# Preliminary dog research **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 23, 2012, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780 "2012-02-23T23:46:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2012, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/121 "2012-02-26T21:04:41Z")
Just like a kid, they get bored with their toys unless you rotate them in and out of circulation, and get new ones every so often. And not all dogs are good at self-entertainment, they’d rather sleep at your feet while you’re watching TV or working on the computer than be outside, alone, “playing”. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2012, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/122 "2012-02-26T22:01:29Z")
YogSosoth, please be sure to stop in at your [Pit thread.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=643325) ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/123 "2012-02-27T00:24:10Z")
> [@LavenderBlue](#): > > Plus everyone knows cats are much cuter than dogs. I will suggest a cat too > [@Giraffe](#): > > Dear lord. It can’t be emphasized enough: dogs are not like people. Your earlier analogy of “humans are social animals, yet I’d still rather spend 23 hours a day alone playing WoW” has no relevance whatsoever to dogs. There is no dog like you out there. They are bred to crave social interaction, leadership and structure far more than humans are. And just thinking about dogs that way is trouble. Humans would not be happy if they were locked in a crate overnight, for dogs that is a comfortable and safe den. Humans would exercise and entertain themselves if they were left in a big yard all day, dogs just get bored and anxious. The more you try to put yourself in their shoes, the less likely you are to make decisions that realistically consider the dog as a dog. > > Your sister really, really should not get a dog. If you can’t talk her out of it, go with her go to a shelter and talk to the staff there about her plans. She may listen to their explanations about how to keep a dog happy more readily than she listens to yours. We don’t have a crate and are not planning on getting one. Our old dog didn’t have one and we don’t need one. I would never keep a dog locked up in a crate all day, or even part of the day. It will have the run of the yard or it will be inside in this little den room we have where its warm and can sleep there during winter nights And I’ll suggest the shelter thing > [@miss\_elizabeth](#): > > Since your sister is apparently bound and determined to get a dog, no matter how awful an idea it is, and since she has apparently done absolutely zero research on it (even though she’s wanted a dog for years now), because every breed you’ve named is spectacularly unsuitable for the situation your family has created, I will try to give you a bit of advice. > > … > > Either that or get the meanest dog you can find, ignore it for awhile, and perhaps it will eat your sister and do the world a favor. First, let me thank you by finally responding to the premise in my OP. Took you long enough. And second, let me pile some shit on you for your nasty attitude and completely inappropriate tone. I made this thread to ask for help because I needed it, because something was going to happen in our house whether I want it to or not, and all I’ve been getting from you and 90% of the people here is transference of your anger at someone you can’t get to on to me. Honesty, after hearing your little rant, and thank you for the death threats by the way, I’m much less caring about a dog now than I was before. I’m almost at the point where I don’t give a shit and will just tell her to get the cutest dog she wants. Remember, I am basically the last obstacle in her getting a dog, so if I fully support her, she’ll get one 100%. I like corgi’s too, and I don’t care if it is a herding dog. You can what it can herd now? Grass, some flowers, and any of the neighbors’ cats. Seriously, that’s what your stupid rant has made me think about. Whatever dog she ends up getting will be bored, but its not going to be that bad. And since some of you thinks its better to euthanize a dog than to live in our house, then congratulations, it’ll probably be dead soon anyway. Thanks, I look forward to carving the damned tombstone myself :dubious: > [@AuntiePam](#): > > (Talking about dogs left outside alone most of the time) > > From their behavior. They’re aggressive with people and other animals, they bark excessively, chew on themselves, dig up the yard, and chew up the doghouse, etc. > > You’ve said what **you’re** willing to do with a dog. What’s your sister willing to do? Has she done anything except say ‘I want a Corgi’? Has she done any research at all? That’s what dogs do, isn’t it? Dogs chew stuff and dig, and sometimes bark. Our last dog didn’t bark excessively, chew