Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Sept 17, 2014 17:16:59 GMT -5
What's the best way to choose the right kind of dog for your family? I wouldn't even know where to begin, there are so many breeds out there.
We're definitely not the "pick a random puppy from the pound" type (at least I'm not). I'd want to decide on a specific breed and get it from a reputable breeder so I knew exactly what we were getting and what to expect.
Frankly, I've never wanted a dog and I don't want one now (getting a cat was a huge gamble for me and I still don't really like cats in general, although I love my particular special alien kitty to death) but Babybird LOVES dogs and DH keeps teasing me that someday she'll bring one home. On the assumption that we will one day have a bigger house with a little bit of land, I MIGHT consider letting her have one.
So, help me choose a hypothetical puppyfriend. How did you choose your dog?
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Sept 17, 2014 17:20:13 GMT -5
Labs are wonderful family dogs.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Sept 17, 2014 17:22:04 GMT -5
They're kind of big, aren't they?
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t-dog
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Post by t-dog on Sept 17, 2014 17:22:22 GMT -5
I got the most adorable dog at the shelter. All 5.2 lbs of him (fully grown). In your area you might consider signing up with Guide Dogs of Marin - they adopt out the trained dogs who fail their exacting standards to be assistance dogs. They have a long wait list so get your name on the list if you are even considering a pooch.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Sept 17, 2014 17:24:53 GMT -5
How did you choose your dog?
I had wanted a dog for as long as DH and I were married . He didn't want one. Finally, one anniversary, he gave me a book "How to Choose the Perfect Dog".
It discussed breeds, advantages and disadvantages of mutts. Etc...
We decided we wanted a purebreed because at least then we'd know what to expect in terms of size and appearance. And we went through the steps of finding a reputable breeder.
I had had a lab many years ago and he was a terriffic dog; great with kids but I always thought Golden Retrievers were so beautiful. We agreed that we did not want a small yappy dog. DH was fine with a Golden Retriever and we've had our Maggie for over 13 years now.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Sept 17, 2014 17:24:57 GMT -5
They're kind of big, aren't they? Yes. I prefer big dogs, especially with kids. They don't seem to be as skittish and a kid I'd less likely to accidentally hurt a big dog.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 17:26:18 GMT -5
getting a dog from a breeder in no way guarantees that you know what you're getting and what to expect. a mutt from a shelter or a rescue is a much better choice. you can do some research and decide which breeds you would like to be a part of your mutt (golden, lab, etc.).
growing up all of our dogs were chosen from the pound and they were the best dogs ever.
Adopt don't shop.
Let the flames begin.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Sept 17, 2014 17:26:24 GMT -5
I got the most adorable dog at the shelter. All 5.2 lbs of him (fully grown). In your area you might consider signing up with Guide Dogs of Marin - they adopt out the trained dogs who fail their exacting standards to be assistance dogs. They have a long wait list so get your name on the list if you are even considering a pooch. My son has a full size poodle that was a guide dog for the hearing impared. His human died and he needed to be rehomed. He is a wonderful companion to my son.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Sept 17, 2014 17:26:48 GMT -5
they adopt out the trained dogs who fail their exacting standards to be assistance dogs.Is that what "t-dog" means? I've always wondered that
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Sept 17, 2014 17:29:15 GMT -5
I've seen some online quizzes on which dog would be right for your family, Firebird. You might try Google to find some.
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lynnerself
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Post by lynnerself on Sept 17, 2014 17:29:46 GMT -5
So, help me choose a hypothetical puppyfriend. How did you choose your dog?
First we did the research. On line and in books to see what kind of dogs were good with kids and decide how big we wanted. We tried to adopt a dog from the shelter, but they were all much bigger than we wanted. We ended up getting a Beagle from an ad in the paper. After researching the seller. The seller gladly gave us references. Then we picked out the mellowest pup in the litter. He has been a good dog (now 16). He has been great with kids. He does have all the beagle issues. He barks and will eat anything. However, he doesn't wander as some do.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Sept 17, 2014 17:30:24 GMT -5
getting a dog from a breeder in no way guarantees that you know what you're getting and what to expect. a mutt from a shelter or a rescue is a much better choice. you can do some research and decide which breeds you would like to be a part of your mutt (golden, lab, etc.). growing up all of our dogs were chosen from the pound and they were the best dogs ever. Adopt don't shop. Let the flames begin. I've gotten purebreds from the pound or given to me. I've never paid for a pet.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Sept 17, 2014 17:30:29 GMT -5
I had wanted a dog for as long as DH and I were married . He didn't want one. Finally, one anniversary, he gave me a book "How to Choose the Perfect Dog".
That's what I need. If we decide this is going to happen, I'll read that book.
Adopt don't shop. Let the flames begin.
Actually *I'm* expecting flames for saying that I want a purebred. But I do. That's just how I am - it was the same way with our cat. I wanted a particular (fairly rare) breed and nothing else. We paid a lot of money for her when we could have gotten a shelter cat for free, and I fully accepted that. No regrets about our choice then or now - she's the perfect cat for us.
