Need Dog Buying Tips (1 Viewer)

[Bucky86]

I'd recommend giving it a shot at least.

This is a great and thoughtful post. I only disagree with this. No dog deserves to be Jayrods "experiment."

Reported the post just before this one, so no need to double up I suppose.

 

[Jayrod]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Growing up, any dogs I had were suburban backyard outside dogs. I take that back, one dog got a week inside (after much pleading from me) and then it destroyed some Christmas ornaments while we were sleeping one night and was banished to the back yard. We'd let them in for particularly bad weather, but in southern California that was really not an issue more than a handful of times. Looking back on my childhood, I don't recall any of my friends having an inside dog. The dogs of my childhood never stuck out to me, they weren't really part of the family even though we all probably would have described them as a family dog.

When I became an adult, I adopted an older Lab/Golden mix from the local SPCA and made it an inside dog. One of the best behaved dogs I've ever had and it was truly part of the family. The relationship with inside dogs are on a whole different level and I wouldn't think of having it any other way since experiencing it first hand. There are some bad parts, like when they shred the trash or whatever, but the right frame of mind isn't to blame the dog it's to understand "I made this scenario possible, I've got to be better about protecting the trash ... especially if there's something smelly in there." Since then, we've had 3 dogs that were all inside dogs. I'm certain that the last 3 dogs would be labeled bad dogs if they were kept outside with the barking, howling, digging and trouble they'd otherwise get into. Inside, the bond is so much stronger and their behavior is so much better. They shed and they sometimes get into trouble inside, you've got to manage both situations (unless you get a breed that doesn't shed). There are also benefits to inside dogs though, one of which is that when we're gone they have the run of the house and I'm confident that their presence in the house helps dissuade anyone who might be interested in breaking in. With small kids, any small crumbs that make it to the floor are instantly cleaned up, which is a perk too.

It sounds like I grew up in a situation similar to you (minus the farm thing), but having experienced both I'd never do anything other than an inside dog again. Right now we have a lab pup that's roughly a year old we got from the local pound about a month ago. She's a really terrific dog (would be eating everything in sight outside, though - rocks, twigs, snails, kids toys, hoses, toads, whatever) but she's got this little nibbling problem, she likes to play by nibbling adults hands. One way we're training her is to make that hurt yelp, tell her no bite and then disengage playing with her when she does it (just a tiny bit of social isolation). When that happens, her world is turned upside down. You can just feel the hurt in that few minutes of pretending like she doesn't exist. I can't imagine what that dog would feel like if it was outside for the hours we're doing things like showering, eating dinner, chores or whatever. Now, she sits by us and feels content during those times we can't devote attention to her. Outside, it'd be that social isolation on a bigger level.

We try to engage our puppy a lot. We take her out to the farmers market, to socialize at dog parks, we play with her outside, go on walks/runs. We're trying really hard with that, because she's kind of new. If I had to guess we might average about 1.5-2 hours a day of that sort of stuff and then maybe another 2 if the weather is good enough and the kids play outside with her. In my best case scenario, we're spending 4 of 24 hours with them. in my childhood, I can remember the dogs still being attached to us, it was like christmas every time we went outside with all the pent up need for attention. We weren't as attached to them, though and often time that pent up need for attention just seemed like them being "bad dogs." Having a dog be an inside dog is just as good for what it does to you (that deep attachment - a true family dog) as it is for them. Just my two cents. I'd recommend giving it a shot at least.

You may as well just let a family of chimpanzees and wild geese #### in your pillowcase, that sounds disgusting.

 

[Jayrod]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

I absolutely love how this has gone 17 minutes without a single reply.

 

[pollardsvision]

We weren't as attached to them, though and often time that pent up need for attention just seemed like them being "bad dogs."

Wonderful post all-around, but that seems like the key here.

All the frolicking around the estate with the children Jayrod talks about sounds nice and I do think a backyard dog could work out in theory, but the reality usually is that he becomes a smelly, hyper chore that needs to be dealt with. Sometimes, the backyard even turns into a place people would just rather not go. Kind of a pointless endeavor all-around.

 

[Gianni Verscotchie]

Did you and your wife figure out where you're going to put the rape stand??

 

[AcerFC]

Did you and your wife figure out where you're going to put the rape stand??

say what now

 

[Jayrod]

Did you and your wife figure out where you're going to put the rape stand??