herself, or the dog house and I doubt the future one will either. You should take care not to exaggerate things to try and make a point > [@Guinastasia](#): > > I don’t know if this is another one of your “jokes” or not, but yet AGAIN, obedience school is for YOU to learn how to deal with your dog. Not your dog, not your dog sitter, YOU. If YOU think it’s too much work…DON’T GET A FUCKING DOG. Its not a joke, I was just hoping that it could be combined. Nothing wrong with questioning > [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Is your yard fenced in with a solid fence or chain-link fencing? The craziest, barkiest dogs in my neighborhood are the ones that can’t see out of their yards. > [@Guinastasia](#): > > A dog can also dig its way out under a fence sometimes. There is solid fencing around 3 sides, but on one side, half of its chain-link. You can see the neighbor’s garage and part of the house, and peek into their back yard. The fence is also surrounded by concrete so there’s no digging (or escape, if you want to think of it that way) > [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > No, leave even\* that\* dog at the pound. It might stand a chance at getting adopted by a family that is quasi-sane. We’re perfectly sane, except me, but that doesn’t extend to dog stuff :rolleyes: > [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > And this is coming from a guy that got pitted for (by some people on this board that are apparently superior beings as well as _de riguer_ dog experts) “allowing” my 95lb boxer dog Riley, the only dog that I truly ever loved, have a lengthy seizure due to his epilepsy for a few hours when I had my very young kids, no car seat and no ability to transport the dog to an emergency vet. So what did the dog-crazed denizens of this board tell you? Leave the kids at home and drive the dog yourself? Call 911 for a dog? Put the kids in the trunk and buckle the dog in? I wouldn’t be surprised coming from these people > [@Tarwater](#): > > Your sister doesn’t want a dog; she wants a toy, something that can be played with for a couple times a week and then shelved. But as everybody else has already told you, dogs are not playthings, they’re living, breathing creatures with social requirements. And I mean requirements, not suggestions or recommendations. More than anything, pet ownership is a two-way street, where owners lavish their animals with care and attention, and in return have an animal that is absolutely loyal and loving and will return ten-fold the attention it receives. She wants a dog and a toy. I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive. And there may be requirements, but everyone acts like all dogs need to be as loved as Lassie or something. I just want to know the minimum requirements > [@Tarwater](#): > > 1. Call a local no-kill shelter and explain your situation exactly as you’ve done here. That’s probably not going to happen since 1) we’ve had a dog before, and 2) if they’re anything like you guys, they’d jump to conclusions too > [@Tarwater](#): > > 1. Contact a local obediance school and explain your blah, blah, whatever. Ask if the trainer would be willing to entertain your sister during one of their more hectic group-training sessions. Furthermore, while you’re there and in the company of your sister, inquire as to the trainer’s expectations for his human students; e.g., how long should we be training the dog every day (at least an hour), how long should we walk him every day (close to an hour), and is leaving him outside unattended for long stretches of time a good idea (no, it isn’t). I am not going to be there, this is her dog, not mine. Its one of the things I’m going to talk to her about, but ultimately its up to her > [@Tarwater](#): > > 1. Acquaint your sister with the realities of dog ownership… As I said, we’ve had a dog before so that’s not necessary > [@Tarwater](#): > > 1. Make it clear that she’s on her own with the animal, and that you’ll be doing nothing to assist her in the animal’s training, and whatever. Already done > [@Tarwater](#): > > 1. After doing all of this and more, if your sister still purchases a dog, be prepared to intervene at the first sign of neglect and have the animal taken to a no-kill shelter (if at all possible) or adopted to a loving family. DO NOT IGNORE THE ANIMAL’S SUFFERING BECAUSE OF SOME MISGUIDED LOYALTY TO YOUR SISTER. You have a moral responsibility to ensure the well-being of this animal, because whether you’re willing to admit it or not, once the animal is living with your family, it’s a family member. Do the upstanding thing, please. That’s going to be a problem, because apparently what I consider normal dog behavior is to you and many others here, suicidal dog insanity. I’m not going to call the ASPCA if it bites or runs around all hyper-like. Some dogs