Choosing A Dog!

[Petar]

Thanks for the ongoing advice! Much appreciated. Even the condescending responses, good on you for taking time out of your day to add zero value to the discussion.

Great point regarding lifestyle and after work activity. Our cafe is actually a health focused cafe - we are very active individuals and already do go for a walk/run after work especially as a way of getting some fresh air after the longer days.

[Two Best Dogs!]

I like Scotts suggestion of fostering a young adult from a rescue, then you can get a better grasp on the dogs personality after she or he has settled into your home and see if they're the right fit. I think some programs have a "foster with a view to adopt" option where you get to "test run" some dogs.

You'll have to accept the risk of some minor destruction as they settle. My dog fully meets your requirements (not for sale!!! ;) and has her negatives but they're not deal breakers for me), and is pretty non destructive but she has had her odd day where she decided I don't need that book anymore. Lots of her own toys and removing things I really care from her access when I'm not there solved that. I slip up sometimes and I never liked that one plant ;) she's nearly 2 and is calming down at least.

Obviously no dog will meet the requirements 100% of the time but I think you could work with it - just need to find the right dog and commit to working to keep you both happy and setting them up to succeed.

I say get in touch with a rescue to meet some potential fosters with your partner and give one of them a trial run to see where you're willing to compromise with the dog.

[Petar]

Love the idea of fostering/trialling! Many thanks for the suggestion! I'll look into it right away.

And have already emailed some breeders. This is really fantastic, as I don't know what's out there and what exists for my circumstances! Appreciate the support ????????

[JulesP]

If you see someone with a dog that you like the look of stop them and ask some questions. Most people are happy to chat about their dogs!

I was super impressed with the lady that stopped me and wanted a border collie but went with the breed I suggested instead!

[persephone]

Fostering sounds ideal , as if you find it difficult , the dog can be returned . You will very soon find out how ready you are to make a dog part of your life :)

[Purdie]

Perhaps 2 little friends together..Like Prince and Suzie on Petrescue.

https://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/dogs?utf8=%E2%9C%93&size[]=10&age=either&gender=either&states[]=2&postcode_distance=50&postcode=&commit=Search

Don't be too worried about shedding as with regular bathing brushing and the usual amount of vacuuming it can be less of a problem than you might imagine.

[Lhok]

I know these guys are large but could be worth a look.

https://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/358798

--Lhok

[melzawelza]

I actually think you can probably find the dog you want in rescue or at shelters. The key is to go for a 1yr old dog + so you know what you're getting. Puppies, even when purebred, are largely an unknown.

No need to cross bull breeds off your list if you like the look of them. 99% in the shelters with that look are mixed breeds anyway and there's huge variance in behaviour. Some high energy and high demands, some not.

My medium sized blockhead-y dog from the pound:

- Is low shedding and doesn't smell (bath her once every few months)

- Never chews anything that isn't her own toys (and even then they last ages)

- Is by herself from 7am - 6.15pm nine days per fortnight

- Is a lazy turd and while she enjoys a walk, couldn't care less if we don't go for a few days

- When we do go for a walk she's up for anything and quite athletic

- Can be left inside with confidence that she won't destroy anything (and was from day dot)

- Lived for three months in an apartment when I first got her, no problems.

- Is medium sized at 26kg and is a great couch companion.

She is not:

- A guard dog. Doesn't even bark when people come to the door.

The point I'm making is you can definitely find what you want in rescue, but you'll just likely have to search for it. I personally wouldn't be getting a puppy in your situation. Too much work and too much of an unknown.

Attached a photo of my girl with one of my cats, as I figured you'd probably like the look of her, too :)

ETA: Just saw the suggestion of fostering - excellent idea.

Edited February 2, 2016 by melzawelza

[kami]

Petar I wanted to put a different perspective out there from the other posters. Right now you are probably wondering why people are giving you a hard time - when you could just go out and buy a dog like everyone else. They are doing so because they are very experienced, and have seen many other owners make a bad choice with breed or type of dog, which can have often terrible outcomes, both for humans and dogs. People that post on here may be breeders, trainers, or dog groomers, and have far more experience than your average joe dog owner.

My husband and I are relatively new to dog owning, but now own two, a kelpie and a beagle.

People may be perceived as being a little discouraging on here, to the point of the ones that are even suggesting you don't get a dog but instead get a cat. Don't take it that way. My partner and I struggle everyday IMHO to meet the needs of our kelpie and beagle, to a degree that I would consider adequate. By no means do I consider myself a neglectful owner. Our dogs are walked daily, and attend dog training twice a week. Its not just about the capacity or willingness to exercise your dog or have them inside with you. It just that often dogs require a high degree of stimulation and interaction to ensure they have meaningful lives, and don't develop behavioural issues.

