I think I would tell future dog owners to do research on breeds of dogs. I think the mistake a lot of people make is getting the wrong kind of breed. Somebody gets a dog just because they like the breed and they don't know nothing about, and look at that, the dog takes over the person.

In addition to choosing the appropriate breed for one's lifestyle (which takes into consideration adult size, grooming needs, temperament, exercise requirements, etc.), there are many considerations.
First, how much time does a dog take every day? Between exercise, elimination, feeding, and training, that's a lot of time each day just spent on the dog. How much is it going to cost? There are food bills and vet bills, as well as boarding costs if the person has to travel and cannot take their animal.
Second, having a dog severely limits independence. You can't just leave town on a whim, or stay out all night, or not go right home after work. If the person is committed to making the neccessary adjustments, it will still take a lot of effort. This is a commitment for the next 10-15 years.
Lastly, they need to understand that any breed of dog needs training. Training does not stop when the dog has learned a few commands. It is a lifelong process, whether we're talking about a working dog, a service dog, a sport dog, or a house pet.
The benefits of dog ownership are great; studies show that people live longer, healthier lives when they have a bond with a special animal. Many people are more active than they would otherwise be.
But, to any dog owner to be, I would agree that research is fundamental. One should never get a dog because it looks pretty, or is a really cute puppy. I see dogs all the time that come into the shelter because the person who brought them home had no idea how much work the dog would be.

I'm sure there is much more that a prospective dog owner should know, but those are the first thoughts that come to mind for me.

Stay away from pet stores and newspaper classified back yard breeders. Avoid impulsiveness. Make sure all members of household really want the dog and are in agreement on level of commitment. This is key.

The above advise is excellant, I would add (from personal experiance and observation) that what you read on internet and in books and the practical aplication can be somewhat differant. I have 2 akita's, people seem to think that cause mine are well trained and healthy that if a single (dog) mom can work full time and maintain 2 healthy large working dogs that they can also. I have seen too many friends that get dogs and they end up outside 85% of the time cause what they have seen with me or what they read makes it seem easy. ITS NOT!!! Evan one pet requires at least the same comitment that it takes to raise a child IMHO. My advise would be to read read read, then go to a puppy class or training class and just sit in and watch, talk to trainers. Check local vets for their cost and the kind of comitment they have for animal health, (there are a few that could care less about your pet unless you present cash up front for treatment). There is a tone of info out there. Per the owner of this board dog training is not rocket science, its commen sense.
In memory of Mocha, bought by a friend with the best of intentions. Kill by someone for killing chickens.

Hmmm. . .thats a tuffy??

BUY A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG FROM WORKING LINES

When considering puppies, dogs, breeds:
1. All puppies are cute, few adult dogs are.
2. Gather the wisdom to understand a breed, and have the realism to know that you're not going to alter the fundamental characteristics of an individual from that breed.

When around dog people:
1. Listen more than you talk.
2. See what some people do with their dogs vs. what others don't do with their dogs.
3. Compare what you hear to what you see.

Be careful for what you ask, you just may get it...

Caveat Emptor

Of course, Vancamp is right, but I want to add...

You should also consider breed rescues. Once you know what you are looking for you can help out and save a life.

Lots of good dogs lose their homes for silly reasons. I picked up a three year old foster GSD last night that there is nothing wrong with. He is a pet, not a working dog, but is out of working lines, and will be up for adoption in a month or so when I have a good picture of who he needs for an owner.

Anyway. Rescues have good dogs, and you don't have to go through the puppy phase. Most of them come already housebroken with at least manners training.

I keep saying I am getting out of doing this, but it is so hard to see innocent dogs die because of human stupidity and inconvienence....

That's a valid point. Especially now days with the internet it's much easier to find a rescue group that works in the breed specific your looking for. Since I've been here I've seen several dogs that needed homes that would surprise alot of people.

This may be in left field but I also think it might be an interesting idea to have some form of tax incentive, to adopt a dog. Or a free something, maybe to get out of one ticket for free, lol Enough to the point that it would encourage more people to adopt. That would be nice to see anyway, even if it was an unrealistic plan.

Also, I think the idea about having a dog and comparing it to a child is an idea I wish was more widespread.

Originally posted by Brad Gargis:


This may be in left field but I also think it might be an interesting idea to have some form of tax incentive, to adopt a dog. Or a free something, maybe to get out of one ticket for free, lol Enough to the point that it would encourage more people to adopt. That would be nice to see anyway, even if it was an unrealistic plan.

Also, I think the idea about having a dog and comparing it to a child is an idea I wish was more widespread. Yep, left field alright... I don't want anyone adopting a dog to get out of a ticket or to evade taxes... People who would propose that are not thinking with both lobes of the brain.

In a perfect world there would be no rescues...

We haven't found that world yet... and it is not the choice for everyone. But it is an option.

Easy Killer, I just mean if there was something. I was just thinking out loud. Don't break out the tape recorder for evidence. lol