How many people actually...?

Question

did any reasearch before they bought their first dog. Learned about the breed, and what it was all about? Learned about responsible pet ownership, and what it entailed? Learned about nutrition, spaying and neutering, and training? Anyone learn anything at all about their dog at all before they got him?

Answer 1

The very first one I bought? Nope. I was 16 and had scraped together $100 and bought a dog from a newspaper classified. Knew not much about the breed except that it was pretty. WRONG REASON to buy a dog! Did the best I could with limited knowledge (remember, this was back in the dinosaur age, pre-internet!) and had to learn as I went.

Flash forward about 28 years ... finally, another chance to buy a dog. Did I research it this time?

YesYesYes!!! Everything you mentioned, YES! Except for nutrition ... well, I thought I had researched that thoroughly enough, or maybe I just thought anything costing $40 a bag had to be good nutrition.

But you do bring up a most excellent point. And my own personal pet-peeve as well. I believe that one the biggest contributing factors to the vast numbers of unwanted dogs is simply lack of research. If more people did more reading, asking, thinking, considering, etc. BEFORE they got the dog, a whole lot more people would be happier with the dog they got. If in fact, they got a dog at all!

Very good question. Thanks for asking!

Answer 2

I have to admit I was really young when I got my first dog and I didn't know anything about doing research however with the "little" boy I have now I did a lot of research and so did my boyfriend. We researched to find the best pet food, a good vet (harder than you would believe), a good spay and neuter clinic (vet didn't do spay and neutering), we purchased all the equipment in advance, and decided we would go with a rescue. We had both had previous experience with Rottwielers, him growing up and me with rescue so we knew generally what to expect but surprisingly we got a great big baby who required less work that I ever would have thought. We ended up waiting for a young but not puppy Rottie to become available (I wanted a full grown and he wanted a puppy so it was a compromise.) He came from an unexpected place. Some friends of ours apparently where very abusive and neglectful and he was taken from them. We took him in and he has been a joy to have around. He is a social butterfly who isn't happy if he's not making friends, he is very polite and loving, eats Innova Evo, sits, lays down, stays, heels, shakes (knows his left and right paw), speaks, outs, knows how to "leave it" and "house" as well as "hup" (he won't jump though just crawls up. It's better on his hips anyways.) Training was easy because I train military working dogs for a living. I would say we put in about six months of research and planning before we actually decided we would get him and that's based off the fact that we both had prior knowledge of the breed. People can say we were being too obsesive but you really have to when it comes to a life long commitment like a pet. You have to take a million things into consideration and the though process never stops. Right now I live in fear that BSL is going to eventually swipe my area and yes, we already have a back-up plan even if it means I will move back to Florida. I will never stop fighting for my dogs right to have a family.

Answer 3

When I got my first dog, quite a few years ago, I basically had no idea what I was doing. Since then, I've learned a lot, from formal education, from self-education, and from a bunch of dogs I've had over the years. Before I decided to get the breed I have now, I did a LOT of reading, looking at breeder websites, in short learning everything I could. Even so, there was a lot more to learn. That's why when I respond to a "I'm thinking about getting a puppy..." type of question, I stress the importance of being honest about what one expects out of the dog, how it will fit into their life, learning about various breeds, evaluting breeders, considering shelter/rescue dogs, nutrition, breeding, and so forth. If would have been helpful if someone had pointed these things out to me when I first got involved. You can never know too much, and there is always more to learn, no matter how much you think you know.

Answer 4

Luckily, I had a family that really knew a lot about caring for and training dogs...and we've had dogs my whole life, so I was *fairly* prepared when I got my first dog on my own. However, as with anything else in life, learning is an ongoing process...and I'm still discovering things.

I certainly looked into the breeds (or what breeds we knew the mutt had,) they were neutered right away, and in a short amount of time we had the basic commands and how to walk properly on a leash down.

I understand why people who are not prepared for pet care often forfeit their animals to the shelter (although I don't agree with it.) I have two 70lb. dogs....if I didn't know I had them under control, I would be beyond stressed out.

Answer 5

My first dog was bought from rescue when I was a child. He was a mongrel. I was guided very much by my mother and stepfather.

