Potential new dog owner--basic questions

[Lisa R.]

I've never had a pet before. I've never felt comfortable around many dogs--mostly large ones--and we have a family member with dog allergies.

 

I fell for a dog last week. I'd love to get it but have little knowledge about dogs. We are at a good stage in life to care for a oet, and I think I'd really like to have this added dimension to our lives. I have time to give the attention a pet would need.

 

The dog is a miniature poodle. It is small, which is the only size I'm comfortable with, and hypoallergenic.

 

Please excuse the ignorant questions. We weren't allowed a dog growing up and I know so little.

 

Do people really pick up dog poop every day? I've been reading up on dog care and have difficulty seeing people doing this daily even though it's recommended in most of the articles I read. We have a fairly small suburban lawn.

 

I've changed literally hundreds of diapers without this ever bothering me. I'm picturing myself getting used to picking up after a dog. For some reason, this seems like it would take awhile to get used to. Right? Passing off this task to one of the kids isn't an option.

 

How much is a service for this?

 

We live in a very warm climate but one that also has lots of rain. I would have this as an inside dog, so does the dog go potty in the rain? Poor dog!

 

How many walks a day would a dog like this need?

 

I'm working part time a couple days a week away from home. We don't have a doggy door. How long can the dog be left at home?

 

Do people leave dogs in their crates for the day or do they roam the house all day?

 

About how much would be the yearly dog food cost?

 

Can't believe I'm this old and don't know how this all works!

[TeenagerMom]

I've never had a pet before. I've never felt comfortable around many dogs--mostly large ones--and we have a family member with dog allergies.

 

I fell for a dog last week. I'd love to get it but have little knowledge about dogs. We are at a good stage in life to care for a oet, and I think I'd really like to have this added dimension to our lives. I have time to give the attention a pet would need.

 

The dog is a miniature poodle. It is small, which is the only size I'm comfortable with, and hypoallergenic.

 

Please excuse the ignorant questions. We weren't allowed a dog growing up and I know so little.

 

Do people really pick up dog poop every day? I've been reading up on dog care and have difficulty seeing people doing this daily even though it's recommended in most of the articles I read. We have a fairly small suburban lawn.

We don't pick up poop.  We have a very large backyard that is solely for the dog.

I've changed literally hundreds of diapers without this ever bothering me. I'm picturing myself getting used to picking up after a dog. For some reason, this seems like it would take awhile to get used to. Right? Passing off this task to one of the kids isn't an option.

 

How much is a service for this?

 

No idea

We live in a very warm climate but one that also has lots of rain. I would have this as an inside dog, so does the dog go potty in the rain? Poor dog!

Yes, the dog goes potty outside when it's raining.

How many walks a day would a dog like this need?

We have a Cockapoo (cocker spaniel, mini poodle mix).  When she was younger, she only got walked once a day.  Now she's 10 and doesn't get walked at all.  We  play with her indoors by playing fetch.

I'm working part time a couple days a week away from home. We don't have a doggy door. How long can the dog be left at home?

 

Our dog has done okay in her crate for as long as 12 hours before.  Not ideal, but she survived it.

 

Do people leave dogs in their crates for the day or do they roam the house all day?

She is crated

About how much would be the yearly dog food cost?

 

It depends on the food.  We spend about $15 a month. We feed 4Health Grain Free from Tractor Supply Company. It has good ratings on the dog food reviews sites.

 

Can't believe I'm this old and don't know how this all works!

 

[gingersmom]

No dog is hypoallergenic.

 

There are dogs that bother people with allergies less (bichon, poodles) but there are no guarantees.

 

Don't forget cost for spray/neuter, annual exam and shots, licensing, monthly heart worm and flea/tick.

 

A mini poodle is also going to need regular grooming.

Edited June 20, 2016 by gingersmom

[SebastianCat]

We have a miniature schnauzer, which is a similar size to a miniature poodle. When she goes potty in our yard, we don't pick it up, but we do pick up poop when we walk her. Our grocery store sells pick up bags that are cheaper than those at a pet store. We also use newspaper bags or grocery store bags, toss the poop bag in the outside garbage can, then wash our hands as soon as we come inside. Picking up dog poop is much less messy and involves much less contact than changing baby diapers.

 

How many walks depends on the actual dog and it's age. Our dog is 3 and she's pretty active. She gets one long (20-30 minute) walk or a couple of shorter ones each day, and sometimes goes on short runs with one of the kids. We live in FL so if it's excessively hot or raining all day, we exercise her indoors. She *could* go without exercise in a pinch, but she is much calmer and better mannered with exercise. The phrase "a tired dog is a good dog" is a good rule of thumb.

 

We typically leave her at home no more than 8 hours during the day. Puppies can't hold it that long, so you may need to work up to longer periods of time. She stays in the laundry room when we leave her during the day, and sleeps in a crate at night.

 

Poodles will need haircuts about every 6-8 weeks but won't shed or have much of a doggy smell.

Edited June 20, 2016 by SebastianCat

[MercyA]

I've never had a pet before. I've never felt comfortable around many dogs--mostly large ones--and we have a family member with dog allergies.

 

I fell for a dog last week. I'd love to get it but have little knowledge about dogs. We are at a good stage in life to care for a oet, and I think I'd really like to have this added dimension to our lives. I have time to give the attention a pet would need.

 

The dog is a miniature poodle. It is small, which is the only size I'm comfortable with, and hypoallergenic.

 

Please excuse the ignorant questions. We weren't allowed a dog growing up and I know so little.

 

Do people really pick up dog poop every day? I've been reading up on dog care and have difficulty seeing people doing this daily even though it's recommended in most of the articles I read. We have a fairly small suburban lawn.

 

I don't know if most people do it, but it's a good idea. You don't want your kids and dog stepping in poo. I go outside with my dog every single time, so I know exactly when she poos and I can pick it up right then. 

 

I've changed literally hundreds of diapers without this ever bothering me. I'm picturing myself getting used to picking up after a dog. For some reason, this seems like it would take awhile to get used to. Right? Passing off this task to one of the kids isn't an option.

 

It's no big deal. You put a bag on your hand, pick up the poo, and turn the bag inside out. Knot it. Done. With a little dog, especially, it's not bad. Changing diapers (on other people's kids, anyway) grosses me out, but picking up after my dog doesn't.

 

How much is a service for this?

 

No clue.

 

We live in a very warm climate but one that also has lots of rain. I would have this as an inside dog, so does the dog go potty in the rain? Poor dog!

 

Maybe not cheerfully, but when you have to go, you have to go! :)

 

How many walks a day would a dog like this need?

 

I'd say at least two good walks, plus more times being taken out to potty.

 

I'm working part time a couple days a week away from home. We don't have a doggy door. How long can the dog be left at home?

 

It depends how old she is. I don't like to leave any dog longer than four or five hours. I wouldn't want to hold it that long.

Do people leave dogs in their crates for the day or do they roam the house all day?

 

When they are trustworthy (totally housebroken and not chewing on things), they can roam the parts of the house you don't close off to them.

 

About how much would be the yearly dog food cost?

 

It depends on how much she weighs and what brand you buy. Vet expenses will probably be more significant.

 

Can't believe I'm this old and don't know how this all works!

 

One more note: no dogs are hypoallergenic. However, we have a family member with *mild* allergies to dogs, and a bath for the dog every four or five days is sufficient to eliminate allergy symptoms. It is NOT hard to bathe a small dog if you have a tub with a handheld shower. If you don't have one, put one in! I can bathe a small dog in under 5 minutes.

 

Dogs are wonderful. Good luck!

 

Edited June 20, 2016 by MercyA

[Incognito]

I've never had a pet before. I've never felt comfortable around many dogs--mostly large ones--and we have a family member with dog allergies.

 

I fell for a dog last week. I'd love to get it but have little knowledge about dogs. We are at a good stage in life to care for a oet, and I think I'd really like to have this added dimension to our lives. I have time to give the attention a pet would need.

 

The dog is a miniature poodle. It is small, which is the only size I'm comfortable with, and hypoallergenic.

As mentioned, no dog is totally hypoallergenic.  You may want to rub the dog all over the allergic person's face and see what happens.  A very unscientific way to test it out, but I have heard of it being done. :)

Please excuse the ignorant questions. We weren't allowed a dog growing up and I know so little.

 

Do people really pick up dog poop every day? I've been reading up on dog care and have difficulty seeing people doing this daily even though it's recommended in most of the articles I read. We have a fairly small suburban lawn.

