What questions should I ask when getting a new dog?

[binny]

We're "dog shopping" this weekend and it's been a really long time since I've had a dog in the house.
What questions should I ask at the humane society or from a private home?

I have the obvious, is he/she house trained, good with kids?

What else should I ask?

Any other advice?

 

[jrmasm]

About a year ago, we adopted an "adult" dog from a rescue. My DD was 5 at the time. The rescue had very little information about the particular dog that we were interested in, most importantly, they had no idea how she was with kids. She is large dog so this was a huge concern!

When we went to meet her, I really abused her. After she had a chance to relax with us I did everything that I could think of that a kid might do. I pulled her ears and tail. I poked her in her eyes, stuck my hand in her mouth. I ran with her to see if she would jump on me. I sat on her...you name, I did it to her. She never even flinched!

I knew that I was taking a chance by doing some of the things that I did but I figured that I'd rather have her bite me that day than my DD later on!

Another thing, make sure that if you adopt a dog that the shelter/rescue will take the dog back if things don't work out (trial period).

Good luck!

 

[Disney845]

Hey Binny-

We have just decided to get a dog, sort of a christmas present for both SO and I. We know of a few breeds we are very interested in. I went to Barnes and Noble the other day, and they have books on all different kinds of dogs. Most books include a section on what to look for when selecting a dog of that breed. There are also more general books on deciding what type of dog would fit in best with your family and lifestyles. I can't actually remember the name off the top of my head. There are also professional "dog-pickers" (don't know what you call them), who help you check out dogs you are interested in. You might find some names or numbers through the net, your phone book, or a local vet. Of course that might not be necessary if you are considering a dog from the Humane Society.

 

[ahutton]

We got our dog from the Humane Society. We know she was a stray, but we could tell by spending a few minutes with her she was well socialized. She was afraid of kids on bikes and roller blades when we adopted her, but she has been a wonderful family pet. We too did many personality tests, blew in her face. tugged her ears, acted as if we were going to hit her. She just kept trying to give us kisses.

That was 7 years ago yesterday. Now we have an almost 3 yr old and a 7 month old. They sit on her, tug at her, bat at her, "pet" (I use that term very loosely) her, play by her food dish (that is another personality test, fuss at them when they are eating) and her response to get them to stop doing anything is to lick them. The kids run screaming from the kisses. Most behaviors can be modified by showing them love and giving them security. We crate trained our dog, and if she is feeling stressed she just goes into her kennel to be left alone. She feels safe there. Our dog is a Yellow Lab/Beagle/German Shepard mutt. She has been a fantastic addition to our family.

 

[LindaR]

Take your time. Research breeds that would suit your lifestyle. Do not fall in love or be swayed by a wagging tail and big eyes. Most animal shelters will let you take a dog home for a trial period. This is a good opportunity to get him/her away from the noise and do some temperment testing on him.

Pet him while he's eating.

Take food away.

On leash, let him approach another dog.

Really pay attention to his body signals at all times, that will tell you what emotions he's feeling.


AND, whatever you end up with......sign up for the next puppy/adult obedience class. This really helps your dog bond to his new family and teaches you how to be a good dog parent.

 

[grinningghost]

Make sure to ask about medical conditions. We have a golden retriever that we bought as a puppy, and after a year, she started having seizures. I never even thought to ask the breeder about medical history of her parents. Even if you get a dog through the Humane Society (a great idea, by the way ) make sure you ask them if the dog has shown any signs of illness. Not that you wouldn't love a dog with a medical problem, but it is nice to know about beforehand. Good luck and bravo to you for saving a doggie!

 

[ebaynut31]

I think the first question should be, Are you ready to care for a pet for the next 10 or more years? Are you willing to be financially responsible for the vet visits, well or sick? Are you financially able to feed this pet for the time you have it? Do you travel a lot? Have family/friends to care for the pet if you travel or will you take it with you?

Are you willing/able to "childproof" or "dogproof" your home? Are you able to discipline the dog the proper way? No hitting or yelling at it. Are you willing to pay for proper obedience training if necessary?

I sound awful but I worked in an animal hospital for 5 years and have seen it all!!!

I can't tell you how many animals are put to sleep because people get too busy for their pets or cannot afford to keep them. Some got them when the kids were small and as they all grew up and moved, the dog was left with the parents who no longer wanted it.

My dog is 13 and going strong.

Have your pet spayed or neutered to prevent any unexpected/unwanted pets.

If you get it from a breeder, make sure you can see the parents of the dog and get their demeanor. Touch the dogs ears and feet to get a reaction, if any.

Sorry for ranting. Any questions, let me know.

 

[binny]

Thanks everyone! Im getting really excited!

Great ideas!

We are looking at Golden Retrievers so that is really good to know thanks. I think any purebred is prone to problems arent they? I may be wrong but that has been my experience.

I think we are very ready to have a dog We both grew up with dogs and now that we finally have room for one with want our kids to have the same experiences we know they are a lot of responsibility financially and otherwise. I had a Standard poodle that we saw through years of Cancer treatments


we are really leaning towards a Godlen Retreiver or a lab mix of some sort.
We have been looking at petfinder and found a few dogs that we really like through there.

We have to find a dog that loves kids and is very patient~!!! LOL Kaylee is one of those " loves everything" kids, the doggie has to be able to be loved constantly Karissa is one who is amazingly gentle and will pet the middle of a dog but when either "end" gets too close she runs away lol. I think it has something to with the tail or the tongue of the dog. Cam is old enough to able to help out with the care of a pet.

Anyway, Thanks again for the advice keep it coming!

 

[grinningghost]

As a golden owner, I can't say enough about this breed. Aside from our dog's seizures, which are pretty well controlled with meds, she is the most wonderful, human-like dog I have ever known. They learn things very, very quick. They truly do understand words, and they learn them even when you aren't really trying to teach them. An example: "Go for a walk", we can't use that phrase anymore unless we really mean it. Our dog runs and grabs her leash and brings it to you. Then stares at you with sad puppy eyes. (We go for alot of unintentional walks). These dogs are super smart and once you get over the puppy period (which lasts about 2 years for goldens), they are very loyal, obedient and sweet. I don't think I'd ever get another breed after owning one. If you can deal with a little shedding (they are known for it, but our dog doesn't shed much), big poops and lots of walks, this might be the breed for you.

Warning: Do not go look at Goldens unless you expect to take one home. They will enchant you.

 

[DocRafiki]

Congratulations and a big THANK YOU for adopting a homeless pet, being part of the solution rather than the problem.