Should I get a dog?

[brainshrub]

Poll question: Should I get a dog?

I've been thinking of getting a puppy. Anything I should consider before I get a dog?

I have the time, money and room. I work at home, I have a huge back-yard and I love animals.

No candidates yet, so if you know someone in the greater Asheville, NC area with a puppy let me know.

[Cobalt Violet]

1. If I had the set up you have I would.

[Pepperbelly]

2. a well trained, well dispositioned dog is your greatest friend.

If you want to play, he's down with you.

If you want to eat, he's MILES ahead of you.

If you want to sleep, he's already snoring.

If you need to kick someone's ass, he right there with you.

If you need to get rid of a body ...

[BrklynLiberal]

3. You have covered almost all the important points.....

If you are sad, they will be sad with you, and lick away the tears if that is what you want.

[bahrbearian]

7. If you need to get rid of a body get a Pig.

[BrklynLiberal]

25. YUCK!!!!

[bahrbearian]

4. All they want is love.

[alittlelark]

5. If you get a puppy and a kitten at the same time

they will be great friends and keep each other company.

[brainshrub]

12. I'd love to get a kitten, but I'm allergic to cats.

To bad... I like cats.

[alittlelark]

29. So am I - I have 6. If I am away from them for 2+ weeks

I return hacking and wheezing... it goes away in a week or so.

[brainshrub]

34. I lived with a girl with a cat.

We tried for 6 months. We had air-purifiers, swept the house daily, opened the windows, let the cat outside for part of the day... nothing worked.

I'm really, really allergic to cats.

Like I mentioned earlier: It's a shame b/c I love cats.

[alittlelark]

35. Too bad, I know 1 other person w/ a TRUE allergy...

she loves cats too. Very sad.

[BrklynLiberal]

27. Sometimes even when they meet later in life...

[alittlelark]

32. I have a pair like that as well... well, had...

We had to have the canine part of the pair put to sleep right after Christmas - very sad situation... our kitty still looks for him.

[BrklynLiberal]

36. So sorry.....They do get attached to each other...and really miss each

other. I had a second dog until a year ago. When she died, Boen, the GSD, really missed her alot...as did I.

[Is It Fascism Yet]

51. Awww! Aren't they cute! N/T

[davidgmills]

6. You might consider an older dog

If you have never had a puppy they can be a pain.

Having had five or six dogs, most of them puppies, I now prefer to ge one about two years old.

[brainshrub]

10. I've considered an older greyhound.

I've heard the way the racing industry treats them after they retire. I think that might be the way to go.

[BrklynLiberal]

23. Repost of thread for greyhound rescue.

As I said below...be careful. They are like potato chips. Just one never seems to satisfy.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=243&topic_id=5517

[CornField]

15. I'll second that

1. Puppies like to chew

2. Puppies don't know where to potty

3. Puppies like to yip (at everything)

4. Puppies *hate* being alone (even at 2 a.m.)

5. Puppies love to sleep in your bed (remember number 2)

You get the idea. :D I love my Belle Starr, but there are times (typically around 3 a.m.), that I could choke her. About that time each night is when she gets thirsty. She licks my ears until I get up and provide her with fresh water.

There are lots of dogs available from your local humane society -- many of which have already been through the puppy years.

On the other hand, as a fellow work-at-home type, having a dog around during the day is wonderful.

Good luck in picking your new best friend!

[ngGale]

48. Puppies can drive you mad, I have a new one...

he's small. If you have a yard, get a big dog. Big dogs are less trouble than small dogs, speaking from experience here, I've had both. Female's are better, they don't mark territory as bad. Had a Husky I loved for 17 years, hardly no trouble. My little pup, I'm pulling my hair out! They become your best friend, this is true. Nothing more soothing to the nerves - they comfort you in ways you can't imagine.
They become a part of the family and a part of you.

My advice, go on the net and look for the right type of dog.
Retriever's are wonderful with kids, but they naturally love water. So don't think if you take it fishing with you, he or she won't retrieve! My Husky, climbed the chain link fence until she got too old. It's worth putting some thought into which breed or whatever pup you get. Match it to go with your personality and temperament, along with your surroundings. You will have this friend for many years, so make the right choice.

