Thinking about getting a dog

MuttHunter

Hi folks.

I am weighing the pros and cons of dog ownership, as well as what kinds of dogs would be the best for me to consider. Before I get to the rather lengthy list of what is on my mind, here are the basic questions I have.

Should I get a dog at all?
If so, what breeds should I be looking for?
Should I get a puppy or an adult?

So here is my situation.

The good:

• I like dogs (animals in general, but especially dogs). I have taken strays in temporarily off the street, helped friends adopt cats and dogs, and my landladies cat used to come up and visit me, which was always nice.
• Dogs seem to like me. By being patient, I have been able to make friends with several 'unfriendly dogs' that I was told were suspicious of outsiders and prone to nipping people that invaded their space.
• I work at home, so I will not have to leave the dog on its own very much.
• I can definitely afford to keep a dog and make sure it has toys, good food, and medical attention.
• I am 'serially' active, meaning I am neither a fitness fanatic nor a couch potato, but I should be able to provide a fairly active dog with reasonable exercise.
• I take the responsibility of taking care of a living creature very seriously. If I get a dog, I expect to keep it, even if unexpected difficulties crop up in the future.

The not so good:

• I live alone, so it would be just me and the dog.
• I live in an apartment
• I live in New York City
• I am moderately allergic to dogs--some dogs more than others. The worst reaction I have ever had to any dog was getting moderately sniffly after a week or so staying with its owners. I grew up with a dog and never had any problems because of it. if figure when I meet a prospective pooch I will do the opposite of what allergy sufferers are supposed to do and bury my face in the dogs fur and inhale. If I am not getting an itch in my nose or eyes, I am probably OK.
• My working situation may change, requiring me to work away from home. This has not happened for over 5 years however, and I have no special reason to believe it will soon.

Other stuff:

• I am looking for a 'dogs allowed' apartment with a fenced yard, that is also near a park with a dog run, or the equivalent. I don't plan on actually getting a dog until I have moved. I would still take the dog for a walk every day, the yard is just to give the dog some extra space to play in at home.
• I expect to get a dog from a rescue organization. I am not sure if I would prefer a puppy or an older dog that is somewhat settled in its personality. I definitely do not want to get a dog that has been severely damaged by abuse or neglect--if a dog develops problems later I will deal with them as well as I am able, but I do not want to start out with severe separation anxiety, extreme shyness, fear biting, or anything like that before I have even gotten to know him or her.
• I am not totally committed to any breed or mixture, but I prefer medium to big dogs with friendly temperaments and some intelligence. Since shelters can only make reasonable guesses about ancestry of many dogs, I may not be able to know for sure anyway. I tend to like Goldens, Labs, German Shepherds, Great Pyrenees, Newfies, Shelties, and Collies. I have heard very nice things about Australian Shepherds(lovely dogs), but have never met one. Border Collies are beautiful but maybe a little too smart and driven for a New York apartment. I have heard that Whippets and Greyhounds are good apartment dogs but have no experience with either, although I have known some Borzois which seem to share some characteristics--sweet dispositions and lightning fast runners. I guess it depends on what is available when I am ready to adopt. I saw a beautiful Pyrenees/Australian Shepherd mix that I would inquire about if I was ready to adopt today.

Anyway I would be happy to hear what forum members think or answer any questions. Thanks in advance for all advice, even advice I decide not to follow.

happyherd

Hi MH, it seems like you've really thought things thru and I think you'd be able to provide a wonderful home for a rescue. I've never lived in an apartment with a dog, but I know that a lot of people do, so I will leave that to others to comment on.

Just be sure to take your time in looking for a dog that is a good match for you. Even if you are looking for a mixed breed, if you can tell what breed he looks most like, you can research it on the internet and get an idea of what his/her temperment and needs might be...some breeds are more suited to apartment life than others.

