What Kind of Dog Should I Get?

We got a poodle/terrier mix from the OC Animal Shelter. Besides not shedding, the thing we looked for at the shelter was a dog that was not hyper when we approached the cage. We passed on the ones that were jumping around and barking. He turned out to be the perfect dog for us. He is a very mellow little guy, but he does get walked twice a day for 20-30 minutes, which is key for him not getting wound up and disruptive in the house.

We did a ton of research before choosing our dog. We decided on a dog instead of a puppy, which is a huge amount of work.

I watched The Dog Whisperer religiously. I didn't want to like him when I first watched, but I'm pretty hooked now. He has great advice on how to manage your dog. I also picked up a couple of his books, which are also good, but personally, I learn better by watching him actually work with the different dogs. However, the books were a great reference to have when we brought our dog home from the shelter.

If you are able to do your research and put the time into having a dog, like making sure it gets proper exercise and play time, you will have a lifetime friend!

Good luck with your search, and I am so sorry to hear about your cat.

L.

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Coming from someone who as always had dogs: it sounds like you are going to have too high of expectations! The dog you want is possible, but only after you work with it A LOT! If you are ready for the work, go to a shelter and get out lots of dogs that interest you- see how they interact and get a glimpse of what they are like out of their kennels. Also check out some sites about breeds that interest you. Keep in mind that some larger dogs actually require less exercise and are better with kids than smaller dogs.

I have to comment on the people who are suggesting a puggle- they are absolutely adorable!! BUT DON'T GET ONE!!! I got one and gave it away- unless you have tons of time or can find one that's already an adult and potty trained (and our vet said all of them that come in their office are problematic this was 3 days AFTER we got ours). She is doing well now- at my brother's house but she has ruined shoes, sunglasses, pillows etc. and has taken almost a year to potty train. We were crate training and she would pee in her crate even if she had just been out- by far the most difficult dog I've ever had to train and after doing more research I learned that these are VERY common problems with them. If you saw her today you'd want her, but trust me you don't want to put in the time and effort it has taken to get her there.

Also- consider breed rescue groups... I recently had someone ask me to take in a beautiful 2yr old because the owners were going into foreclosure and weren't able to find a place that let them bring the dog. It was completely housebroken and leash trained already and over the puppy chewing stage.

Dogs are great, but they are a lot of work! I would suggest a breed to avoid... do not get a beagle! Here's a list of "light shedding" breeds http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lightshedders.htm Good luck!

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MINI SCHNAUZER!!!!!!

they are the BEST dogs hands down!!! So loveable, friendly, smart, well-behaved. They're very good with kids, small, but not too small (medium-ish), not yippy like other small dogs, love to cuddle, good with cats, great with kids. I promise you won't regret getting a mini schnauzer!

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daschund( weiner dogs), poodles and dalmation's are not good with children. also try to get a puppy so they grow up with the dog. and please try and adopt from our animal shelter or humane society to give a rescued dog a home. good luck

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ok i would NOT recommend a puppy for your first dog. what i would recommend is, make a list, like you did here, of all the traits you want in a dog. go to your local shelter, (long beach should have tons) and show them the list. don't worry about breed, color, or even looks really, until they show you what they have. my list was similar to yours, and what i had in mind was NOT what we ended up with. we ended up with the perfect dog, i am telling you. she is an english pointer mix, but she's only 35 lbs, and very mellow. she barely sheds. not the breed i would have imagined at all for our needs, but she's AWESOME. the people at the shelters work with the dogs and know their personalities. with any breed, you have no guarantees to what you will get personality wise, just looks. not only that, but why would you spend hundreds (or even thousands!) of dollars on a dog, THEN have to take it to the vet, get it altered, etc....when shelter dogs are already spayed or neutered, up to date on shots, often already trained even, usually for less than $150. for a first time dog owner my advice is even stronger. i'm telling you, talk to your local shelter. visit two or three. the perfect dog is there! (ps, corgis and pugs are awful for shedding - but if you're leaning that way i would take a corgi ANY day over a pug....i can't stand pugs! lol first you have to get past the face, then the slobbering, snarling, wheezing...ew! just my personal opinion. also, small breeds tend to be very territorial, very protective, kind of obnoxious a lot of times. that's one reason we went with a more medium size) i would also GOOGLE GOOGLE GOOGLE. and learn as much as you can. dogs are very different than cats, so the more you know, the better off you'll be. good luck!

