Getting A Dog

[Daddyodo]

After years of poking and proding I finally talked my wife into letting us get a dog.  The problem is , now that we can get one I have no idea what to get. We live in a 3 bedroom townhouse with a fenced in yard. I have 1 wife and 2 teenagers. I was thinking of going to the shelter to get one but have heard horror stories. not opposed to getting a pure breed but do not want to spend an arm and a leg. Any suggestions?

 

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Go to a reputable shelter and let the pup pick you. If you get a full grown dog make sure it behaves well with your kids etc. 

[Root beer]

A Boxer makes a great family dog.... We paid 250 for a pure bred Boxer when I was 5 and my brother paid $300 for a pure bred as well. Both registered with AKC... They're great dog and very beautiful.

[SirSnookalot]

Go to a reputable shelter and let the pup pick you

They know who they want to go home with..........I'm partial to golden retrievers 

[Teal]

German Shepards, labs, retrievers, and boxers are all super sweet dogs. They are all fairly easy to work with as far as house training and do really well with children and teens.

The shelter may be a good idea too. But I always preferred taking a puppy that way I can grow them and teach them from a young age. House/obedience training CAN be frustrating but it doesnt have to be, just remember puppies have alot of energy and like children they have to be corrected a lot. But the outcome is so rewarding and will give youu a partner that will love you unconditionally for many years.

[Tuckahoe Joe]

Personally, I'd go with a shelter dog but thats just my oppinion.  I like the idea of giving a loving home to an animal that maybe hasn't ever really had one.  As to what kind of dog, I dunno.  I have an Austrailian Shepherd and hes an awesome dog.  Lots of energy and too smart for his own good.  But it doesn't have to be a pure bred dog.  My parents have a mutt and shes a sweetheart.  It all depends on what your looking for.  Do you want a dog thats going to frolick and play and go for hikes with you in the woods or are you looking for something like a lap dog whose gonna slug around the house all day?  Whatever you want, the folks at your local shelter will be more than happy to help pair you with a furry friend thats right for you.

[MCS]

The best dogs I have owned were shelter dogs, have had purebred small and large and will tell you puppies suck. I have acquired dogs at various ages. A dog will bond with its owner regardless of age, they know who feeds it. lol IMO shelters such as the ASCPA and independent Rescues, if you have a breed in mind there is probably a local rescue devoted to it, are the way to go. They take time to work and train the dogs while they are there versus animal control who really just hold them there. The SPCA offer free OB training if you get a dog, and if you choose to go another route they are an affordable training option. The AKC website is a good place to start looking at breeds, it offers info and lifestyle requirements also dogbreedinfo.com a place to start. My wife spent time working with a greyhound rescue. Former racing dogs are probably the easiest going and least requirements. You can get culls and retirees in a range of ages, usually 2-5 yrs and a range of sizes 40 pounds up to 90 pounds all they want is to sleep and be loved. Hope this helps.

[TheKingFisher]

Sadly, I think we're all hearing more horror stories about breeders than shelters.  It's good to rescue dogs and I think they love you more for it in the way that only a dog can.

 

I also think having to have a pure breed as a family dog is old hat now.  Mutts rule!  But do what's right for your family and good luck in your choice whichever way you go!

[BrianinMD]

Rescue an Italian Greyhound, I live in a townhouse and we have two of them. Both of them are around 18 pounds, fun dogs to take out and let them run. In the house they are happy when they have a blanket to get under on a bed or couch.

[quanjig]

Whatever jumped over the fence last breed rescue is the way to go!! Go online and look at all of the rescue groups in the area and go look at some! Don't be afraid to rescue an older dog, puppies are a huge responsibility. If you don't have the time to devote to a puppy, then an older (potty trained) dog is the way to go.

[EvanT123]

I don't have any recommendations on breeds. This may sound kinda harsh but I feel dogs are like cars or boats. There is always gonna be one around so don't settle if you have any reservations.

There are pluses and minuses to getting a puppy or rescuing an older dog. Some of which have been mentioned above.

You should also think about the activity and personality of your family. If you guys are active and social that's the kinda dog you want to get. If your homebodies and quite that's gonna be the dog for you.

