a cute, small, cheep, and in florida.
2006-07-20 11:08:59 · 38 answers · asked by jurrae r 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Animal shelter or pet store
2006-07-20 11:10:27 · answer #1 · answered by Guzzy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't get pets as surprise gifts. And don't expect to find a good dog cheap!
Beware of people selling puppies at "reasonable" prices! Even free dogs cost money to take care of. If the dog isn't properly trained, it can chew up your house and your stuff. If it's not housebroken, it can ruin your floors and your furniture. How "free" is a dog that does $1000 in damage to your house? Many "free" dogs turn out to be sick - how "free" is a dog that costs you $800 at the vet because he has Parvo or distemper or heartworm?
A good pup can easily cost $1000 or more. All dogs require a lot of time, energy and money to take care of properly. A crate, books and supplies can cost up to $300. Puppy shots are $200, then $100 a year for boosters. Annual Heartworm test and preventative medication $100. Professional trainer $600 and up. Going on vacation? Boarding kennel $40/day. Spaying? $250. If you can't afford to pay for a good dog, maybe you can't afford to maintain one either?
BEFORE you get any dog you should read some great books on training. (Try not to pick books randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also!) These are some of my favorites and you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know - Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.
2006-07-20 19:21:20 · answer #2 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question worries me. Even if you don't pay for a dog initially, dogs are expensive. You have the small stuff. Collar, leash, license, food and water bowls, bed, crate, toys, tooth brush and paste. Then you get into what to feed the dog. A low cost poor quality food that will have you asking questions like,"why does my dogs breath smell so bad?" "why does my dog have a bad body odor?" "what can i give my dog to give it a shiny coat?" "why does my dog scratch all the time?" That's what cheap food can do for your dog. Now a premium quality food has the nutrients a dog needs without the corn and wheat fillers that cause problems and they don't have by products (want to feed your dog cancerous tissue?) Premium quality foods come at a premium price but they are worth it. Okay so far the dog hasn't cost much, what $100.00 maybe $200.00? But we haven't been to the vet yet. Shots, wormer, never use otc's, they can kill your dog. Fleas? Still needs a vet, again otc's are harmful, even fatal. Spay/neuter, unless you are goining to add to the millions of homeless dogs that die every year. Then there's the anual vet visits for shots and check up, including dental. Yes those teeth will need cleaned to stay healthy. Bad teeth cause other health problems which will be more vet bills. The anual vet visits are when the dog is young and healthy. As it gets older it will need semi-anual visits. Then there's the dogs that develope diseases and need ongoing care and meds. Oh, did I mention when the dog gets ill and/or injured (and it will) it will need a vet then? Free dog? Cheap dog? There is no such thing.
2006-07-20 11:12:43 · answer #3 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've not taken the time to read all the responses to your question, but unless you sister has expressed interest in having a dog, I wouldn't get her one. This is how many dogs (and cats!) wind up at the pound - they're cute when they're puppies/kittens, but as soon as they grow up, the owners realize they're no longer so "cute". And if she's not prepared to commit herself to a pet - and toy breeds can have lifespans of over 15 years - she'll find it more of a burden than a blessing.
2006-07-20 12:14:07 · answer #4 · answered by Mary D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
b.w. made excellent points all the way around. I'd like to add one thing. It is extremely important that your sister pick out her own pet. She & the dog need to feel comfortable together. If you wish to make it a gift & you are absolutely sure she wants a dog then take her to pick one out & pay for it. Also, many shelters offer gift certificates because they know that is the way it should be done.
2006-07-20 11:21:32 · answer #5 · answered by catkeypurr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you do, please do some research on the different breeds. AKC.org has a great area for such a thing. Some dogs are more hyper than others. Call some local vets in your area after you find what breeds you like and they may know of some breeds. Look in the paper(watch out for free)
2006-07-20 11:14:01 · answer #6 · answered by mustanglady 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't get one from a pet store because they now charge $100 and that's for a mutt...go to a shelter...you'll end up finding a dog that will be a friend for life and the dog won't get put down.
2006-07-20 11:14:13 · answer #7 · answered by minniemm33 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about FL but check the papers I just got an adorable beagel pup for 50$ they are always in the paper and you can usally find them cheaper in there then you can get them at a shelter, although those dogs need homes too, (but it has gotten pricey)
2006-07-20 11:13:36 · answer #8 · answered by unhappyinin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Humane society or a rescue group.
But make sure she wants a dog (and all the responsibility that goes with it), first.
A better idea - get her a leash, collar, bowls, etc. and a gift certificate, then go with her to the Humane Society and let HER pick out the puppy. That way she can be sure to get one that she really, really likes.
2006-07-20 11:13:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Humane Society.
2006-07-20 11:10:08 · answer #10 · answered by TheAllKnowingFizz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The humane society.I went there and found a 5 week old kitten that was going to be put to sleep in a few days and took her home.She has been a great pet.
2006-07-20 11:18:20 · answer #11 · answered by Iknowthisone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