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DO NOT GET A DOG.
Dogs are very different than cats. They can't be left. They need to be walked. They shed. They are a LOT of work.
Get another cat and leave it at that.
LBC
PS - I have a corgi and he's the best dog ever - but he sheds... a lot!

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I'm late to respond but here is my 2¢: if you are a cat person, get another cat. At 4.5, your son is way too young for the responsibility of caring for a dog and YOU would end up with the majority of caring for the dog, meaning walking, picking up poop, feeding, disciplining, etc. Cat people don't always become dog people - stick with what YOU like at this point. When your son is older, perhaps 9/10, maybe this can be revisited.

There are shelters out there that specialize in placing cats, plus in general there are many, many wonderful cats of all ages in animal shelters looking for homes. When you are ready to adopt another pet (I'm really sorry to hear you lost your cat on Monday, you might need some time to grieve before getting another pet), maybe your son can help pick out the cat/kitten at the shelter so its a "family" choice. But let him know at this time, when and if the family gets another pet, it will be a cat. When he is older and more capable of the responsibility of a dog, you will talk about it then. End of story, no debate.

Please also keep in mind: if your son is adamant about getting a dog, many shelters are looking for volunteers, people to come in and give dogs/cats attention and affection (petting, etc). That might help him get his dog fix :)

I hope this helps! Good luck :)

I'm very sorry about your kitty, it is always painful to loose a pet. I'm not encouraging you not to get a dog. However, I thought maybe I'd tell you a little more about having one.

I just have to say, ALL dogs need good exercise. Even small, lower energy dogs. Every single dog, needs (at least) one good long walk a day. Dogs are made to want to see the world and get out and exert themselves. Without exercise, all kinds of behavioral problems will arise. Also, if you don't have time to (or simply don't want to) take your dog to training classes, I wouldn't get a dog. Sine you've never had a dog, I really thing training is a must for the first one. Any dog breed with a herding or prey drive (terriers, herding dogs, working dogs) are hard to have with cats. With kids, you really have to get training. A situation can turn dangerous without it. Dogs are expensive. It can cost a lot of money for vet visits, shots, etc. My dog got a simple stomach bug and got extremely dehydrated and it cost hundred of dollars for a vet visit. Potty training can be difficult and it's important your children can't get near the feces. Teaching boundaries with animals and toddlers/young children, can be very difficult. It HAS to be done, though. I mean, you can spend hours pulling your kids hands away from various body parts, teaching them not to run at the dog, keeping them from accidentally harming them. It is truly a lot of work. A dog is a very big responsibly and commitment. You can't hope to just bring a dog into the family and leave them be. They won't just come in and be perfect and obey and be playful, cuddly, and loving without any misbehavior. (I'm not saying you expect this, I'm just pointing it out!)

I have always had corgis and they do shed a ton. Yes, they are wonderful with families, but they are extremely high energy. They have a herding drive and are, in fact very vocal dogs. They need mental and physical stimulation every single day. To be quite honest, you can't train a dog NOT to heard. It is they're instinct. You can can give them incentives not to heard and reward their good behaviors. However, you can't take herding out of a dog. They are good with children, but if they get no exercise and get very excited, their instinct is to herd when children run.

I have to second Beth B. on her recommendation of a Puggle. I have never liked small dogs (more of a cat person myself--though I did LOVE my German Shepherd growing up--but we had nearly an acre for him to run around in...nothing like that here in LA where I currently reside). Anyway, my neighbor did extensive research into small dogs and settled on a Puggle and he is perfect. Rarely barks, rarely sheds, and he's a wonderful next-door companion for our 2 year old. My neighbor walks him twice a day for about 20-30 minutes, and lets him run around in her front yard for awhile as well. She also puts him in "Doggie Day Care" twice a week while she's working so he runs around all day those days. It's A LOT of work, but she was so devastated after losing her cat of 13 years that she needed a change of pace, and as a single lady in her late 30s, a puppy was the right choice for her...I'm not sure that I want a dog anytime soon myself, but my son loves to occasionally play with the Puggle next door. Good luck!

