Started By
Message

Thinking about adopting a dog (first time dog owner)

Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:20 pm
Posted by jlovel7
Louisiana
Member since Aug 2014
21321 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:20 pm
I'm thinking about adopting a dog. Our family never had one growing up (yes I know, very sad). Assume I know nothing about actually owning, raising, or caring for an animal. What do I need to know?


ETA: Hoping for a puppy so that I can be with it basically it's entire life. Living arrangements are apartment in Uptown New Orleans. So obviously I'll have to train it to be able to kill.

ETA: I'm a 23 year old who's home most nights. Pretty regularized 8-5 work schedule. I will probably wait at least until the end of football season as I go back for all of the games plus I have Tennessee coming up this week. Would it be good to get it over a long weekend so I can make sure initially to be home with it a lot as opposed to getting it after work one day and then essentially having to leave it early the next morning?
This post was edited on 11/13/17 at 12:29 pm
Posted by Displaced
Member since Dec 2011
32713 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:20 pm to
Feed it, walk it, love it.

Not exactly hard...

And crate train it 100%. That you can Google.
This post was edited on 11/13/17 at 12:22 pm
Posted by StealthCalais11
Lurker since 2007
Member since Aug 2011
12450 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:21 pm to
quote:

Not exactly hard...


I wholeheartedly disagree. It's like taking care of a forever child.
This post was edited on 11/13/17 at 12:22 pm
Posted by tigerinthebueche
Member since Oct 2010
36791 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:22 pm to
wow, lots to cover here. You adopting a puppy or adult dog? Do you have a yard? Do you have kids- infants, children?

try to get specific with what you want to know.
Posted by OysterPoBoy
City of St. George
Member since Jul 2013
35179 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:22 pm to
Go to a breeder. You’ll be much happier.
Posted by Packer
IE, California
Member since May 2017
7811 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:22 pm to
Take you dog to a good obedience course. You and your dog will learn a lot.
Posted by TH03
Mogadishu
Member since Dec 2008
171037 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:23 pm to
Buy a crate that has enough room for the dog to stand all the way up, lay spread out, but not enough to potty in a corner and sleep away from it. Crate a night and when gone, just don't do it for too long right now. They can't hold it that long. Put crate next to your bed. If it cries, hit the crate and shush it. Repeat if necessary.

Take the dog out early and often, praise like hell when it does it's thing. If it does it inside, pick it up and run outside. Do not yell or hit it. Praise is far better than punishment in training dogs.
Posted by MSMHater
Houston
Member since Oct 2008
22775 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:23 pm to
quote:

What do I need to know?


You need to figure out what you expect out of a family pet before deciding what to get.

You looking for a lapdog, working dog, protective dog, good with kids dog, potential watchdog, hunting dog, etc...

Figure out what traits you want, and then nail down a breed or mix from there.

ETA: And crate train. Always, always crate train unless your outdoor space is appropriate.
This post was edited on 11/13/17 at 12:24 pm
Posted by Jones
Member since Oct 2005
90541 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:23 pm to
Most are needy as shite.

How old are you?

Just asking because you know those days where you are going to a parade or festival and you're going to be drinking...well congrats in the middle of that day you'll have to go home to let it out to shite and not destroy your place
Posted by tigerinthebueche
Member since Oct 2010
36791 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:23 pm to
quote:

It's like taking care of a forever child.



bullshite. they get better as they get older. They liver 8-15 years on average. Long as you can commit to that, they aren't difficult to have.
Posted by The Mick
Member since Oct 2010
43143 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:24 pm to
quote:

Go to a breeder. You’ll be much happier.
Nicely done.......

Posted by HoustonChick86
Catalina Wine Mixer
Member since Dec 2009
57329 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:24 pm to
Make sure you get a dog that fits your lifestyle. Don't get a big/active dog unless you have time to commit to exercising it properly.

I second the poster that said to crate train.

Lay down the rules early, its hard to go back and retrain them.
Posted by Darth Aranda
Naboo
Member since Dec 2016
2487 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:24 pm to
If you’re getting a puppy, say goodbye to getting a good nights rest for about 2 months.
Posted by TexasTiger89
Houston, TX
Member since Feb 2005
24305 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:24 pm to
quote:

Go to a breeder. You’ll be much happier.


Don't go to a breeder. Too many good dogs out there that need homes.
Posted by The Torch
DFW The Dub
Member since Aug 2014
19305 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:25 pm to
Don't leave it in a create 12 hours a day.

If you don't have time don't get one.

Frick these people who get a dog then leave it in a crate all day, let it out fro two hours then back to the crate, dogs need to run and play.
Posted by Jones
Member since Oct 2005
90541 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:25 pm to
quote:

Do not yell or hit it


quote:

If it cries, hit the crate and shush it. Repeat if necessary


Lol
Posted by GeauxOn
Texas
Member since Mar 2014
196 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:25 pm to
Really depends on a lot of things. Decide if you want it to be outside, inside, or both. My dog is and inside outside dog. Kennel training is the way to go for inside dogs. If you're getting a puppy the first few weeks will probably suck but once they're trained it's pretty smooth sailing. Definitely recommend bringing them around other dogs at young age.
Posted by CoeJ
Member since Oct 2010
1827 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:26 pm to
quote:

Go to a breeder. You’ll be much happier.



go frick yourself.
Posted by b-rab2
N. Louisiana
Member since Dec 2005
12577 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:27 pm to
try to do positive training instead of shock collars and spankings
Posted by atxfan
Member since Jul 2004
3537 posts
Posted on 11/13/17 at 12:27 pm to
I would give some thought to your lifestyle and what type of dog would fit best. Finding the right dog is extremely important. For example, sporting dogs like pointers are popular but need a lot of exercise. If you or your family members are inactive but just want a lovable addition to the family, get a more mellow breed.

Training is a whole other story but isn't too difficult. There is plenty of good information out there should you choose to get a dog. The first, very important step is choosing the right one IMO.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 4Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram