Introduction
1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
- yes, I grew up with bichon siblings but that’s all.
2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?
- Theoretically no preference. But I’m guessing the breeds that I want are few and far between at shelters.
3) Describe your ideal dog.
- A sweet, patient, family dog who wants to be part of the action and loves kids. A lapdog who goes on a walk and romps around then collapses on the couch to cuddle.
4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
- We had the best bichons growing up and being non-shedding was ideal. They are smart and a good size but not super high energy apart from daily zoomies. I have heard that havanese are also low shedding and the size we are looking for. Small (under 20 lbs), non-shedding and not super active are the goals. No working dogs!
5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
- basic commands are likely enough, would be fun to train a trainable dog!
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?
Care Commitments
7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
- Multiple daily walks are expected, some ball fetching and cuddling otherwise
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?
- We have time each day to walk as long as the day can handle it; some days 35 min in the morning, some shorter if we are busy. Evening walks maybe 20-30 min depending on the weather.
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?
- We can do maintenance like brushing and would either take to a groomer or learn basic grooming for touch ups.
Personal Preferences
10) What size dog are you looking for?
- Under 10-20lbs, no more than 30lbs
11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
- minimal to no shedding and slobber. Barking – eh, with small dogs I feel like some of that is inevitable. We would train them as much as possible to not go crazy.
12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
Dog Personality and Behavior
13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
- eager to please as it’s also a dog for the kids to enjoy
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 love to train them to go to their place and not go wild at the door.
16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
- somewhat? I’d prefer not to but could learn tactics if needed
17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
- bathrooming in the house would be tough. And aggression towards kids.
Lifestyle
18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
- I’m in and out all day, but mostly home, so just a few hours at a time most days.
19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?
- The kids would be so happy, and my husband is coming around to realize it’s time!
20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?
23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
- Bay Area California, no restrictions
24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
- Summer is 90s, winter is 50s
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.