Im gonna get a dog!!!?

Question

Which is a good kind, what do i need to do for it.... IM SO EXCITED!!

Answer 1

There's one problem with adopting a dog from an animal shelter: The selection of available canine companions can overwhelm you! Man's best friends come in all shapes, sizes, and—of course—personalities.

The good news is that almost any shelter dog can make a wonderful, lifelong companion for you and your family. The bad news is that some of those bundles of energy will make less appropriate pets for you than others.

The key is knowing what to look for. Here are a few things to think about:

Examine Yourself

Choosing the right dog generally means identifying the type of animal who matches your lifestyle and wants. If you live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, for instance, adopting a large, active retriever-mix might not be the best choice. Conversely, if you have a family of four and are looking for a companion to match your active lifestyle, such an animal may be perfect. A dog's size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness, and compatibility with children should all figure into your decision.

Learn about Different Breeds and Mixes

So how do you find out which dogs have the qualities you're looking for? Information is the key: Learn about various breeds, visit with animals at the shelter, and speak with an adoption counselor for guidance.

Dogs fall into one of two categories: purebreds or mixed breeds. Most animal shelters have plenty of both. The only significant difference between the two is that purebreds, because their parents and other ancestors are all members of the same breed, are similar to a specific "breed standard." This means that if you adopt a purebred puppy, you have a good chance of knowing about how big he'll get and what general physical and behavioral characteristics he'll have.

Of course, the size, appearance, and temperament of most mixed breed dogs can be predicted as well. After all, mixed breeds are simply combinations of different breeds. So if you know the ancestry of a particular mixed-breed puppy or can identify what type of dog he is (e.g., terrier mix), you have a good chance of knowing how he'll turn out, too.

Mixed breeds offer several advantages over purebreds. When you adopt a mixed breed, you benefit from the combined traits of two or more breeds. You also get a dog who's likely to be free of genetic defects common to certain purebred dogs. Mixed breeds, in fact, are often considered the more "natural" dog. When you adopt a mixed breed, you adopt a unique companion.

Visit with Shelter Animals

While you're at the shelter, keep in mind that it is a stressful place for any animal. Quite often, a dog's true colors won't show until he's away from other animals and the shelter environment. So even if you walk past a kennel with a dog who isn't vying for your attention, don't count him out. He may just be a little scared or lonely.

An adoption counselor can help you select canines who will match your lifestyle. When you spend time with each animal, you'll want to ask yourself:

* How old is the dog? You may want to select a puppy as your new companion. However, young dogs usually require much more training and supervision than more mature dogs. If you lack the time or patience to house train your pup or to correct problems like chewing and jumping, an adult dog may be a better choice.
* How shy or assertive is the dog? Although an active, bouncy dog might catch your eye, a quieter or more reserved dog might be a better match if you don't have a particularly active lifestyle.
* How good is the animal with children? Learning about a dog's past through a history sheet or from an adoption counselor can be helpful, but past information isn't always available. In general, an active dog who likes to be touched and is not sensitive to handling and noise is a dog who will probably thrive in a house full of kids. Also keep in mind that puppies younger than four months of age, because of their fragility and special needs, often won't be adopted out to families with young children.

Choose a Pal for Life

Every dog in the shelter can provide you with boundless love and companionship, and every dog certainly deserves a lifelong home. But some dogs are better for you and your lifestyle than others. That's why you should take the time to make a thoughtful choice. After all, you're choosing a pal likely to be with you 10 to 15 years—or even longer. Select the right dog, and you and your new companion will enjoy those years to the fullest.

Answer 2

What you will do for it is feed it, train it to behave, play with it, let it out to do its "business", make sure you keep it free from fleas, ticks and other parasites (especially heartworm) and love it. There will be times (at least once a year) where a visit to the vet is necessary. Depending on the breed you may have to bath, brush or groom it. Please remember, dogs are pack animals and need companionship so you will have to let it be with you. This is a life-time commitment for the dog. If there is any possibility the poor thing will end up chained up in a yard somewhere with no companionship DON'T GET ONE. But if you are committed to caring for it, even when you "don't feel like it", you are in for a wonderful time.

Do some research! There are good sources out there that match breed characteristics with lifestyles. Consider a rescued pet - many of the rescue groups will "foster" their animals and get to know what they are like. This way you will have a better idea of what the dog is like and can ask for one that best suits your way of life. ASK, ASK, ASK. Go to the AKC website to find about a breed you are considering; talk with people who own the breed; talk with breeders. Good luck - I've owned dogs all of my life and have loved everyone of them because they were so different!

Answer 3

One of the easiest to take care of is a Beagle. The little darlings will eat almost anything. Keep the dog, regardless what type you decide to get, comfortable. Decide whether you'll make the dog an inside or outside dog or let it go in and out. Depending on the dog's size, weight, age, and over-all health, determines what to begin to feed it. Ask the people / person / vet / pet store regarding that. Pets are a BIG responsibility. Make sure you're ready for the CONSTANT upkeep in your head and heart before you get ANY animal.

