Looking to get my first dog

[tomdarkrose]

I'm moving next month to a house with a huge yard and I want a dog to enter my life a little after the move. I've lived with dogs all my life and I think it's time I had one of my own. One of my current roomies that will be moving with me has a medium sized dog that is at least part pit and i'm not sure what the rest of him is. Whatever kind of dog I decide too go with has to be able to get along with him and the rest of the house mates which includes my sister and her 2 year old son. I'm looking for a medium sized dog with a laid back attitude and not a whole lot of energy. I've never trained a dog before either so one that's somewhat easier to train would be a boon. After I pick the breed i'll need help from you guys on training methods, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Thanks!

[Kkye]

The things you are looking for aren't necessarily breed traits, they're specific dog traits.

I'd suggest researching good companion dogs, and then researching the breed very thoroughly.

Then, do as much research you can on raising a puppy, if that's the route you want to take, and training. Research is the key here :)

What would be good for you is to take a walk through the shelters in your area, the staff will know each dog individually and be able to help you sift through and find the one that matches your requirements. They'll know who gets along with other dogs and children, and any dog you get from a shelter could even have some basic training down.

And remember, you don't always have to take the first one that meets the eye. Even if you can't find one right away that suits you, take your time and find the one that'll be perfect for you. Otherwise, the dog risks being sent back, and you will be unhappy with your new dog. You know?

Also, unless you're intent on getting a puppy, an adult dog will be easier to "read" so to speak, his temperment and whatnot will be determined already.

Make sure you let us know! A good breed site is www.dogbreedinfo.com I really like that one.

[Akadma]

http://www.petfinder.com/index.html

This is also a good link, almost all rescues and shelter post there pets for adoption on here, and the usualy have a few paragraphs about the dog, their temperment, how much training they have etc. There is also a check list that shows if they are good with other dogs, cats, children.

Good luck with finding a forever friend, and please try and adopt!

[tomdarkrose]

Thanks for the tips. I was thinking about adopting and I know there are plenty of shelters I could go to here in Atlanta. In the first post I was just wondering if any breed was more likely to have the traits I was hoping to find. But I'll definitely take a very close look at the sites you guys gave me as well as the local shelters.

[Kkye]

Are you looking for a smaller dog, or a medium or large one? What kind of grooming are you willing to do? And how much exercise? Things like that could help us steer you in the right direction.

:)

[tomdarkrose]

I would love a medium sized dog that doesn't need a huge amount of grooming, though I have nothing against giving a dog a good brushing. Basically for my first dog I want one that doesn't take a huge amount of time to take care of, I don't have a lot of time to give with work and all. There's already a dog living with me that mine would be able to play with and the place i'm moving to will have a rather large backyard the dog could run and play in. But I want a dog that's not opposed to just cuddling with me while I read or watch TV in my down time. I've already started looking at the adoption site to see if I can find a dog that fits all of that.

I really appreciate everyone that's taking the time to help me out with this.

[Macawpower58]

One breed that comes to my mind is the Keeshond. Bred solely as a barge mascot, they're not dog aggressive, and they're very calm and gentle. They do have a heavy coat, but it's easy to maintain even with the volume it has. They're a medium sized dog, that's sole purpose is to be a companion. All dogs need exercise, but with a barge their only home, these dogs do not need as much run time as some other breeds.

The ones I've known have been smart, and easily trained.

[tomdarkrose]

I just googled the Keeshond and I have to say it's adorable. If I see one up for adoption I'll seriously have to think about it. But I'm an inexperienced trainer and they're smart dogs that require the right kind of training. So they might not be the right dog for me. But I'm enjoying the search for the right companion.

[Lyrical44]

Ive always found that if your looking for a dog that wants to give a good snuggle on your down time, and you dont have much experience in training, that getting someone a little older, and pre-trained, is helpful.

Ive had tons of dogs in my life, mostly mix breeds, oddly enough I enjoy them more lol, they have a wonderful mix of personality haha. Ive had alot of pure breeds too.