Anyway, just wanted to say good luck... keep us posted

PS/ I have shared my life with a few greyhounds. My oldest is now 14, you'd never know it.. she still enjoys her little daily sprint and is full of life and joy. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Lorina

I recommend an adult from a rescue. I certainly didn't miss the destructive puppy stage with mine. It was nice knowing that what I saw was what I was getting; no surprised about what he'd grow into. And he was housebroken.

Most aren't "damaged" from past owners. They just had past owners who weren't committed enough. But it also depends on the rescue. Some rescues will not take (or will euthanize) a dog with serious behavioral problems, and others will try to place any dog, even ones that shouldn't be placed.

I really liked this book. You can probably find it cheaper on a site like half.com. I've even seen it at a closeout store for $1.99. (I was tempted to buy a couple dozen copies to give out to people considering getting a dog.)

I know a lot of Aussies, and they're fantastic dogs, but I'm not sure if they'd be good for an apartment life. They're very smart and easily bored, like border collies.

Whenever I hear someone living in an apartment and wanting a dog, my mind immediately goes to greyhounds. I'd still like to get one myself one day, but I went the complete physical opposite for my first dog.

lovemygreys

I think you would do quite well with dog ownership. You have some experience, understand the commitment and seem to be realistic about what you can provide for a canine companion in terms of exercise.

I would recommend looking into retired racing greyhounds. They do very well in an apartment (I lived with 2 in an apartment with no problems). They are moderately active and tend to rise (or fall) to their owner's level of activity. They are very smart, but if you want to venture into obedience, do so knowing patience will be required. Most retired greys don't need any formal or informal training to be wonderful, well behaved pets.

Your chances of having a wide variety of dogs (personality, age and color) to choose from going through a rescue is much greater with greyhounds than borzoi or whippets. Borzoi rarely end up in rescue...whippets are more available b/c they are a more common breed than 'zoi. There are always LOTS of ex-racers looking for a retirement couch.

Many adoption groups will first foster a greyhound in a home before placing them...though not all do. Personally, I love getting a retired racer fresh from the track. It's kinda like having a puppy the first few days as they experience things like stairs, television, houses - kitchens, couches, bed, ceiling fans etc...for the first time.

There's a lot of sites out there that will talk more about greyhounds and living with retired racers. If you have any specific questions, feel free to post here or pm me. I'd be happy to answer them. We currently share our lives with 11 retired racers...so be forewarned that they are like potato chips - it's hard to have just one! <grin>

Inga

Certainly sounds like you have thought everything through and that is a great place to start. A lot of people in your situation make it work with a dog and it sounds like you are aware of the responsibility involved. I agree that an adult dog might be the best for you. Also a breed less prone to shedding or short coated breed that could easily be wiped down to keep dander down for your allergies. I myself am allergic to dogs. I have Rottweilers and have had for over 28 years now. I give baths as needed to keep the allergens at Bay. That said, I think a person becomes sort of immune to your own dogs allergens. I do not have an issue. My cat occasionally makes me sneeze but I wouldn't give her up for the world either. We learn to deal, if we love our pets. Good Luck to you.

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zimandtakandgrrandmimi

there are a lot of online tests to help determine what breed would be best for you. they ask a series of questions and you get a list of breeds. while I wouldn't take the tests too seriously, they might pop up with a breed you didn't know about or one you didn't think of before...just a thought

there's one on dogbreedinfo.com

Laurelin

Having a dog (even an active dog) in an apartment is very doable if you're committed! I have something like super papillon who, though is only 6 lbs, is probably near border collie level activity wise. You just have to be dedicated to providing stimulation (both physical and mental) for your dog. Enroll in classes, take trips to go walk. We do a lot together so she isn't bored or under-stimulated.

You sound like you'd be a great owner. I really like getting a slightly older dog. I'm sure you could find something to fit your needs in a rescue.

trumpetjock

I'll toss my hat in with everyone else here, you sound like you will do a very good job with a dog. I would recommend an adult dog though. I know from experience, a puppy in an apartment can be a NIGHTMARE. All the breeds on your list sound like they would do just fine too. I would suggest just spending some time making trips to a shelter and feeling out the personalities of the dogs there. When one really seems to fit with you, take that one. Shelters are normally more than happy to let you take as many dogs as you want out for walks and plays, as it's less work for their volunteers to do.

