Buying a Dog

[Vandalhart]

Actually I heard of a hotline I can call that allows one to report these things anonymously. I may do that.

I'm trying to think of some of the things we went through when we got our puppy. Truthfully I had the decision on the breed already made up because it's basically the family breed. We've all had them.

[*Shinzon*]

The majority of people have absolutely no idea what they are doing. Going and breeding your dog is no easy task and you have to prepare for it and know exactly what you are getting into. Shinzon between this and the post about how fixing your dog will make them lazy you have lost all credibility and no one should listen to your posts. Seriously you know nothing about dogs.

I feel sorry for any pets you do have.

I thought I made it pretty clear that most people don't know what they are doing, and for those people it's probably the best idea to get your dog fixed. I was talking about what my personal experience was with our animal. I'm not really going to argue about. There are plenty of people out there who will tell you that fixed dogs do have some temperamental changes as they get older when compared to dogs that are not fixed. You even alluded to that by mentioning the weight gain in one of your posts. They absolutely undergo physical and temperamental changes. Saying they don't undergo any changes is not always correct.

[Linliel]

I thought I made it pretty clear that most people don't know what they are doing, and for those people it's probably the best idea to get your dog fixed. I was talking about what my personal experience was with our animal. I'm not really going to argue about. There are plenty of people out there who will tell you that fixed dogs do have some temperamental changes as they get older when compared to dogs that are not fixed. You even alluded to that by mentioning the weight gain in one of your posts. They absolutely undergo physical and temperamental changes. Saying they don't undergo any changes is not always correct.

The thing is, even if there *are* changes, they're not necessarily *negative* changes to temperament. I'd claim positive changes to territorial nature and aggressiveness are actually pretty good, but I don't want a guard dog. Weight gain is a bit dodgy to claim, since it relies a lot on how you exercise/feed your dog, and age also affects weight gain as well.

imo the whole "it changes temperament" shit is a bunch of bs by people who are just lazy/don't want to cough up the cash to do what's best for their dog.

[Vandalhart]

Dawwwwww.

http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/s...ady/Lady36.jpg
http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/s...y/DSC00367.jpg

[Chun Liroy]

DON'T BREED HER GOD PLEASE SERIOUSLY.



If you want puppies, go to a shelter and adopt some. Please don't turn into a backyard breeder. Worst idea ever.

Well I didn't plan on becoming a backyard breeder lol, it would only be once and with the breeder with whom we got the dog from, we would take one and she would have the rest... or is that what you mean is bad? Obviously I know about adoption, I volunteered at one for a few months last year and fell in love with a few dogs, but I digress. I'm going to sound horrible but I think it's more of having one of her puppies rather than just having a puppy.

[*Shinzon*]

The thing is, even if there *are* changes, they're not necessarily *negative* changes to temperament. I'd claim positive changes to territorial nature and aggressiveness are actually pretty good, but I don't want a guard dog. Weight gain is a bit dodgy to claim, since it relies a lot on how you exercise/feed your dog, and age also affects weight gain as well.

imo the whole "it changes temperament" shit is a bunch of bs by people who are just lazy/don't want to cough up the cash to do what's best for their dog.

I won't argue with that last part because it's probably true more times than I care to know about. A "negative" change is subjective to the owner, and you know what it's something that an owner needs to consider based on their needs and what is best for their animal. People don't need me or anyone else to tell them that. A phone call to a good vet will yield all the same information. You don't need to own a pet to talk to a vet before making a decision. Calling a vet before you purchase a dog will help you prepare for everything you need to know on top of the tons of literature that's out there already.

[zoobernut]

I thought I made it pretty clear that most people don't know what they are doing, and for those people it's probably the best idea to get your dog fixed. I was talking about what my personal experience was with our animal. I'm not really going to argue about. There are plenty of people out there who will tell you that fixed dogs do have some temperamental changes as they get older when compared to dogs that are not fixed. You even alluded to that by mentioning the weight gain in one of your posts. They absolutely undergo physical and temperamental changes. Saying they don't undergo any changes is not always correct.

You are saying horribly misinformed stuff that only applies to a small portion of people and those people already know the information they need and know who they are, you are posting in a thread started by someone who wants a pet and doesn't know much about dogs. Stop posting for the minute small group of people who specifically want to become dog breeders and have the acres of space to do it. Yes breeding dogs takes acres of space if you want to do it correctly and not be a fucking puppy mill.

There are NO NEGATIVE effects of getting your dogs fixed. There are MANY NEGATIVE effects of NOT getting your dog fixed. You should only not fix your dog if you specifically need for it to be not fixed.

Ok stop. Read that last piece of text again. Let it sink in and then you will realize why your post was bad advice in a thread aimed towards someone who just wants a pet and is just looking for basic information.

