what type of dog?

[tartufo]

any recomendations on a type of dog that would be suitable for my elderly parents, they walk everyday, and need a pet that is loving and will provide some companionship. They dont have a big back yard and they grow a lot of their own vegetables, so one that is vegie friendly?? any suggestions??

[butter1]

why don't you have a look at some rescue center's.  Maybe Battersea dogs home.....do you think a more mature dog would suit them better? Good luck.  

[rampart]

Schnauzers and dachsunds are great people-dogs. Probably any terrier mix as well. They are bright dogs, they are fairly easy to train, and they are good in small places.

[mydogsandme]

got to agree, dachies are great little dogs- don't need tons of exercise, great guard dogs and love to cuddle up on your lap. A great rescue site is www.dogpages.org.uk.

[Emily Ball]

I agree with the others ; a smaller, more mature and sedate dog might be best. If they do decide to adopt one from a rescue centre it's important that they walk the dog first to see how it behaves on the lead and to try to find out about its past history. If possible they should fence in their vegetable plot because a dog will urinate against any handy plants and shrubbery and a bitch will squat on the lawn , both of which will cause the plants and grass to turn yellow and die, apart from rendering the vegetables inedible. I know some organisations(eg RSPCA) also neuter pets prior to adoption and give the animal a preliminary injection against parvo virus etc. It's also worth bearing in mind that it may take up to three, four or even more visits to find just the right dog for them but I'm sure they will find one and I wish them well. Oh and a point about the age of the dog-the need for potentially expensive veterinary treatment increases the older it is.

[PurplePixie]

A retired Greyhound would make a great loving pet. They are very lazy & only ask for minimal walks (short bursts) They aren't known for being garden wreckers & give fab companionship. They also don't tend to be noisy or troublesome to have around the house.

[PurplePixie]

P.S another reason that I think Greyhounds make great companion dogs for elderly people is that they don't get under their feet like a little dog can & are tall enough so that you don't have to bend down to pet them etc.

[animal_agent]

I strongly agree that you get a rescue dog because most have came from an abuse or unwanted home. They have also been trained and just want a chance. i think this is the perfect chance to give a dog a home.

 I work in a rescue centre in Merseyside which has a lot of older dogs which have passed maturity and need homes. All types of dogs; small terriers, GSD, Staffs, collies, springer spanials, etc...

[callisto]

Lots of good advice already given.... i agree that a rescue dog ishe way to go   on this occasion and they provide lots of help with any problems encountered.... a greyhound would be my choice for them also,

[vicki buck]

A rough coated Jack Russel like Rick Steins. We have a fantastic one called Crasher!( all white with black ears) She is so loving loves walks,water and her mission in life is to love everyone she meets. She doesn't take up much room in bed!

[tartufo]

thanks for all your replies!

[boodle]

terriers labradors little dogs or ones tha\tmake good family pets