Introduction1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?This will be my first dog that I will be raising on my own, but I grew up with labs and currently pet sit for two labs, a lab mix, and a pit mix.2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?Prefer going through a reputable breeder, possibly a breed specific rescue.3) Describe your ideal dog.Ideal dog will have energy to go for long walks and hikes but also will have an off-switch and be calm in the house (once they are mature, I recognize that most puppies are very energetic). Small enough to fit in my kayak. Very friendly with people and other dogs and will be able to accompany me on outings to dog-friendly establishments.4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?Right now I'm interested in whippets and poodles. I know they are pretty different and each have pros/cons in my mind.For whippets, I love the short/low maintenance coat. I like that they are very calm once they are adults but also have enough energy to go hiking. I like their size and overall appearance, and I have read that they are probably the most trainable out of the sighthounds. However, I realize that if I go with a whippet I'll always have to have them leashed when hiking and camping, and many do not like water. Oh, and I have a cat.For poodles, I really like the moyen/klein size. Didn't know about it until looking into poodles more and it seems like they aren't really a thing in the U.S. so I might have trouble finding one. I like how smart and trainable poodles are. They would make a good hiking/camping companion, many like water. The main downside in my opinion is the maintenance of the coat (having to go to the groomer monthly, I don't think I would be able to groom myself).Interested to learn more about these two breeds and hear other suggestions.5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?All basic commands. Walking/heeling on a loose leash. I am interested in getting involved with obedience and agility. I live near a dog training center and I plan on starting with puppy obedience and continuing through the CGC class, and then maybe starting agility classes.Care Commitments6) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?It's hard to specify an exact amount of time for this because I plan on interacting with the dog most of the time I am home. I plan on obedience classes once a week, and daily training sessions at home. However long the dog needs/wants. I've read that whippets like short/non repetitive training sessions whereas other breeds might enjoy longer training sessions. I also plan to regularly take the dog out with me to dog friendly places.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?Between 1-2 hours daily, more on weekends. Exercise will include walks and hiking. I live near a dog park and can go multiple times a week if it is something the dog will enjoy. Eventually I would like to get involved in agility.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 am fine with cleaning ears, trimming nails, and brushing teeth at home. I would prefer a short, low maintenance coat, but if I have to I will use a professional groomer.Personal Preferences9) What size dog are you looking for?Ideally between 30-40 lbs10) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?I prefer less shedding than a lab. Some barking is okay when someone comes to the door, etc. but not constant barking. I don't really care about slobber.11) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?This would be a perk, but I recognize it isn't doable with whippets.Dog Personality and Behavior12) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?Snuggly. Cuddling on the couch when I watch tv, sleep in my bed with me at night.13) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?Eager-to-please.14) 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?Warning barks are okay but otherwise friendly.15) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?No.16) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?Aggression, fear/anxiety prone.Lifestyle17) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?As a puppy, 2-4 hours. As an adult, possibly 8 hours.18) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?The same.19) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?One cat.20) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?Not regularly, but I would like the dog to be good with children.21) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?Currently rent and there is a maximum of 50 lbs, no "aggressive" breeds.22) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?Northeast of USA. I don't know of any laws.23) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?70-80 in the summer, 15-30 in the winter, sometimes much colder.Additional Information and Questions24) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.n/a25) Feel free to ask any questions below.A few specific questions -Do whippets have enough trainability to do obedience and agility? Is it ever possible to train them to have a good recall?Is it possible to find the moyen/klein size poodle in the US? How much money would I expect to pay for grooming per month?Any other breeds that would be suitable for me? via /r/dogs http://ift.tt/2rddpK3
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