Animal rescue, good idea to - some of the best pups are given away because the owner didn't put enough thought into their choice. Children, or lack thereof is an issue. Not all breeds are good around children. Just make an informed choice and remember, you will have this pup <friend> for up to 18 years of your life, or more.
Each breed has it's own good points and bad points. A mixed breed is also a very good choice, just make sure you know the combination.

They are such a good investment <friend> in more ways than one, enjoy

[Is It Fascism Yet]

52. well said, quite so. n/t

[El Supremo]

8. They are better than people. n/t

[wtmusic]

9. Just got a terrific puppy

two months ago from the pound. All shots, neutering, and microchipping included-- $80.

[BrklynLiberal]

22. love your sig!!!

[BrklynLiberal]

11. Man and boy's and girl's and woman's bestfriend..

[Scout1071]

13. Definitely Yes! Please consider adoption. I read that up to 30% of

shelter dogs are pure breds these days. Puppies take a ton of time and energy.

I adopted this guy in January when he was roughly 1 1/2 yrs old:



Senator Spike Boxer

[brainshrub]

16. Does he share some of the same traits as the human Boxer?

Loyalty, backbone, grace and intelligence?

[Scout1071]

21. Of course! He's also a pit bull type attack dog when he needs to be.

He doesn't start the fight, but he will finish it.

[Scout1071]

24. I know, I know....now I'm just being ridiculous

But couldn't bare not to share another:

[shanti]

41. i want a boxer too!

but i don't think it's fair to have a dog if no one's home most of the day....

a friend told me a story about a friend of his who owned a boxer. the friend was away from his home for about a week, with his boxer in charge of the house. when he returned, he found a burgler sitting on the floor near his bedroom. his boxer was sitting nearby watching the burgler. the boxer hadn't allow him to move an inch for a week! sounds like boxers are great watchdogs?

i have a question about boxers: do they shed a lot and are they cat friendly?

[Scout1071]

43. They don't shed much, but should be groomed/brushed

weekly. My boxer really only sheds when he is stressed (like many dogs.)

I'm not sure about the cats. Each dog is different, so you never know, but I would say that if you had the cat when the dog is a puppy it would be better.

Boxers are very gentle with kids and people in general, but male boxers don't particularly care for other male dogs. A lesson I learned the hard way!

We are going through obedience school and they are easily trained.

Only downside is that they have the name Boxer for a reason. They are really adept at using their front paws/legs. Thru training we are learning not to use them so much, but be warned they can catch you with two quick jabs!

[Rowdyboy]

14. My 75 lb spaniel reads my moods and reacts accordingly

When I feel bad, he cuddles and sleeps...When I feel good, he runs and plays. What more could you ask.

[Shell Beau]

17. I think everyone should have a dog!! They are great companions

and are joy to have. Patience is key with a puppy. It is also a good idea to look for a puppy to adopt from a shelter. They need love and a loving home.

[dhinojosa]

18. As long as your adhere to the Dog's Bill of Rights

1. I have the right to give and receive unconditional love.
2. I have the right to a life that is beyond mere survival.
3. I have the right to be trained so that I do not become the prisoner of my misbehavior.
4. I have the right to adequate food and medical care.
5. I have the right to fresh air and green grass.
6. I have the right to socialize with people and dogs outside my own family.
7. I have the right to special time with my people.
8. I have the right to be bred responsibly, if at all.
9. I have the right to be foolish and silly, and to make my person laugh.
10. I have the right to earn my person's trust and to be trusted in return.
11. I have the right to be forgiven.
12. I have the right to die with dignity.
13. I have the right to be remembered well.

[brainshrub]

30. I like that Dogs Bill Of Rights.

If our own govt did half those things, we would be a much kinder nation.

[G_j]

19. yes :-)

I sent you a PM :-)

[BrklynLiberal]

20. Info on greyhound rescue. They are WONDERFUL

Be careful..They are like potato chips. You are never satisfied with just one...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=243&topic_id=5517

[Blue Diadem]

26. This website lists homeless dogs in all states at shelters etc.

www.petfinder.org/

There's a search engine for specific states and breeds.

[babylonsister]

28. If I could, I would get a dawg! Do yourself

a favor! They are lovely and make great companions!

Have you never had a dog? They require time, some money, room, and love! That's it-they're yours for life!

[Catherine Vincent]

31. WTF?

[brainshrub]

33. What do you mean "WTF"?

[sellitman]

37. I have a Black Lab

I like him better than most people I meet.

