buying a puppy (yes, a dog) - what to look for

[james t kirk]

Thinking about getting a puppy.

Female

40 pounds max.

Want a gentle friendly dog.

So when you're looking over a litter, what behaviour (if any) are you looking for?

Runt?

Playing like mad?

Quiet in the corner?

The leader of the pack?

Affectionate?

What?

Looking for tips on picking a good dog.

 

[TESLAMotors]

In all honesty, got a shelter, TONS of dogs to pick from and then you'll "know" when you see the dog.
I had a connection when I crouched down to my dog at the time and she came up to the enclosure and I was sold.
ZERO regrets.

It's one of those things, you'll know when.

Instead of a younger dog now, I'm considering adopting an elderly dog, nobody wants them, it's quite sad actually.
They're the calmest, very sweet and loyal (but what dog's aren't?).

 

[Mr. Piggy]

I would say one that is already house trained.

 

[oil&gas]

To adopt a dog from a shelter is a noble thing to do but I am
somewhat hesitant to recommend that to first timer. It takes patience and experience to readjust the dog depending
on how it was treated by its previous owner.

I love my American Cocker to pieces but I was tempted a few times
to take it to a shelter in his first two years because of behaviour
and health problems. Now I've decided not to give it away for the rest of my life. But looking back I should have purchased a
dog from a more reputable breeder.

 

[**Sophie**]

A puppy who will let you put her on her back is a good sign that she can be submissive. Also you should choose a breed which fits your lifestyle. If your not one to go hiking or are extremely active maybe a sports breed isn't for you, maybe you need a more relaxed type of breed.. If you do, a rescue dog would be a great option, there are so many dogs who need good homes.

 

[TESLAMotors]

To adopt a dog from a shelter is a noble thing to do but I am
somewhat hesitant to recommend that to first timer. It takes patience and experience to readjust the dog depending
on how it was treated by its previous owner.

I love my American Cocker to pieces but I was tempted a few times
to take it to a shelter in his first two years because of behaviour
and health problems. Now I've decided not to give it away for the rest of my life. But looking back I should have purchased a
dog from a more reputable breeder.

My dog was 4 months old when I got her, there are plenty of dogs that are young and waiting to be adopted.
Isn't that the whole fun of the process?
You get the dog, you spend time with it, you train it, you walk it, you play with it, he/she slowly realize who the alpha is and they start to listen and it's all good.
Sure there are growing pains, but that's part of the deal.
Besides, saving a dog as opposed to buying, really puts things into perspective for you and the dog and the relationship you build with them.
Buying (IMO) cheapens it.
Anyways, have fun either way.

https://www.petfinder.com/
http://www.helpinghomelesspets.com/
http://www.tpdr.ca/

 

[james t kirk]

I've owned dogs before. They always came from the pound and it was all good. Lots of cats too.

Never owned a puppy.

This go round I'm looking for a golden-doodle or labra-doodle or the like. They are very friendly, smart, without the issues associated with a pure bred dog.

I've looked high and low for such a dog in a shelter and have yet to find one. The other reason to get a pup is so it will learn to get along with my 2 cats. An older dog - that can be a real issue. So puppy is the way to go there too.


I've never picked a puppy and hence why I was looking for what characteristics to look for for a gentle dog.

 

[james t kirk]

Yes, the cats picking on the dog may be an issue. I've had friends bring their dogs over and the cats just tend not to like it and their eyes get huge and they puff up to twice their size and get the hell out of there. I've had cats and dogs under under same roof before, it would be easier bringing you cat into a dog first house, but this is th other way round.

 

[Freedom1970]

Real tricky with cats involved. Ya can't be sure it will work out. If it doesn't then what? You will feel bad having to get rid of the dog.

 

[good to go]

I foster cats and have for many years. Many of them have been hurt or abused, if you show a pet your true heart they will respond the same way. When i retire i will get a dog as then i will have the time to go for long walks with my friend. The pets you get that are from a shelter are more deserving of a new home and a new chance at life. They become the best pets and you save lives in the process.

 

[Aardvark154]

Of the qualities you listed the most important is affectionate. Also look at the dam and sire also grandparents if available there is a sizable dose of genetics in all of this.

Think also about your living situation and what breeds might be best for it - for instance some breeds like Cairn Terriers are barky, Corgis both Cardigan and Pembroke like to herd things and will herd what ever is available grandchildren, the neighbors chickens. . .

Also it is a bit of a myth that male dogs aren't as loving and friendly as female dogs - a lot depends on the breed and personality.

 

[james t kirk]

Real tricky with cats involved. Ya can't be sure it will work out. If it doesn't then what? You will feel bad having to get rid of the dog.

I've never had to get rid of an animal, I like them better than people.

Ive even taken back cats that I found a home for when the person who adopted them turned out to be a bad choice as a guardian.

 

[james t kirk]

I foster cats and have for many years. Many of them have been hurt or abused, if you show a pet your true heart they will respond the same way. When i retire i will get a dog as then i will have the time to go for long walks with my friend. The pets you get that are from a shelter are more deserving of a new home and a new chance at life. They become the best pets and you save lives in the process.

Stop tugging at the heart strings!

 

[james t kirk]

Of the qualities you listed the most important is affectionate. Also look at the dam and sire also grandparents if available there is a sizable dose of genetics in all of this.

Good idea.

Thanks

 

[good to go]

Stop tugging at the heart strings!

Its not just that if you go to a major adoptathon like they have at the exhibition each year you will have lots of choice. Just remember that the breeders keep their dogs till they get bought. The ones at the shelter only last a few days unless they are hidden away to go to adopted homes till they find their forever home. Maybe try an online search from an adoption group and sometimes their owners give all the info or try fostering dogs till you find on that fits.

Many are just greatdogs who had shitty parents who dumped them over a breakup or moving or job loss.

Sorry just pointing out the obvious from my perspective.

 

[Freedom1970]

I've never had to get rid of an animal, I like them better than people.

Ive even taken back cats that I found a home for when the person who adopted them turned out to be a bad choice as a guardian.

I have known several instances were the cat caused repeated injury to the dog with its sharp claws. You could face such a situation

 

[Titalian]

Thinking about getting a puppy.

Female

40 pounds max.

Want a gentle friendly dog.

So when you're looking over a litter, what behaviour (if any) are you looking for?

Runt?

Playing like mad?

Quiet in the corner?

The leader of the pack?

Affectionate?

What?

Looking for tips on picking a good dog.

Homeless and hungry !!

 

[whitewaterguy]

Thinking about getting a puppy.

Female

40 pounds max.

.

Dude..you might want to rethink this part. 40 pounds is a HUGE fucking puppy! You would end up with something bigger than a St. Bernard!

 

[oil&gas]

Some breeds are puppy-like into their early adulthood. Labrador and
Boxer came to my mind. Both breeds are not difficult to train. In fact
large breeds tend to be less hyper than smaller breeds. I won't worry
about taking on a 40 lb puppy of the Newfoundland breed or a Great
Pyrenees dog if only I live in a house with a backyard big enough. They
are gentle giants. The OP could also mean to have a dog no
more than 40 lb as an adult.

 

[slydevil]

The best tip i got when shopping for a puppy was from a book. It suggested to drop your keys unexpectedly in front of the litter and watch the pups behavior. When we did it, most were shocked by the loud noise and moved away. One jumped up but then approached it, curious, sniffing and wagging it's tail. 15 years later that dog is still with us and had been the best pet ever. Those same traits stayed with him as he grew up. Not timid, smart, obedient, social.