are like that. We’ve taken care of a dog before and if you and others here think that was neglecting and abuse, well, you’re just wrong > [@pbbth](#): > > If your sister is absolutely insisting that she will get a dog is there any way you could convince her to let the dog sleep in bed with her at night? That way the dog would get some contact, however minimal, and not be left in the yard alone 22 hours a day. If the dog is mostly in her room that should keep it from causing any problems with your dad and his potential allergies as well. Our dog loves to sleep curled up between my husband and I every night so I imagine your sister’s dog would probably love to sleep in bed with her too. I’ll suggest that but just listening to it, that seems crazy. We’ve never even had an inside dog and you want it to jump straight from the back yard to her bed? I dunno how happy our parents would be to have a dirty animal sleep in one of our beds. That’s the very reason we didn’t have an inside dog to begin with. I’ll bring it up, but if we’re going to be getting that kind of dog, its probably going to be a cute puppy instead of an older dog > [@DianaG](#): > > Just out of curiosity, why would a 23 year old want to spend more time at home with her family anyway? Most 23 year olds are either already on their own, or eagerly planning for it. Some of us have different priorities > [@DianaG](#): > > I know that you’re frustrated that people aren’t giving you the answer you want, but that’s because it’s the wrong answer. There are no healthy well-adjusted dogs that prefer to be left alone. _ **Dogs are not like people.** _ They don’t amuse themselves with their deep thoughts for hours a day. They need company and attention and stimulation. Best case scenario in the situation you describe is that you wind up with an unhappy dog with no unmanageable behavioral problems, and that’s pretty damned unlikely. No, some of you, in between wishing death on us, have actually given the type of answer I’m looking for. If only it didn’t take 50 posts of personal attacks to do it first. If miss elizabeth didn’t post a bunch of crap about how we’re abusive and need to be eaten by a rabid dog first, and just went straight to that hound/sporting dog thing, all this could have been avoided > [@DianaG](#): > > I adore dogs, but I don’t own one, because\*\* properly caring for a dog is a lot of work\*\*. They’re like perpetual toddlers. They need to be trained and fed and bathed and walked and played with and often supervised, lest you find yourself constantly pulling stuff out of their mouths (or later, their asses) and when there is a problem, they can’t tell you what it is, you’ve gotta guess. We’ve had a dog before and she never got like that, so I believe you’re exaggerating > [@DianaG](#): > > It doesn’t sound like your sister is really prepared to do all that, and I really, really don’t get why you believe that her ridiculous childish impulse is something that should be indulged at the expense of everyone else’s peace and happiness. Tell her to grow the fuck up. Wanting to take care of a pet **IS** growing up > [@Guinastasia](#): > > Another thing is that when when dogs get bored they don’t just sit around and mope. They’ll bark incessantly. They’ll dig holes in the yard, chew on things (yes, I know, it’ll have toys outside – that still won’t stop the barking). They’ll probably try to escape – and even if your yard is fenced in, it may try to dig a hole under your fence. The last one didn’t do that, so you’re exaggerating as well ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/124 "2012-02-27T00:42:39Z")
Hey, you asked for “research”, you’re getting it. Don’t get all butthurt just because it’s not what you wanted to hear. Just because one dog didn’t do something, doesn’t mean the other one won’t. Each dog is different. We’ve had two dogs – both Westies, and as I said, the difference between the two is like night and day. The first one was allowed to sleep with us. This one, she DOES sleep in her crate at night, because she can’t be trusted up in any of the bedrooms. But we have it fixed up like a nice bed – a pillow, some blankets, a curtain over it. She used to go in there on her own sometimes, until the cats started going in there, and then we had to start locking it. Our last dog didn’t do a lot of things our current one does. Each dog is an individual. That you think each dog will be exactly a like tells me you aren’t really prepared to be a responsible pet owner. Besides, even if you don’t keep the dog in the crate permanently, they’re for house breaking. Hey, what are you going to do if your dog sits ourside all day and gets fleas – that’s another big possibility? And cats aren’t low-maitenance either, like I said. Maggie has a really delicate stomach. She can only eat a certain variety of foods, and she won’t touch dry stuff. Even then, she often gets sick, and once every so often, we have to give her a little pepcid pill. (The vet reccomended it). Are you prepared to scoop up the litter box several times a day? If you don’t keep it clean, the cat won’t use it. Why not at least install a doggie door, so your dog can come and go as he or she pleases? It has nothing to do with spoiling the dog to death. It has to do with the fact that a dog isn’t just a toy you can play with when you want to, and then put back on the shelf when you get bored. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/125 "2012-02-27T00:49:36Z")