[Vektor]

38. Please consider a rescue group or shelter/pound.

It's entirely up to you where you get your dog, but this way you may save an animal who would otherwise be put down. I got these two beauties from the local shelter:

[dogonarug]

45. 2 shelter pups

I like terriers...they have quite a sense of humor and are quite mischievous. These two, Max (male)and Coby(female)came from a local shelter. Max was on his last day when I adopted him...both were under 1 year old. Can't imagine my house without these two happy pups running crazy.
Max and his favorite sock


Coby protecting the chair

[Vektor]

46. Aw... little sweeties!

Good for you, saving these two precious puppies.

[jobycom]

39. Get a veggie corn dog. They're great, and they don't poop all over.

I've got three dogs. I watched one of them kill my favorite squirrel yesterday in my back yard. They keep me awake all night barking at the possums, they make our yard unsuitable for backyard parties or to let my kids' friends play in, and they cost a lot of money to feed and keep legal.

But they're lovable, when you can handle the stench enough to play with them.

[GardeningGal]

40. You absolutely should do it if you love animals

I now have 3 dogs. Two were originally mine (I got them from a breeder) and the other one was my Mom's that I sort of inherited. (Long story) I love them all.

[Booster]

42. Not if you like to travel - have 2 dogs & 3 cats and putting them all

in kennels cost more than any trip I could take. I love them, but they do tie you down.

[Is It Fascism Yet]

50. I find if you have a lot of animals its cheaper to leave them at home

and hire somebody to come in and feed them and water the plants.

[kskiska]

44. First, buy a good dog-training book

"Good Dog, Bad Dog" is the one I used to get a grip on housebreaking. It's important to learn how the dog thinks. Rubbing a dog's nose in "it" isn't productive. The trick is to feed the dog at a regular time each day (twice a day for puppies), then take it out immediately, because that's when it does its business.

Don't go into a fit whenever the dog piddles on the floor. If it's caught in the act, say "NO!" and immediately put it outside to finish up. If not caught in the act, quietly clean it up and don't make a fuss, because the dog will never understand.

Also, look up the characteristics of breeds you're interested in and choose one that suits your requirements.

[brainshrub]

47. Thanks.

Great advice.

[Is It Fascism Yet]

49. Yes, of course you need a dog! But check out the animal shelter

and save the life of one who is about to be euthanized! BTW, puppies cry ALL night sometimes, when they first leave their mother, and I wanted to give my puppy back for the first 6 weeks I had him, even if he was cute! There are some advantages to taking an adolescent doggie, young but past puppy. Then he won't be teething on everything in the house and wetting everywhere and crying all night. Puppies really are not much fun, if you ask me, but I just love having an adult dog, who goes with me everywhere, is loyal and housebroken, calm and steady, but ever ready for adventure! You didn't say what sort of a lifestyle you lead but think about that before choosing your doggie. If you fly a lot you will be glad to have a dog small enough to fit in a cat carrier, because, in the end, they always go with you. If you live on a ranch or farm, of course, you will prolly want a bigger breed. I have a terrier mix, they are very smart, but, very emotionally dependent. You can't leave them alone at all, they must be with you every minute. If you are someone who works a lot, you may want a more independent breed, a dog who can entertain himself just running in your fenced yard while you are away. All dogs should be taken for a walk every day, even dogs who have fenced yards, and that will be good for your health, because, your sense of responsibility toward this creature who will be both sweet and loyal will force you to exercise a little, regular like. Dogs really are great companions!

[Catherine Vincent]

53. Unbelievable...

Over three and a half hours and this thread hasn't been moved to the lounge yet. I guess the mods are asleep.

[Stinky The Clown]

54. Two pound founds .......

We lost our Border Collie about 12 years ago. She was a pound foundling and the best dog the world has ever known. Loving with the boys when they were little. Protective (but never nasty) of 'her' domain, which included 'hers' (us). Incredibly smart.

Still miss her.

My son has a second one. Also a pound pup. She proves ours was not a one of a kind. She's all ours was and more.

Probably the best breed ever. But then, I admit to being blatently prejudiced. I know others will say that about their dogs and I understand why. Because to them, they are.

Get a dog. You won't regret it. And in your search, consider a Border Collie. They're little kown, but widely loved.