Pet predicament - Locker Room, Advice

You Might Like

More Polls By: sports_schmorts

Who liked it? 18

woody050681 (+)
Michigan Wolverines

EdSpeshel (+)
Minnesota Vikings

sports_schmorts (+)

kizzlep (+)
Pittsburgh Steelers

Nick S (+)
Boston Coll. Eagles

Jess (+)
Seattle Seahawks

kramer (+)
Pittsburgh Steelers

Helen (+)
St. Louis Cardinals

Beaneaters (+)
Atlanta Falcons

YankeeDudeL (+)
New York Giants

... and 8 other fans

Locker Room Results Skip to Next Poll »

Like it?

Pet predicament

So I have two boys 7(8 in 4 months) and 4(5 in 2 weeks). My 4 year old carries around his webkinz and other stuffed animals and treats them like real pets, taking the potty ( in the bathroom), watching movies with them, playing games ( the wii and his v-smile) and talking to them. He even went so far and to find a hunk of cement and name it Rocky the first, he wanted to sleep with it, and even took it with us shopping this morning.

So my question is.. does this boy need a pet? and what kind of pet?

Here is a little back ground. When he was about 2 we got a mini dachshund that we ended up bringing to a shelter cause it was biting him. So I want an animal that he is not afraid to touch. We then fostered two sister Chihuahua's that we found a home for a few months later. He really didn't like the dachshund, but LOVED the girls. HE has even named two of his webkinz after them. I said I didn't want another dog until they were old enough to help take care of the dog.

| Closed on 07/26/08 at 05:00PM
FanIQ Pts? No | Locker Room, Advice | Multiple Choice Opinion Poll

46 Fans
	1. Should we get a pet? (0 points)
61%	a. Yes
24%	b. No
15%	c. Other
	2. What kind of a pet? (0 points)
57%	a. A dog
0%	b. A cat
0%	c. A rabbit
2%	d. A fish
2%	e. A hampster
2%	f. A turtle
24%	g. No pet yet.
13%	h. Other
	3. We really want a dog ( when we get one ) so what kind is best with kids? (0 points)
43%	a. This kind
17%	b. That kind
15%	c. Other
24%	d. No idea

	&nbp;
TOP COMMENT
#30 \| 100 days ago Disciple (+)	barcelona2013 wrote: Get a doberman they are very loyal and protective of their owners or a boxer. +6 Why are dobermans so protective of boxers? 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. No idea
	Was this comment...? (6)


