1.) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
*No this will be our 2nd dog that my bf and I have had.
- Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?
*No open to both.
- Describe your ideal dog.
*One that is small to medium in size, smart, hypoallergenic is an important as my partner is allergic to pet dander.
- What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
*Previously we had a chihuahua poodle. She was adorable, and we could go for something similar.
- What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
*To sit, heel, stay the basics. Also to be able to poop in a pot lined with a bag. (I’ve seen it… it can be done.)
- 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, not at all. They are family not a colleague.
Care Commitments
7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
*At the beginning we are taking time off from work to dedicate to training the dog and breaking them in to our home so all day every day for 2 months. Then My partner is off from afternoon and evenings, I am available evenings and weekend.
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?
*Probably about an hr or more a day on average. We live by a lake that’s in walking distance.
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?
*Weekly brushing. I trimmed my last dogs hair every months. We also had a dog salon we would attend sometimes as well.
Personal Preferences
10) What size dog are you looking for? Small to medium in size.
11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
*Not big on all three to be honest. Not too much shedding because my partner is allergic, not too much barking we live in an apartment, and slobbering would just be a bit of a nuisance.
12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
*Not important, if I can help it I wouldn’t let them off leash. Leaves possibility of them running away, or getting into a fight with another pup.
Dog Personality and Behavior
13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
*Prefer snuggly dogs
14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
*Prefer 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?
*I would prefer they bark. It alerts me sometimes if a stranger is near and I may not be aware otherwise.
16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
*Yes, I would take them to social gatherings to ensure they are well socialized around other dogs and other people. But aggression happens and I’m prepared.
17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
*None that can think of. Drooling is a big no.
Lifestyle
18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
*The dog would be left alone for maybe 4 hrs daily, on average after the first 2 months.
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 will both equally be caring for the dog.
20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
*We have a senior tuxedo cat (11 y.o.) so prefer they can also assimilate to other animals that may be a bit territorial.
21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
*I have no kids. My pets are my kids.
22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease? I rent (pittbulls and Rottweilers aren’t allowed) they would be too big for my presence anyway.
23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
*I live in CA, U.S.A.
24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
*The recognized climate in my location is Mediterranean. This is based on the Köppen climate classification.
Additional Information and Questions
25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.
*We prefer a young puppy as far as age goes, physical deformities ok (missing a limb, or eye etc.)
26) Feel free to ask any questions below.
*No further questions.
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