The difference here is that I don't know what kind of breed I want, but once we decide what kind of dog is best for our family, I'll want that specific breed and no other.
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Abby Normal
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Post by Abby Normal on Sept 17, 2014 17:31:43 GMT -5
Decide with your brain not your heart. Don't go to the humane society unless you plan on coming home with a dog. Check them out online so you don't get sucked in by the pound puppy eyes. Do some research on breeds. I don't know how accurate this is, but it's a little survey on your lifestyle to help you figure out what breed works. I think I look to it for more of a category of dog (working, sporting, toy), rather than a specific breed. Then look closer at the breeds withing that category. dog breed selector
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Sept 17, 2014 17:31:57 GMT -5
Newfoundland. Huge, lazy, and friendly. Be prepared to get wet. They drool.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Sept 17, 2014 17:32:56 GMT -5
getting a dog from a breeder in no way guarantees that you know what you're getting and what to expect. a mutt from a shelter or a rescue is a much better choice. you can do some research and decide which breeds you would like to be a part of your mutt (golden, lab, etc.). growing up all of our dogs were chosen from the pound and they were the best dogs ever. Adopt don't shop. Let the flames begin. getting a dog from a breeder in no way guarantees that you know what you're getting and what to expect.
It certainly gives you an idea of the grow size and characteristics of the breed. A good breeder will have the health histories of the parents, grandparents, great grandparents. A good breeder breeds for personality traits as well as appearance a mutt from a shelter or a rescue is a much better choice.A mutt CAN be a better choice. But not necessarily I had one of each: a puppy from a breeder and a rescue from the humane society. They each had their strengths and weaknesses. The rescue had not been properly socialized to other dogs and he was often aggressive. It was an issue, but by the time we discovered it, we had bonded with him, so we dealt with it. There are many ways to find a great dog. Since one of ours died and we don't want to raise a puppy, we are considering a Golden Retriever rescue. But not right away. No flames - just disagreeing that getting a dog from a shelter is always the best choice
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 17:33:08 GMT -5
I had wanted a dog for as long as DH and I were married . He didn't want one. Finally, one anniversary, he gave me a book "How to Choose the Perfect Dog".
That's what I need. If we decide this is going to happen, I'll read that book. Adopt don't shop. Let the flames begin.
Actually *I'm* expecting flames for saying that I want a purebred. But I do. That's just how I am - it was the same way with our cat. I wanted a particular (fairly rare) breed and nothing else. The difference here is that I don't know what kind of breed I want, but once we decide what kind of dog is best for our family, I'll want that specific breed and no other. and what happens when you get this dog from a breeder and it turns out to not have the traits and temperment that you were 'promised' yet comes with the bad qualities of the breed? why do you think you can't get a mutt that will be a perfect fit for your family?
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Sept 17, 2014 17:33:16 GMT -5
Newfoundland. Huge, lazy, and friendly. Be prepared to get wet. They drool. Those dogs are crazy cute. I used to see them a lot in NYC and wonder how people managed to keep dogs that size in their miniscule apartments but they were freaking adorable.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Sept 17, 2014 17:35:06 GMT -5
Just to add: With the breeder the person who put their deposit down got first pick, then the next, etc. That seemed fair. but I had no way to pick a puppy. They were ALL adorable.
I asked the breeder to select one for us - preferably not an alpha.
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Abby Normal
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Post by Abby Normal on Sept 17, 2014 17:36:27 GMT -5
Actually *I'm* expecting flames for saying that I want a purebred. But I do. That's just how I am - it was the same way with our cat. I wanted a particular (fairly rare) breed and nothing else. We paid a lot of money for her when we could have gotten a shelter cat for free, and I fully accepted that. No regrets about our choice then or now - she's the perfect cat for us. The difference here is that I don't know what kind of breed I want, but once we decide what kind of dog is best for our family, I'll want that specific breed and no other. Just because you want a purebred, doesn't mean you can't do a rescue if you wanted. Many of the breed groups have rescue programs. But no flames from me if you choose to go get a pup from a breeder. Again, once you choose a breed, contact some of the breed groups to help find a reputable breeder. I don't recommend buying out of the paper or craiglist.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Sept 17, 2014 17:37:02 GMT -5
and what happens when you get this dog from a breeder and it turns out to not have the traits and temperment that you were 'promised' yet comes with the bad qualities of the breed? A good breeder will have you sign a contract that returns the dog to him/her if you decide not to keep it. For ANY reason. I would not buy a dog from a breeder that did not have that clause. It is one way to distinguish a responsible breeder.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Sept 17, 2014 17:37:36 GMT -5
and what happens when you get this dog from a breeder and it turns out to not have the traits and temperment that you were 'promised' yet comes with the bad qualities of the breed?
If it's a good, reputable breeder and we've done our research, we should have pretty realistic expectations.
