[Erin C]

...work part time...? So I have wanted to get a dog for a while now but have only really thought about it now. I am not sure whether I should get one or not in my position.I am 26 and have a 4 year old son. I am working Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm (coming home at 1:30pm for lunch) and get a strady income. I'm living in my own apartment with my son and are doing well. It's a two bedroom apartment but it's fairly spacious. I'm on the first floor so have access to a grassy backyard. I really want a dog for the support and love it offers. I also need one to kick me to exerice more often as am overweight. I don't care about shedding but professional grooming is a no. No small dogs, no long fur. Must be good with dogs, cats and children. Playful, active and affectionate. One that won't mind my son and his cousins (aged between 2 and 12) or my friends children (aged between 1 and 6) playing with it. Any advice or breed suggestions would be great!

[ubiquitous_mr_lovegrove]

Getting a medium or large sized dog in an apartment is not fair to the dog. It is going to end up on a 4-6 foot leash in the "grassy backyard" pacing back and forth out of boredom. You claim the dog will be the catalyst for getting you to lose weight. That is just not going to happen. You will start off walking with it and then you will slowly go back to the way of life you lead now only neglecting the furry little guy you claimed you wanted to begin with. Dogs take a lot of time to train properly, need lots of love and attention from many different people, need to be socialized around other dogs due to their pack nature, and cost a lot of money to take care of properly. Your four year old son needs you now. Take him for walks so you can both manage your weight, and give him the unconditional support and love instead of hoping the dog gives it to you.

[mandy g]

Serious thought must be given before considering having an animal of any kind, they are demanding and take up a great deal of your time; almost like a children they need constant care and health factors are a must. Vet bills are expensive, although you can cover this by insurance there are many very competitive brokers around. I personally have had animals throughout my life and they reward you with many hours of joy but they can also bring a great deal of heartache and they are a considerable responsibility.These points should be considered:1. You live in an apartment, large dogs need lots of space and lots and lots of excercise, and this is essential to maintain a happy healthy dog. They are naturally geared to run free in open spaces so I repeat excerise is a MUST lots of it, this can be very tiring, especially since you have a 4 year old and a job, which is alread very time consuming. And don't forget to take a toilet bag to clear up after in public places!2. The cost of maintaining a large dog is expensive, vet bills and food can add a heavy burden to your budget.3. Safety elements - you will be responsible for your dogs behaviour - you must train it so that it is obdeient and answers to all your commands and that at all times it is completely under your control. Training is very time consuming and some dogs respond better than others. I have always had Dobermans and Alsations - Dobermans are very hard to train but Alsations are eager learners and quickly respond to training. Labradors are great with children. Dobermans as all dogs can be unpredictable TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL. 4. Holidays - if not possible to take the dog, then it must be housed in Kennels for the duration of your holiday, this again adds to your budget, it is not cheap. Leaving it with family or friends is another alternative but will they want the responsibility?The points raised above may make you feel despondent, they are not intended to do so only to underline the demaning factors of having a dog. Having said all of this on a more positive note a dog is a wonderful companion and will give great joy and protect you; as for being playful, active and affectionate - the ball wil be in your court, you will be the owner and trainer.Incidentally I have two Alsations, two cats and they get on famously and have fun together. And I love them to bits {I live in a large house and have no children} but my animals need just the same time and funding.If you decide to get a dog, love him and care for him and he will return it a million times over. I wish you well.

[Santie]

Hi, I would suggest a Dachshund! They're small dogs (but not too small), they're lovely indoor dogs, they do not have long hair and so are very clean, if you raise them well they're also very quiet. A big or medium dog will not fit in to a small unit like yours, and off cause big dogs also leave BIG deposits on your small backyard!!! I have 2 Dachshunds (male & female) and my daughter is 2 years old. They are her best buddies and they'll protect her from anyone and everything....even me when she's naughty and needs a good hiding! Kids do need a pet of some kind, and dogs is your kid's best friend. Cats on the other hand are to independent and your son will only enjoy it for the first year - there after the cat will do his own thing. So,dog it is!!!Teach your son from the start to feed, cuddle and walk the puppy - this way they'll both learn how to respect and love each other. Hope you'll find the right dog for yourself and your family..Good luck!

[my5grandkidsluvme]

Well first off dogs are alot of work but i would recommend a boxer there great kid and family dogs but they need attetion and exercise but if trained properly and given enough exercise there great dogs and very loyal and super friendly

[Linsy L]

I would say an English Bulldog would be perfect. They are very sturdy and will not mind being played with by your child. They look mean but are VERY VERY friendly. They dont mind being in an apartment and dont need too much exercise. They dont need to go to a groomer either. My next dog will be an english bulldog.