Inkidink

I know im asking alot.....but we are in no rush and i'd really like to get this right the first time. Im prepared to also do whatever i need to to help train the dog (or myself :laugh: ) to make it easier for us all. Thank you so far for all your suggestions. From someone who has never owned a dog im really just stumped as to where to start!

Yes it will be mainly indoors to sleep etc overnight, but id like it to spend the days outdoors with us. We are building a large enclosed (netted) vege patch area 16m x 8m that the chickens will have control of that the dog wont have access to unless we are also in there. A dog run is also a good idea, Thanks. GoldernGirl85 - how would one go about fostering a dog first??

They arn't too bad. We dont actually have any friends with small dogs but our relatives in NZ have a mini Fox Terrier that at first my kids are bothered by but after a day or two forget he is there. On holidays last year we also stayed with 2 Staffies for a week and they were fine, but the dogs were older and prefered to sleep the days away. I really want to do this right the first time and i will perservere with my children to make this work. Hence why im researching as much as i can before i settle on a breed and start the process of trying to get a puppy.

Hi everyone, Im Alysha and totally new to the dog world and would really love some advice from people who will know what they are talking about. We have just moved to 5 acres - semi rural and would like to get our first family dog. I have 2 children, age 3 and 4 who are reasonably afraid of dogs due to being jumped on as toddlers from my friends overly friendly Weimaraner. We are looking for a small to medium dog which will be a good companion to both myself (stay at home mum) and my children. Something that isn't yappy or snappy and that doesn't shed too much. Also alerting us to snakes or people on our property would be good traits. We will have free ranging chickens and some livestock and of course our much loved cat who has been with us for quite some time. Our fencing is also farm wire style that we can chicken wire in but nothing solid or high. We were recommended to get a Jack Russell by a few people but from what i've read im not sure this is the right fit for us. I'd like to purchase from a good breeder in Victoria but out of state if need be. Looking forward to hearing your suggestions :)