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Red Slinger · 09-26-2020, 07:57 AM

Just to reiterate what a few others have said, check out the local shelters and rescues first. Most of the dogs will be mixed breeds which come with fewer health issues. Yes, there is a greater chance of behavior issues because that's probably what landed them in the shelter to begin with. But there are no bad dogs, just bad dog owners and with proper training any dog can be a good boy/girl.

I'd say when choosing a dog make sure you really pay attention to the dogs energy level and don't just fall for looks. The worst thing you can do is to get a high energy dog and put it in a lifestyle where it won't get enough exercise. It will find a way to release their energy, which is often destructive. Conversely, if you have a very active lifestyle but the dog is too low energy, it will probably lead to frustration on your part, which a dog can sense.

Puppies are cute and a blank slate but they are a lot of work. If you've never had a puppy before it can be a difficult experience depending on the breed and personality. If you are going to get a puppy from a breeder do a lot of research for the type of breed that fits your lifestyle. There are a lot of resources online about how to choose a dog. Even then not all puppies from the same litter will have the same personality traits so if possible try to watch interact for a while before picking one and try not to just fall for the most charismatic or cute puppy. The most playful puppy in a litter is sometimes also the most dominant and may have a natural tendency to want to be the Alpha in your family, if you let it. And of course, make sure you do research on the breeder and invest in a good trainer.

I've had dogs throughout my entire life. The best dog I've ever had is the one I have now (or more to the point, I'm a better dog owner now) partly because her energy level fits my lifestyle. She is a Lab/Rottweiler/Newfy/Pitbull/Boxer/Minature Poodle/African Mystery Breed cross (we had her DNA tested) and has brought nothing but joy to my life, which I've never been able to say about a dog before. Unfortunately, there are a lot of great dogs that are put down every year while at the same time some not-so-reputable breeders continue to churn out vanity pets with chronic health issues for people to use dogs as fashion accessories.

09-26-2020, 07:57 AM	#18
Red Slinger First Line Centre Join Date: Feb 2006 Exp:	Just to reiterate what a few others have said, check out the local shelters and rescues first. Most of the dogs will be mixed breeds which come with fewer health issues. Yes, there is a greater chance of behavior issues because that's probably what landed them in the shelter to begin with. But there are no bad dogs, just bad dog owners and with proper training any dog can be a good boy/girl. I'd say when choosing a dog make sure you really pay attention to the dogs energy level and don't just fall for looks. The worst thing you can do is to get a high energy dog and put it in a lifestyle where it won't get enough exercise. It will find a way to release their energy, which is often destructive. Conversely, if you have a very active lifestyle but the dog is too low energy, it will probably lead to frustration on your part, which a dog can sense. Puppies are cute and a blank slate but they are a lot of work. If you've never had a puppy before it can be a difficult experience depending on the breed and personality. If you are going to get a puppy from a breeder do a lot of research for the type of breed that fits your lifestyle. There are a lot of resources online about how to choose a dog. Even then not all puppies from the same litter will have the same personality traits so if possible try to watch interact for a while before picking one and try not to just fall for the most charismatic or cute puppy. The most playful puppy in a litter is sometimes also the most dominant and may have a natural tendency to want to be the Alpha in your family, if you let it. And of course, make sure you do research on the breeder and invest in a good trainer. I've had dogs throughout my entire life. The best dog I've ever had is the one I have now (or more to the point, I'm a better dog owner now) partly because her energy level fits my lifestyle. She is a Lab/Rottweiler/Newfy/Pitbull/Boxer/Minature Poodle/African Mystery Breed cross (we had her DNA tested) and has brought nothing but joy to my life, which I've never been able to say about a dog before. Unfortunately, there are a lot of great dogs that are put down every year while at the same time some not-so-reputable breeders continue to churn out vanity pets with chronic health issues for people to use dogs as fashion accessories. Last edited by Red Slinger; 09-26-2020 at 07:59 AM.