Looking to buy a dog

[f30nynj]

EDIT: ADOPT a dog. I didn't get the word First time.

I have always wanted to have a pet esp. a dog. I love the Labs and Mutts and finally thinking of taking a plunge.

About me: I am single and have an apt of my own. I have stable income and now can afford a dog care during the day for few months. I have normal work hours and am usually local on weekends.

I am a newb when it comes to pets. So what do you guys recommend, my next steps should be?

1) Get a Purebred or the opposite of that?
2) Is there some dog discussion forums? Like buying guide and sellers like e90post?
3) I want to get a pup but since I will working 5 days a week, I am afraid he'll not remember me that much. But I can be wrong.
4) Should the pup be home-trained already or do I have to hire someone to do it.
5) Do I need to be aware of any side-effects to me personally due to a dog? I have allergies every spring and my doc says to be away from cats but dogs are ok. What should I have myself checked for?

My friend warned me to buy from some home rather than a store. He bought his purebred lab from a farmer at a very remote town in NC. I live in NJ thou.

I don't want to shell 1000s of dollars for just cute looking dog. So what are your suggestions guys?

Also if anyone has contacts of probable shelters, feel free to get in touch.

Woof woof!!!

[Hey Ant]

adopt > buy

[AllydNYC]

Originally Posted by Hey Ant

adopt > buy

.

[O-cha]

Don't be a ******, go to the shelters and adopt a dog, you're guaranteed to find a cute one and it will have WAY less problems then a pure bread since they actually have genetic variations.

Purebread dogs all have serious problems that are very common.

[infinitekidM2C]

not to mention they taste better right?

[Augenbrauezug]

Adopt a dog.

/thread

[Elliott@DetailAddict]

Mutt > Purebred health wise.

Absolutely adopt.

[DSB335d]

It all depends in what you want in a dog. You can find decent dogs and sometimes puppy's at an animal shelter. We adopted a pit bull/Rottweiler mix and he's a great dog. We also have a couple purebred yorkies. A friend from school just adopted a Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff) a dog like that needs more than an apartment to roam around and definitely some long walks everyday. Do some research not only to see what breeds of dogs you like but also to see what kind of temperament they have and if that will fit with your lifestyle.

[tmppgh]

Adopt, don't buy. You can use petfinder .com to find specific breeds that are available for adoption. Research the breeds you are looking at for their activity levels to see if they are a fit for apartment living. There are good books out there for this.

Whatever breed you get, I recommend at the very least obedience training with a good trainer. Training will help since this is your first dog.

[TeRRoRiFiC35]

I'm shocked no one has asked this yet, but have you checked to see if your apartment complex allows dogs? Lots of places don't and if they do, they have weight limits (usually 50 lbs).

[Augenbrauezug]

Originally Posted by TeRRoRiFiC35

I'm shocked no one has asked this yet, but have you checked to see if your apartment complex allows dogs? Lots of places don't and if they do, they have weight limits (usually 50 lbs).

I'd be shocked if this wasn't the first thing OP did.

[Seminole]

If you become set on a specific breed it might be hard to find at a shelter. A good option to find a dog would be to look for that specific breed's rescue groups around your area.

[EINSER M]

whatever you do, do not buy from pet store
and also ask yourself if you can commit to this pet for the next 12-15 years of your life, dont bring them in your circle and dump them one day because it didnt work out...
good luck, pets are the greatest friends for life

[BMW F22]

For an apartment i think you should get a small dog. Most medium to large dogs need room to run around and lots of exercise. Otherwise they become destructive. But yes read up on dogs on akc.com.

[TeRRoRiFiC35]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

For an apartment i think you should get a small dog. Most medium to large dogs need room to run around and lots of exercise. Otherwise they become destructive. But yes read up on dogs on akc.com.

I've had dogs my entire life, it varies by breed. All the golden retrievers have been really nice dogs, yet none of them I found to be that playful after age 3, they enjoyed being pet more. The yellow lab is the destructive one, doesn't like to be pet (except having his butt rubbed or stomach rubbed sometimes), prefers being by himself, isn't playful at all. Had a cockerspaniel that was a pet store dog, had to be the dumbest dog ever. She would pee on the floor whenever she got excited, couldn't learn the basic commands like sit, and ended up having tons of medical problems when she got older. My sister currently has a husky which I would never recommend to anyone. The dog is very needy, does not listen to anyone but my sister, howls at you whenever she wants, and loses an insane amount of hair.

[TeRRoRiFiC35]

Forgot to add one of my roommates in college had a beagle, i hated that dog. It was destructive, it would attack you if you went near its food, and howled all the time.

My old roommate has one of those hotdog dogs. That dog would pee on the floor whenever it got excited, barks and growls at people it doesn't know, doesn't listen to anyone, and weirdly enough sheds. The hair when it comes off feels like needles.

[bigEC]

My grandma used this organization: http://www.purrsnpups.org/index.htm ... They travel to different pet stores throughout nj and we ran into them one day at a petco in ramsey and once my grandma saw the dog it was a done deal. They do a screening process to make sure everyone who adopts is fit to adopt and they offer help (references for training, guides on health, etc.). I would look into them, I have my girlfriend looking into them now actually.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by TeRRoRiFiC35

I've had dogs my entire life, it varies by breed. All the golden retrievers have been really nice dogs, yet none of them I found to be that playful after age 3, they enjoyed being pet more. The yellow lab is the destructive one, doesn't like to be pet (except having his butt rubbed or stomach rubbed sometimes), prefers being by himself, isn't playful at all. Had a cockerspaniel that was a pet store dog, had to be the dumbest dog ever. She would pee on the floor whenever she got excited, couldn't learn the basic commands like sit, and ended up having tons of medical problems when she got older. My sister currently has a husky which I would never recommend to anyone. The dog is very needy, does not listen to anyone but my sister, howls at you whenever she wants, and loses an insane amount of hair.

Yeah I forgot about golden retrievers. From what i know they are very friendly. They just want to be there for you and are very chilled. They do shed a lot still and do require stimulation.

[Bimmer84]

I have a black lab, and grew up with labs as well. I think hands down they are one of the best dogs you can have. They are loyal to all ends, obedient, and smart. Plus, everyone loves labs, and they are awesome chick magnets. Purebread vs mutt has always been an issue with dogs in general, and most people will say a mutt tends to stay healthier than a purebread.

I am also a K9 handler and trainer as well, and my lab listens way better than any of my German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois do, but a lot has to do with how much time I have spent with my lab on a daily basis.

I have had him 6 years now, and he is as young as ever. Everone here is going to be passionate to some kind of breed, but I vote hands down for a lab.

Here is a picture of my buddy Boston (instagram):

[karliejai]

you should really ask for help from a friend that has pets especially during the training days!!! you dont want them to pee all over the house and go thru your things when you are at work!

[f30nynj]

Originally Posted by Augenbrauezug

I'd be shocked if this wasn't the first thing OP did.

Already did. There is an extra fee to have a pet. And also found that there is a caretaker right in my building.

[Bimmer84]

Originally Posted by capriguy84

Already did. There is an extra fee to have a pet. And also found that there is a caretaker right in my building.

When I was living in an apartment I initially paid 200 for a security deposit, and only 15 extra dollars a month on my rent. It wasn't too substantial, but every place is different I am sure.