DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Everything Else... How to Select a Dog

My parents have always had a dog since I was a young kid ... they recently had to put it down a few weeks ago.

I've lived at my own house for about 8 years and have always contemplated getting a dog, but now I think that I'm ready. I have my job "down" and am pretty stable with a schedule.

So for a few weeks I've been checking online sites, local pet stores, and shelters ... a few have caught my attention, but for different reasons I didn't end up getting them.

I'm looking for a medium/big sized dog .. preferably a little older than "young puppy" (if that makes sense) and I want it to be fairly calm and easy to manage ... but selecting the type is difficult.

My question is simple: how have you guys selected a dog?

There are online sites [can't remember their names] that allow you to take a survey, kinda like the ones teachers have to fill out about job satisfaction. You rate these questions on a scale and then they give you several breeds and put them in order.

It's pretty cool.

When you pick a breed (or at least know more what you're looking for), please consider going to a shelter in lieu of a pet store.

Ask questions about the dog and its history, and if they've done a temperment assessment (and get the results if yes).

From there, let one pick you. Seriously.

My wife asked if we could get a dog... I said no... so of course we got a dog....

Here is one of those sites I was talking about:

http://dogtime.com/quiz/dog-breed-selector

Here is the page that came up when I typed in: taking a survey to pick a dog:

https://www.google.com/search?q=taking+a...=firefox-b-1-ab

I knew I wanted a husky.

I went to the husky rescue to look at one.

She was very shy (abused) and wouldn't come near me. Just circled around me about 10 feet out.

So I just sat in the grass and watched her.

Then a different dog came up to me. Another husky, about 8 months old. Plopped herself right into my lap. She picked me.

So both those dogs came home with me. They are best friends and do everything together. And fantastic pets.

So yeah, do some research on a breed you might like. Then go to a rescue. If a mutt is ok with you, then go to a shelter.

Save a life. They will love you for it.

My favorite way, and I've selected 3 of my 4 dogs this way, is go to the shelter and take the dog that picks me.

thanks Vers ... I'm going to take a few surveys

I used to have a really good one, but I can't find it.
I just took a few and they were kinda off. The first one I gave you was the best of the four I took.

I wish I could find that other one to help you out.

And bro, answer honestly. Things like exercise, shedding, alone time, barking, are huge to both your happiness and the dog's.

All I'll say is this: Remember, whether you get a pup, or a rescue dog from a shelter, it's gonna take time. And effort. I promise you that dog will be looking to you for guidance.

And even more than that, in time (weeks, months? Depends on the dog) he/she will trust you with their life. YOU, and your family, WILL become that dogs family.

Take care of the dog, and don't do what too many do: Put it in a shelter, or back in a shelter.

Siberians are the bomb.
The first dog I had as an adult was a Husky, back in my 20's.
AKC champion bloodline.
Dude's grandfather was the big red on the back of the hardcover '74 edition of "This Is The Siberian Husky." Joan McDonald Brearly


Smart
Great personalities
Headstrong/stubborn
Backyard escape artists
100% "BlastMode"© all Winter.

Kimah was the neighborhood favorite. We had a chest harness and an old red plastic saucer sled. Used to haul ass down the snowed-in streets

We have to keep them busy, or they'll busy themselves (usually to our dismay)

If I ever transfer my photos to digital I'll have to share. Dog was drop-dead gorgeous. Stop traffic gorgeous.

I would love to see pics of your husky. They are such a special breed.

And hell to the yeah gotta keep them busy.

That's one reason why I have two. They fuss with each other so I don't have to worry about entertaining them. Plus doggy door and they go out anytime they want.

It's kinda funny. The husky rescue came and personally installed rabbit wire along the bottom of my backyard fence jutting out about 12 inches. Just so they won't try to dig out and escape.

My two are homebodies and don't really try. But I know it is a breed trait.

Instead they dig gigantic holes in my backyard to the point its a health hazard to walk back there. lol

In the late-80s, my wife and I looked at probably two dozen puppies over 2 years before selecting one.

All from private individuals in New England that had placed ads in the newspaper classifieds.

It was like an enjoyable once-a-month, pre-children Saturday trip/chore.

All different breeds.

We finally selected a yellow lab from a couple in rural northern Vermont that had a litter of nine Labs - 3 yellow, 3 black and 3 chocolate.



The puppies were the perfect age (ready to be weaned). They were all loose on the basement floor like a live mosaic

My wife sat on the floor and one of them came in her lap.

That was Willie who lived with us for the next 11 years.