What will you do if your dog does not tolerate being along for three days a week, and develops ongoing barking issues, and your neighbours make noise complaints? (Happened to us with our first dog, who was being left alone for 5 hours at night time) how will you resolve it? There are a whole raft of behavioural issues that can occur when a dog is left alone for a long duration including separation anxiety, which which may be expressed through destructive tendencies, or your dog may roam and try to find you! What are your fences like?

People are also suggesting you get a breed which does not have aggressive/guarding tendencies. I would strongly support this statement. As a first time dog owner you will go through such an enormous learning curve even if you choose a relatively 'easy' breed. People often struggle with guarding breeds due to their dogs wariness and suspicion. How will you foster positive interactions between your dog and other dogs? People? Do you really want your dog making executive decisions on who/what is and isnt a threat? Managing normal aggression issues in regular dog is hard enough for a newbie like me.

Look at training methods before you get a dog. What is your understanding of how a dog-human interaction should work?

Some information on the Chow Chow for example which outlines its not so desirable qualities for first time owners:

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/chowchows.html

This website I found highly useful when deciding what breed was (and was definitely not!) for me. Look up al the breeds and then decide what you can live with and live without.

I just want to take a moment to thank you for beginning the process of doing some thorough well informed research into what is the right breed for you. Stay open minded, dont take anything said personally (there will be good reasons behind everything - explore why? With people posting on your thread) and be aware that what you initially want may change as you do more research and spend as much time as you can with different breeds.

P.S don't get a Kelpie or Beagle :) if you want to know why, look up the breed description on the site! We love ours dearly, but they require as much time and socialisation as a toddler IMHO for differing reasons. Shed horribly too :)

Welcome to dogzonline, and I look forward to reading more about your dog deliberations.

Best of luck,

Susie

[persephone]

Petar I wanted to put a different perspective out there from the other posters. Right now you are probably wondering why people are giving you a hard time - when you could just go out and buy a dog like everyone else. They are doing so because they are very experienced, and have seen many other owners make a bad choice with breed or type of dog, which can have often terrible outcomes, both for humans and dogs. People that post on here may be breeders, trainers, or dog groomers, and have far more experience than your average joe dog owner.

My husband and I are relatively new to dog owning, but now own two, a kelpie and a beagle.

People may be perceived as being a little discouraging on here, to the point of the ones that are even suggesting you don't get a dog but instead get a cat. Don't take it that way. My partner and I struggle everyday IMHO to meet the needs of our kelpie and beagle, to a degree that I would consider adequate. By no means do I consider myself a neglectful owner. Our dogs are walked daily, and attend dog training twice a week. Its not just about the capacity or willingness to exercise your dog or have them inside with you. It just that often dogs require a high degree of stimulation and interaction to ensure they have meaningful lives, and don't develop behavioural issues.

What will you do if your dog does not tolerate being along for three days a week, and develops ongoing barking issues, and your neighbours make noise complaints? (Happened to us with our first dog, who was being left alone for 5 hours at night time) how will you resolve it? There are a whole raft of behavioural issues that can occur when a dog is left alone for a long duration including separation anxiety, which which may be expressed through destructive tendencies, or your dog may roam and try to find you! What are your fences like?

People are also suggesting you get a breed which does not have aggressive/guarding tendencies. I would strongly support this statement. As a first time dog owner you will go through such an enormous learning curve even if you choose a relatively 'easy' breed. People often struggle with guarding breeds due to their dogs wariness and suspicion. How will you foster positive interactions between your dog and other dogs? People? Do you really want your dog making executive decisions on who/what is and isnt a threat? Managing normal aggression issues in regular dog is hard enough for a newbie like me.

Look at training methods before you get a dog. What is your understanding of how a dog-human interaction should work?

Some information on the Chow Chow for example which outlines its not so desirable qualities for first time owners:

http://www.yourpureb.../chowchows.html

This website I found highly useful when deciding what breed was (and was definitely not!) for me. Look up al the breeds and then decide what you can live with and live without.

I just want to take a moment to thank you for beginning the process of doing some thorough well informed research into what is the right breed for you. Stay open minded, dont take anything said personally (there will be good reasons behind everything - explore why? With people posting on your thread) and be aware that what you initially want may change as you do more research and spend as much time as you can with different breeds.

P.S don't get a Kelpie or Beagle :) if you want to know why, look up the breed description on the site! We love ours dearly, but they require as much time and socialisation as a toddler IMHO for differing reasons. Shed horribly too :)

Welcome to dogzonline, and I look forward to reading more about your dog deliberations.

