i plan on getting one from humane society (i volunteer there and know there are many needy animals). however, i have never taken care of a dog on my own. i helped my grandma with hers and had dogs growing up though.
i prefer a medium to large dog of the no-poodle/spaniel variety.
any suggestions?
2006-12-12 13:54:10 · 16 answers · asked by JaSam 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Since you volunteer with the humane society, why not go there and choose a dog, or let it choose you. A mixed breed might be the best choice for a first time owner. Giid luck.
2006-12-12 13:58:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm glad to hear you are going to adopt a pet. As for finding the right first time dog, I say just look at your life. Are you home a lot? Do you want an active dog? I would say an older dog, anywhere from 3 yrs on up would be a great starter dog. Read about specific trait for breeds, and needs. I think mutts, mixes are the best. Lab mixes, terrier mixes, go to your humane society and ask a lot of questions. Good LUck!
2006-12-12 22:00:54 · answer #2 · answered by suzm 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The important thing is to realize what YOU are capable of providing to a dog. If you lead a very active life, like running and enjoying the out of doors, then a large breed that enjoys activity like a lab or setter would be fine. But if you have a small house, then you might be better off with a smaller dog like a beagle.
I applaud your decision to adopt a dog. You have a great opportunity to interact with the dog prior to taking it home so you can see if your personality and the dog's match up. We have three adopted pets, 2 cats and 1 dog. They are wonderful!
2006-12-12 22:00:38 · answer #3 · answered by pwernie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are living in a small house with a small block probably a daschund or a cavalier king charles spaniel. If you have some room a Golden Labrador or a retriever are great. Definetly do not get a kelpy as they are far to active. A beagle is a great dog but i dont know about having one as you first dog
2006-12-12 22:01:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good mutt : ) All breeds are prone to certain physical problems, and certain tempraments are attributed to them as well. I think you should find a calm animal with a good personality. I think it's more about the animal than the breed...
You should also put your new pet (and yourself) through training by joining obedience training through a local dog club or privately (often advertised through the pet store). You might also check craigslist for local pet resources?!?
Your local library will have some good books. Find a local mom n' pop pet store with people who know what they're talking about and can give you recommendations and answer questions.
Also check out:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/
http://www.cherrybrook.com/
Look into good premium foods. Royal Canin, Nature's Recipe, Nutro are a few to check out.
Good luck with your new pet.
2006-12-12 22:05:49 · answer #5 · answered by kes08 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a volunteer at the shelter. If they allow home rehab take one home and see how it works out. If not just work on finding him a home. You will find one that will fit in. Shelter dogs come from a variety of backgrounds and it is difficult to advise on a specific breed. Most are mixes.
I home rehabbed many dogs from our local shelter.
2006-12-12 22:01:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't go wrong with a lab.
They make the best pets for a first time dog owner.
They are easily trained, very dedicated to their owner, and very
affectionate.
My daughter has a black lab and he's absolutely precious.
Great with her kids, and very protective of the family, although
he's really not vicious he acts like he his toward strangers.
Thats enough to make someone 'back off'.
2006-12-13 01:56:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one can really tell you what breed to start with because no matter what breed you get there is no two same dogs. I would really recommend for you to research what you want and what you can work with. Look at the exercise need, tempermanents, energy and so on. You and only you knows what you can really handle. Good luck.
2006-12-12 22:02:11 · answer #8 · answered by NANCY 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a miniature Schnauzer. She is absolutely wonderful. I got her when she was a puppy. She is really smart and cute. They aren't really good with kids unless raised with them. I potty trained her by letting her sleep in bed with me. I'm a light sleeper so when she would get up and walk around on the bed, I picked her up and took her outside. It is about every 2 hours at first. It is like having a baby. She is 7 years old now and I could leave her in the house all day and she will not bother anything or use the bathroom.
2006-12-12 22:00:30 · answer #9 · answered by Girly Girl 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A Border collie is a medium sized dog, that is very smart and easy to train.
2006-12-12 22:55:24 · answer #10 · answered by paw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