Hello world!

Which pet insurance is best for you? Are there any that may cover your dog's current treatment? Did your dog get injured during the waiting period and want to know if you're covered?

Here's the place to ask.

Do know we cannot help you here with medical concerns, and lying or not disclosing things to the insurance company is illegal so we don't allow that either.

Does your dog turn his head when he hears an odd noise? Does your dog bury their food with your pants? This is the thread to ask why.

Please keep this thread to non-medical issues only.

This thread is where to get emotional support with all things related to death and illness with your dog. This is also a thread where you can seek assistance with deciding whether it is indeed time.

This is not a thread to seek anecdotes with medical care. All rules involving medical questions and anecdotes remains the same for this thread.

If your dog has passed, you can still post here for emotional support or you can create your own thread tagged with one of the RIP flairs. Be sure to review the rules of our flair guide. It is up to you how you choose to grieve.

Is someone not picking up poop in front of your house? Is there an off leash dog in your neighborhood with a clueless owner? Did someone bring an out of control dog to the off-leash park? Is your neighbor walking uncomfortably close to you with an untrained dog? Here is where you can dump out your feelings and frustrations about these or whatever other topics you wish!

Just as a friendly reminder, the same rules regarding conduct in the general sub apply here as well.

Hi! I am searching for a sport prospect breed and I’m having some trouble. I’ve filtered through breeds over and over and I just cannot decide and was hoping for some input.

1. Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

No, I have two dogs. My first dog, jerry, is supposedly (what the shelter said) a spaniel mix, and my second dog zeus is a min pin/chi mix. I got jerry when I was younger so he knows a lot of tricks & basic obedience, but we’re having some reactivity issues at the moment. I got Zeus on a whim in 2020 and, well, he is definitely not the sharpest tool. He knows some tricks and has a great recall, but neither of them are what I’m hoping to achieve with a dog.

2. Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?

Reputable breeder.

3. Describe your ideal dog.

I’d like an active breed on the small to medium side. I don’t care about fur, but I do not want a curly or corded dog. I would like a biddable dog with a good amount of drive/energy for dog sports but is also able to have an off switch. A breed that can go a few days every now and then without needing intense exercise to not eat my drywall would be ideal.

4. What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

For a couple of years I was really hooked on Hungarian Mudi’s. I loved their drive and quirkiness, and that they’re appealing to look at. I found a great breeder but it wasn’t the right time for a dog, and I fell out of love with dogs for a little bit. Recently I have been wanting to get back into it, so I did some more research on Mudis and found their temperaments can really vary and they’re prone to reactivity. I enjoy herding and sporting breeds, but probably wouldn’t own terriers or hounds because of their stubborn and independent nature.

5. What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

Obedience, leash manners, neutrality, all of it. I enjoy trick training as well.

6. Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?

Yes, I would like to do Dock diving, Rally, Disc, and Nose work. I’m not a huge fan of agility, but I would be open to trying it solely because there are so many clubs and trainers near me. I haven’t had much experience with dog sports. I have been to a dock once with a friends sport dog. I definitely understand the fundamentals and have a bit of second hand knowledge.

Care Commitments

7. How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

Around 4-5 hours. Ideally, I’d get a dog in a year or two and my schedule would be much more open. I really love training and it’s the main reason I want another dog.

8. 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?

Definitely no dog parks. Honestly, I hate structured walking and would much rather drive to a big open park/field for exercise. Sport foundations/training would probably be the main form of exercise and stimulation.

9. 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 grooming. I take Jerry to a groomer once a year for a nice buzz, but I do everything else at home.

Personal Preferences

10. What size dog are you looking for?

Medium. I wouldn’t be opposed to large or small, though.

11. How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

I would like a dog that doesn’t shed everywhere but it’s not one of my main concerns, and I’d be willing to deal with it. I don’t care about barking. Slobber is fine but it’s not preferred.

12. How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

Pretty important. I have a pool and an average sized grass area in my backyard, but I prefer to go into the larger grass area in front of my house with my current dogs. Also like I said before, I like going to fields and parks.

