From zero dogs to one dog
October 21, 2020 11:10 AM Subscribe
Walk this very nervous potential pet owner through the steps to getting a dog.
I want a dog but I'm super nervous about it. I don't know anything about breeds, but I'd like a calm, mellow dog. I like the idea of getting a rescue. I LOVE the idea of getting a greyhound as every one I've ever met has been the sweetest thing ever (and apparently they don't need all that much exercise!), but I don't know if that's practical -- I guess they're never allowed to be off-leash? I do not think I want a puppy. Other than that I have no clue.
We have plenty of house, two boys (9&12), no pets except a small flock of chickens (they are supposed to stay inside a chicken wire run along our fence but they frequently find a way out), and we live in Seattle. Our back yard isn't totally fenced off but we are planning to do so sometime in the next 12 months. I'm not super active, daily walks of 30m at a time should not be a problem but jogging/running wouldn't be great.
Also, all of us are home all the time right now, but presumably that will shift back to me at an office and the kids back in school at some point, and the dog will need to be able to be at home alone at some point -- sheesh how do I train for that when we never leave?
How do I start? How do I decide what kind of dog is best? How long will the process take? How do I become a good dog owner? What books are best for total neophytes? How much money do I need to set aside? Halp I'm already overwhelmed!
I want a dog but I'm super nervous about it. I don't know anything about breeds, but I'd like a calm, mellow dog. I like the idea of getting a rescue. I LOVE the idea of getting a greyhound as every one I've ever met has been the sweetest thing ever (and apparently they don't need all that much exercise!), but I don't know if that's practical -- I guess they're never allowed to be off-leash? I do not think I want a puppy. Other than that I have no clue.
We have plenty of house, two boys (9&12), no pets except a small flock of chickens (they are supposed to stay inside a chicken wire run along our fence but they frequently find a way out), and we live in Seattle. Our back yard isn't totally fenced off but we are planning to do so sometime in the next 12 months. I'm not super active, daily walks of 30m at a time should not be a problem but jogging/running wouldn't be great.
Also, all of us are home all the time right now, but presumably that will shift back to me at an office and the kids back in school at some point, and the dog will need to be able to be at home alone at some point -- sheesh how do I train for that when we never leave?
How do I start? How do I decide what kind of dog is best? How long will the process take? How do I become a good dog owner? What books are best for total neophytes? How much money do I need to set aside? Halp I'm already overwhelmed!
Rescues and responsible breeders are completely swamped right now so start looking/asking about waiting lists right away. The process usually takes many months but who knows how much longer it'll be now that everyone wants a dog.
Lots of dogs are fine without jogging, even high-energy breeds. You can meet their physical exercise needs in many other ways. Since you have chickens I'd try to avoid breeds that often have a high prey drive, though if you go the rescue route you often won't know the breed mix (the label is usually a visual guess and usually completely wrong).
There are lots of very strong opinions out there in the dog world and many people still promote ideas that have been definitively proven to be incorrect. I would encourage you to always consider the source carefully - unfortunately not all self-proclaimed dog experts or even trainers are equally knowledgeable and some of their advice can really mess up your dog. This includes nutrition advice - look for info written by veterinary nutritionists, not trainers or pet stores.
There are many great dog books out there. Some especially good ones include:
Don’t Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor
Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right by Dr. Sophia Yin
The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell
Cooperative Care, Seven steps to stress free husbandry by Deb Jones
There are also a lot of great free online resources but again, you have to be really careful about the source and look for people who use methods based on our current understanding of dog psychology instead of being stuck on ideas that were disproven 20 years ago.
posted by randomnity at 11:28 AM on October 21, 2020 [7 favorites]
Lots of dogs are fine without jogging, even high-energy breeds. You can meet their physical exercise needs in many other ways. Since you have chickens I'd try to avoid breeds that often have a high prey drive, though if you go the rescue route you often won't know the breed mix (the label is usually a visual guess and usually completely wrong).
There are lots of very strong opinions out there in the dog world and many people still promote ideas that have been definitively proven to be incorrect. I would encourage you to always consider the source carefully - unfortunately not all self-proclaimed dog experts or even trainers are equally knowledgeable and some of their advice can really mess up your dog. This includes nutrition advice - look for info written by veterinary nutritionists, not trainers or pet stores.
There are many great dog books out there. Some especially good ones include:
Don’t Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor
Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right by Dr. Sophia Yin
The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell
Cooperative Care, Seven steps to stress free husbandry by Deb Jones
There are also a lot of great free online resources but again, you have to be really careful about the source and look for people who use methods based on our current understanding of dog psychology instead of being stuck on ideas that were disproven 20 years ago.
posted by randomnity at 11:28 AM on October 21, 2020 [7 favorites]
me: not a dog expert by trade but have owned by two rescue dogs so here are some anecdotes from that.
If you adopt an adult rescue (this is a great thing to do, they are the ones who need you most!) you're getting a dog that's already got some behaviors established, and those behaviors may emerge slowly as doggie gets more comfortable in your house. I say this not to warn you off or anything, but to let you know that while your planning and preparation are awesome, you will need to keep your mind open and your approach flexible when doggie comes to live with you.