If you have the option, take your time, do plenty of research and look at a lot of dogs.

We are gonna have to put our chihuahua down shortly, she is almost 16, blind in one eye, deaf, and skin and bones. She eats, drinks, and still uses the litter box 100% of the time, but you can just tell it is almost her time. It will be a sad day, had her since she was 5 weeks old.

Now, my daughter and me have already been looking. She so wants a husky, I want a greyhound (45mph couch potato).

How To Say Goodbye To A Dog

needs it's own thread.

That is an epic topic that needs its own considerations. As it's really difficult.

Saying hello is much easier.

But I guess it's that way with everything in life.

Agreed.
I'm just not certain that I can be the one who posts Page One/post one. Clint was right: "A man's gotta know his limitations..."

A thread like that is probably gonna take a woman to initiate.

grew up in alaska running dogs in the bush. traplines, hunting, fishing...that kind of stuff and a few races.

used to run a 15 dog sled team and for me first thing I look for is the paws, have to be all black.

second is open their mouth and make sure the roof of the mouth is all black as well.

Pink don't cut, means weak dog...pet status.

as far as med/large dog...family friendly

Collies are very loyal and pretty.

Black Labs are very family friendly. they love everyone

Husky/Malamutes are very protective of the family and very affectionate.

We ALWAYS go with Dachshunds either long haired or wire haired as they have the best temperaments and personalities. They do however get Separation anxiety so you need to get two of them so they can keep each other company when your not home.


Long Haired

Wire Haired


We also only buy from local breeders who have a good reputation.

I've had German Shepherds, both pure and rotti mix(amazing dog), husky, brittany spaniel, golden retriever, and my last dog was a yellow lab/collie mix...looked just like a yellow lab with a longer nose.. got him at 8 weeks old an had him until June of this year when we had to put him down. He was 14. Fine one day and next day couldn't walk because of all the pain from the tumor on his prostate. Worst day of my life. But man, you can't go wrong with a lab. He was the funniest dog. Loyal, loving, accepting of my bengal cat I got when he was 9. Great with kids and pretty low maintenance.

I'm looking for another dog now after holidays. Such a big decision since you will be a huge part of each others lives for many years. I'm def. wanting to look at shelters and rescues this time around. (thanks sarah maclachlan). A newer breed I've just looked into is a Minuature Golden. Its a golden retriever usually mixed with cocker spaniel. But they look just like regular goldens but only get 20-40 lbs

I have been leaning towards a lab myself .. seems to have the right temperament, size, energy, personality ... tough to find them in shelters around here

A friend of mine went to the local rescue,, Damned if the dog didn't pick him LOL

I would gladly rescue, but it's rare to find a dog that is hypoallergenic. So we ended up getting a Bichon (we've now had three of them). For us that was big concern. Also, we didn't want the shedding. That was another criteria.

Bichons just fit our needs.. oh, and they are amazing.

Those are somethings to look at.

Kids,, do you have any? They may play a part in your decision.

Time alone. If you work a regular schedule and the dog is going to be left alone for 8 to 10 hours at a time, that's a consideration unless you have someone that can tend to the dog a couple of times a day. (ours are good for about 4 hours then we have to be back)

Good luck.. when you pick one, please post a pic

I do want to add one thing about rescues...

I also would definitely advocate for a rescue dog. You find great dogs there, the upfront expense (just $$$) is much less, and nowadays I think the shelters do a MUCH better job of making sure you're prepared for what you're getting into (temperament tests, neutering, classes, etc).

That being said, I will add one thing about getting a rescue. You gotta be flexible. If you have your heart set on a certain breed, you're probably going to be disappointed. Be honest with yourself in what you want/need from a dog. There are VERY few traits or combination of traits that are restricted to a single breed.
If you absolutely HAVE to have a certain breed (and assuming it's not one that's common to see in the shelters), you're probably better off going to a breeder.

NEVER get a dog at a pet store.

I've had 3 dogs in my lifetime.

The first was an Australian Cattle Dog mix when I was little. The family had been scouring the shelters for a while, but we could never land the dog we wanted. My dad had a couple horses at the time, and a friend of his had a litter of puppies. We ended up taking one home. Kind of random that we ended up with that dog.

The second was a golden retriever. My mom was a little bummed that we didn't get a golden the first time around, so after the cattle dog was a year old, we got our golden for her as a Christmas gift. We got him from a breeder (see my previous post).

