I want a puppy?

Question

But I've never had one before, or know anyone who has? What, in terms of time, do I need to be able to give him/ her? eg. time spent at home with him before returning to work? He often wouldn't be left more than 3 hours as I work shifts and my husband doesn't. How much input do they need in terms of training- are training classes necessary, or just for 'naughty' dogs etc. I'm not getting one unless I'm absolutely sure I can give him the best life, I know different breeds will have different requirements, so I'm just looking for a guide please, we're anticipating getting something of a similar size to a labrador.

Just want to reassure concerned people that I will be looking into dogs a lot more than this before I commit- I'm well aware that they live a good while and it's a long term commitment- hence I'm researching in all the ways possible. I asked the question here as I wanted personal experience, not just what the breeder/ animal shelter etc tell syou.
We have looked at animal shelter dogs but they were mostly older pit bulls/ rotweilers etc, the type of dogs that you could tell had been put there as their owners could not manage it. I personally feel that it would be easier to take on a younger dog so that I can train from the start rather than have to kick bad habits before I start- I've worked with children with EBDs and can only assume that these older difficult (as described by the shelter) would be similar work. I'm prepared for work but don't feel confident to resolve other people's mistakes first

I am going to be home full time at first- I'm waiting for a CRB check, so will be a minimum of 8 weeks. Is this long enough. It's something not many people have commented on, or do they need much longer than that?

Thanks for so much great advice so far!

Answer 1

dogs need alot of time and patience, try this website for advice.

Answer 2

A puppy takes a lot of time and patience so you can't get frustrated with it if it doesn't get something the first time. To save some training and headaches, I would recommend getting a puppy that is already house trained. For the first month or so after getting the puppy, someone needs to be with it all the time and whoever is around the most will become its person. If you want something that is good as far as family dogs, get a Dobermin or, if your state allows, a Pitbull. I know Pits have bad reputations but the ones I have had contact with are big babies and would rather lick you to death than bite. Maybe even a German Shephard or Border Collie. When you decide on what breed, you could try a Humane Society. They vet check and some even fix the dogs before you pick it up.

Answer 3

A pup needs a great deal of time and training.They need house training which means someone has to be at home all the while as a pup needs to be taken out every hour during this process,training classes would be excellent for you and your pup as it teaches you basic skills in training and handling your dog.Most training classes have a puppy class so there is no naughty dogs there.Im afraid it will take longer then 8weeks off work to settle a pup in,train it and bond with it.If your husband is home all day though then your pup should be fine as he will have company.Socilisation is a must with every pup,far to many people just get a pup and dont socilise it.It is so important to the future welfare and temperment of your pup.Even before a pup has it jabs you can still carry it around in your arms,to different places.I wouldn't advice a labrador or anything of that size as a first time pet as the lab esp is very exuberant in youth and are known to be great chewers.The dog i would advice for 1st time dog owners is the Cavilier King Charles Spaniel,they are a small breed but not to little,there easy going,gentle,affectionate,happy little dogs who are great with all ages and other animals.Remember though that getting any puppy is a huge commitment,and should be thought about seriesly.If you feel work commitments or any change of circumstance may change in the near future,you shouldn't get a pup just yet.Make sure you are properly settled in life and can devote 100% to your dog.Good luck.

Answer 4

i have a 15 week old puppy he is a Yorkie, he is at the moment at a chewing stage, i have to keep putting lemon juice on things because this stops them chewing the same place, he is a great little dog and would not be with out him now, i have had a dog before but it was from the dogs home and he was 8 and he had already gone through the chewing stage.
potty training is the worst still trying to get him t ask to go out side, he is nearly there and he now sits at the door and waits for me to open it, i started off with puppy training pads, one in the living room and one in the kitchen near the back door, after two weeks i moved the one in the living room into the hall way and then two weeks later moved it completely and just had the one in the kitchen, he still uses the pad when I'm not in but i have put a dog flap in the door and I'm teaching him to go through it ,you will love having a puppy but a lot of time and patients will be needed but it is worth it, good luck hope this has helped you. i must tell you that the dogs from the dogs home can be just as great i had my dog for 5 years from there and he was the best no bad habits.I got another dog because i miss him so much..

