04-26-2012, 06:31 PM
How old are the kids ?
Small dogs tend to be very loyal and territorial. To a fault. Our Pom guards "Her Space" (Under the bed) quite fervently. Hysterical barking and lunging. Our Chis guard 'Their Person' (which is whomever they are snuggling with at the moment) very aggressively... snarling and snapping.
We started with Lhasa Apsos, they're a bit more relaxed. Our Rat Terrier is a very relaxed dog, unless there us running and shouting. Then she gets very defensive, and teeth are involved. But that's because she was abused before we got her. So we have to stay calm at home or get snapped at. We call her "The Peacemaker".
Of course NOTHING is as relaxed as a Basset Hound or Golden Retriever (Marley Excluded).
With a Rescued Dog, I'd just look for temperament, and talk to the Humane Society people. They're usually good about matching dog to people.
Small dogs tend to be very loyal and territorial. To a fault. Our Pom guards "Her Space" (Under the bed) quite fervently. Hysterical barking and lunging. Our Chis guard 'Their Person' (which is whomever they are snuggling with at the moment) very aggressively... snarling and snapping.
We started with Lhasa Apsos, they're a bit more relaxed. Our Rat Terrier is a very relaxed dog, unless there us running and shouting. Then she gets very defensive, and teeth are involved. But that's because she was abused before we got her. So we have to stay calm at home or get snapped at. We call her "The Peacemaker".
Of course NOTHING is as relaxed as a Basset Hound or Golden Retriever (Marley Excluded).
With a Rescued Dog, I'd just look for temperament, and talk to the Humane Society people. They're usually good about matching dog to people.