compatable dogs?

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   sandra rinckposted 15 years ago

   I want to get my kid a dog of her own for Christmas since she is the only kid and I feel bad that she doesn't have a friend of her own.  We have a rat terrior that doesn't get along with any dogs, though she has never bitten or anything like that..so my questions is...
   
   What kind of dog would be compatable with a rat terrior, a good companion for a three  year old, and one that is easy to train?

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2. 61

   CuteLittleBposted 15 years ago

   I am an avid dog lover.
   I would recommend a toy poodle. Poodles are wonderful companions and very intelligent dogs. Having 2 toy poodles, I have had no problem with them adapting to other dogs. But like children they both have totally different personalities. Both were very easy to potty train.
   Personally I am a fan of crate training.

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      sandra rinckposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      how do you crate train?  are toy poodles expensive to take care of?  Don't they have teeth problems?

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      1. 61

         CuteLittleBposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Using a crate to confine your puppy during the night and for short periods during the day helps the puppy learn and develop more bowel and bladder control since his instincts tell hime to keep his bed clean. Choose a crate that will give your puppy room to stand up, move around, lie down, and stretch out. Using this method on both of my dogs worked wonderfully for me and only too about 2 weeks. But having said that, I have to tell you that both dogs were at least 8 weeks old before I received them.
         Toy poodles do have to be groomed regularly. I prefer the puppy cut and I have my dogs groomed 4 times a year.
         As to teeth, many vets recommend regular toothbrushing for dogs. Vets also recommend regular tooth cleaning. I do not go along with this due to the fact that the dog has to be anethesized.

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3. 82

   Whitney05posted 15 years ago

   I would not suggest a poodle with a young child. They are real iffy. Plus, if you already have a dog that is semi-dog aggressive it isn't the best idea to get another dog. Trust me, I've been there and deal with it daily. Just because you want another dog or want one for your daughter, it does not necessarily mean that your current dog will ever approve, and you may end up with a hectic life with the young child and 2 dogs constantly at each other.
   
   Also, there is no breed that you can say is compatible with another breed. I have an American Pit Bull Terrier that gets along with all dog breeds - mixes and pure bred dogs, and my Yorkie gets a long with no one.
   
   If you HAVE to get another dog, you're best bet is to check out a shelter instead of purchasing, as in most cases adoption dogs are better behaved, but that of course does not mean that breeder dogs aren't.
   
   I have a hub about choosing a crate, but I do not think I have one on actual crate training. So, I'll try to write one for you. Otherwise, you may be interested in some of the dog breed hubs that I have as well as the adoption hubs, mix breed or pure bred dog, and other dog and dog training hubs. In general, crate training is a means of house training your dog and keeping it confined when you cannot watch it- IE out running errands or working, etc.
   
   All dogs have the propensity for being trained, but it is going to be up to you to spend the proper time training them. Mix breeds are typically easy to train, but it will depend on the mixes as to how stubborn or pig-headed the dog it. For example most bully breed dogs are FABULOUS with children and VERY intelligent and easy to train, but being that they are EXTREMELY hardheaded, it takes a very adamant person with constant training to keep them entertained and properly trained.
   
   When I was volunteering and a couple would ask about a dog for their family with a small child, they typically asked about smaller dogs. We never recommended smaller dogs to them unless we had an older small dog that we knew the temperament and we knew how the dog acted around kids. Typically, you do not want a small dog puppy around young kids, much less around a dog that already doesn't like other  dogs.

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4. 0

   sandra rinckposted 15 years ago

   Thanks for all that information.
   
   The dog we have now just barks a lot, never seen her bite she is pretty stuborn though.  She has gotten along with other dogs but it seems like it depends on how they are introduced.
   
   For instance, Star, that is her name, doesn't like the neighbors dogs but was cordial with a small dog passing by.  She is pretty picky. 
   
   I was going to adopt for sure!
   
   When I find a dog I will definitely check your hubs.  Actually I will probably check them out a little later. 
   
   Star is a rat terrier, so we were possibly thinking of getting a fox terrier or a minpin.
   
   I look forward to what else you have to say, if any.  thanks again.

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5. 59

   mjmbugposted 15 years ago

   I would never get rid of a dog because of barking.  Barking is their only way to communicate.  Most dogs bark out of fear.  A little dog is much less threatening that another big dog, no matter what their size.  Besides their are many ways to cure a barking dog.  The one I found the simplest is to fill a mall spray bottle with 1 ounce of mouthwash and the rest with water.  Every time they bark inappropriately spray them directly in the eyes.  I trained both my dogs with this method and it only took one week.  After that all I had to say was "do you want me to get the spray bottle?"  They quite barking immediately.  Now when they bark I know it is for a good reason.

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6. 82

   Whitney05posted 15 years ago

   mjmbug, she never said that she was going to get rid of the dog because of the barking.
   
   Sandra, what you may want to consider is talking to a local rescue about fostering. That way you have a chance to see which dog Star may get along with before adopt the dog and she hates the new dog. But remember it is going to take time to adjust, especially since she's already iffy with other dogs and because she's an only dog. You'll want to be very careful upon first introductions, which means find a neutral territory such as a park to first introduce the dogs. Many people choose the front yard, but if your dog is frequently in the front yard, then that really won't work. You'll want both dogs on leashes, as well.
   
   I wouldn't set your sights on a particular breed, but just go and see what is available and what your dog may get along with. Plus, if you go looking for a particular breed, you'll probably have a hard time finding just that. Both fox terriers and mini pins, can be troublesome. I've known many a mini pin that are dominant dogs, which would pose a problem with your dog who seems to be dominant. You want to find a submissive dog, and typically terriers are not that dog. I would go with something a little bigger, personally. Like I said, we never suggested small dogs with people with younger kids. You just don't want to go huge since you do have the smaller dog.

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7. 57

   dingdongposted 15 years ago

   Compatable?

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