I think I want a dog.

[Death Metal Moe]

I've been considering this for awhile but it really came back to roost in my head recently when my friends got a new dog.

I've ALWAYS been a cat guy. Just liked them more. Lliked their independence, like their aloofness, just like them more in general. I grew up with both dogs and cats but gravitated more towards cats.

But recently I really have started to like dogs. I kinda like the fact that they look to you for food, affection, playtime and all that jazz. Cats deal with you on their terms but a dog usually looks to you for most of it's needs.

I guess maybe I'm at a different point in my life, I don't know. But like I said, recently I've really been considering getting a dog. How should I go about deciding if it's right for me?

It would get spoiled to the depths of Hades and back again. I'd love that thing hardcore, but is that really a good thing? I understand it can't let itself out, but I don't think the exercise would be a bad thing for me.

It's a commitment, that's kinda why I'm brainstorming with all of you. A dog is a good 10-20 year commitment, and I don't want to do one a disservice.

Any thoughts?

[Drunky McBetidont]

get a german shepard puppy. gett it at 20 weeks. let it learn potty stuff from its mom first. if you have the $ i say get a new skeet pup from the monks

[Death Metal Moe]

I forgot to add that I want a medium to large sized dog. I live in an apartment but I have a lot of land to run him/her around. I grew up with poodles mostly and those aren't the kind of dogs I want for myself if i get one.

[biggirl]

I have 2 large dogs, one about 60 lbs - husky type and one that is 110 lbs - lab/golden retriever type. Both of them were pains in the ass from puppy to 2 years. The husky was actually really bad until 4-5 years old.

The husky mix needed a lot of time outdoors, running. He nipped everyone all of the time. I tackled him to the ground most of the time...he actually came to respect me. He listens to me better then he listens to my husband. He is very protective of our kids.

Our lab was/is just a pain in the ass. He is a really good looking dog. For the first 2 years all he did was whine, bark, chew stuff up, dig up our yard, pee on the floor. Took him to training...better after that. Now all he does is lay around and eat, oh he still digs. Very Loyal though!!

Dogs vs. Cats = Dogs take a lot of time to train and need a lot more attention, but the pay off is much better in the long run. (I do like both dogs and cats)

[PapaBear]

If you're lucky, there's a nice dog park around you. They just opened one up here, and Buddy loves it. Even though you have lots of room for a dog to run around, it's great for them to have other dogs to play with.

[Friday]

just remember that dogs take a lot more training and you cannot leave them for a few days as you can with a kitty.

i am lucky, as my cats have always been very dog-like in their attentions... so i am biased and a cat lover through and through.

but i am sure a great mutt would make a happy, loveable companion for you. i suggest your nearest ASPCA or no-kill animal shelter for finding a friend.

[Suspect Chin]

English Bulldog. Kinda expensive and hack at this point, but they are really great dogs. Very low activity level so you can be lazy too. Very loyal and gentle but can wrestle and play fetch with them. Smart too.

[weekapaugjz]

get a german shepard puppy. gett it at 20 weeks. let it learn potty stuff from its mom first. if you have the $ i say get a new skeet pup from the monks

I second the idea of the german shepard. My grandfather had one whe I was a kid and my step father has one now. Great dogs, very playful and energetic and very protective of the owner and the property.

Second recommendation is a golden. I've had three in my life and they are the most loyal dogs I have ever seen.

But I see you with a german shepard over a golden though.

Just make sure you have the time to devote to training it to be your dog. The time and effort put in over the first year or so will be well worth it when the dog grows up and is your companion.

[Dude!]

i love dogs
i love cats

at this point in my career
i have to travel alot
and that is just not fair
to a dog
they are high-maintenance

cats are much easier
and allow you to travel

[razorboy]

If you want a large dog I recommend an Old English Mastiff. I used to have one. Sweetest dogs in the world and they actually do quite well in an apartment.

[Coach]

I know a lot of the dog websites have little quizzes for you to take to help you pick out the dog that's right for you.
Larger dogs tend to get hip problems and don't live as long.
I have always like Golden Retrievers, but my dad's Berniese Mountain dog is pretty cool. Problem is the Breed has cancer and hip issues if not from a good breeder(my dad had to get his flown in from North Dakota).
My cousins love their Sussex Spaniels..they live in Apts in Washington DC. and swear by them.

