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

[consolibyte]

So I'm thinking about possibly getting a dog- we have lots of land now and I'm working from home, so I have time and am around and could use the company.

I'm keen on getting a dog I can go running with and that can be let outside (we live out in the middle of no-where) and have been looking at Akitas.

I keep reading that Akitas are not a great "first dog owner's dog". Can someone give me some insight into what makes a dog not good for a first time dog owner?

 

[uclaLabrat]

Probably ease of training and temperament issues. Some dogs are just damn stubborn, require extensive effort to train and keep in control. Others are pretty laid back, like goldens. They have a lot of energy, but are generally very happy dogs. That said, as long as you're willing to be the boss and not let a dog run roughshod over you, you'll probably be fine with some professional training. I read the same things before I got my ridgeback, and he's a stubborn little dickbag but a great dog overall.

 

[surfsatwerk]

Most "high energy" dogs are a poor choice for first time owners because they demand much more time and effort than a more laid back dog.

 

[lxskllr]

Lack of expertise in it's care.
Finding out you really don't like dogs much, and being stuck with a ball and chain
Treating the dog poorly do to the above
...

 

[AMDZen]

Akita's are pretty terrible dogs any way, much less for a first time dog owner.

The reason people say that, and they are right, is because they are very temperamental and you have to train them from birth basically. If you get a rescue, you have to hope the previous owner knew something or they will be a terror.

 

[Moonbeam]

Study up on dogs

 

[AMDZen]

Great site = http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/

Lots of info by breed. What to expect, demeanor, possible health risks, age. All kinds of good stuff

 

[alkemyst]

There are a couple aspects that make certain breeds poor choices for first-time owners. The main reason is most owners simply underestimate the time needed for a dog.

The dogs of the highest intelligence are a bear for even a seasoned owner...they will require constant attention and do poorly entertaining themselves.

The dogs of the highest energy levels also are a bear even for those with acres of land because space is not what the dog needs, it's activity.

I have a Cattle Dog mix, I used PetFinder.com...he's both highly intelligent and active.

It's usually daily dog park at about 1-2 hours and a good 45 min walk in the morning. On the weekends dog park about twice a day for 1-2 hours.

At night he is wanting my attention constantly. He knows when to leave me alone, but that wouldn't fly 24/7...

The thing most don't realize is even the 'dumbest' of breeds can be trained to do most things and even the lowest of activity dogs still usually need to be walked.

I had an Akita, my ex wife wanted to be the full caretaker. She didn't believe in training nor crating the dog. As a result about $10,000 in leather couches became the dogs den one afternoon.

She ended up having to get rid of him as he became unmanagable as an adult.

 

[bignateyk]

Generally dogs that are classified as "working breeds" are poor choices for inexperienced owners.

Some examples are German Shepherds and Huskies/Akitas. These are great dogs, but they need to be worked mentally/physically or they will become destructive.

We have two German Shepherds. We don't leave either of them alone in the house as they would become destructive in a heartbeat when they became bored and separation anxiety set in.

 

[KB]

If you plan to run with the dog, be careful not to push it too hard in warmer weather. They have a very warm coat which makes them overheat during excercise unless it cold out.

 

[Ns1]

Generally dogs that are classified as "working breeds" are poor choices for inexperienced owners.

Some examples are German Shepherds and Huskies/Akitas. These are great dogs, but they need to be worked mentally/physically or they will become destructive.

+herding breeds too

 

[RPD]

Ya definitely read up on dog breeds, I found out the hard way, boxers are chewers :/

 

[AreaCode707]

Nervous dogs are bad. A secure dog will be relaxed, calm, friendly and easygoing in almost all circumstances. An anxious dog will be snappy, growly, shaking, hiding, and will possibly bite, and that can happen in nearly any circumstance. You're at home with your dog and a friend comes over, your dog tries to bite. Bad stuff. Certain breeds are just anxious by nature, and Akitas are one of them.

Smart, high energy dogs are bad. An experienced dog owner will know how much time investment is involved and what the best ways are to keep the dog happy and occupied. A bored working dog, like a border collie, becomes destructive. They'll chew your furniture, your toys, go potty in the house, become moody and withdrawn or develop other behavior problems. First time dog owners should go with a breed that fits their current lifestyle.

Breeds with serious health problems or needs are bad. You don't want to get a sharpei as a first dog if you aren't prepared to clean out the wrinkles to prevent infections or smells. You don't want to get a french bulldog if you want a running buddy because the poor dog's nasal passages are barely suited to getting enough air to walk.

Breeds that are very protective are bad. A sharpei is a one-family dog, will love you and guard you to the ends of the earth... including against your mother in law, neighbor's toddler, or other innocuous person in your life. If you don't have the expertise to teach the dog that people are generally good and safe, you will have a poor experience.

Somebody above mentioned golden retreivers; that is a great first time dog. Friendly with everyone, up for anything you want to do but not hyperactive, and requires a medium amount of care for coat and health.

 

[Cogman]

Generally dogs that are classified as "working breeds" are poor choices for inexperienced owners.

Some examples are German Shepherds and Huskies/Akitas. These are great dogs, but they need to be worked mentally/physically or they will become destructive.

We have two German Shepherds. We don't leave either of them alone in the house as they would become destructive in a heartbeat when they became bored and separation anxiety set in.