We are PUG lovers they are the BEST except for the shedding. Really they are GREAT with the kiddos and they LOVE to play and cuddle. The bread are known as the CLOWN DOG of all breads. We have had 2 pugs and we thought them to fetch, play hide and seek with everyone. He will hide in the tub everytime and when you find him he covers his face with his paws.He will also run for the house looking for you and when he does he will give a "happy bark" IT is so damn funny and fun to play with him. His name is MUGSY MALONE. The other we had for a yr. and he was ran over. His name was CHEWY CHARO. For real pugs are the only dogs we will recommend to any one. We also have 2 CHAWINNIES. The are great players,cuddlers they don't shed as much has mugs, but they BARK ALOT. Thier names are Izzy and Bella.They are sisters and they do everything together.

So whatever bread you decide on make sure the whole family has a connection with the puppy, and sure the response ability of training it.

Good luck and have fun
C. C

My condolences on the loss of your kitty. I too would encourage you to go online and do research very carefully on your breed. Although Pugs are great dogs they have a lot of health issues, as many breeds do. We have always had Golden Retrievers, but that clearly isn't the right breed for you. Dogs in general need way more care and attention than cats do and you also need to consider if you are gone during the day or for extended time or vacation you need to find someone to take care of the dog. Generally with cats you can leave them for a day without someone there. Also, you may want to wait until your son is a little older. We have a 5mo puppy and my son is 6 and let me tell you it is very hard. It's like having a toddler in the house and even though we had a dog previously (very old dog) my son constantly has to be monitored with him and my son is not a bad kid, just a kid who wants to play with his dog. But puppy's like to nip!

We just got a "teddy bear" (bichon and shih tzu mix). She's awesome!!! You have to take them to the groomers every 2-3 months for a hair cut, but they don't shed. She's amazing with my kids. ( I have a 5 yr old and a 2 yr old). She gets along with my other dogs and my cats. She's sweet, cuddly and smart. She was housebroken within a week. It helps that we have a doggy door though. She only barks when she's in a super playful mood, but is mostly pretty quiet. Good luck with your search, sorry about your loss. I know how awful it is to lose an animal. :(

So sorry to hear about your kitty. For a dog you may want to try and find one that is not a young puppy, 6 months to a year may be a little easier to start with. At the same time a young puppy is a ton more work, but training starting early may be easier. If you are interested in a mix breed check your local shelter and rescue groups, many will really help pair you with the right pet. If you go the breeder route, really talk to the breeder about what you want and look into a few breeds to see what health checks are recommended for that breed and if they have had it done. A miniature poodle will need regular grooming, but might be a good choice. It will have some energy, but be able to handle kids and will not shed much. . The herding breeds are going to have more energy and some tend to bark more, but training can really help there and it isn't all of them by any means. Also talk to your vet, they may know a breeder or rescue group that may have the perfect pet for you. Couple of breeds maybe to consider: mini poodle (will need regular grooming and trims), whippet (might shed), boston terrier (some shedding, watch that the face is not too smooshed in), cavalier king charles spaniel (they are small and may need some grooming, only breed I can say I have only ever met friendly ones after working for 6 years in vet offices, they do have a list of health issues though), and of course there are many many other wonderful breeds. If you have any specific breeds I'll answer what I can if send me an email.

We have a poodle bischon mix and she is all of this and more. What you have to realize though is much of this is training and working with the dog as well as the breed:o)

We walk her every morning and every evening, at least, for a short walk around the park to get keep her regular and for social skills (she loves to say hi to all of the other dogs).

M.,
I've had dog all my life and that is a tall order. One thing to definitely consider is that ALL dogs need an hour of walking a day. At the very minimum 1/2 hour. If you can't manage that, I'd hold off until you can. Dogs are natural wanderers and w/out daily walks can become depressed, crazy, destructive. I think a lot of dog owners don't realize this and they turn them into a shelter because the dog misbehaves --due to lack of exercise, mostly.

I would say not to get one. And as an insurance agent, here is the no-no dogs: Pitbulls, Rotweillers, Chows, Akita's and wolf breeds. But that's sort of common sense when you have kids. If you do get one, consider a Cairns Terrier (like Toto on Wizard of Oz). They are wonderful pets.

I was raised with all kinds of pets. And as an adult I had dogs, cats and fish. Now we are down to one dog (my new husbands) and fish. When the dog is gone, we will NOT replace him. Dogs are so much more work than cats (or fish!). We can't leave him really except for over night and even then we have to find someone to keep an eye on him.