It's possible that doggie may just not work out -- they may have aggression problems, hate children, have loud separation anxiety, etc. Definitely know how you're going to deal with that if it happens before doggie comes home. My parents had the heartbreak of adopting an adult poodle who bonded like superglue with my dad and had mad separation anxiety when he wasn't around, driving my mom crazy. Luckily the doggie agency worked with them to find a great new home for Mr. Wiggles -- a solo housebound but dog-capable elderly person who he adored.
posted by Sauce Trough at 11:34 AM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
If you adopt an adult rescue (this is a great thing to do, they are the ones who need you most!) you're getting a dog that's already got some behaviors established, and those behaviors may emerge slowly as doggie gets more comfortable in your house. I say this not to warn you off or anything, but to let you know that while your planning and preparation are awesome, you will need to keep your mind open and your approach flexible when doggie comes to live with you.
It's possible that doggie may just not work out -- they may have aggression problems, hate children, have loud separation anxiety, etc. Definitely know how you're going to deal with that if it happens before doggie comes home. My parents had the heartbreak of adopting an adult poodle who bonded like superglue with my dad and had mad separation anxiety when he wasn't around, driving my mom crazy. Luckily the doggie agency worked with them to find a great new home for Mr. Wiggles -- a solo housebound but dog-capable elderly person who he adored.
posted by Sauce Trough at 11:34 AM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Step 1: Accept that the biggest cost of the dog is the care & feeding, not the initial price. Care includes not just vet visits and vaccines but also possibly pet insurance, and dog-walker or dog-sitting or doggie day-care. Care also includes your own & your family's labor: exercising the dog, training the dog (VERY IMPORTANT), vacuuming up the hair, etc.
Step 2: Family meeting! Your entire family has to be on board with what it takes to have a dog in your household and not leave it all up to a working mother. Your sons are the perfect age to learn to take care of a dog.
You should also talk amongst yourselves about why you want a dog, what do you see doing with the dog? Do you want a dog who sleeps on the couch while you watch TV? Who goes for hikes with you? Who is a security system?
What will your household rules be? Is the dog allowed on the furniture? Allowed in the dining room while you eat? Allowed to run loose in the yard all day? Whatever your rules are, everyone must follow them or you will have chaos.
Step 3: Evaluate the physical environment. Is there a space in the house where a dog bed or crate could be kept? Fragile furniture you don't want the dog to chew or climb on? Are there rooms you want to keep the dog out of? How high is the fence outside? How secure is the chicken run? What do you need to keep the dog and yourself safe physically?
Step 4: Do some preliminary research. There are tons of books out there about dogs and dog training: get one or two, and read up on positive reinforcement methods. Discuss with your family that everyone has to be in agreement on how you will train the dog, or the dog gets very confused.
Step 5: Decide on whether you want a puppy or an adult/rescue. Puppies are adorable and fun, but they are also a LOT of work and may keep you up at night. All puppies need a lot of training, both housebreaking and basic obedience. Rescues can be well-trained and well-behaved dogs, but many have personality quirks or neuroses, and may also need a lot of remedial training. (I have never had a non-neurotic rescue, but how it plays out is infinitely variable.)
Step 6: Then decide what type of dog you want. Research dogs online, ask about dogs you meet on the street, and if you have a chance, visit a dog event -- either an adoption event or maybe a dog show or trial where you can see a lot of different types of dogs. Perhaps you will decide that the breed of dog doesn't matter as much as the size & personality! But it is a good idea to have a basic idea of what you are looking for before you go see adoptable dogs (or a litter of puppies).
If you decide to get a specific breed of dog, don't just find them on Craigslist: ask a vet to recommend a responsible breeder. (My coworker bought a Golden puppy off Craigslist and the breeder hadn't vaccinated it properly, and the puppy died within three weeks, which was traumatizing for the whole family.) Purebred dogs often have medical issues specific to the breed, and you should educate yourself on what those are and if you're willing to deal with that. (Many bulldogs get skin problems, for instance, because of their skin folds, and many big dogs have hip problems.)
Step 7: Get your dog! Sign up for obedience training immediately, and make sure everyone in the family learns how it works. Introduce your dog to the neighborhood and people so they get socialized properly. Teach him or her how to high-five!
Enjoy your dog, they are great! But they're not always easy.
posted by suelac at 11:35 AM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
Step 2: Family meeting! Your entire family has to be on board with what it takes to have a dog in your household and not leave it all up to a working mother. Your sons are the perfect age to learn to take care of a dog.
You should also talk amongst yourselves about why you want a dog, what do you see doing with the dog? Do you want a dog who sleeps on the couch while you watch TV? Who goes for hikes with you? Who is a security system?
What will your household rules be? Is the dog allowed on the furniture? Allowed in the dining room while you eat? Allowed to run loose in the yard all day? Whatever your rules are, everyone must follow them or you will have chaos.
Step 3: Evaluate the physical environment. Is there a space in the house where a dog bed or crate could be kept? Fragile furniture you don't want the dog to chew or climb on? Are there rooms you want to keep the dog out of? How high is the fence outside? How secure is the chicken run? What do you need to keep the dog and yourself safe physically?
Step 4: Do some preliminary research. There are tons of books out there about dogs and dog training: get one or two, and read up on positive reinforcement methods. Discuss with your family that everyone has to be in agreement on how you will train the dog, or the dog gets very confused.
Step 5: Decide on whether you want a puppy or an adult/rescue. Puppies are adorable and fun, but they are also a LOT of work and may keep you up at night. All puppies need a lot of training, both housebreaking and basic obedience. Rescues can be well-trained and well-behaved dogs, but many have personality quirks or neuroses, and may also need a lot of remedial training. (I have never had a non-neurotic rescue, but how it plays out is infinitely variable.)
