Ok, dumb question...?

Question

I am interested in getting a dog. What are some questions I can ask when I call the person? I have two kids (young)....

this dog that im interested in is 1yr old, black lab/heeler mix. neutered shots.

Answer 1

Ask what temperment the dog has, if it's good with kids and other people, what kind of habits it has, how often it eats and goes to the bathroom, what kinds of things it likes to play with, if it's a boy or a girl. That should be good to start with.

Answer 2

There are a few questions you need to answer for yourself first. Is the dog going to be an inside dog. Are you looking for a companion animal or for additional security. If it is going to be an inside dog you will want to go for a short hair breed. One with a good reputation around children and you need to ask if it is house broken or not.

Labs are great dogs with kids but they can be a little over playful and depending on how small your children are could be an issue.

Answer 3

You don't want a little dog as they tend to be "nippy" and your kids are face level with them. Watch the interaction with your kids and the dog. Research the the breeds on the Internet. I'm not real fond of the Australian breeds or hearding breads since they tend to be "bossy". Have you looked into the hound breeds? They are great all around dogs. You just have to keep them leased or fenced in at all times since they will go running if they get a sniff of something.

Answer 4

A good way to learn about dog breeds in general is to read about it online or at a library. Make sure will be able to get regular medical checkups, neuter/spayed, and lots of exersize, attention, and good training. Its better for the dog to be inside, so try to get one that can stay inside. Of course you want a good dog for kids. I think German Shepards can be good with kids. All dogs can be mean or nice, no matte what breed it is, just like with humans. Maybe bring your kids with you to see how it acts around the kids. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Has the dog been to the vet and dewormed.
Are the shots up to date
What type of temperment does the dog have.
Is it trained to go outside
What type of food does the dog eat
Is the dog spayed or neuteured.
How old is the dog.
Are there any physical problems such as arthritis
Is the dog on any medication

Answer 6

Ask about the temperment of the dog's parents. Also check on their medical history. Info on siblings would be good too if they have it. Ask if you and your children can visit the dogs and see how the mother reacts away from the puppies. (She's going to be more guarded around them, so it's not a balanced test.)

I wouldn't get a dog from someone who doesn't own or know the parents well.

Answer 7

Ask if the dog is good with kids, and I wouldn't suggest a very large type of dog like a rotweiller or great dane or anything like that. Ask how large the dog is and if it has ever had temperment problems. If a large dog gets mad, and bites down, you can't really pry their mouths open. That can cause some dangerous situations.

Answer 8

Ask about the dogs personalilty - does it like kids, other dogs, cats? What is the extent of it's training? Your absolute best bet is to check rescue groups in your area where individuals foster the animals in their homes before adopting them out, as they have spent quality time with the animal, they can inform you about everything you'd want to know about a particular dog. Also, they are usually very willing to bring the dog to your home, so see how it interacts with you and your children, in your home.

Answer 9

Asking questions over the phone may not lead to accurate answers. You do need to see and interact with the animal to find out if it's the right one to remain around children. visit more than once before buying if possible, animals have good & bad days also.

Answer 10

Ask if the dog will be suitable with children? How big will the dog grow? What is it's temperament? Is is house trained?