We actually pick up multiple times a day.  If it is really rainy, we'll go a couple of days, but it is in our yard and the kids play there.  If you don't pick up, they can step in it and get it on their paws.  Or, you may have a dog that will eat it.  

I've changed literally hundreds of diapers without this ever bothering me. I'm picturing myself getting used to picking up after a dog. For some reason, this seems like it would take awhile to get used to. Right? Passing off this task to one of the kids isn't an option.

Scooping isn't hard.  Have a designated little shovel or two and a covered container.  

How much is a service for this?

In our area it isn't particularly expensive - I have seen ads.  I don't recall what it is, though.  

We live in a very warm climate but one that also has lots of rain. I would have this as an inside dog, so does the dog go potty in the rain? Poor dog!

Yes, they go in the rain.  Some don't like to.  We had a dog we had to make sure went all the way out if it was raining because they didn't like it.

How many walks a day would a dog like this need?

Depends on age.  In general, a dog like that is pretty happy with at least one 30 minute walk/day.  Some need more, some need less.

I'm working part time a couple days a week away from home. We don't have a doggy door. How long can the dog be left at home?

Depends on the dog, but ours can be crated for up to 12 hours.  We really try to keep it shorter than that, even on a long day.  Regularly, it isn't crazy for it to be a workday, but they need more exercise after that because they generally do nothing when you are gone.

Do people leave dogs in their crates for the day or do they roam the house all day?

We crate.  I know a number of people who don't, but I also have noticed that many of them have had problems with the dogs going to the bathroom when they are gone (when the dog is older - and the dog then doesn't like crates, so they don't feel they can train them to like them then, so they have a problem).

About how much would be the yearly dog food cost?

Small dog - about 1 bag or so a month?  You can buy big bags and keep them in a sealed Rubbermaid.  Big bags are cheaper.  You also need to pay for flea meds and often heartworm meds (and shots and random diseases like ear infections that will cost you ~$100).

Can't believe I'm this old and don't know how this all works!

 

[Pen]

I've never had a pet before. I've never felt comfortable around many dogs--mostly large ones--and we have a family member with dog allergies.

 

I fell for a dog last week. I'd love to get it but have little knowledge about dogs. We are at a good stage in life to care for a oet, and I think I'd really like to have this added dimension to our lives. I have time to give the attention a pet would need.

 

The dog is a miniature poodle. It is small, which is the only size I'm comfortable with, and hypoallergenic.

 

Please excuse the ignorant questions. We weren't allowed a dog growing up and I know so little.

 

Do people really pick up dog poop every day? I've been reading up on dog care and have difficulty seeing people doing this daily even though it's recommended in most of the articles I read. We have a fairly small suburban lawn.

 

I've changed literally hundreds of diapers without this ever bothering me. I'm picturing myself getting used to picking up after a dog. For some reason, this seems like it would take awhile to get used to. Right? Passing off this task to one of the kids isn't an option.

 

How much is a service for this?

 

We live in a very warm climate but one that also has lots of rain. I would have this as an inside dog, so does the dog go potty in the rain? Poor dog!

 

How many walks a day would a dog like this need?

 

I'm working part time a couple days a week away from home. We don't have a doggy door. How long can the dog be left at home?

 

Do people leave dogs in their crates for the day or do they roam the house all day?

 

About how much would be the yearly dog food cost?

 

Can't believe I'm this old and don't know how this all works!

 

 

If you can have someone knowledgeable about dogs evaluate the one you "fell" for, that might be helpful. When in love with a dog or a person our heads might not be in the best place to make good decisions.

 

If the dog is pooping in a small area and it gets stinky or too much too close, it will have to be picked up or you'll have a unhealthy mess. Also dogs don't like to poop where there is already a ton of poop.  I have had to or not with dogs depending on situation.

 

more later...

 

In terms of walks etc. 

 

How old and how active is this dog?

[momto3innc]

Here are some answers, not necessarily in order:

-yes, we pick up after our dog in the backyard, maybe once or twice a week. It's truly no big deal. I use plastic grocery bags as "gloves". Quick and painless.

-our dog does go out in the rain...just towel her off afterwards.

--we have a poodle mix. Love the non-shedding but need to think through grooming. Either need to pay (not cheap and needed frequently) or learn how to yourself (what I did).

