Hi Richard
From what you've written I would suggest that your son doesn't get a dog at all. All animals are a commitment and can be costly no matter what their size. Your son basically wants something to protect him - well, I suggest he gets himself a woman !!!!! At least a woman can fend for herself - she can feed herself if she's hungry (unlike a dog), she can go to the doctors if she's unwell (unlike a dog), she doesn't need training or exercising (unlike a dog), she won't eat your chickens (actually, that's debateable), she won't attack or bother your grandson (as long as she's not a child hater), if you get yourself a good woman her bite will be as good as a dog's and she only need visit at night when your son needs protecting!
On a more serious note though, I think it would be extremely irresponsible of your son to get a dog as he will obviously expect it to behave itself (not chase the chickens or jump all over your grandchild) yet he won't be willing to put in the time and effort to train it. I see a big red flag flying here
On the other hand perhaps a few positive pointers would change Richards son into a responsible dog owner, I'm sorry Magnolia but I see your post as being at variance with the familiar plea for homes for strays etc. Much as we might hope to find excellent/perfect homes for every dog the truth is that some would be owners need a few words of encouraging support.
The dog that came to my mind was Spot, the stray that Christine Animal has, but what do I know, its a long time since I have been a dog owner and with that attitude its probably going to be even longer now.
I can see Magnolia's point of view and, to a lesser extent, RH's. The vital thing to remember is that the dog will be totally dependent on the OP's son for practically all its needs. Is he able or willing to take on the responsibility of dog ownership?
Only the son can answer this honestly. I hope for the sake of the dog that he knows what he is taking on.
Anyway, not a lab or anything X husky, most of them would escape from a garden that is not enclosed..
Maybe a breed that is more independant, Christine might be able to give good advice , yes ..
No, no advice on this one. I don't know the son, where they are, if the garden is fenced and above all if he is ready for the responsibility.
Sorry, my mistake, they are in the 87.
I would ask your son how much committment h is prepared to put into a dogs care,?
I currently probally spend one third of my day feeding , walking, training, cleaning up after and general care of my dog, thats apart from when I have to take her to the vets. This is nine years down the line from her joining our house, as a puppy/ young dog, that was probally 3 years of having to spend a lot more time on the training. Another 3rd of my time is spend in just being a companion and the little time I have left , doing my own thing going to work cleaning house ect .... while she potters around the garden or sleeps.
You cant just go away for a night or week end and leave the dog in the house, you cant pop back to england for a week without expensive kennels fees. Good dog food cost as well as flea and worm treatment and vets. toys and bedding We probally spend on average over 2000 pounds each year on our dog.
Has your son had pets before ? how did he look after them ?
Remember a bored lonely dog will cause a lot more damage in a house than a burglar!! Try replacing a whole kitchen that a bored dog has chewed the doors off ,
But we all had to be first time dogs owners and I for one had a lot to learn and a whole live style to change to fit in with my first dog.
Firstly, i'd like to apologise for my email reading so negatively (when I was doing it I actually thought it was quite funny) however, you must appreciate that what you wrote didn't sound too positive from a dog owners point of view. In my opinion, all dogs no matter their breed or size require alot of work, time, effort and money. Yes, your son could get a small dog that needs less food but it will still want exercise, training, attention and yearly visits to the vet. What you've experienced here is replies from existing dog owners who understand the commitment and work that go into dogs - no matter their breed.
All i'm saying is that your son should maybe take a bit of time to consider whether or not he wants to commit to the work and commitment that goes with a dog.
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