Hi,
I am beginning to think that because of the combination of my lifestyle and what I'd want in a dog, I wouldn't make a good dog owner for any kind of dog, but I thought I would pose the question to real people rather than websites that rank dogs in categories with numbers of stars....
I'd like a dog anywhere from medium to giant, and I'd like a dog that I can play with, wrestle with, take running and hiking, etc. However, I live in a fairly small apartment (like 1 bedroom) and probably will not have anything bigger for a long time. From what I've read, if you exercise a dog enough, a bigger/higher energy dog can be happy in an apartment, but I'm sure there's a line somewhere. I am willing to give it a lot of exercise, though, and would really enjoy that.
As a musician, my schedule is all over the place, but I end up with more time at home than the average person who works 9-5. The problem is just that it's not consistent. So tell me if you know- even if I'm home most of the day most days but then have a stretch where I'm not, is that just as bad as being gone regularly? I've read about indoor doggie toilets and certain toys that can give them something to do, and I wouldn't want to rely on those things regularly, but just for the schedule irregularities...opinions? Of course I'd find someone to come by and walk him or whatever if I needed to, but I don't want to put myself in a situation where I'm going to have to be paying somebody to do that all the time- just feels wrong to have a dog if you're going to have to do that regularly.
Also, I have mild allergies, based on my experiences around dogs, and I can handle a dog that sheds lightly-moderately, but wouldn't want a heavy shedder.
Also, if I was playing music for a couple hours, loudly - like practicing an instrument in the room or the next room- will that bother a dog a lot? Or some breeds more than others?
A loud dog would also be bad. Quiet and maybe moderate barkers would be best.
I'm a first time dog owner but am willing to do a lot of research about training and spend a lot of time and make sure I do it as right as I can (I would like to get a puppy, take a few months of a stretch where I had a lot of free time, maybe even entirely not working at all) So dogs that people say are not for first time dog owners - really, how much does that matter, if I am willing to seek out information and learn? I've been checking out training videos and ceasar milan and various things....when/if it actually comes time to get a dog, I'll go to the best sources I can, not just internet research.
Breeds that I would love if my situation was such that I could be a better owner for them: german pointer, labs, golden retriever, maybe a greyhound (i know they're couch potatoes, I'm OK with that too though), maybe a great dane, whippet, chesapeake bay retriever....open to most breeds, except there's something I really don't like about terriers for some reason.
Basically- small apartment, and will have to leave the dog alone a lot at times (not a large amount of time overall, just extremely inconsistent) BUT am willing to put a TON of time and effort into training, especially as it's growing up, and regular exercise. And I'm serious about the exercise, like hardcore.
Thanks for reading this long question- any suggestions?
*also, I love the idea of adopting an older dog, in theory. But the reasons I want to get a puppy are because I WANT to train a dog as it's growing up, not because they're cute or something, and I want a dog that I will have for a long time, not just a few years.
I am beginning to think that because of the combination of my lifestyle and what I'd want in a dog, I wouldn't make a good dog owner for any kind of dog, but I thought I would pose the question to real people rather than websites that rank dogs in categories with numbers of stars....
I'd like a dog anywhere from medium to giant, and I'd like a dog that I can play with, wrestle with, take running and hiking, etc. However, I live in a fairly small apartment (like 1 bedroom) and probably will not have anything bigger for a long time. From what I've read, if you exercise a dog enough, a bigger/higher energy dog can be happy in an apartment, but I'm sure there's a line somewhere. I am willing to give it a lot of exercise, though, and would really enjoy that.
As a musician, my schedule is all over the place, but I end up with more time at home than the average person who works 9-5. The problem is just that it's not consistent. So tell me if you know- even if I'm home most of the day most days but then have a stretch where I'm not, is that just as bad as being gone regularly? I've read about indoor doggie toilets and certain toys that can give them something to do, and I wouldn't want to rely on those things regularly, but just for the schedule irregularities...opinions? Of course I'd find someone to come by and walk him or whatever if I needed to, but I don't want to put myself in a situation where I'm going to have to be paying somebody to do that all the time- just feels wrong to have a dog if you're going to have to do that regularly.
Also, I have mild allergies, based on my experiences around dogs, and I can handle a dog that sheds lightly-moderately, but wouldn't want a heavy shedder.
Also, if I was playing music for a couple hours, loudly - like practicing an instrument in the room or the next room- will that bother a dog a lot? Or some breeds more than others?
A loud dog would also be bad. Quiet and maybe moderate barkers would be best.
I'm a first time dog owner but am willing to do a lot of research about training and spend a lot of time and make sure I do it as right as I can (I would like to get a puppy, take a few months of a stretch where I had a lot of free time, maybe even entirely not working at all) So dogs that people say are not for first time dog owners - really, how much does that matter, if I am willing to seek out information and learn? I've been checking out training videos and ceasar milan and various things....when/if it actually comes time to get a dog, I'll go to the best sources I can, not just internet research.
Breeds that I would love if my situation was such that I could be a better owner for them: german pointer, labs, golden retriever, maybe a greyhound (i know they're couch potatoes, I'm OK with that too though), maybe a great dane, whippet, chesapeake bay retriever....open to most breeds, except there's something I really don't like about terriers for some reason.
Basically- small apartment, and will have to leave the dog alone a lot at times (not a large amount of time overall, just extremely inconsistent) BUT am willing to put a TON of time and effort into training, especially as it's growing up, and regular exercise. And I'm serious about the exercise, like hardcore.
Thanks for reading this long question- any suggestions?
*also, I love the idea of adopting an older dog, in theory. But the reasons I want to get a puppy are because I WANT to train a dog as it's growing up, not because they're cute or something, and I want a dog that I will have for a long time, not just a few years.