Not sure but reported it just in case.

 

[Reegus]

Did you and your wife figure out where you're going to put the rape stand??

Not sure but reported it just in case.

Lol write it in your diary

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Did you and your wife figure out where you're going to put the rape stand??

Not sure but reported it just in case.

not really worth reporting, but I'm sure it's confusing if you don't know about the Michael Vick story that was all over the news for months.

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2007/07/michael_vicks_rape_stand.html

 

[Gianni Verscotchie]

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070719204548AAXFsm2

 

[pollardsvision]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

I absolutely love how this has gone 17 minutes without a single reply.

I hope you'll really reconsider.

I don't really think it's as inhumane as others allude, and I'm not in the camp that doesn't think you should own a dog if that's your policy. It's not ideal, but it's still better than the pound or worse.

But there's really just not much point.

My dad was a hardcore no-dogs-in-the-house guy growing up. Mom convinced him otherwise after I left for college. That dog is now 15 years old and there's no way in hell he'd ever have it any other way now.

BTW, one agreement they made was that the dog get bathed professionally every 2 weeks (this is a pretty big expense for them). You might discuss something like that with your wife.

 

[McGarnicle]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

I absolutely love how this has gone 17 minutes without a single reply.

Congrats that it only took a few hundred posts telling you you're wrong to start to reconsider? As far as people being d-bags, look back at your own posts. Also it's ironic that you reported people, since there have been lots of timeouts for namecalling. You call someone captain jackass and you're surprised people are mean back? Grow the #### up. You're coming off unbelievably immature, petty and thin-skinned.

 

[Jayrod]

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070719204548AAXFsm2

Ahhh...OK.

Didn't know about that reference.

 

[3C's]

http://www.barktalk.com/i/Cafe%20Press/The_more_people_I_meet_the_more_I_like_my_dog_tshirt_for_dog_lovers.jpg

 

[Jayrod]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

I absolutely love how this has gone 17 minutes without a single reply.

Congrats that it only took a few hundred posts telling you you're wrong to start to reconsider? As far as people being d-bags, look back at your own posts.Also it's ironic that you reported people, since there have been lots of timeouts for namecalling. You call someone captain jackass and you're surprised people are mean back? Grow the #### up. You're coming off unbelievably immature, petty and thin-skinned.

I started out with a legitimate question and got blasted out the gate. Basically told I'm not fit to even own a dog in several posts on the first page for something I had no idea was even a bad idea.

So yes, I got pretty defensive. Then a dude said he hoped my kids got rabies, so I started reporting people.

 

[Jayrod]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

I absolutely love how this has gone 17 minutes without a single reply.

Congrats that it only took a few hundred posts telling you you're wrong to start to reconsider? As far as people being d-bags, look back at your own posts.Also it's ironic that you reported people, since there have been lots of timeouts for namecalling. You call someone captain jackass and you're surprised people are mean back? Grow the #### up. You're coming off unbelievably immature, petty and thin-skinned.

When you've believed something to be true for 20+ years, how quickly do you change your mind? This thread is only a few hours old.

 

[sbonomo]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

Is there an honest possibility that if you two cannot get comfortable with this idea that you pass on the opportunity to own a dog all together after what you have learned today? How will you get your children involoved in the discussion since i am sure that they are driving the want/need for a dog?

 

[fatness]

And if you want the best places to get family dogs, there's a good selection of them here: https://www.petfinder.com/

You can sort by breed, location, age, etc. and find out a lot about the dogs before you even go see them.

i used petfinder. I have a suspicion that I got the dog from a backyard breeder. Was one of those things where I didn't ask questions at the time but looking back....Just be thorough, unlike me

Please don't leave them outside though.

I got both of mine from local rescue organizations I found through petfinder. Solid organizations, got to meet the dogs a couple times before taking them, got all their medical records. Those dogs were 2 of the best friends I've ever had.

 

[Jayrod]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

Is there an honest possibility that if you two cannot get comfortable with this idea that you pass on the opportunity to own a dog all together after what you have learned today? How will you get your children involoved in the discussion since i am sure that they are driving the want/need for a dog?

