I need your dog expertise advice

smiles325

I never thought I'd say this. Well, at least this early on. 

I have puppy fever. 

Plus baby girl LOVES dog's. Like, seriously. If she see's one, she literally freaks out. It's the gosh darnest cutest thing I have ever seen. I want to see that every day. 

Now, I'm not just going to run out and get the first cutest dog I see first. 
Not to mention, I haven't even briefly talked to T about it at all. So it might take time to convince him. 

Either way, I need your help finding the perfect dog for our family. I already know I want to adopt one.

 But, how does it all work?

How much should I expect to pay up front, and monthly on dog expenses?

Should I find a dog already trained? Or one to train myself?

What can I do in order to educate myself to train a dog? 


I'm sure I'll think of more questions but this will do fine for now. 

Thank you so much in advance! 

adreajoy

Sorry this got long.

Will this be your first dog ever?  If so--- maybe try fostering an older dog that is already potty trained first from a shelter.  If you outright adopt and decide a dog is not for you after all, it is even more stressful!

If you are dead set on getting a dog now, I would definately visit the shelters in your area, discuss the size of your home/yard, the activity level of your family, and the age of your daughter.

For your questions: 

How does it all work? --  Most shelters now require that you fill out an adoption application, they will check with your landlord if you have one to make sure pets are allowed at your home, and some do a home 'check' to make sure your living conditions are suitable for a pet (fenced yard or area available for dog to play/ be walked, if you have a pool, it needs a fence that separates it from the play area in some states).

How much should you expect to pay up front? -- The adoption fee varies from state to state and shelter to shelter, but the initial costs you will need to take into account are: spaying/neutering, booster shots, and microchipping if the shelter does not provide that cost with the adoption fee (most do, but some don't)-- this also depends on the vets prices in your area.  You will also need to discuss heart worm and flea and tick prevention medications with your vet which can be ordered/prescribed for a few months at a time, but are based on weight so if you get a puppy it will be for shorter periods of time for weight gain purposes.  I have paid upwards of a couple hundred dollars for shots before in one visit.  Most cities now require a pet liscense/registration fee, which is usually not expensive, but you must provide an updated rabies vaccination form signed by a vet.  You will also need bowls, somewhere soft for dog to lay, a collar, a leash, shampoo, preferrably a harness as well if you plan on taking dog on walks, toys, and food.  If you get a puppy or a dog that is not housebroken you will probably want puppy pads (never worked for us, but alot of people like them) and a crate/kennel.  If you rent your home, you will probably also need to have a pet deposit.

Monthly expenses will include food, treats, and any medications that are needed on a monthly basis.  If you rent, alot of places require a montly pet fee, usually 25 dollars or 50 dollars per pet.

Should you find an already trained dog?  Depends on how much work you are willing to put in-  some dogs are fast learners, some take awhile.  I would think with a LO at home, it would behoove you to get an already potty trained dog at least, just because that is a huge task for some dogs!  Puppies are cute and adorable and wonderful, but they are also alot of work for someone who has never had one before and doesn't know what to expect   I think maybe a young, but not puppy dog would be a good fit for a new pet owner.

To educate yourself-- alot of pet stores have dog training classes available and would welcome you and your DD both to attend to learn techniques.  There are books and videos available as well.

 

LemonLover33

Adopt a grown dog. I would save 400 for upfront costs. Leash, collar, vet appointment, crate, dog bowls, food, and heartworm medication. I just trained my dogs. And when I had behavorial issue, I looked up NILF. I don't follow I to a T but I modified it to fit our lives. ETA: I clicker trained my pups.

kellbell1919

I'd suggest going through a rescue where the dog is being fostered with kids.  You can find dogs and rescues on www.petfinder.com

There are benefits to going shelter or rewcue group.  Shelters tend to have lower adoption fees and less stringent adoption requirements but they may know less about the dogs and you may need to do more obedience and house training. Breaches usually have a higher adoption fee ($150-$250) and may require an application and a home visit.   But they tend to do more thorough vetting and hve the dogs in foster homes so they can tell you a lot about them and have been working on housebreaking and obedience.

Our pound charges a $25 adoption few but they come basically inverted.  Most shelters here charge about $100 and they come spayed and vaccinated.

We are experienced dog owners and our second foster puppy was a rude awakening re how much energy they have and how hard you have to work with them in everything and watch them 24/7. Adults tend to be a lot easier! IMO beagles and greyhounds are both good first dog low maintenance breeds. 

smiles325

Sorry I posted and then ran. I don't get on much anymore and if I do it's on my phone. I don't like posting unless I'm on my computer.

Anyway, thank you so much for all of your advice and information! We need to finish our backyard before getting a dog. I will definitely be using all of this information for when we do get one. I can't wait. E will seriously freak out! She'll be so excited!

Thank you again, so so much!