[nevnut]

I would suggest getting a female Lab. Mine is a little more than a year and a half and she's the most awesome dog I've ever been around. Labs are very eager to please so it makes them easy to train, their only vault, is they need a lot of exercise or they get bored and tear things apart when they are bored, but I think most medium to large dogs are like that.

Belle (my Lab) is a lot of fun to play with and she'll fetch a ball until your arm falls out of it's socket.

[GreatAmericanZero]

www.petfinder.com

i found my dog here and its always better to help out a shelter dog (especially if you don't care about having a purebred animal). You can search for exactly what you want!

[jessicaduh]

i would recommend doing research into what dog breed would fit your lifestyle, needs, preferences, and ability to care for a dog. it's not something i would ever want someone to just jump into...mismatched owners & dogs is a big reason there are so many unwanted animals at shelters...which are then often euthanized.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/

[rgaimari]

www.petfinder.com

i found my dog here and its always better to help out a shelter dog (especially if you don't care about having a purebred animal). You can search for exactly what you want!

Yes. Also, if your friend that just got a dog might be going out of town, volunteer to take care of it. Even ask to borrow it for a week, just to get some practice and experience taking care of the dog.

[Death Metal Moe]

Thanks everyone for your opinions and suggestions. I'm gonna start looking at different breeds to get an idea what kind of dog I want.

I still really need to consider how much time I can give the dog and if it's fair to a dog for me to have it. I don't want to be the guy that ends up getting rid of a dog after I get it. That's fucking lame and a real bummer for the dog.

[Gvac]

Have fun walking it when it's 20 below zero, when it's a blizzard, when it's pouring rain, and when it's 110 and humid outside.

Then have fun picking up his shit and carrying it with you.

Fuck that.

I was a dog guy for many years. Never again.

It's worse than having a kid.

[Death Metal Moe]

Have fun walking it when it's 20 below zero, when it's a blizzard, when it's pouring rain, and when it's 110 and humid outside.

Then have fun picking up his shit and carrying it with you.

Fuck that.

I was a dog guy for many years. Never again.

It's worse than having a kid.

See, I was kinda like this until recently. When my friend's last dog got sick and I had to go and help them bring it to put to sleep, it was one of the worst things in my life. All I could think about when looking at another pet was "The Bad Times." The bad times being when it was being inconvenient to my life. The bad times being when it shit on the floor. The bad times being when it was dying and I had to put it down.

But if you live your life avoiding things because all you can focus on is the bad times down the road you never actually live through the good times.

You never really live at all.

[Gvac]

Just so you know, the "bad times" doing what I described above are 4 times a day.

EVERY FUCKING day.

[GreatAmericanZero]

i adopted a 2 1/2 year old border collie. I don't have a yard but she pees and poos in the same spot everytime so its not a big deal to walk her (and a few minutes of exercise a day is good!). She never chews up my shit, she doesn't shit in the house and she always makes me laugh.

i have a really relaxed lifestyle though..i make my own hours at work and i work about 5min walk from my apartment so i have the perfect lifestyle for a dog. And dogs are beautiful things. if you know that you want a dog to love and your lifestlye allows it, then it will make your life better

[Coach]

Have fun walking it when it's 20 below zero, when it's a blizzard, when it's pouring rain, and when it's 110 and humid outside.

Then have fun picking up his shit and carrying it with you.

Fuck that.

I was a dog guy for many years. Never again.

It's worse than having a kid.
1) Has to be a really bad winter to be -20 in New Jersey and a blizzard.
2) Has to be a really bad summer to be 110 and humid in New Jersey.
3) Rain, meh.
4) If you train them right, they spend about 10-15 minutes going to the bathroom. TOPS! 4 -5 times a day. You spend longer in the john!
5) Dog Parks or Dog friendly walk areas all have garbage cans all over to dispose of shit.

[Death Metal Moe]

Just so you know, the "bad times" doing what I described above are 4 times a day.

EVERY FUCKING day.

