Introduction
Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
This will be our first dog as a family. My wife had a golden retriever as a child.
- Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?
Rescue/shelter dogs
- Describe your ideal dog.
Playful but cuddly. We have a very busy house with FIVE kids (aged 14 to 3), so a dog that does not bark a lot is preferred. We'd prefer soft, not coarse, hair.
- What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
We're really open to anything.
- What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
We're not looking for a dog to do "tricks". Following basic commands should be enough.
- 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?
Nope.
Care Commitments
7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
A couple of hours. Our kids will be excited to have a dog to play with, so it shouldn't be starved for attention.
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?
30-45 minutes on weekdays, 90+ on weekends. We plan to take it for walks and dog parks. There's a park with a large field nearby that will be fun once we can let it off leash.
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'd prefer to minimize grooming, but will do what's necessary to take care of the dog.
Personal Preferences
10) What size dog are you looking for?
Small to large. Don't want one so small we might step on it, nor so large our 5 year-old will try to ride it.
11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
Shedding: a normal amount. Not a heavy amount.
Barking: minimal. We have a loud house.
Slobber: minimal.
12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
Fairly important for playing and letting outside for the bathroom.
Dog Personality and Behaviour
13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
A snuggly dog. This animal will get a lot of love.
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?
Alert and observing but not barking and going crazy.
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?
Excessive barking. We have enough noise.
Lifestyle
18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
During the school year, at least a few hours each day while transporting children to and from school and activities. It's possible to minimize that if bringing the car along or if I'm working remotely.
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 wife and I have the same preferences.
20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
This will be our only pet.
21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
Yes. We have five children.
22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?
We own our property
23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
We live in North Carolina and there are no such laws where we live.
24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
We live in a humid subtropical climate. The mean daily high summer temperature is 91 degrees F/33 degrees C.
Winters are fairly mild with a mean daily low of 32 degrees F/0 degrees C.
Additional Information and Questions
25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.
We aren't nervous about being first-time dog owners. Our family can be a bit chaotic at times (again, we have FIVE kids).
26) Feel free to ask any questions below.
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