Dog Personality and Behavior

13. Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

No preference. I have both and there are positives and negatives for each.

14. Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

Eager to please 100 percent! I don’t like having to get excited for a dog to engage with me. I hate stand offs and having to repeat commands.

15. 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 don’t care. I have both and there are positives and negatives for each. However, I think i’d lean more towards open with strangers because it’s less of a stress. Not a top priority, and I could deal with either.

16. Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

Leaning towards no. I would like to compete in dog sports, so interactions and neutrality towards other dogs is important.

17. Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

I’d like to avoid breeds that are prone to separation anxiety. I live with other people and couldn’t do the whining while I’m not around.

Lifestyle

18. How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

5-7 hours.

19. What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

I completely take care of my current dogs and would continue this with any future dog. My family doesn’t like hair or barking, but Jerry sheds and barks constantly so it would not be anything new to them. I’ll also be moving out in a few years (hopefully), so they won’t have to deal with it for very long. Though, it is likely once my sister moves out of our basement that I will move down there, so it shouldn’t be an issue either way.

20. Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

Yes, I have 2 small dogs. I would like a bunch of other pets. I want reptiles, fish, cats, and possibly rodents. There wouldn’t be any issues separating them, though. I like sporting breeds so I wouldn’t mind waiting a couple years for other pets.

21. Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

My little sister is 11, but she has pretty good boundaries. Other than that, not regularly.

22. Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

No.

23. What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

America! There are no breed restrictions!

24. What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

I live in Arizona. Typically 110 in the summer and mid 50s in the winter, 70s-80s during fall/spring. I don’t leave my dogs outside for extended periods of time during the summer.

Additional Information and Questions

25. Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

Kind of random, but a lot of breeds have thrown me off because of how they look. I don’t mean to be shallow but I don’t particularly want an unappealing dog. I don’t like stocky, brachy, or droopy breeds.

26. Feel free to ask any questions below.

I would love to hear any suggestions or feedback. Other than that, no questions.

I had a highdea to make a mill out of a gravity roller conveyor similar to this design. Would it be possible to add a rubber belt or carpet over the rollers? I would also add to or build the stand to make sidewalls and something to mount a harness overhead to. Am I onto something or does this just sound like a bad idea to begin with?

In theory, I'd think it would be better than a standard carpet mill as it would have less friction and also incorporates more of the slat mill roller design for a significantly cheaper price as I can find used conveyors locally for as cheap as $60.

Also curious to know why many slat mills have two large rollers? Is it solely due to the size of the wooden slats?

Does your dog turn his head when he hears an odd noise? Does your dog bury their food with your pants? This is the thread to ask why.

Please keep this thread to non-medical issues only.

This thread is where to get emotional support with all things related to death and illness with your dog. This is also a thread where you can seek assistance with deciding whether it is indeed time.

This is not a thread to seek anecdotes with medical care. All rules involving medical questions and anecdotes remains the same for this thread.

If your dog has passed, you can still post here for emotional support or you can create your own thread tagged with one of the RIP flairs. Be sure to review the rules of our flair guide. It is up to you how you choose to grieve.

Random thought that I recently had. I rescue dogs, only have ever had 1 from puppy hood.

Most of the ones we've had, have had bad history.

But some, it's a good history, they were just left behind due to deaths.

When I get to heaven, I know that the ones who had the bad history will be there for me. But what about the ones who had a good history?

Do you think they will split their time with me and with their other people? Or do you think we will all just be hanging out together? Humans and dogs alike?

Which pet insurance is best for you? Are there any that may cover your dog's current treatment? Did your dog get injured during the waiting period and want to know if you're covered?

Here's the place to ask.

Do know we cannot help you here with medical concerns, and lying or not disclosing things to the insurance company is illegal so we don't allow that either.

I live in canada and have a medium sized lab mix, 60lbs, that is lean and somewhat deep chested. Jackets and sweaters tend to slide off of her.

Our winters can be very cold and wet so I'm not sure what brand I should get her. I was looking into Chilly dog but the warmest one they have isn't water proof.

