Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

I have a job but i only work about 4 days a week (4 hrs in the weekdays and 8 hr weekends)when I am home, I get really bored and for a while I have been thinking about getting a companion. I want a dog (house trained, all shots, and potty trained). I don't know if I should get one though. Everytime I get online I look at pictures of little dogs and just dream about having one to spoil and have with me lay in bed with and just talk to. I would want something very small and something that won't shed a lot of hair (my mom is strict on that). I definently don't want it to be jumpy and running everywhere or loud. I would want it to carry and treat as my baby. Something little and needing a protector. My sister would be home when I am gone and she is 14(I'm 16 by the way) I don't know if it would be okay to leave it home for the max of 6-7 hours sometimes. It would be indoors mostly and onl going outdoors for walks and potties. No messes. I will be unemployed after summer.

wat shud i do?

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

the other post recommeding u go to a rescue to find a young dog, not a puppy, is probably the closest u could hope for, to get something remotely potty trained, and comes with all shots. don't free feed, which is to leave the food down all the time and u wont attract ants. Chihuahua's are notoriously picky. but they are small, so they have to eat two or three times a day or they are prone to hypoglycemia and can go into shock if without food too long. leaving it down doesn't make them eat. keep a supplement called nutrical on hand, u can get it a PetSmart or Petco. $8-9 a tube (a bit larger than toothpaste) it's a high calorie supplement, not to take the place of food, but if they dont eat and their blood sugar drops, thats when they could experience the shock. Very Small dogs require extra care. It will be your job to research the breed, take her to the vet, give her good quality food and fresh water. they aren't babies or toys but a responsibility u have to take care of whether u want to or not. animals are probably an average of a 15 year commitment, not a whim or a cure for boredom or lonliness. Im assuming your parents think u are responsible if they are entertaining the possibility of u getting a dog. the smaller the dog, the smaller the bladder and they do need to goon potty breaks more than 6-7 hrs. Most dogs do shed, no sugar coating that one. even the "non shedding" kind.... I have had four non shedding breeds and u have to brush everyday, sometimes more than once. Dogs are a huge time commitment to properly care for them. I hope u consider ALL of these things and research the dog that will fit your lifestyle, not just one u think is cute. My friends' Chihuahua, Tink, barks all the time, and my aunts lil bitty one is pretty yappy too. will your parents mind this, what if the one get does this, u can't jst give them back. Make sure u know what you are in for and you and your new dog will both be much happier!! :)

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

they poo alot

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

I don't think you should because you'll be leaving home in a few years and small dogs live 15 or more years. It's hard to rent an apartment when you have a dog.

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

go to an animal shelter and look around. also how is going to pay for the food, vet bills ect?

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

your dog would be fine home by itself for a while as long as you put it in a cage while it is still getting used to the house to make sure it doesnt go to the bathroom in your house, or chew up your things

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

get one only if you have the patience and time for it. training a pup/dog is time consuming and can be frustrating, seeing as they dont always get it right away. so if you have time for it (along with your sis), get one.

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

U SEEM TO WANT A DOG JUST SO U HAVE SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH WHEN U GET BORED..AND A DOG IS A DOG NOT A BABY...U MUST LEARN TO TAKE CARE OF A DOG BEFORE U THINK OF ACTUALLY GETTING ONE...UR DOG WILL NEED A LOT OF ATTENTION.... IF YOU WANT ONE ALREADY TRAINED GO TO A RESCUE CENTER MUST OF THE TIME THEY HAVE OLDER DOGS THAT ARE ALREADY TRAINED... GOOD LUCK

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

ya get like a beagle or a corgi, or even a chiwawha

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

I think it would probably help you if you volunteered at an animal shelter or in some other place where you could get hands on experience with animals and their habits and needs.This would help you decide if you really want the responsibility of taking care of a dog. You are young and have a lot of living to do. Dogs take time. Might want to start with a cat.

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

You need to test-drive a dog! I have two suggestions:

1. Let all your dog-owning friends know that you would be happy to dog-sit for them when they are away. That way you will get to look after a dog for a few days or a few weeks. However it turns out, it doesn't last long, soon enough the dog goes back home and nothing is lost.