My third dog is the one I have now. My wife and I were on the hunt for a dog. We were looking at certain breeds, and were kind of all over the map. We both like active dogs (I liked my cattle dog and the retriever, she liked all the labs she had growing up). Living in apartments, we were a little torn between a lab and something like a bulldog. In the end, we ended getting a mini Australian Shepherd from a friend of hers that had 2 (and then one day had more). It's the perfect dog for us. Super smart and EXTREMELY active, but in a smaller size that really helps us out when it comes to the apartment complexes rules on pets (weight limits).

Your sig is kinda offensive.

/offtopic

Cats are better.

If you say something that makes me laugh as much as swish did, then I'll change it.

I'd love to have a dog, but I'm not home enough.

Most of my humor is not fit for this board.

So I'd guess you'll be keeping that sig.

I'm home a lot, but it's also those random times when I/we have to leave fast or a random Saturday where we'll be gone for 12-15 hours. Can't do that with a dog so easy.

And there's also the walking effort when it's cold or raining. Oh yeah, and the barking.

Our cat runs to the door when we come home, likes to play a lot, will snuggle up with us to sleep and seems to have a personality that fits us (which is an illusion, but you know what I mean).

Don't get me wrong, I like dogs. I've had three in the past, but they are a lot more work compared to cats.

Yes/No

I walk my dogs when I feel like it. But not all the time.

With a proper set up, dogs are zero work.

I have a pet door.

And two dogs.

So they basically entertain themselves all the time constantly.

They come and go as they please.

They don't have separation anxiety.

When I travel the pet sitter comes over.

When I need vet, the mobile vet comes over.

They have a cushy life.

Sometimes I take them to Petsmart to have fun with the people, because they are hams.

But my dogs are no work.

Just make sure they have food and water. That is the only work.

Very good post. IMO

Right Eve, with a good house, yard and setup, dogs aren't too bad. I was talking about living downtown Chicago or in a suburban row home like we just moved into. No yard, no way to do a doggie door and the wife and little girl aren't walking the dog to do his business when it's cold or rainy.

I live in a townhouse, so I have tiny patio area. The barking is also a concern since I have shared walls. I have days where I am gone 12-14 hours which is the biggest reason.

I got my dog at Angels for Animals. When I lost my dog Charlie, I lasted one night with a too quiet house and the next day I went online to the Angels website.

I saw this dog named Duke, who had a beautiful black and brindle coat, and an all black face and head that didn't quite seem to match. He was just about a year old, and had been at Angels since he was a very young puppy.

When I got there to see him, he wanted nothing to do with me. He actually opened the door to get out. lol I found out that he had been adopted before, and dug out of one yard, and ran away from another.

Anyway, after about 10 minutes of talking to this dog who stayed on the other side of the room from me, the girl came in and asked me if I wanted to take him for a walk. That did it. Suddenly we were best friends. lol He actually walked me to my truck.

I went back in, and the girl asked me what I thought. I said I'd take him. He s sitting, leaning his head into my leg. The walk was almost magical.

I brought him home, and he took to the house right away. I think that he was looking for my old dog, whose scent was everywhere. He ran upstairs and bounced up on my bed. He was home at that point. However, when he "adopted" me, he became very protective. My brother and his wife came over to meet my new dog, and he wanted no part of meeting them, or letting them into my (his) house. I really had to work with him on that aspect of things.

I had to take him back to Angels for his follow up shots, and as we were waiting, this woman comes running over and asked, "Is that Duke?" Her husband had also seen Duke's picture on the website, and they came out to get him, but I got him 1st. She asked me if I would mind if her husband came over to meet Duke. lol He said that they had planned on taking him home, only to learn that I had beaten then to him. Glad I got there first.

Now he's almost 11, and is an old gray haired dog. he has been a great dog. I will really miss him when him time comes. He's a huge dog, (128#, and when he gets on my bed and stretches out, his feet to nose reach almost from pillows to footboard on my queen size bed) and big dogs like him often don't get to 8 or 9. I am very thankful that he has been as healthy as he has been.

Anyway, my dogs are my kids. I have had 3 absolutely great dogs in my adult life. I fully expect to see all of them to come running over the hill when I hit the gates of heaven.

Oh, one thing I recommend, is that you start training the dog on what is acceptable and what is not, as soon as you get home. Also, take him for a walk as often as you can. The walk is so vitally important in creating that dog/master role. So is consistency in commands. The new dog should learn "no" as soon as possible.

Anyway, good luck finding that perfect little companion.

Go to the local shelter and let one select you. That is how I have done it. It's been the same with the two cats that have lived in our home. They sort of adopted us.