--we started off crating but our dog truly hated it. We no longer crate but we didn't stop til we knew for certain (or as much as you can) that she would not have issues. She just sleeps when we are gone :) You just have to get to know your dog for how long they can go. Ours has never made a mess and we've left her 8-9 hours.

--we do some walks (more when she was younger) but we run her around a lot in the house and in the yard to wear her out.

--as far as expense, food can be so varied based on the quality. What you also need to think of is basic get exams/shots, heart worm/flea/tick mess (can get pricey), and grooming. Plus boarding if you're out of town.

Good luck! We love our dog but there is a lot to think through.

Edited June 20, 2016 by momto3innc

[lmrich]

We have a mini poodle. Love her so much! 

She goes in the pine needles in our backyard. I only pick up before we have people over. She is little; it is not gross. 

I walk her once a day - and  always pick up after her. I walk her around the yard or in the circle out front if I want her to go on demand before we leave for a bit. But she is fine without a walk. It is good for both of you to walk. 

 

I groom her. Bought a $20 set of clippers and learned how - it is not perfect, but I love her anyways. I have dog allergies and am not allergic to her. I am allergic to other dogs. She is like velcro and brings in other allergens. 

 

We do not crate her. She gets to stay in the kitchen and sunroom while we are gone and sometimes has access to the doggy door. 

 

We spend $15 on food a month. She is not a big eater nor does she love treats. 

 

Good luck - Money can't buy happiness, but money can buy a puppy and that is pretty much the same thing. The right pet for your family will be the best decision. 

 

 

[hornblower]

I firmly believe all young dogs need 3 walks a day. You can drop to 2 for a senior but right up till then, 3. My dogs usually eliminate on walks & I always scoop poop. I do check my garden daily also. 

I'm sorry but I'm lol'ing at your squeamishness - it's a mini poodle. They make mini poo. I have big dogs. They're raw fed so their poop is nicer than kibble fed but still. It's not small. You get over it. 

Factor in vet bills, gear (harnesses & leashes), insurance, grooming, training classes, wear and tear on the house, carpet & floor cleaning. My dogs are free range in the house. They're all crate trained because I crate in the car & at competition/classes but I train crates very carefully and never use them as a place to lock a dog up. I have crates with no doors set up in the house as my setter esp likes to sleep in a crate. 

one of my favourite training sites is http://dogmantics.com/ You can check out her free reading & free videos. She also runs the kikopup youtube channel. She works with & trains all sizes of dogs, including her little tiny chihuahua (for whom the channel is named) 

 

[Laura Corin]

I've never had a pet before. I've never felt comfortable around many dogs--mostly large ones--and we have a family member with dog allergies.

 

I fell for a dog last week. I'd love to get it but have little knowledge about dogs. We are at a good stage in life to care for a oet, and I think I'd really like to have this added dimension to our lives. I have time to give the attention a pet would need.

 

The dog is a miniature poodle. It is small, which is the only size I'm comfortable with, and hypoallergenic.

 

As others have said: probably low-allergenic, but no guarantees.  I learned to groom our own dog, which is convenient and saves a lot of money.

 

Please excuse the ignorant questions. We weren't allowed a dog growing up and I know so little.

 

Do people really pick up dog poop every day? I've been reading up on dog care and have difficulty seeing people doing this daily even though it's recommended in most of the articles I read. We have a fairly small suburban lawn.

 

I've changed literally hundreds of diapers without this ever bothering me. I'm picturing myself getting used to picking up after a dog. For some reason, this seems like it would take awhile to get used to. Right? Passing off this task to one of the kids isn't an option.

 

Our dog mostly poos when we take her out for walks and we pick up as we go, so there isn't much in the garden.  We pick it up when we see it, if she happens to poo at home.

 

How much is a service for this?

 

We live in a very warm climate but one that also has lots of rain. I would have this as an inside dog, so does the dog go potty in the rain? Poor dog!

 

We towel her off when she comes in very wet, or use a hairdryer if she is soaked and it is cold.  We keep her in the kitchen until she is dry so that she doesn't make the rest of the house wet.

 

How many walks a day would a dog like this need?

 

Our dog is a poodle mix of about that size.  She gets let out into the garden three times a day (or more is she wants) and taken for a walk (at least two miles) once a day.

 

I'm working part time a couple days a week away from home. We don't have a doggy door. How long can the dog be left at home?

 

It depends on the dog.  Our dog is very laid back and also has a strong bladder, so we can leave her all day if necessary.  We rarely do this, however.

 

Do people leave dogs in their crates for the day or do they roam the house all day?

 

Our dog is shut in the kitchen, where her bed and bowls are, when we are out.

 

About how much would be the yearly dog food cost?

 

No idea for the US

 

Can't believe I'm this old and don't know how this all works!

 

L

 

[AngieW in Texas]

If the family member with dog allergies lives in your home, then please be sure to test the dog out with that family member before bringing him home.

 

Frequent baths (no more than 1x/week and don't use soap or shampoo) will help to keep the air clear for any visitors with dog allergies.

 

We have two large dogs (each is about 70 pounds) and do not pick up the poo in the backyard. They both have one particular area of the backyard they go to for leaving their piles. We have a very large backyard, so it hasn't been a problem.

 

For a small dog like you have, I would do a morning walk and an evening walk if you can. If the dog will play fetch, you can a lot of exercise in with throwing a ball to replace one or both walks, but walking is really great for dogs. 

 

I crate my dogs, but they are only crated at night. When we need to leave the dogs at home alone, we will put them in the backyard if the weather is nice or leave them in the house if it is not. I would not leave a miniature poodle unattended in a backyard because they are small enough to be taken by a large bird of prey. A crate is an awfully small area to be locked up in for an extended time period, so I would recommend getting a playpen-like enclosure to put up around the crate to keep the small dog from roaming the entire house. For my dogs, I close the gate at the top of the steps (it's there just for the dogs) and make sure the doors downstairs are all closed. This gives the dogs access to just the living room and the kitchen. 

 

There are services that will come and scoop your dog poop 1x/week. I have seen them advertised, but don't remember how much they are.

 

A little dog won't cost all that much in dog food. I have two 70 pound dogs. A 35 pound bag of dog food lasts them about 3 weeks (according to my bank records I am buying 2 bags about every 6 weeks). But I have two large dogs. I don't know if this would be proportional or not, but my dogs will each go through a bag of food that weighs half as much as they do in about 6 weeks. 

[sassenach]

Don't be embarrassed! I think your questions are endearing.

 

 

 

 

 

Do people really pick up dog poop every day? I've been reading up on dog care and have difficulty seeing people doing this daily even though it's recommended in most of the articles I read. We have a fairly small suburban lawn.

 

We pick up once a week. My 13yo is the current one responsible. Get a pooper scooper (long handled rake and dust pan) and a paper bag. It's not so bad.

 

I've changed literally hundreds of diapers without this ever bothering me. I'm picturing myself getting used to picking up after a dog. For some reason, this seems like it would take awhile to get used to. Right? Passing off this task to one of the kids isn't an option.

 

Any kid over 10 can do it. They just need to be old enough to have body awareness not to step in it and to wash their hands well.

 

How much is a service for this? No clue

 

We live in a very warm climate but one that also has lots of rain. I would have this as an inside dog, so does the dog go potty in the rain? Poor dog!

 

Learn this phrase- it's just a dog. They're animals, made for all sorts of weather. Yes, my dog goes out in the rain. He actually loves romping in the rain, but then I have to deal with a wet, wet dog in the house.

 

How many walks a day would a dog like this need?

Depends on the dog. We don't walk out dog regularly. He plays in the yard, we throw a ball for him sometimes, but despite heroic efforts, he has never been a good leash walker, so everyone has pretty much given up on walking him.

 

I'm working part time a couple days a week away from home. We don't have a doggy door. How long can the dog be left at home?

 

Depends on the dog. Ours is good all day. He's a champion at not peeing in the house.

 

Do people leave dogs in their crates for the day or do they roam the house all day?

 

Depends on the dog. When ours was a puppy we crated him. Then we tried longer and longer periods out. When it was clear that he was trustworthy, he got full freedom. I really wouldn't want to create a big dog all day if I could avoid it. It seems awful for them.

 

About how much would be the yearly dog food cost? I think we spend around $600, but our dog is 80 pounds.

 

Can't believe I'm this old and don't know how this all works!

Sorry I couldn't color code my answers! On my phone.

[3 ladybugs]

Our dog is 22 lbs. We get Wellness grain free (CORE I think) and we pay about $50 every 2 months for food. So for us the food cost is about $300 a year. 

