Dog recs for someone who has never had a dog

[Anonymous]

Definitely an adult dog for your first. Living with a dog is a big enough adjustment without also having to train a puppy. Try to go with a rescue that fosters the dogs first so that they can place a dog with you that has the right temperament for a first time owner. We have had wonderful experiences with GRREAT.org, a golden retriever rescue. Goldens are an ideal family dog, but may be too big and shed too much for you. We think they are worth it! We also have a small dog, and I will say his yip is incredibly annoying. When I am working at home people can always hear him on conference calls no matter where I move him, and I have a big house!

[Anonymous]

Go to a shelter with a facility (SPCA or a few others). Look for a 4-year-old mutt with short hair that's an owner surrender but already housebroken.

I would caution against getting a purebred dog because of health problems.

I would caution against getting a puppy.

I would caution against working with a breed-specific group or a group that doesn't have a facility (that has dogs in foster). It can be very difficult to adopt a dog that is being fostered. They are very judgmental and often will not adopt to people with children.

The SPCA facilities are usually more reasonable, still take the time to make sure the fit is a good one and have a huge variety of dogs who are just waiting for someone to adopt them.

[Anonymous]

I have the perfect dog for you. Our 5 year old mutt is

a great size (30 lbs, big enough to be sturdy for playing with the kids, small enough that I could carry him to the vet, and a 10 year old can easily manage him on the lease)

a great temperament (can play hard, but also lies around at home like a couch potato, very "soft" and submissive to humans, but out of love, not fear)

a great intelligence (smart enough to learn things, but not so smart he needs to be entertained every moment like a herding dog)

a great coat (doesn't need to be clipped or brushed much, not a huge amount of shedding)

Of course, I'm not giving him away, he's part of the family.

When we were looking for him 4 years ago, I went to a rescue that keeps their dogs in foster homes. In my case we chose K9 lifesavers, because they had an event nearby, but I think Lucky Dog is similar as well as others. I chose this for a few reasons. One is that I don't know much about dogs, and I knew I wouldn't be able to read the cues of a stressed out dog in a big, loud shelter. I wanted a dog that had been in a home, and had a foster parent that could tell me more about him. I also knew that K9 brings up many of their dogs from high kill shelters in the South. A lot of dogs that are abandoned either because of economic circumstances, or because they aren't good hunting dogs. I think my guy probably lost his home due to money. He was stray but had clearly been treated very well, housebroken, knew sit and stay, not at all afraid of humans, kind of spoiled about what he'd eat etc . . . He's not a hunting breed, but hunting dogs are often given up because they are too gentle, low energy, or like people too much. Of course these are great characteristics for a pet.

I would consider calling a rescue, or going to an adoption event, and before you even look at a dog, find someone who knows the animals well and describe what you want. Let them lead you to the right pet. In my case, we stopped to pet my dog and I talked to the foster mom and told her what we wanted. She was the one who sold me on him and explained why he was a better fit than other animals they also had.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Another pug recommendation. Midatlanticpugrescue

[Anonymous]

Check out the Lost Dog Rescue Foundation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, consider the Australian Shepherd, medium sized dog and it sheds some, but great temperament.

I love love love my Aussies, but don't think I'd consider them a "first time" dog. Otoh, you'll get a dog with a work ethic, a need for exercise, and a very very smart dog.

[Anonymous]

yep, work with one of the reputable rescues, who will help you match a dog to your needs. they generally do a good job vetting the dogs' personalities, health issues, etc. just be up front with them about what you want and don't want. i'd think a young dog but not a puppy. you might be able to find one already housebroken or at least crate-trained, which goes a long ways towards that. you sound like a great potential dog owner! just be honest with yourself and they rescue.

[Anonymous]

We were in your situation last fall, almost exactly. Never owned a dog before. We went to Washington Animal Rescue league and worked with their adoption counselors and had them suggest different dogs. We ultimately went with a wonderful little beagle but there were several dogs who might have been perfect with kids, your being home all day, size. You are going to have to deal with some hair in the house although short haired dogs really do not require any grooming from you like you are thinking of poodles and retrievers.

I really also recommend an adult dog. Puppies are like babies -- you will be up at night with them peeing and waking you up.

You working at home is really a plus. Dogs need companionship. Go for it, OP.

[Anonymous]

stuffed animal. No really, don't get a poodle, too high strung and high anxiety. I would get something small, maltese or morkie (mix with yorkie). Pug, french bull dog, boston terrier. If you want large, go for the golden retriever. It is a no brainer. smart, easy to live with, loyal. But they are very hard to deal with for the first two years, after that they are angles.