Would A dog be right for me? What kind would be best?

Question

I am a homemaker, and since my husband takes a lot of business trips I get lonley and sometimes frightened.

I'm in and out of the house all day and every other month I drive 5 hours to see my family ( so I'd like a pet that can go with me.)
I walk every morning and night.

I live in a 2 story 1200 sq foot home- I DO NOT have a yard, but I live in a pet friendly area and I see my neighbors walking dogs everywhere.

So, what kind of dog would be best?

Is it better to rescue from an organization or the pound?

I don't have a preferance of age- puppy, adult or senior, I just want a good natured lovable dog.

My hubby and I don't have any allergies.

I live in an area where is it Very hot in summer and Very cold ( but not snowy) in the winter.

Answer 1

Rescuing from a shelter will likely work best for the new dog owner, as they are likely to be already health tested, and the foster home can tell you more of their traits..Shelters rescue from the pounds, so you are still saving a life, by allowing the shelter to have room to rescue another dog.> http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?action=1&pet.Animal=Dog&pet.Breed=&pet.Age=Young&pet.Size=&pet.Sex=&location=93266&preview=1&scope=0&x=12&y=7#

.http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7207770
Just put in your own zip code to find the perfect dog nearest you..

I am thinking that many companion breeds would be right for you, but I will post a quiz to help you decide, according to your lifestyle..>> http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/
http://healing.about.com/od/askkim_qa/f/whatbreedog.htm
http://www.petbehaviorproblems.com/othern.htm

when you have narrowed it down, then go tothe site link above, and enter that breed name for a selection of dogs that need you..

Answer 2

Some of the dog food sites have quizzes about your lifestyle to help determine what kind of dog would be a good match. Do a search to find a quiz. That will help you narrow it down. Since you walk twice daily, you really don't need a fenced in yard. Just take him out on a leash in between your walks. I would think a medium size dog that can stand up to the rigors of your walking, will fit easily in your car and has a big bark would be good for you. A rescue specific group knows the breed intimately and can help with any breed specific questions you may have. Their screening process is generally very tight so be prepared. A local humane society is also a great place to get a dog. Most dogs are there through no fault of their own and are great companions. They are also usually neutered/spayed, current on vaccs and temperament tested. People sometimes don't realize that purebreeds, champions and rare breeds can also be found at a shelter. It's not just for mutts! They also should be screening applicants.

Answer 3

First, do u like dogs ? Have u ever owned one, if u haven`t there r many facts u should know before getting one. Dogs r wonderful companions and pets, but they require time and care, not to mention the expense. R u willing to take on the task. Since u have no yard, will u be able to walk him at least 3 times a day, rain or shine, snow or sleet. Can u afford his yearly shots plus flea and tick and heartworm medications. Can u give him the love he deserves and the playtime and attention he craves. If u can answer yes to the above, ur ready for a loving friend. Some of the best dogs I`ve had came from a shelter, they seem to sense that ur giving them a home. Since at times u r alone, a bigger dog would suit ur needs better than a small breed. With love and care, u will be rewarded with undying devotion. Ur never alone or frightened with a dog at ur side. As u can tell, I love dogs and I wish u luck in getting ur best friend.

Answer 4

I have a jack russell, and he is great. yes he can be hyper, but if you dont mind walking them and playing with them than i dont see a problem. he loves to play fetch, and he is a constant joy for me. My husband is in the Navy, and he is gone all the time. He got Casey (the jack russell) for me when he left on his first patrol, and he has been my buddy ever since. I have a few trucks, and Casey loves to hop in the truck and go for a drive. He is an excellent companion for being on the road, and always keeps me entertained (which is a good thing on long trips). he was incredibly hyper when i got him as a puppy, but calmed down dramatically as i spent tons of time with him. getting him neutered also helped. He is a dog that i take in the car with me all the time, and i think that is where he feels he belongs. He always has the energy to keep up with me, and is always close by. I would recommend going to a pound and finding a jack russell puppy... there are tons of mixes out there that would make excellent dogs. My jack russell is only 12 pounds, and he doesn't shed very much. So i guess i have a biased opinion, but it sounds like you are much in the same boat that i am in, and he is an awesome companion. He isn't yappy, like jack russells are infamous for being, and that just required training. If you take the time to teach him about when he should or shouldn't bark then he will do awesome. He lets me know if someone is driving up or at the door, and will bark if he hears anything weird. i feel much safer with him around, which is kind of surprising considering he is so small. Don't tell him that though. They think they are the biggest dogs around, and will not back down from a fight. I have two rottweilers, one full grown and one a puppy, and they all get along very well. So, in my "unbiased opinion", a jack russell or a min pin would suit your needs very well. Hope that helps!!!

