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Post by kaiatbh on Feb 23, 2010 18:27:19 GMT -5
My family hasn't had a dog since I was 6, so it's been 11 years. We've always had cats, and now ferrets. But my mom has been talking about about getting a dog lately. She would really like to have a small dog (very small). This is exciting for me because I have wanted a dog my whole life! So, for all the dog people out there, what are some breeds of small dogs? We don't want one that will be too yappy (My neighbor has 2 small dogs and they never shut up). If anyone has or has had a small dog, please share. I'm going to do some research, but I thought I'd start here.
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Post by Chelsea on Feb 23, 2010 20:28:53 GMT -5
I think its a "myth" of sorts that small dogs are yappy. *ANY* dog, any size, any breed, not mentally and physically stimulated will become bored, and will bark. A common thing with small dogs is that people tend to treat them like babies or kids, resulting in behavior problems. Dogs, no matter what size they are, are not babies, or kids, they are dogs. A small dog should be treated just the same as a large dog. They should not be allowed to do things just because its "cute", something that a large dog would never be allowed to. People tend to see a small dog barking a jumping up on them for attention as cute, yet if the dog was a large dog, it would be an unacceptable behavior. Basically what I am saying is, it really doesnt matter what breed you get as much as the training you do with him/her. Why not get a rescue? There are plenty of small purebreds, and mix breed dogs that need homes. You can find dogs of any breed(s), any size, any age, that need a home, right here- www.petfinder.com
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Post by sherrylynne on Feb 24, 2010 1:44:17 GMT -5
I believe the one Guili(forum owner) got was a papillon, and she's really pleased with the choice. He gets along really well with her ferrets. In fact, seems to think he is one I'd probably stay away from terriers, though. They've been bred as ratters, and without a lot of training, that instinct could easily come through.
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Post by kaiatbh on Feb 25, 2010 18:59:37 GMT -5
Well, my mom has decided on a yorkie. I showed her pictures of many other breeds, and I showed her some dogs on the local shelter's website.... but she has her heart set on a yorkie. Her friend has one and she absolutely fell in love with it. She's already asking if she can babysit it . Sherylynne, you said I should stay away from terriers.... so it's unfortunate that a yorkie is the only dog my mom wants. I'd spend more time trying to persuade her to get a different breed, but I know how much she loves yorkies and I think she wants the dog more than all of us. Also, our cousin is breeding her yorkies for the second and last time, they'll be ready in mid June and she's willing to give us a discount. I'll be sure to introduce them slowly, and training is something we will definitely be doing! As Chelsea said, small dogs need to be trained as diligently as large dogs. I will somehow make this work... I'm sure others have done it
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Post by Chelsea on Feb 25, 2010 19:06:20 GMT -5
Also, our cousin is breeding her yorkies for the second and last time, they'll be ready in mid June and she's willing to give us a discount. Do the dogs have titles? does she do health testing? Hips or elbows? If not, she is a BYB. Buying from her means you are just supporting them. BYB dogs are outragously over priced, and are generally unstable, unhealthy, unsocialized dogs. You'd be much better off adopting a dog from the shelther, where you'd be SAVING a life, and the money goes towards helping other dogs, rather than lining your cousins wallet.
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Post by kaiatbh on Feb 25, 2010 19:43:53 GMT -5
I really don't know much about dog breeding. I know they all get a vet check-ups before she sells them, first needles, deworming, etc. Not sure what you mean by "hips or elbows" And as for being unsocialized.... couldn't be farther from the truth Both of her yorkies seem very healthy... and spoiled LOL. They're both 7lbs of total cuteness! My cousin absolutely loves animals... she lives for her pets. They're all very well taken care of. And like I said, this is her second and last time breeding her yorkies... and she doesn't breed any of her other pets. I wanted a shelter dog from the beginning. We got both of my cats from shelters. But as I said, my mom has her heart set on a yorkie. Of course I feel a little guilty, but I really have no control over this.... I'm just trying to be happy about getting a dog in the first place. I figure when I'm out on my own, all of my animals will be from shelters. I'd even like to foster some!
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Post by ccretarolo on Feb 26, 2010 2:06:55 GMT -5
I wouldn't worry about your mom getting a yorkie. Although they are terriers, they have been companion animals for such a long time that they generally don't have a strong prey drive.
Just last week, my niece's dad came over with his yorkie and nothing horrible happened between the dog and my boys.
Just remember though, a big part of how animals interact is individual temperament. Getting a puppy is a huge plus in that area though.
One thing that I would suggest is waiting until the puppy is at least 12 weeks old before bringing it home. But starting at 8 weeks, have very short supervised playdates once or twice a week so when the puppy does come home, the ferrets won't be a shock to it and your ferrets will have started learning how to behave around the puppy.
One huge training tip to remember: A ferret can do more damage to a puppy then it will receive. So at the first sign of distress from the puppy, break them up and give the ferret(s) a time out.
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