Thinking of getting a dog, what did you consider before getting one?

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

[*]Dogs get sick and there's no free healthcare - it can get ugly. I've seen people at vet waiting areas crying their eyes out, because they could not afford the estimate for an operation or procedure. In some extreme cases, I know people that have had to make a decision on $10,000 for an MRI plus $10,000 for an operation. For those thinking it's ridiculous, it is. But you get attached to your dog as much as the dog gets attached to you; and the vets know it. In fact, your dog loves you MORE than anyone else ever will; it's just their nature. When the time comes and you have to pay to keep your dog healthy, the decision could be excruciating financially and emotionally.

That's the reason I have pet insurance. Yeah, a bit of a rip off. However I will never have to decide between getting a second mortgage and putting my best friend down. We went with Trupanion because they don't have a max.

[soreshins]

We got our first dog earlier this year. He’s a medium size labradoodle. Main reason for getting this breed was that they don’t shed and are hypoallergenic. We don’t get any hair on clothes etc. He’s 7 months old now and we can safely leave him 4-5 hours but I wouldn’t leave him longer. Luckily I can work from home most days or go in for a morning and back home at lunchtime. My wife is out al day so If I have to travel for work, which is common, or go out for a full day then we put him into daycare. It costs $27 for a full day. He gets loads of play and socialization with other dogs when he is in so it’s actually really good for him. He always come home wrecked and sleeps for a couple of hours so it’s good for us too!

Having now done it, I would caution against getting a puppy and maybe try for an older dog. The first 2 months were really hard work and I got very little sleep. Fortunately he’s a smart little guy and picked things up quickly and is now fully house trained - despite a love for stealing socks and underwear.

We have Trupanion and have already used them once. It’s about $30/month I think.

[sun]

Definitely consider an adult dog as a puppy is a ton of work and needs constant attention when awake. I had the pup on my own while my wife was out of town for a week and it was... a lot.

Think about reaching out to a breeder and see if they have any dogs approaching "retirement" (~5 years old?). These dogs are typically trained, well-behaved, good temperament, and great companions.

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by ken0042

That's the reason I have pet insurance. Yeah, a bit of a rip off. However I will never have to decide between getting a second mortgage and putting my best friend down. We went with Trupanion because they don't have a max.

It's a rip--off all right. I just obtained an online quote from Trupanion. For 2 small dogs, $200/claim deductible, $400/month premium. That's $4,800/year for 90% of costs and no coverage for exam fees, taxes and any pre-existing conditions a dog might have. Way too expensive.

[ken0042]

Yikes. My dog is approaching 8 years old and his premium was just increased to $50 per month. Now that is also with a $1000 deductible. (Once again- in this to insure against the big bill.)

So yeah- I guess it really all depends on a few factors if it makes sense.

[Amethyst]

Deductible is a big factor in pet insurance I think. A lot of people get small deductibles or want regular exams covered. That is going to cost you. Insurance is designed for catastrophic events, not everyday expenses. If you get a large deductible and only use insurance for a major accident / illness, then it should be more reasonable.

However, I still go with the option of setting aside money in a "savings account." Then I make the decisions and if I don't need it, I still have the money. But you need to be disciplined to do so.

[Amethyst]

Originally Posted by llwhiteoutll

Taking some time off from the office would definitely be the way to go, a nine or ten day stretch would be doable since I can work remotely.

I spent a bunch of time on the AARCS website last night and they really seem to put a decent amount of effort into identifying each dog's different traits and any special requirements. I'll probably see if I can schedule an appointment with them to get a better idea of their whole process and if they feel that I'd be able to provide the kind of home that a dog needs.

On the plus side, there are three doggie daycares near me, so even if it wasn't an everyday thing, they are close.

I wish everyone put as much thought into getting a dog!

Most people I know who use doggy daycares, tend to use it occasionally or once or twice a week versus every day. Honestly, I think it would be exhausting to the dog to go every day. My guy goes every once in awhile just to have a fun outing and my other dog does a lot of other things (pet therapy, agility, etc.) that her brother doesn't. Not sure what area you are in, but the daycare I use is Dogoholics and I've been very satisfied with them.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Some training is a good thing. Dogs, quite simply, like to know what is expected of them. Simple commands, and consistency. Dogs don’t understand elaborate sentences, so don’t expect them to. If you issue a command and they don’t obey, simply say no and reissue the command.

Dog daycares were good for us for a couple of reasons -
In our situation, border collie / samoyed cross (herding dog and working dog) as a pup had more energy than any mortal human could manage.
Secondly, socialization. It is beneficial for dogs to learn how to behave around other dogs.