Again, the biggest piece of advice I can give - take it slow. Don't walk in and adopt the cutest one that looks at you with the sad eyes. Take the one that really fits with you.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

rosemaryninja

You sound like you're pretty prepared to make the commitment to keeping a dog.

Apartment living is not always that big of a con when it comes to deciding whether or not to keep a dog. Although the breeds you listed do need quite a fair amount of exercise, most dogs are actually not that active indoors if they have been well-satisfied with walks and outdoor activities. My beagles - not an exceptionally high-energy breed, but just as an example - get about 45min to 1hr of walking daily, and when they're at home they pretty much just stay in whatever room there are people in, or go to sleep in their own little corner. So, if you see what I mean, it doesn't really matter if you live in a flat or a mansion, because your dog isn't going to be racing around your home for exercise anyway.

I would definitely go to a shelter and speak to the volunteers there about what you're looking for. A slightly older dog, maybe 3-4 years old, might be best. Go and visit on a weekday, if possible, because that's usually when the regular staff/volunteers will be there and they know the dogs best. Withhold no details - they're usually pretty good at matching up dogs with lifestyles that will fit. And like trumpetjock said, don't rush into it. Visit a few times, even if you think you've found the dog for you; play with the dogs, walk them, see how they interact with humans and each other.

All the best! Don't hesitate to post again if you have any further questions.

MuttHunter

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions! It sounds to me like a sighthound or sighthound mix might be ideal for me, although as several people have suggested, getting to know some specific dogs, based on what is available when I am ready to adopt is more sensible than making any inflexible decisions about any specific breed(s). The suggestions to visit shelters for a while before adopting, seems like a particularly good idea. I may start visiting before even deciding absolutely to adopt. It should be fun, and may help me get to know some kinds of dog that I have no prior experience with.

About sighthounds, I have two concerns: One is that many dogs and dog owners in Brooklyn get great enjoyment from specified 'off leash' hours in several meadows that are far from any busy streets, as well as a 'dog beach' in Prospect park. Dashing around a large open field with other dogs seems like something a fast dog would really enjoy, but I understand that sighthounds, as their name implies, are prone to racing off after interesting small animals at high speed.

I would not let any dog off a leash anywhere outside my home, until I was very confident the dog had thoroughly bonded to me. Even so, is there a significant danger that a greyhound or similar dog might lose its head to the extent that it ran out of sight and got seriously lost, or reached the street, bonded or not? Prospect park is a big place, so once a dog was out of sight, it would be hard to find it, if it was not able or motivated to come back on its own. A radio collar could help me track it but it might be too late if it had already reached the street.

The other concern is the thin skin, very low body fat, and very short coat of some sighthounds. Winters in NYC can get very cold and wet, while summers generally have some stretches of significantly hot weather. I am a little concerned that a pure greyhound or whippet might have problems getting exercise under extreme weather conditions, without some risk to their health. Longer haired, thicker skinned hounds might be better off but dogs like Salukis, Borzois, Staghounds or Lurchers are uncommon as rescues -- even as mixes.

Are these realistic concerns or am I overthinking this? Would I be insane to consider allowing a sighthound (or any other fast, energetic dog) off leash in the city, even in a relatively safe park environment?

trumpetjock

All your concerns are perfectly valid. I wouldn't let any sighthound off leash anywhere unless it was completely fenced in. Beyond that, I would need to be certain that the dog wouldn't simply leap the fence. There are certain breeds that just should NOT be off leash. Sighthounds and huskies are the ones that come to mind right away. I live in Minnesota, so I know all about the nasty winters you have down there. I've seen dogs with similarly thin skin (I'm thinking of a viszla right now) that do just fine in the winter. You can get a coat that you can strap on them, and they'll stay just fine. From the sound of your ambitions with the offleash meadows and beach, I would personally shy away from sighthounds.

lovemygreys

I would not let ANY sighthound/sighthound mix off leash in an unfenced area. Actually, I wouldn't let any dog off leash in an unfenced area for just general play and romping. I do lure course my greyhounds in unfenced areas, but that is a very specific activity...not just off leash wandering. Most adoption groups (probably all) have a no-offleash clause in their adoption contracts.

