batmanforever

Haha, must have been nice to some extent. :p Yeah, I would look quite into depth before considering anything, this topic was just to know if it can be done or not, I probably won't be getting one until next year January.

These are really good questions, OP! No one is having a go at you personally, everyone here loves dogs and doesn't want to see anything go to poop, its happened way too many times here. It'd probably pay to sit down with these questions and be totally honest with yourself, see what you can come up with. Thanks, I agree with you in that case, but the other posters were giving me crap if you don't mind me saying. Just to explain some points, the dog will only be outside when I am gone during the day for 4 days around 9 hours, then when I come back it will be inside, it will also sleep inside as I really want to get it into a habit of crate training.

Thank you to everyone who gave an informative and genuine reply. Since half the topic is basically about people who are just to make a statement and not provide any useful information, I would like to have this topic locked. Once again, than you very much to the people who shared their experiences and gave me an insight on how to go about this if I decide to get a dog.

I genuinely really appreciate all the help I have received from anyone. And if I have any questions about breeders, I will be sure to ask you or someone knowledgable.

Thanks. And haha, I know what the commitment and cost is, my cousin used to have a dog.

I am fully committed to give the pup whatever he/she needs to be happy. Thanks for your suggestions, I really appreciate it. So, I should opt for a puppy rather than an older dog?

Thanks for the responses guys, really helps with the decision making.

You remember me. <3 Haha. Yeah, position has changed at home, and I'm about to receive my allergy report, as long as I'm not allergic to anything, I can get a dog.

Yeah, the backyard is safe, pretty large. And not much of a chance keeping him inside the house. And no, I would never crate it for 10 hours. Also, in the first sentence, did you mean weeks?

If I get a puppy, I would get one when I have holidays for 2-3 weeks, so I can train the puppy. Even if I decide to go for an elder dog, what breed would you suggest? I was thinking of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

I am really wanting to get a dog by the end of the year, but the problem is I leave for school at 7 am and get back at 5pm. Even though I want to get a dog, I don't want to be selfish and make it feel like it has nothing to do while I'm away. So, I'm wondering if getting a dog and leaving it for almost 10 hours would be a viable option. And if so, what breed should I consider? Once I get back, majority of the time would be spent with it.

Thank you all very much!

I think a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the right breed for me, but I have a question. Would they be able to live peacefully and mix with small animals, namely rabbits and guinea pigs. I have been getting mixed responses from websites, and would really appreciate your input.

Ok, now, I am to find a breed, then hopefully, within a few months, start looking for a puppy. The puppy has to be a small or medium sized. And I'm thinking about a Pug or Cocker Spaniel (English). I thought of a Westie before, but I have a rabbit and am thinking of getting another, and Westie's and small animals don't mix. So, if there were any other breeds any one could suggest, that'd be great.

"My" first dog was a Golden Retriever. They are lovely dogs, apart from being absolutely gorgeous they are smart (but also a bit dopey :laugh:), super friendly with everyone, active and playful without needing hours and hours of exercise and great family dogs. They really thrive on attention and company... Because everyone in my house works/is in school full time, the dogs are home alone for a lot of time during the day, if Bailey was an only dog I think he would struggle a lot but he has the company of my Border Collie which keeps him happy. As for the walking on a leash, I got my Golden when I was 11 and was able to walk him - whilst the can be strong, mine has always been controllable on lead and walks without any pulling. Though it really does come down the training. The only real health issues I've had with my boy is he has sensitive skin and gets hot spots at least a couple times a year. They also put weight on really easily so you have to be careful with their diet. My experience with their coat is it doesn't take a huge amount of grooming to keep it free of tangles and matts but if you want it looking really nice and free of dead hair (to minimise shedding), you'll have to groom them quite regulary - pretty much every day. Not sure about other Goldens but mine is an absolute sook and cries until he gets what he wants, usually food. He also drools quite a bit (heaps when food is in sight). Food is basically his life. In short - they are great dogs, I'd reccomended them for first time dog owners providing you can put up with dog hair everywhere, are prepared for regular walks and don't mind your life revolving around a fluffy golden creature. :p Awww, Bailey sounds like an absolute sweetheart! Thanks for the info though! So, your dogs are at home alone until around 4 in the afternoon? And when did you start training him not to pull on the lead? And, how did you train him on the lead? Yep, on weekdays they're home alone until around 4 - it's not an ideal situation but they cope. Training started asap. I'd reccomended joining a obedience club of some sort as it's not only helpful for the training of your dog, but a great socialisation opportunity for puppies which is important. :) Thanks!