Does your dog turn his head when he hears an odd noise? Does your dog bury their food with your pants? This is the thread to ask why.

Please keep this thread to non-medical issues only.

This thread is where to get emotional support with all things related to death and illness with your dog. This is also a thread where you can seek assistance with deciding whether it is indeed time.

This is not a thread to seek anecdotes with medical care. All rules involving medical questions and anecdotes remains the same for this thread.

If your dog has passed, you can still post here for emotional support or you can create your own thread tagged with one of the RIP flairs. Be sure to review the rules of our flair guide. It is up to you how you choose to grieve.

Hello everyone...

Me and my bf adopted a dog like 8months ago... We found her outside our place and decided to keep her. She was really scared and took her months to trust us and start acting like a dog.

We've spend time for basic obedience training and a few tricks and she is a fast learner...she follows the commands inside the house but where we're outside there are times where we can't get her attention. I've tried using treats but she doesn't seem to be interested...any ideas or strategies on how to get her attention?

We haven't had the chance to practice much outside since our priority was to make her feel comfortable in different cases and overcome her fears...

TLTR: How can I get my dog's attention since treats don't interest her?

Hello! Looking for breed recommendations please as I’m struggling with finding the perfect breed! Thank you in advance!

Introduction

1. Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

First dog! No direct experience of the owning / training side. Had dogs growing up.

2. Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?

Likely to want a puppy, so reputable breeder.

3. Describe your ideal dog.

Cute Loving & snuggly Playful Intelligent Medium size Good with people & other dogs

4. What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

Springer Spaniel: intelligence, easy to train, medium size, cuddly fur Border Collie: intelligence, easy to train, medium size, cuddly fur Standard Schnauzer: intelligence, medium size, unique look and stature, easier grooming / less shedding Bernese Mountain Dog: cuddly, intelligent, not too much exercise requirement

5. What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

Standard things like fetch, sit, roll-over, paws, bark, quiet generally. Basic obedience is a must and move onto advanced obedience.

6. Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?

No competing or work.

Care Commitments

7. How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

Partner as much as possible, me maybe around 2-2.5 hours (30-60min walk, half hour training, and hour other interaction throughout day / evening)

8. 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?

An hour of walks around the country park right next to us. Can also let our dog out onto the field next to us for extra play / exercise as needed. We’ll be going to dog parks and dog agility for exercise at weekends.

9. 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?

Absolutely. We’re happy to clean ears, trim nails and do some basic grooming tasks as needed at home. However, we’ll absolutely be paying for a regular groomer to give them the full grooms!

Personal Preferences

10. What size dog are you looking for?

Medium or medium small Our house isn’t huge so the dog cannot be too big but I definitely don’t like small dogs generally.

11. How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

A little barking. Don’t mind some shedding but nothing too crazy. Don’t mind slobber.

12. How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

Important. I understand the need for leads for safety but would prefer to put the effort in to have a well trained dog that can be off the lead if possible.

Dog Personality and Behavior

13. Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

Snuggly.

14. Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

Eager to please. Albeit happy with a bit of a hybrid if there are breeds that like a bit of both if it meets our other needs.

15. 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?

Happy for a dog to bark when someone rings doorbell / knocks on door but would want a dog that’s happy to meet strangers and visitors.

16. Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

No.

17. Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

Barking constantly Whining / neediness around the house I.e having a shower with door closed and dog waits outside / whines

Lifestyle

18. How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

A few hours at most but not often during working week. During the working week, I mostly work from home. My partner works shifts and so they are in the house on weekdays at times. We will likely work it so that I go into office when partner is at home and vice versa or if we are both out, I can come back on lunch break for 30 minutes. At weekends, if we are out for longer than a few hours, we’ll be using family for dog sitting and overnight as required.

19. What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

Already taken into account!

20. Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

Not currently.

21. Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

Occasionally rather than regularly.

22. Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

No plans to rent and not renting currently.

23. What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

UK

24. What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

Standard UK temperatures so winter is 2-9C and summer is like 20-25C.

