Is there ever a good time?

[chelle]

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

One thing I know is it's never a good idea to get a puppy in the winter - at least for me.

I made that mistake once and I will not be doing that ever again.

Me, too! Did this exactly once and never again!

I started asking for a dog as a kid and was always told no. I knew someday, someway I'd have a dog. I got one at 19, then the ex and I broke up and he had to take the dog. Lost my dog. It was heartbreaking.

I had a young child at the time, single mom, it just wasn't the right time. Not enough money at all, living in a duplex with a dinky unfenced yard... just not even close to ideal time for a dog.

Fast forward to thirties... Steady job, house, older child, basically stable. As stable as you can ask life to be, anyway. I finally got my first dog. Four years later I decided was time for dog #2. Four years after THAT, arrived dog #3. I like them spaced out in age as they are. However, the four year cycle is officially over. There will not be dog #4.

[deldridge72]

I was raised with animals on a farm, so when I purchased my house and acreage, dogs were next-I've had 18 German Shepherds over the last 13 years-currently have six ranging from 23 months to 12.5 years, all have had basic obedience-the old guy had extensive obedience plus tracking/trailing for SAR work-dabbled in Schutzhund & agility but they're primary occupation is companion and home protection. Would love to have a GS sanctuary-provide a forever home for the forsaken shelter victims-someday maybe.

[DKHarris]

I just registered and have been reading alot of posts. I need some help. I just put my lab Zoe of 13 years down after she lost her fight with cancer. 13 years of that dog sitting ON my foot waiting for me to throw the ball or just give attention. 13 years of coming home to a wagging tail. She was as good of a dog as anyone could ask for.I can still feel her sitting on my right foot with her head on my lap. Life has been empty since and I am considerind a German Shepard. There are a few reasons why I do not want another Lab. First I am not looking to replace Zoe but rather start a new chapter. Second some of the quirks of owning a lab are a bit annoying. As much as I loved her, her constant need for attention seemed over bearing at times. Here is what my circumstances are. I am married.I have a 5 year old well behaved son. My wife (and I) have a 12 1/2 year old Border Collie/Chow mix (Belle). I own my home. The house is about 4000 SQF including basement sitting on a half acre in the end of a cul de sac. There are no other young children on my street. I live in WI where it is cold in the winter. I work 40 hours a week 8-5 although I do come home for lunch just about everyday. I can commit time for training and would have no problem with paying for anykind of classes. I earn a good living. Zoe and Belle never were on a leash as they would not leave my yard. I have always had a dog in my life and the house seems empty with her gone.

Here are my concerns
Everything I have read says GSDs are great with kids. Two people whom I trust have said they have had experience with that not being the case. I know every dog has its own personality but as a whole what should I expect.

It is important to me that I do not have to keep a leash on evertime we are in the back yard. I want to be able to throw a ball or play with out being paranoid about her/him taking off. Again I am willing to work on this. I am thinking late March.

Any feedback would be appreciated and if this is the right breed I will be contributing to this board. Thank you in advance.

[LARHAGE]

DKHarris,

I think you should post this in the Welcome thread and you will get a lot more information. I welcome you in advance and just want to say I am sorry for your loss. I have had German Shepherds for most of my life, over 40 years of owning them and have NEVER had one that was not good with children, quite simply they are the best breed of dog in the world. The important thing is to find a reputable breeder who breeds for temperament as well as breed quality and you will have no problems whatsoever, training and socialization are a must for this breed, but you will be rewarded handsomely for your efforts... trust me on that!

[DKHarris]

Originally Posted by LARHAGE

DKHarris,

I think you should post this in the Welcome thread and you will get a lot more information. I welcome you in advance and just want to say I am sorry for your loss. I have had German Shepherds for most of my life, over 40 years of owning them and have NEVER had one that was not good with children, quite simply they are the best breed of dog in the world. The important thing is to find a reputable breeder who breeds for temperament as well as breed quality and you will have no problems whatsoever, training and socialization are a must for this breed, but you will be rewarded handsomely for your efforts... trust me on that!

Thank you for your suggestion. I took your advise.

[Josie/Zeus]

When Zeus died, I waited for a few months before adding another one. I got a rescue, she was a good dog but with lots of history. My baby was 9 month old then, I will not have an unstable dog near my child.

I gave her to a friend, now Zoe is treated like a queen in her house, she's the only dog and there are no kids involved. She is spoiled rotten, I'm very happy for her.

Just after my son's 2nd birthday, we decided to start from scratch and got a puppy.

It's all about timing for us. When I finish titling Koda, then it will be the right time to get another puppy and by then, my son will be in elementary school.

I need to have quality time for each member of the family, including the cat.
I need to have the money saved up for emergencies, Odin's was very expensive as well as Zeus' surgery.

[Vinnie]

Originally Posted by Emoore

It's kinda like having a baby. There's never really a *good* time, but there are plenty of bad times.

Perfect??? I think it's more like Emoore says.

I know I have my ideas and preferences - which are different than my husbands.

Each time we've brought a dog into our family it seems like we do things differently than the previous time. Sometimes it's planned and prepared and other times it's not. Basically I think it's just when we feel ready - and no one else can tell you when that is but you, yourself.

[Pepper311]

Originally Posted by Kittilicious

With all of the threads on here asking about getting a puppy, getting another dog, I've noticed that most, if not all, have replies of telling people to wait. Is there ever a "right time" to get a puppy or add another dog to your family? Wouldn't we all be dogless if we waited until everything was 100% perfect?

What were the main things you waited for to bring a dog into your home?
And were there things that you should have waited on before you did? (that question doesn't seem to make sense, but I don't know how else to word it.)

Same can be said about having kids.

For me I like more dogs age spread out 3-5 year spread. One of our dogs was dumped on us and now we are stuck with him. We got our new pup about 10 month after I lost my 16 year old best friend. It seemed like the right time because one dog was middle aged the other getting old but can still play.

Just do what's right for you and your pack. There are good and bad times to get a dog. It all depends on your other dogs and your life style.