\*\*YogSosoth, \*\*you are taking the results from a study sample of ONE dog, that you got as an adult, already socialized, and you are extrapolating that to all of dog-kind? You. Have. No. Clue. ---
**Author:** ![miss\_elizabeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/126 "2012-02-27T01:06:52Z")
> [@YogSosoth](#): > > First, let me thank you by finally responding to the premise in my OP. Took you long enough. And second, let me pile some shit on you for your nasty attitude and completely inappropriate tone. I made this thread to ask for help because I needed it, because something was going to happen in our house whether I want it to or not, and all I’ve been getting from you and 90% of the people here is transference of your anger at someone you can’t get to on to me. Honesty, after hearing your little rant, and thank you for the death threats by the way, I’m much less caring about a dog now than I was before. I’m almost at the point where I don’t give a shit and will just tell her to get the cutest dog she wants. Remember, I am basically the last obstacle in her getting a dog, so if I fully support her, she’ll get one 100%. I like corgi’s too, and I don’t care if it is a herding dog. You can what it can herd now? Grass, some flowers, and any of the neighbors’ cats. Seriously, that’s what your stupid rant has made me think about. Whatever dog she ends up getting will be bored, but its not going to be that bad. And since some of you thinks its better to euthanize a dog than to live in our house, then congratulations, it’ll probably be dead soon anyway. Thanks, I look forward to carving the damned tombstone myself :dubious: So… because _people on a messageboard_ are being mean and transferring the anger they ought to have for your sister onto you :rolleyes: you’re going to take that butthurt, and use it to punish a dog? Uh huh. Yeah, you sound totally mature, and ready for responsible pet ownership. PS. it wasn’t a death _threat_, it was a death _wish_. And maybe not even death. I’d be pretty happy if the dog just chewed on her face a little bit, honestly. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/127 "2012-02-27T01:23:08Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Hey, you asked for “research”, you’re getting it. Don’t get all butthurt just because it’s not what you wanted to hear. Again, this has been addressed several times. An appropriate response would be to accept the premise that a dog is forthcoming, and respond in the manner that will ensure the best possible outcome. Don’t blow smoke up my ass by pretending you were trying to help me with dog research. There are people in this topic who have actually been helpful, and people in PMs who have been as well. They didn’t need to wish death on anyone. Don’t stack up strawmen like a pile of dogshit because you already know I’m not going to clean that up! 😉 > [@Guinastasia](#): > > Just because one dog didn’t do something, doesn’t mean the other one won’t. > > … > > Our last dog didn’t do a lot of things our current one does. Each dog is an individual. That you think each dog will be exactly a like tells me you aren’t really prepared to be a responsible pet owner. But that’s what you’re doing. You think that because dogs are “social animals”, that no dog in the history of dogdom would survive in our Michael Vick horror house of a family. And I’m telling you that it is possible > [@Guinastasia](#): > > Besides, even if you don’t keep the dog in the crate permanently, they’re for house breaking. Don’t need to, the dog’s not going to be allowed in the house > [@Guinastasia](#): > > Hey, what are you going to do if your dog sits ourside all day and gets fleas – that’s another big possibility? We’ll wash it. What happens when YOU get fleas? :rolleyes: > [@Guinastasia](#): > > And cats aren’t low-maitenance either, like I said. Maggie has a really delicate stomach. She can only eat a certain variety of foods, and she won’t touch dry stuff. Even then, she often gets sick, and once every so often, we have to give her a little pepcid pill. (The vet reccomended it). Are you prepared to scoop up the litter box several times a day? If you don’t keep it clean, the cat won’t use it. Yes, and any hamsters