Additional Information and Questions

25. Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

• No additional information.

Hi All, I know this is a silly question. What did you do for the first few days you brought your pup home?

I brought my newly adopted dog home about 40 minutes ago. I live in an apartment and I walked him around a bit. I’ll walk him outside every couple hours or so to get used to the place and help with potty training if he needs it. I can tell he’s unsure and sad which I know is normal. He came from literally the best foster home. I’m so sad for him that his whole world has changed when it was so great for him. But I know it’ll take time to get to know each other. Now I just don’t know what to do-he’s not interested in his toys quite yet. Do we stare at each other, watch tv?

Edit: thanks, everyone, for your replies. It helps to ease my nerves reading them all. I’m aware of the 3-3-3 rule but it’s been 16 years since I brought a dog home and she was a puppy. So this feels like a new world for me! Considering it’s been just a few hours my new pup seems to be doing well! Taken naps, walks, and follows me everywhere. He’s currently napping next to me on the couch-he’s probably exhausted from a big day. I asked my foster all the questions the few times I’ve talked to her so now we just have to get to know each other!

Does your dog turn his head when he hears an odd noise? Does your dog bury their food with your pants? This is the thread to ask why.

Please keep this thread to non-medical issues only.

This thread is where to get emotional support with all things related to death and illness with your dog. This is also a thread where you can seek assistance with deciding whether it is indeed time.

This is not a thread to seek anecdotes with medical care. All rules involving medical questions and anecdotes remains the same for this thread.

If your dog has passed, you can still post here for emotional support or you can create your own thread tagged with one of the RIP flairs. Be sure to review the rules of our flair guide. It is up to you how you choose to grieve.

Introduction

1. Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

• No, i currently have one girl who is perfectly content to sleep all day and is the chillest dog possible.

2. Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?

• no, i love my current rescue but a general idea of breeds would be helpful

3. Describe your ideal dog.

• A dog with reliable recall, very eager to please and easy to train.

4. What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

• Im looking for a very smart dog

5. What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

• id love the dog to do some scent work, learn some goofy tricks, and generally just want to listen to me.

6. Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?

• i have no experience, but id love to give agility training a try

Care Commitments

7. How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

• 5 hours or more. I work from home with a flexible job.

8. 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?

• about 2.5 hours roughly? I like hiking, so maybe a morning jog and an afternoon mini-hike, paired with short potty breaks throughout the day

9. 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?

• minimal grooming preferred, but i can be swayed

Personal Preferences

10. What size dog are you looking for?

• medium large

11. How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

• minimum barking, otherwise i don’t mind

12. How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

• very important.

Dog Personality and Behavior

13. Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

• a mix, towards the snuggly side.

14. Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

• eager to please!!

15. 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?

• friendly, but cautious

16. Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

• no

17. Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

• none come to mind besides general agression

Lifestyle

18. How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

• fairly often but not for long periods of time

19. What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

• My mother who lives with me loves dogs, will probably walk it and play with it semi-frequently

20. Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

• I have one dog, a barn cat who we see about once a week, 2 goats and 2 sheep, and a few chickens.

21. Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• yes.

22. Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

• we own our house

23. What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

• usa, not that i know of

24. What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

• summer: low to mid 80s winter: 10’s and below (F)

Additional Information and Questions

25. Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

• No additional information.

26. Feel free to ask any questions below.

Thanks for your time and advice!

Anyone who celebrated Thanksgiving today and let their dog enjoy some good too, have the dog farts kicked in?

Any suggestions would be appreciated! I'm 31/M living alone in an apartment complex around Boston (in the suburbs, near lots of close parks).

Introduction*

1)Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

• Yes, though had two dogs (A labrador and a cockapoo) growing up, where I would be responsible for some walks and training. I spent a lot of time with them. I also spend time with parents' current dog (a Cavashon) often. I was able to have the Cavashon over at my current apartment for about 3 consecutive weeks back in September with no issues (my mental health was better than ever which gave me the green light to get my own), though I'm aware he's a small, well behaved, "easy" dog and I'm seeking a puppy. I've also trained the Cavashon a little when he was a puppy.