That said, there are lots of greyhounds that live in NY. One of my favorite greyhounds recently moved to Brooklyn with his owner and he seems to be loving it from the pictures I've seen. There are also lots of organized weekly 'greyhound only fun runs' that are organized either by adoption groups or individuals to get their greyhounds together and let them run and play.

Greyhounds grow up on farms and live outside 24/7 until they go off to training. Farms are located all over the country, but primarily in KS and Iowa...very cold winters and hot summers. The dogs do acclimate to the weather and retired greyhounds can as well. If it were ultra cold and you were going to be outside for a long time, just put a coat on your dog. In the warm weather, just avoid the hottest part of the day.

We have a staghound as well...great dog and very greyhound like in personality. His coat requires a bit more care since it's longer, wirey and prone to tangling...I don't think he's any more or less sensitive to heat extremes even with the extra coat. Probably about the same as the greys.

Lurchers are, of course, by definition mixes. They're much more common out west, so you probably won't find many where you are. I do know of a staghound bitch looking for a home right now, but staghounds aren't very common either. I'd adopt her in a heartbeat but we already have a full house.

Saluki are beatiful dogs...I'd love to own one one day when we have more land. Being distance runners, I'd love to have one that could actually course on a lot of open terrain.

rosemaryninja

Well, I'll put it this way - I would never let my dog offleash in an unfenced area if I knew it did not have 100% solid recall. With sighthounds, it's almost impossible to get 100% recall. I have scenthounds myself and they are the same way. Once they are on a trail they sink into 'deaf mode' and they are VERY fast.

Basically, no, you don't want to be letting a sighthound offleash in an unfenced area. I wish I could put it another way, but better to lay out your options honestly now than mince my words and have you lose your dog in a few months.

MuttHunter

I guess sighthounds are not such a good option. It sounds as though there is a risk letting one off the leash, even in an area with low fences. Many city dog runs have fencing that is low enough so as to be no more than a suggestion to a big hound. I agree about not letting any dog off-leash unless completely certain about its willingness to return, but I would be sad to exclude low-fenced municipal runs as well--those seem like ideal places to allow dog some unfettered socialization with other pooches.

Thanks for the warnings.

loratliff

I think a sighthound would be okay in a fenced-in city run. I see several at the dog park I usually go to.

I don't have that much personal experience with sighthounds, but I can give you insight into a dog in the city. I live in downtown Dallas and while it's not New York City, it is urban and certainly not your typical situation.

I take my dog out four times a day, with two of those being longish walks. We go out once in the morning for a quick walk (usually a block or two) then have a longer mid-day walk. Our evening walk is also longer and then we go out once more quickly before bedtime.

With a dog that is friendly and has good recall, I think off leash socialization is very important so we do go to the dog park a couple of times a week as well.

One thing about having a dog in the city is teaching them to pee on surfaces other than grass. I know that sounds strange, but in the city, it's important to have a dog that's okay with peeing on the curb or on a tree - something other than grass. It's not a big deal, and most dogs don't have an issue, but just a thought living in the city.

Jen D

I also am allergic to dogs and get shots every week so i can keep them. All mine have short hair b/c I think I would have a real problem with long haired dogs. So I would go for a short haired breed and an adult if I were you. All the rescues I have done the adults were easy compared to the pups even though they were so cute. Good luck and it sound like you are ready for your new friend!

MuttHunter

Allergies are an issue I am interested in getting more input about. There are a number of things I have questions regarding, so I may make a separate thread (after I search a bit to make sure am not asking the same questions for the eleventy-'leventh time).

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