never had a dog

[Guest Anonymous]

I am new and was wondering if someone could answer some of my questions. I apologize ahead of time for my ignorance! I really like dogs but have never owned one (my parents weren't into dogs) and don't know much about different breeds and their personalities, temperment, etc.
I'm thinking about getting a dog in the next couple years, I just graduated college a year ago and am trying to figure out where I'm going to be for a while. I have two cats right now that are pretty friendly little guys and was wondering if there was a certain breed of dog that gets along well with other animals?
I really like to run a lot, so it would be great to find a dog that liked to go running. Also, I like fluffy animals. I am a 22 year old female and I live by myself and thought a dog might be another great companian as well as an extra feeling of safety around the house! I will probably have a lot of time to spend with the dog but am not sure I would like an over-hyper dog like a lab (that could just be my experience with labs-no hard feelings!) I was checking out some info. on Sammoyeds-they seemed like they might be a good fit. I think Chow Chows are adorable but I've heard they can't really go running, nor do they like cats? If anyone has any insight that would be great!
Thanks!

[Angelboddy]

Here is a website that you might want to check out.
It has lots of info on all kinds of breeds and how to go about choosing a dog thats right for you.
Good luck, and hope it helps :D

http://www.dogpage.us/choosing-a-dog.html

[courtnek]

It depends on your lifestyle, of course, but for a first dog, I would highly recommend a Golden Retriever. Thye are not as hyper as labs, they are fluffy, intelligent, eager to please. like to run. If you are willing to put in the work associated with the long hair (which helps bonding with the dog, by the way) and willing to go with him/her for training, they make excellent first time dogs. They are usually very gentle. A golden mix is good, depending on wht it's mixed with. Although I dont advocate breed standards, because people rely way too heavily on them, if you want a purebred just make sure the breeder has excellent references and that he has followed thru on the bloodlines properly. And realize, that no matter what breed, all dogs are, well, dogs....they are animals. If trained and treated properly they are our best friends (to hell with diamonds, I say...lol) My Golden was a first dog, and he got along with cats until he died. Dont expect the dog to just like the cat, dogs will chase anything that runs. But once they get used to each other, it's usually ok. I would also definitely check Angels website, it has good info. My pick is just a personal
choice, you might choose differently.

And welcome to Dogo, by the way...

:D

[Sanvean]

I am SO happy you are doing your research :) So many people get a pet based just on looks without thinking about what the best dog for them is.

Here are a couple of quizzes you can take:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

http://www.ivillage.com/pets/tools/breedselector/

You can then check out petfinder.com and see if there are any rescue dogs in your area that fit your criteria :) If not, or if you want a puppy, please check out this link on how to find a reputable breeder:

http://www.frii.com/~phouka/puppy/bdr_frames.html

[Carolk9s]

sigh....
Please don't forget to check any local shelters in your area! Some will have temperament tested dogs before they go up for adoption. Some also introduce dogs and cats to each other to determine if a dog appears cat aggressive.
As a first time dog owner, you might want to consider a young adult or slightly older dog. Many are already housebroken, you can see exactly what coat type they have as an adult dog, their personality will be easier to predict etc. I say their personality will be easier to PREDICT because many/most dogs are stressed in shelters and may not exhibit true behaviour. You can however get a feel for what they are like, especially with a trained staff member helping you. You may also find a dog that is already spayed/neutered.
If the shelter has a secure area that you can take the dog out to, you can see how the dog feels about staying near you or jogging along beside you. Don't expect perfection at this point but certainly if the dog sits down and glares at you, there's a clue.
The Richmond VA SPCA has a web page featuring some dogs/cats.
Here are some photos just to give you an idea of dogs that you can find at a shelter.

This sweetie pie is Duo, a 1-year-old neutered brindle collie mix. He already knows "sit," "down" and "come." He looks forward to learning many more tricks at his new family's home. Duo is very friendly and has lots of energy. He is neutered and ready for adoption today


This adorable pooch is Koy, and she is a spayed female, who is 1 years old. She is tan and white in color, housebroken, crate trained, and great with other dogs. She needs to live in a house with a high fence, so she can play ball with her owners outside. She loves to be a couch potato at times, too!