I could get long winded on the subject so I will just say do your research and take your time. My motto is a tired dog is a good dog. Excersice is #1

[retiredbosn]

Over the years I've had the pleasure of being owned by several different dogs and many different breeds, lol.  During my birdhunting years I normally kept three, a pup, a young dog in training and an older dog that could hunt well.  I'm by no means an expert, but I would like to share some of my experiences garnered over the years of training varied breeds of dogs, living with them, and also helping others train or training their dogs.  I have been affiliated in the past with an all breed bird dog rescue, where I was tasked with determining the dog's personality and suitability for adoption, some dogs for example couldn't go to a home with young children, or cats, etc.  You stated that this will be your first dog, and as such I would advise studying the different breeds, there are some breeds that ppl new to the world of dogs should not consider either due to difficulty in training or that the breed requires a strong leader.  I would recommend that  you stay away from the larger working and sporting breeds, these dogs are highly intelligent and energetic.  If not properly trained these dogs develop bad habits quickly, due to their breeding, temperment and activity levels they require strong leadership and training.  Typically working dogs have high energy levels that must be relieved either through work, training or eating your couch, lol. Some dogs remain puppy-ish for a long time, some retain that personality their entire lives.  Dogs are like people, no two are alike and each has their own unique personality, just like people some are easy to get along with and others are complete jerks. Get some books on the different breeds, or a book that describes each breed and their training, grooming, exercise, and food requirements.  AKC has breed descriptions on their website and also a checklist type of thing to assist you in getting the right dog for you and the family.  Having a well behaved dog is great, having a dog that doesn't fit your lifestyle or personality is awful.  Rescuing a dog either from a pound or from breed rescue organizations can be a rewarding experience or it can be a nightmare.  There are a lot of resources available online and in print to help you pick the right dog from a puppy to an adult.  There are things you can do when playing with a litter of dogs or an adult that will give you a good idea on the dog's temperment and personality.  Before getting your dog I recommend honestly evaluating what you want out of a dog, your personality, lifestyle and everyone's desire to add a new member to the family.  At this point in my life I want a dog that is laid back, eager to please, requires minimal grooming and exercise, with those criteria I can reasonably narrow down my choices to a few breeds or mixes of breeds to get the dog that will fit my life.  For example a Giant Schnauzer would be a terrible choice for me, they require extensive exercise, grooming and eat alot, a breed that would work would be a English Springer from a breeder who breeds for companions and not for the field, however Springers can suffer from a condition known as "springer rage", knowing that is important.  Some breeds have short life spans, are known for health issues, etc.  Do some research, take your time and find the breed and then the individual within that breed that will be the perfect match for you and your family, good luck.

 

A couple of links that may help

 

A breed selector based on what you want out of a dog

 

http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html

 

another

 

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

 

A pretty good article on what to look for in a shelter dog or rescue

 

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/choose-shelter-dog-adoption/

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Go find a Feist. My family has got two of them. They are the most playful and loving dogs ever. They live to squirrel hunt yet do very well indoors. Even a pure bred is a mixture of other mutts. These dogs are bred for instinct not looks. They top out at about 35lbs but are all muscle so they are not real tall.

[Teal]

Go find a Feist. My family has got two of them. They are the most playful and loving dogs ever. They live to squirrel hunt yet do very well indoors. Even a pure bred is a mixture of other mutts. These dogs are bred for instinct not looks. They top out at about 35lbs but are all muscle so they are not real tall.

I have Jack Russle, (a close cousin) man, let me tell you, those dogs are wide open!! Mine is 9 and she just slowed down a couple years ago. They are great family dogs but they do have alot of energy.

[Hanover_Yakker]

As a professional and respected dog breeder, trainer, groomer and handler among my peers, I feel qualified to comment on this post from the breeder's perspective.  As a potential dog owner, the choices can seem overwhelming - you have any number of outside pressures to deal with.  For some of you, this post may come off as harsh and rub you the wrong way, but I can assure you it is not intended in that way or tone.  It is simply a truth that I am trying to convey, albeit one that many fail to admit or own up to.

