[Momily]

We're moving in less than a month to a place that allows dogs (YAY!) and have been sort of looking at dogs available from local rescues (I say sort of, because I assume that by the time we're settled and ready for a dog there will be different dogs available).

I had been thinking of a small adult dog, but the 3 dogs that jump out at both my DS and I (a rescue I know about and trust, already housebroken, short hair, small but mixed with something bigger so maybe have a bigger dog personality, description says their sweet and good with kids) are all 8 months old and 22 lbs.

So my question is -- what are 8 month old puppies like, is this an age I should consider or should I stick with my "no puppies" rule. Also, how big would a 22 lb 8 month old puppy get? Our lease has the vague "small dog" in it. I'm hoping to stay under 30 lbs., but I'm not sure what the legal definition of a small dog is. If someone had a 30 lb dog would you consider that "small" (if you were my landlord?). I don't want a tiny dog like a chihuahua or something.

Also, one dog is a feist/greyhound mix and the other two (must be siblings, although the site doesn't say it -- they look exactly the same, same size, same age, same description, came into care the same time) are lab/doxie mixes -- do those sound like good choices?

 

[Ola_]

We got Chaos when she was approx. 6-8 months old, although I'm sure this depends on the individual dog. She still had several months of chewing ahead of her and plenty of puppy energy. That said she was infinitely easier to housetrain than a baby puppy and was able to focus better. This age seems to be when many dogs are given up because they are going through a "bratty teenager" stage. I would plan to have a consistent routine, good amount of exercise, and some training classes - I think with those in place you will do fine.

I have to say I do love that stage in dogs because it's like their little brains are just itching to figure stuff out and you can teach them so much.

When we got Chaos she was around 30 lbs and is now around 35. She didn't grow any just sort of filled out a bit (she was pretty skinny when we got her though). I should point out that most people can't tell the difference between a 25 and 30 lb dog, so that gives you some wiggle room.

For the dogs you're listing I would ask if you can meet them in person and talk to someone from the group or their foster parent. When you meet them I would want them to be all wiggly and dying to get to you so you can pet them (both you and your DS). I personally wouldn't settle for a dog that is "ok" around you, you know?

 

[whiddle]

I have an 8 month old Shorkie (Shih Tzu/Yorkie cross) and an 8 month old Chihuahua. Both are house broken, stopped chewing (except on their dog toys), and I think their puppy days are over.

.Neither of my pups do well without outside exercise. My Shorkie (12 pounds, full grown) will actually grab her leash and take it to the door. Their exercise consists of short walks and 2-3 weekly trips to a local dog park. Both of my girls are well behaved and can be left to roam the house when we are not home (though we put them in an x-pen for safety). Both girls love to hike the trails, my 4 pound Chihuahua LOVES mountain hiking lol and at the dog park she loves to run up and down the fence with the big boys!

ETA: A toy/tiny dog to me is less than 10 pounds. Small dog is less than 20 pounds. Anything say 20-40, I would say is medium and 40+ is a large dog, IMO.

 

[mom0810]

From 8-18 months is the worst chewing stage, because although they HAVE their teeth, they are not "set" in the jaw yet. So that's my only advice about that age. Other than that, their bladders and bowels are mature enough to hold it overnight in a crate, and they are ready to go to obedience classes so pretty easy to continue with.