If you get a pure bred dog do your research on why they were bred and don't buy on looks. I say this as the #1 dog in adoption shelters is often the hound (beagle) and pitbulls. We know why pitbulls are probably there, but the reason hounds are is because they are adorable especially as puppies with their long floppy ears, gorgeous big droopy eyes and chocolate and caramel tri-color coats. However, they have 500+ years of selective breeding to make them a certain way. Once people get them home and quickly realize that they are food obsessed/greedy, stubborn, noisy etc. they often give them up. The food issue is a real problem with beagles...I have seen first hand the adorable beagle wander up and snatch food out of little kids hands, jump on tables and eat dinner off plates. Or, run off and not come back for 30-60 minutes as they are following their nose on a scent. 500+ years made that nose to help us and it is virtually impossible to train them to turn it off and expect them to now live in a house rather than going out in the field and hunt rabbits.

Research animals that are good for family, have traits you like and would like to live with, as others have said..find out how much exercise they require and what you are willing to give them. I have two setters....they require a lot of exercise because they were originally bred to run and hunt low flying birds and flush them out. I walk them A LOT and go out of my way to take them out to areas where I can let them off the leash and allow them to run and do their "setter thing". They are very fit and very happy dogs. It keeps me active and I enjoy going out with them. That is the commitment I made when I bought the breed. I love it, however, not everybody would and it would be unfair to the dog if they were cooped up in a house and only allowed out in a back yard or on a leash walk. I would argue that labs are similar. Although they were bred to retrieve the bird once they have been shot so they stay closer to your side than my setters do, they still need exercise. They were bred to be outside with the hunter ALL DAY. Of course any shepherding dog also requires work to do. AND, they are incredibly smart. Probably smarter than most Americans! If they are cooped up all day they can get into a lot of trouble and be destructive.

It's a big commitment and there are a lot of things one needs to ask themselves before you buy a dog. Never buy on impulse. However, once you own a dog your house will never be the same and sadly, when you lose a dog your house feels very empty.

Let us know how you get on.

PDX... absolutely.

I mentioned my dog (mini Australian Shepherd) earlier. I imagine that what I've learned translates to all working/active breeds.

With my dog being how it is, tiring her out is VITALLY important to many things, not just her weight/health. Any training I want to do with her, any socializing (people or dogs), and just all around good behavior hinges on how tired/not-tired she is (honestly, it's probably the most important thing). If I haven't exercised her for the day, she's super amped up, doesn't listen well, her alertness has spilled over into anxiety/defensiveness. She's rude with strangers (doggy and human), barks at everything, and is constantly bugging me, but not listening to commands. I take her out for her exercise, and she's a different dog. Working dogs need to have a "job", and Stella's "job" is to get that ball.

Being that she's an Aussie, walks won't cut it at all. She's gotta be tearing after a thrown ball for about an hour per day. Sometimes it's not possible to get to the dog park during the day. This isn't often (but more often now since we have a brand new kiddo), so we have some alternatives. Exercising a dog is just as much about mental stimulation as it is physical, so playing hide and seek with her ball in the apartment can get the job done as well. She's so amped up searching for the ball that it tires her out mentally pretty well, which addresses a lot of the behavioral stuff I mentioned above.

Long post, but my point is kind of a mix of Eve's and PDX's posts. Understand what your dog needs, and give them that. Even dogs that demand a higher level of attention/time can be easily taken care of if you understand what it is they actually need. Eve makes sure her huskies are occupied by having a buddy to play with. My dog just needs to be physically and/or mentally exercised, and there are lots of ways to do that.

i found my puppy online. drove to an amish farm in the middle of nowhere.

looked at him, paid the amish dude, put him in the front seat, drove back home.

that's how i selected my dog.

How's he doing, by the way? Jack, isn't it?

he's awesome.

he'll be 8 months at the end of this month, and i walk him all the time without the leash. he's cool on or off, and he's super friendly. daughters absolutely love him, he has a crazy high motor and is down for whatever.

we haven't had a pee or poop accident for a few months now, and had got him a crate when i first got him, but he doesn't even need it anymore. he sleeps downstairs out in the open like a normal dog.

the only thing i guess is a negative is i have to make sure the chew toys are on rotation. i get him about two toys a month to keep him on his toes, but man bro....during the summer, we was in the water all the time. he jumps into the lake like nothing.

and it snowed really bad over here two days ago, but i took him outside and just run around sliding and stuff. already the best friend i have in the neighborhood.