Killer? Who you talkin to? You talkin' to me?

Yeah... I didn't think so...

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The tapes are always running in my house....

No, Brad I know your heart was in the right place at the time you were thinking out loud... But for now, I think people need to settle for karma points.

Thanks for the replies, and yes, I do agree that owning one dog is a commitment.

Start with an adult dog (rescue is a great idea). Yep, way too many people mess up the puppy stange an have to deal with it for the rest of the dog's life. Get the experience, then deal with the puppy stage.

I wanted my family to have a good first dog experience, so I got a showline GSD pup (Auster). Auster has pannus that will one day need surgery, she bloated at 3 1/2, after the bloat she was vomiting almost every day for a few weeks, she had a bladder infection as a pup that lasted for months (partly the vet's fault), demodex, and I couldn't train her because she got treats for being cute <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> . Now I have a cute sick bratty dog that isn't even 4 years old. Did I mention that my mother was scared of a neighbor's dog and now Auster will bark and put her hackles up at other large dogs? There are better dogs out there in rescues, but we made Auster this way so we are doing everything we can for her and lover her anyway because she's cute (BTW, the working lines are cuter, dark sables just melt my heart <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ). Once Auster dies of old age I think I'll get an adult Mal or Dutchie; who knows what the future holds.

If you plan on getting a Dobe, be prepared to spend some time with it, dont plan on isolating the dog in a kennel all day.

Originally posted by Shepherdnauzergirl- Deanna:
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.

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.... Awesome post!

John Haudenshield
Who said adult dogs are not cute!!! I have a picture in front of me now with my black GSD dressed in a purple and black fairy outfit!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
If thats not cute i don't know what is.

But back to the topic, I have to agree with the whole "cute puppy trap" thing, i used to live with a Keeshound breeder and i have to say that the puppies have to be the cutest i have ever seen - but - i nearly went insane living around the adults (dogs that is) i found them to be the "blonds" of the dog world IMO. nicest kids dog i have met but other than that not my peice of cake at all.

The other thing i have seen people do is buy a breed of dog that is seen on TV, these are well trained dogs usualy and people see that and think "what a good dog - thats what i want.
Now my brother has a sharpai (his wifes dog) that i love to death (cutest ugly dog i have ever met) but after shepherds he nearly goes nuts trying to get the dog to respond to the simpilest commands - very arrogant/ignorant dog.
So in closure, Never judge a book by its cover and always read the back page first so you have an idea how it ends!

Read, listen, read, listen and be honest about your own limitations/lack of knowledge about raising and training dogs. The best way to ruin a good dog is thinking you know it all. We are all hear to learn. When you get the dog then read, listen, practice, read, listen, practice. Simple ain't it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Excellent thoughts by all. Sums everything up pretty well.