Question:
How do I choose the right dog for me?
I am currently considering getting a puppy, but I have no idea what breed to get! Since everybody I know (including me) have only had experiances with Labradors or CHesapeke Bay Retrievers, I can't get any advice on what breed would work the best for me. I really need an intelligent dog for i am going to want multiple uses for it. I also need a dog who will be extremely one-person. I need it to want to be by my side almost every second of every day. Part is because this will be my best friend and i need to feel wanted. I know this might be a little bad, but i want it to REALLY miss me when I'm gone. The other part is that we have a cabin with no fences so it can't go off running, especially not chase things as we have critters up there both harmless and lethal. I've also been told I'm a little obsessive complusive. I guess it may be from wearing latex gloves and washing my hands almost constanly. Therefore, I'm really hoping for a dog that's not food-motivated (I would actually like a somewhat picky eater) and one that would love baths and won't mind wearing boots everywhere except in its bed. I know this may be a LOT to ask for, but PLEASE I REALLY NEED HELP!!!! I've heard dogs have an almost miraculas way of helping people. So, thank you SO MUCH for any advice you'd have to offer.
Answer:
A LITTLE obsessive compulsive? I am going to take you at your word that this is not a joke & reply to you.
Please re-consider a dog at all. Your wants are not at all realistic & I don't think you will ever be satisfied with any dog you get. No dog should have to live under that kind of stress. No dog should be allowed to run loose either, especially in the mts.
Getting a dog to help cure you illness is like having a baby to keep your marriage together. Neither one is going to work. I suggest you get some of your problems resolved before even considering subjecting a dog to all of that.
Answer:
Thanks for the advice. I kind of had the feeling that that would be the case. Right now, I live a lone, but I am trying extremely hard to get over my OCD. I think I may be developing a latex allergy, so I have refrained myself from buyng anymore. I have also come to a pretty good way of cutting back on my hand-washing by allowing myself a certain amount of hand-washes a day. So, this dog would be kind of something I use as a reason for not going back to my old habits, and to keep progressing to get into the norm (or close to it), and kind of my support group as I lack friends. I would also probably train it really hard Schutzhund, for two main reasons. 1) Since I live alone, I would like to feel some sense o f security. 2) I would like it to be a good, well-train citizen. I could understand not to let your dog run free, but do you think it would be alright if I buy it a twenty-or so-foot leash? I still I might be a little helpless still, but are they're any possible breeds you could recommend? Thanks for any advice you may be able to offer
Answer:
Maybe you should consider doing some dog walking or volunteering for your local shelter to help you before you get a dog of your own. You could also try spending time with someone elses dog, a friend or someone. I think until you get over your OCD and the need to feel clean a dog would be a bad idea for you and the dog. It's inevitable that the dog will shed, possibly have accidents, get sick from time to time, bring sticks and such in from outside, eat and sniff undesirable things while out walking, the list is endless. I also agree with sue, no dog should be allowed to free roam off leash in an uncontrolled enviroment, especially woods where there are "critters" these will certainly entice the dog to run, no amount of training will train a dog not to be a dog and dogs chase critters, period.
Answer:
That's a great idea. I cannot believe I had not thought of that. I probably do that. Thank you all of your help, advice, and wisdom. I REALLY appreciate!
Answer:
Yes, nice comment uptowndogs.
Thanks!