I don't know, it depends on the breed of working dog. Working dogs are bad for people who have small amounts of land for their dogs to frolic on.

One of my favorite dog brands, for example, is a red heeler. Lots of energy, pretty friendly, playful and pretty smart. Though, I wouldn't suggest it as an indoors dog as I could see them being very destructive. I could see them being a good first time dog just because of how friendly they are.

Huskies/Akitas are bad dog choices for anyone except someone that wants a challenge or a good looking dog. From my experience, and what I've read about them, Huskies tend to be very distant and not very affectionate. They definitely have a mind of their own and are very hard to train and keep trained.

Golden retrievers, Labs, and a mutts tend to be good choices for first time dogs. In fact, some of the best dogs I've ever had were mutts.

 

[SunnyD]

There are few poor-choices for dog breeds. The real question is are you a poor choice for a dog owner.

A good start is how much time can you devote to the dog's attention? Given you say you work from home, sounds like this will be a bit less of an issue.

How is your patience? If you can deal with a dog occasionally having an accident or breaking/destroying something of value, you'd be okay.

Basically treat it as having a baby. Are you ready to raise a child, but something that will have the mentality of a toddler for the bulk of its life?

And please... never, EVER let the dog out unattended. Ever.

 

[zinfamous]

Somebody above mentioned golden retreivers; that is a great first time dog. Friendly with everyone, up for anything you want to do but not hyperactive, and requires a medium amount of care for coat and health.

yeah, this. Goldens are awesome, awesome dogs. great for first timer, especially since the OP claims to have tons of space

 

[Ns1]

I don't know, it depends on the breed of working dog. Working dogs are bad for people who have small amounts of land for their dogs to frolic on.

I have 2 working dogs and I live in a small apartment. It's possible and easy (enough) with the right amount of exercise.

 

[alkemyst]

Red Heeler/Cattle dogs make decent house dogs. There is a big following of red necks though the seem to think they can never be 'house trained'.

In general though if you are using the heeler as a true working dog or any other, it's much like trying to keep an attack dog outside a kennel when not in use.

A cattle dog falls into the bad first dog class just due to their intelligence and extreme activity needs. They can be aggressive in working mode...which is why they were crossed with Dalmation in the past (to subdue some of the aggression).

Friendly<>easy dog.

 

[Cogman]

There are few poor-choices for dog breeds. The real question is are you a poor choice for a dog owner.

A good start is how much time can you devote to the dog's attention? Given you say you work from home, sounds like this will be a bit less of an issue.

How is your patience? If you can deal with a dog occasionally having an accident or breaking/destroying something of value, you'd be okay.

Basically treat it as having a baby. Are you ready to raise a child, but something that will have the mentality of a toddler for the bulk of its life?

And please... never, EVER let the dog out unattended. Ever.

It depends on where you live. We let our dogs roam free all the time. One of the benefits of living on the outskirts of a town of 300.

 

[SunnyD]

It depends on where you live. We let our dogs roam free all the time. One of the benefits of living on the outskirts of a town of 300.

Common sense would say "Yeah, sure.. that's fine." Letting a domesticated pet out at random unattended simply means you're fine with it one day never returning... or worse. Plus in the case of pack animals like dogs, it undermines your authority as the pack leader over them to let them roam unattended.

 

[Cogman]

Common sense would say "Yeah, sure.. that's fine." Letting a domesticated pet out at random unattended simply means you're fine with it one day never returning... or worse. Plus in the case of pack animals like dogs, it undermines your authority as the pack leader over them to let them roam unattended.

We've never had a problem with letting our dogs roam unattended, and we've certainly never had "authority issues". The dogs love it.

Now, it is a fact that one day they might get hit by a car, however, we aren't exactly in a metropolis. We've had several dogs survive for many years without having to be managed every hour of their lives.

That isn't to say that we instantly let the dogs roam unattended. You can't do that. Rather, you have to train the dogs for a while to make sure they don't just run off when you let them go. Once you get the dogs trained and loyal, it is very rare for them to just run off.

 

[Lemon law]

I have found that the hunting breeds make great dogs. But beware, some of them have very high energy levels and don't even start to be decent dogs until age three or more.

The other thing that makes it easier is to get two equal age dogs, and then they can amuse themselves rather than rely on humans 24/7.

Then the isolated people with land have to make that other decision, do you want mainly indoor dogs, a combination of an indoor out door dogs, or a purely out door dogs.
And even if you have hunting dogs that are almost the least likely to bite a human or fight with other dogs, you need to socialize the dogs to other people and dogs or they can become defensive towards anyone but family.

Probably the best dog I ever had was a German short Haired pointer, it was hell on wheels when it was young, but later became very adaptable and a perfect family dog.
I have never gotten another because I know I would always compare it to the first, and no dog could possibly measure up.

Lately my wife and I get pound puppies about a year and half old, and are very selective about picking the right ones. At best you get about 14 years out of a dog, and we have had a few that did not make half of that. But it does not take much to make a dog happy and well adjusted.

 

[Schfifty Five]

another vote for golden retriever.

Friendly, gentle, and super cute.

 

[BoberFett]

Labradors are pretty easy to own also.

 

[Kadarin]

another vote for golden retriever.

Friendly, gentle, and super cute.

And everyone loves them