Step 6: Then decide what type of dog you want. Research dogs online, ask about dogs you meet on the street, and if you have a chance, visit a dog event -- either an adoption event or maybe a dog show or trial where you can see a lot of different types of dogs. Perhaps you will decide that the breed of dog doesn't matter as much as the size & personality! But it is a good idea to have a basic idea of what you are looking for before you go see adoptable dogs (or a litter of puppies).
If you decide to get a specific breed of dog, don't just find them on Craigslist: ask a vet to recommend a responsible breeder. (My coworker bought a Golden puppy off Craigslist and the breeder hadn't vaccinated it properly, and the puppy died within three weeks, which was traumatizing for the whole family.) Purebred dogs often have medical issues specific to the breed, and you should educate yourself on what those are and if you're willing to deal with that. (Many bulldogs get skin problems, for instance, because of their skin folds, and many big dogs have hip problems.)
Step 7: Get your dog! Sign up for obedience training immediately, and make sure everyone in the family learns how it works. Introduce your dog to the neighborhood and people so they get socialized properly. Teach him or her how to high-five!
Enjoy your dog, they are great! But they're not always easy.
posted by suelac at 11:35 AM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
Not sure what it's like in your area, but around here most of the "generic" (i.e. not breed-specific) rescues get most of their dogs from the South. Local shelters/SPCAs tend not to have many dogs because surrender rates are very low. Because of this, many rescues will foster the animals in the state where they were found and only bring them up north when they're adopted. We found a rescue that fosters locally which was a great help because we really wanted to make sure any potential dog would not actively hunt the cats that we already had.
So, that being said - I think there were a couple of things that helped us find the right dog. Firstly, be honest with yourself; it looks like you're doing that already. If you don't think you can commit to two long walks a day, that's fine - there are plenty of dogs who don't need that level of activity so it's not a deal breaker. Also, be honest with the rescue about what you're looking for. They will probably want to interview you anyway about your lifestyle, so tell the truth about your habits and level of activity. Being able to have the rescue bring the dog over to our home for a visit was also a great help, since she got to interact with the cats and we were able to take her for a short walk and see how we worked together. Since you already have prey animals around, I'd especially want to have a trial visit (even if the dog's description says they're cat/animal-friendly, it's frequently difficult for fosters to figure these things out).
Once you get a dog home? Honestly, dogs are pretty good about letting you know what they need. But lay out some ground rules ahead of time and stick to them - who's responsible for walking/feeding/potty breaks? (If it's the kids, know that my brother and I begged my parents for a dog for years and then we did absolutely fuck all to take care of it when we were kids.) Is the dog allowed on the furniture? Where does it sleep? There aren't necessarily any wrong answers to these questions, there just needs to be a little thought put in to them. The rescue may have already made some of these decisions for you, and you can continue with them or not (for example, the rescue we used was very pro-crate, so our pup was trained to sleep in a crate overnight. Of course, we caved after a while and now she sleeps on the bed with us.).
You will make mistakes. Don't beat yourself up over them. The first few months will be a learning experience for you and the dog both.
One thing I will caution, though, since you mentioned it - I am personally strongly in favor of leashing the dog at all times when she's not in our yard. A dog with even the best recall may still get spooked, find a small animal to chase, or get distracted and (especially if you're in the city) it's way too easy for them to wander in to the street and get hit by a car. Also, there are a lot of people who don't like or are afraid of dogs and it's considerate to them to be able to heel a dog so it doesn't bound up to them. Dogs do need guidance and a leash is an effective tool for that.
posted by backseatpilot at 12:46 PM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
So, that being said - I think there were a couple of things that helped us find the right dog. Firstly, be honest with yourself; it looks like you're doing that already. If you don't think you can commit to two long walks a day, that's fine - there are plenty of dogs who don't need that level of activity so it's not a deal breaker. Also, be honest with the rescue about what you're looking for. They will probably want to interview you anyway about your lifestyle, so tell the truth about your habits and level of activity. Being able to have the rescue bring the dog over to our home for a visit was also a great help, since she got to interact with the cats and we were able to take her for a short walk and see how we worked together. Since you already have prey animals around, I'd especially want to have a trial visit (even if the dog's description says they're cat/animal-friendly, it's frequently difficult for fosters to figure these things out).
Once you get a dog home? Honestly, dogs are pretty good about letting you know what they need. But lay out some ground rules ahead of time and stick to them - who's responsible for walking/feeding/potty breaks? (If it's the kids, know that my brother and I begged my parents for a dog for years and then we did absolutely fuck all to take care of it when we were kids.) Is the dog allowed on the furniture? Where does it sleep? There aren't necessarily any wrong answers to these questions, there just needs to be a little thought put in to them. The rescue may have already made some of these decisions for you, and you can continue with them or not (for example, the rescue we used was very pro-crate, so our pup was trained to sleep in a crate overnight. Of course, we caved after a while and now she sleeps on the bed with us.).
You will make mistakes. Don't beat yourself up over them. The first few months will be a learning experience for you and the dog both.
