Dog shopping

• Dog shopping Chris Posted : 6/11/2006 5:28:00 PM Hi, thanks for taking a second to read this...   I'm a 33 yr old single father living in a city.  I have a 2 bedroom condo and my son is wanting me to purchase a dog.  I have had a dog my whole life and wouldn't mind having one, but I have no idea what breed to get.  I had toy poodles to rotts ~ but the difficulties I am facing is what dog do I get now - where do I start with the decision making?  Small dogs are fine but wouldn't want to make the wrong statement walking down the street...  and would love to own a bullmastiff but I'm not sure if city life would be for him.  I do plan on taking the dog everywhere I go - walks, car rides, parks, camping etc...  can you help me out any?     LIKE 9 REPLIES 149 VIEWS LAST POST XEBBY Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Xebby Posted : 6/11/2006 5:32:10 PM I would say start at a shelter, go in visit the dogs, get to know the different breeds. She which one just feels right for your lifestlye. Look into foster programs, they can help match a dog to you and alreday know the dog behavore because someone already took it into their home for a while. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Chris Posted : 6/11/2006 5:34:32 PM yeah, good idea...   However, what breed (if you know) does better in condo/city living?  0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• mrv Posted : 6/11/2006 5:35:03 PM I would go to the website K9 country.  They have a breed selector link that is based on an excellent book Your Purebred Puppy.  I would suggest an older dog rather than a puppy so the housetraining and really intense monitoring is reduced some what.  You can always try humane societies and other organizations that foster dogs.  These animals are often a known entity since they have been evaluated and in some cases basic training may have occurred.  I strongly suggest you consider looking for a "jail" dog program near your home.  If one is available, the dogs that come out of those programs are usually wonderful  Well socialized, well trained.  Breed rescues can some times be an option as well.  The easiest way to find the contacts is through the national breed club.  0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Chris Posted : 6/11/2006 5:36:32 PM Thanks mrv- great idea....  0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Xebby Posted : 6/11/2006 6:01:37 PM I adopted Georga through a foster program. I really had no idea what breed I wanted but I wanted a dog. I called them explained my lefestyle and they told me what breeds they had and what their behavors where and from there I choose what dog I wanted. Everything worked out great, Georgia was already great with other dogs and people, housetrained, spayed, vaccinated and microchiped! Her fee was only $50. She was an older dog so I had no surprises when I adopted her and they gave me a 4 week trial period where if for any reason she was not the right dog for me I could take her back and try agean. Thats why I suggest talking to a foster program neer you. I could suggest a breed but unless you meet the dog in person you will have no idea if that's what's right. I like hearding dogs but thats just a personal openion. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• loveukaykay Posted : 6/11/2006 6:16:31 PM I think you should go to the shelter and find one that you have a connection with... breed aside, I think a good relationship is more important than anything.  Mutt s are perfect dogs and the breeds mixed in are never too too prominent.  I think most dogs are pretty good at adjusting to your lifestyle and will be fine with you. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Debbie R Posted : 6/11/2006 6:27:19 PM Hi Chris Welcome First how old is your son, that would make the big difference as to small med or large dog. And if your son is old enough nothing makes a statement about how self assured a man is than a little dog, trust me  on that one lol. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• jeano Posted : 6/11/2006 7:28:06 PM I have to second the adoption of an adult dog from a breed rescue, local rescue or shelter. Not having to go through the whole puppy housetraining routine would make things that much easier. I wouldn't think a herding dog would be a good choice for a condo, they are busy busy busy and need lots of room and a job to do. A golden retriever might work out really well, and your basic mutt is often the best choice. Yes, the age of your son is very important. I think younger than five, well, it depends on the kid but small children can be harder to train than the dog! I'm saying this with the safety of both kid and dog in mind. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Xebby Posted : 6/11/2006 7:59:11 PM Opps, I guess I should have said hearding dogs are my favorat in my openion but they are not for everyone. Maybe something like a springer spanal or nice midsized dog like that is what your looking for. But seriosly you have to meet the dog first to know if it's for you. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login