Trying to decide on a dog...

Jasonsc

Hey guys, my first post here ...

I've been thinking about getting a dog for a long time and finally am going to do it!

I really really like Malamutes and Huskies and had intended on getting one of these. However I would like all suggestions and opinions.

I'll explain my situation firstly. My biggest fear is "dog-napping". My house is right beside the main road, however there is a pretty big wall, I don't think burglars would get a big dog over this wall too easily without making noise. Also, about my garden, it's smallish but still some room to roam around for a dog.
I want an active dog, I want to walk every day (I think a Malamute would be good for this?). Also I want to (hopefully) be able to take the dog hill walking pretty often (I also think a Malamute would be well suited to this?). Would also like to go cycling with the dog sometimes if possible.
There is 5 in my family and someone home pretty often, however some days it may be 4pm before someone arrives home, so the dog may be alone for up to 6 hours some days, but certainly not all days. And it will never be alone on weekends.

Lastly I'd like to list the sort of dogs I would like (by looks, by any means please make other suggestions).
- Malamute
- Husky
- Samoyed
- Akita
- Finnish Spitz (I don't even know where I'd get one of these, lol)


I'd like to finish by saying, I want to get a dog, and soon. But I'm not sure which to choose. I would really appreciate any advice you might have in relation to either dogs you think would suit me, or opinions on the dogs I have listed based on what I have said above.

Thanks forum,
Jason

pawzaddict

Welcome to the forum. Is this your first dog? And if you dont mind me asking....are you a parent or do you live with your parents? Do you rent or own and who holds financial responsibility for this dog? What is the plan for this dog living wise, are you planning on having an indoor dog? Lets start with those questions

Jasonsc

Hey pawz,

Yes, this is my first dog, wanted one all my life. I'm 19 and still living at home, I've got younger brothers still in school and both my parents. We own and I would hold the financial responsibility for this dog. I would not plan on having an indoor dog no, it would be in the garden most of the time but inside a few hours a day, but it would be living and sleeping mostly outside (maybe not when it's very young, I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do though).

Thanks for the questions, seems a good way to narrow my choices!

DeeSpark

If it's your first dog could you maybe get it some lessons and get a trainer?. I don't have much experience with bigger dogs. I heard those types of breeds can be hard for first time owners but I don't know. Although I think they should be good for the exercises you listed above. But don't take my word for it LOL. How big is your yard? if it is small you'll need to probably take the dog for walks twice daily about 40 minutes. But I'll wait for the more experienced dog owners to come here. Good luck with whatever dog you get though! I'm sure you'll love it! Oh and if you get a puppy, you MAY go through a stage of being annoyed by the puppy or feeling like it's out of control. I think a lot of owners, more so first time puppy owners go through this. So if that happens don't worry to much. Young animals (including humans) are pretty wild

pawzaddict

Ok so a couple things...

The breeds you listed are high drive dogs who need way more than just daily walks and some hikes. They need daily training (and not just sit, stay, etc) they need daily mental stimulation and a job. I do not recommend any of those breeds to a first time dog owner, not even a second time dog owner.

You say you live at home and are still young. What happens if you have to move for work or school and have to get an apartment? What happens if you run out of sufficient funds to care for the dog?

I don't recommend those breeds be outdoors as if they get bored they can certainly find their way out of the yard.
Posted via Mobile Device

Jasonsc

Thanks for the further thoughts guys, it seems I'll have to re-think a bit then.

Pawz, if I was to join the dog to a sleigh group of some sort (I think there is groups that train dogs like the ones I listed above, just to get them some good training?) What sort of "jobs" did you mean? Is it something I could accommodate?

Also, if there is no way I could get one of these dogs and keep it healthy and happy, could you suggest any alternative breeds that would be roughly along the lines of what I said in the OP? And if no others fit what I want, could you suggest some breeds that would be good for a first time owner / someone in my situation.

Ofc you also make a valid point about an apartment. But for the forseeable future I will not be moving anywhere, I'm in college for the next 5 years or so and I'm pretty close to it here. I also don't have money troubles, I have more than enough to care for a dog . Also should either of the above change for any reason, my brothers would happily take over care of the dog.

Thanks guys, I'm very glad I made this thread, it seems I have a lot to learn.

pawzaddict

Ty for not taking my post personal. A sleigh team would be great work for husky breeds. As far as your requirements, many dogs fit the walks and hikes category as long as training will be done

I would consider securing the dog in a run outside so it cannot escape and provide the dog with plenty to do in the run (toys food puzzles, etc)

Good first time dog breeds are different per person some people suggest labs some beagles me personally I would say a small non hunting/herding breed or other that are highly driven lol. I'm not good at answering this question so hopefully someone else can chime in
Posted via Mobile Device

Jasonsc

Thanks again Pawz Beagles look pretty nice, I wonder would they be able for some hill walking.

Thanks for the advice, let's hope someone else can chime in with some suggestions as you mentioned :P

Sheltiemama

lol I was just going to suggest a Lab.

pawzaddict

I don't think labs are bad, they just need good training and lots of exercise so if that's something Jason can do it may be a good route. And there are many lab mix puppies in shelters at least around here.
Posted via Mobile Device