I want a dog

[queenrobot]

I have never had a pet dog before. When I was a little girl my family raced Greyhounds, but I never had one of them as a pet. I am 26 and married and my husband and I both work a lot. We are finally moving to a place that will let us have a dog without all the security deposits and monthly fees. We will have a big yard and the ability to install a doggy door. I really, really like Boxers but am afraid of not having the time to devote to that needy of a dog. I don't want a small "yap yap" dog because well, I find them annoying. I have committed to coming home on my lunch break everyday for a while until the dog grows up a little bit and can manage on his own during the day. I am also planning on getting a kitten or a goat or another dog so our pets will have friends. So, ATOT. What is the best dog for a beginner?


Cliffs:
I want a dog
I can afford a dog and have the space for a dog
I will also be getting a "buddy" for the dog I get
I don't know what kind of dog to get
I come to ATOT for all my major decisions about pets

 

[CRXican]

you could rescue and old racing greyhound

 

[Chryso]

It isn't really fair to get a dog that you don't have time to be with. If you HAVE to get a dog then I would suggest getting two so they have a playmate.

Dammit, I need to read the WHOLE post before I reply.

 

[Barfo]

Post pics of yourself so we can recommend a dog that matches you best.

 

[Crono]

I'm fine with all breeds of dogs, but I like huskies in particular. My neighbor has a playful one that looks awesome and almost never barks (when he does, it's a single bark like he's saying "hi").

They shed in warm weather, though, so I don't know if I'm making a recommendation or not to you.

 

[ViviTheMage]

a goat? haha

 

[evident]

get a dog and two cats.

 

[SonnyDaze]

Originally posted by: Barfo
Post pics of yourself so we can recommend a dog that matches you best.

Unless you look like a pitbull with lipstick.....then we already have a good idea.

 

[CptCrunch]

Originally posted by: Barfo
Post pics of yourself so we can recommend a dog that matches you best.

x2

 

[queenrobot]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
a goat? haha

A baby goat, to hang out in our yard and eat cans. I don't know how that will translate in reality, but it is very cute and funny in my mind.

 

[OCGuy]

OMG YOU WANT A PUREBRED? YOU PUPPYMILLING MONSTER!



Enjoy your boxer. Great dogs

 

[FP]

I'm taking odds how long it is before said dog runs away, gets hit by a car or kills the goat...

 

[queenrobot]

Originally posted by: CptCrunch

Originally posted by: Barfo
Post pics of yourself so we can recommend a dog that matches you best.

x2

I have posted pics before when it wasn't relevant. Why would I subject myself to that again?

 

[xboxist]

I lol'd at the goat mention.

Speaking of goats: goat castle

 

[CRXican]

Boxers are hyper idiots

pass

 

[KeithTalent]

Aibo is a good starter dog to prepare you for when you eventually get your goat.

Whatever you end up getting pics are defnitely required!!!!

KT

 

[Crono]

Goats are fearsome creatures. You will tremble in fear and submit before your goat master when he (or she) arrives.

 

[Chryso]

Originally posted by: queenrobot

Originally posted by: CptCrunch

Originally posted by: Barfo
Post pics of yourself so we can recommend a dog that matches you best.

x2

I have posted pics before when it wasn't relevant. Why would I subject myself to that again?

Link?

 

[queenrobot]

Originally posted by: Crono
Goats are fearsome creatures. You will tremble in fear and submit before your goat master when he (or she) arrives.

Yeah, my Aunt had a goat once. He was cool as long as I didn't piss him off.

 

[OCGuy]

I had a sheep once. I had to sell it when I found out I was allergic to wool. Painful memories.

 

[queenrobot]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Aibo is a good starter dog to prepare you for when you eventually get your goat.

Whatever you end up getting pics are defnitely required!!!!

KT

I love robots, but I don't want a robot dog. I want a real dog that has a goat as a best friend.

 

[Crono]

Originally posted by: queenrobot

Originally posted by: Crono
Goats are fearsome creatures. You will tremble in fear and submit before your goat master when he (or she) arrives.

Yeah, my Aunt had a goat once. He was cool as long as I didn't piss him off.

Now you make me want to get a goat

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: CRXican
you could rescue and old racing greyhound

Took the words right out of my mouth. That would be justice. Racing greyhounds are not treated very well.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: Crono
I'm fine with all breeds of dogs, but I like huskies in particular. My neighbor has a playful one that looks awesome and almost never barks (when he does, it's a single bark like he's saying "hi").

They shed in warm weather, though, so I don't know if I'm making a recommendation or not to you.

Huskies are smart, high energy, demanding dogs. They can be aggressive if not socialized well, are protective of food, and are very "pack" mentality. They're awesome dogs but I wouldn't recommend them as a first dog.

 

[Capt Caveman]

If you've never had a dog before and don't know if you will have a lot of time to devote, my suggestion would be to adopt an adult dog. Boxer, greyhound or whatever. He or she will likely be more mellow requiring less exercise, less destructive, possibly less training and more likely be fine as a single dog.

And there a lots of breed specific rescue groups, if you're looking for a particular breed - see my sig