Answer 5

Ok there a few other things to consider??? Do you or your husband have allergies?? and do you want a small dog or a large dog??? What kind of temerment? You might go on google, I can't remember the name of the site but there is a site (maybe related to Amerian Kennel Club) that asks questions and then gives you the breed best suited to you.

Labs are very pretty but would your walk in the morning and afternoon be enough exersise for a lab since you have no yard???
What climate do you live in???? would a long haired dog shed more in your climate????
Do you want a puppy or an adult dog??? Since you want the dog to go with you on your visits I doubt you want a hyper dog??
Just things to think about?

And yes a shelter can offer some wonderful dogs but make sure you can get a history on the dog.
I personally am allergic to dogs so my choices are limited........and before I knew about my allergies I adopted a cocker spaniel from a shelter and had to take her back.

I own poodles.....have had one mini and 3 standards, my daughter currently has a mini

Oh and if you have the patience.................I prefer puppies. They can be hard to deal with at first, house breaking and stuff but I think puppies are easier to train the way you want and you know their history because you help shape it

Answer 6

A Labrador Retriever is a fantastic breed of dog. They are loyal, playful, funny, smart, affectionate, active but calm and need only one brush per day.

You can go here ( http://www2.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm ) for a quiz that will match what breed of dogs (incl. cross breeds) will match your lifestyle.

Adopting an adult dog from your local RSPCA or SPCA is a great idea. Thousands of dogs get 'put down' each month because they do not have a home. However, if you are ready to get up at 4am in the morning to take your puppy out to go potty, then a puppy would be fine for you.

Goodluck finding your new companion.

Answer 7

I have always favored rescue dogs, but the one drawback is that you rarely know what their past has been like, and that can be a drawback. However, most dogs can be rehabilitated, if you have the time and energy for it.

I have also always preferred mix breed dogs to pure breeds, only because they tend to have less health problems. Whatever breed you choose, you should always do research on the breed to determine their personalities and health issues, if any. The AKC.org website is a good site for research.

When researching, the website will tell you which dogs require daily exercise. Some breeds will have anxiety problems if not run daily. And dogs that are anxious tend to destroy things. Be patient, and be consistent w/training.

Answer 8

Dogs are great companions for dog lovers. You might think of getting a grown dog as opposed to a puppy. Puppies are cute, but they love to chew on things they are not supposed to. It would be a good thing if you could get a dog that is already housebroken as it would be difficult to housebreak a puppy since you do not have a yard unless you paper train it. Also, think about a long hair dog or a short hair one. Long hair can be more beautiful, but it has to be brushed often to keep it from shedding and tangling. Also, size is important since you will be taking it with you to visit friends and relatives. Good luck.

Answer 9

Boxer if you can handle there high spirited fun loving attitude. They are even a great dog for someone who lives in an apartment as long as you are willing to exercise them. They can be very protective and are wonderful kid dogs. I would say you should go to a boxer adoption agency and see what they have. Also you could try a Basset Hound other then an occasional bell-er absolute wonderful dogs. There not a boxer but there great.

Answer 10

A Jack Russell sounds just about right for you guys. They are smart, a little hyper, but they travel well in the car and are easily trainable. They have great personalities, and get along with other pets if you decide to get a cat or another dog.