Our cat is a hairless Sphynx. We did a ton of research beforehand and were very aware of the specific health issues she might encounter, the personality of the breed, and the risks. We talked extensively about what we wanted with the breeder we chose before we got our cat, and he helped us pick from the litter based on those conversations.
It worked out perfectly. Like I said, our kitty is perfect for us. She's exactly what I wanted and expected.
why do you think you can't get a mutt that will be a perfect fit for your family?
It's totally possible, that's just not what I want.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Sept 17, 2014 17:38:21 GMT -5
Firebird, First decide what kind of dog you want. Then decide whether to get a puppy or grown dog. I'll tell you that a puppy is a ton of work if you want a well behaved dog. They have a lot of energy that needs to be directed.
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haapai
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Post by haapai on Sept 17, 2014 17:38:47 GMT -5
Actually *I'm* expecting flames for saying that I want a purebred. But I do. That's just how I am - it was the same way with our cat. I wanted a particular (fairly rare) breed and nothing else. I won't flame you but I suspect that the universe might send a small mixed-breed puppy toward your daughter.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 17:39:09 GMT -5
getting a dog from a breeder in no way guarantees that you know what you're getting and what to expect. a mutt from a shelter or a rescue is a much better choice. you can do some research and decide which breeds you would like to be a part of your mutt (golden, lab, etc.). growing up all of our dogs were chosen from the pound and they were the best dogs ever. Adopt don't shop. Let the flames begin. getting a dog from a breeder in no way guarantees that you know what you're getting and what to expect.
It certainly gives you an idea of the grow size and characteristics of the breed. A good breeder will have the health histories of the parents, grandparents, great grandparents. A good breeder breeds for personality traits as well as appearance a mutt from a shelter or a rescue is a much better choice.A mutt CAN be a better choice. But not necessarily I had one of each: a puppy from a breeder and a rescue from the humane society. They each had their strengths and weaknesses. The rescue had not been properly socialized to other dogs and he was often aggressive. It was an issue, but by the time we discovered it, we had bonded with him, so we dealt with it. There are many ways to find a great dog. Since one of ours died and we don't want to raise a puppy, we are considering a Golden Retriever rescue. But not right away. No flames - just disagreeing that getting a dog from a shelter is always the best choice it's not all that difficult to guesstimate the size of a dog from a rescue since they have a pretty good idea of what the mix is. an adoption from the humane society is not the same as adopting from a rescue. A rescue will make sure that the dog is socialized and fits in with your family, the humane society just does an adoption. and sorry, but I will never agree that a dog from a breeder is a better choice unless it is for a guide dog, drug sniffing dog, search and rescue, etc. although they are perfecting gene testing or something or other so they can identify dogs in shelters/rescues that would be likely to possess those traits so they can be rescued and trained for those specific jobs.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Sept 17, 2014 17:39:34 GMT -5
I won't flame you but I suspect that the universe might send a small mixed-breed puppy toward your daughter. I'll drive off that bridge when I come to it (as my mom is fond of saying).
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Sept 17, 2014 17:41:15 GMT -5
sorry, but I will never agree that a dog from a breeder is a better choice
I didn't say it was a better choice. I took issue with your assertion that adopting is always the best choice.
As I said, I had one of each. I loved them both equally and am still mourning the loss of the one we adopted.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Sept 17, 2014 17:42:21 GMT -5
I will never agree that a dog from a breeder is a better choice unless it is for a guide dog, drug sniffing dog, search and rescue, etc.
I like the idea of dogs that make themselves useful (Tessercat has proven woefully inadequate in this department, she can't even catch an errant fly).
If I was a hunter, this would be easy. I'd totally just get a hunting dog.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 17:42:46 GMT -5
and what happens when you get this dog from a breeder and it turns out to not have the traits and temperment that you were 'promised' yet comes with the bad qualities of the breed? A good breeder will have you sign a contract that returns the dog to him/her if you decide not to keep it. For ANY reason. I would not buy a dog from a breeder that did not have that clause. It is one way to distinguish a responsible breeder. I have an entire list of criteria that would make me possibly think a breeder was reputable but most people don't research those things - they buy a puppy from a pet store. a breeder will also require home checks, vet references, personal references, spaying/neutering, will not adopt before 10 weeks, will make you bring the whole family, including other pets, for a meet and greet, and will have had vet visits and age appropriate shots done. I'm thinking those breeders are few and far between. as another poster said, shelters and rescues have purebreds also. up to 25% of animals in shelters are purebred - dumped by breeders when they are defective or can no longer have litters.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 17:43:30 GMT -5
sorry, but I will never agree that a dog from a breeder is a better choice
I didn't say it was a better choice. I took issue with your assertion that adopting is always the best choice. As I said, I had one of each. I loved them both equally and am still mourning the loss of the one we adopted. yes, I believe adopting is ALWAYS the better choice except the few cases I cited.
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