Anyone have a Beagle or a Flat Coated Retriever dog?
So, we are starting to think about getting a dog. We will be moving next year, and will likely end up in a spot where we can buy a house with a nice, fenced in yard. DS6 and DS4 (will be 5 and 7 when we move) both LOVE dogs, and they are both on the Autism spectrum. Neither is severely affected, but they have some behaviors that we need to consider when choosing a dog breed. Specifically, they tend to scream when upset (a loud, shrill scream) and the younger one has some very loud meltdowns sometimes. I need a dog who can just sort of "roll" with that, without getting overly anxious or violent in response.
So far, our front runners are Beagle and a Retriever of some sort. I came across Flat Coated Retrievers, because I read an article about how they are recommended with families with special needs children, owing to their easygoing and relatively calm temperaments.
DS6 LOVES LOVES LOVES Beagles. This is the kind of dog he would choose if it was up to him. However, I have concerns with Beagles tendencies to run away, be ruled by smells, and the excessive shedding. I know DS would love to be the one "handling" the dog out on walks and stuff, but he has a tendency to drop leashes if something more interesting comes along (he has "walked" our neighbor's dog a few times, with me). I worry about Beagles tendency to run off, following a smell. Although I think Beagles are cute as can be, and I like the small size, I'm not sure this dog would be right, but I really don't know.
Can anyone offer some insight? Anyone with special needs kids and dogs? What kind of dog do you have? Stories would be appreciated.
We are not "big dog" people. Well, I don't mind them, but our kids get intimidated by really big dogs (like hyper Labs and Goldens). We also really do NOT like "toy" breeds, or terriers of any kind (DS has a sensory thing with terrier fur...he likes his dogs very soft, and the hair needs to mostly lie flat).
Thanks in advance!
And, for the record, this dog is *mostly* for me. ;) I love dogs. I will be its main caregiver. DH has been very vehemently opposed to having a dog since I've known him. However, he sees our boys OBSESSION with them, and has come around, because he knows there are lots of benefits for them of owning a dog, particularly for our older son. He says once we have a house with a yard, he's all for it. :thumbsup: