Hello! I am looking for help selecting a dog. I live a pretty active lifestyle and LOVE big dogs. I was recently looking into getting a GSD but I’m not sure that it would be the best fit.
1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
* It would be my first dog alone with my wife, however growing up we both always had dogs.
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 would prefer to get it through a breeder, however we aren’t terribly opposed to adopting. We do prefer a puppy if possible.
3) Describe your ideal dog.
* Ideally I would want a large dog that can be active and go on adventures with me, yet can also chill at home.
4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
* I was looking into GSD, I’ve wanted one for as long as I can remember. I was also looking into Dobermans and GSP. I am concerned about the huge energy level and requirement for GSP and so probably wouldn’t get one. I really like very pretty dogs, if that makes any sense.
5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
* The number one thing would be a good recall. Besides that they would need to be kennel trained and ideally not reactive. I would very much prefer a very obedient dog, but I understand that that will take a lot of effort and energy from my part.
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?
* I do bird hunt, so I have looked into retrievers/setters/pointers, but it isn’t a requirement to me. I don’t think I would have them in any sports. I have also not used a dog to hunt in the past, so everything would be new to me.
**Care Commitments**
7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
* At least an hour to exercise, plus extra training/miscellaneous time. Probably about 2-3 hours total every day.
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 at least an hour to exercise if not more. I would very much prefer a socialized dog, so I would plan to bring them to dog parks if/when possible.
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 would very much prefer a dog that didn’t require grooming. I don’t like poodle mixes at all, but don’t mind standard poodles. I am willing to brush, trim hair, clean ears, etc. And if I got a dog that needed grooming I would probably learn to do it myself.
**Personal Preferences**
10) What size dog are you looking for?
* Large
11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
* I can deal with shedding, I would prefer limited barking and slobber though they aren’t dealbreakers.
12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
* I would love to be able to do that, which is why a good recall is important to me.
**Dog Personality and Behavior**
13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
* I love snuggly dogs
14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
* A little of both, I don’t necessarily think that I want a dog that’s always independent, but I also don’t want a dog that’s constantly only trying 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 is expected when strangers are on the property/knocking. I don’t want the dog just attacking people Willy nilly though
16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
* I have in the past, and hated it. So no
17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
* Jumping, crazy high energy
**Lifestyle**
18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
* No more than 4 hours ideally, but work schedules are flexible so it could be more or less.
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 are the same for basically all of these
20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
* We have two cats
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?
* We rent, large dogs are allowed
23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
* We live in San Diego County, I’m not aware of any breeds that are outlawed
24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
* Summer can get up to 90, winters stay at around 60-70
**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.
submitted by /u/EntranceTasty
[link] [comments]