 

In the last 10 years or more, you have seen the constant barrage of commercials and mainstream media almost guilting you into helping out shelter animals.  What these media outlets fail to communicate to a prospective owner is the troubled past that many of these animals have endured.  Not saying that a shelter animal will not turn into a terrific, loved and loyal family pet.  Only sharing the darker side of shelters and humane societies.  Often times, an animal is turned in for simple reasons like the owners are military and just received orders for a long term assignment precluding them from taking any animals with them.  Or you might have a scenario where the owner is no longer able to care for the animal properly.  These are the situations that you dream for, because more often than not, the transition for the animal is easier.  Just remember that most humane societies and shelters depend upon donations and other support.  So, not all of them are equal nor are the facilities in which the animals are cared for.  Remember, the people that work their are volunteers most of the time, so if they are rude or harsh towards you, imagine how they might treat the animals on one of their "bad" days. Don't disregard this - I have seen it firsthand.  Nothing turns a scared animal into a fearful/aggressive animal quicker than a harsh hand in an unfamiliar situation.

 

Where this becomes a challenge to the prospective owner is understanding breed type and ingrained behaviors.  For adding a purebred dog to your home, your best option is a breed specific rescue - http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm.  The list of groups are the ones specifically dedicated to finding new homes for animals that have been returned for any number of reasons.  Many of them have local or regional breed rescues (like VA and MD for Labs, Retrievers, etc.), unfortunately it is directly correlated with the degree of breed popularity.

 

With regards to the term "purebred" and "AKC registered", anybody can take a Labrador Retriever, breed it and have it AKC registered.  All it means is that you submitted the requisite paperwork and fees to have your dog registered with the AKC.  It does not prove the dog was pure bred at all.  It is one of the biggest fallacies and misconceptions by the public.  Remember, the AKC is a business, and they have to generate revenue.  As a professional breeder, every one of my litters and resulting puppies are AKC registered and certified on all applicable health certifications to demonstrate the great lengths my wife and I have taken to ensure that our puppy owners are adding a helthy member to their family.  But we also go to great lengths beyond this paper trail for our owners.  Please read on....

 

As far as purchasing a dog from someone advertising their puppies as AKC registered, ask them to provide the Registration #'s on the parents and the grandparents of the pups.  If they are unable to provide them to you on the spot, walk away.  Not saying that the puppies will not be a wonderful pet and grow up to live a long and fruitful life with you.  It is only intended to demonstrate that some people are out to make a buck.  If you question my point, then ask that same breeder what their policy is on any of their pups that does not work out for the new owners.  What is their return policy?  For my wife and I, we sign a contract with every new owner that clearly states that we will take back any puppy we have bred no questions asked.  Also ask to see what other family members are onsite when you got to visit.  Is the sire there?  Grandsire? GrandDam?  What are their temperaments?  Behaviors around you, your kids?  If you don't have any kids, have a couple of your friends come with you with theirs and see how they interact with kids.  If they shy away or are aggressive, walk away but do it politely.

 

Regarding health, any reputable breeder can provide to you unannounced the full health history of almost every member of the puppiies' family tree.  My wife and I have full detailed health records on over 5 generations in our lines plus all of the health information on the puppies we have bred.  We also ensure every pup that leaves our house is fully vaccinated, crate trained, microchipped (1st year fee pre-paid by us) and early stages of housebreaking and leashbreaking.  We also don't allow any pups to leave our house until 9 weeks of age - that ensures they get two full doses of dewormer and their first round of vaccines.

 

As far as selecting a pup, once you actually get time with the pups, make sure you spend time with momma dog first.  She has to be comforatable with you before you can even think about touching her babies.  When you do get time with the puppies, what is their living arrangement?  Are they outside in a kennel?  Were they raised on elevated pens?  Is there stool and urine everywhere?  Are they clean?  Nails trimmed?  These are all indicators of how the owners care for their dogs in general.  Now don't let the appearance of the home affect your decision.  Many professional dog breeders live modestly and the dedicated breeder (for the betterment of the breed) will actually sacrifice their living conditions to better the ones for the dog. I personally went over $30,000 in debt for my dogs - what would you do?

 

Choosing to add a dog is a big decision of which I equate it to adding a child to your family.  Don't laugh, because that is exactly what you are doing.  A dog is a four-legged family member that needs to be nurtured, guided and loved just like a child.  If you are not prepared to include this dog as a member of your family, then please walk away.  Ever wonder why there are so many dogs sitting in shelters?  Because all to often people get a dog for the wrong reason.  Granted there are situations where an animal is turned in for a justified reason, but you have to ask yourself if that person did everything they could to re-home the dog before turning it in?  Will you show the same disregard and lack of care for the dog if the situation ever arises in your life?