I am leaning toward figuring out how to get the dog inside on some kind of controlled basis. If my wife is adamant about not having the dog inside, then I will have a discussion with a family friend who is a vet. If he tells me it isn't a good idea, then we just might not get a dog.

Kids don't get a lot of say in the matter, but it will all be explained to them thoroughly.

 

[sbonomo]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

Is there an honest possibility that if you two cannot get comfortable with this idea that you pass on the opportunity to own a dog all together after what you have learned today? How will you get your children involoved in the discussion since i am sure that they are driving the want/need for a dog?

I am leaning toward figuring out how to get the dog inside on some kind of controlled basis. If my wife is adamant about not having the dog inside, then I will have a discussion with a family friend who is a vet. If he tells me it isn't a good idea, then we just might not get a dog.

Kids don't get a lot of say in the matter, but it will all be explained to them thoroughly.

This is the most mature post you have had all day. Glad you were able to sort through all the replies and that it has hit home.

 

[Gianni Verscotchie]

You're like the Michael Vick of the FFA

 

[fatness]

And lol at looking down on someone who keeps their dogs outside.

Make sure to update this topic with pictures of the dogs laying down panting when it's 90 degrees outside. And during thunderstorms. And when it's below 20 degrees. They'll be such cute parts of the family then.

Teaching your kids how to mistreat animals is an important part of life.

 

[gianmarco]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

I absolutely love how this has gone 17 minutes without a single reply.

Congrats that it only took a few hundred posts telling you you're wrong to start to reconsider? As far as people being d-bags, look back at your own posts.Also it's ironic that you reported people, since there have been lots of timeouts for namecalling. You call someone captain jackass and you're surprised people are mean back? Grow the #### up. You're coming off unbelievably immature, petty and thin-skinned.

When you've believed something to be true for 20+ years, how quickly do you change your mind? This thread is only a few hours old.

I was pretty hard from the beginning as well. But part of why I and I'm sure many others seemed harsh is that it truly is looking for the welfare of animals.

That said, it's evident that you honestly haven't known any different and I applaud you for hopefully taking what has been said here as an opportunity to realize that all you've known may be wrong. The long post outlining going from owning outside dogs to inside dogs was perfect. You should let your wife read that.

I wish you luck and hope you can make a good home for some dogs. Inside, of course.

 

[Jayrod]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

Is there an honest possibility that if you two cannot get comfortable with this idea that you pass on the opportunity to own a dog all together after what you have learned today? How will you get your children involoved in the discussion since i am sure that they are driving the want/need for a dog?

I am leaning toward figuring out how to get the dog inside on some kind of controlled basis. If my wife is adamant about not having the dog inside, then I will have a discussion with a family friend who is a vet. If he tells me it isn't a good idea, then we just might not get a dog.

Kids don't get a lot of say in the matter, but it will all be explained to them thoroughly.

This is the most mature post you have had all day. Glad you were able to sort through all the replies and that it has hit home.

And lol at looking down on someone who keeps their dogs outside.

Make sure to update this topic with pictures of the dogs laying down panting when it's 90 degrees outside. And during thunderstorms. And when it's below 20 degrees. They'll be such cute parts of the family then.

Teaching your kids how to mistreat animals is an important part of life.

Nice post, Hipple.

 

[Fennis]

well, we definitely flushed out one of the people voting Stranger

 

[gianmarco]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

Is there an honest possibility that if you two cannot get comfortable with this idea that you pass on the opportunity to own a dog all together after what you have learned today? How will you get your children involoved in the discussion since i am sure that they are driving the want/need for a dog?

I am leaning toward figuring out how to get the dog inside on some kind of controlled basis. If my wife is adamant about not having the dog inside, then I will have a discussion with a family friend who is a vet. If he tells me it isn't a good idea, then we just might not get a dog.Kids don't get a lot of say in the matter, but it will all be explained to them thoroughly.

Good for you. Seriously.

 

[fatness]

My family is all farmers.

"A neat-freak farmer is something to be." -- John Lennon

 

[fatness]

.6 acres is massive ?

It's 6 acres of grass. Fenced.

Imagine a 6-acre carpet.

 

[Mister Martie]

I learned a lot from this thread. For ex: Prior to 1994, all dogs lived outside 100% of the time.

 

[Jayrod]

I learned a lot from this thread. For ex: Prior to 1994, all dogs lived outside 100% of the time.

