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About Patti
Expertise
To date, I've owned 7 dogs, all of which have lived into old age.
Having cared for them in all stages of life, I feel I can offer sound advice to other pet owners, and people considering getting a dog.
I am knowledgeable about the AKC (American Kennel Club) dog breeds, training and exercise, caring for sick and elderly pets, feeding, as well as many holistic treatments pets can benefit from.
My only request is that you write me using standard English and punctuation.
Experience
My life experience in this field is more like "on the job training" rather than an actual degree in animal welfare. You may benefit from my experiences over the past 30 years.
Aside from the dogs I've owned, I'm also involved in "breed rescue" and have fostered several dogs, all of which have been adopted to wonderful "forever homes".
I find helping people who want a dog very rewarding.
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You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Dogs > Advice on choosing appropriate pup
Expert: Patti
Date: 7/15/2008
Subject: Advice on choosing appropriate pup
Question
I would love to get a puppy and am looking for some advice choosing the right
pup for me......i am flatting and will be moving from time to time, i would love
an mid size dog that is easy going and loyal, friendly and well behaved...i have
found some pups that i have fallen for they are a lab, huntaway bull dog
mix....what are your thoughts on this mix?
Answer
Hi Jacqui,
Mixed breed dogs are generally healthier (which means cheaper to keep over their liftime!) than their pure bred cousins.
Any puppy whether it's purebred, or mixed breed is going to require your time for socialization and training. A lot has to do with the individual dog's temperament, but an awful lot has to do with you. If you want that easy going, loyal, friendly and well behaved dog, you have to work to make it happen. Most of the time these things just don't happen on their own.
Your best bet for a dog which has all the traits you're looking for is to adopt an adult dog. There are so many wonderful dogs in need of a home. When you adopt an adult, it's personality and traits are already known, whereas a puppy is only a potential. Puppies take an amazing amount of time and commitment. Another point to consider is that if you live in an apartment, you may not be allowed to have a dog, or you may be able to only have a dog if it's under a certain size. Having a dog can limit your housing options.
Another option is to adopt a cat or kitten. There are many cats that have very "dog-like" personalities, it's a matter of choosing the right animal. Kittens litterbox train themselves in a matter of day (it can take a puppy up to a year to house train), and kittens don't develop bad habits when left alone (as puppies can), and they are less expensive to keep than a dog.
You didn't say where you live, if it's in the US or Canada you can browse adoptable pets here: http://www.petfinder.com
Best of luck,
Patti
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