Always remember, the breed doesnt matter, it could be a Great Dane, or a Yorkie, but if its YOUR dog, its breed isnt important. Bennie is great dane/newfie/something, not fully trained and DEFFINATELY not cuddled, but when people ask what the something is I say "the something is MINE" lol. Never matters what they are, but how you connect with them. :)

Shelters and Rescues have alot to offer, from itty bitty, to x-large, from new, to old. It really depends on what you want, age wise, grooming as someone else mentioned. All kinds of factors. I suggest meeting dogs, DEFFINATELY research, because although some dogs have "breed characteristics" they arent all the same, and probably go for low maintainance, short hair...hmm Im trying to think of a good breed to suggest lol. Im coming up blank.

My suggestion is, if you pick from a litter of puppies, meet ALL the available ones. If you go to a rescue, try to meet all the available dogs there. Look for an easy connection between you and the dog, comfort and ease. If they are young, and they have big feet, its sometimes, as I have discovered, and indicator of their general size, although I dont have a ratio lol.

I hope my long windedness was somewhat helpful :) Good luck, and awesome you are looking at rescues :)

[Lyrical44]

I did have a pair of English Springer Spaniels when I was younger, and they were friendly and cuddly, as well as really smart dogs, but we got them as "pre trained" sisters. Great dogs, a little higher upkeep with brushing, but worth the time in my opinion.

I also had an American Eskimo or Spitz and he was a pretty wonderful dog, hyper outside, but calm and culldy inside, although also high in the end of grooming upkeep.

Both breeds were wonderful though :)

[tomdarkrose]

I'm definitely not opposed to a little work in the grooming department. As long as I don't have to groom daily. And no worries Lyrica I found your post helpful. But i'm discovering very quickly that breed doesn't count for a whole lot and I can live with that. while some breeds seem to have the traits I want the fact is i'm going to have to take a very close look at the dogs up for adoption around me and find one that's as close to my ideal as possible. But I have time. My big move isn't for another few weeks and I'll need that time to get some money together to buy the dog everything it will need as well as pay the adoption fee's and his/her first vet visit.

[Kkye]

I don't think any dog needs any sort of "special training" unless you're planning on using it in competitions or shows or whatnot.

No matter what kind of dog you get, whether it comes trained or not, you're still going to have to be consistent in the behaviours you want, or the dog'll eventually stop.

They look to you for guidance, and it's up to you to always provide it :)

You'll have to perform a certain amount of training no matter what the breed, the age, etc etc. It's mandatory unless you want a dog with no manners and one that doesn't listen to you or respect you.

I found that obedience training (formal or informal, I do informal at my home) is the best way to form a relationship with your dog, and have him trust you. If he has faith in you, and your commands, he'll have faith in himself. This is what I'm learning with my formerly abused dog, Rio.

[tomdarkrose]

I'm scouring the forums to read up on tips for training a dog and I'm finding some things very helpful. I'm just trying my best to make sure I don't become one of those people who adopts a dog only to give it away a year or so later. I want this decision to be for life.

[Kkye]

I'm just trying my best to make sure I don't become one of those people who adopts a dog only to give it away a year or so later. I want this decision to be for life.

I'm so glad you said that!! Makes me very happy to hear it. :D

Of course, any training questions you have, we're full of knowledge around here and can definitely help you out. :)

It may be helpful to you to purchase a puppy/dog training/care book, so you can always go back to it for reference, or even highlight things that you need to work on, or don't understand, or want to particularly remember, etc etc.

My mom gave me a little book called Super Puppy, it's a flimsy little yellow book with maybe 30 pages, that gives you a brief run-down as to how to raise a Super Puppy. I think it only gives you the basics to encourage more research and learning.

I'm so proud of you and I don't even know you! It makes me feel great that you are taking the time to research breeds and are concerned about training, remember though that it won't always be sunshine and butterflies! I have two one-year-old border collie mixes, and man, I sure wish I could staple them to the ceiling sometimes, and the kittens, too. LOL!

[Kkye]

http://forums.petlovers.com/vb/showthread.php?t=38797

Have you read that one yet? Very informative :)

[tomdarkrose]

Actually I have read that thread, it was one of the first one's I read. I plan to follow the advice in it pretty much to the letter.