So who has a dog and what kind of dog do you have? In a few months I'm considering getting a dog from a rescue and am wondering what some of my fellow Thugs' experiences have been. I grew up with two black Labrador Retrievers but would like something a little less energetic. Thus I was thinking a Great Dane or a Corgi. Any other experiences are welcome.

dont even think about it I AM not up for adoption

LOL!

We have a Chocolate Labrador named Atticus that we love. He is the most amazing kid-friendly dog I could imagine. I've seen my son standing on the dogs head, and the dog just looks at me with sad eyes and a look that says, "Can you please make this stop?" Never once has he shown aggression towards the kids or any neighbor kids.

Important questions you should think about:

• Do you have kids or intend to have kids in the next 10 years?
• Do you travel much?
• Does anyone in your family have allergies to dogs?

We currently have a young (energetic) black lab that is wonderful with our kids, but we used to have a yellow lab that had aggression problems with humans and other dogs. It all depends upon the dog. The yellow one was a hunt/show dog (no, we don't show or hunt but he was beautiful) and he was a very dominant personality. Our current lab, Luki, is very loving and adores the kids.


We also have a sweet little fur ball (Dusty appropriately) that we think is some sort of Sheltie/Keeshond/Spitz mix...not exactly sure but she is beautiful, looks like a little fox.

I have a black lab as well. Nothing fixes my bad days better then just spending time with him. He is crazy, always gets into shit, and can clear a room with his farts. I think thats why I love him though. He is my first dog I have ever owned and love him to death. Even though he chews all my shit lol.

I have a Cocker Spaniel and York Terrier and they are both awesome dogs but the main question is the reason behind getting the dog if you travel alot having a pet is such a strain on yourself and of course on the poor little animal but if you have a relatively stable schedule that can make a very comfortable situation.

And always take into account the points that Q made. Spend a good deal of time with the little doggies to really get to know there demeaner and that helps to see if they are laid back or *hyper* crazed.

Good Dog Hunting.


Gal

I have a full blooded mountain chow which stays outside! shes fun loving and loyal to the family. I also have a full blooded pomerainian who is the same and loves to play and he even sings with ya.

The only dog I have is the Perky Pug.

A Great Dane?? You have any nieces or nephews that want pony rides? I don't know about you, but when I have to clean up his mess in the backyard I don't want to have to bring a snow shovel.

I hope you have a SUV cause you will blow out your cars suspension buying all that food.

But on the bright side, when it snows you can put the Great Dane in the car with you and have a ton more traction from all the weight.

Or you can put the dane in the passenger seat and drive in HOV lanes.

We own a miniature pinchser. I'm allergic to dogs but it's manageable as her hair is really short. She's small, only 18 lbs, so she doesn't shed as much either volume wise.

You have to be prepared to take the dog on walks especially if you don't have a yard. I suggest indoors if it gets freezing cold, or some type of good dog shelter outside. Also dogs need exercise. This is a commitment.

You have to be able to spend time with the animal, or get two so they can entertain each other. Dogs are social animals and don't like to be alone, especially for long periods of time.

My personal opinion is that if you have a dog you should try hard to have a fenced in yard for it.

Chevelle

Kudos to you for planning on using a rescue to bring a new family member home. It's a great way to do it.

We adopted our Basenji mix (Cooper) from a "no-kill" shelter and it was great. Dogs in these type of shelters usually spend some time in foster homes, so the people in charge have tons of info to share regarding that particular dog's personality, needs, etc. For example, they told us our dog didn't like men, liked to run, and would be very demanding about snuggling. Everything they told us was exact, and he's been a great addition to our family.

if you check out www.petfinder.com, you can research breeds and find rescue foundations/shelters in your area. If you take the time to do your research and are realistic about your expectations, you'll find the right pup. Good Luck!

Thank you for the input so far. This decision is many months away, btw.

Deeoogee, but you don't wreck floors, you replace them. How awesome would that be? Every few weeks when you come home the floor is replaced. Tearing up the carpet would be OK! You even have your own SUV.

