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535822 tn?1443976780

getting a dog

Hi Guys New on here, I am thinking about getting a dog, I used to have 2 but lost them many years ago , I  have just got round to feeling I would love a dogs love and  company again, I know there are shelters but is this the right way to go, the internet, many dogs need homes, so what did you do when you got yours where did you go, , A cat adopted me recently and I have tried to get her a home but I may keep her,  she is indoor/outdoor, I hope she likes dogs so any tips for me there, she does like going up to see my neighbours dog . I would like a Jack Russell size or maybe a bit larger. Thanks
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535822 tn?1443976780
Thanks for the input lonewolf I am having to adjust to this cat, and maybe the husband will have to find a home instead of her, she sure is nicer to me at times ..... LOL It will be a dog in need for certain , i need a release for all the empathy and compassion given to me genetically . the love of children  and animals excels in me next to my love of America...I do like those little shaggy dogs well they are not really  little kind of midsize, have shaggy hair but honestly as long as the dog is affectionate and responsive I dont mind it can be a long term one they cant find a home for ,the needier the better.I take them with me when I go anywhere on business, sit on the back seat I believe there are doggy straps now like kiddie ones.
Helpful - 0
460185 tn?1326077772
Brrrrad - my daughter also works for a large veterinarian clinic that is open all the time.  She's seen some pretty horrible things too, including euthanasia for pets who are no longer "trendy".  She took care of three puppies from a puppy mill and we ended up adopting the one who was the most sick - a lhasa apso.

margypops - have you ever considered getting a dog from an animal shelter?

I am sure that our Akita picked us out as her potential "servants" but we played with all the puppies until she made it clear that SHE wanted US.

What kind of dog to you consider to be medium size?  Have you read any books or articles about them.  I sound like I'm giving a lecture but I'm not.  Your dog will find you.
Most of our pets found us.

Hope "your dog" finds you soon  = )

PS:  I don't know if they have this service in the USA like they do in Canada but there are organizations who take in specific breeds.  There might be some mentioned on the  internet.  If you did a google search, you might find something of interest or at least w see and learn more about your dog.  

Maybe if you adopted a kitten and a puppy together, they might get along better,

Hope "your dog" finds you soon  = )




Helpful - 0
535822 tn?1443976780
Thanks Airescottie I know.... the cat brought in a bird again yesterday ,I cant keep her in the husband wont have it as she is so clever and really bashes up the house,and I dont think she would do well as an inside cat. so the predatory behavior makes me feel sick, I have never had this kind of dilemma before, never had a cat ..But I will get a dog be good for me and the dog .  
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881165 tn?1265984588
I hate hearing about terriers in distress!  
Just FYI to anyone who reads this, if you see purebred dogs who look like this, there may be something you can do.  Many of the purebred rescue groups will work with owners/sellers like this to get them to surrender these dogs or will even buy the dogs if necessary to get them out of a bad situation.  If you see a situation like this and want to do something, look online for a breed rescue group (through AKC), contact the local coordinator, and tell them where you saw the dogs.  It always worries me with free terriers because many people will take these dogs for dogfighting purposes.  They're not pit bulls (aka American Staffordshire Terriers), but many other terriers will fight just as fiercely when they have to.
Margypops, don't worry about the cat.  The right dog will come.  
Helpful - 0
535822 tn?1443976780
Thanks guys, this is a great forum of caring folks, well I have decided to go for mid size I agree that the terriers may not want the cat around if she is still with me,I didnt choose her and she is driving the husband mad, so I am still trying to get that right home, but If I cant then she will have to saty so I will need a cat friendly dog.Yesterday morn they held the weekly dogs for adoption at Petsmart, so I took a look, someone was also nearby with a truck with 2 Puppies and a sign saying' Free Puppies' I dont like that I have to tell you, I saw 4 young dogs all terrier breed all ill kept as they are kept on the shelter then pets smart tries desperatly to sell them, but only really in need of a good bath and a big hug and some caring, nothing that would be suitable so I will take as long as I can, whilst finding that good home for the cat. I like the idea of a poodle ,I had a black standard before my other two, they are very smart dogs, its hot here have to keep them clipped A La Lion Cut"
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675347 tn?1365460645
COMMUNITY LEADER
When I was a little girl, I grew up around my uncle's dog, a German Shepherd. He was a policeman, and she was his working dog. She was the gentlest, sweetest friend, incredibly gentle and patient with me. Now I don't know if such qualities are inherent in that breed or not, but she was well-bred, and obviously well disciplined and trained. She was totally trustworthy around an active, inquisitive two-three-four year old. I remember clearly putting my tiny hand right in her mouth, and all she did was laugh at me!
Because of my early experiences I will always have a soft spot for this breed.