One thing I will caution, though, since you mentioned it - I am personally strongly in favor of leashing the dog at all times when she's not in our yard. A dog with even the best recall may still get spooked, find a small animal to chase, or get distracted and (especially if you're in the city) it's way too easy for them to wander in to the street and get hit by a car. Also, there are a lot of people who don't like or are afraid of dogs and it's considerate to them to be able to heel a dog so it doesn't bound up to them. Dogs do need guidance and a leash is an effective tool for that.
posted by backseatpilot at 12:46 PM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
You may find this breed selector from the American Kennel Club a good place to start. Shelter dogs are rarely purebred, but the breed selector can help you clarify what you want in, and are able to give, a dog. If you decide you want a purebred dog, breeders often have retired show or breeding dogs available for adoption and these can be a good choice as they are already trained and generally have a calm temperament.
posted by DrGail at 1:02 PM on October 21, 2020
posted by DrGail at 1:02 PM on October 21, 2020
French bulldogs are great apartment dogs and the ones I have met liked children. And yellow labs? Love kids. In the words of Dick Proennecke, you can't beat that.
posted by y2karl at 1:19 PM on October 21, 2020
posted by y2karl at 1:19 PM on October 21, 2020
We made the leap two years ago. There is plenty of sound advice above. Our experience with shelters was that they diverted most healthy easily adopted dogs to rescues, and there was interest in many of the remainders, so shelters took a best-of-three applications. It was too hard of a roller coaster ride with 2kids, so we networked with friends who foster for rescues (and could vouch for us) and adopted directly from a rescue. Some shelters had pages where dog owners could post an available pup, however we got 90% toward bringing that doggie home and the owner just couldn’t go through with it (constant barking in apartment while their person was at work, landlord issue).
I hope you and your family have a much quicker and simpler time of it. This was not the local experience from my pre-internet childhood. Our doggo was billed as a 40 pound lab mix. She’s a full-size hound, likely redbone, and was 50-60 pounds when we met. Adoption included spaying, and the vet discovered cancer during that procedure and removed it at cost. She will bolt and follow her nose if unleashed, (so many neighbor-dogs, deer, fox, smells...) leashes are how we roll too. With the cancer and the vet’s confidence, we waited to tell the kids, and it has not returned. Being flexible and patient has been soOoo important.
posted by childofTethys at 1:26 PM on October 21, 2020
I hope you and your family have a much quicker and simpler time of it. This was not the local experience from my pre-internet childhood. Our doggo was billed as a 40 pound lab mix. She’s a full-size hound, likely redbone, and was 50-60 pounds when we met. Adoption included spaying, and the vet discovered cancer during that procedure and removed it at cost. She will bolt and follow her nose if unleashed, (so many neighbor-dogs, deer, fox, smells...) leashes are how we roll too. With the cancer and the vet’s confidence, we waited to tell the kids, and it has not returned. Being flexible and patient has been soOoo important.
posted by childofTethys at 1:26 PM on October 21, 2020
Puppies are kind of a nightmare even for experienced people--adorable nightmares, but holy hell are they a lot of work. One of the best/worst fostering experiences I ever had, to be honest. SO MUCH POO. Flung everywhere. You have to watch them at all times. Sometimes the puppy breath made up for it, but even one puppy is a tremendous amount of work.
In the PNW, we don't really get that many rescue dogs from the South, but they are heavily represented by the eastern parts of Washington and Oregon, and rural California high-kill shelters, and some come from Asia, as well. A lot of surrenders are because people can't afford to care for an ill or injured pet.
The Seattle Animal Shelter is good, as are PAWS in Lynnwood and the Humane Society in Bellevue. But I personally have fostered with a local organization who often get asked by shelters to take dogs, and I know many people who've adopted through small rescue groups. Feel free to memail me for local recs, I know a lot of rescue groups are struggling badly right now because funding has fallen off a cliff in the pandemic economic nightmare, and are worried about survival.
Something I would highly recommend if you can afford it for a doggo is insurance, once you know they will be joining you permanently. Dogs will eat anything, and can often get themselves in trouble, and having decent pet insurance can make a huge difference for you. Most groups will microchip and vaccinate, but don't forget to change the microchip number to yours.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 1:42 PM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
In the PNW, we don't really get that many rescue dogs from the South, but they are heavily represented by the eastern parts of Washington and Oregon, and rural California high-kill shelters, and some come from Asia, as well. A lot of surrenders are because people can't afford to care for an ill or injured pet.
The Seattle Animal Shelter is good, as are PAWS in Lynnwood and the Humane Society in Bellevue. But I personally have fostered with a local organization who often get asked by shelters to take dogs, and I know many people who've adopted through small rescue groups. Feel free to memail me for local recs, I know a lot of rescue groups are struggling badly right now because funding has fallen off a cliff in the pandemic economic nightmare, and are worried about survival.
Something I would highly recommend if you can afford it for a doggo is insurance, once you know they will be joining you permanently. Dogs will eat anything, and can often get themselves in trouble, and having decent pet insurance can make a huge difference for you. Most groups will microchip and vaccinate, but don't forget to change the microchip number to yours.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 1:42 PM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Ok, n'thing rescues. I currently have 3 rescue dogs and one rescue cat. And have had 3 other dogs and 2 other cats over my life, all rescues.
You can use Petfinder to help find rescues in your area. They will have tons of dogs, and you can search by age, etc...
Do NOT get hung up on breed. In most cases, recuses are mixed breeds, which (in my opinion) tend to be better as they don't typically have as many health issues, if there is some behavior traits, they get tempered, etc..)
I would recommend going with a dog that is, or will be, over 30/40 lbs (ie. not a 'miniature' or small dog like a jack russell, etc. Especially with kids, they can be a bit nippy and excitable. Bigger dogs *tend* to be more mellow, especially after their 'puppy' year)
Also, breed-wise, most rescues get it wrong in some sort. They're taking a guess by looks and predominate breeds in the area. It is easier to tell when the dog is older, but still a guessing match - even a dog that 'looks' like a lab is likely a mix of some sort. So, really, don't focus on breed.
