Dogs... what kind should I get for my mom?

[Sly]

Preferably a small dog that does not grow very big. I heard Petland is a horrible place to get a pet for some reason? and it's better to get one from a breeder or humane society. Any advice in which kind of dog should I get my mom and any thing I should be aware of before getting one? Also any training tips would be appreciated.. thanks.

[Ice]

It really depends what you want for your mom. Long hair or short hair? A dog that sheds or doesn't shed? A dog that is somewhat territorial to alert her when someone comes near the home or a dog that is oblivious and quiet? A dog that needs to be walked daily or one that is fine in an apartment? Do you want a puppy or an adlut dog that has some training (like housebreaking)? The best thing is to figure out what activity level, disposition and characteristics you think are best for your mom and take it from there. You absolutely want this to be a good match and fairly easy for both the dog and your mom.

[Sly]

Originally Posted by Ice

It really depends what you want for your mom. Long hair or short hair? A dog that sheds or doesn't shed? A dog that is somewhat territorial to alert her when someone comes near the home or a dog that is oblivious and quiet? A dog that needs to be walked daily or one that is fine in an apartment? Do you want a puppy or an adlut dog that has some training (like housebreaking)? The best thing is to figure out what activity level, disposition and characteristics you think are best for your mom and take it from there. You absolutely want this to be a good match and fairly easy for both the dog and your mom.

Preferably a dog that does not shed (reason why my mom hates cats, because they shred like crazy), short hair, a dog not too crazy I guess? Let's just say my mom just wants a 'cute' dog... lol I don't if that helped. Oh and for some reason, my sister and I can't stand shihzu's or whatever they are called... seems like everyone of my family's friends own one.

[octothorp]

Ice brings up some very good questions. Another one is whether your mother has owned a dog in the past. Adult dogs from the humane society sometimes come from difficult backgrounds and may have issues that can be better handled by an experienced dog owner; don't let that scare you off from the humane society option though. Just try to find out the animal's history.

[ResAlien]

Get her a Boxer. Best dogs ever.

[Thor]

Whatever dog you get, can you tell her to watch like 10 episode's of the dog whisperer or give her some books on that a dog is not a baby, its not cute when it attacks your friend

If your mom is willing to be educated, get her a small dog, female preferably, but definitely educate her on how to raise a dog.

[CaptainCrunch]

If it was for a mother in law

[wooohooo]

My friend has a shizu-poodle. My favorite dog, although it is super hyper (good way) and seems pretty smart. Knows where to pee/poo

[FlamesAddiction]

Get one that likes peanut butter. Your mom will love it.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Sly

Preferably a dog that does not shed (reason why my mom hates cats, because they shred like crazy), short hair, a dog not too crazy I guess? Let's just say my mom just wants a 'cute' dog... lol I don't if that helped. Oh and for some reason, my sister and I can't stand shihzu's or whatever they are called... seems like everyone of my family's friends own one.

I recommend a Chinese Crested Dog. I had one 7 years ago, great dog,very affectionate.

[Regulator75]

Is your Mom aware that you are buying her a dog?

Pets shouldn't be surprise gifts.

[BlackArcher101]

Get whatever your mom wants. Is this a gift? If so, involve her in the process of the dog selection from the beginning.

[MRCboicgy]

I like West Highland Terriers.

So cute, great personality, lots of energy, generally pretty smart

[FlamesGirl]

Definitely include your mom in the process of finding a dog. Pets shouldn't be "surprises" or gifts; they're lifelong commitments.

You heard right about petstores - most pets come from incredibly unsanitary conditions, the "breeders" live in cages most of their lives, and the dogs sold usually have a myriad of conditions (mental and physical) for the rest of their lives. I won't get into all the nasty details but it's commonly stated that for every one puppy that lives to get to the pet store, 10 more have died at the mill where it came from. The only way to stop the mills is to stop the demand for dogs at pet stores.

Since you don't have a specific breed in mind, just some specific qualities, try looking at the rescue organizations around Calgary to find what you're looking for. Most older rescues (6 months or older) already have a fairly defined personality so you know if you're getting a hyper/calm/aloof/friendly dog. Also, most rescues organizations expose their dogs to different situations so you'll know whether they're good with kids, other dogs, cats, etc.

Here are some rescue links:
Alberta Animal Rescue Crew (where I got my guy): http://albertaanimalrescuecrew.com/

Animal Rescue Foundation: http://www.arf.ab.ca/

Little Mutts Rescue (probably a good one to look at since you want a smaller dog):
http://www.littlemuttsrescue.org/

Pound Rescue: http://www.poundrescue.com/

Heaven Can Wait: http://www.heavencanwait.ca/

Pawsitive Match (this group brings in dogs from kill shelters in Mexico - lots of little dogs available):
http://www.pawsitivematch.org/Dogs_for_Adoption.php

Then there's the Calgary Humane Society, Cochrane Humane Society, Red Deer Humane Society, etc.

Another thing to note is that most rescue organizations will take the dog back if it doesn't work out for whatever reason. AARCS adopted out a dog that later got hit by a car and the owners couldn't afford the $5000.00 vet fees and were going to put him down - they contacted AARCS and they took him back and paid his vet fees.

[narbeZ]

Blue heeler, or Golden Retriever for the WIN.

In all seriousness though a pet shouldn't be a surprise GIFT. Maybe run it by your mom.

[narbeZ]

http://www.free-pet-wallpapers.com/f.../710977074.jpg

[Kipper is King]

I'd recommend a Bichon Frise or cross with some Bichon in it.

They do not shed at all. You get the cuteness of a dog with hair, but none of the mess. My Cocker Spaniel/Bichon Frise cross, Biscotti was a joy to have around- great temperment.
They are not so small as to be dainty, but not so large as to be a big hassle. (Although I like large dogs, they can be a problem around small kids and such)

[Clarkey]

Surprise pets as gifts are a bad idea.

[CMPunk]

Yorkshire Terrier FTW!

[Kybosh]

I recommend replacing her car with a team of sled dogs. She will applaud your thoughtfulness and I bet you could get some sweet tax breaks from the government.