we get might be psychotic, and the fish we might purchase could be cannibalistic, so we need to keep it and other apart. :rolleyes: I get it, you have placed a voodoo curse on us that turns any animal we come in contact with into the animal equivalent of Hannibal Lecter. Or you can accept that like all families, we hope that we won’t get a neurotic pet but we’ll deal with it if and when it happens. In the meantime, so what kind of cat is low-maintenance? > [@Guinastasia](#): > > Why not at least install a doggie door, so your dog can come and go as he or she pleases? Not my decision, but I’d be against it. I wouldn’t want a dog to have free reign of the house on its whim. That’s why we’re making it an outside dog > [@Guinastasia](#): > > It has nothing to do with spoiling the dog to death. It has to do with the fact that a dog isn’t just a toy you can play with when you want to, and then put back on the shelf when you get bored. Its funny you say that because those were almost the exact words I said to my sister last night, only I said you can’t just stick it in the back of the closet instead. You make more sense when you’re not suffering from dog-sanity > [@saje](#): > > \*\*YogSosoth, \*\*you are taking the results from a study sample of ONE dog, that you got as an adult, already socialized, and you are extrapolating that to all of dog-kind? And others are taking the results from a few dogs they know (I really don’t think most of you have had examples from more than a handful of dogs. Its not like you’re dog researchers who have to deal with hundreds or thousands of dogs) and applying it to every animal. Plus, I’m not here to debate the merits of that one dog, only saying that it is possible to have a dog that lives in the backyard with our level of interaction and is fine with it, and what’s the best type of dog that gives us favorable odds to repeat that > [@miss\_elizabeth](#): > > So… because _people on a messageboard_ are being mean and transferring the anger they ought to have for your sister onto you :rolleyes: you’re going to take that butthurt, and use it to punish a dog? Uh huh. Yes, and when I’m beating the dog, I will be calling it miss elizabeth with every blow. Maybe I’m joking about that, maybe I’m not, but you’ve already wished death on us so what do I care what you think anymore? > [@miss\_elizabeth](#): > > Yeah, you sound totally mature, and ready for responsible pet ownership. Well dogs aren’t humans as you’ve said, so after enough beatings it will either shape up or die. Let’s hope it shapes up first! > [@miss\_elizabeth](#): > > PS. it wasn’t a death _threat_, it was a death _wish_. And maybe not even death. I’d be pretty happy if the dog just chewed on her face a little bit, honestly. Oh yeah, great distinction. Thanks. I will only be beating it on half its body now, but the inside half. Dogs loves chili peppers right? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/128 "2012-02-27T01:44:54Z")
> [@YogSosoth](#): > > And others are taking the results from a few dogs they know (I really don’t think most of you have had examples from more than a handful of dogs. Its not like you’re dog researchers who have to deal with hundreds or thousands of dogs) and applying it to every animal. Plus, I’m not here to debate the merits of that one dog, only saying that it is possible to have a dog that lives in the backyard with our level of interaction and is fine with it, and what’s the best type of dog that gives us favorable odds to repeat that For my part, I am 50, in my lifetime I have owned and trained 10 dogs personally. I have known at least twice that many owned by friends and family over the years, and those dogs weren’t just accessories to the house(s) they lived in, they were my friends and family too. I have worked in vet clinics and so have had a LOT of exposure to all sorts of breeds, random-breds, (and their owners), AND I’ve worked in a boarding and training facility doing everything from basic kennel care to one-on-one training of OTHER people’s problem dogs. So yeah, I kinda know whereof I speak, I’m not just pulling this outta my ass. Your Family Does Not Need A Dog. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/129 "2012-02-27T01:59:28Z")