[Sonomaa]

http://sonomaa.com/dogs/IMG00236.jpg

Louie: aka Lou, L
Alpha dog lab mixed with fun. Always wagging always happy. Our second lab, our first, Buddy, had to be put down after his back legs became lame and he started to show signs that he was in great pain. Dog loves everyone, except bad people, hates them. Adores my niece more than life itself, is a little rough with playtime with myself, my brother, and my dad, but will usually calm down after a stern tone to stop. Is fat at the moment, needs more exercise, doesnt seem to like TN that much. Adopted us, as we were previous lab owners and had been without one for a few months. Was a street dog.


http://sonomaa.com/dogs/IMG00239.jpg

Annabelle, aka AB, fatty, the fat chick, and naptime.
Only female of the group, naps between naps, recently started barking at food time, very annoying. Will pester you every five minutes to check outside to see if the sun is out if its been raining. Loves to sunbathe and eat, then nap more. Is a good dog, just annoying. Bassett hound fat and in bassett hound shape. Gift for my dad.


http://sonomaa.com/dogs/IMG00237.jpg

Rusty: Aka Rusty Venture, Rustopher, little bit, whats his name

Our dachshund mix with insane inside him. Good energy and good shape, lap dog for my mom, a bit protective of places, has some bad habits but is otherwise a good dog. Stays in my room with louie at night to protect my computers. Likes chasing ball and carrying around whatever to the others like best at the moment. Adopted from a no kill shelter.


http://sonomaa.com/dogs/IMG00238.jpg

Willy: aka William, Will, stupid, rookie, little bit

New dachshund, was a rescue from a bad bad home, had been beaten daily with a shovel and kept in a box. Was scared of men for a few weeks until he sat on my lap while I was writing because he was scared and my mom was out. Learned that typing is fun at that point and became very friendly again. Still a mommys boy and the other lap dog. Naps during the day so he can wake up and be insane at night (come 9pm its chase time).



edit: I know this isnt the post your dog thread, but fuck it.

[isladar]

The d'aww is strong in this one.

[Linliel]

Sigh, I miss my dog

I've always wanted to get a little dachshund, partly because they are hilarious to look at, and partly because they seem really sweet and fun. :D

My sister has 2 Cavalier King Charles spaniels and they're gorgeous, though she spoils them way too much.

[Linliel]

You don't need to own a pet to talk to a vet before making a decision. Calling a vet before you purchase a dog will help you prepare for everything you need to know on top of the tons of literature that's out there already.

Finally, you start talking sense!

[Amelya]

http://www.akc.org/index.cfm

The AKC site is a good starting point. They have profiles of all the dog breeds along with lists of breeders by state who are AKC members.

Any reputable breeder will require you to sign a spay/neuter contract with a pet quality puppy. It's not going to negatively affect their temperment unless you consider marking, humping, bleeding, and sticking their ass to the fence for the neighbor dog desirable qualities.

I personally have a corgi, but if your wife wants a dog that doesn't shed much I wouldn't recommend them as they shed a ton. Maybe a Boston Terrier? As far as costs go, it really depends on you. I spoil the shit out of my dog so I spend way more than $200/year on him. There's flea/heartworm meds, occasional vet visits, food, treats, chewies, toys, crates, leashes/collars, grooming, training classes etc.

And seriously if you buy a show quality dog just to "make a lot of money" in the stud business, you pretty much suck.

[RPGTyrant]

I have to weigh in on the fixing issue as well. I got my 11 month old Papillon fixed at the beginning of april, and as previous posters have said, I noticed no change in his overall energy level. After his recovery period (very short, was back up and going in 2 days) he was ready to go on a long walk after work and be chased around the house for upwards of 35 minutes with only 10 second water breaks to catch his breath.

I noticed two true behavioral changes, both were positive. Firstly he no longer humps all of my friends nor his favorite stuffed moose toy (bigger than him, it was hilarious). Secondly, he was nervous on car rides for the entire 6 months I had him prior to the surgery. So nervous in fact that he would shake uncontrollably and about 25% of rides would vomit 2 to 3 times. The car ride after the recovery from surgery saw no anxiety, he just smelled the air and let the breeze blow his hair around.

I would recommend the Papillon to you, except that they do shed quite a bit. Beside that he is very good with my 2 year old nephews, has a lot of energy, can curl up and be a great lap dog, and seems like he's topping out at 8 pounds. I did buy him from a home breeder whom I found through an online puppy website. Not saying it was the correct route, but it was very tough to find his breed at a shelter, the guy had all the paperwork and shots with the dog, which I had made sure of prior to my purchase. Veterinarian confirmed that the dog has perfect health at this point.

[Dantrag]

Few things:

1) If you go pure bred, do research on your dog. All good breeders will meet with you and talk to you before even letting you take home a puppy. Rescuing is always a wonderful option. If you do, get them from a kill shelter, not from a rescue.

2) Bob Barker/Drew Carry "Get your dog spayed or neutered!" <- this is very very very important. Unless you have a contract with your breeder saying that you will not spayed or neuter your pet DO IT! Our 7Mo chocolate lab is due to get his boys removed(sad day don't get me wrong) but we have no inclination of breeding him or keeping him intact. The chances of a dog's temperament changing for more than a week or so is crap. One of our puppies friends is a dalmatian and has also been fixed and he has had 0 change.

3) This should probably be 1, RESEARCH what kind of dog you want. Don't just look at the puppies. Look at the full grown 100% dogs. See how big they get, play around with them. etc etc...

I think we've been over everything about 6 or 7 times now. But puppies are NOT easy to raise. They are just like a child. They require a TON of attention. If you want a good dog you will have to put in the time and effort. It's not just get it and forget it. They're not fish in a bowl.

[Vandalhart]

Maybe a Boston Terrier? As far as costs go, it really depends on you.

Bostons shed quite a bit. My wife jokes about how she takes our little girl ("little", she's 11 months now) with her everywhere she goes because she had hair on her all the time.

Also, don't go looking at litters of dogs until you know 100% what you want. When you DO go looking at litters, make sure to take the proper amount because you WILL be leaving with a deposit on you're future pet.