2)Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?

• Breeder

3)Describe your ideal dog.

• Apartment (suburb with park next door) friendly, Medium sized, likes other dogs, intelligent, is a bit mischevous, likes snuggling, likes hiking/running. Dogs with markings and otherwise non-uniform coats are very cool to me, tricolor or merle would be bonus points. Also, I would prefer a dog that doesn't have a very short tail and doesn't have an extreme body shape like a dachshund or pug.

4)What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

• Ideally someday an Aussie Shepard (they are gorgeous and have so many ideal qualities for me) but I don't have a backyard now so it will have to wait. I was looking at beagles, mini goldendoodles, shelties, or mini collies but can't seem to narrow it down. I'm not tied down to a purebreed, and on that note poodle mixes might work since they can make dogs a bit smaller and they tend to be very smart and playful.

5)What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

• Depends how quick they are to learn. If basic commands are easy I would try a couple of pointless tricks (spin, play dead, etc) Ideally I would like them to enjoy chasing balls and enjoy running around with other dogs so they're a bit easier to tucker out.

6. Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?

• Not at this time

Care Commitments

7. How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

• Once acclimated, 2 or 3 hours. I'm commiting to obedience school or whatever else is needed for basic training as well.

8. 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?

• Once acclimated, 1-2 hours. Dog would go for a brief morning run, some kind of outside activity midday, and sometimes trip to a park or woods after work. There is a good dog park near me that I would love to use often.

9)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 could brush once a week, if it's not too time consuming, but I don't mind paying a groomer if it's out of my league (or if they have hair and need a trim).

Personal Preferences

10)What size dog are you looking for?

• Medium (preferred) or Large, maybe 30-60 lbs. I'd like a dog I can get on the floor and be a little rough with without worrying about hurting them.

11. How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

• Don't care, don't care, preferably not slobbery (licking is fine)

12. How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

• Very important (a dealbreaker). Recall is a must.

Dog Personality and Behavior

13. Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

• Snuggly or somewhere in between

14. Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

• Eager to please

15. 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?

• Friendly greeting, trusting of strangers. Neutral or ambivalent is fine too but there's no need to have a dog that alerts me or is protective

16. Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

• Not really

17. Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

• Can't think of any?

Lifestyle

18. How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

• 2 or 3 days a week the dog should be able to handle being alone for 8 hours during work (split 4 and 4 with a midday walker), I will plan on either hiring a midday walker or doing doggie day care. Besides that I'll work from home and am happy to take breaks to stimulate them or for midday walks.

19. What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

• Just me!

20. Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

• No.

21. Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• No.

22. Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

• I rent an apartment. No aggressive dogs but I don't want those anyway. Barking is OK as long as it's not too excessive

23. What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

• Medford MA, no restrictions that should matter?

24. What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

• 80 F, 30 F. Typical new england weather.

Additional Information and Questions

25. Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

• I keep taking dog quizzes online and they give me really odd picks that I've never heard of before. I would prefer a dog that is popular (easier to get and they're popular for good reasons) if it fits my criteria. I'd also like a puppy but have no idea what age to adopt.

26. Feel free to ask any questions below.

Which pet insurance is best for you? Are there any that may cover your dog's current treatment? Did your dog get injured during the waiting period and want to know if you're covered?

Here's the place to ask.

Do know we cannot help you here with medical concerns, and lying or not disclosing things to the insurance company is illegal so we don't allow that either.

Does your dog turn his head when he hears an odd noise? Does your dog bury their food with your pants? This is the thread to ask why.

Please keep this thread to non-medical issues only.

This thread is where to get emotional support with all things related to death and illness with your dog. This is also a thread where you can seek assistance with deciding whether it is indeed time.

This is not a thread to seek anecdotes with medical care. All rules involving medical questions and anecdotes remains the same for this thread.

If your dog has passed, you can still post here for emotional support or you can create your own thread tagged with one of the RIP flairs. Be sure to review the rules of our flair guide. It is up to you how you choose to grieve.