If you are going to go for a more 'grown' dog, congrats! They are much less likely to get adopted quickly, and need the help. And also, you can avoid the troublesome puppy age, which needs some attention around potty training, chewing, etc etc. Many adult dogs have some training. Flip side is, they may have been mistreated and will have some sort of behavior issue that needs to be worked on (but is completely solvable!)
Now, thing about Petfinder is that many rescues post there AFTER the dog has been on their own personal website and/or facebook page. And many times, they will be pending adopting by then, or even adopted. So Petfinder is good to find the rescue organizations near you, that you can then research directly. There are tons of volunteer organizations out there saving dogs from kill shelters in the south and midwest (I have dogs from Tennessee and Oklahoma and Puerto Rico). But I will say that if you look first thing in the morning for new pets posted on Petfinder, you will have a good chance they are not spoken for yet.
Now, you have to fill out an adoption form before adopting, also. So really, research the rescues and fill out their adoption form before you are looking for a pet. Get in touch after you fill out the form, especially if there are two or three dogs you see that you could be happy with. Our latest puppy, I sent the organization 3 choices and 2 had been taken already, so I was lucky to get - funnily enough Lucky (now named Griffin).
But as childofTethys says, it can be a job to find a dog. And rescues are way better than shelters, I have found. But definitely put in the time.. join a few rescues facebook pages, they post their adoptees, and message the organizations' leaders after you apply (or actually, as you apply.. "hey, I'm putting in an application.. please ask me any questions so everything goes smoothly..."
Dogs being alone.. I'm a proponent of crate training. The dogs have a safe place they can revert to if they need to feel safe, and it's good for them when they are alone for a period. I leave my crate open, and rarely lock them in anymore. If you have a yard, fencing in is great so they can enjoy life off leash. We also don't know how we lived through 2 dogs without a dog door before. We had one that fit in the slider to the back yard before we finally put on in the wall.
On preview, use kitten kaboodle to find some good local rescues.. I'm on the Right Coast, so can't help there. I'm 50-50 on insurance.. through 6 dogs, only 1 I could have used it (cancer), but the cost of insurance for me costs more over time than what I'd use. Focus on finding a good vet, though.
And dog training.. local Petsmarts/Petcos usually have some doggie classes.. or find a nice local person.. but training is more for you than for the dog - just remember that. Training will help you understand how to better interact with your dog.
Lots in here, but really, go for it!
posted by rich at 1:49 PM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
You can use Petfinder to help find rescues in your area. They will have tons of dogs, and you can search by age, etc...
Do NOT get hung up on breed. In most cases, recuses are mixed breeds, which (in my opinion) tend to be better as they don't typically have as many health issues, if there is some behavior traits, they get tempered, etc..)
I would recommend going with a dog that is, or will be, over 30/40 lbs (ie. not a 'miniature' or small dog like a jack russell, etc. Especially with kids, they can be a bit nippy and excitable. Bigger dogs *tend* to be more mellow, especially after their 'puppy' year)
Also, breed-wise, most rescues get it wrong in some sort. They're taking a guess by looks and predominate breeds in the area. It is easier to tell when the dog is older, but still a guessing match - even a dog that 'looks' like a lab is likely a mix of some sort. So, really, don't focus on breed.
If you are going to go for a more 'grown' dog, congrats! They are much less likely to get adopted quickly, and need the help. And also, you can avoid the troublesome puppy age, which needs some attention around potty training, chewing, etc etc. Many adult dogs have some training. Flip side is, they may have been mistreated and will have some sort of behavior issue that needs to be worked on (but is completely solvable!)
Now, thing about Petfinder is that many rescues post there AFTER the dog has been on their own personal website and/or facebook page. And many times, they will be pending adopting by then, or even adopted. So Petfinder is good to find the rescue organizations near you, that you can then research directly. There are tons of volunteer organizations out there saving dogs from kill shelters in the south and midwest (I have dogs from Tennessee and Oklahoma and Puerto Rico). But I will say that if you look first thing in the morning for new pets posted on Petfinder, you will have a good chance they are not spoken for yet.
Now, you have to fill out an adoption form before adopting, also. So really, research the rescues and fill out their adoption form before you are looking for a pet. Get in touch after you fill out the form, especially if there are two or three dogs you see that you could be happy with. Our latest puppy, I sent the organization 3 choices and 2 had been taken already, so I was lucky to get - funnily enough Lucky (now named Griffin).
But as childofTethys says, it can be a job to find a dog. And rescues are way better than shelters, I have found. But definitely put in the time.. join a few rescues facebook pages, they post their adoptees, and message the organizations' leaders after you apply (or actually, as you apply.. "hey, I'm putting in an application.. please ask me any questions so everything goes smoothly..."
Dogs being alone.. I'm a proponent of crate training. The dogs have a safe place they can revert to if they need to feel safe, and it's good for them when they are alone for a period. I leave my crate open, and rarely lock them in anymore. If you have a yard, fencing in is great so they can enjoy life off leash. We also don't know how we lived through 2 dogs without a dog door before. We had one that fit in the slider to the back yard before we finally put on in the wall.
On preview, use kitten kaboodle to find some good local rescues.. I'm on the Right Coast, so can't help there. I'm 50-50 on insurance.. through 6 dogs, only 1 I could have used it (cancer), but the cost of insurance for me costs more over time than what I'd use. Focus on finding a good vet, though.
