I want to get my first dog, anything I should know specifically?

Question

My parents have never wanted a dog, but for some reason now my mom (who was really against it) all of a sudden is agreeing. I am 17, never really begged them for a dog but I have told them a few times that having a dog would make life a little more exciting.

They agreed but they said only a low maintenance small dog like a chihuahua. Which I wouldn't mind.

So I want a puppy, like only a few days old type. What's the best way to find one? I live in the LA area, in suburbia -_-.

lol sorry i don't really know anything about dogs.

Answer 1

Before you decide, it is important to know that puppies are A LOT of work. I mean a ton of work, sleepless nights and potty accidents on the floor. They chew on things they shouldn't and get into everything, constantly.

Someone pretty much has to be with them 24/7 for house training.

Look on petfinder.com. There are links to all kinds of rescue groups and shelters in your area for every kind of dog imaginable.

For a first time owner, a dog a little older might be better. Get one that is a year old at least. They will be out of the puppy stage and will still bond with you just like a puppy would. They might even be house trained.

No dog can be given to you before 8 weeks old because it is not weaned from it's mother until then.

Answer 2

Well first you need to research the breed, and talk over the advantages and disadvantages with your parents of that particular breed. But dont just stop at that dog, look at other breeds as well, maybe you will all like another's charachateristics that will fit you lifestyle better.

As for a low maintenance puppy? Nope. Have you ever been around a toddler? Very similar, you will need eyes in the back of your head and that still wouldnt be enough. Perhaps try a shelter, or ask a few vets in the area for information.

Oh and I almost forgot there are several breeds that first time owners should not have. They are the dogs that require a dominant owner, not a passive owner. While doing your research look under the traits, most will say what type of owner.

Answer 3

All dogs need feeding, walking/exercise, some obedience training, baths, etc. I'd suggest an older dog (adult or senior) who is already trained to go out side, come/sit/down and won't be quite so distructive (usually). Puppies can be a lot of fun, but they are a lot of work. An adult dog is still playful and fun, but usually is less likely to get in trouble or require much training. Look at rescue groups and shelters and explain to the people there that you want a dog that's going to play with you and be a companion (or whatever you want) but that knows how to behave. Also, even with an older dog, since you're a new pet owner (to be), you should ask about obedience training or dog training classes. These will help you a lot. If you don't know anything about having a dog, do some research first. Go to the library or look on line for tips on dog training and care.

Answer 4

First of all you should'nt think about getting a puppy that's only a few days old.Anyone who would allow you to take a pup that young from it's mother should be beaten badly.
the youngest you should get a pup is 6 weeks but a good breeder won't let them go until they're 12 weeks old.The longer they stay with their mothers the more they learn how to behave like a dog.
Secondly the single most important thing you need to know is that raising a dog is exactly like raising a child.They have wants and needs and feelings just like we do.And you have to provide for those wants and needs and give the dog respect and consideration at all times.
A dog is a huge responsibility and alot of work.You have to allow it to get exercise every day!You have to discipline it when it's bad and praise it when it's good.It has to be potty trained if it's not already and before you bring it home you need to get on the floor and look for anything that may be dangerous for a puppy to bite into thruout the whole house.Anything you want to keep has to be put up higher than the dog can get to as an adult.And then you need to think about where the dog will sleep cos it has to have a safe quiet place of it's own.
Your whole life will have to change to accomodate the dog or you'll end up being resentful of it for the damage it does.
Get to the library and RESEARCH the breed you're most interested in before you buy.That'll be a huge help.You need to know exercise requirements as well as any breed specific health issues you'll need to watch out for. If you plan to adopt a mutt then try to find out what different breeds it's mixed with and research them all.
Then there's the vet bills.Start putting 10.00 a week into a savings account just for the vet now.You'll be happy you did later should an emergency arise.
And as far as looking for a pup look up all the dog breeds and decide which one you'd be most interested in owning that'll fit your lifestyles and then start looking for a dog.

Answer 5

The best way is your local shelter, breed rescues in your area or www.petfinder.com

Puppies have to be at least 8 weeks old to come home. They have to be with their mommy and siblings. You can often find puppies in shelters or in rescue.

Since you are in school and just starting the year off, you might consider a little older dog who is house trained. If your parents aren't keen on a dog and you're off at school, a young puppy needs someone who is home most of the day and needs to be taken care of. Even if you got one that was 6 months old. You still ge the feel of a puppy, but doesn't need as much.