Answer 5

I have a 10 month old chocolate lab and same as you this is my first dog, everyone told me it was really hard work and it would change your life for the good and the bad depending how much you like your freedom.
I have found it was a massive learning curve for me for example you learn to have a lot more patience. My dog Besty was so difficult in the for the first 6 months but you get through it. You sound like a really responsible person for even asking this question so therefore i think you would make a really good owner as you are thinking about the welfare of the dog.
labs are brilliant, definately get one. They are just like humans, soft and cuddly when they are pups then naughty and distructive when teenagers ( the hard bit) but intelligent, caring, amazing companions after 10 months ish you wont be short of love with a labrador!

Answer 6

Go to a dog park and get to know someone with a dog. Check out the dog shelter and view different types of dog personalities, energetic, laid-back, aggressive, submissive, nervous. A three hour shift is manageable for dogs that size, but they are not maintenance free animals. Think of a puppy as a infant to toddler phase, do you have the energy and time to take care of a kid? Adult dogs, especially ones that are up for adoption are almost pre-programmed. So you can tell the staff what you are looking for...jogging partner, couch cuddlebug, etc and they can point you in the right direction. Check out animal planets guides on dogs and their quiz for which breed is right for you.

Answer 7

Think of puppies as children. They do need ALOT of training and guidance. Definitely do your reserch and discuss with your husband if you both think you are willing and have the time to spend with the puppy. You will have to house break it, train it, and so on. I would definitely look into obedience training if you are not really sure you can do it on your own. The trainers there will not only train the dog but teach you how to train them at home. Both you and your husband need to devote the time and energy it takes into taking care and training the dog. Remember, not only will you have to totally train it, you will have to spend a lot of money to get it's shots/vaccinations, food, toys, I also definitely recommend a kennel/crate, leash and collar and anything else that may arrise with having a puppy. I have 2 dogs, both which I have raised from puppies. They do require a lot of time and research before getting one.

Also, if you choose to get a puppy, call around to different vets, see which ones know about the breed of dog you have chosen. Most will also give you a free first puppy visit. They may also give you a book and other info for you to read to help educate you on your new puppy. Some also give you a small thing of puppy food, a free month of heartworm pill, a discount off of flea/tick repellent or a free month, and other small things to help start you out.

Answer 8

Puppy classes are a great way to socialise your pup and to make your life as a dog owner easier, they are not just for problem dogs. Of course, you can train your dog yourself but if you've never owned a dog before you might find the expert assistance helpful. Puppy classes in my experience are not expensive, only £4 a week for a few weeks, but of course that might be different in your area. You can ask your vet when you go for vaccinations about socialisation classes.

Labradors are great dogs, they're even-tempered and intelligent. They do need a fair amount of exercise though, but if you're fit and don't mind bad weather then you'll enjoy it.

Other than that, they need a comfortable place to sleep, enough to eat and drink and lots of affection. I would definitely recommend having a pup, we got a golden retriever last year and she's fab! :-)

Answer 9

i honestly think you should go with a medium sized breed, and stay away from spitz type dogs! huskies, akitas, pomeranians are all in the spitz group. They make very bad first time dogs, they're very, very strong willed and need an experienced owner. i can't stress that enough, unless you're willing on taking the dog to regular, expensive obedience classes.
labs are known to be good dogs, just make sure you socialize what ever dog you get- if its a puppy, rub its toes, flip it on its back, such as holding it in your arms like a baby, touch its face and mouth-
these are all techniques worth the hissy fits they might cause- your dog will grow up to be patient, accepting, and good natured.
The first time you take him to the vet, if he screams about being held down or flipped over, work on these things at home- the next doctor's visit will be much more enjoyable.
also, beware of timid of aggressive dogs. timid puppies seem cute and shy, but think about how cute it will be when that pup grows up scared of everything new? could be a dangerous dog, especially for a first time owner.

Hope these tips help, Good luck! :)

Answer 10

Training classes are beneficial for both the owner and the dog.They are not just for bad dogs-lol. Puppies require a tremendous amount of time and patience. If you've never had one,how about volunteering at a shelter. You will gain so much knowledge and experience and be helping those pups in need too. Good luck and kudos for researching BEFORE adopting!

Answer 11

Collins Gem Book on Dogs.
Its fairly old now but a little book with a little info on over 130 breeds, this book is so well used in our house
Advice on training puppies and older dogs, there are so many books, lots of advice out there.

Owning a dog is so rewarding, can be a trial but is so worth it.
lots of research is needed, and with 8 weeks off work, the time is right if you decide to go for it. But dont jump in too quickly to cloud your judgement.
It took us 6 months to find the breed we wanted a few yrs ago, but it was worth the wait.