Or.....that prior to 1994 no one would have suggested you were unfit to own dogs because you wanted to keep it out of the house.But apparently "everyone" thinks that way today.

 

[fatness]

This is one of the weirdest posts I've ever read.

I'm just curious to know how many of you guys advocating divorce over getting rid of the cats are also pro-choice? There are some really effed up priorities in this place. It's a freaking cat!

If a pet of any kind in for any reason is worth the divorce then you should've never been married in the first place. And I weep for the children of any parents got divorced over a freaking pet. That is messed up.

Yeah I wouldn't place a child in adoption to satisfy an irrational woman either. And it is not a cat or dog. It is a member of the family. The cats didn't pick them they picked the cats. There is a responsibility that comes with making that choice.

It is not a member of the family.

Our society's obsession with pets is moral relativism at its pinnacle. Freaking disgusting.

Do you people want to know really why you like your pets so much? Because they serve you as master. It's not a real family relationship it is an owner pet relationship. They have no say in anything you do and you love it that way. It is a sick selfish thing that makes people love their pets more than other people.

I've never seen someone feel so threatened by simple house pets.

 

[Bucky86]

This is one of the weirdest posts I've ever read.

I'm just curious to know how many of you guys advocating divorce over getting rid of the cats are also pro-choice? There are some really effed up priorities in this place. It's a freaking cat!

If a pet of any kind in for any reason is worth the divorce then you should've never been married in the first place. And I weep for the children of any parents got divorced over a freaking pet. That is messed up.

Yeah I wouldn't place a child in adoption to satisfy an irrational woman either. And it is not a cat or dog. It is a member of the family. The cats didn't pick them they picked the cats. There is a responsibility that comes with making that choice.

It is not a member of the family.Our society's obsession with pets is moral relativism at its pinnacle. Freaking disgusting.

Do you people want to know really why you like your pets so much? Because they serve you as master. It's not a real family relationship it is an owner pet relationship. They have no say in anything you do and you love it that way.

It is a sick selfish thing that makes people love their pets more than other people.

I've never seen someone feel so threatened by simple house pets.

Yup. I still don't understand why he is even considering getting an animal.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I think he was probably high or joking there too. Guy obviously LOVES animals and taking care of them...as long as they don't come anywhere near him or his family.

 

[Bucky86]

I learned a lot from this thread. For ex: Prior to 1994, all dogs lived outside 100% of the time.

Or.....that prior to 1994 no one would have suggested you were unfit to own dogs because you wanted to keep it out of the house.But apparently "everyone" thinks that way today.

Jackassrod.

Here's some more research for you. It's actually very informative regarding dogs and wolves and how dogs have evolved WITH humans in order to better read human faces.

Another one: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130514-dogs-domestication-humans-genome-science/

 

[Mister Martie]

I learned a lot from this thread. For ex: Prior to 1994, all dogs lived outside 100% of the time.

Or.....that prior to 1994 no one would have suggested you were unfit to own dogs because you wanted to keep it out of the house.But apparently "everyone" thinks that way today.

Well, everyone but you.

 

[johnnycakes]

I learned a lot from this thread. For ex: Prior to 1994, all dogs lived outside 100% of the time.

Or.....that prior to 1994 no one would have suggested you were unfit to own dogs because you wanted to keep it out of the house.But apparently "everyone" thinks that way today.

Jackassrod.

Here's some more research for you. It's actually very informative regarding dogs and wolves and how dogs have evolved WITH humans in order to better read human faces.

Another one: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130514-dogs-domestication-humans-genome-science/

My link.

 

[fatness]

I think he was probably high or joking there too. Guy obviously LOVES animals and taking care of them...as long as they don't come anywhere near him or his family.

And as long as the pets see the family as masters, rather than as friends.

 

[jwb]

Our family is buying a new home soon with a large fenced in yard (about .6 acres fenced). We have an 8 yr old son and a 4 yr old daughter and we have decided to get 2 dogs.

