What makes a dog a poor choice for a first-time dog owner?

[HomerSapien]

I think you meant "terrier" or, maybe not.

yes it is terrier, but that is the stubborn side and the side that wants to destroy all smaller animals, so terror is appropriate.

We found out that she could jump the 5ft fence when i caught her running back and forth on top of the fence after she got scared of getting down. She did that until she was full grown and some of the other breeds in her made her front heavy and stout.

 

[sjwaste]

I grew up with a lab/malamute mix. She could jump to the top of our 8 foot fence and vault off it, no problem (including the rosebushes on both sides). Smart as dickens too - she'd get out and take herself on nice long runs, and as soon as a cop or dogcatcher started following her she'd lead them straight home. Loved her but I would NEVER have a dog that smart again. Way too much work.

Haha, I totally believe it. Ours were a pair, the only two dogs from a litter (not ours, but we adopted) and always traveled together. So they'd either dig out or jump out and usually they preferred the woods to the neighborhood. There was a lake back there about 5 minutes walking distance. Eventually, two soaking wet huskies would come back.

I think they were shepherd mixes, because they had similar faces and one of them had a long coat like a GSD might have - except both had malamute markings. Black, white, and gray, double coat, and constantly shedding. I mention that because when they showed up dripping wet, the long haired dog was even worse.

 

[CurseTheSky]

First, decide what you want your dog for. Is it going to be a companion, a friend for kids, a guard dog, etc.? Do you want it to be attention craving (and thus more "loving") or fairly independent? Can you handle the strength of a larger dog if it becomes adamant about running away or attacking something, or the stupidity of most smaller breeds? Do you mind long hair and shedding?

Once you answer all of those questions to yourself, go on the dozens of dog breed info sites around the net and research. Figure out what fits your ideal description and read up on how well they do with kids, families, other dogs, whether they need a large yard or constant grooming, whether they can handle the elements (within reason) or need to be kept in constantly, etc. Remember that EVERY dog is different (we have a Golden Retriever right now that's far more hyper than our Lab or previous Siberian Husky ever was), so be sure to spend plenty of time with the dog / puppy before making a purchase or adopting.

If I had to pick any one breed for first time dog owners, it'd be a Golden Retriever. Labs are great too, but they tend to be a bit more hyper and can run into weight problems more easily. First time owners should especially avoid the highly independent or possibly aggressive breeds like German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Pitbulls, etc. While every dog is different and their temperment highly depends on their training, care, and conditions, this is a good guideline on what NOT to get if you don't know what the f%$# you're doing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_dog_attacks_in_the_United_States (note that there are a few oddities, as expected, such as Goldens or Labs on the list).

 

[meltdown75]

i'd love to get one but i don't think i'm home enough :/

 

[Zebo]

If you're a runner full size terriers are good. They can hang and need the exercise. Don't get a pit bull - some see red when they see another animal - actually most terriers do but pitbull has a bit of a bite which makes them more dangerous than the rest. Start with terriers.

I own two labs and a shep but don't run with them. It's hard enough to control myself and keep going Anyway they lose interest after about a mile and a half, a terrier will not they are game for whatever you throw at them.

Edit A standard Manchester is probably the best choice. Run all day, cheap to feed @ 25 lbs, maintenance free short coat, and awesome personality.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/manchester_terrier/index.cfm

 

[Bignate603]

Pure breeds can be nice but don't discount mutts. You're looking for a dog that matches your personality and temperament. That's far more important than how a dog looks.

We got this guy from the pound when he was probably about 4 months old. He had been picked up as a stray so we have no idea if he had any real owners before us. Out of all the dogs that I've dealt with in my life he's been the easiest to train. He's a very laid back little dog that likes to hang out with people or even go on long hikes. He's walked over 10 miles in a day with us before.

Like most terriers though you can't trust him near other small animals. He's killed a few birds in the past.

 

[Zebo]

Good call Nate. Lotta dogs are not getting adopted and dying these days with mass foreclosures. I'd still stick with a large terrier mutt though for running. ^ Those little legs won't move @ 10MPH long.

 

[Bignate603]

Good call Nate. Lotta dogs are not getting adopted and dying these days with mass foreclosures. I'd still stick with a large terrier mutt though for running. ^ Those little legs won't move @ 10MPH long.

We spent a few weeks hitting all the different shelters in the area looking for the right dog. None of them felt right until we found this little guy. Whatever you do, don't rush picking your dog. A dog will be with you for a decade or more, you want to make sure you pick the right one.

Also, go get a few books about dog care and training BEFORE you get the dog. You want to have an idea how to train the dog before you bring him into the house. My wife checked a few out of the local library before we started looking and knowing what to do the first day the dog was in the house helped out quite a bit. One of them even had a section on picking out dogs that was very good.