Hey everyone I just finished buying, working on, and moving into my first house. Now I'm trying to find out what kind of dog will be the right addition to my home. Me and my gf filled out the questionnaire from the sub so I hope we didn't make it too long! Thanks in advance for any advice!Introduction1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?No. My girlfriend raised a Chesapeake Bay Retriever from six weeks old. I helped her but she was with Jessie [the puppy] most of the time. She was very difficult to train, as her breed is very head-strong, but with time, she took to training well. Brandy (girlfriend) also had a rottweiler when she was younger that she helped to raise with her family.2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?I would prefer to go through a reputable breeder.3) Describe your ideal dog.We are looking for something that is easy on the shedding and is able to stay at home during the day [normal work hours] alone. We want our dog to be more like a buddy than an exercise partner. My girlfriend will probably want to cuddle with it a lot, our Chesapeake wouldn't cuddle at first and it upset her.4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?She is most interested in an Irish Wolfhound. It is her favorite breed. She likes very large dogs that think they're lap dogs. She also thinks they are adorable. I really like Husky's but after doing some research, I don't think I have enough time to dedicate to their exercise needs. I worry about their shedding because I get allergies around some dogs. I really like bull mastiffs and rottweilers but I am not a fan of their drooling.5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?I would like my dog to do all of the basic commands (sit, stay, come). I would like to play fetch with my dog and take her out on lead. I don't plan on teaching her any show tricks or anything like that.Care Commitments6) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?I can spend as much time training as the dog will take. I actually really enjoyed training Jessie. I want to spend time outside in the yard playing fetch and whatever but would like to go in and watch TV together after a while. I work normal work hours.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?I have a very large yard so I do not anticipate needing to go to a park often but I would like to bring her to the park for socialization. I plan to have her around other dogs frequently. I plan on playing in the yard with my dog each day.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 don't mind brushing the dogs. I wouldn't cut their hair, though. I would be willing to pay someone to cut her hair. My girlfriend is used to cleaning Jessie's ears out so that won't be problem.Personal Preferences9) What size dog are you looking for?Medium to X-Large, but we prefer larger dogs.10) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?I want minimum shedding, minimum barking and minimum slobber.11) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?Not very but it would be preferable.Dog Personality and Behavior12) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?definitely snuggly13) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?I would prefer eager-to-please. I want me and my dog to have a bond.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?I would prefer it if the dogs was alert of people coming in and out, but not aggressive.15) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?I would like my dog to interact with other animals (including a cat).16) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?I want my dog to be good with kids. I have young family members that visit frequently.Lifestyle17) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?I will be away about eight hours a day Monday-Friday but I am home a majority of the weekend. My girlfriend will be home a few hours throughout the day. I want my dog to be able to stay home alone as it matures, though.18) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?Girlfriend loves dogs. She will be spending a lot of time snuggling the dog. She has had puppies before and will help with raising her.19) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?We plan on adopting a cat. (trying for a ragdoll)20) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?Not on an every day basis. We don't have kids. But we have family with kids that visits.21) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?No.22) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?I live on the East Coast of the US. There are no laws banning breeds in my town, but some home insurers charge more for certain breeds.23) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?Summer: 85 F Winter: 40 F via /r/dogs http://ift.tt/2rxOQaW
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