35 Comments \| Sorted by Most Recent First \| Red = You Disagreed
Vote for your favorite comments. Fans decide the Top Comment (3+ votes) and also hide poor quality comments (4+ votes).
#1 \| 101 days ago AAL (+)	+2 The kids aren't old enought to assist in caring for the pets, they are old enough to see and learn as you care for the pet. Dogs are always great, but it does go back to who takes care of them, how they are trained and who is the responsible adult. My neighbors had a small dog, it was great, it was given the their 15 year old daughter for her birthday, well she was 15! She was not interested in caring for a dog so it went to the 5 and 4 year olds who tortured it endlessley, there was absolutely no structure for the pet, there was no potting training, no leash and collar training and was finally given away. These kids would drag the poor thing around by the tail! Finally a LAB is the way to go, they are great with adults and kids, they are easily trained, are easy to play with for kids, and love to swim. 1. Other 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...? (2)
#2 \| 101 days ago TerikaHarifa (+)	+1 I know that labs are good with kids. We have had some black labs and I know they are HYPER as puppies....I don't know it that trait is true to all labs or just the black ones. Can't go terribly wrong with a dog, unless it's just got a bad personality. You'll have to give the boys chores in helping to care for it though, like taking/letting him out for "potty" and feeding. 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. That kind
	Was this comment...? (1)
#3 \| 101 days ago MISterISU (+)	+2 you will be the one taking care of the pets. For a dog breed go medium sized so the kids don't think to carry it around. Golden retrievers are supposed to be one of the best with kids. I grew up with lab mixes and think they can be good. We had Border Collie/australian sheperd which was the smartest dog I have ever seen but maybe too smart and high maintenance in terms of the amount of exercise/running the thing did. Stay away from the smaller dogs they aren't as durable around kids 1. Other 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...? (2)
#4 \| 101 days ago derms33 (+)	+3 I have a mini-dachshund that we rescued from an abusive situation. It took a lot of time and effort to get him to come around but he is great with my immediate family. And is great with the only kid around (my 4-yr. old nephew). Dachshunds are really temperamental so that probably wasn't the best starter dog. Why was the dog biting him? Maybe territorial issues. I think i'd stick with the cement for now. When he is about 8 I'd thik about a dog, but definitely a dog. Any boy will get bored with a cat or any other listed. 1. No 2. No pet yet. 3. Other
	Was this comment...? (1) (2)
#5 \| 101 days ago sports_schmorts (+)	derms33 wrote: I have a mini-dachshund that we rescued from an abusive situation. It took a lot of time and effort to get him to come around but he is great with my immediate family. And is great with the only kid around (my 4-yr. old nephew). Dachshunds are really temperamental so that probably wasn't the best starter dog. Why was the dog biting him? Maybe territorial issues. I think i'd stick with the cement for now. When he is about 8 I'd thik about a dog, but definitely a dog. Any boy will get bored with a cat or any other listed. +1 lol the funny was for the cement.. We don't know why he was like that with our son. They used to be pals, he would let him lay on him like a pillow and they would just pal around, and then one day he wouldn't let him touch him.
	Was this comment...? (1)
#6 \| 101 days ago derms33 (+)	sports_schmorts wrote: lol the funny was for the cement.. We don't know why he was like that with our son. They used to be pals, he would let him lay on him like a pillow and they would just pal around, and then one day he wouldn't let him touch him. +1 lol..cement...that is classic...Odd a dog would change his behavior unless somethin happened...dogs don't talk so you can forget about that! Good Luck! 1. No 2. No pet yet. 3. Other
	Was this comment...? (1)
#7 \| 101 days ago sports_schmorts (+)	derms33 wrote: lol..cement...that is classic...Odd a dog would change his behavior unless somethin happened...dogs don't talk so you can forget about that! Good Luck! he is special.. we had a party here last summer, and its like a half ball of cement, it was wrapped in some paper and balloons were tied to it. So its perfect for him cause it can "sit" and "rollover".
	Was this comment...?
#8 \| 101 days ago shanniefest (+)	+3 I have a chihuahua/yorkie mix. She bites, scratches, eats shoes, won't house break... she's perfect. You want her?
	Was this comment...? (3)
#9 \| 101 days ago SOS (+)	Wait until everyone is ready or lil things grow into problems and regret,Most dogs will fit the order ,a collie is a loyal dog
	Was this comment...?
#10 \| 101 days ago pinniped9 (+)	+3 I would start out with a pet that won't require you to do a ton of extra work. A goldfish is generally easy to care for, and your child can help out easily with feedings. See if he likes the idea of helping out with the simple act of tossing in the flake food. If he is, that could be a good sign that he may be able to take on more responsibility when he is a bit older. As cruel as it may sound, fish are easily replaceable should something happen. You won't have to worry about your child wanting to take the pet with you where ever you go with a fish. Just my two cents. Good luck! 1. Yes 2. A fish 3. That kind
	Was this comment...? (3)
#11 \| 101 days ago Disciple (+)	+2 Sounds like your 4 yr. old needs to grow up a little & get a job! 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. No idea
	Was this comment...? (2)
#12 \| 101 days ago Disciple (+)	sports_schmorts wrote: lol the funny was for the cement.. We don't know why he was like that with our son. They used to be pals, he would let him lay on him like a pillow and they would just pal around, and then one day he wouldn't let him touch him. Sounds like the dog got hurt by someone either purposely or accidentally, it doesn't matter to the dog. I had a dalmation that was totally cool until he got one of his paws ran over & he turned viscious after that & would growl at people if they got close & sometimes bite. I had Jack Russell terriers when I was a little kid & they were great to have around because they were smaller & had TONS & TONS of energy......good times. 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. No idea
	Was this comment...?