My wife is really adamant about not getting mutts from the pound and I'm OK with that because it is really hard to know what you are going to get. My son is pretty set on a Chocolate Lab and my daughter and wife seem to want a Golden Retriever. All research seems to indicate these are both good family dogs. Goal is a male Lab and female GR, spayed and neutered and living exclusively outside. We live in Southwest Missouri and both dogs should be fine with the weather. It can get up to 100 degrees in the Summer and down to zero in the Winter, but only for very brief times. Most of the year it is quite mild. The house does have a mud room we could use in cases of extreme cold and there is a ton of shade trees in the backyard for hot summers.

What I'm looking for is where in the world do you find a good puppy? I've never bought a dog personally and I'm not sure how to even go about it. I did some searches online, but didn't really find an option I was real comfortable with. Also, any tips on how to make a smooth transition for the dogs to their new environment, must have equipment and general advice on raising puppies with young children would be appreciated.

TIA, Will answer yours.

Don't get dogs.

Jackass 1

You waited six pages to say this?

Don't get a dog.

 

[johnnycakes]

Did Michael Vick keep his dogs outside?

 

[Ned]

I think he was probably high or joking there too. Guy obviously LOVES animals and taking care of them...as long as they don't come anywhere near him or his family.

And as long as the pets see the family as masters, rather than as friends.

Well, all shtick aside... that is kinda true.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I think he was probably high or joking there too. Guy obviously LOVES animals and taking care of them...as long as they don't come anywhere near him or his family.

And as long as the pets see the family as masters, rather than as friends.

Well, all shtick aside... that is kinda true.

Huh?You only love pets if they see you as a master, and not a friend?

 

[sports_fan]

I REPORTED YOU!!!

 

[Ned]

I think he was probably high or joking there too. Guy obviously LOVES animals and taking care of them...as long as they don't come anywhere near him or his family.

And as long as the pets see the family as masters, rather than as friends.

Well, all shtick aside... that is kinda true.

Huh?You only love pets if they see you as a master, and not a friend?

Where did I say that? If you're going to train your dogs and be in control, you can't be in a position of equal stature.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I think he was probably high or joking there too. Guy obviously LOVES animals and taking care of them...as long as they don't come anywhere near him or his family.

And as long as the pets see the family as masters, rather than as friends.

Well, all shtick aside... that is kinda true.

Huh?You only love pets if they see you as a master, and not a friend?

Where did I say that?

When you replied to his post and said it was kinda true without offering any additional explanation.

 

[tom22406]

I reported myself for reading all 7 pages

 

[Amused to Death]

And for the record:

I am going to discuss the idea of the dogs being indoors with my wife tonight. We will make sure to do this right and if we feel it isn't OK to keep the dogs outside, we won't do it. Contrary to popular belief, I have learned a lot in this thread and wasted way too much time at work reading articles on the problems of keeping dogs outside. I will be talking with a local vet I respect and get his opinion.

Thanks for the thoughtful response above, Rooster and for those who honestly chipped in without being total D-bags.

That's a great step. But if you have to convince her or talk her into it, you should still stay away. A dog will be with you for many years - figure 10 to 12 for a lab. You can't just accept it now and get tired of it in 2 or 3 years. You have to be prepared to deal with the inherent health problems. Its a full time, long term commitment. Once you decide you accept that, seriously consider adopting from a rescue. Here's a page with some great info regarding rescue vs. breeders.

Just because someone's a breeder doesn't make them good pet owners. Many breeders don't give a crap about the dogs, they're just in it to make money. I've heard horror stories about #####es from supposedly good breeders. At the very least, don't ever support pet shops/puppy mills. Horrendous conditions for the breeding dogs and the puppies are more likely to have health problems.

 

[McGarnicle]

It is very important that a dog knows its place in the pack. For a while our dog thought it went me, then her, then my wife. She would get pissed if I showed my wife any affection. It's an interesting thing with dogs, they need to be subservient. Once you get that down they're awesome.

 

[Amused to Death]

A lot of great info here as well.

ETA: from the link (all the more reason to adopt a dog that's already past this phase):

"For those people that want a dog from a breeder there should be some information available from someone qualified to give it. It’s also important to point out first and foremost that puppies are a lot of work. For those that think puppies are cute and a good pet for children, think again. Puppies require a lot of work and you should think twice before jumping in. There are six months in which you’ll be replacing shoes, socks, wires, carpets, remotes, furniture, wall-boards and a host of other things."

 

[Bucky86]

My dog just ripped a nasty fart.

Maybe jackrod is onto something here