If a dog knows how to behave around other dogs, and listens to you, it makes things quite easy.

(Also with a pulling dog, found that a front clip harness that attaches above the breast bone keeps them walking nicely. If they pull, they go sideways.)

[PaperBagger'14]

Added bonus for the humane society, they classify their animals based on tendencies and actions towards people and other dogs. They include training with your dog and its classification (my dog was enrolled in polite pooches, there is also reactive rovers and others). It was 1 night a week for 8 weeks and I got her doing about 10-15 commands.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

It's a rip--off all right. I just obtained an online quote from Trupanion. For 2 small dogs, $200/claim deductible, $400/month premium. That's $4,800/year for 90% of costs and no coverage for exam fees, taxes and any pre-existing conditions a dog might have. Way too expensive.

Yeah, that sounds similar to the quotes we got before.

Originally Posted by ken0042

Yikes. My dog is approaching 8 years old and his premium was just increased to $50 per month. Now that is also with a $1000 deductible. (Once again- in this to insure against the big bill.)

So yeah- I guess it really all depends on a few factors if it makes sense.

I think this is fair. Utilizing insurance in a way where you're dropping $600 to avoid enormous vet bills over the sky high deductible. It kinda sucks it feels more like life insurance than actual health insurance though. I think that's the reason why it feels like a ripoff. It's hinted to be closer to health insurance, but functions seemingly far closer to a life insurance policy that doesn't pay out at the end. It just extends the care for your pet just a little longer before the pet passes. (Not all situations are like this of course... but it kinda feels that way to me)

[hockeyhuman]

Growing up I had a Staffordshire bull terrier (BEST DOGS EVER) and we could leave her in the backyard for up to 7ish hours a day when we all went to school and work, but she had space to run around and play back there.

She was perfectly fine by herself and was the happiest, best dog EVER, doesn't shed, a family dog, and so FRIENDLY. We were also committed to walking her for a long time every day or ran around in the backyard with her when we were home so that helped, but all in all, she was super low maintenance. She wasn't a rescue though!

[CliffFletcher]

You should also consider that dogs sometimes find and provoke a skunk in your yard. At 5:30 am. After you've been out with friends until 1 am. And the stench is overwhelming. And you have to clean them with concoctions of peroxide, soap, and baking soda while they reek up your whole house, including your person. And you hope but aren't certain that the skunk is off your property. And you have to go to work.

[InglewoodFan]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

You should also consider that dogs sometimes find and provoke a skunk in your yard. At 5:30 am. After you've been out with friends until 1 am. And the stench is overwhelming. And you have to clean them with concoctions of peroxide, soap, and baking soda while they reek up your whole house, including your person. And you hope but aren't certain that the skunk is off your property. And you have to go to work.

Why? Why does it always go down this way? Last time it was after I had killed a few beers and I had to get my wife to go to the 24 hr Shoppers for peroxide. We left for holidays a couple of days later, felt bad for the house/dog sitters because the place still reeked.

We "self-insure" for anything catastrophic for the dogs, money is put away for anything that might come up. Daycare we don't do more than a day a week, Friday is the best because then they sleep in on Saturday morning.

Between my flexible work schedule and kid's school schedule, I feel lucky that my pups don't spend more than 4 hours or so alone any day. We have done 7 hours in the past when I had to work more and they were fine. Also, we have two and I am of the belief that they entertain each other better than just leaving one dog alone all day. But twice the dogs is a bit more work.

Another consideration is vacations, we are lucky to have family that loves to dog sit since they can't have their own dogs right now. But boarding can add up quickly if you need to go that route.

[OMG!WTF!]

I would go the farm dog route instead of pet insurance. Make sure they eat the cheapest dog food you can find, never go to the vet, fight with coyotes every night, and run them over with farm equipment once and a while. They will live forever.

[llwhiteoutll]

Another quick question. How forgiving in terms of training are dogs? I don't want to adopt a dog and then negatively affect it with my lack of experience. As long as there is consistency and structure, is it realistic to think that over time a dog and owner will work out their relationship and the dog will understand what is expected, even if the start isn't 100% smooth? I'd also assume that a dog with previous training would benefit from taking classes with it's new adoptive owner?

The last thing I want is to get in over my head and put a dog in a position where it's unhappy.

[CaptainYooh]

OK, now I think you really are overthinking it.

[llwhiteoutll]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

OK, now I think you really are overthinking it.

I actually agree haha.

Need to get over that and realize that I won't break a dog if I need to learn along with it.