#13 \| 101 days ago bigdaveSCB (+)	We got our dog when my oldest was 3, and his brother was 1. We got her from a "rescue service (they take dogs people cannot care for, for what ever reason)," Pet Samaritans. They had an adoption event where you could interact with the dogs one on one, and see how it relates to your family, play with it see how it acts/reacts to things, and just observe it. The event where we got ours had about 50 dogs, ranging from purebred puppies to old mutts. You can even "foster" them for a couple of weeks to see how the do in your home. We got a 2 year old "mixed" that was house trained, basic obedience trained, and great around kids. The only cost was getting her shots and getting her "fixed." We've had her for almost 5 years, and our boys pretty much take care of her now. The oldest makes sure she has food an water (with a little reminding from Mom and I), and they both help keep the back yard free of "land-mines." She gets all the excercise she needs playing with them in the yard and park. 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...?
#14 \| 101 days ago Flousc (+)	shanniefest wrote: I have a chihuahua/yorkie mix. She bites, scratches, eats shoes, won't house break... she's perfect. You want her? You give your dog away? That's funny.
	Was this comment...?
#15 \| 101 days ago shanniefest (+)	Flousc wrote: You give your dog away? That's funny. +1 yea i love her, I'm lying.
	Was this comment...? (1)
#16 \| 101 days ago barcelona2013 (+)	(Edited by barcelona2013) Get a doberman they are very loyal and protective of their owners or a boxer. 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...?
#17 \| 101 days ago Beaneaters (+)	I have said it in another poll, get a Shitzu, they are smart, loving, a bit dramatic, and it is so cool to say when folks ask you what kind of dog do you have. 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...?
#18 \| 101 days ago Beaneaters (+)	+2 One more thing about a Shitzu, when you go somewhere, you can fold them up and put them in your pocket. 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...? (2)
#19 \| 101 days ago Lobotomy Jones (+)	+1 I had lizards when I was his age. A good dog around kids is a beagle. My friend has one that loves hanging out with his 5 y/o daughter and 1y/o son. 1. Yes 2. Other 3. That kind
	Was this comment...? (1)
#20 \| 101 days ago G Money (+)	black lab is a good choice, i have one and she has never done anything to the kids even when they bother her to no end... 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...?
#21 \| 101 days ago DiabloLoco (+)	+3 Golden retriever or a mutt. Most "pure-bred" dogs don't have enough branches on the family tree, if you know what I mean....LOL...Go with a mutt from the SPCA. Save a life, man! Mutts are generally healthier and have a more pleasant nature. 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...? (3)
#22 \| 101 days ago Helen (+)	+1 Wait a couple of years then get them one. If you want a dog that will absolutely love your kids and be their best friend, get a Golden Retriever...it's hard going through the puppy stage but they are the most well behaved, loving, and adoring dogs you will ever encounter. I miss mine SOOOO much! 1. No 2. No pet yet. 3. This kind
	Was this comment...? (1)
#23 \| 101 days ago just_smile_12 (+)	+1 IMO, I don't think you should wait to get a dog. Your kids are old enough to have a pet, just don't count on them doing a lot of the work. However a 5 and a 7 year old are definitely capable of feeding them, probably with help from you at first, but that is an excellent way for your kids to establish Alpha over the dog, because THEY feed them. (That's a trick they taught us when I adopted our retired greyhounds). I got my first dog when my kids were 18 months and 3 years old. I now have a 2.5 year old and ever since he was a baby, he has loved the dogs, especially big dogs since my greyhounds are big. I read somewhere once that kids who grow up with a pet dog have higher self esteem than those who don't because they always have that continuous love from the dog (which they of course have from you too, but when they get in trouble for something, you could be irritated with them, but the dog will still wag his tail). I have no idea if this is true or not, but it's something that stuck in my head cuz I remember getting in trouble as a kid and feeling bad and then my dog coming up to me wagging her tail and nudging for a pet and it made me feel better. Anyway, on to what kind.... I'm partial for my greyhounds, which are great with my kids, but I know that labs and retrievers are great too. IMO small dogs are yippy and fiesty... I'm not a fan. I always thought the bigger the dog, the more laid back they are... meaning, kids running over their tails with a toy or laying on them is no big deal for the big dogs (if properly trained and have the right temperment). Anyway.... I'm long winded... lol! Have fun with your quest! 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...? (1)
#24 \| 101 days ago kujo_828 (+)	Blue Heelers are good dogs
	Was this comment...?
#25 \| 101 days ago Jess (+)	(Edited by Jess) +1 You know my thoughts on this - I've had dogs all my life and worked for a vet for a few years and I personally don't think that most little dogs are good with kids. We always had big dogs and it was imperative to me and Trev that we would get a big dog when my daughter was 2 and we decided to get one. But you like the idea of little dogs so Actually, I think that the suggestions of beagle and blue healers are good if you want a smaller one but don't want the temperament that usually comes with terriers etc. Spaniels (Brittany and Springers - NOT Cockers) and border collies are also great with kids but can be hyper. I guess if you don't want a big dog (which most breeds of large dogs are great with kids), I'd urge you to consider a medium size one for the temperament and ease of care...but hey, that's just me. and I just want to say that I agree wholeheartedly with Diablo about mutts being a little better all around than purebreds. 1. Other 2. Other 3. This kind
	Was this comment...? (1)
#26 \| 100 days ago sports_schmorts (+)	(Edited by sports_schmorts) We had a golden retriever growing up and loved it.. I however dont really want a dog that big. I was thinking 25 lbs or less. There is a shelter here that was just on the news, they took in about 90 or so dogs from a puppy mill.. they are mainly pugs, and that is what I was thinking.. Are pugs good dogs? good family dogs?
	Was this comment...?
#27 \| 100 days ago 242fast (+)	We have a 1/2 yorkie, 1/2 schi-zu and it is great with our kids. He plays with them and has never threatened to harm them. We got him when he was 6 weeks old and he was house broken at 6 months. The thing with them is you have to be consistent and teach your kids to be gentle with them. Hey it worked for us. 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...?
#28 \| 100 days ago DukeFan2013 (+)	kujo_828 wrote: Blue Heelers are good dogs i got attacked by a Blue Heeler. I was a month old though... Then I got attaCHed to it. 1. Yes 2. A dog 3. This kind
	Was this comment...?