> [@saje](#): > > For my part, I am 50, in my lifetime I have owned and trained 10 dogs personally. I have known at least twice that many owned by friends and family over the years, and those dogs weren’t just accessories to the house(s) they lived in, they were my friends and family too. I have worked in vet clinics and so have had a LOT of exposure to all sorts of breeds, random-breds, (and their owners), AND I’ve worked in a boarding and training facility doing everything from basic kennel care to one-on-one training of OTHER people’s problem dogs. > > So yeah, I kinda know whereof I speak, I’m not just pulling this outta my ass. > > Your Family Does Not Need A Dog. And I’m not disagreeing with that last fact. I very much think she shouldn’t get a dog and our situation isn’t optimal, however unlike a lot of people, I’m willing to at least accept the inevitable and try to do something about it. I know we don’t need a dog and that 3/4 of us don’t actively want one, but if it happens, you people can either help me or just let me go into this blindly. I certainly don’t deserve some of the crap flung by the SDMB Pet Brigade, who have voluntarily Dr. Moreau-ed themselves into a half-human, half-animal hybrid. This dog is probably going to happen. So give me ideas on how to deal with it. If you just want to fling poo at me like the half-monkeys that some of you are, there’s a Pit thread for that. But either way, if we get a dog, I’d like to know the minimal time I need to spend with it so I can at least tell my sister to stick to that ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/130 "2012-02-27T02:22:49Z")
That’s just it, there ARE no hard and fast rules! Every dog is different, you have to be prepared to do some compromises. At this point my best advice would be (the “you” is mostly for Sister, but a bit for you too): -get a dog from a reputable breeder or rescue, one that will match your sister’s needs and habits to the dog. Find out if they will take the dog back should something happen to make it impossible for you to keep it. A good breeder/rescue WILL agree to this, unreservedly. -Go to at least one obedience class, especially if you get a puppy. It should be Sister handling the dog in class, but it wouldn’t hurt for you to sit in and watch. Most classes are once a week for an hour, for 4-6 weeks. -For a puppy, a crate is the best housebreaking aide you’ll find. Research them, they are REALLY a good thing, not at all cruel if used correctly. -Find a dog-daycare. Your vet or obedience place can recommend one if they don’t operate their own. Especially for a young dog, this will help a lot with training, socialization, and just burning off energy. -For breeds, I’d go smallish, non-terrier, and probably short coated unless your sister likes primping and fussing. Perhaps a Pug (though little dogs should not be out unsupervised, there’s too much that can grab them) Or get and older rescue dog, one that’s housebroken & mellow. There’s really no breed that specifically likes being alone, but you might find an older dog (2 yrs at least, probably 4 or 5, depending on size) that’s used to it, and will sleep a lot anyway. -Don’t cheap out on food, get a good quality one, it’ll save you $$ in the end. Same with flea preventative. -For the sake of the dog, socialize it well (thus the obed stuff and daycare). If you have to rehome it, it’s much easier to do if the dog has no issues with other dogs, strangers, or children. Otherwise you can pretty much guarantee it’ll be euthanised if it ends up at a shelter. -Remember that dogs are sentient beings, but they do not reason like people do. They can be jealous, they can be hurt, they can be frightened and angry and bored. But getting through those tough times may take some work on the owners part, and in a very different way than you are used to. If you reach a tough patch for god’s sake find a professional to help you help the dog. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![Beastly\_Rotter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/45deac/32.png) [@Beastly\_Rotter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beastly_Rotter)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/131 "2012-02-27T02:31:44Z")
Look at the bright side, at least she doesn’t want a baby. WHATS THE MOST YOU CAN NEGLECT A CHILD LOL ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/132 "2012-02-27T03:01:03Z")
Forgot to add, even though it seems the dog will live mostly in the yard, a good hour’s leash walk or other exercise is necessary, at least once and preferably twice a day. The actual time involved depends on the size, age, and mental make-up of the individual dog, but just being out in the yard isn’t enough, really. I have 2 dogs currently, a 9yo German Shepherd and a 7 mo old Labrador. For the most part, they are where I am. I live on acreage and have horses, so they spend a good chunk of time out with me in the a.m. while I do chores. I play with them some then, do some obedience work with the Lab then too. Then we go in, and they hang out while I shower etc. I work from home, so they snooze in the house while I work, with the occasional potty break (for all of us :p). During those breaks I’ll play with the puppy a bit, do a little obedience practice (5 min tops) and love on the Shepherd if he’s not in a playing mood. He is a needy dog, when I get up he follows me from room to room. I am his comfort, if he’s stressed he won’t eat