If you need help locating shelters/resources in your area, I will be glad to help. If you do want a specific breed of dog, there's much homework to be done there. I will be glad to help you in any way I can. Kudos to you for wanting to learn before you actually get a dog.

[Guest Anonymous]

Wow! Thanks for the replies! I adopted both my cats from shelters/human societies so that is definitely an avenue I consider for a dog, too. I definitely understand the value of taking the time to train the dog because I have actually been attacked by two dogs! Both times I was running past a person taking their dogs out for a walk and both times the person just let their dog attack me as I ran by! One of the dogs ripped my shirt open and tore up my forearm-I had to get stitches! The person was just like "sorry about that" and walked away. After that I was a little scared of dogs but I realized that it wasn't the dog's fault-it was the owners fault! I think it's almost animal cruelty to have a dog and not take the time to train it not to bite people! Don't they have doggie schools for this kind of thing? The other time it was a little dog that just nipped my ankle but seriously, the owner didn't even say sorry and acted like it was no big deal. Unbelievable!
BTW-One of my cats is a long-haired fluff ball so I'm used to doing a lot of grooming! :wink:

[Sanvean]

Yes, definitely check out shelters (or Petfinder, which I mentioned above -- many shelters and rescue groups post their pets there). I agree that an adult can be MUCH easier for a first-time dog owner. However, you will want to make sure that it is good with your kitties. Puppies can be less frightening to a cat, but of course, they're MUCH more work!

[primabella]

Congratulations on doing your research! My first suggestion would be to adopt. Check at your local shelters. The dog that may be right for you doesn't have to be a purebred. ;) (Not to say that only mutts get put into shelters. Of course not...) If I were to recommend a breed that hasn't been mentionned,I think a Sheltie fits what your looking for pretty good. They're great companion dogs, smart, active (but those walks you like to take may be enough to tire them out) and get along great with other animals. Of course they are shedders and known to be barkers (however Mickey hardly barks and sheds very little) but I really think that they're great charactar makes them the good pets that they are. Check out those quizzes and good luck! :D

[courtnek]

Just on a side note - most places nowadays have leash laws, and if someones dog is off leash and bites you, they are liable, even for just a nip. If you're going to jog, watch for that, because a dogs natural instinct is to chase anything that runs. If you see one off leash, you might want to just stop and stretch, til it's gone. it's not the dogs fault, but you dont want to be seriously injured, either.

and I agree that a shelter dog is a great idea. Petfinder has some wonderful choices, by area. I am just personally partial to labs and goldens - lol

:D

good luck!

[JackieMaya]

I definitely agree with checking out shelters. I found both of my wonderful puppygirls (both Golden Retriever mixes) on Petfinder.com, and they came from the same shelter. They were both 1-1/2 years old when I got them, so they were out of the destructive puppy stage and were totally housebroke. If I ever get another dog, it will be from a shelter. And my personal opinion is that Golden Retrievers are GREAT dogs, and great first dogs, if you don't mind all the hair.

[Rowie-the-Pooh]

JackieMaya napisał(a):

I definitely agree with checking out shelters. I found both of my wonderful puppygirls (both Golden Retriever mixes) on Petfinder.com, and they came from the same shelter. They were both 1-1/2 years old when I got them, so they were out of the destructive puppy stage and were totally housebroke. [b] If I ever get another dog, it will be from a shelter. And my personal opinion is that Golden Retrievers are GREAT dogs, and great first dogs, if you don't mind all the hair.

I agree! :D

[LisaLQ]

I agree, try your local shelter :) Dogs in shelters come in all shapes, sizes, colours, coat types - you would be the owner of a truly individual dog!
Also many dogs in shelters have been temperament tested, and the shelters know how they would react with other animals, and could know some of their history. Plus adult dogs are usually a lot easier for a first pet - minimal housetraining etc.
I'm so in love with Koy (above) - wish I had that winning lottery ticket, and a bigger house, then I could bring her over here :wink: