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I am 14 years old, never owned a dog before. We had a dog (Golden Retriever) but have not yet owned one, where it was all my responsibility. My dad how ever does not like dogs, why? He doesn't like the shedding, yeah, that's about all he doesn't like... If the dog never touched him he would be happy! Haha, but I am allowed to get a dog, as long as I can prove to him that I am responsible enough, and as long as a find the perfect breed! I am open to anything except poodles! Ha
We have to small children. 2 older children, have friends come and visit us often (the dog doesn't have to be perfectly nice to them, in fact I'd rather it not, just no growling and biting and less barking when they come) I would like the dog to be a good companion for me, to love me, and to stick by my side. I also would like to throw the frisbee with it,so basically not a lazy dog, but able to relax :] and of course, I want it to be cute! I do understand the responsability of a dog, please don't think otherwise.
Asked by
Guest 014309
on Oct 8th 2009
Tagged whatbreed
in Breeds
Status
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Answers
Most of the things that you are looking for are all training related so are on you more than the breed of the dog. Why no Poodle? You said your dad doesn't like the shedding so a low/no-shed dog like a Poodle would probably make him happy... Standard Poodles are also very intelligent and overall have good personalities and can be active. They are not "frou frou" dogs like people make them out to be....
How much grooming and energy could you put up with? It's best to research the breeds so that you find your perfect match. Look at the library for books on breeds that interest you. Dogbreedininfo.com and akc.org/breeds/complete_breed_list.cfm are also good places to learn.
So basically, you want a dog that can be energetic, but laid back? With an "off"/"on" energy switch, metiphorically speaking?
If you don't mind a big dog, Collies or Shelties may be the breed for you.
I also recommend doing your research on being a responsible dog owner. Research feeding, grooming, training, exercise, etc. It's also very educational to talk to a variety of dog owners. I've been reading into dogs and anything to do with dogs since I was 11 years old. But I've learned the most since joining Dogster and relating experiences with other dog lovers. You can't trust everything you read/hear, whether it be in books or other people or even everything a vet says (they disagree among themselves), but...well, you live and learn. I'm not trying to confuse you. Vets are knowledgeable in curing infections and diseases and such, not so much in other areas, such as training or nutrition. Some might be, but not all are.
Also research the places to get a dog from. Not all breeders are good ones.
Keep in mind that dogs from a good animal shelter or rescue group will have information on how they are with cats, with kids, with people, with other dogs, and the employees should be able to tell you about him and his personality.
I would wait until your dad is more okay with it or do some other choices, like wait til you can babysit or something for the money to buy dogfood and care. Or just volunteer at the shelters every week walking and feeding dogs. They always need help.
Also, if your dad really gets better with the ideal of a dog he should be participating in what type of dog and going to shelters to help visit each dog you both agree on. :)
There is many frisbee catchers at the pound and dogs that are housebroken. You might have to teach them to catch a frisbee which is easy.
How much/what type of exercise are you willing to provide? Do you have a safe area for off-leash exercise?
How much grooming are you willing to do? Most of the low shedding breeds do require regular professional grooming and may have high maintenance coats.
Also, I see you are only 14. If you're not homeschooled, what will you do with the dog while you are at school (or at other activities)? Are you involved in a lot of after-school activities? How much time do you have to spend with the dog? What do you plan to do after you finish high school, and what will you do with the dog at that time?
Please make sure your dad really is on board with getting a dog - if he lives with you, he is going to have some contact with the dog and may have to assist you with caring for the dog.
I was 14 when I got my second dog. I am 15 now. First you need to make sure you are willing to put in a lot of training time. Get some good books for dod and puppy training that use positive reinforcement. I have 2 dogs and I love them. I have a jac russel pom mix and a morkie (maltese yorkie). I don't suggest these for first time dog owners though because they can be hard to train if you don't know what you are doing.
Have you thought about a cocker spaniel or maybe a shipoo.
I suggest you do an online breed match.
Also make sure your whole family gets used to dogs it can really hurt training if one family member isn't willing to co operate. Because you have 2 small children in the house make sure they understand how to treat a dog. I reccomend a dog around 20lbs. Not too small and not too big. When you get a dog make sure to get it well socialized with the kids and other dogs and get he/she use to having it's nails touched and clipped. Watch videos of how to do this.
Have fun!
Guest 274409
answered on 10/10/09.
Helpful? /0
you NEED a GSP German Shorthaired Pointer, he'll paly frisbee ALL DAY and he'll be happy to cuddle up with you at night. They are fantastic dogs full of love and loyalty...I used to raise them and folks that came to buy them were almost always former owners whose dogs had died. Once you've owned one, no other breed will do. They can and more importantly WILL do anything you ask, HAPPILY...Find a GOOD breeder, go to a few local dog shows take your time and go for TEMPERAMENT not "style". You're picking your best friend for the next 15 years or so, a pretty face can wear thin if it has a bad personality behind it. Your pup should look true to breed, but more important than physical perfection is how you feel about the pup and how he feels about you! Get a lively. happy, dog with a want to please attitude, training these dogs is a snap too, and while they are protective they are not generally viscious. GREAT DOGS! look the breed up right here on Dogster!
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