Introduction
1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
Currently I have 2 large dogs and have trained them both in basic obedience, nose work, agility, and have dabbled in other sports.
I'm obsessed with dog training and learning how best to communicate with dogs through understanding their psychology and mental models.
I've also recently started to explore hunting by attending workshops and would like to get more involved in the sport by training up my own gun dog. This is more of a recent evolution in my life so not sure if I'm ready to commit to a full-time gun dog though.
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)?
I prefer a reputable breeder for odds in my favor of getting the size I'd like, compatible temperament, stable emotional and physical health, and sound physical structure. I also enjoy raising puppies (I know, weird).
3) Describe your ideal dog.
20 to 40 pounds; agile, spry, and nimble; gentle and kind; loves to hike, run, and play with my existing 2 dogs; enjoys learning new things; food- and praise-motivated; close to me but not velcro; can hang out with my existing 2 dogs with or without me and be okay (I'm talking about when the pup is older and mature, as a puppy I will not leave it alone with my other dogs of course). Ignores my cats (neutral).
4)What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
Water retriever breeds (obsessed with European water dogs):
Barbet — not sure about being nimble/agile; maybe too stout?
Spanish water dog
Lagotto Romagnolo
Portuguese water dog — not sure if they'd fit the size range I'm after
Standard poodle — I think hard to get in that size range
Miniature poodle — worried too small/fragile not hardy enough
Companion breeds — I know it's not rational to include these but I find this family of breeds fascinating — are they my someday breeds? — these are too small, I don't want to trip over them, definitely not for hunting, and not sure about intelligence in terms of wanting to learn and train every day:
Coton de Tulear
Havanese
Terriers:
Soft-coated wheaten — heard they don't do well in hot, dry climates; and not sure about being agile, nimble to do sports. Also I have cats. But the size is right and I love their coats. Not for hunting.
Sighthound:
Whippet — not sure about desire to do training/learning every day; not sure about cats. They are so elegant and sleek. And I hear they are couch potatoes after a good run?
Sporting/Gun dogs — obviouslly ideal if I pursue hunting more seriously:
Welsh Springer Spaniel — very interested in this breed and in spaniels in general
Brittany (American AKC or French UKC)
English Cocker Spaniel (show/bench)
Herding:
Miniature American Shepherd — size is PERFECT! but worried about tales of reactivity and anxiety. I have zero experience with herding dogs.
5)What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
* Hunting (I'm a novice hunter of upland game — grouse/pheasant); obedience; scent/nose work; general companion activities walking/hiking (I walk my dogs currently minimun 5 miles daily and do longer all-day hikes monthly; camping seasonally).
I work conventional hours but partner is home all day so there will be plenty of downtime while I'm at work.
But when I'm home my attention is on my dogs before and after work and as I said, my partner is home all day to make sure they get attention and potty breaks.
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?
* Yes; I have trained my two current dogs in obedience; foundational agility; scent/nose work and some dabbling in dock diving (not as conventient for us in terms of facilities where I live).
**Care Commitments**
7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
* I spend the early morning hours walking my dogs before work for approximately 5 miles (1.5 hours); and then in the evening we work on various training for obedience and scent work; plus lots of play time in the yard.
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?
* Already answered.
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 already have professional grooming for my dogs and I groom them in between visits.
**Personal Preferences**
10)What size dog are you looking for?
* 20 to 40 pounds
11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
* Light to medium.
12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
* Highly important.
**Dog Personality and Behavior**
13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
* One that prefers personal space — I don't prefer a needy/clingy dog. I can manage it if that's what they end up being, I just don't prefer it.
14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
* I don't know if what I prefer exists: I want a dog that likes to do its own thing AND enjoys learning new things that I teach them.
I want to be able to do training sessions with them and then they go chill/sleep/play with other dogs.
I don't need them following me around all day. (If they end up doing this, I'll adapt, I don't prefer it but it's not the end of the world.)
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'd actually prefer a standoff-ish attitude. Don't need them to like everyone. But don't want them to be menacing or aggressive. Neutral is fine.
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?
* I'd like to avoid reactivity to other dogs or people; I'd like to avoid any dog-on-dog aggression; I'd like to avoid high prey drive for cats.
**Lifestyle**
18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
* Very rarely. Either me or my partner are home 99% of the time. On the occasion we are not, our 2 dogs are at home for company.
19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?
* There is only one other adult in the home, my partner; no children; we have similar preferences but I am the "primary" dog person/lover/enthusiast.
20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
* 2 cats.
21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
* No.
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?
* USA; yes.
24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
* 95-100 degrees F; hot; dry during the day in the summer but always cools off at night. Fall, Winter, Spring quite temperate and lovely. No snow or cold extremes.
**Additional Information and Questions**
25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.
* No additional information.
26) Feel free to ask any questions below.
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