Introduction1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?This will be my second dog. I had a Labradoodle in high school and I was her main caretaker. I was homeschooled so I was with her almost 24/7 until college. I did a decent amount of training with her.2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?I would rather go through a breeder. I want a young puppy and the chance of finding a young puppy that's not just a mystery lab or pit mix is rare in local shelters. I also like that with a breeder I can see where the puppy is coming from and try to get the healthiest puppy possible instead of a dog I know no background on.3) Describe your ideal dog.Smart, enjoys training, a dog I could compete with in obedience and/or agility. Friendly with people but a little protective if the situation calls for it. More of a one-person dog but not too clingy; I like the dog to stay near me but not have to constantly touch me. I want the dog to be good in social situations (sitting on bar patios, visiting friends' houses, etc. Obviously this is going to take some training no matter what type of dog, but some may handle it better than others)Cuteness is a bonus 😀4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?I loved the Labradoodle I had and she filled all those categories. However, I know a lot of poodles have all those traits I love in the Labradoodle, so I'm wondering if anyone has experience with both and how they might differ? Also open to other suggestions of breeds I might enjoy!5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?Obedience, agility, fun tricks. I really enjoy training and I would like a dog who can learn as much as possible. I'd like to train him to come kayaking, too.Care Commitments6) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?1+ hour training, 1+ hours playing and we'd be interacting most of the time I'm at home before/after work.7) How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?1-2 hours weekdays, much more on weekends. Walks 2x day, fetch, dog park visits. Longer hikes and adventures on weekends.8) How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?I'd prefer low to moderate grooming, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes for the right dog. I wouldn't want to pay a groomer but would be totally willing to clip a poodle on my own if I had one.Personal Preferences9) What size dog are you looking for?Large but not super large. 50-60 pounds is about perfect, I could go a bit bigger but I wouldn't want it to be much smaller.10) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?I like lower shedding dogs like doodles. Barking will need to be minimum to avoid annoying neighbors. I can handle a little slobber but I wouldn't want mastiff-level drooling.11) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?Very important. I'd like to be able to throw a ball hanging out at a park or let him walk off leash on more secluded trails.Dog Personality and Behavior12) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?I like a balance. I don't like it when dogs are constantly up in my business, but I would like him to stay close to me. But, you know, lying on the floor next to me instead of on the couch with half his body in my lap.13) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?Eager-to-please14) How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?A few warning barks is ok but I want the dog to quiet down if I tell him to. I want my dog to greet visitors calmly and politely, no jumping or anything.15) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?I do not want my dog to be dog-aggressive. He will frequently be around other dogs.16) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?Nothing I'm very concerned about since I'll be getting him at a young age. I should be able to work on any behavior issues that arise before they get serious.Lifestyle17) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?M-F 8-5 ish for me, my boyfriend will occasionally be home earlier. I do have a slightly flexible work schedule, and when the puppy is young I plan to drive home at lunch time and spend ~30 minutes with him so he can be let outside and have a little playtime. Most weekends he wouldn't be left alone for much more than little things like going to the grocery store.18) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?My boyfriend is willing to help out with the dog, especially if he's home and I'm not. However, the dog will be mine and I will do as much of the care as possible. I'd like the dog to listen to him but have a main attachment to me. I don't think he really cares much about the type of dog as long as it makes me happy and it behaves well.19) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?I have no other pets, the only one I'd possibly add anytime soon is a fish.20) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?Semi-regularly, I have a friend with a young kid and my boyfriend has young nieces we see at every family event.21) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?I will be moving before I get the dog. We will be renting, but plan to get a place with a pet policy that'll allow a large dog. Hopefully there would be no restrictions on breeds, but when there are restrictions they tend to be on bully breeds.22) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?Midwest US, no breed restrictions in the area.23) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?Summer 85 F, gets even hotter a couple weeks in the summer, winter can vary -10-20 F.Additional Information and Questions24) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.NA25) Feel free to ask any questions below.I really loved my Labradoodle and am strongly considering another one. However, I'm concerned I might expect another Labradoodle to be TOO similar to the previous one and I don't want to put too many expectations on him. Is it a better idea to switch to a different type of dog for my second one? Or is that generally not an issue?People who have experience with both poodles and doodles, what differences do you see between the two?Also, I know it varies from dog to dog, but does gender generally make much of a difference?Thanks guys! via /r/dogs http://ift.tt/2roG5y8
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