unless I am right there. Where I live leash walks aren’t safe (no sidewalks, curvy roads, lots of traffic), but if I lived in town I’d be substituting my twice a day horse chores runs with leash walks. On days that I need to be away from home, I have a huge run (apx 25’ x 200’) they go out in if the weather’s decent. They have a tented area with houses and a platform, and lots of room to sniff around. They like going out there, but when I come home they cannot WAIT to be out and following me around again, even though they have each other. If the weather’s really cold or wet or hot, they stay in the house while I’m gone. The puppy’s in a crate the Shepherd’s earned the run of the house (though he apparently just hangs by the door waiting til someone comes home again). At night, the puppy sleeps in her crate in the kitchen, and the Shepherd sleeps on his bed on the floor of the bedroom. I also have cats, and they dogs interact with them too, they are friends and enjoy each others company, but the dogs really want to be with people, not necessarily ON them, but just hanging with them. IMnotveryhumbleO, this is (in general) what a dog’s life ought to be. Hope all my blather is useful to you. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/133 "2012-02-27T03:47:25Z")
> [@Beastly\_Rotter](#): > > Look at the bright side, at least she doesn’t want a baby. WHATS THE MOST YOU CAN NEGLECT A CHILD LOL “As long as it’s nappies are changed and we give it a bottle every so often, how much time do we actually have to spend _holding_ it?” ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/134 "2012-02-27T04:06:21Z")
Since we don’t want to spend much time with it, how do we go about obtaining an autistic one? ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/135 "2012-02-27T05:19:56Z")
> [@saje](#): > > That’s just it, there ARE no hard and fast rules! Every dog is different, you have to be prepared to do some compromises. Well of course, I know that. The point was to find a dog that is more likely to need less socialization. Geez, I swear nobody here’s ever been to Vegas. You try your luck and play the odds, and though every hand’s different, there are at least some general rules you can follow. That’s exactly what I’m trying to do, find a breed that is generally not into socializing Anyways, thanks. Finally some more useful advice! I’ll take a lot of what you said under consideration. I wish everyone could be ask helpful and not assholish as you… > [@Beastly\_Rotter](#): > > Look at the bright side, at least she doesn’t want a baby. WHATS THE MOST YOU CAN NEGLECT A CHILD LOL > [@Freudian\_Slit](#): > > Since we don’t want to spend much time with it, how do we go about obtaining an autistic one? …case in point :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/136 "2012-02-27T06:41:49Z")
> [@YogSosoth](#): > > That’s what dogs do, isn’t it? Dogs chew stuff and dig, and sometimes bark. Our last dog didn’t bark excessively, chew herself, or the dog house and I doubt the future one will either. You should take care not to exaggerate things to try and make a point I’m not exaggerating. You asked how I could tell when a dog isn’t well-adjusted and I told you. Yes, all dogs chew and dig and bark but maladjusted dogs do so excessively, to the point where it’s a problem for the dog and for the owners. You say you want ideas about how to handle this. Go [here](http://animal.discovery.com/tv/dogs-101/), do your homework. Since your sister dismisses us “morons on a message board”, maybe she’ll listen to the experts. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/137 "2012-02-27T07:11:00Z")
You’re worthy of contempt, too, not just your sister. You aren’t “just asking questions” (lol glenn beck lol), you’re actively disregarding a _total board consensus_ because it doesn’t agree with your preconceived notion. Your words in this thread appear despicably foolish. How many people have to tell you that there IS no dog that can be left outside 3 out of 4 seasons of the year before it sinks in? ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/138 "2012-02-27T07:28:56Z")
> [@YogSosoth](#): > > Anyways, thanks. Finally some more useful advice! I’ll take a lot of what you said under consideration. I wish everyone could be ask helpful and not assholish as you… > > …case in point :dubious: YogSosoth, you’ve been here more than long enough to know the rules of this forum. Do not insult others outside of the pit. This is a warning. There is a current pit thread about this, take the name calling there. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/139 "2012-02-27T08:00:05Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > I’m not exaggerating. You asked how I could tell when a dog isn’t well-adjusted and I told you. Yes, all dogs chew and dig and bark but maladjusted dogs do so excessively, to the point where it’s a problem for the dog and for the owners. Yeah, and then I said our dog was content and still did that. You expect me to just believe everything you tell me? Sure, maybe you think chewing and digging and barking is abnormal for an animal, but I don’t. Besides, it wasn’t excessive > [@rachelellogram](#): > > You’re worthy of contempt, too, not just your sister. You aren’t “just asking questions” (lol glenn beck lol), you’re actively disregarding a _total board consensus_ because it doesn’t agree with your preconceived notion. Your words in this thread appear despicably foolish. Sorry, I didn’t know before I asked my questions that this board was filled with unreasonable pet owners who have formed an echo chamber as to how an animal ought to be raised. I disregard the lot of your “advice” because it consists of malicious attacks and hyperbolic exaggerations. Plus, most of you actively disregard the premise of my OP to insert your own threadshitting agenda. Instead of dealing with the situation as is, you continue to believe that simply sticking your fingers in your ears and yelling that we shouldn’t get a dog is going to make a difference. As far as contempt goes, the only one here deserving of it is you and those who keep striving to give me such “advice”. There is no reason for me to listen to that irrelevant noise masquerading itself as “advice”. It is simply you refusing to accept reality, that we’re going to get a dog And furthermore, pretending that this level of vitriol masking itself as advice is a laughable joke. You don’t want to give me advice. You want me to splice myself with dog genes and marry the dog and leave it half my possessions. Don’t joke around about how all this is some great advice that I’m getting but ignoring. Advice takes into account the existing situation and doesn’t try to create a new reality. You see **saje** ’s last 2 posts? That’s advice. You see your last post? Its something I’d wipe off my shoe with a tissue and flush down the toilet > [@rachelellogram](#): > > How many people have to tell you that there IS no dog that can be left outside 3 out of 4 seasons of the year before it sinks in? I’ve never met you. I’ve never met any of these other people. Contrary to what they’ve said, I’ve had a dog that lived just fine outside. I know other people who have owned and continue to own outside dogs. All this blather about how dogs can’t stay outside is your meaningless agenda. I’ve personally seen and know of evidence that contradicts your assertions. The dog will be outside, that will not change. You can either accept it and move on, or continue to stomp your feet and scream. Listen people, I made this topic to get some genuine advice on specific dog topics. Most of you have decided to ignore that. Fine, threadshit, whatever. But before any of you opens your mouth again or sit down to type, accept a few things: 1. We are getting a dog 2. The dog will be an outside dog 3. We’re not going to spend “hours” a day with it. Maybe on weekends, but we don’t have time to do so during the weekday I don’t really care to have to rehash that reality over and over. Once was enough. Twice was fine. Thrice was a little bothersome. And by the time I got to 6 or 7 times, its just annoying. Keep at it if you want, but I’m going to be kicking the dog once for every time one of you ignores those facts and substituting your own reality. Before this topic I actually kind of wanted a dog and was going to try my best to change a bit for it. Now I’m just going to want to purposefully ignore it just to spite you guys, so I can post pictures of it starving to death when I “forget” to feed it because I can’t stop a 4 hours raid in the middle of it when I’m the tank. Of course I’m not going to do that, but don’t tempt me. That’s what all your terrible “advice” has done. Pat yourself on the back fellas! You turned a dog liker into a dog hater! In all seriousness now, any more crap from you guys and I’m going to march right to my sister and tell her to get whatever dog she wants. No talk about pet grooming, taking care of it, feeding, or toys. I’m just going to say get a dog as soon as she wants. Get it before we get dog food because we can feed her Chinese food the first week. Don’t do any research on dog food, they’re all the same anyway. Forget toys, we’ll give her some old socks to chew. Seriously, I’m that close to not talking to her about all of the things I was going to bring up, because THANKS PET BRIGADE, YOU’VE BEEN A BIG HELP! ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2012, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780/140 "2012-02-27T08:05:55Z")
Hey, sometimes when you ask a question, you get an answer you don’t want to hear. Suck it up. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preliminary-dog-research/613780.md?page=8)