Thinking about getting/adopting a Dog (First-timer)

I know this is off-topic, but heck it's Friday, right?


I'm thinking about buying/adopting a dog so I'm looking for advice here 'cause I've never had one before.


Moved to a new city a couple of months ago, and feels like it's the right time to get one. What breed do you recommend for a first-timer?


๐Ÿฑ Off-Topic
๐Ÿค˜ Personal Growth
๐Ÿ˜ƒ Fun
35
UserNotFound
Politicker
5
Account Executive
A rescue! Iโ€™ve worked in rescue for years- and can tell you if you hunt hard enough you can find any โ€œdesigner breedโ€ in a rescue. As a first time dog owner Iโ€™d say no matter what breed you get- hire a trainer immediately! Iโ€™ve been a dog owner all my life and only hired a trainer with my last two and it makes a world of difference. Even just three sessions with my German Shepherd helped totally change our relationship with her! Currently working on training our 8month old Pyredoodle.
supercloser
Opinionated
3
Director of Business Development
I've had a rescue for 3 years now and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. My wife and my rescue dog are the reason I keep pushing to close so many deals.
TheNegotiator
Arsonist
1
VP of Sales
This is a very interesting comment. I think that Yale science of happiness thing is crap. Setting a $ figure at 75k is arbitrary af. . I do believe that $ figure exists, but I believe itโ€™s significantly higher and differentiates by local market. . That said, Iโ€™ve definitely exceeded it for where I live, and I sometimes find myself losing focus. It makes me wonder. If I had someone to fight for, or even a little doggo to spoil, would I hustle harder? . Thanks for sharing.
SaaSsy
Politicker
1
AE
Ditto to all this! I rescued the cutest little 8 lb German Shepherd mix puppy 3 yrs ago. Very smart, easy to train, loyal and love you more than anything. Rescues are always the best dogs.
Kinonez
Celebrated Contributor
5
War Room Enthusiast
I would get a dog that was little hair, the more hair the more you have to take care of it, as a first timer it's better to make your life easier. Also larger breeds tend to be more docile and less energetic, if you don't have kids, that's the best way to go. (as long as you have the space for it)
AlphaCharlie
Arsonist
4
Account executive
A schnauzer!
Lenca
Politicker
3
BDR
I've always lovedย German Shepherds
MaximumRaizer
Politicker
2
Sales Manager
As long as you give them love it's ok
Blackwargreymon
Politicker
2
MDR
I wouldn't focus on the breed as much as I'd do on the dog needs and how comfortable you are with those! Are you 100% in a wfh setup for instance, or will you be out of the house leaving the dog alone?
alecabral
Arsonist
1
Director - Digital Sales Transformation
I wouldn't focus on the breed as much as I'd do on the dog needs and how comfortable you are with those! Are you 100% in a wfh setup for instance, or will you be out of the house leaving the dog alone? Also, size matters! I've had small and medium sized dogs, but that's my limit. Bigger dogs, which I love, would probably not have a great time in my apartment!

I do agree with @AnonymousSourceย , a rescue is in my experience, a great way to start!
Wolfof7thStreet
Valued Contributor
1
AE
I support but only so long as you can be around and responsible and not leave them locked up all day - NOW OR IN THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE lol. So many people get dogs cause they can today but find out they cant a year or two later cause of job/school/whatever
butwhy
Politicker
1
Solutions Engineer
Couple of things I recommend!ย 

- If you get a puppy, you need this so so so much:ย  https://www.chewy.com/smart-pet-love-snuggle-puppy/dp/196019

It will make crate training 18 million times easier.ย 

- I, personally, do not believe in indoor pee pads. At any age. I took my girls outside every 2 hours, then every 4 hours, then every 5 etc. until they could make it to 3-4 walks a day. This will help so much as you set a routine.ย 

- Make sure to socialize with people in hats (I missed bike helmets with my first), and children if you don't have them. Socialize, socialize, socialize.ย 

- Dogs are awesome and you should totally do it. I bought instead of adopted, because I needed very particular personality and characteristics of dogs, and I believe if you do that responsibly, there is nothing wrong with that. I am not an owner that would be OK with a shelter dog with a lot of trauma that has to be mitigated constantly. Or a breed that isn't allowed in apartments. I donate to shelters and appreciate people who can adopt - but it is not for everyone and especially not for all first-time dog owners (my personal opinion)
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
1
โ˜•๏ธ
Nearly 6 years in with my pup, who we adopted, and I wouldn't ever go back and make the choice not to adopt him.

Be prepared for your entire lifestyle to change. It's a seriously big commitment to be responsible for a life that will never be self-sufficient like a human child will one day be. You are their bathroom buddy, chef, entertainer, etc. Only make this decision if you are willing to trade complete spontaneity for planning and some sacrifices that you wouldn't normally even have to consider. For example, I don't stay out drinking with my buddies after work (when that was a thing) anymore because I knew I had to get home by 6 for our walk and food at 7 to keep the routine up.

However, as I said, I'd never change anything about what my pup and I have built as a bond and what it's done to make my wife and me more active as a couple. Hikes, walks, park time, failed swimming lessons, etc. All the greatest memories I've built.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
๐ŸฆŠ
Adopt don't shop! Not shaming those who do shop. The shelters and rescues are over capacity and need your help.
Deadskulls
Opinionated
1
BDR
Get a boxer!
Minish
Opinionated
1
Link's Cap
As long as you give them love it's ok
Clashingsoulsspell
Politicker
1
ISR
I've always lovedย German Shepherds
MR.StretchISR
Politicker
1
ISR
I would get a dog that was little hair, the more hair the more you have to take care of it, as a first timer it's better to make your life easier.
LordBusiness
Politicker
0
Chief Revenue Officer
I think if you are WFH, its definitely a great time. Just prepared for extra planning for shit like weekend trips, crashing at buddies houses, etc.ย  It depends on your lifestyle, but it can be a burden sometimes (which is why so many dogs are up for adoption)ย 
cw95
Politicker
0
Sales Development Lead
Ah go for it! If I had a big enough place I would get one! Definitely would make everyday different!
SaaSam
Politicker
0
Account Executive
Get a raccoon
sellingsellssold
Politicker
0
SDR
I love rescues and it makes you feel like you did something good. They have all different ones you just need to find the one that calls your name when you look. Pups are great but remember they are basically the same as having a child, expensive, vet insurance, grooming, food, attention and walk, but also a great friend!
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
A mini Aussie doodle for sure. No shedding, super smart, athletic, and loyal. ย 
Mr.Floaty
Politicker
0
BDR
If they were being squeezed by the payment providers, it will be interesting to see who steps in to fill the hole.
Cyberjarre
Politicker
0
BDR
It got everyone talking, thatโ€™s for sureโ€ฆ even my grandma ask me what only fans wasโ€ฆ that was an awkward conversation.
Error32
Politicker
0
ISR
If they were being squeezed by the payment providers, it will be interesting to see who steps in to fill the hole.
ApocalyBoom
Politicker
0
Account Executive
This is a very interesting comment. I think that Yale science of happiness thing is crap. Setting a $ figure at 75k is arbitrary af.
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