And dog training.. local Petsmarts/Petcos usually have some doggie classes.. or find a nice local person.. but training is more for you than for the dog - just remember that. Training will help you understand how to better interact with your dog.
Lots in here, but really, go for it!
posted by rich at 1:49 PM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Don't worry about what breed of dog you get too much. No matter what breed it is, your family will love it.
I'd like to respectfully disagree here. Temperment is going to play a pretty big roll in how well your dog fits in to your new family. I think your instincts are bang on on this and a Greyhound would be a very good fit for you. I'd stay away from all herding breeds and many of the Terriers if you want "mellow" and expect to be leaving the dog alone during the day at some point in the future. No matter what you get, I believe it would be irresponsible to get the dog before your yard is properly fenced. Fence first, then get dog. As a chicken keeper you'll probably understand that as all the advice for people getting chickens for the first time, "for God's sake don't get chickens before you have a secure coop and pen." Same thing with a dog, especially a greyhound who just can't help themselves chasing anything small that runs. You don't want the poor dog to chase the neighbors cat into the street and get hit by a car. Don't do that to your family, or the dog. I can't stress this enough. Fence first.
Other than those two things,(do your breed research, fence first) don't overthink this. You got it. Walk the dog at least once a day for 30 mins or more and you're going to be fine. Dogs have evolved around pleasing their people, they are masters of fitting in and just being the most delightful part of your lives. Im excited for you. I've had dogs every single one of my 50 plus years on this planet and I hope never to be without them, they are The Best!
posted by WalkerWestridge at 1:49 PM on October 21, 2020 [3 favorites]
I'd like to respectfully disagree here. Temperment is going to play a pretty big roll in how well your dog fits in to your new family. I think your instincts are bang on on this and a Greyhound would be a very good fit for you. I'd stay away from all herding breeds and many of the Terriers if you want "mellow" and expect to be leaving the dog alone during the day at some point in the future. No matter what you get, I believe it would be irresponsible to get the dog before your yard is properly fenced. Fence first, then get dog. As a chicken keeper you'll probably understand that as all the advice for people getting chickens for the first time, "for God's sake don't get chickens before you have a secure coop and pen." Same thing with a dog, especially a greyhound who just can't help themselves chasing anything small that runs. You don't want the poor dog to chase the neighbors cat into the street and get hit by a car. Don't do that to your family, or the dog. I can't stress this enough. Fence first.
Other than those two things,(do your breed research, fence first) don't overthink this. You got it. Walk the dog at least once a day for 30 mins or more and you're going to be fine. Dogs have evolved around pleasing their people, they are masters of fitting in and just being the most delightful part of your lives. Im excited for you. I've had dogs every single one of my 50 plus years on this planet and I hope never to be without them, they are The Best!
posted by WalkerWestridge at 1:49 PM on October 21, 2020 [3 favorites]
As has been noted, obedience training is important for the whole household - the humans as much or more than the dog. Consistency is so important in getting the behaviors you want and avoiding those that you don't.
posted by achrise at 2:25 PM on October 21, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by achrise at 2:25 PM on October 21, 2020 [3 favorites]
Just to add to the chorus: a greyhound sounds like a good dog for you, but if you do get one (especially a rescue, especially a rescue that's come from racing) be aware that most (not all) greyhounds in that situation aren't suitable for homes with small animals (cats, rabbits, chickens) because of their strong prey drive. They will chase and attack chickens simply because it's part of their DNA. I would also exercise caution about any hound or hunting breed for this reason as well, and agree with Mefites above stating that breed does matter as much as it informs temperament.
Basically, I agree with WalkerWestridge. Fence your yard, prepare your home, get a feel for what your life will look like next year/for the next five years in terms of activity and time spent at home. Then get a dog. And enjoy the best choice you've ever made.
posted by fight or flight at 2:25 PM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
Basically, I agree with WalkerWestridge. Fence your yard, prepare your home, get a feel for what your life will look like next year/for the next five years in terms of activity and time spent at home. Then get a dog. And enjoy the best choice you've ever made.
posted by fight or flight at 2:25 PM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
This is just anecdotal, as another "first time" dog owner since February (my ex and I had dogs, but they were hers, really, and she did 99% of their care). I adopted a border collie from Craigslist, in effect a rescue from an animal hoarder. Poor pup had only been with that person for a couple of months, having been given up by his first family for reasons I don't know. He was a year-and-a-half old, I love puppies but did not want one.
I met my pup and their then-current person at a dog park, which is insane and I thought so at the time, but the person insisted. There is very little you can tell about a dog running around at a dog park. I took a gamble and it has paid off, as I have the bestest dog, though not without his, ah, quirks.
I'd highly recommend a rescue instead, but you can watch the CL ads, just beware you'll get exactly the same cross-section of weirdos you get with other CL transactions.
Mr. Pup, when he got here, was a bit whacked, but eight months later he's a much calmer (if not always calm) dog. A steady home environment is going to be good for any pupper, so if you adopt and the first couple of weeks seem shaky, be prepared for that, but know it will likely pass.
I am very fortunate that my dog is reasonably bomb-proof with noises and scares, not always the case. If you live in-city, you probably don't have to worry about the gun idiots like I do, but if you live in a noisy environment you will want to ask the rescue if they have any knowledge of your potential friend's jumpiness. It can be a pain to manage.
