I would recommend visiting a local shelter (because adopting a dog who needs a home is super rewarding and helpful), and asking the workers for a dog who a) is an adult / senior, b) is not aggressive, c) gets along with small children.
Then, you do the "shelter test." When they take you to see the dogs, put a small bowl of food down. As the dog is trying to eat, ask the worker to try and kick the bowl away. If the dog snaps, it is aggressive.
Senior dogs are often unwanted and die in a shelter. People don't want to adopt them because they won't live long, and they can't run around and play as much as a puppy. However, if you think about where you are mentally, with your fears, you will be giving a dog a few great years, and you will overcome your fright.
Here is the animal planet link, too, for taking the quiz to find your "ideal" dog. http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do
I wish you luck.
2007-03-17 06:55:03
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answer #1
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answered by smiksmak 3
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A very sweet dog that can live longer than any other recorded dog and is very beautiful,Loyal,smart,easy to train and small is a Pomeranian.They shed very little if you brush 1-2 X's per week.If you do want to give them a bath you can put them in the sink and they love being groomed.They do not have a doggy Oder and they are just great companions!!!Some will go right into your purse and go anywhere .Poms have been recorded to live 25 yrs old .Another sweet non shedding dog is a Maltese,they are really small and sweet.There is a little more upkeep with their hair but it is worth it.Gosh I would hate to pick my first dog there are so many.Just make sure you smell of them and find out about upkeep.Make sure you see the parents and siblings and make sure they are up to date on shots and have healthy backgrounds.Read up on the breed you decide on before you buy,so you are well informed.They should have at least 1-2 shots already and be wormed 1-2 X's per week since birth.Make sure they are eating well to ,you don't dare want to bring home a baby that is not eating well on it's on.Good Luck and Happy Hunting!!!!!!!!
2007-03-17 14:03:03
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answer #2
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answered by mcnatt c 4
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Getting a dog to get over a fear of dogs in not a good move.
The dog will pay the price in the end.
All dogs bark and jump to some degree. With training most can be taught proper house manners but it takes time and training on the part of hte owner. You also have to be able to be in charge of the dog. If the dog knows and they can sense it that you are afraid of it at any time they are going to take advantage of that and the dog will rule the house and you wil be there to service the dogs needs and pay thie bills. Like a bad roommate the dog will get everything and you get stuck doing all the work.
Getting over a fear is hard and a better way would be slow long term exposure to calm dogs who are submissive to humans. Volunteer at the humane society or with a resuce and let them know about your fear and how you want to work on it.
Good luck. Working with dogs and training them can be very rewarding. It gives you a sense of power when you can work with one and get them to do what you want.
2007-03-17 13:57:51
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answer #3
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answered by tlctreecare 7
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If you have a fear of dogs, then I would suggest getting an adult dog from one of the shelters in your area.
If you get a puppy, you run into the chance of not really knowing what it's personality will be like as an adult or it's size. With adopting an adult, you can sometimes get a history about the dog, plus you can spend some time with them at the shelter before you adopt them. Most shelters will allow you to bring the dog back if it just doesn't work out for you.
Good luck, I hope you find your new friend.
2007-03-17 13:51:32
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answer #4
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answered by Beach-goer 2
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If you are terminally afraid of dogs, then you should not get one just because you want to get over your fear. There is no "right answer" that anyone can give you on yahoo answers. It is up to you to decide what kind of dog is right for you if you are ready for one. Just because most of the people say; Golden Retrievers doesn't mean you should go out and get that kind of dog. I suggest taking a quiz online somewhere, or meeting different breeds of dogs for you to decide on. Or the best out of all of them, go to your local shelter and adopt a dog without a home. They occasionally have puppies or litters that need to be adopted.
2007-03-17 13:49:04
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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If you are afraid of dogs, don't get one for yourself. Find a friend who's got one, or find lots of friends who have them, and offer to petsit or something like that. The reason I say that is because if you get the wrong dog, then your fears will get worse. All dogs will jump when they are happy, or trying to be dominant. I don't recommend getting any puppy, try a local rescue group that specialize in Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzu's, or another small breed. Get an adult, they're calmer and easier to train out of jumping. Training is the only way to get them out of jumping or barking. I don't know your area, so I really can't give specific links.
2007-03-17 13:51:45
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answer #6
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answered by mischieviousenigma 2
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There are many dogs you would be happy with---1st decide what size dog you want----then select from a breed that is less demanding-----finally if you raise one from a puppy you will not be as afraid as you would a grown dog------a dog you raise from a puppy will not harm you. Learn to properly care for it's needs and treat it right and you will have a true friend for many years to come....there are web sites that will guide you through the selection process of choosing the right breed for you---------Good Luck
2007-03-17 14:06:36
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answer #7
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answered by EZMZ 7
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I suggest you visit your local shelter and adopt either a senior or adult dog. These dogs are often already housebroken and have some basic obedience training, and usually are so grateful that you rescued them, therefore, they are less prone to annoying habits.
Or, adopt a retired Greyhound as they make wonderful, docile dogs for people who just want a loving companion without too much energy. Greys thrive on daily walks and companionship.
2007-03-17 15:08:52
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answer #8
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answered by LiaChien 5
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If you are afraid of dogs do not get one, and if you do decide to get one get a quiet calm one like a Basenji. Cats are calm and do not normally jump one people, or get a hamster, and if you want really low maintenance get a fish. They take next to no maintenance!
2007-03-17 14:09:09
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answer #9
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answered by princeessintraning 4
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Labrador Retriever
2007-03-17 14:01:44
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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