[wretched34]

Originally Posted by llwhiteoutll

I actually agree haha.

Need to get over that and realize that I won't break a dog if I need to learn along with it.

Definitely over thinking it.

All a dog requires is structure. As a pack animal, they know there needs to be an Alpha, Beta and Omega, in order for their to be safety and security within the pack.

Establish yourself as the Alpha, which means you're the decision maker. You decide everything for your dog. When it eats, where it sleeps, where it plays, everything, and your dog will obey so long as their is consistency.
Also, lead, not just emotionally, but physically. When you enter a room, enter first, when you walk on leash, don't let your dog lead. If your dog is in your way, as in blocking your path, don't step over it, or walk around it, move it, by command, or physically.

Also, socializing your dog with other people is just as important as socializing them with other dogs, this will ensure your dog knows it is the Omega, rather than Beta.
Invite friends and family over, have them feed your dog, and not just treats, but their meals, that is a huge thing. Also make sure your guests know your rules, and allow them to enforce them as well, as a dog will test each member of the pack for hierarchy.

Stay consistent, and you'll both be happy, as a dog will always require an Alpha, if you relax your rules, the dog sees it as a weakness, and will attempt to establish itself as the Alpha, not because it's acting out, or misbehaving, but because it requires that structure.

[Amethyst]

You won't break it. If you are unsure, take a training class with the dog. Sit Happens is a great school, with knowledgable trainers and flexible scheduling. My first dog, I had no idea what I was doing and she became a therapy dog (she visits nursing homes, the airport, etc.). She did go to school for agility when she was a few years old and she was better behaved than a lot of the dogs who had formal training.

I agree that dogs need structure and consistency.

Also, when you are about to do something, think about what it will tell a dog. For example, a dog runs away and when the dog comes back the person yells at it for running away. The dog learns coming back is bad. Instead be over the moon happy that the dog comes back and it will learn that coming to you instead of running is the best thing.

[TheSutterDynasty]

Originally Posted by llwhiteoutll

Another quick question. How forgiving in terms of training are dogs? I don't want to adopt a dog and then negatively affect it with my lack of experience. As long as there is consistency and structure, is it realistic to think that over time a dog and owner will work out their relationship and the dog will understand what is expected, even if the start isn't 100% smooth? I'd also assume that a dog with previous training would benefit from taking classes with it's new adoptive owner?

The last thing I want is to get in over my head and put a dog in a position where it's unhappy.

I don't think you're overthinking it.

I am witnessing some friends train a puppy right now. They are practicing walking and some tricks, crate training, etc which is great.

But then they let her dig. And bark. And playbite. Guess what she does constantly now, 2 months later? She's chewed and dug their house up and barks constantly.

So yes, what you do in the beginning for socialization and training makes a huge difference later. Good luck trying to undo these habits - it's far FAR easier to not let them start to begin with. So knowing what to do when they inevitably happen is key.

Originally Posted by wretched34

All a dog requires is structure. As a pack animal, they know there needs to be an Alpha, Beta and Omega, in order for their to be safety and security within the pack.

Establish yourself as the Alpha, which means you're the decision maker. You decide everything for your dog. When it eats, where it sleeps, where it plays, everything, and your dog will obey so long as their is consistency.
Also, lead, not just emotionally, but physically. When you enter a room, enter first, when you walk on leash, don't let your dog lead. If your dog is in your way, as in blocking your path, don't step over it, or walk around it, move it, by command, or physically.

Also, socializing your dog with other people is just as important as socializing them with other dogs, this will ensure your dog knows it is the Omega, rather than Beta.
Invite friends and family over, have them feed your dog, and not just treats, but their meals, that is a huge thing. Also make sure your guests know your rules, and allow them to enforce them as well, as a dog will test each member of the pack for hierarchy.

Stay consistent, and you'll both be happy, as a dog will always require an Alpha, if you relax your rules, the dog sees it as a weakness, and will attempt to establish itself as the Alpha, not because it's acting out, or misbehaving, but because it requires that structure.

There is no evidence for the alpha model for domesticated dogs. The theory is based on 1960s research on wolves that has since been disproven. It's popular because it was on TV, but dogs are not trained like that in real life.

It's great to have a theory behind training, but training a dog with consistency and socialization is just basic logic. If you let a toddler play with something 9 times and yell at it the 10th of course it will be confused.

You didn't mention this, but there is also no evidence that negative reinforcement is any better than positive reinforcement. Ie punishing your dog does not help any more than rewarding the opposite good behavior.