:46:16 +0000 http://www.everyotherthursday.com/?p=1557#comment-1411 Hey -- I like Joni Mitchell!! :-) Hey — I like Joni Mitchell!! :-)

]]> By: whitwo http://everyotherthursday.com/2009/11/18/when-to-take-the-puppy-plunge/#comment-1410 whitwo Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:37:13 +0000 http://www.everyotherthursday.com/?p=1557#comment-1410 We actually got our dog (a boxer) before our 1 year old son was born. The dog is now 4 and is at a great age for a 1 year old. I would say that if you haven't been allergy tested (or had your kids tested) it is worth it. Turns out I am pretty allergic to dogs, but I just deal with it.<br>We have always been able to find either a family member or dog-loving friend to take care of our dog when we travel, and before our son was born that was pretty often. <br>All that said - I couldn't imagine trying to raise a puppy with a 1 year old. Maybe when we have kids that our old enough to help (walking mostly) I would consider it. Another note is that looking back we would really look at rescuing a dog that is about 1 years old. The major vet bills are done, they are fairly potty trained and they usually have an extra "thank you for saving me" love for you. Yes you lose out on some of that cute age, but that time goes pretty quick anyways. Just my $.02. We actually got our dog (a boxer) before our 1 year old son was born. The dog is now 4 and is at a great age for a 1 year old. I would say that if you haven't been allergy tested (or had your kids tested) it is worth it. Turns out I am pretty allergic to dogs, but I just deal with it.
We have always been able to find either a family member or dog-loving friend to take care of our dog when we travel, and before our son was born that was pretty often.
All that said – I couldn't imagine trying to raise a puppy with a 1 year old. Maybe when we have kids that our old enough to help (walking mostly) I would consider it. Another note is that looking back we would really look at rescuing a dog that is about 1 years old. The major vet bills are done, they are fairly potty trained and they usually have an extra “thank you for saving me” love for you. Yes you lose out on some of that cute age, but that time goes pretty quick anyways. Just my $.02.

]]> By: chadnorthrup http://everyotherthursday.com/2009/11/18/when-to-take-the-puppy-plunge/#comment-1409 chadnorthrup Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:44:51 +0000 http://www.everyotherthursday.com/?p=1557#comment-1409 David- we have a 7 year-old black lab named Brisco. Fortunately my wife & I have always been dog people, so I never had to fight the cat battle.<br><br>In terms of the "when" question- if you're going for a puppy then I think you'll want to wait until the spring. Housetraining is difficult enough when it's warm out, let alone when it's -20 outside and you're trying to get your distracted little pup to do his/her business. Don't worry about being gone a lot during the day, but do take that into consideration when you're trying to choose a breed. Some are prone to anxiety attacks when their owners aren't around for extended periods of time. When we first got our Brisco, there were several days a week when he's be alone in his crate for 8-hour stretches. We just knew that when we got home he'd need lots of hugs and a good walk, which we never minded. Wayne is right- the crate sounds cruel but it's actually quite the opposite. It helped immensely with housetraining, and it gave him a sense of security when we were away. <br><br>The traveling question is a tough one, but not a dealbreaker. There are lots of responsible caretakers who will be willing to look after the dog, and this is one of those things I'd put into the "we'll figure it out when the times comes" category. If you're lucky, you'll be able to find a person who's willing to take the dog on an occasional weekend rather than having to rely on a big dog shelter. Independent dog caretakers are a lot more common these days than they once were. <br><br>One other thing to keep in mind- the Harraseeket Inn up in Freeport ME allows dogs! They even put out a little dog bed and a special treat for when you arrive. Worst case scenario is Freeport becomes your chosen weekend getaway place, and you end up spending loads of money at LL Bean. <br><br>Good luck with your decision! I'm no expert but let me know if I can help in any way. David- we have a 7 year-old black lab named Brisco. Fortunately my wife & I have always been dog people, so I never had to fight the cat battle.

In terms of the “when” question- if you're going for a puppy then I think you'll want to wait until the spring. Housetraining is difficult enough when it's warm out, let alone when it's -20 outside and you're trying to get your distracted little pup to do his/her business. Don't worry about being gone a lot during the day, but do take that into consideration when you're trying to choose a breed. Some are prone to anxiety attacks when their owners aren't around for extended periods of time. When we first got our Brisco, there were several days a week when he's be alone in his crate for 8-hour stretches. We just knew that when we got home he'd need lots of hugs and a good walk, which we never minded. Wayne is right- the crate sounds cruel but it's actually quite the opposite. It helped immensely with housetraining, and it gave him a sense of security when we were away.

The traveling question is a tough one, but not a dealbreaker. There are lots of responsible caretakers who will be willing to look after the dog, and this is one of those things I'd put into the “we'll figure it out when the times comes” category. If you're lucky, you'll be able to find a person who's willing to take the dog on an occasional weekend rather than having to rely on a big dog shelter. Independent dog caretakers are a lot more common these days than they once were.

One other thing to keep in mind- the Harraseeket Inn up in Freeport ME allows dogs! They even put out a little dog bed and a special treat for when you arrive. Worst case scenario is Freeport becomes your chosen weekend getaway place, and you end up spending loads of money at LL Bean.

Good luck with your decision! I'm no expert but let me know if I can help in any way.

]]> By: Wayne http://everyotherthursday.com/2009/11/18/when-to-take-the-puppy-plunge/#comment-1408 Wayne Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:48:31 +0000 http://www.everyotherthursday.com/?p=1557#comment-1408 Had same issue as well. Wife wanted dog for a while but we waited till girls were 8 and 6. At that age, they are able to help out with the dog (feed, take him out and play). As for us, the parents, we both work so we have to put him in crate all day, sounds cruel but it is not. Get home, set him free and do some training. On weekends, we spend time training him even more. Going well and he is fun. Been like this for several months and it works for the dog and family. Had same issue as well. Wife wanted dog for a while but we waited till girls were 8 and 6. At that age, they are able to help out with the dog (feed, take him out and play). As for us, the parents, we both work so we have to put him in crate all day, sounds cruel but it is not. Get home, set him free and do some training. On weekends, we spend time training him even more. Going well and he is fun. Been like this for several months and it works for the dog and family.

]]> By: Wayne http://everyotherthursday.com/2009/11/18/when-to-take-the-puppy-plunge/#comment-1407 Wayne Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:48:31 +0000 http://www.everyotherthursday.com/?p=1557#comment-1407 Had same issue as well. Wife wanted dog for a while but we waited till girls were 8 and 6. At that age, they are able to help out with the dog (feed, take him out and play). As for us, the parents, we both work so we have to put him in crate all day, sounds cruel but it is not. Get home, set him free and do some training. On weekends, we spend time training him even more. Going well and he is fun. Been like this for several months and it works for the dog and family. Had same issue as well. Wife wanted dog for a while but we waited till girls were 8 and 6. At that age, they are able to help out with the dog (feed, take him out and play). As for us, the parents, we both work so we have to put him in crate all day, sounds cruel but it is not. Get home, set him free and do some training. On weekends, we spend time training him even more. Going well and he is fun. Been like this for several months and it works for the dog and family.

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