/ot/ - off-topic

I am currently looking into aquiring a dog. I've never had my own dog–I've only had a cat (now deceased). Growing up my family had dogs, but they were mostly ill behaved yard animals. I want to have a companion animal and I want to train it well.

How did you decide upon your own dog?

Which training methods have you found to be most effective?

>>43722
Are you thinking of adopting a dog or purchasing from a breeder? I would highly suggest adopting since there are many good dogs out there that need homes. They're also less expensive than purchasing a purebred dog. Unless there's a very specific breed you have your heart set on because you want it for specific temperament, activity level, etc.

So for all of the dogs I've owned positive reinforcement always works the best. They key is to figure out what your dog desires the most. Some dogs are very food oriented and some are toy oriented. You train your dog with consistent words and/or hand gestures and you give them their reward when they do it correctly. Breed can come into play when you're training. Certain breeds can be more stubborn than others and will not listen right away. Certain breeds are kind of dumb too, though still lovable. But consistency is always key!

>>43729
Thanks for the advice!

In the past when I considered getting a dog "sometime" I always thought I would adopt from a shelter or rescue and I still may, but now that I'm actually getting serious about my research I'm considering going with a purebred dog just because I have very specific parameters for what would be a good fit with my lifestyle–smaller, but not tiny, friendly disposition, and at least somewhat easily trainable since I will be a novice dog trainer.

Ideally I would like to be able to train my dog to be a therapy dog since I am involved with volunteering at an elementary school and at a local nursing home, but I understand that not every dog is suited for that kind of work and that's okay–that would just be a fun extra to me.

I know that not every purebred dog will be typical of the breed, but I like having at least some idea of what I should expect.

If you're really interested in a certain breed, please also consider looking for breed-specific rescues.

>How did you decide upon your own dog?
I love dogs/animals. Had dogs when I was younger. I'm at a time in my life where I drop $700/mo on my dog, no problem.
(Clearly I'm a crazy dog lady, but my expenses are from day care, a dog walker, raw feeding, toys, treats, and etc… a reasonable person probably spends around $50-$200 on their dog a month).

Which training methods have you found to be most effective?
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT, and not using aversive methods of training. Please check out Zak George on youtube!

Generally, labs or golden retrievers are great therapy dogs! Many people rehome labs for many reasons. You can often find many in rescues that are already house trained and know some tricks!

>Some other tips:
Pick a dog that suits your life style. If you're a couch potato, please don't get a dog and expect yourself to become a marathon runner. Get a chill/lazy dog. That way it doesn't fuck up your house because it's bored out of its mind.

Realize a dog is a responsibility and their care should be your priority. Let your dog out multiple times a day, walk them, and arrange for their care if you're going to be gone for more than 8 hours.

Vet bills are anywhere from $50-$200+, depending on what you need.

Pet insurance may be something to consider.

If you're looking to buy a dog, please find a reputable breeder.
They will
- give you a 1 - 2 year health guarantee.
- Will either do/have progeny that do dog sports.
- Breed for health, temperament, and good body structure.
- Will do OFA/CERF testing.
- Have waiting lists for their litters already.
- Rarely have more than 2 litters a year.

Please avoid bandwagon breeds like shibas, huskies, and corgis. They are not good for beginning dog owners, stubborn, scream, hard to train, super high energy/destructive when bored, and generally not cuddly.
If you're REALLY into them, go to breed meet up groups, meet some, and talk to owners before considering it.

Lmk if you have anymore questions. I work with a shiba rescue, and a lab rescue! I have a shiba myself.

>>43743
this. there are tons of rescues out there, and if you're really looking for a puppy to become a therapy dog or whatever, they DO have younger dogs/puppies at rescues as well.

>Please avoid bandwagon breeds like shibas, huskies, and corgis. They are not good for beginning dog owners, stubborn, scream, hard to train, super high energy/destructive when bored, and generally not cuddly
i agree with this 100x. many/most shibas don't have the typical disposition that one would expect from a dog. i've disliked every corgi and shiba i've ever met, to be honest, but i haven't met that many.