My expenses seem to be about $150 a month in medicine (flea prevention), food (my 45-pound dog eats a 25 pound bag of good food in about five weeks, I think, at $60 a bag), small treats for training, poop bags, and occasional toys. There were/are infrequent but larger expenses like a crate, dog beds, leashes, harnesses, a dog guard for the car, brushes, bowls, microchipping, and the like. I'd guess overall a medium dog is a $1,000 to $2,000 per year expense, at least for me.
I walk about five to seven miles a day with my dog, but that was part of the reason I got him (my belt has gone from the first hole to the fourth hole in that time!). We also play a short game outside a few times per day (I work from home so that works for me).
Ask yourself if it's ok if your new pup isn't perfect in all the ways you imagine he might be. I had dreams of having a waggy, friendly pup would love meeting people on walks and, well, he is OK now (if still not an ambassador for his breed) but shouted and growled at EVERYONE for his first few weeks. He also had terrible car manners. These have gotten better and I imagine they will continue to get better over time, but it was a bit of a shock.
My dog HATES the vet, which is still disappointing, since they're lovely there and he just wants to be gone, to the point where he has to have anti-anxiety pills and a muzzle.
I will say my dog and I bonded instantly, on his long drive home with me. If he hadn't, it would have taken a lot more resolve to get through the first few weeks. But I'm glad we made it. I'm still terrible about a couple of things: his nails are too long (and he is definitely not groomer material) and I suspect I'm a bit too "helicopter parent" to him.
I looked at rescuing a greyhound, as they are neat dogs, but a lot of the descriptions of them included things like "new owner must have a 6 foot or higher fence". Also for me dog size was a consideration. I wanted a dog who wasn't tiny but who I could easily carry if they were hurt. I can carry a 50 pound dog a ways; I would not be able to carry a 90 pound dog very far.
Anyway, I hope this helps. Mr. Dog and I are off to the park to march around the paths there!
posted by maxwelton at 3:32 PM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
I met my pup and their then-current person at a dog park, which is insane and I thought so at the time, but the person insisted. There is very little you can tell about a dog running around at a dog park. I took a gamble and it has paid off, as I have the bestest dog, though not without his, ah, quirks.
I'd highly recommend a rescue instead, but you can watch the CL ads, just beware you'll get exactly the same cross-section of weirdos you get with other CL transactions.
Mr. Pup, when he got here, was a bit whacked, but eight months later he's a much calmer (if not always calm) dog. A steady home environment is going to be good for any pupper, so if you adopt and the first couple of weeks seem shaky, be prepared for that, but know it will likely pass.
I am very fortunate that my dog is reasonably bomb-proof with noises and scares, not always the case. If you live in-city, you probably don't have to worry about the gun idiots like I do, but if you live in a noisy environment you will want to ask the rescue if they have any knowledge of your potential friend's jumpiness. It can be a pain to manage.
My expenses seem to be about $150 a month in medicine (flea prevention), food (my 45-pound dog eats a 25 pound bag of good food in about five weeks, I think, at $60 a bag), small treats for training, poop bags, and occasional toys. There were/are infrequent but larger expenses like a crate, dog beds, leashes, harnesses, a dog guard for the car, brushes, bowls, microchipping, and the like. I'd guess overall a medium dog is a $1,000 to $2,000 per year expense, at least for me.
I walk about five to seven miles a day with my dog, but that was part of the reason I got him (my belt has gone from the first hole to the fourth hole in that time!). We also play a short game outside a few times per day (I work from home so that works for me).
Ask yourself if it's ok if your new pup isn't perfect in all the ways you imagine he might be. I had dreams of having a waggy, friendly pup would love meeting people on walks and, well, he is OK now (if still not an ambassador for his breed) but shouted and growled at EVERYONE for his first few weeks. He also had terrible car manners. These have gotten better and I imagine they will continue to get better over time, but it was a bit of a shock.
My dog HATES the vet, which is still disappointing, since they're lovely there and he just wants to be gone, to the point where he has to have anti-anxiety pills and a muzzle.
I will say my dog and I bonded instantly, on his long drive home with me. If he hadn't, it would have taken a lot more resolve to get through the first few weeks. But I'm glad we made it. I'm still terrible about a couple of things: his nails are too long (and he is definitely not groomer material) and I suspect I'm a bit too "helicopter parent" to him.
I looked at rescuing a greyhound, as they are neat dogs, but a lot of the descriptions of them included things like "new owner must have a 6 foot or higher fence". Also for me dog size was a consideration. I wanted a dog who wasn't tiny but who I could easily carry if they were hurt. I can carry a 50 pound dog a ways; I would not be able to carry a 90 pound dog very far.
Anyway, I hope this helps. Mr. Dog and I are off to the park to march around the paths there!
posted by maxwelton at 3:32 PM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
https://ask.metafilter.com/339471/Dog-book-recommendations
posted by aniola at 3:53 PM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by aniola at 3:53 PM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Since it's often relevant when adopting an adult dog, I'll add that a scratchboard is a really useful and stress-free way to shorten nails for dogs who have trouble with nail trims. You can look up how to make one online, its not hard at all (I just duct-taped some sandpaper to the inside of a lysol wipes container since I wanted a curved one, and it works really well).
posted by randomnity at 5:43 PM on October 21, 2020
posted by randomnity at 5:43 PM on October 21, 2020
Get something smaller than your chickens or you will probably have less chickens eventually.