However, a German Shepherd might be too large for you.
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488766 tn?1306105169
I work at a vet hospital and i have adopted a pomeranian and he is awesome. The owners wanted to put him down just because they wanted a more "stylish" breed.
Freeky huh. Hope you find a great one, dogs are the best.....................
Helpful - 0
460185 tn?1326077772
We got our Pit from a shelter and she was a wonderful dog.  My kids were very young when we adopted her and she was so protective towards them.  They are strong and they are terriers but don't deserve the bad reputation they have.  Usually, it's the owner's and not the dogs.  Pits are banned in Ontario Canada but people still breed them and worse, inbreed them.

margypops - just my opinion but I think you'll just "know" when you find "your" dog.  That's how it was for us.  Our Akita picked us; in fact, all our dogs either picked us or God led them to us.  Our dogs are pets, not show dogs (but don't tell our shih tzu)  = )


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535822 tn?1443976780
Yes I prefer a rescue dog , I havent made much headway except for going to the trailer from the shelter thats outside Petsmart every weekend..Airdales are great natured dogs arent they, I had a dachshund and a Labrador , they were my last dogs quite a few years ago now...I have this cat to consider now hope she likes dogs she tries to play with a neighbors .....
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881165 tn?1265984588
Hey Girl!  I love terriers (obviously), but they are DEFINITELY an acquired taste for the right person :)  Wanted to point out that a lot of internet breeders are actually puppy mills in disguise, so do your homework if you go that route.  Also, many (if not most) of the pure breeds have AKC affiliated rescue groups, so if you want a particular breed and AKC papers, you might consider that.  The easiest way to find a group is probably to go to akc.org, look up the specific breed, and then look for a link to AKC endorsed rescue groups.  Both my terriers are rescues with AKC registration, and my Airedale is the sweetest dog I've ever known; she loves small children and cats!  Whomever gave her up were complete idiots!  Well, to be fair, they probably weren't terrier people.
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441382 tn?1452810569
Pit bulls can be excellent pets.  Because they are very strong dogs, though, you need to raise them with a firm hand and let them know who the alpha is right from the beginning, because while a well-bred pit bull can be a joy to live with, a poorly bred one that is bred without a care as to the temperament of its parents can be a nightmare.

Something else to consider is that these poor dogs, because of the idiots who think it's "cool" to have a vicious dog, have gotten such a bad reputation for being fighting dogs, many towns have made it illegal for pit bulls and pit bull mixes to be kept in that town.  If you do decide on a pit bull, please check with your town hall to make sure there are no laws on the books against keeping them.  

Be sure that whoever you decide to purchase a puppy from is a responsible breeder.  Don't be afraid to ask who they use as a veterinarian and don't be afraid to call that vet and ask them what they think about the dogs as far as how they are around people.  NO dog should ever show aggression toward humans.  It doesn't matter WHAT breed it is.  Pit bulls ARE terriers, however, so remember to be very watchful with them around other dogs and especially around smaller dogs and other small animals.  

You're absolutely correct about dogs loving to walk!  Even if they have a huge yard, they're no different than people.  They enjoy a change of scenery and get bored being in the same yard day in and day out.  Also, unless you get out there with them and throw a ball or a frisbee, they're not going to get the exercise they need in that yard.  A nice long walk at least twice a day will work wonders for a dog's attitude and a happy, relaxed dog is a lot easier to live with and train than a dog who is wound up because it doesn't get to burn off any of its energy.  

A really nice breed that has good longevity and is easy to train is the Poodle.  If you want a larger dog, a standard Poodle is a beautiful dog.  They are extremely easy to train, they get along well with other dogs, they have good lifespans (and the smaller poodles often live into their late teens!) and they don't shed.  You can keep them in a puppy cut if the foofy haircuts turn you off, but there is nothing foofy about poodles.  They are intelligent, fun-loving dogs who are excellent companions for people of all ages and all levels of training ability.   I have a Collie right now.  She is my first Collie, but after her, I will always have one.  They do require a lot of grooming, though, but Collies also come in a short-haired variety called the Smooth Collie.  If I were ever to get another dog as a companion for my Collie, though, it would be a Standard Poodle.  I think they're just gorgeous!

Ghilly
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535822 tn?1443976780
You know at my last house I had a friend who asked me to walk and look after ther dog whilst they worked, so I did for 2 years he was a Pit bull, he was a Darling, however I noticed other people where afraid and I thought it wouldnt be a breed to get as so much controversary over them, I miss him a lot now I have moved. You know maybe I will check out the bigger dogs though, I have always been a believer that dogs love to walk and as I like walking ..it works.My neighbour has 2 dogs in her yard they never go out at all, they do have a big yrad but I am sure its not the same as a walk once a day, you see the pleasure they get when they are out. When I lived at Huntington Beach we had a great dogs Beach and at weekends hundreds of dogs went there I have to tell you there were some dog fights so I would take the dog I walked for the neighbor out to the beach early morn during the week...
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460185 tn?1326077772
Devlin - we have pretty much always had Siberian huskies.  They act like puppies even when they're old.  I just love them and the strength they have when pulling a sled  = )

margypops - you probably won't like this if you're looking for a Jack Russell sized dog but sometimes small dogs (I have two) are the yappiest.  We are considering getting an Akita puppy.  Akitas aren't small but they are extremely intelligent, dignified, fun and protective of their people.  Our Akita gets along with other dogs and even cats.  She also seems to have a protective instinct for kids.  Akitas are more "grounded" than Siberian huskies and very, very loyal.  As much as I love huskies, I think I prefer the Akita temperament even more and they are from the same "family".  It sounds like I'm trying to make a sale here - I'm not, it's just my opinion.  They are bigger than Jack Russells but they are also easier to manage.  Again, that's my opinion.  Have you ever considered a pug or even a bulldog?