Answer 4

A Golden Retriever! They might shed a lot but I know a secret to take away some of the hair. Brush him once a day for 2 minutes this will get all the deep and dead hair that is causing the sheding. Goldens are very loyal and will stay by you on a walk or at the beach. Also they LOVE socializing with other dogs. They also love cuddling! I cuddle with my Golden every night! Please choose a Golden they are great dogs! Good luck

Answer 5

I Would be exited too but now is not the time for excitement you have to learn about different dogs

Take a test like the one at http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

It asks you Questions like

Do you feel you are able to control a dominating dog?
What sort of residence do you have?
What size yard do you have?
Age of youngest child, if any?
What size dog are you looking for?
How much time are you willing to spend grooming your dog?
Etc.


PLEASE TRY IT but don't rely on it!!!

Mutts are very good too (I think Pure breds are over rated)

Here are some of my fav. breeds

Bicon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a charming puffball of a dog with a loosely curled double coat consisting of a textured outer coat lined with a soft, fine, silky undercoat that is 3 to 4 inches (7-10cm.) long and is virtually hypo-allergenic. It is usually all white, but cream, gray or apricot hairs are permitted. It can be shown clipped like a poodle or long-haired with clippings only at the feet and muzzle. This breed should be trimmed for a rounded appearance. It has a moderate muzzle that is not pointed. Its stop is only slightly accentuated. It has a scissors bite with round dark intelligent eyes and hanging ears that are well covered with hair. The neck is long and the chest is well developed. Its tail is curved over its back.
The Bichon is a most appealing little white dog that loves human company. It has an independent spirit, is intelligent, affectionate, bold and lively. This charming, gentle dog is not a yapper. It has a self-assured, happy temperament that is easy to live with. These bright little dogs are easy to train and just plain old love everyone. They need people to be happy. They are naturally sociable and are happiest when they are part of a family that takes them everywhere. This sociable trait also means that they are fine in the company of other dogs & pets and are excellent with children. Used as watchdogs and to perform tricks, this breed is competitive and obedient. Like a lot of smaller breeds, the Bichon may be difficult to housebreak. The Bichon Frise was one of the "Yuppie Puppies" very popular in the 1980's. As a result many were carelessly over-bred and some Bichon lines can be snippy. When seeking a Bichon be sure to find a reputable breeder to get the best personality traits this breed has to offer.

Flat Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a beautiful black or liver-colored retriever sporting a sleek, medium-length, thick, fine coat with well-feathered legs, tail and chest. His long head is molded and sleek, with a wide muzzle and barely apparent stop. The eyes are dark brown or hazel, with an intelligent expression. The moderately small ears lay flat against the head. The nose should be black for black coats and brown for liver coats. The chest is deep and wide. Its back is short and square. Its legs are muscular and the feet are round and strong.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is superb with children and a great family dog. It has a very stable temperament. Smart, active and friendly, this breed loves everyone. Some may be too friendly - overwhelming guests with love and attention. This is a sweet, high-spirited dog that loves to play and retrieve. A gentle and playful tail-wagger. They are cheerful, devoted companions with a puppy-like exuberance well into their later years. It is on the go outdoors, but quiet indoors. This very sociable breed needs lots of affection and attention from his family. The Flat-Coated Retriever gets along well with dogs and other pets. This breed is obedient and highly trainable, but easily bored. Keep training sessions short and fun, without excessive repetition

Answer 6

go to your local SPCA and visit and ask for advice.. you will get honest advice from animal shelters
you will NOT get honest advice from pet stores
NEVER NEVER buy from a pet store - you will pay too much for a low quality pup and they will tell you anything to get a sale... plus they support a cruel industry of breeding ONLY for profit

you might be better off with an adult rather than a young pup.. I think you need to do more homework if you are a new dog owner - aviod intelligent breeds like Border COllies which will be destructive if you dont keep them mentally busy...

Answer 7

Choose carefully! Puppies are a lot of work! Beagles are very vocal and not recommended if you live in an apartment. Labs are not the easiest to train. Take your time, don't settle on the first cute face you see. Go to your local anti-cruelty society. they get wide varieties of different breeds and can answer questions for you. Good luck and don't forget, this is your best friend you're searching for. You might not find him/her on your first day out.

Answer 8

Hi Maggie, The best dog for a family or single is a golden lab. They are very smart,and easy to train.. They make a great friend,and companion. A Friend. Merry Christmas.

Clowmy

Answer 9

You should Get a Chiwawa. That is a great dog it will play with u any time . You`ll always need a leash for it when you go out or it will run away . Ok Best of luck with your new dog !

Answer 10

long hair is nice but requires upkeep and u have to grow this out for a long time