My first dog as an adult? Again, no research BEFORE taking on the dog. I allowed myself to be guided by the staff at the rescue I got him from. Learning the basics about responsible pet ownership was one of the things the rescue (Dogs Trust) made sure I did before they allowed me to take the dog home.

Since then, I have done a lot of reading of books, internet and talking to various people with different backgrounds. I now know the perfect breed for me is the one I currently own.

Not all learning can come before you get the dog. I'm still learning, and I expect to still be learning until the day I die.

I'd certainly recommend that people do as much research as possible before bringing a dog into their home. There's loads of books available, but better than that would be to ask experienced/trained people for advice. Then NEVER stop learning.

Answer 6

I did a ton of research, actually, for a few months beforehand. I wanted to be sure I knew what I was in for! Got a book about the breed (including training), contacted a couple breeders and asked questions, figured out the expenses involved in dog ownership (from supplies to routine vaccinations), etc. I found a puppy training book and read it in advance so I knew how to be prepared for puppy issues. He was housetrained in about 2.5 weeks :) I also enrolled the little guy in a training class as soon as he was old enough, and an adult class after that. I worked on obedience training with him daily. He was neutered at 6 months of age.

I ended up getting a shelter dog and looked at a lot of different dogs before making my final decision. It's hard to say no to all those adorable faces but I made a good decision.

Answer 7

When we were considering our first Border Collie, I did extensive research on the breed. I considered all the pros and cons. I knew they were smart (a common reason people get this breed), but I also knew that being just a companion would not be enuf with this breed. I researched the various areas I could train my new puppy, such as obedience, agility and herding. I knew the BC was bred to be a herding dog and i searched endlessly for options to get training in that area specifically. I understood well the challanges I would face with having a BC and two young children in my home as well. I knew what I was getting into when I decided a BC was the dog for me.

Tho this was my first BC, it was not my first dog, so I already knew plenty about housebreaking, crate training, feeding schedules, vet visits, etc, etc... Basic dog care was already in my knowledge base.

Our first BC has been a wonderful success and I have learned much in the training we have pursued with her. There will soon be another BC performance prospect coming into our home next summer. Never once have I regretted my breed of choice.

Answer 8

Luckily I was raise around a great woman ( my grandma) who taught me about dogs. She showed me responsible ownership everyday. No table scraps, only dog food ( of course dog food has advanced since then), vet care, training, etc... She treated all her dogs like family they lived inside her house. Children were taught how to play nice with her dogs (no pulling of the ears or she would pull yours) She passed down all she knew and loved. I am proud to say I have never forgot anything she taught me. This is when I developed such a love for the companionship of dogs.
I have researched, read and listen to what vets or trainers have told me since. But she deserves all the credit!
My first dog came from a shelter. When you are young and you walk in a shelter it has an effect on you, you will never forget.

Answer 9

Well, growing up we had schnauzers all the time.. and I was REALLY young when we got the first.. so I did more research on them later on.. but I did research.. Then when I went looking for a dog I researched several breeds before going out to the shelters.. and was approved but they didn't have any dogs that were appropriate for our situation (I was living with a roomate with a child).. all of theirs were young/high energy/ larger breeds.. but they knew someone with a beagle/basset mix looking for a home (she was only keeping it to keep it out of the shelter).. so, I called, we made plans that I would go out for an interview a week later.. I researched beagles and basset's during that time.. and dispite her saying before that it was only a visit, she wanted time to think about it and do a home visit, I left her house with the dog.. It helped her to know that I researched it.. I had previous experience with a hound, and had always had dogs.. If I had not done the research into beagles.. I don't know if she would have given him to me that day.. although I'm fairly sure I still would have had him later on.. It just gave me a leg up..

Answer 10

I did, all of it, but I wouldn't be much of a vet tech, trainer & pet hotel owner if I hadn't LOL. I have been on a waiting list 3yrs for my Dogo. I can't wait! I have a 16yr old newfie/chow mix that I unexpectedly inherited when he was 9wks. I read up on both breeds immediately & it was a good thing because my dog is gentle like a newfie with ppl he knows, but not strangers or children, which came from the chow. He was kicked out of puppy school twice, both trainers said forget it, go to a behaviorist. I was a little ticked & I trained him myself (this was before I became a cert. trainer).