Dog recs for someone who has never had a dog

[Anonymous]

I was raised without pets and have never had one as an adult. I know getting a dog or cat would make DS so happy. I am sort of leaning towards a dog as it would encourage DS and I to get outside more. I think I would be most comfortable with a small dog that is not too yappy and wouldn't shed a lot or require endless grooming. Thanks for your suggestions!

[Anonymous]

Are you sure you have time to put into a dog?
Consider where you live. Do you have yard space? Home space? An area to walk the dog multiple times a day?
Do you work long hours? Will you hire a dog walker if that's the case, so the dog isn't stuck inside all day?
Do you vacation a lot? Travel unexpectedly?

[Anonymous]

Get a pug. All puppies are energetic, but a pug will settle down into a couch potato after a year or two, and they're very cuddly. They don't require much exercise (meaning you don't have to walk it every day). They're small so if you have trouble training it not to counter-surf, jump on people, or pull on the leash, it won't be the end of the world (of course, you should still take basic obedience classes). They do shed but don't require grooming beyond nail trims.

But, like most dogs, they do love being with their people, so if no one will be home for most of the day, I think you should hold off if you can't afford doggie daycare or at least a daily walker.

[Anonymous]

OP - I work from home so the dog would not be hurting for human companionship...I live in a house with a nice little yard. I don't travel a huge amount - the most would be a 3 day weekend probably - except for maybe a week or so away during the summer.

Thanks for the rec PP - I don't know but I have never liked pugs - it's their noisy breathing I think that annoys me.

[Anonymous]

I grew up with a cockapoo and he was wonderful. Also our first dog.

I would definitely recommend adopting from a shelter or a rescue group ... we got our cats from Homeward Trails and they were wonderful. The volunteers had a great read on their personalities and worked with us to make sure we made the best possible match.

(They rescue dogs, too.)

[Anonymous]

We have a cockapoo. They are very smart and sweet. They don't shed or smell like dog. They come in all sizes, but we have one that's a mix of a cocker spaniel and a miniature poodle, and she's about 14 lbs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - I work from home so the dog would not be hurting for human companionship...I live in a house with a nice little yard. I don't travel a huge amount - the most would be a 3 day weekend probably - except for maybe a week or so away during the summer.

Thanks for the rec PP - I don't know but I have never liked pugs - it's their noisy breathing I think that annoys me.

Honestly, don't get a pug. I think it's actually kind of cruel that people breed them. They have a lot of health issues. The breathing is a big thing.

Get a mutt from the shelter. Seriously, they're the only dogs I get. And they're the best. Just look for a short-haired, mid-sized dog. You can probably even find one that's already been housebroken.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

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

also easy to train.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a pug. All puppies are energetic, but a pug will settle down into a couch potato after a year or two, and they're very cuddly. They don't require much exercise (meaning you don't have to walk it every day). They're small so if you have trouble training it not to counter-surf, jump on people, or pull on the leash, it won't be the end of the world (of course, you should still take basic obedience classes). They do shed but don't require grooming beyond nail trims.

But, like most dogs, they do love being with their people, so if no one will be home for most of the day, I think you should hold off if you can't afford doggie daycare or at least a daily walker.

I had to laugh when I read this. We have a pug and he is the furthest thing from a couch potato that I can imagine!! He loves long, daily walks, racing in the yard and energetically playing with his toys. Plus he is 7 years old.

[Anonymous]

OP, if you could post what you would NOT like it will help narrow it down.

How do you feel about dog hair on your furniture/clothing?
Do you have time/money to take dog to a groomer? Some breeds need this.
Would loud barking be an issue, or are you looking for a good watchdog?
Are you willing to take on the chance of serious, expensive health problems some breeds are known for (this includes pugs, yorkies, dachshunds...)

Honestly, if you've never had a dog before, try a mixed breed. Mutts can still shed and bark, but it really irons out the health issues and neurotic behaviors displayed by some types of dogs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

also easy to train.

These dogs are great. They shed considerably but they are SO smart. And great watchdogs. The border collie has some of the same characteristics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

also easy to train.

These dogs are great. They shed considerably but they are SO smart. And great watchdogs. The border collie has some of the same characteristics.

This is seriously some the worst advice I've ever read. Yes, both Aussies and Border Collies are incredibly smart. But that's why they're terrible for first-time dog owners. They need CONSTANT stimulation and activity. Constant. Unless you're planning to devote your weekends to herding and agility trials, PLEASE don't get either of these breeds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP - I work from home so the dog would not be hurting for human companionship...I live in a house with a nice little yard. I don't travel a huge amount - the most would be a 3 day weekend probably - except for maybe a week or so away during the summer.

Thanks for the rec PP - I don't know but I have never liked pugs - it's their noisy breathing I think that annoys me.

Honestly, don't get a pug. I think it's actually kind of cruel that people breed them. They have a lot of health issues. The breathing is a big thing.

Get a mutt from the shelter. Seriously, they're the only dogs I get. And they're the best. Just look for a short-haired, mid-sized dog. You can probably even find one that's already been housebroken.

I agree with this. Get a young adult dog (say, <2yo) from a rescue org, one that has been fostered in a family with child/ren your child's age. Such a dog will be family-friendly, housebroken, eager to please.

We adopted our terrier mix this way four years ago and she is a fantastic dog.

[Anonymous]

^^ agree. They will have a good idea of the dog's personality and won't pick one that is inappropriate for your situation. You need to find a rescue org that deals with many breeds, not a specific kind in order to get a good fit.