>huskies
however, i am a husky owner, so i can tell you that huskies are also not good beginner dogs. if you're looking for a therapy dog, you're not looking for a husky. one of my mother's huskies is a certified therapy dog and visits nursing homes, but i truly believe she's a unique case. my parents have four huskies (well, one is a mix), and i have two. we are part of the local husky group which meets up at dog parts a couple of times a month, helps foster and place huskies/malamutes/mixes in forever homes. they just aren't for people new to dogs, which is why despite being a breed that is often stolen and sought after, they end up in high kill shelters or on craigslist.

>dog food
check out http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/

>vet bills
a lot of dogs have health issues. mutts are known to be hardier than purebreds in general. pretty sure my mom spends a couple hundred on one of her dog's medications monthly. he has had a nebulizer since he was 2 years old and uses in nightly. just be wary that vet bills can be high. and PLEASE spay or neuter your dog.

>>43729
I salute people who adopt dogs from shelters. I couldn't do it because I'd be super paranoid about all the possible lingering diseases or personality issues so I need my dog to have complete documentation of its breeding line.

>>43743
Thank you so much! I've read your comment multiple times as a jumping off point for more research. I've watched numerous Zak George videos and now know exactly what OFA/CERF testing means.

I've looked into pet insurance before and it just doesn't seem worth it to me (barring an extreme circumstance). There will be more costs upfront, of course, but it just makes more financial sense for me to just pay out of pocket.

I was looking into Cavalier King Charles Spaniels specifically, but am open to other suggestions. I don't really want a dog much larger than a cavalier.

I understand that breeders will have waitlists for their puppies, but does that mean its a red flag if a breeder is selling puppies directly?

It looks like preliminary OFA testing can't be done on a dog younger than four months–is this just a case where you check the puppy's family history?

I've been looking into local doggy daycares and I'm honestly a little stressed just researching them–most just seem like glorified kennels where my future dog would hang out in a cage most of the day or in some stranger's backyard. This must be a regional thing, but what are qualities you woukd look for in a doggy daycare? (This may be moot since I work odd hours which none of the places I looked into can accomodate.)

This brings me to wondering if I should even get a dog right now at all. I work eight hour days with an hour lunch break–with the commute I would only have about 30 minutes to spend at home with a dog. Is it ethical to leave a dog alone for so long, especially if I get a puppy?

Sorry this comment was a little disjointed.

>>43956
Thanks for the link to the dog food website!

I promise that if I get a dog that I will make sure s/he is spayed/neutered.

>>44060
Generally, the parents will have OFA/CERF scores, and so will the parents of the parents. The puppies SHOULD be sold on a health guarantee.

I'll say, consider insurance it if you know your breed is prone to very expensive issues or is a rescue. Other than that, there's always care credit if something horrible were to happen and you don't have thousands on hand.

Generally, yes it is usually a red flag, especially since CKC have about ~5 puppies a litter…
HOWEVER, sometimes breeders may keep a puppy or two for show, and they may not be the right color/pan out for show, so they may be looking to sell their older puppies! These are great choices since they tend to be house trained, know basic training, and are usually socialized!

My day care is basically a big open space with lots of shade, water, like 4~8 people watching them at once (depending on how busy), doesn't have more than like 20 dogs at once, do temperament testing before admitting dogs, and she plays with other dogs all day! The daycare lets her free roam the whole day, and there are cameras so I can check up on her.
The daycare I use also can do training with her and etc (but I think it's more important to train with your dog by yourself to build the bond and communication).

If that doesn't work out, then dog walker!

Potty training may be hard for you if you get an 8 week old puppy. The general rule is to take them out every 2 hours, and they can potentially hold it for as many hours as they are, months old. So a 3 month old can hold it for 3 hours and etc (ofc there are exceptions and it is just a rule of thumb).
If you have a partner who can help you take your dog out, or family that can help for the first two months, it makes it easier!
If you go home on lunch, I think 4 hours in between is okay, if you can manage that schedule… but only if you can do a long walk before work, short walk during lunch, and long walk after work, or else there is a good chance that your puppy will become destructive. A tired puppy = one that behaves.
However, as mentioned before, the first two months, you should consider a dog walker.

Once they hit around 6 months, the 4 hours will be fine. Just make sure to take steps to prevent separation anxiety! Zak George has a lot of great videos on it.

You sound smart and responsible, Anon. I know you'll make the right choice for yourself and potential pup!

>>44071
Thanks again! You've given me a lot more to think about. I really appreciate the time you've put into helping me and thank you for your kind encouragement.