 

We have our dog on a wellness plan at Petsmart Banfield hospital. I don't remember the cost of this (I think maybe $50 a month but it could be lower, our dog gets his teeth cleaned once a year with the cost of the plan). It also gives us reduced cost for heart worm, and flee and tick prevention. The heart worm and flee and tick are also in the monthly cost so it is all in one. We take him in every 6 months, they check him out, give him a vaccine or whatever is due (always kennel cough Vax) and hand us a 6 month supply of meds for him. I am sure if you go to your nearest Banfield they would tell you options on this. We choose them because they are national and I don't have to worry about the puppy if we have him on vacation. Records can be pulled up anywhere. :)

 

Poop. There is a device that has a lid on it that you can bury in your yard. https://www.amazon.com/Doggie-Dooley-Original--Ground-Disposal/dp/B00WMMMIX6/ref=sr_1_20?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1466434091&sr=1-20&keywords=poop+scoop Then if you use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Jaw-Clamp-Scooper-36-Inch/dp/B0106V1Y3E/ref=sr_1_17?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1466434091&sr=1-17&keywords=poop+scoop and then you wouldn't have to worry about poo. Honestly we get to about once a week, less in the winter, sometimes more in the summer. We use just a regular shovel and we have undeveloped land (forest) behind our fence so we throw it over there. 

 

If that doesn't appeal to you, you might be able to house train your pooch but I am not sure how that works. 

 

How many walks a day would a dog like this need? - Our dog doesn't need walks everyday. That is why we got him. I knew we wouldn't keep it up. I am not sure of the requirements of poodles. My grandmother has a half poodle (half cocker spaniel I think) and she doesn't give her walks every day either. Small dogs sometimes can do well with just running in a backyard. 

I'm working part time a couple days a week away from home. We don't have a doggy door. How long can the dog be left at home? We have left our dog at home 12 hours before, BUT that was the day I gave birth to my youngest and I gave birth 1 hour away. We EXPECTED accidents that day, though there were none (amazing dog!). Routinely I wouldn't leave a dog longer then 4 hours if you don't want accidents. Longer then that is a bit much. Though with a doggy door that the dog uses (some are afraid of them, they need to learn to use them) you are probably fine for 8 hours or so.

Do people leave dogs in their crates for the day or do they roam the house all day? Our dog when he was a puppy was crate trained. As he got older we let him have more and more freedom till now (he is 6) we let him go all over the house when we are gone. 

 

Good luck with your decision!

[zimom]

We have an area in our yard dedicated for our dogs to go to the bathroom.  It is probably about 4 x 10 feet, filled deeply with mulch.  From day one we have taken them there and given them a command, "hurry".   It is very helpful because it mostly keeps messes out of the yard, saves our grass and makes clean up every couple of days much easier.  

 

Edited to add:  We also keep a 5 gallon bucket in the garage that is the 'dog bucket'.   Everything goes into that bucket with a lid on it.  Every week or so we simply take that bag out with the regular trash.  It really is easy and just a routine we have.  

Edited June 20, 2016 by zimom

[zimom]

Lastly, the better the food you buy, the less 'mess', and less 'smell' you will be cleaning up :)  But also realize with better food you feed them less so it isn't always as expensive as you think it is.   We have large dogs.  One dog eats food that is about $45/33 lb.  The other is about $90/30 pounds.  Each bag lasts 6-8 weeks so it isn't as pricy as some think, and these dogs are never sick and will hopefully live long, healthy lives.  

 

Look at Wellness, Fromm or Orijen as some of the high quality foods available.  

[Pawz4me]

My dog only eats homemade food or high quality canned. I'd estimate that it costs about a dollar a day to feed him. That includes treats (almost all home made). He's about 15 pounds, so probably close to a mini poodle. I'm guessing kibble would cost a bit less.

 

Do keep in mind the cost of grooming and vet care, including flea/tick and heart worm preventatives. The total cost of those will likely be a greater expense than food. You can learn to groom yourself but it will require an initial outlay for equipment (that can be quite hefty for quality tools). The going rate for grooming a Shih Tzu in this area is $35 to $40 (plus tip). Even if you get him shaved very short he'll probably need grooming at least every eight weeks.

 

If you don't want him going out in the rain you can teach him to use potty pads. They can be very convenient but are an extra expense.