Best of luck,

Susie

such a good summation >

Oh ..and congrats for surviving your two!! I can just imagine the brain games ;)

I too think Petar is doing a great job ..research/homework is invaluable !! :)

[Flashsmum]

melzawelza - GORGEOUS

[dee lee]

I realise some of my criteria and questions may sound naive, that's why I'm here! Last thing I want to do is go out and get a dog then try and fit a square peg in a round hole, leaving miserable dog and frustrated owners. Thank you all for your input, it really is helping. After your suggestions, bull type breeds are off the list.

Also I disagree respectful re: couch space haha! That was just an example, but a large dog = more surface area obviously, and in a smaller size dwelling I can't see it suiting us.

And like some have mentioned I need to ask the question - how do other full time professionals own dogs? In this day an age with 9-5 being almost a myth, how do they keep their dogs happy and disciplined? Being home for 3 full days and an afternoon each week is surely more than the average couple?

However understand the point of inconsistency of training a puppy and not being there to correct/reward/address behaviours. Would gladly consider an older dog, perhaps up to 3 years old?

The space thing should not be an issue. There are plenty of dogs in Europe and the US, as two examples, that live in apartments and they're not all small dogs. It's the quality of life not the quantity of space.

Yes, my set up sounds like a similar size to you (if not smaller) & we have a golden retriever who copes just fine. It just takes planning to make sure they get enough exercise outside the home.

BUT... I've just started working full time again & with her getting older (she's 9 now), it's much more of a juggling act (no more jogging together = twice the time for us both to get exercised before work). I'm arranging a dog walker a couple of days a week to break up her day.

I reckon, once you do a bit more breed research (don't get a working breed!) & are aware of the extra work you'll be taking on, you can do it.

But I'd recommend an older dog not a puppy & dont worry about the bonding thing - ours was 2 when we got her & she was my shadow from day 1.

[Animal House]

Doggy Day Care may be an option for a day or two of those long days, just thought I'd add that in there. :)

[Animal House]

I know these guys are large but could be worth a look.

https://www.petrescu...listings/358798

--Lhok

Oh Lhok, those two are gorgeous, love their descriptions too, they'd be my kind of dogs. Really hope they find a great home to live out their retirement years.

[Petar]

Melzawelza - your dog looks beautiful! (So does the cat ????). Kami, Persephone (and others). I really appreciate the support and time you've taken to help me make the right choice. Thank you for sharing information and bringing to light things I need to further consider which I have not, as a previous non dog owner I want to be across what I potentially may face. That's why I'm here - to ensure I'm prepared and making the right decision for such a serious commitment.

I guess that's why I get a little disheartened by other posts. When I'm trying to do the right thing, it's like I'm simply getting dismissed. But that's life, and obviously the response has been overwhelmingly positive, helpful and invaluable!

I love the idea of a shelter dog and saving my ideal companion. However does this leave me open to potential Unidentified illnesses or functional/genetic issues which would be prevented going through a breeder? Or do shelters identify any of these?

Thank you all.

[persephone]

;) the replies you have seen, and probably more you will see are all part of DOL .... conversation will always head off in differing directions ! Stick with us!!

yes, shelter dogs can have illnesses ..but nothing in life is guaranteed :)

[Teebs]

And while I support rescue a older dogs. If what you want is a purebred puppy, then go and do it. Don't feel you need to get a rescue or an older dog because people here say so.

[Lhok]

I love the idea of a shelter dog and saving my ideal companion. However does this leave me open to potential Unidentified illnesses or functional/genetic issues which would be prevented going through a breeder? Or do shelters identify any of these?

Thank you all.

Breeders do their best to minimise the risk of inherited disease but sometimes it doesn't work out that way a breeder could screen and select away from various health issues only for something else to appear in a pup. Shelter dogs are exactly what they are there isn't much known about their health status apart from what work they have had done (chipped, vaccination status etc)

I also mentioned the cat option because like I said I had friends in a similar situation to yours, however you might be more willing to bend on things whereas they weren't and hadn't considered cats before they were mentioned in a conversation we had so I thought it might be worth considering.

--Lhok

[LisaCC]

If you like the idea of an older dog who might be in need of a second home, but prefer a purebred with the health tests done (although remember even all health tests cannot guarantee everything in life) look at mature dogs being rehomed by registered breeders. Sometimes they are exshow dogs, or dogs that were homed out as puppies and then given back to the breeder when circumstances changed (just like rescue dogs), but instead of given to a pound/rescue, they took them back to the breeder, now the breeder is rehoming.

[Petar]

I'm definitely open to an older dog - that would save the early puppy stages where they potentially need someone 24:7. I'll put some further enquiries out there to pounds and shelters. I've reached out to breeders but they seem to be taking a while to respond, I'll wait and see.

German Pinscher seems to be fitting the bill from the reading I've done, but would prefer a more experienced opinion of my circumstances and openly and honestly discuss my situation to determine if I'm truly suitable (much like I'm doing here ????).