I love dogs. Growing up we always had dogs. After my last dog passed away it was a while before I even though about getting another dog.

Well lately I have been wanting another dog. The reason I put this under the fitness and exercise category is because I think getting a dog would also motivate me to walk more.

I have been checking Petfinder.com: Adopt a pet and help an animal shelter rescue a puppy or kitten. and the local shelters online. I am having a hard time picking a breed. We always had mixed breeds, medium to large in size. Now I really want a smaller dog, especially since I may end up back in an apartment.

We have had a lot of puppy mill raids here lately and after watching Oprah recently, I really want to know where my dog is coming from. I have checked our local newspaper and there are a lot of pricey breeders, some of whom I would consider, but I want to make sure they are good honest breeders.

I would appreciate any advise or hearing from someone else that had the same idea.

Warning about the little dogs. They have little bladders! You might have to go for a walk in the middle of the night and they can't be left alone in an apartment all day. I dearly love mine but she is never left alone for more than 3-4 hours. I had the same problem with my little rat terrior that I had about 15 years ago. On the other hand my 2 black labs seemed to have been born potty trained. (had them many years ago too.) Lots of dog lovers on here. Maybe you'll get more advice.

Your dog is adorable. I wondered about what I will do with the dog during the day once I move. I considered doggie daycare, but they might be out of my price range.

i almost got a year old Shihpoo a couple weeks ago, but the owners backed out at the last minute. They hadn't told their child who begged them to keep him. :biggrin: They actually crated him during the day and he was okay.

I have a 2 year golden retriever, I call her my personal trainer.

One of the smartest things I did after my surgery is map out a 3k route and I walk my dog along this route every day. When I started it would take a little over an hour it's getting shorter all the time. This is especially true since spring is here and I can wear running shoes instead of boots and parka and snowpants. If I come home and dont feel like walking, my dog will bug me until I give in.

I am not sure how fast or far the little dogs can walk though?

Good luck with your decision

I love Golden Retrievers too!! I guess I pretty much love all dogs.

I have wondered about how far little dogs can walk too. I asked one of my friends about that and she said her dog doesn't have a problem with keeping up. I guess it could depend on the dog too.

Thanks for posting!!

I was reading earlier on a dog message board where someone said there dog didn't like walking at all. I am hoping I won't end up with dog that doesn't want to go for walks. I have never heard of that before.

On

I adopted a 5 year old weimaraner. she's very low maintenance, very sweet, and loves to walk.

we have great walks every day. i feel guilty if I don't walk her.

she comes home and crashes for teh rest of the day.

don't "buy" a dog- there are so many good dogs out there that need adopting.

if you like a breed, check out that breed's rescue in your area.

you'll be glad you did. good luck

Jblotner, that's a good idea. I am going to keep checking the rescues also. I forgot about them. I wish there was a site to find out about different ones in my area.

I know there is a beagle rescue about 25 minutes from here and a Yorkie rescue about 1 1/2 from here.

Once you decide on a breed - go to that breeds Parent Club. They will have a list of breeders that follow the ethics of the club. I show Miniature Pinschers and am SUPER active in my local breed club as well as the national club. You will get a healthy dog that is well taken care of when you search through the club. In addition - in most cases, the puppies that are sold as pets - will be just as cheap as you kind find online or in the papers. Just google the breed and "National Parent Club"

Be prepared to be questioned to all ends - I have finished both of my girls and have had 1 liter in the past 3+ years. I interviewed tons of people before I found the perfect home for my puppies. A good breeder should treat it like an adoption of a child. Also, this is a great place to look if you are looking for a young dog, but not a puppy. A lot of breeders hold the entire liter until they are 6 months old (old enough to show) to decide which puppy they will keep to show. The others usually go for a VERY reasonable price. Good Luck with your search!

I already had 3 dogs, but since my banding , my one overweight lab has lost 10 lbs along with me, as we go for walks all the time now.

I am all in favor in researching the breed that suits your current lifestyle - not the one you "Want", but the one you are in.

I have 6 dogs (live on a ranch in TX) 3 Labs / 1 Golden / 1 Chihuahua / 1 Poodle, I also Breed a litter of Labs each Summer.

I would most definitely check rescue leagues of the breed first online; and do a visit. Spend time w/the dog - I guarantee you'll know in the first few minutes if that dog should be yours or not.

Cheers to finding that perfect furry friend!!!!

There are several rescues in my area that use petfinder.com if the ones in your area don't use petfinder. you can also call the local humane society or pound etc. And ask. Most times they have a good idea of any rescues in your area because alot of times they will work together. And since most depend largely on volunteers you will be amazed at what they can help you with in order to get a a pet a good home. :huh2:

And I have been considering getting a dog also After Surgery. I couldn't have one now because I would have to depend on my kids for walking one. And I'd much rather have a reason for walking in our apartment complex then just getting the mail. Plus our cat just don't much. I like to have a pet to play fetch/ball etc with. that doesn't sleep 95% of the time. I've always been more of a dog person

Edited April 15, 200818 yr by Telecia

I have a little dog (toy poodle), she weighs 7 lbs. She loves to walk, loves to run, and I'm sure if she could go running off by herself she would. She would probably love to walk more than I can walk her though. I'm looking forward to when I can do more brisk walking/jogging so we can go for longer.

I don't leave her out alone during the day though because we had some issues with her peeing on things for being alone for too long. So, she gets crated when no one's home and I come home on my lunch break to take her out for a walk.

Hello!

Fantastic idea! I rescused both of my dogs (a 4 1/2 year old Lab/Huskie mix and a Cocker Spaniel) from Petfinders.org. I love them both! I really contribute my exercising to them, as they really love walks.

I think the dog choice for you would depend on your home and lifestyle. Do you have a big backyard? Look into a boxer. They are gentle, but enjoy exercising, and loves people. Just a heads up! Tracey

Sophie (my avator) wants you to know that she can keep up to any big dog when it comes to taking people for walks! She weighs 8#

Warning about the little dogs. They have little bladders! You might have to go for a walk in the middle of the night and they can't be left alone in an apartment all day. I dearly love mine but she is never left alone for more than 3-4 hours. I had the same problem with my little rat terrior that I had about 15 years ago. On the other hand my 2 black labs seemed to have been born potty trained. (had them many years ago too.) Lots of dog lovers on here. Maybe you'll get more advice.

Depends on your dog I think... my little dog is a Papillon and he hasn't had to get up in the middle of the night (unless its a hot night and he's drinking lots of water) and he lasts the full work day at home no problem.

Thanks for all the posts. I know I am getting a dog for sure, but I am still in the deciding phase. I have been looking a lot online and I am considering a mix like a Cockapoo, Maltipoo, Yorkiepoo, Westipoo, etc. I like a lot of the poodle mix dogs.

I have been checking Petfinder and I have seen some really cute dogs. Most of the ones that I really like are too far away.