Long story short, biggest dog is tall and lanky. Sliding back door on the small side. Dog door insert panels that fit his height would be a tight squeeze for humans wanting in/out of the sliding door

Curious what anyone might have come up with in similar circumstances

I really don't want the expense of tearing out part of a wall for a big dog doggie door, would rather be more economical, but what have you got?

Hi! This is very much hypothetical for the time being, but at the start of my journey preparing to hopefully become a responsible dog owner I'd really appreciate some input to help me get a realistic idea of whether I am ready to get a dog or not, and if I am, what breed(s) I should consider! Thank you so much for your help in advance!

**Introduction**

1)	Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

* Yes!

2)	Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a [reputable breeder]( http://ownresponsibly.blogspot.com/2011/07/identifying-reputable-breeder.html)?

* I am looking to adopt as I have a close friend who works in rehousing rescues but I'm open to considering buying from a breeder as well.

3)	Describe your ideal dog.

* I would like a dog who will be my reliable, calm, and loving companion who enjoys both long walks without getting into fights and cozy time together but isn't awfully needy. I am quieter and more serious and introverted by nature and would love to have a dog that matches my energy to some degree and that is both ready to cuddle and fine when just chilling in each other's company or left alone for a while. My ideal day with a dog would involve a long walk in a park or exploring the streets of a suburban neighbourhood and a shorter walk closer to home, a bit of playtime in the garden, cuddling indoors, and plenty of "parallel play" (indoors in colder weather, in the garden when it's nice out) – basically spending time together and in each other's vicinity and interacting on and off (petting, playing a bit of catch every now and then etc) while I am studying or gardening or doing my reading or crocheting. Their ability to get along with other people and dogs is very important to me, I'd like a dog that can be trained to respect boundaries (aka not leap at people) but is friendly and enjoys hanging out with people. Also very important is their compliance/trainability in obedience (listening to basic commands) and going outside to potty. Preferably something medium-large. Obviously routines are important and I am aware of that but I'd appreciate a little flexibility if that's possible as my current schedule is quite different on different days (eg. no whining if they have access to the backyard to potty or run around but I am only able to walk them an hour earlier or later some days)

4)	What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

* I am not seriously considering any breeds yet, I've been a cat-lady all my life and mostly interacted with mixed breeds so I'm not knowledgeable on the temperaments of many specific breeds, lately I am eyeing greyhounds though. Would love a samoyed but I sadly don't think it's realistic. Going purely by looks I also like shibas/akitas, labs, retrievers, beagles, fox terriers and whippets. Not interested in toy dogs/a fan of most common small breeds.

5)	What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

* Mainly obedience/recall/basic commands and possibly a few more practical tasks/simple tricks (but this is not a requirement, if I get a breed that is teachable I might experiment for fun but it's not something I have my heart set on), I'm not interested in anything fancy. Potty-training is a must though.

6) Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?

* No, that is not something I wish to do.

**Care Commitments**

  7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

* I can play with them and/or take them for a longer walk/to play at a dog park for 1-2 hrs in the mornings, spend time with them on and off throughout the day and take them for a shorter walk in the late afternoon/early evening and spend time with them indoors for the rest of the evening.

8) 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?  

* 1:30-2:30 hrs walking (morning + evening walk added up) and yard-time, I'm not really willing to hang around outside for more than half an hour if the weather's bad but they'd have unlimited (mostly) unsupervised access to run around and I'd spend more time with them in the yard in warmer weather, anything from 1 to 6 hours a day. They would also have the company of our neighbour's dog for a few hours a day as we have a partially shared garden. I intend to take them to a dog park at least once a week as there is one close by, other than that I am planning regular walking and playing in the garden, I wouldn't be able to run with them though because of health issues.

9)	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?

* Depends on how much brushing is needed, a quick daily brush or a longer brushing session weekly I'm open to, but I'd prefer a bit more low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming that needs no more than around 20 minutes a day and like I said, longer sessions only at more infrequent intervals but I am willing to do it all myself.

**Personal Preferences**

10)	What size dog are you looking for?