Dogs are amazing! And a lot of work. Older dogs can be much easier on a family with children - less training, better behavior, fewer surprises. Maybe try fostering some rescues to get used to the flow of life with a dog before deciding.
posted by ananci at 10:53 PM on October 21, 2020
Dogs are amazing! And a lot of work. Older dogs can be much easier on a family with children - less training, better behavior, fewer surprises. Maybe try fostering some rescues to get used to the flow of life with a dog before deciding.
posted by ananci at 10:53 PM on October 21, 2020
Now, thing about Petfinder is that many rescues post there AFTER the dog has been on their own personal website and/or facebook page. ... So Petfinder is good to find the rescue organizations near you, that you can then research directly.
This is so true - so don't get discouraged if using Petfinder just doesn't pan out. Start following your local rescues and shelters directly on the socials. Sometimes a rescue/shelter just doesn't have the time or people to keep their website, social media, and Petfinder all updated regularly.
Also, contact local shelters and rescues directly and tell them what you're interested in and what your situation is (Send them this AskMe!) If a rescue knows they have a willing (and pre-screened) adopter just waiting to step in, they might take a chance and pull your ideal dog from a bad situation (kill shelter, pound, animal control) that they otherwise wouldn't have been able to save. And most rescue folks have big networks online and off, so word will get around and you'll have a bunch of folks keeping an eye out for your perfect new family member.
You can also offer to foster to get your dog-owning feet wet.
Another off-the-wall idea, if you live near a community college that has a vet tech program. We're nearing the end of the semester, so if the program houses any animals onsite, they're probably going to be up for adoption soon. And you know those dogs will generally have gentle, tolerant personalities, or they wouldn't have been used for undergrad vet tech majors to practice their nail-cutting & shot-giving techniques on. And sometimes adopting from a program like that means you get free or reduced-rate vet care for that animal even after adoption.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 6:30 AM on October 22, 2020
This is so true - so don't get discouraged if using Petfinder just doesn't pan out. Start following your local rescues and shelters directly on the socials. Sometimes a rescue/shelter just doesn't have the time or people to keep their website, social media, and Petfinder all updated regularly.
Also, contact local shelters and rescues directly and tell them what you're interested in and what your situation is (Send them this AskMe!) If a rescue knows they have a willing (and pre-screened) adopter just waiting to step in, they might take a chance and pull your ideal dog from a bad situation (kill shelter, pound, animal control) that they otherwise wouldn't have been able to save. And most rescue folks have big networks online and off, so word will get around and you'll have a bunch of folks keeping an eye out for your perfect new family member.
You can also offer to foster to get your dog-owning feet wet.
Another off-the-wall idea, if you live near a community college that has a vet tech program. We're nearing the end of the semester, so if the program houses any animals onsite, they're probably going to be up for adoption soon. And you know those dogs will generally have gentle, tolerant personalities, or they wouldn't have been used for undergrad vet tech majors to practice their nail-cutting & shot-giving techniques on. And sometimes adopting from a program like that means you get free or reduced-rate vet care for that animal even after adoption.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 6:30 AM on October 22, 2020
OH! Also - for vets; there are vets that actually will come to your home. They are wonderful. They work out of a van or some such usually. They are great (though, of course, as with any doctor, results vary). I actually found out about them via, unfortunately, needing to find home euthanasia services. Which, also, so highly recommend when it's end of life, as your pet is home in their bed with family at the end, not some metal table.
posted by rich at 6:36 AM on October 22, 2020
posted by rich at 6:36 AM on October 22, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
2: Don't worry about what breed of dog you get too much. No matter what breed it is, your family will love it. While greyhounds are nice, they aren't the most common dog. You probably won't see many of them in the shelter.
3: DO look at shelters! Most shelters have many types of mixed dogs. Mixed dogs are almost always "superior" in that they are less likely to have genetic defects or health issues. Those purebread dogs, while easy to mentally categorize, often are the way they are because of centuries of inbreeding. In addition, Shelters often have older dogs whereas other places you can get a dog usually deal with puppies. I recommend the SPCA as an organization but any non-profit shelter will work.
4: I personally worked with shelter dogs, and I can personally recommend almost all Lab mixes, golden mixes, and Pit mixes. Despite their name and surrounding backstory, Pit mixes have the largest need for adoption usually, and are perfectly well bred to be friendly to both humans and dogs. If that doesn't sound like a good fit for you, Lab mixes and Golden mixes are basically bred to be the perfect housedog in every way. The best thing you can do is visit a shelter in person, and pet every dog. I'm sure you'll fall in love with everyone there.
5: I recommend using a shelter that A: Spays / neuters all their dogs, and B: Does a thorough check to see if a dog has biting issues / issues around kids / issues with other dogs. Some shelters have a "meet and greet" room to get the dog away from all the barking and to calm down.
Honestly, I wouldn't worry about books. You could have a dog today. Shelters can range in price, from free to $300 . Then you should expect, maybe $500/year for food, and $150/year for vet fees, and $100/year for registration with your city (this can vary, and may be optional).
For leaving for school/work, I always recommend training your dog to use a crate. We crate our dog overnight, as much as we'd like to cuddle with them (and we do sometimes!) it's a nice experience for the dog. You basically give the dog a treat in the crate, a long with a good toy, every night, while you say crate. Now, when we get ready for bed, our dog rushes to the crate to get their treat. Make sure you let the dog releave themselves before locking them in there, because once they are in there, you CAN NOT respond to any barking or whining (otherwise they do it more and more). Any adult dog can, with a morning walk, make it 8-10 hours in their crate during the daytime.
I hope this helps, I was equally apprehensive about our dog. I'll watch the thread if you have any follow up questions!
posted by bbqturtle at 11:28 AM on October 21, 2020 [4 favorites]