Looking for a dog please help.
Hi guys im looking to get a dog and there are so many to choose from. Anyone with experience can you please help?
The qualities im looking for:
Friendly/Loyal
Guard dog (or big)
Intelligent
Family Friendly
Good with other pets
Also this will be a first dog.
I can commit an hour a day to it walking/training.
Really apprecaite all the help.
Adopt from a reputable animal shelter. Talk with the employees, tell them what you're looking for, and see which one they recommend.
If you don't like what's available come back at a later date or go to another shelter.
Good luck
I am keeping track on new dogs coming in to shelters but most of them are suggested for experienced keepers and do not really get a long with other animals.
It would be nice though.
>>2319852
Where are you located?
>>2319855
>https://g.co/kgs/UIgvJ7
>https://g.co/kgs/oJbWvM
>https://g.co/kgs/rqNCbq
>https://g.co/kgs/2GvtjI
>https://g.co/kgs/AzAEAJ
>https://g.co/kgs/cRizfR
Just a few to get started, from a Google search of animal shelters in the UK.
There were many more on the list, and I know that not every dog is a special needs case.
>>2319848
>obly one hour a day for both walking and training
That's worrying. Better get an old shelter dog who already knows all the commands and sleeps most of the day.
>>2319848
>Guard dog (or big)
>Also this will be a first dog.
I would recommend against this combination. Dogs with a strong guard instinct, especially larger ones, tend to be hard-headed and stubborn at best and downright dangerous at worst. They require an experienced owner who is firm and consistent as they will often try to test you.
Go with a medium sized "family dog" breed. Golden retrievers are obviously the standard here (U.S.) Labs and some of the larger spaniels are also a good choice, IF you're able to give them the kind of exercise and stimulation they need. There are a lot of good options out there, those are just a few off the top of my head.
if you're worried about burglars or whatever just having a dog in the house puts them off, it doesn't have to be a 'guard dog'
>>2319848
Others have mentioned adopting an older dog from a shelter, and with the lack of time you can commit to a dog I have to agree.
Puppies need a ton of attention. Many people take off time from work so that they can let their puppy out every hour to pee. They can sleep for most of the day, but they need a lot of stimulation and playtime. An hour a day just can't cut it for puppies or even for most adult dogs.
An intelligent dog is going to need a lot of mental stimulation or jobs to do. Again, an hour just can't cut it.
Have you considered volunteering at your local shelter to help walk dogs? It can really help you get your fix for dog playtime without worrying about not investing enough time in your own pup. Wait until you're able to invest more time in training to get a puppy or a young dog. It's not fair to it.