First Time Dog Owner?

Question

I've finally convinced my Mom to let me own my very first dog but I'm having some trouble finding the right dog breed. I suppose I'm asking a lot from a dog but I want everyone in the house hold to be happy so it's important I find the right type of dog.

First of all, we own cats so the dog needs to get along with other animals. My Mom loves cats and while one loves dogs and enjoys nuzzling the scent of dog on my hands the other one seems to look at very small dogs as pray so nothing smaller than a pug will do. He is fine with larger dogs though.

Since it's my first dog I'd really like something that isn't too much of a challenge to train and isn't overly dominant. House breaking shouldn't be difficult. Since I am still working to complete school I will be gone for about six hours every week day so it would be nice to have a dog that can handle that, after that I have plenty of time to play and cuddle with my buddy.

We live in a regular sized house with a medium/small fenced backyard. I have the time and energy to walk my dog an hour everyday. When I mean walk I mean walk, I don't enjoy jogging or sprinting. Really I'd prefur a lazier dog but a medium energy is acceptable any higher and I'm not sure I could handle it.

I know this is probably silly and that maybe I just shouldn't get a dog but I've wanted a dog for years, this is my chance and I've been saving up to get it. If anyone has some suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

I think the best dog breed is probably a Samoyed. When they are puppies they are energetic like most dogs but our Samoyed, Wolfgang is a great companion.She is 15 now. They do shed alot though and most puppies arent very good about dealing with being alone.If you want a good dog train it when its younger. May I recommend getting a female dog male dogs are more dominate I think. They love walking I think you will be a good dog owner you just need patience. If the dog does something wrong like "use the bathroom" in the floor don't spank it with a shoe or with your hand that hurts. You want to grab their attention take a rolled up newspaper and smack it on a hard surface like a table or a column it will scare them. Show them what they have done and say "No" with authority. If you want to know more about samoyeds then check Google for images and more information. GOOD LUCK!

Answer

this is kinda of topic but don't forget to look up heat! girl dogs have periods too.

Answer

Dogs are HUGE responsability. Just know this. Some dogs are more hyper, such as jack russells and minature pinchers... All dogs will need proper training DAILEY WALKS that are VERY essential. you have'' to burn off excess hyperness and need to release this energy or you will get bad behaviors. such as chewing, jumping, getting into things ext. here is a video to help you understand taking care of your dog.

Hope this helps!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCo85R3A_hY

Answer

My dog is a Siberian husky and she sheds a hella lot of fur! She requires a walk a day's exercise but she is totally okay with being left alone. she loves to play, they dont bark and in the evenings she will howl with my mum. we have 6 ft fences in our garden which she runs around in all the time. She is now 11 and will never become old and frail, always a pup. When we had a cat, they got on really well and she was actually depressed when he died. I do recommend this breed however, my mum always said that she never thought about certain breeds, she just waited to find the right dog. When she was looking for our dog, they were looking for years but as soon as she met fluke, she instantly fell in love. this has become a practical theory for us and i feel that it is the best way to get a dog. i hope this helps. (probably not) byeeeeee

Answer

I know I'm late in answering, but you sound like you would do great with an American Alsatian.  They are big, but they have low energy, low prey drive, like other animals, are easily trained, and are loyal.  Note, if you were to get one, be sure to find out if the desired dog is actually this way.  It is a breed in , so not all dogs in the breed have these characteristics.

Good luck:)

Answer

Dog is a huge responsibility.First ask your mom if she is agree with you or not.If she is agree then buy a dog because when you will not be in home she will take care of your dog.It does not matter which type of dog you will buy.

Answer

If you want a dog for great protection and for a loyal companion, a German shepherd would be the type. Then again, if you don't want clusters of dog fur flying all over the place a GSD isn't the great type 4 you. :) I have 2 GSD's. They are great dogs. Life span is from 10-12. 13 if your lucky. 
Then again , reading your post, you have cats. If you train the dog, a cat would be the german shepherds second best friend. German shepherds arn't hard to train if you start early during puppyhood and keep at it. A puppy has TONS of energy tho. If you get a puppy, B AWaRE. older dogs are VERY lazy. they want to ly down all day and only get up when u say. 
anyway. GSD's r the best

Answer

So this might be a little late, but I think a Labrador Retriever would be perfect. I have two and I'm gone 7 hours a day and they are fine. They are pretty lazy but they still love walks. Also they see lots of cats and they just ignore them. They are very loyal and after school I love to come home and cuddle with them. I would say they are medium sized, (Around 70 pounds) but that doesn't be stop them from trying to cuddle and sit on your lap! Labs are smart, friendly, gentle, and adorable! They have been picked for the the top breed for 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015!

First Time Dog Owner?

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