Getting a new dog

[tritium]

My best canine-friend of 11-years passed away one week after Labor Day 2003. Scratch, my black Lab mix, was nothing short of an AllStar. There wasn't anything that he couldn't learn or do -- and he was the happiest thing I've ever known, right up until the end. I miss him terribly.

In 1992, we picked him up from outside a backery at an SPCA stand. We'd planned on getting a cake for my birthday, but wound up coming back with 20lbs of dog instead. Over the years, he grew from a 20lbs puppy into a 100lbs of loving behemoth.

Its was an end to an era. Scratch saw me grow from a period when he and I stood at about the same height (with him on his back legs) to when I towered over him. He knew me as a boy, wearing cardboard armor and him as my stead. He saw me leave for college. I miss having him ride around in my truck.

And, I think its about time to find a new friend. I have the capacity to love and house him/her ...

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Anyway, I was looking for advice on what to look for in a new friend. I'm thinking about an adult 2+ years old dog from another shelter. Any advice will be appreciated.

[jasonresno]

That is very sad, my condolences. I too had the loss of a canine companion of 7 years. It is hard to get a new dog after that..

[cchris]

Get yourself a puppy and start again.
The effort to "house train" will motivate and fill the void as it sounds like you miss that guy heaps.
Just my 2 cents worth but I have done this a few times and each dog was my mate and made me laugh cause they grew up with me.

[omega2K4]

I'm going to suggest a golden retriever or a beagle. From all the people I know that have them, they all say that you can train them very easily (Easier with them as puppies).

[freshjive]

Standard poodles are great, they dont drop hair or smell and have awesome personalitys.

[punx1325]

I know how you feel, I have a Bichon (small white dog). She is the sweetest thing ever, and I miss her so much. Ever since I moved away from home she has never been the same. Dogs make great friends, look for something that fits your life style. Big/Small, does sheding bother you?, how active of a dog you want. I have always loved small dogs more because there is so many more things I can do. They don't shed (well mine atleast), they fit in your lap, you can sneak them in places (hotels, dorm rooms, airplanes...hehe). Good luck to your search, I fear that day when I have to say good bye...

[Phaenx]

Short hair and floppy ears please. I'd suggest a breed, but I'd be impressed if you found a pure breed at a shelter. So I guess just go with looks and personality.

[lurkette]

My advice would be to go to a shelter or rescue organization and find a dog that suits your lifestyle, regardless of breed. Either read up on temperament testing and test the dogs yourself, or have someone who does temperament testing come with you (it's not actualy really hard - just some tests of how the dog reacts to various things like having a toy taken away, having their paws and ears touched, etc.)

If you're working a 10-hour day and nobody's home to play with a dog, a puppy is the wrong choice, as are breeds like border collies, shelties, pretty much any working dog. Some breeds are going to be more energetic or aggressive, some are going to be more demanding of attention or they'll eat your couch, some are going to be mellow but difficult to train. www.dogbreedinfo.com is a good place to find out which breeds have which characteristics, and what's going to suit you best. They also have a "breed selector" that asks you questions about what you want. Since characteristics will vary within breeds, the most important thing is that you find a dog that meshes well with your personality and lifestyle.

Good luck!

P.S. God bless you for thinking about adopting an older dog - so many people go straight for the cute puppies, and a 2-year-old still has a lot of love to give.

[high_way]

im very sorry to hear that about your dog. i have the same feeling with my dog, and reading that made me think of her and all the fun we have had over the years. i know i will never have another dog like her.

she is the only 12 year old pup i know, she never stops loving and caring. i can sit and pet her all day and she would never have enough. she gets spoilt every chance i get. she even goes to investigate my room when i am away (so i have been told) and i speak to her on the phone if i am gone for more than a couple of days.

anyway back to your question... i am looking at getting a tall boxer pup when my dog passes. they are such a placid dog and they are so beautiful but alass you have to get what fits with yourlifestyle best.

[yakimushi]

I'm going to second the Bichons, my mom has one and he's a ball of fun. The no shedding and no "typical dog smell" is a huge plus for an indoor dog.

I am glad that you want to get a dog from a shelter, those dogs need the most love and care.

[greytone]

I am sorry you lost your dear friend. Adopting another dog never takes away from the memory or love you had for another.

I had two beagles growing up and they were fantastic. My sister has an aging golden that is an allstar in my book. When I decided it was time for me to have one of my one, I was concerned about my lifestyle. I frequently work 12 or more hours in a day. I am not one to spend a lot of time exercising a dog. I also wanted short hair because I am not into housework and have allergies. I decided to adopt greyhounds and I have never regretted it.