 

I do pick up after our dog every time he goes. Typically that's on a walk, so I need to do it to be a good dog owner. But for sanitary reasons I also pick up immediately if he goes in our yard. I always have several poop bags in my pocket. If picking up really grosses you out there are various pooper scooper tools you can get.

 

I don't generally crate dogs once they're past the chewing and house training stages.

 

An adult dog should have no trouble at all staying at home for six or eight hours. I don't think it's good for their mental health to spend tons of time alone, but for a part-time job a couple of days a week -- not a problem at all.

 

I think all dogs need at least one good walk a day, weather permitting. And that's for mental health reasons. A small dog can get all the exercise it needs inside, but IMO all dogs need the mental stimulation of a good sniffy walk.

[Lisa R.]

Thank you ALL for the kind answers you've given!

 

Thanks also for the information on vet bills. This is helpful.

 

This puzzles me: several of you have said that the dog should not be home along for longer than a half day. It seems as if the majority of homes around here have at least one dog. And most people work outside the home. What about these dogs? These dogs are alone all day. Again, since we live in a hot climate, I don't believe most people leave their dogs outside all day. Do you suppose these two wage-earning families with dogs all have doggie doors?

 

It does seem like it isn't a great life for a dog to stay in a crate 8-10 hours several days a week. 

 

Also, I find it amusing now that most of the articles I read insisted that dog poop be picked up once a day. It seems like most don't do that, as I surmised. These articles went to lengths to say how unhealthy it was for the environment when it's not be picked up. Again, there are the wild animals around that no one picks up after, so it didn't seem to make sense that all dogs must be picked up after--all the time. However, we live in a house with a small suburban lawn, so we would need pick up here. Our neighborhood and surrounding community is very good about picking up after dogs, so that is good for everyone around here. 

 

Also, I was told he could have his hair cut in spring and fall. It seems like most are saying it would need to be more frequent than that.

 

 

[Laura Corin]

 

Also, I was told he could have his hair cut in spring and fall. It seems like most are saying it would need to be more frequent than that.

 

It depends what you want.  I don't clip my dog from October to March because I want her to be warm through the winter.  What this means though is much more brushing and much harder brushing: poodle fur rubs into mats rather than shedding onto the floor, so I find it needs a couple of hours a week of brushing.

 

In the summer, I clip her at least monthly - that keeps her fur short and means that it is much easier to brush.

[gingersmom]

My mother has a 6 pound poodle. If she had him groomed twice a year he would look like a giant ball of walking fur.

 

By keeping hair neatly trimmed they can see better (no hair in eyes), groomer trims nails at the same time, and less brushing.

[wonderchica]

I have a poodle mix. No way could I get away with a twice a year hair cut. She goes every 8 weeks. If she was more cooperative with brushing she could go less, but we still brush for a few minutes daily. I also trim myself around her face some in between. She's home alone for about 8 hours, like most 2 income family dogs. She's fine. She stays in a bedroom with her food and bed and toys. She mostly sleeps. We walk 1-2 miles daily. I love her, but the grooming is a bit of a commitment.

[Pawz4me]

 

 

Also, I was told he could have his hair cut in spring and fall. It seems like most are saying it would need to be more frequent than that.

 

You could just have his hair cut twice a year.  But the odds are overwhelming he'd be a tangled, matted mess. To have any chance of avoiding that you'd need to be prepared to spend time every day combing/brushing him. By the time you were getting close to one of his semi-annual cuts I'd estimate you'd need about an hour a day to comb him out thoroughly.

 

You'd also need to trim up around his eyes every few weeks, and either trim or pluck the hair that grows in his ear canals.

 

The longer the hair is the more frequently you will need to bathe him. Long hair mats and tangles, and the dirtier it is the faster that will happen. So keeping him clean would be imperative. Plus as the hair gets longer around his mouth it will get nasty pretty quickly.  Likely you'd need to wash his beard daily. Also, the longer his hair gets the more debris he'll pick up in his coat every time he goes outside. A long haired, curly coated dog will pick up just about everything he comes into contact with (cut grass, leaves, twigs, etc.).

 

The hair between his paw pads will still need to be trimmed every few weeks or it will interfere with his traction and ability to walk correctly.  Ditto trimming his nails.

 

All in all most pet owners find that it's much easier to take their dog for regular hair cuts, or to learn to do it themselves on a regular basis. I groom my Shih Tzu myself and find that it's much easier to give him a quick clip every few weeks than it is to deal with longer hair.

