ISO: beginner breed recommendations & tips

[mikeah777]

Hi! This is my first post in this sub. I absolutely love all dogs and I’m getting overwhelmed trying to pick a breed that will work best with my lifestyle!

For some background:

I’m a 24 yo female and will be living alone at the time I plan on getting a dog (about 6 months from now). I don’t travel much to places I wouldn’t be able to bring a dog, and I work full time (9:45-6). I am semi active but not a runner or anything. I’m moving to a pet friendly city and although I’ll be living in an apartment the buildings I’m looking at are surrounded by parks and trails. I grew up with golden retrievers and love them but am weary of their size/hair.

My dream dog is a Doberman but I know that would be extremely irresponsible for me right now considering my lifestyle!!!!

I’m open to anything pretty much and would ideally hope to adopt a puppy- I just want to know what to look for at the shelters when I’m ready to get one!

Thanks in advance!

 

[bless2b]

@mikeah777 Leaving a dog alone all day isn't a great idea.

 

[mikeah777]

@bless2b Sorry, I should’ve added I’m moving close to my work and am planning on going home during my lunch break!! I could never leave one alone that long !!

 

[kumari5050]

@mikeah777 Puppies need to go out a lot in order to potty train. Puppy wakes up- outside puppy eats outside, etc. An older dog may be the right choice for you. Puppies need a consistent routine of being taken out when learning potty training

 

[bless2b]

@mikeah777 Even 1/2 a day is too long for a puppy or adolescent dog AND any dog that you adopt. If you enjoy being around dogs I would suggest you volunteer at your local animal shelter. You can walk and play with dogs, in your spare time, without subjecting them to the stress of being all alone in an apartment. I also don't think you appreciate how much exercise dogs need. A Doberman, or any large dog, will need a one hour walk/run in the morning and the same after work. They will need this much exercise ran or shine. Some of the smaller high energy dogs needs this much exercise too. Then there is obedience training and socialization. Getting a dog, in your current situation, does not sound like a great idea. I don't mean to be harsh but I have been involved in animal rescues from owners who thought leaving a dog home alone was okay. These dogs become incredibly destructive and bad mannered and then become a problem because the inexperienced owner has created a "problem" dog that is difficult to re-home. Loving dogs and owning a dog are separate things. Volunteer first and see if you can make changes in your life to accommodate the time and responsibility of pet ownership.

 

[kumari5050]

@bless2b Maybe she's going to hire a dog walker?

 

[bless2b]

@kumari5050 I hope she's going to drop him off at doggy day care after she takes a few months off if she brings home a puppy. I have seen too many dogs with problem behaviors because of the scenario she describes. Buy a puppy, work full time and wonder why the dog has problems? He's eating the molding off the windowsills, he ate the drapes! Of course he did. What did you think would happen when you left him alone?

 

[kumari5050]

@bless2b It's also called crate training your dog. Give them a safe secure place to just chill. Doggy daycare can actually cause problem behavior. Teaching a dog to relax in crate teaches them self calming

 

[athanasius88]

@kumari5050 Crate training is fine. Leaving a dog locked in a crate for 8 hours a day is cruel.

 

[kumari5050]

@athanasius88 Did I say leave the dog in crate for 8 hrs. No I did not. That is why you either go home for lunch if able or hire a dog walker.

 

[cathya]

@mikeah777 There’s a questionnaire. Fill it out thoroughly and we will be able to help you way better.

 

[klpotte3]

@mikeah777 r/dogs has a breed questionnaire that you should fill out.

 

[pixielee]

@mikeah777 I too had a golden retriever as a kid (family pet), my first dog was a senior dane mix. She was about 7, had energy to enjoy walks but could sleep through the night. She was somewhat trained, but she did have separation anxiety at first. (Which I did train away)

 

[2000]

@mikeah777 You want a Border Terrier. Lovable, cuddly, smaller, light shedder and freaking adorable.

Don't get a golden doodle... Poodles and Golden's are both extremely intelligent high energy dogs.

And while they dont she's, you have to take them to get groomed regularly.....

You can put a border terrier in your kitchen sink for a bath every 6-8 weeks

 

[markkimball]

@2000 I got a poodle, two now, and I didn’t know before hand how high energy they are. Crazy how athletic the older one is. At least now the two of them can play together and use up some energy

 

[nicokk]

@mikeah777 Hello, I am also a 24yo female who lives in a city. I adopted a lab mix about a year ago and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am definitely an introverted person so now I have a real excuse to stay in lol. When I do travel for work he either goes to a friends house or we do doggy daycare which I highly recommend but can be pricey. disclaimer the hair is crazy and he is pushing 90lbs now. But he is a huge love and I feel safe walking around with him in the city.
Do it, get the dog!

 

[discipleofchristjesus100]

@mikeah777 Honestly a puppy is a ton of work for someone living alone and working full time. I’d say get an adult dog from a shelter or rescue. We got an 11 month old and it was the smartest move ever. He was house trained, crate trained, already socialized and could be left alone for a little while right away. It saved us the headache of having to go outside for midnight potty trips or having to teach him how to walk on a leash. And he’s young enough that we still get some of that puppy energy and playfulness.

There are tons of shelter dogs that can match your lifestyle, just do lots of research like you would for any other breed. Ours was just a scruffy mutt that ended up being a labradoodle, but we picked him based on his personality over anything else. We chose a foster based rescue which is AWESOME because the foster parents can tell you exactly how a dog behaves in a home environment.

 

[ericjohnson]

@mikeah777 A Lab is always a good choice. Go adopt an old dog with a grey muzzle. They get lazy and like to sleep a lot. Good to take on short walks then split an ice cream cone.

 

[athanasius88]

@mikeah777 If you are gone that long and can't come home at least once to let the dog out and walk it then just don't get one.