 

As you can tell, I am very pro-breeder in this debate, simply from past experience and now with the knowledge of both sides of the equation.  If you take on thing away from this reading, please ask yourself this question.....

 

How much time can I dedicate to nurturing and raising this dog as member of my family?  If you have to sit and think about it like you are setting aside time on your calendar, you are not ready for a dog.  Please, I beg of you just to quietly walk away.

 

Thanks for listening......

[Teal]

Good read, Chuck. Good stuff.

[nick76]

I honestly don't think it will really matter what breed of dog you will get.  A dog will turn out to be how you train it to be and will reflect your personality.  We have both a pure bred yellow lab and then about 10 months ago we rescued a small mix breed dog from a local shelter.  Both have great personalities and are fun to be around.  They are what you make them to be.  Our little rescue dog was laying in my wife's arms last night like a baby, everyone was laughing at her.  Teach them to be mean and then will be, teach them to obey and they will.

[quanjig]

Yaker, exactly. My wife works runs an animal hospital, she is an LVT and CVPM liscensed thru the state of Va, all of our pets are rescues. We lost our two dogs last year and it still hurts today. They were brother and sister and had seizure issues. We had no idea the kind of time, effort and money it would take to keep them regulated and seizure free. Not once did I think to abandon them or put them down. Health issues are a part of pet parenting.

No pet is 100% free of health issues. This needs to be taken into consideration as well when getting a pet. Like Hanover said, it's a big commitment to owning a dog, if you don't have the time or energy to give, this might not be the time to get a dog. Think long and hard about your decision. Don't be that person that makes the wrong choice.

[Daddyodo]

Thanks everybody, some great advice. Just starting the search now and cannot wait to finally welcome a new family member

[Fish Chris]

Dogs are awesome !  I'd love to have my own pack of them.

 

I love nearly all breeds, and their are a lot of really cool 'mutts' out there too.

 

Right now, I kind of lean towards a Border Collie, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier.....

 

Here's a couple shots I've taken of very cool dogs, in the last week.....

 

 

 

 

Peace,

Fish

[tritonguy]

Save a life, get a shelter dog.

[MrSwimJig]

Lots of great advice here. Just remember Boxers are permanent toddlers! We have 3 of them.

[A-Jay]

Lots of great advice here. Just remember Boxers are permanent toddlers! We have 3 of them.

 

 - And I believe that one can't go too off track using this mindset for any breed.

 

 Like toddlers - they depend on us for proper nutrition and hydration

                     - they thrive in a safe and well balanced environment

                     - and they will generally return the same level of love and respect that they receive. 

 

A-Jay

[Busy]

Shelter dogs can be ok.  If you have the time I would consider getting a puppy if you are not experienced with dogs.  It is much easier to train a dog from 9 weeks on than it is to train a mature dog that was rescued.  Even if you are looking for a companion pet dog and not a dog that has a job to do there will be a ton of training involved, come here, get down dont get my clothes muddy, go outside, sit down, etc... We rescued a yellow lab off of the road that had been around awhile.  I imagine somebody dumped it where we live at in the country.  This dog was emaciated and hungry.  He had trouble with the oldest dog we had and needed VERY FIRM leadership to get some of that alpha dog out of him.  He made a very sweet dog in the end but it would've been easier to get his behavior right from a puppy. 

 

Currently, we have had a mutt of some sort that we rescued from a local vet.  He's probably mainly black lab but mixed with some sort of sled dog; short ears and curved tail.  He was obviously abused but he is not a mean dog at all.  This is by far the most difficult dog that I have ever worked with.  He has a great desire to please but he is completely people shy.  He has made me learn a totally different approach with disciplining.  Even raising my voice at him used to make him timid for up to two days and he wouldn't have anything to do with me because he was scared out of his mind of being beat (and I never beat him).  Its taking a LONG time to bolden him up.  Again, getting his behavior right from a puppy would've been much easier.  You may not want to take on either of those two dogs because they are very trying.  Im all for adopting pet dogs but they definitely come with their own challenges.