You'll want to do at least a basic obedience class so your dog won't drive your parents crazy! Make sure to get a crate, so when you are gone, your dog can't be naughty and chew everything in sight. You might want to consider getting a Kong to keep the dog occupied.

Take the dog on regular walks to keep it in a good condition. Yes, even the low maintenance dogs need a walk. Make sure not to feed too much people food or over feed.

If you get a puppy (or any dog), socialize it LOTS! You can take dogs to Lowe's, Home Depot, Wilco, PetSmart and Petco. Since you are getting a little dog, make it walk. Don't always carry it. Dogs that are carried too much tend to be scared and shy and don't really like other dogs.

Good luck!

Answer 6

The words "low maintenance" and "puppy" do not go together. Ask anyone here - a puppy is a solid 24 hour a day responsibility that does not come to you as a finished product.
You do not want a puppy that's "a few days old". Puppies must not leave their mothers until after 8 weeks, and ideally closer to 12 weeks. Selling puppies before that age is (thankfully) illegal in most states.
It is exhausting to keep up with a puppy. If you are expecting a well behaved, silent creature who makes no demands on your time, then please get a stuffed animal.
I do not mean to squash your hopes, but it's very important to be aware of what you're getting in to. While you're online, do a Google search for "puppy mill" to understand why you should be cautious about buying.

Answer 7

First off like most people had posted here, there is no such thing as a low maintenance dog!! Every puppy dog is a big handful and a huge responsibility. Secondly do not buy puppies or any dog cat for that matter from "pet shops". You will be getting yourself into more than you asked for. Puppies/ dogs from pet stores come from puppy mills- puppy mills are enormous breeding facilities that breed pure dogs in large amounts and often sell them to pet stores, brokers, newspapers, internet etc. These puppies are breed with defective genes and health problems and are kept in poor living conditions-even if the pet stores know it or not. So if "are" going to buy a puppy from a pet store make sure you ask them for the puppies papers of where it has come from but then again you still don’t know if you are getting what you ask fro, its just standard marketing (money making)

I have had 5 dogs so far in my life and every puppy has peed and pooped in almost every corner of the house you could imagine, they have chewed things that were valuable to me and other family members, they have kept me awake at night to play and want to be fed and their vet bills are more expensive than that of a mature healthy dog. As you can see I only listed the bad things about puppies., but there are many good things about them. Just to name a few puppies are wonderful creatures , they give you get many sloppy kisses, wagging tails, warm little tummies and they are just adorable and fun to be with.

So I just added my 10c, I hope I have given you some of eh knowledge that I know about dogs and I trust you make a good decision.

Answer 8

There's a huge amount of information in libraries, bookstores and online. You should really read up on what is involved with animal care, how to do some basic training, what to look for to get a healthy animal, how to check temperament to make sure you and the pup are a good match, how much exercise various breeds need, grooming issues -- and more.
Understand, now, that this research can be a really pleasant way of getting prepared for a great experience. Go into it like that and you'll be really happy you did.
Oh, current thinking is that pups should be taken from the litter at 7 or 8 weeks of age -- but check to make sure that hasn't changed.

Answer 9

First of all, having a dog is taking on the responsibility for it's care. They require feeding, watering, shots, and spending time with them; not to mention cleaning up after them. Chihuahua's are very high strung and shake alot. Another small dog which is a little heartier is the Toy Fox Terrier. They were originally bread for chasing foxes and rodents abroad. They love burrowing under the covers with you. You might desire to reconsider the puppy part as you would basically be raising a baby whom it would be your responsibility to train how to behave and you would be going through a teething phase. You would need to look on the internet, browse the classified of your local newspaper, or perhaps go to your local animal shelter or call pet rescue centers.

Answer 10

you have a LOT to learn - firstly you cannot get "a few days old" puppy - it will be dead in a few more days.. 8 weeks is the EARLIEST you should get one...
start looking for a reputable breeder NOW - just so you know - a reputable breeder will want you to be over 18 so will have mom sign the contract - anyone who lets a 17 yr old buy a pup is NOT reputable and you should NEVER buy from them
NEVER NEVER buy from a pet store - they support a very cruel industry of breeding for profit - mom dogs are kept in horrible conditions and people who buy from pet stores are supporting cruelty (pet stores wont admit it)... plus you will pay TOO much for a low quality pet...

you are 17 - do you have plans to move out - will the new place allow dogs?? you should NEVER get a dog unless you can provide a LIFETIME commitment to the dog...

only dog that is "low maintainance" is a stuffed dog. Chihuahuas have a lot of health problems so be prepared (eg eyes popping out - especially if not from reputable breeders)