* Anything between 25-65lbs, not picky, preferably more medium/medium-large though, my only ‘condition’ is nothing tiny and I could easily be convinced about a bigger dog though.

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

* Shedding is not a problem, but low to medium tolerance for barking and as little slobber as possible.

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

* Not really, I'd prefer a dog that responds well to recall-training and isn't very reactive, but especially in the short term I am unlikely to let them off-leash anywhere other than my backyard or other fenced areas.

**Dog Personality and Behavior**

13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

* A healthy combination of the two but I'm easy, I would like to be able to have cuddles every now and then and for the doggo to enjoy frequent pets but I myself appreciate having some personal space for a few hours a day so a dog who feels the same way and doesn't need my constant attention would be preferable. (I'd be around them almost the entire day though and more than happy to interact if they want!)

14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

* I don't mind some degree of independence but overall I am looking for a dog that is relatively easy to teach to follow commands and is willing to follow my lead without much rebelling.

15) 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 a kind of alertness (and don't mind alarm barking) but no hostility or uncontrollable barking and I would prefer them to be friendly with guests but in a more neutral/distant way, no jumping at guests for cuddles (I'm aware that's a question of training as well though) but I'd appreciate if they allowed visitors to pet them.

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

* No, getting along with other dogs is an absolute must as my neighbour I share the property with owns a dog and I live in a suburban area where every other person you run into when you walk down the street is 100% to be accompanied by their dog out for a walk.

17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

* Excessive barking, extreme stubbornness, proneness to extreme separation anxiety, aggressiveness and inability/unwillingness to get along with other dogs or cats, enthusiastic pouncing on people/face licking they can't be trained out of, unresponsiveness to potty-training.

**Lifestyle**

18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

* Completely alone very rarely for the foreseeable future (next 3-6 years), no more than 2-4 hours once or twice a week, maximum would be 6 hours a few days of the week in the following years. I am currently studying from home and cohabiting with my mother who works from home and my partner works from home as well, but after finishing my studies and going back to work the dog would have to go without my presence and active attention for 6-ish hours per day.

19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog? 

* Minimal barking and preferably no slobbering, potty-trainability, obedience of basic commands and no ‘complaints’ (howling) when shut out of a room to attend a call for work. I would be their primary carer, they would only really help out with feeding/letting them outside and keeping an eye on them throughout the day if I am out/keeping them company and playing with them a bit.

20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets?  What breed or type of animal are they?

* No, but my next-door neighbour with whom I have a partially shared backyard has a dog (mixed breed, friendly but anxious/shy and wary around new people/dogs) and a (quite territorial) cat and there are outdoor cats from neighbouring houses who sometimes come into our garden as well.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

* Not likely, there's a slim chance that me and my partner would have a child later in the dog's lifetime but it's not something I am counting on/seriously planning and definitely not happening in the next 10 years.

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

* Not applicable as I am a home owner and don't plan to move.

23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

* Budapest, Hungary, nothing relevant that I know of.

24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

* Average daytime temperature is around 26-28°C in summertime (with periods of continual highs of 32ish) and 0-5°C in the winter with the occasional snowfall and subzeros (mostly only at night though). I have AC indoors.

**Additional Information and Questions**

25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

* I would prefer a young adult/grown dog (which shouldn't prove difficult as I am planning on getting a rescue), I don't feel confident I could give a puppy the kind of care they require. I do have the savings to provide a good life for the dog I choose but I'm not loaded so I'd prefer a breed less prone to health concerns that would cost a lot to remedy. Also this is a very silly and purely aesthetical preference but while a long coat isn't a requirement, I don't like dogs like vizslas/basset hounds/pugs/etc and want something with less of a wrinkly skin-feel going on lol.

Thanks so much for reading and any suggestions you can give me!

I would like to start this off by stating that this is actually a hypothetical. Owning a dog in the near future is not one of my top priorities. Although if I do end up considering it, I’d like to know what dog breed would best suit my lifestyle. Also if the formatting is wrong I do apologize I’m on mobile.

1. Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

• We had a family dog. Unfortunately she was from a BYB since we weren’t educated at the time. It really showed in her behavior. I was the primary trainer but even then she was a mess. I’ll be sure to get a dog from a reputable ethical breeder this time. I guess technically this’ll be my first dog..?

2. Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?

• Breeder. I am a little intimidated by adopting because their behavior will be unpredictable and I might be ill equipped to handle them.

3. Describe your ideal dog.

• I like aloof dogs. Dogs that’ll mostly keep to themselves but approach me if they’d like attention. Like cats but in dog form. And I enjoy dogs that attach to one person instead of being a people person if that makes sense.

4. What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

• I’m not sure.

5. What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

• Honestly just the basics I’d be content with. Recall, sit, lay down, walk properly and leave if I ask it to.

6. Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?

• I have considered bite-work and agility but I’ll need to research this more before dipping my toes into the water. I have no experience with either.

Care Commitments

7. How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

• A couple hours

8. 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’d love a dog I can walk twice a day. And also play fetch with. I have a yard. I’d only be using the yard for fetching since I don’t trust dog parks or other public areas that are dog friendly. I also have a pool. While a water loving dog isn’t a necessary trait, the pool is an option to get some exercise in.

9. 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?

• The family dog we owned was a Maltese mix. I’ve done the grooming myself, but I shaved her hair. I don’t know if that’s undesirable. It made grooming easy. I live in a hot climate and there were a bunch of foxtails and other dried grasses that were unavoidable while going on walks.

• I don’t want a dog that has hair and requires daily brushing. If I did own one, I’d likely shave all the fur off. Otherwise, I’m fine with doing the rest of the grooming and hygiene. Cleaning ears, brushing teeth, cutting nails, bathing.

Personal Preferences

10. What size dog are you looking for?

• I’m 5’1. While I’m stronger than I look, I do not want a large dog that’ll overpower me. But I don’t want a very small dog either (ex. Chihuahua, yorkie) Medium sized and maybe medium-large is best suited for me.

11. How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

• I’m fine with shedding. Maybe not husky levels, but shedding is tolerable and I’m not allergic
• Don’t mind vocal dogs but I don’t want noise complaints from neighbors
• No slobber preferred. 😬 but if the dog breed that is a perfect fit drools, I’ll tolerate it.

12. How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

• Not important. I don’t plan on bringing my unleashed dog in unfenced areas.

Dog Personality and Behavior

13. Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

• Personal space but either is fine

14. Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

• I want a dog that’s biddable enough to where it’ll listen to my basic commands. Especially recall.

15. 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?

• More like a watchdog. Wary of strangers.

16. Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

• No. I feel like these dogs are suited for more experienced dog owners.

17. Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

• Prey drive, especially for small critters like rodents

Lifestyle

18. How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

• Probably the hardest answer because this post is all hypotheticals. I’m not sure. I’ll definitely be working part time but that means I won’t have a set schedule. I’ll also likely be doing some college courses.

19. What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

• The other people don’t really care about the dog since I’ll be taking care of this dog myself. The only other involvement would prob be taking dog to the vet/other appointments cus I can’t drive.

20. Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

• Two guinea pigs. They live in my bedroom with an open top cage.

21. Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• No

22. Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

• No

23. What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

• California. I looked it up and there are no banned breeds.

24. What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

• I live in California. So the weather is nice. It’ll get hot during summers of course but we also have a pool and AC so the dog won’t get overheated. No snow or extreme cold during winters. The only change in winter is it’s slightly colder and it tends to rain more.

Additional Information and Questions

25. Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

• I own guinea pigs and this is a non negotiable. So I cannot own a dog with a prey drive. I’d rather own guinea pigs than have to get rid of them for a dog.
• I’d prefer an older dog as opposed to a puppy. They’re a lot of work and an adult dog’s temperament is a lot more predictable.

26. Feel free to ask any questions below.

• please be honest even if your response seems callous or overly blunt. The last thing I want is dragging a dog into my home and it not working out. It’s not fair to the dog.

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