Yea, I know. It's a responsibility, that is what I'm mulling over, trying to decide if it's right for me. But again, if you only look at the negatives that accompany different experiences in life you'll never try out anything.

[tanless1]

your full of shit G , get honest. you were heart broken when your buddy passed... thats what you say never again too. need a hug ?
ive had a couple of labs- never whined or chewed. outstanding travelers. martin just passed a few months ago at 15 years. didnt care for chew toys and enjoyed billy graham; so did the bird for that matter. im not a billy grahm guy myself, but when you chanel surfed... they wld take notice of the graham.
martin was a woofer. id have another lab now... had one lined up. 2 year old out in kanab, but a breeder gave the family an airdale.

[GreatAmericanZero]

a lot of dogs are trained where all you have to do is open the door and they'll walk out, do their business and walk back in


i can't do that because i have no gates and a lot of stray cats in my hood

[tanless1]

be careful w/ breed rescue as they arent "rescue centers" any more. they are charging up to $500 for a used dog under 2. $200 for a 5year old and up. yes i understand they need to buy food and suplies,.. blah blah.
im willing to pay up to $150 for a rescue dog, but thas it.
anyways, good luck ....one more thing.
the dog isnt looking to you for food andsuch anymore than your kid is.... the dog is just looking to participater.

[Drunky McBetidont]

a lot of dogs are trained where all you have to do is open the door and they'll walk out, do their business and walk back in


i can't do that because i have no gates and a lot of stray cats in my hood

yes, i have a fenced in back yard and it rules for my dogs. they go from the garage side door into the back. when i am home i leave that door open all the time and they go in an d out as they please. really convenient. we walk our dogs up and down the block in the evening just for exercise and to let em smell all the mailboxes.

we have a black lab abd an akita.

i still say get a shepard:wink:

[GreatAmericanZero]

i really like akitas

i just discovered this dog called a "carlin pinscher", its a mix betwen a miniature pinscher and a pug. Look at them, they are so fucking cool...like mini pitbulls

http://www.luckyladysminpins.com/Index_LuckyLadysCarlins.html

http://www.luckyladysminpins.com/20090430_9.JPG

[tanless1]

so its a terrier ?

[Coach]

1 problem about ANY shepherd..they like to chase and herd. Some cases that means cars.

[NortonsHeiny]

If you are looking for a pure bred dog go to the American Kennel Clubs web page to see what breed would suit your life. Next go to the link for the local breed club. Most breed clubs do pure breed rescue so maybe if you didn't want the commitment of a puppy you could rescue an adult pure breed that has been fostered and trained. Or sometimes breeders have older retired show dogs that they are looking to place. THese dogs are often used to being crated and are trained. You can also attend a dog show and speak with breeders and people who actually live with the breed you might want. I show Bull Terriers as well as do Bull Terrier Rescue. While we are getting more Bullys into the rescue program we are equally matched with people looking to get a pure bred dog for less money.

And by the way I adore Standard Poodles. Very smart dogs.....

[Death Metal Moe]

I grew up with a lot of toy poodles. My aunt had Cystic Fibrosis and she picked poodles to have around because I believe they are hypo-allergenic. Or at least don't shed.

I want a medium sized dog I think. Need one that's good in public and good with other dogs. Not sure if there's specific breeds that fit that or it's more training on my part. Semi-active isn't a problem.

[rick9669]

I'm a dog person I have 2 but they're a pain in the neck .if you like to go on vacation you got to board them. If your at work you can't go out after because you got to let them out if your out at night you got to go home early to let them out.get it... And when they get sick vets are thieves and it can be heart breaking.

[NortonsHeiny]

I want a medium sized dog I think. Need one that's good in public and good with other dogs. Not sure if there's specific breeds that fit that or it's more training on my part. Semi-active isn't a problem.[/QUOTE]

I was speaking of Standard Poodles. They are very smart & you dont have keep them clipped like a show dog. A few other medium sized breeds I like are the Standard Schnauzer, Belgian Malinois & Sheepdogs, and my personal favorites the Terriers of the Terrier Group. Of course the Bull Terrier (medium sized about 50-60 pounds) are the best of the Terriers but I love love love Lakeland, Soft Coated Wheatens, or Welsh Terriers. Any Terrier is busy but so much fun to live with. My Bullies make me laugh every day.

