Dog Owners - Need Your Suggestions
Our last doggie passed away in 2005. He was a Brittany, and we loved him very much. We decided we wouldn't get another dog until we retired. That way the new family member wouldn't be home alone al...
Forum Discussion
TucsonJim wrote:
Maybe it was a mistake to post here. I didn't mean to confuse you.. I'm willing to pay to get the right breed. I'm obviously not an experty on the terminology, but I didn't think the terms were mutually exclusive.
I wasn't trying to be rude, but buying a dog and adopting a dog are two completely different things. Knowing what you actually want to do will provide for better answers from people - especially as to where to go to get the dog. For example, you are unlikely to find a golden retriever puppy hanging out at the local shelter, but you might find an older retriever mix.
Questions to think about:
1. How much grooming do you want to do?
2. Do you want a dog who will be content to curl up under your feet while you watch tv? Or one that prefers to be out hiking or swimming?
3. Do you want a dog who will bond with both of you equally? Or are you OK if the dog considers itself a one-owner dog?
4. Do you want to go through puppy-hood and all its positives and negatives? Or would you rather bypass that stage and get a dog that's been potty trained, etc.?
5. How much effort do you want to spend on brain exercise? Physical exercise? Some dogs need their brains worked constantly (huskies, etc.), while others are need tons of physical exercise (labs, etc.), while others still are good with a nice walk or play time once in a while.