 

FWIW, more hair doesn't necessarily equate to a warmer dog in the winter. A shorter cut that is kept clean and well groomed (fluffy) is much more insulating than longer hair that is dirty or matted.

[wonderchica]

And just FYI, leaving your dog matted isn't kind to the dog. Mats pull at their skin and hurt. Poodles just require a lot of brushing and clipping but that's true for most non shedding dogs.

[Pen]

Thank you ALL for the kind answers you've given!

 

Thanks also for the information on vet bills. This is helpful.

 

This puzzles me: several of you have said that the dog should not be home along for longer than a half day. It seems as if the majority of homes around here have at least one dog. And most people work outside the home. What about these dogs? These dogs are alone all day. Again, since we live in a hot climate, I don't believe most people leave their dogs outside all day. Do you suppose these two wage-earning families with dogs all have doggie doors?

 

It does seem like it isn't a great life for a dog to stay in a crate 8-10 hours several days a week. 

 

Also, I find it amusing now that most of the articles I read insisted that dog poop be picked up once a day. It seems like most don't do that, as I surmised. These articles went to lengths to say how unhealthy it was for the environment when it's not be picked up. Again, there are the wild animals around that no one picks up after, so it didn't seem to make sense that all dogs must be picked up after--all the time. However, we live in a house with a small suburban lawn, so we would need pick up here. Our neighborhood and surrounding community is very good about picking up after dogs, so that is good for everyone around here. 

 

Also, I was told he could have his hair cut in spring and fall. It seems like most are saying it would need to be more frequent than that.

 

 

Our dogs have been chosen according to our lifestyle needs. And our lifestyle has been modified to meet the needs of our dogs.

 

I only get short haired dogs, and not curly ones, as that fits our needs, so cannot speak to the fur cutting issue.

 

I don't know how hot your climate is, but I'd tend to leave a dog outside in a relatively hot climate if there is plenty of water to drink, shade, and maybe a child wading pool to cool off in. And a safe enclosed yard.

 

I would not leave a dog in a crate for 8-10 hours except, perhaps, for overnight. I'd say that 8-10 hours crated in the daytime is unacceptable.

 

We get new dogs when we will be home to be able to get them housetrained, after which if they have to be home alone in weather not suitable to being outdoors, they can have free reign of the house. Someone is home with the dog, or comes home to let the dog out as needed. (I have never used, but as a kid sometimes was a dog walker, which is another option when people cannot walk their dog often enough.)

 

I do know some people who have little dogs that have been trained to use some form of "litter box" or other place to relieve itself indoors when they are gone or unable to get out, but this has never appealed to me, and in any case I have pretty much always had big dogs.

 

In "good" weather, our dog(s) stays outside in a fenced yard when we are gone. In "bad" weather, our dog(s) stays inside with full run of the house. We live in the country with a huge yard, and most of the time we are home and the dog(s) with us wherever we are. We are rarely gone for a whole day in any case.  Other people I know take their dogs with them to work or wherever they have to go. I've also known people who had a different sort of dog schedule where the dog went on 3 walks, but they were something like 5:30-7 PM (arrival home time), quick midnight stroll (before late bedtime), 7-8:30AM (before leaving for work).  

 

 

Yes, our dogs go out and potty in the rain, and since we live in PNC that is often.

 

 

 

Dogs need daily exercise. Young active dogs generally need more than older dogs.  Some breed types need more than others. We have active large breeds as fits well with being in the country. Sometimes exercise can be done by throwing a ball  for them to retrieve, or that sort of thing, not necessarily a walk.

 

Indoor dogs need at least 2, and preferably 3, walks per day. They may need much more than that if they are young and or do not  have good bladder control.  

 

 

Food costs: if you are going to use a packaged dog food, rather than raw food diet or that sort of thing, read on the label what amount of food per day is needed for a dog the size you are interested in, and do a math calculation to figure out how much per year or month or whatever and how much $$ per bag. Our large dogs' food costs would probably not be relevant. 

 

 

Why not ask some of your neighbors how they are handling their dogs since that may give some clues about how you might do so in your climate and area. Maybe they have doggie doors, maybe a dog walker comes, maybe someone in the family comes home from work or school at lunch.... Maybe they are mature dogs who can be free in house all day, and do okay with just two daily (morning and evening) exercise/potty times outdoors.