2. Call the no-kill shelters in your area, and ask if they are in need of foster homes (they always are). The idea is that you look after a dog until a permanent home can be found for it. The shelter usually pays for food and all other expenses. If you fall in love with the dog, you are usually allowed to adopt it yourself. If not, the dog will eventually go to its permanent home, and you are free to decide whether you want to foster another one or just put dog ownership on hold for a while.

I know many people your age and a little older who do this, because they love to have a dog but are not in a stable enough situation to make a 15-year commitment. Plus you are performing a valuable service in helping to care for unwanted dogs.

Good luck!

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

It wont be just your dog.You live with your family still.Everyone has to be okay with taking care of the animal.There will be "accidents" of all kinds chewed furniture,carpet,shoes,poo on the floor,in the corner,closet,pee on your favorite sweater....dogs bark

they are loud when they do bark.they run...alot-laps around your house usually.

you want a dog ready to go- shots,house trained you are probably thinking of getting an older dog- beware that dog was givin away for a reason.probably a very annoying reason.if you have the time and patience it is a great idea to adopt an older dog - it does take ALOT of time patience and money.puppies are worse...you have to teach them everything!

if it is your dog then you would be taking it with you when you move out.

are you planning on college?unless you have your own place you cant your mom would keep it.its not a good idea to get a dog and have it for 3 years.

even if you dont goto college looking for a pet friendly apt or house is very hard.

i suggest waiting until you are an established adult and able to take care and give the animal the time and attention it needs and deserves.

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

OK, dogs are hyper, expecially puppies. Puppies are a PAIN to house train and some never get fully "house broken". I have a boxer, i got her when she was a puppy, about 9 weeks old. In my opinion it is better if you want to be a dog owner, to get the dog as a puppy. It's a bonding thing you go through, with the walking and the messes you have to clean up. You have to be prepared for a few things when getting a puppy-you may have to get up every few hours to let them out, they are going to chew on EVERYTHING (your shoes, pillows, doors, clothes...you get the idea), and of course dealing with the potty messes. Getting a dog that is older and already house broke, might seem nice, but they may never form an attachment to you. Or worse they could become attached to another member of your family. I wouldn't give my dog up for anything or anyone, but i wouldn't want to go through the "training" process again! Good luck

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

I got a dog when I was on the young side and they are a lot of responsibility. I love my dog to death, but it can be difficult at times. Especially when you want to go away and you feel guilty leaving them. Have you thought about fostering a dog? It is a way to help a dog have a good home until someone can take them on full time (and doesn't lock you in for the next 15 years). Also, it could help you see if you would want one full time :) good luck!!

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

go to a rescue group and get a dog that is 2 yr old. he'll be fully potty trained. it'll be easier than a pupy.

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

don't get one! You are looking for a teddy bear not a dog! Paris Hilton single handedly ruined so many dogs life! Dogs should not be carried around..that is why they have paws!

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

I think you could get a dog. If I were you, I would get like a miniature pinscher, a toy rat terrier, a chihuahua, or a toy poodle. Those toy breeds hardly ever shed and they love being cuddled and loved. Some of them might have a lot of energy, but its not as bad as having a big dog with a lot of energy. Do some research on those breeds and you might like them.

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

Try going to your locale animal shelter. An older dog (6 months - 1 year) sounds ideal for you. They will have their shots and be fixed. As for the housetraining....no matter the age, any dog you get will have "accidents" the first week you get him/her. That's only because they won't know where to go potty when they first arrive (please be patient with them). In my experience, most small dogs are hyper and yelpy.

Researching the breed will help you decide. Since you're sixteen and will be unemployed soon, I would make sure getting a dog is "ok" with your parent(s). Have your mom go with you to the shelter.

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

I agree, go to a shelter or petfinder.com and adopt. Think about getting a previously owned older (not OLD) dog, maybe 2 or 3 years old. That way it'll be potty trained, even so expect a few messes when the dog first comes home, they sometimes get confused about where is ok in a new place. Also, an older dog would be less energetic (jumping and running) than a puppy. Chihuahua's are good, but prone to knee, back and eye problems, pugs are good too, little couch potatos, but are prone to breating problems and obesity. Research breeds, find a shelter after you've chosen a breed.

Not sure about getting a dog....please help!!?

You're looking for the perfect dog but it doesn't exist.