- Allergic? Nope
- Travel a lot? Nope
- Kids? No. I'll leave that to friends.
- Soulful brown lab eyes do make one go "aww"

Learning the temperament is important. I've got a cat and friends with kids so anything exhibiting prey drive/resource guarding is out. The cat has been around dogs before. Acclimating the two would be possible. Mellow is best (thus the Dane was recommended to me).

I would like to have a yard but the best fit for my finances was buying a condo. I have a two bedroom condo (1250 sq ft) and no yard. There is a city park less than 100 feet from the front door of my building. There is a dog park less than 10 minutes away. Bjorn is 20 minutes away and in a different direction, so is my parents' house. Exercise is not an issue as it will also get me off my behind regularly.

The only thing I would really need to change is my car (1996 Arctic Silver BMW Z3 Roadster). The passenger seat would likely have to come out or I would need to get a new auto. The latter is the more likely scenario. It would pain me, but I'm sure I could find a 5-series wagon that would work. Heh heh.

Dogs are definitely social and I don't want to be a latch-key owner. They are a big responsibility I hold no crazy allusions about it being easy. Finding the right dog is important. It's got to be OK with me, the cat, Bjorn (wife, kid and dog incl.) and my family. Will it take a while? Yes and I'm OK with that.

I'm an avid dog lover... for me:
(1) I prefer small dogs. Our current baby is a 12 YO Rat Terrier, and he is our baby. If there are any behavioral issues...he is 14 lbs, I can pick him up and completely control him. Dogs are amazingly strong.
(2) Part of being a responsible owner is cleaning up the poop... big dog = big meals = big poop.
(3) Dogs are pack animals, they really are part of the family. Many behavioral issues are associated with dogs in a confused pack (or without a pack or without you as the pack leader). I'm really bothered when I see dogs tied up in yards and know their only social interaction is food & water time.
(4) At least two walks a day.
(5) As a puppy, they needs lots of socialization with other people and animals.
(6) As a puppy, gently handle their paws so they get used to it. We did not with ours and he really hates getting them cleaned now... or getting his nails trimmed. (How many ppl does it take to trim a 12YO 14lbs rat terrier?... 3... one big guy to hold him in a full nelson, one teenage feeding him a steady supply of Beggin strips and one wife going in for the nail clip.)
(7) If the dog must be alone, crate them so he get used to it.
(8) Watch a few episodes of either the "Dog Whisperer or "It's me or the dog." Basically you see the same problems treated the same way... most of the problems are inadvertently caused by the owners.
(9) Don't get one unless you are committed to being a good owner.
(10) Mutts and mixed breeds are healthier. Also, smaller dogs live longer (Great Danes ~8 years, Terriers ~15 years).

Dogs are wonderful and a continual source of entertainment. The animal planet "Breed all About it" has a lot of breed specific info. However, each dog is an individual... you never really know the personality until you've been around one.

EDIT: I hope you enjoy vacuuming. Dogs shed...a lot.

Pretty much the same with our 85lb Lab. I'm the big guy who lays on top of the dog like a wrestler. (Works for ear infection cleanings too!)

A lot of people don't like this part of dog-rearing but the most important thing to remember is that dogs are WOLVES.

Literally. They can interbreed. They are essentially the same species.

An wolves like dens, caves, holes for sleeping and resting. Start very young. At night, put them in their crate. If it is a wire crate, put a blanket over it so it feels like a cave.

Then later, when it is a 1-2 year old chewing machine, you have a nice place that he likes to go when you aren't home.

Trust me. Think WOLF and you'll understand dogs so much better.

Go to a shelter and get a pit bull mix like I did... Most cities have too many and they're great dogs. I think mine's part border collie too. She is AWESOME. Here she is drinking milk and eating bacon to some Animal Collective:

We have a Puggle (Pug Beagle mix). She is very stubborn and has lots of energy, but is very affectionate and fantastic with our son. She will lay there while he pulls on her ears and neck, or even grabs her eyes, and does nothing. Some friends have male puggles and they say they are not nearly as high strung or tempermental. My wife would say get a lab though.

I have a great dane. I will post a pic when I get home. I wouldn't trade him for the world! He is the most loving, adorable, loyal animal I have had. Of course he weighs about 160lbs and eats close to 50lbs of dog food a week. BUT... he is priceless. I have 3 boys, and he is AWESOME with them.