And if you feel you kid "needs" a pet, not so much. He will enjoy OTHER peoples pets just as much!

Just my 2 cents. Life is so much easier not having a pet! Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

I have to agree with this:

DO NOT GET A DOG.
Dogs are very different than cats. They can't be left. They need to be walked. They shed. They are a LOT of work.
Get another cat and leave it at that.
LBC
PS - I have a corgi and he's the best dog ever - but he sheds... a lot!

I have a 10 yr old son and 6 yr old daughter. Son always wanted a dog. Husband always wanted one. I did not because I knew most of the work would be on me. My daughter finally made me cave.

We got a big black lab (rescue) who came well trained. She came crate trained, meaning she likes her crate and goes into it when commanded. Some rescues have "issues" - ours does. I did NOT want a puppy. It's like having a newborn. She is sweet, but needs a lot of walking. I take her fetching at 6 or 7am (her first pee). It's a good thing I'm a morning person. We don't leave her outside in the yard like a lot of people do. What if she bites someone who comes to the front door (back yard/front yard are not separate)?

I had to hire a dog walker for the 10am walk ($60-75 per week) because I'm usually out and busy. But then I have to make sure I am home by 1 or 2 for that walk.

On weekends if we go out for a day trip, we have to hire a dog walker ($15-22 per walk) for the time we are not home. That means typically 2 walks during the day. It's a real pain for me to feel tied down like this. Last weekend I called 3 people and they were not available (last minute day trip idea).

PROs
It has been a wonderful experience for the kids to learn compassion and practice it for another living thing. They LOVE the dog. Our lab loves to be rubbed and loves attention. Kids and their friends cuddle her all the time.

CONs
the constant walking and attention usually provided by yours truly. Ours is an indoor dog and thankfully doesn't bark. But we have had other issues. Having to rush home to walk her is a PITA.

I wish we could get a cat (I'd get 2), but hubby doesn't want to because he's afraid of them getting outside and becoming coyote snacks.

ALL dogs need exercise. Start watching the DOG WHISPERER and that's one of the first things he'll say for a healthy, mentally balanced dog. He says that they need at least an hour of walking a day. Can you provide that?

My SIL has a mentally disabled child and got a lab from a retriever training program that was rejected (he was too excitable). Her son loves that dog and the whole family loves that dog. She walks him 1 hour a day (her son loves the walks) so it works out. I wouldn't want to do that.

I'd like to echo what others have said. Please don't get a dog unless you can spend time training it and giving it exercise every day. All dogs need exercise. Sure a Pug may not need as much as a Border Collie but all dogs needs to go for a walk every day. They also need to be trained. They are not cats and need a lot more care. If you get one, please save a life and consider a shelter dog.

We just got a puggle (pug/beagle mix). He is beautiful, fun, and great with kids. I would highly recommend them. Make sure that you go with a reputable breeder, ours had him paper trained and well socialized when we got him at 8wks and now 2 wks later we have had no troubles with outside potty training and he loves other animals and people. He likes to play and is a good match for our 3 yr old son. Crate training has been a breeze and he already knows some basic commands. The only caution I have about getting a dog is to be aware of the cost of health maintenance - vet care can get expensive. We are on a Healthy Pet program with our vet which costs $400 a year - it covers all shots, neutering, office visits, and worming.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your kitty. I adore cats and dogs too. Pugs are great little dogs, but make sure that you are not allergic to them. Some people are. Stay away from small breeds like chihuahuas and mini pins. They usually are too hyper and aggressive around kids. Cocker spaniels and the King Charles spaniels are also great family dogs. Several of my neighbors have them and they are awesome.

get a corgie! they are SUPER cute and friendly! My cousin got a couple, she has a 4 year old and a 7 year old. They don't shed that bad, they only come up to about mid-shin... they are extremely lovable! My other cousin (we were living together at the time) got one, we had it house trained within a month (we used the crate-training method... PM me if you would like to know the details...or any other info or pics of them) and as long as you teach them from the beginning, they won't bark. They are also very easy to teach tricks... the one I lived with learned how to roll over, shake, beg, sit, stay, heel, etc. within the first year! (My cousin and I have grown up training dogs...) The only problem is that it IS a herding dog, so you have to train it NOT to herd the kids! lol. (or to herd them where you want them. ;) lol)

