Getting a puppy

[Tristicus]

So, I'm looking at getting a puppy. I've wanted a Rottweiler for a long time. Our last dog was some sort of mutt, don't know the exact mix, but it ended up getting poisoned (mine did, my sister's ran away) by the guy who used to live behind us (as we think). Dog before that was a long haired dachshund that we had for a long time before he died, but haven't had a dog for a while. Been looking on the internet for dogs and such, and looking at (full blooded) Rottweiler pups, they are around $450 or so! I would rescue one if possibly, but I'd like a puppy, as I want it to be young and to train it myself and everything.

Any ideas on what to do/what I should look out for? I don't care about that AKC crap or anything, this will be a family dog.


I've thought about mixes too, like a German Shepperd/Lab/Rottweiler, along those breeds. I like big dogs.

 

[nickbits]

Don't get a pug. I hate mine.

 

[MustISO]

Personally I would not get a dog like to Rottweiler if you have young kids. I know any dog can be super sweet but I would be very careful if you have small children.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

You need to find a breed that matches your lifestyle. Rotties are pretty high maintenance like German Shepherds and, many others, need to have a job. They take a lot of training to understand their job.

 

[Tristicus]

Personally I would not get a dog like to Rottweiler if you have young kids. I know any dog can be super sweet but I would be very careful if you have small children.

Youngest in the house is 16, I'm good on that. My dog isn't going to a trained killer...

You need to find a breed that matches your lifestyle. Rotties are pretty high maintenance like German Shepherds and, many others, need to have a job. They take a lot of training to understand their job.

In what ways? For instance, I mostly stay around the house except for work, so being around it and playing with it/walking it won't be a problem at all.

 

[KaOTiK]

Go to the pound, you'll know which dog is the one for you when you see it.

 

[Leros]

Don't get a pug. I hate mine.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Youngest in the house is 16, I'm good on that. My dog isn't going to a trained killer...



In what ways? For instance, I mostly stay around the house except for work, so being around it and playing with it/walking it won't be a problem at all.

Rotties need a job, it can be patrolling, playing fetch, guarding or, even an obstacle run. The point is they need a lot of structure and, like most dogs, a huge fan of their daily schedule. If Rotties don't get the structure they need, they often become quite destructive by digging or chewing on anything within reach.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Check the link in my sig. There are Rottie Rescue groups also which may have a puppy in foster.

 

[BudAshes]

Rotties need a job, it can be patrolling, playing fetch, guarding or, even an obstacle run. The point is they need a lot of structure and, like most dogs, a huge fan of their daily schedule. If Rotties don't get the structure they need, they often become quite destructive by digging or chewing on anything within reach.

This^^

Rotties are great dogs though. Just watch out for health problems. I know you said you don't care about akc, but there are a lot of genetic defects they could have so be careful to meet the dogs parents.

 

[Bignate603]

Check the pounds and rescue groups first before you buy a dog from the breeder. It will take a little more time, but it will give you a chance to meet a ton of dogs. It's more important to get the right dog with the right personality than a particular breed.

 

[Dankk]

Check the pounds and rescue groups first before you buy a dog from the breeder. It will take a little more time, but it will give you a chance to meet a ton of dogs. It's more important to get the right dog with the right personality than a particular breed.

Seconded. Get a dog from the pound. You'll find a pet in need of a loving home, and hopefully with a good personality. IMO it's better than going to a pet store or supporting "breeders" who have, err, questionable breeding practices.

 

[Tristicus]

I have no problem going to the pound, but I don't want a dog that is full grown or even half grown. 6 months old is just about the most I'd want...

 

[Bignate603]

I have no problem going to the pound, but I don't want a dog that is full grown or even half grown. 6 months old is just about the most I'd want...

Ours was estimated to be between 3 and 4 months old when we got him from the pound. Younger dogs are available through pounds and rescues, they're less plentiful but they are out there.

 

[SandEagle]

what about one of those gray/white wolf dogs? i want one of those. what are they called? can i declaw and defang a dog like a cat? i dont want it biting anyone

 

[alkemyst]

I have no problem going to the pound, but I don't want a dog that is full grown or even half grown. 6 months old is just about the most I'd want...

so you are still living at home?

What's you plan in 1 year, 5 years, etc?

Many places do not allow pits, rotties, etc. What will you do if you can't find a place to live?

If $450 for an adoption is crazy to you (which it is, but not because of the money, but because so many dogs can be adopted for practically nothing and come with shots, microchips and neuter/spay).

Check out Caveman's link.

I'd have at least $500 in the bank for stuff a dog may need. Hell two annual visits including 2 6 month supplies of advantage multi, a minor surgery ($250), 2 bags of feline S/D, 6 cans of canine R/D and an ear flush ($48) came out to be $900 for me.