[Death Metal Moe]

I kept doing this test here

Breed Selector Test (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm)

and 2 dogs are always among the list when I slightly change things like shedding and if I think I can master a dominant dog.

Portuguese Water Dog and Standard Poodle. That's funny because I grew up with toy poodles and my aunt has had 2 Water Dogs over the past decades.

Another thing I have to consider is if I actually want to go to a breeder and shell out muchos fuckin' cashola or adopt from a litter/get one from a shelter. I've known plenty of great mutts too.

[NortonsHeiny]

Another thing I have to consider is if I actually want to go to a breeder and shell out muchos fuckin' cashola or adopt from a litter/get one from a shelter. I've known plenty of great mutts too.[/QUOTE]

My mutt Knuckles died this past July just 5 days shy of his 15ths bday. He was the best dog ever. Never needed a leash and was an angel everyday he was alive. I really miss him. My bullys were lost for weeks without him around. I love a mutt. But since getting my Bullys, specially my show dog, I have made a committment to the breed and just love them. My girl is due to be bred this summer & I cant wait for babies. But if the right mutt comes along he/she is welcome to stay......

[Death Metal Moe]

Another thing I have to consider is if I actually want to go to a breeder and shell out muchos fuckin' cashola or adopt from a litter/get one from a shelter. I've known plenty of great mutts too.

My mutt Knuckles died this past July just 5 days shy of his 15ths bday. He was the best dog ever. Never needed a leash and was an angel everyday he was alive. I really miss him. My bullys were lost for weeks without him around. I love a mutt. But since getting my Bullys, specially my show dog, I have made a committment to the breed and just love them. My girl is due to be bred this summer & I cant wait for babies. But if the right mutt comes along he/she is welcome to stay......[/QUOTE]

Yea, I think I'll just decide if I actually want the dog then start to keep my eyes open. My friend's dog was a dog someone needed to get rid of, no idea what it is really and it's the best. Mutts work out too.

[LordJezo]

http://www.mustardsandwich.net/index2.html

[Death Metal Moe]

http://www.mustardsandwich.net/index2.html

That's actually helpful, it gives me an idea of prices on dogs. I have never bought a dog so I had no idea on what to expect.

[tanless1]

I'm a dog person I have 2 but they're a pain in the neck .if you like to go on vacation you got to board them. If your at work you can't go out after because you got to let them out if your out at night you got to go home early to let them out.
dog travels w/ to events, vacations ( most hotels will let your dog stay free or $10) if they charge more your at the wrong hotel. the lab went all across america, rode ski lifts, river swims. fishing.... just happy to be involved.

[FUNKMAN]

i love dogs, but never owned one. i grew up in a 4th floor apartment and pop had allergies and asthma. so all we ever had was a fishbowl with some swordtails in it... BOO HOO, Wo IS ME!!!! lol

after owning my own homes for the past 20 years i still didn't get a dog. main reason? i couldn't deal with peepee and poopie on the rug. not necessaruily the rug but thinking it seeped down into the padding "ewwwwww"...

cats are the meow... but i still love dogs! i'll pet e'm. walk e'm, and make out with them... just don't own e'm

[LordJezo]

That's actually helpful, it gives me an idea of prices on dogs. I have never bought a dog so I had no idea on what to expect.

That place is a joint that specializes in selling dogs that other people have and don't want, like if your dog has a littler but you don't want a dozen puppies running around. Their stuff is always updated and a lot cheaper than direct breeders. My boss knows a couple people who have used them and apparently they are pretty decent at what they do.

Just remember, as others will say or have said, never buy from a pet shop in the mall. For one they are stupidly over priced for rubes and secondly because you have no idea if they are getting their stuff from puppy mills. When we got our yorkie we drove 8 hours to Erie, PA but he cost only $600 and we knew his background and the status of his parents. It was worth it.

If you do get a new young dog just be prepared for the first week. You'll get no sleep, the thing will scream all night, but they will eventually get over it. Crate training is the way to go.

[tanless1]

if shedings a problem you can get a lion cut in the spring and the hair will be back in time for fall. martin loved it... an all over crew cut.