I agree with everyone, be careful and know what you are getting into. I have ALWAYS wanted a cute little dog I could dress up, so Monday I found a Yorke online and went and bought him...he is an AMAZING dog but I realized that I cannot keep him and it kills me but instead of taking him back I found him a MUCH better home. He is sooo much work, I feel like I gave birth to a baby this week lol. He wants to be with me all the time, I can't leave him at home when I go to work so I know he will be much better in his new home. I am a single girl with 2 cats and a bunny, the Yorkie WANTED that bunny bad and the poor bunny is so stressed. I work alot and I go to the gym and go out and travel, etc., so I realized I would not be a good mommy for this doggie. My coworker's mother-in-law is taking him, she doesn't work and stays home all the time and has 2 other dogs. So yes, you can think and know how much work it is going to be but until you are in it it is impossible to realize. This poor dog is asleep on my lap right now, I give him away at 5:00..it breaks my heart but it is for the best. BE CAREFUL

A sheltie would be perfect - fits all your criteria! They are a wonderful family dog and surprisingly don't shed considering their beautiful full coat. Our family sheltie has been wonderful with our cats, our kid, and even my disabled brother. Best of luck!

A stuffed animal! LOL! only kidding...I have been a dog and a cat person my whole life. I always had Akita's but they shed like crazy and get very big so i would not advise that, but I just want to tell you is be prepared to have another "kid". They are tons of work and when it's pouring rain outside in the middle of the night they still have to go poo and pee! I have prob spent about $10,000-$15000. on surgeries, and vet bills over the years. Once they are a part of your family if they get sick you do whatever it takes, and sometimes it take a lot of money! Make sure you have the time to spend with the dog and train it properly! Research, research! Check into medical issues that the particular breeds are prone to. Talk to your vet! Go check your local shelter after you decide! Their are tons of great dogs just waiting to be adopted! Good luck!

Shih Tzu, poodles do not shed. I have found if you adopt older 1 yr. and above they are more mellow etc. But you have to meet the dog and see what kind of reactions you both have. Good Luck!

We've had several different dogs throughout my life. I'm currently the proud (and VERY happy) owner of a Maltese and Shi-Tzu. Neither shed and we've been very, very happy with both. The only issue we had was when we brought the new puppy home the 'older' dog began barking non-stop. It's under control now though.

I am so sorry to hear about your Kitty:( I recently lost my kitty (a very friendly Male Tuxedo). It looks like you already have some great advice below, but I just wanted to express condolences on your kitty. We also have 2 shih tzu dogs, which in my experience are very "cat like" We went the breeder route for our older dog Marty, and actually rescued Eddie from a shelter (he was a puppy that was rescued from a puppy mill). I love that we were able to rescue Eddie, and he is actually more to the breed standard than Marty (not that that was important to us at all) They are cuddly lap dogs, mine have been great with kids of all ages, there was no jealousy when we brought home our daughter who is now 4 months, they play with my nephew who is bit grabby at 13months old, play nicely with 2 and 3 yo as well. They got along nicely with the cat once their puppy phases were over. We walk them on short walks twice a day because we live in a town house community, other than that they could just be let outside to get fresh air and use the bathroom. They do not shed any more than we would because they have "hair" instead of fur, this characteristic does require that they be brought to the groomer ever 2 months or so, which for me was way easier than constantly cleaning up dog hair, but for some others is not. Dogs are def more work than my kitty was, need to be walked 2-3 times per day, can not be left for longer periods like cats. Before I was married Jeffy Cat was my only house mate:) If it weren't for my husbands help having a dog would be a bit too much for me to manage.

Hello, I know that poodles don't shed. I don't know about any other breeds which don't shed, but I know there are some out there. We have a chihuahua and she is very good with our grandchildren most of the time. However, after she got spayed, she was very grouchy for a while and then went back to being our sweet girl. She is very protective of all of us with other people. However, she does bark when the other dogs start in our neighborhood and when someone comes to the door. If company comes, we put her in the bedroom until she quiets down and then she can return and meet people. Mostly, the behavior of a pet is determined by how they are treated.
Good luck with your search for a perfect puppy and with your precious family.
K. K.