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675347 tn?1365460645
COMMUNITY LEADER
By the way...I would NEVER have let him go anywhere near a cat, as he would have eaten it for breakfast! As far as he was concerned, it was prey.
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675347 tn?1365460645
COMMUNITY LEADER
I agree with Ghilly (about Jack Russells that is) I used to have one. He was a treasure, but unbelievably difficult to train, and could be wayward. (Inasmuch as he had a thing about chasing the Moon! And when he went racing off like that into the night across the field, it was hard to get him to come back!).
That was in the old days in the 80's, before work with dog behaviour was so well known about, when I didn't have the first clue really about what to do, so a lot of it, I admit was probably my own fault.
It kind of 'worked out' for us all, but there were always points about him that were difficult to control. I would have NEVER trusted him around young children, and he was not so good with other male dogs.
I think, to have a peaceful life with a typical Jack Russell, you have to be good with dog behaviour issues, and have eyes in the back of your head!
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441382 tn?1452810569
Even if you do find a home for the cat, a JRT would not be the best choice for a relatively new dog owner.  I know that you had a lab for a long time, but the problem with JRTs is they are VERY overbred today, and being a breed that consists mainly of individuals with dominant personalities, unless you are a skilled dog trainer, they can be AWFUL to live with.  I am not trying to discourage you from being a dog-mom, just from getting  yourself into a situation you could end up regretting.  Owning a dog should be a pleasure, not something that makes you say "why oh why did I ever do this?".  

You're absolutely correct in that there are MANY smallish dogs in need of homes.  I know you will find one that is a good fit for your household.  Any of the non-sporting breeds or toy breeds or mixes thereof would be great house pets.  For the most part, they don't have a lot of instincts that you have to deal with (such as running or hunting or guarding or anything else that taxes a relationship), because their purpose from their inception has been strictly to be a companion to their master.

Ghilly
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535822 tn?1443976780
Well thank you for that information about Jack Russells I will make a note of that there are plenty of smallish dogs need homes, as an animal lover ,Ginger I do agree about them being in Jail in shelters,I beleive that I can do it online aswell, I had a lab from a shelter many years ago, we had him for 13 years, he was my last dog its time for another one. I have been trying to get this cat a home, it came by my house several weeks or more ago, really great, clever cat but so predatory beinga dog person it is very hard , my husband is going nuts about it, but I cannot hand her over to anyone ....
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441382 tn?1452810569
If you are considering keeping the cat, please don't get a Jack Russell Terrier.  JRT (or Parson Russell Terriers, as the breed is now called) rescue groups and responsible breeders usually will not adopt or sell a dog to families or people who have cats because these tenacious little dogs are not known for getting along well with other small animals, and are prone to attacking and even killing cats.  Most terriers, in fact, are not known for getting along well with other small animals, so if you are going to keep the cat, please choose something other than a terrier as your canine companion.

Ghilly
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675347 tn?1365460645
COMMUNITY LEADER
However, there are dogs in shelters who desperately need to be re-homed. Who may have been loved, and then abandoned, or whose owner has died. They may have little time unless someone adopts them...
Being in a shelter is like being in jail for a dog. An Angel for a dog in a shelter, is a Human who comes along and falls in love with him.
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535822 tn?1443976780
Thank you guys for your input I am not keen to go to shelters so maybe I will put it into the internet I will take any that are hard to place but not big, and not too afraid ...no I wouldnt buy from the road as they are breeding them to sell,no breeders either a dog in need of a home, a mutt would be fine about 2 years oldwill get on the internet in the next few weeks .
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Avatar universal
Shelters arent for me.  I did research online to decide what would fit me best, whether i wante da big dog or small dog, a shedder or not, what kind, the look, taking care of one etc.  I ended up getting a Siberian Husky, and she is the dog i used to see in my dreams, so I knew she was the one for me.  Id go online and try to find a breeder.  IF you dont care about papers or registered with akc, a shelter is a good place to check.  lots of good puppies need homes.  i seriously stand against buying dogs on the side of the road or from one of those adopt a pet things that go to places like petsmart.  hope this helps!  good luck in your search for a new best friend!
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127124 tn?1326735435
We have adopted a couple through a rescue group.   I think it's a great idea to give a dog a home.  Have you went to any shelters?   It's very sad.
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