The retired racing dogs really need homes, they are crate trained and easy to transition into house trained. They are bigger, but don't weigh as much as a lab or golden. They are affectionate pets, even though that surprises a lot of people. They tolerate long periods of inactivity because of their experience at the track. I have a fenced yard and would not want any dog without that luxury. I do know that some people do walk greys and live in apartments. One downside is that they should never be walked off of a leash. They are too fast and many have too strong of an instinct to chase. They can reach 40 mph within 3 strides so you are not going to be able to stop one from darting after a small animal or other object, and therefore they are at great danger from traffic or outrunning their own scent trail home and getting lost. So I always use a leash. Mine really are homebodies though. One got loose and I found her 45 minutes later only 2 houses away after searching the entire neighborhood. One other thing, they are indoor dogs. They simple don't have enough insulation to stay outside. The ones with lighter coats can even get sunburn through their fur.

Many people find that greys are like Lays potato chips. Nobody can stop with just one. Everyone gets 2 or 3. Some nuts go for more than that. Since they spend the first 2 to 4 years of their lives in a kennel, they are happier if they have at least one companion. I think the dynamic with three would change so I am sticking with my two.

Whatever breed you find is best for you, I know you will be happier when ther is dog once again in your life.

[timalkin]

We were about to adopt a greyhound from an animal shelter, until it simply stepped over a 5 foot fence and start running around outside.

I've never seen such an effortless ability to get over a tall fence.

[sailor]

I feel for you. When I was in 8th grade (I was 14, I believe), my Lab, that had been in the house since before I was born, and truly had watched me grow from a newborn, had to be put to sleep. He was old (15 years!) and could no longer stand. God, I was crushed when we had to put him down.

I cant wait to move into an apartment where I can have a dog. The first thing I am going to buy after I move in is another black lab. I have wanted another one since Ramsey was put to sleep five years ago.

[rat]

I'm a big fan of Austrailian shephards and even moreso German shephards. They're intelligent, and if decently imprinted/trained before you get ahold of them (which they should be if you're looking in the 2+ year range), they're very well behaved. They're also fiercely loyal. When I get my own place after college, I'm gonna be hunting around the local k-9 units for any soon-to-be-retired german shephards. I'm a big-dog person who likes to wrestle with them and run and play.

[Crack]

Two words: Wiener Dog! And, you can name her: Wiener Dog! Perfect fit!

[tuffrr]

Sorry to hear about your dog - we lost a puppy about 2 months after buying it and spending thousands to hopefully make it better. First thing we did when it passed away was go and buy another. I think it helps the grieving process considerably.

[Fearless_Hyena]

tritium I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

When it comes to getting a new dog, I'm partial to German Shepherds! I LOVE those dogs...my old roommate had one and now I miss her like she was a member of the family. They tend to be intelligent and active but usually aren't *too* much of a handful.

Recently I had a chance to get a perfectly trained 2yr old female, for free, but unfortunately I had to turn down the opportunity since I realized that I just don't have the time and space for her yet. One of the trainers in town (who's reputed to be one of the best on the east coast) is a member of a German Shepherd rescue organization and took her in and trained her, and just wanted to find a good home for her. Sadly I can't provide the best home, yet...my life is too busy right now.

But I would recommend perhaps looking for something similar -- look around at the dog schools in your area and see if anybody is looking for a home for a rescued dog. I think a majority of trainers are members of these rescue organizations and are often trying to find good homes for dogs. It doesn't have to be a German Shepherd, but that's what I'd get Good luck!!

[mystmarimatt]

My condolences, tritium.

we had the same thing happen to us over the summer, our 18-year old sheltie finally had to be put to sleep (yes, actually 18 years old, i don't remember not having him around) and he was completely part of our family, my mother simply regarded him as a third son.

So i'd suggest sheltie's, just because i'm rather partial to them, but don't go for a particular breed, just look around, especially at shelters and such, every dog deserves a good home, not just the pure breeds.

[jwells777]

I am considering getting a Giant Schnauser. I hear that they have good personalities and they shed very little. Plus it is a unique breed that not everybody has seen before.

[gabshu]

Don't get a dalmatian, they're very dumb.

[bernadette]

www.petfinder.org

enter your zipcode

glad you had such a great buddy for so many years.
you'll be a wonderful friend for another canine in need of a good home.

[merkerguitars]

Sorry to hear about that.....at least he had a long lease on life 11 years is alot for a dog.

Over my lifetime I have lost over 3 dogs My parents are down to 1 dog again a blacklab that we got as a gift from a friend cause one died. I recommend a black lab (or any lab for that matter) They are smart and never agressive...pretty much an overall loveable and sweet dogs. Finding another good dog shouldn't be that hard. There are many out there that deserve a good home. Some of the best dogs me and my parents have owned are ones that come from people that just don't have the time to take care of them. Or check your local humane society.