1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
No, I grew up with dogs. I understand the responsibility of time/exercise, and have low experience with training but have seen training and understand the basics.
2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a [reputable breeder]( http://ownresponsibly.blogspot.com/2011/07/identifying-reputable-breeder.html)?
Reputable breeder, I’m looking for a puppy. Not opposed to adopting a puppy.
3) Describe your ideal dog.
Great at alerting. Loyal, friendly, independent but also cuddly at times.
4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
Eurasier, just discovered from the AKC quiz. Collie, vocality and highly trainable. Pitbull/pit mixes, my family dogs, snuggle bugs who are very smart.
5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
Bark when unwelcomed guests come. Basic commands, car rides, hiking.
6) Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?
No
**Care Commitments**
7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
45-120 minutes, I understand it will be more or broken up differently throughout the day from being a puppy to older
8) How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?
60-120 minutes. Dog park, hikes, playing in yard.
9) How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?
I can brush daily, I am open to other grooming if I learn how and the dog is comfortable, otherwise I am willing to pay a professional.
**Personal Preferences**
10) What size dog are you looking for?
Medium-very large.
11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
I prefer light to moderate shedding and slobber, barking isn’t a downside.
12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
Important.
**Dog Personality and Behavior**
13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
In the middle.
14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
Eager to please.
15) How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?
Barking, and then polite.
16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
No
17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
Aggressiveness towards other dogs
**Lifestyle**
18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
For a couple hours intermittently throughout the day. My partner and I both have schedules where neither of us are gone for more than 4 hours at a time typically.
19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?
My partner and I share dog preferences and will have equal involvement.
20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
I plan to get a kitten.
21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
Yes
22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?
No
23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
Minneapolis, and no.
24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
Highs up to 100, usually in the 70/80s in summer. Lows into the -30s, usually around 10 degrees in the winter.
**Additional Information and Questions**
25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.
Hello! I’m researching for getting a puppy in the next few months. I want a dog that will bark if anyone comes to my house at night/a time they shouldn’t, and is intimidating. (I’ll also have a security system etc for home safety, so it’s not all I’m relying on. Sometimes my house attracts sketchy visitors due to previous tenants).
In the next few years my partner and I plan on having a child, so it’s important to me it’s a dog that will be safe with children. We also host frequently and have friends with children, so that’s important in the short term. I’d like to get a cat also, and was planning to do that this summer, but a dog seems more important right now from the lens of home security. If any breeds are safer for cats, or anyone has personal experience on what the best time to introduce a kitten to a puppy/dog is, or how to do introductions safely, that’s very appreciated.
I feel like it’s important to mention I’m comfortable with dogs, I grew up with them, but I also have some nervousness around them due to seeing my family dogs get in occasional fights with other dogs (no severe injuries ever). My boyfriend and I both have lots of time to put into training, and I’m open to working with a trainer also.
If anyone can tell me from personal experience what breeds of dogs they recommend, it’d be very appreciated. As far as family dogs I’ve had chihuahuas, a lab/pit mix, and a pit/heeler mix. Thank you!
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