I need to start learning dog!

Well, Ian and I decided that if we're still as stable in terms of finance and place and schedule (well, relatively), there'll be a doggie in our future. Not until at LEAST September, probably more like a year from now, but still.

I need to learn stuff about dogs.

I know nothing, other than that I love those crazy doggers!

Ian's had dogs all his life, and he knows the basics, but he was a kid when they got the dog that's still currently living at his mom's, so we could really do with more info.

I know, I know. It's a looooooong time off. I just want to be really prepared, because doggers are more like children than kitties are...

So, what's it like being a dog mom or dad?

Well there are different rules for different breeds, but here are some basics

Dogs need to be walked every day, the longer the walk the better, bring potty bags and clean up any messes they leave.

Dogs need to be trained even if it is just the basic housebreaking, sit, stay, and come.

Dogs need to be socialized by visiting other dogs and people, like a dog park.

Dogs need to be bathed, brushed and their teeth brushed.

Dogs need to be part of the family not left outside.

Dogs need to stay away from litter boxes as they tend to eat things that are in there.

Dogs need a collar with ID and a micro chip, just in case.

Dogs need things they CAN chew up.

Dogs need lots of cuddles and snuggles.

Dogs need to learn that the covers belong to you!

Dogs need a good quality food and fresh water.

Laundry will have to be kept out of reach or underwear will become crotchless.

Trash will have to have a sturdy lid or be taken out OFTEN or be explored all over the floor.

Dogs are ourselves with fur and no inihibitions.

I'm glad you've decided to get one of mans most loyal companions. I have four dogs myself and I also foster for our local rescue group. Every thing that DragonLady said it nothing but the truth. I will add:

Obedience classes are a must.

Crate training is a must.

Yearly exams and vaccinations should be done.

My Gigi is a yorkie and she is a baby with fur literally she does nearly everything a human baby does... she is like have a 18month old around... they need alot more supervision than a cat ...

what size are you likely looking at ??? what group( ie herding , toy , working?? this will help greatly give specifics..

Originally Posted by sharky

My Gigi is a yorkie and she is a baby with fur literally she does nearly everything a human baby does... she is like have a 18month old around... they need alot more supervision than a cat ...

what size are you likely looking at ??? what group( ie herding , toy , working?? this will help greatly give specifics..

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It depends on if we're able to land the apartment we want, which is pet friendly wwith a dog run. Of course, I'm home most of the day, so trips to the beach and dog park would be a multiple times daily thing. We're looking at a medium sized dog, perhaps a retriever or shepherd mix, and probably a young adult rescue.

Originally Posted by DragonLady

Laundry will have to be kept out of reach or underwear will become crotchless.

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I had to chuckle at this.
Growing up, my sister had a dog that always seemed to be parading around with one of her bras, but only when company was over.


I broke my dog of chewing clothing.
The first time he did it, I told he he was a bad dog (this is the worst punishment in the world to him.

Then I tied the chewed clothing to his collar and made him wear it for two hours, forbidding him to touch it (Leave it!).
He hasn't touched laundry since.

Originally Posted by lionessrampant

It depends on if we're able to land the apartment we want, which is pet friendly wwith a dog run. Of course, I'm home most of the day, so trips to the beach and dog park would be a multiple times daily thing. We're looking at a medium sized dog, perhaps a retriever or shepherd mix, and probably a young adult rescue.

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You know I love to rescue ...

sherpards are herding dogs first protection second.... they are great family dogs but need alot of obediance and a owner who can be the boss ... A german shepard was in my family when I was born so I learned on a "not " beginners dog... they are very strong willed but with the right handling are the ultimate master pleasers

reterviers are great first dogs as they are from a hunting background and love to please ... they are not usually strong willed and they are fairly easy to get thru basictraining

I think one of the most interesting things about dogs is that each breed is so very different - a cat is a cat, but a Lab is not a Jack Russell!

We have a Lab mix, and he is SO smart, and needing of approval, and loves his people! (Um, however, he DID let someone into our house so they could steal our X Box...) We're on the list right now to get another lab or a Golden.

(I loved DragonLady's assessment. RIGHT on!)

LOL, Dragonlady! That's beautiful!

A sense of humor and lots of patience are basic requirements for having a dog.

This page (click here) has lots of really useful articles about dog behavior and training, including selecting the right dog to join your household.

The only bit of advice I can give to add to Dragonlady's (love the underwear & litterbox comments!) is that a big difference between cats and dogs is that cats want attention sometimes, usually on their terms, but dogs want it all the time!

Originally Posted by katiemae1277

a big difference between cats and dogs is that cats want attention sometimes, usually on their terms, but dogs want it all the time!

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Aint that the truth which brings me to another suggestion. NILF. You must teach your dog that Nothing In Life is Free.

I second the NILF suggestion.
Also, i'd suggest reading up on dogs & training. "The Dog Listener" is a good one I'm currently reading now after it came highly recommended by TCSers.
Good on you for wanting a rescue dog!

I recommend the "Dogs for Dummies" book. It's very informative and should give you lots of help. As for being a dog owner, I never was a huge dog person, but after adopting my two, I know I'll always have a dog in my life. Quite a difference from cats, though!
I strongly recommend a good training school too. You won't be sorry!
Thank you for wanting a rescue dog!

I would suggest you try to find a good dog park near you before you get a dog. My brother & SIL live in Chcago proper & were planning on moving into a place, only to find out the dog park is crappy & far away. They have a "miniature"(no such thing!) Yorkie. People try to steal him all the time.

I would suggest a Lab. They are all around good dogs, IMO. They aren't too hard to find anywhere, either. Some hunting dogs, ie pointers, Vizslas, & Water Spaniels have boundless energy. Our Lab/GSP/Coonhound mix runs at least a mile everyday. Our Lab is younger & content to sleep all day. Some breeds bark a lot more than others. IMO, Labs are pretty quiet & easily trainable dogs. They love to please. Beware, though. If you look into a Lab, they LOVE water! They also love to run through your house soaking wet! Don't leave a bathtub of water unattended or you'll be sorry!

I'm so excited for you, even though its far away! I have a Lhasa Apso that is currently with my parents while I'm finishing school. (My apartment does not allow dogs ). She is the most friendly dog in the world, but we did not train her as well as we should have. She knows how to sit when told, but will not stay. She is very bad about running out when the door gets opened, and won't listen when she is told to come back. But all these things are mine and my parent's faults for not training her properly. So YES obedience training is very very important! I don't know if it is too late to retrain Maggie (she is about 3 and 1/2 years old). I need to look into it. Anyways, thats my main point to make, everyone has given you great advice!

I find that dogs are more expensive than cats. They need both monthly heartworm and flea/tick treatments, usually cost more to spay/neuter, and if you get a bigger dog, go thru a lot more food. Their toys are more expensive, and if you buy them chew toys you can go thru a lot of them. My guess is that my 2 (large) dogs cost me as much as my 13 cats combined. Be aware of this fact when you adopt a dog.

But dogs live to please their owner, if you put yourself in charge from the start. They thrive on the proper mix of love and discipline and get unruly very fast if you forget the discipline part. Dogs need to understand their boundaries - it's all part of their natural instinct and you need to understand that if you want them to thrive. If you have never had a dog, or its been a while, get to obedience class early - not to train the dog but to train yourself.

I love dogs - they are so predictable and so soothing with their unconditional love.