I am so excited for you and your family!!! This will be such a wonderful time in your life!! Sounds like you might want to consider an older dog. I have had several friends in the same situation and they have adopted older dogs that are more relaxed, laid back and require some exercise but not as much as a puppy would. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah is a great place to visit and volunteer your time to find the perfect dog for you and your family. I volunteer there every year, and it is located in Zion National Park, a perfect getaway! You can even have a sleep over trial at your hotel to make sure the pet you chose it perfect for you. Look them up online. Good luck!
D. W.
Spectrum Speech and Feeding, LLC

Our Cockapoo is great with our children (ages 4 and 10) and has been ever since my lil one was a baby

The kind that requires batteries!
Do yourself a favor and DON'T give in to this request from your 4 1/2 year old. We have a dog that I got just a couple of days before I found out about my 1st pregnancy. I blame it on the pregnancy, I had always been a cat person. My sons are now 4 and 2 1/2 and the dog is a burden. There is no being gone all day and into the evening, because then we are neglecting the dog. Overnight vacations? Not without the dog. Tired out from a long day of being a mother, wife and whatever else? Go walk that poor dog. ONLY an expected 15 more years of this commitment, for me.
It's a sad reality, but I wish I had never gotten a dog.

I do have a suggestion :)
When we got our last dog, I did a LOT of research. We had a bad experience and I wanted to make the RIGHT choice this time. We settled on a miniature schnauzer. Oh my gosh! He is perfect :)
He's a fairly small dog. Great with my other dog AND bunny, so I'm pretty sure kitties would be okay. Loves to go for a walk, but happy in our yard, so I don't HAVE to walk him. He doesn't shed, and their hair is more like human hair so allergies are not a problem. He loves to be cuddled like a baby - it's hysterical. He's very playful and wants to make friends with everyone, including other dogs.
I can't say he doesn't bark, because he does. And it is pretty high-pitched - ouch! But, he is pretty smart and doesn't bark just randomly for no reason - just when someone enters our yard.
My only complaint - and it's just the nature of the breed - he can sometimes be a "door dasher". Open the door and he takes off. Nose to the ground, wherever it leads him. So, you have to be careful to keep him safe. I was forewarned, and I didn't believe them, because none of my others dogs ever left my front yard, so I was sure training would work. Training has minimized it, and most of the time he stays in the yard, but we have had a few instances.

The AKC says "Smart, trainable and consistently cheerful, ... adapts easily to small city apartments, yet remains just as much at home in the country with lots of space to run around... sheds very little... alert and spirited, yet obedient to command. He is friendly, intelligent and willing to please... never be overaggressive..."
Read more here: http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_schnauzer/

Good luck!

Except for the shedding part- I would HIGHLY recommend a pug. Very low maintenance. Our pug is great with babies/children and we have tons of kids over all the time. He lives in the house all day and was easy to potty train. Very loving- loves to be around people and sleep in the bed. Lol

I'm sorry to hear about your cat. If you to onto www.animalplanet.com and then click on the "Pets 101" at the top of the screen, you can pull up the dog breed selector where you can put in a search criteria and read about the different breads that would be best for your family.

Wishing you the best of luck.

First, I'm sorry about your cat...it's hard to lose a pet.

I'm not sure if I have an answer for you but figured I would share info on our dogs. We have a black lab and a golden retreiver. The lab is now six years old and is awesome NOW...the first four years, not so much. I can't tell you how many things he chewed up or destroyed. His energy level too just off the charts. People with labs will tell you they don't stop being "puppies" until they are about four...definitely held true for us. He's AMAZING with kids and always has been. He's sweet, but he does bark (we have to use a shock collar on him if he's outside to keep him from barking) and he does shed...twice a year it seems like he loses his entire coat!
Our younger dog is a golden retreiver...he's about a year and a half and still a puppy but by no means like how our lab was. He's very excitable but calms down faster. He doesn't bark, but will growl at strangers if he's in the backyard. He's also fantastic with our kids and others kids, but does sometimes forget how big he his and knocks them down sometimes. I have a feeling that another 6months to a year and he's going to have calmed down into an amazing dog.

For us, while I LOVE my lab...I wouldn't get another one unless I adopted an older lab. The puppy phase of a lab is just too long and was really more than I wanted to handle. He's a sweet, sweet dog though!

Good luck!
-M