New and in need of advice

[Saje]

I think she's going to keep him in a pen in the basement when he's alone. Like a crate except more roomy. At least until he's housebroken. Unless she gets an older dog (crosses fingers) in which case she should be able to keep him in her room right away.

Nedim, I forgot to mention that most dogs are happier and better behaved if they are part of the family. Like, if he can sleep on your bed while you are gone he will be much happier than if he is locked somewhere else. Unless he's a young pup in which case he will eat your room and pee on your bed lol.

BTW do you live far from your school? If you go home for lunch it would be so much better for the dog.

 

[Saje]

Are you talking about Mikey? He looks like a pitbull.

Yup. Mikey. He's a pound puppy too. But WE think he's a staffie/lab. Staffie's are a lot like pits. Nanook is a husky/gsd

 

[Purr]

Saje, that's a good idea; going home to check your baby in the middle of the day would be good for him.

 

[nedim]

Nedim(still a he) lol, is not allowed to leave school for lunch on account of people never returning.

 

[EliNHunter]

Nedim, it sounds like you're really leaning towards a shorter haired dog (such as a bulldog or pitty mix). That's a really good idea if you aren't going to have it outside during the cold weather. It sounds like you are really wanting to be a responsible owner and want to be with the dog. Therefore, I highly recommend a shorter haired dog (such as the type of hair of the ones you're interested in) and keep it with you in the house as much as possible while you're in there. Let him be a part of you and your family. You will bond and be able to teach better that way. And that's why we all love our dogs -- companionship! I hope your dad comes around and is more open to the whole concept of having a dog in the house, possible messes if he's learning or sick. Getting some hair on clothing or in your food. Snuggling with your loved dog in bed when you go to sleep at night is the BEST THING IN THE WORLD!

 

[nedim]

I have finally got my dad to come around by mentioning that dogs that are a few months old tend to be house-broken. He said,do whatever you want, I'm not going to be a part of the process. Hey, thats fine by me. I want to prove to everyone that I'm ready to have a dog and am willing to accept the responsibility that follows. I cant wait until Friday, I dont remember the last time I've been so excited!

 

[Purr]

YAY for you Nedim! You sound like a great pup owner/buddy, and I can't wait to hear all about your new baby, and any questions you might have about training him.

I like the fact that you are so devoted, and so responsible. I haven't heard of many other kids getting jobs to pay to take care of their own dog!

Don't forget: we want pictures when you get some!!! Oh, and a name? LOL Good luck on Friday!

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

Gaddy got Tippy and May as adults, and she'll tell you that an adult dog will love you just as much as a puppy will.

Yup. Tippy (my GSD mix) and May (my Lab) were both two years old when we got them (May is older than Tippy, though). They weren't completely housetrained, but they were pretty good about doing their business outside instead of inside. And they're absolute angels. They think they're lap dogs (in reality, they weigh 60-65 lbs.). We got Colby as a puppy, and she was not housetrained. Believe me, housetraining is hard. You find yourself constantly bringing the dog out to empty itself. No matter what the weather is like.

Be sure to post pictures when you get your dog!!!

 

[EliNHunter]

Nedim, I'm sorry but I didn't see what's going on Friday? Do you have a pup you're visiting and may adopt? What's going on Friday?

 

[Saje]

That is good news Nedim. I'm sure he'll love the pup (they are all pups to me) when he gets there. So, does he get to sleep with you too?

I'd still like to give a bit of warnng for any kind of bulldog breed. They are WONDERFUL dogs they just are not ideal for all first time owners. Here's a good site on different bull dog breeds http://www.bulldogbreeds.com/

Other good sites worth bookmarking are:

http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm
http://www.clickerlessons.com/lessons.html

 

[nedim]

Thank you so much! You cant imagine how excited I am right now!! I dont know what the name will be, because I havent seen the dog yet. As for pictures, I will get some whenever I take a short pause from playing with my dog(whenever that is). Thank you all so much for your support and for caring so much. I have a few questions to ask though. Will I need to fill out a sheet to make sure I'm eligable to be a "parent"?(if that doesnt make you giddy inside, I dont know what does)lol Also, I'm under 18, will my mom have to fill out the form for me? And what about a licence, veterinary care, and possible neautering? Does that stuff cost extra?

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

Your parents will be responsible for the forms and everything.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

Veterinary care (including neutering) and all of that does cost extra. If the dog isn't already fixed when it's adopted, the shelter makes sure the new owner spays or neuters it, and you'll have to give it proper veterinary care.

 

[EliNHunter]

Oh, a bulldog mix? Or full bulldog (that almost sounded likd Bullfrog -- maybe you should name him that????) I know very little about that breed. Keep us posted, Nedim! Good luck!

 

[Saje]

Thank you so much! You cant imagine how excited I am right now!! I dont know what the name will be, because I havent seen the dog yet. As for pictures, I will get some whenever I take a short pause from playing with my dog(whenever that is). Thank you all so much for your support and for caring so much. I have a few questions to ask though. Will I need to fill out a sheet to make sure I'm eligable to be a "parent"?(if that doesnt make you giddy inside, I dont know what does)lol Also, I'm under 18, will my mom have to fill out the form for me? And what about a licence, veterinary care, and possible neautering? Does that stuff cost extra?

In most rescues you will have to fill out an application or questionaire. Have you decided on the pit cross? If you go to their home website they may have more info. It's best to get one that is already vet checked, altered (spayed/neutered), vaccinated and dewormed. It's usually much cheaper adn you won't have to worry about making extra trips. Although, it's a good idea to have a new dog vet checked when you get it just to be familiar with your own vet and make sure everything is alright. I think an adult will probably have to sign the adoption papers.

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

Dogs require MUCH time spent with their human families. They are social and get bored and very lonely if they don't have enough interaction. Boredom and lonliness leads to naughty behaviors. It's so important that they are part of the family and not left alone to much of the time.

Good luck!!
Dena

 

[Purr]

Nedim, yes, we're all furbaby mommies and daddies here, so don't be surprised if someone calls you that

A lot of shelters neuter their dogs before they adopt them out, but some don't. It depends on the shelter. I believe it does cost extra. Your mom will get stuck with all the paper work, while you sit on the floor and play with the baby (I know that one from experience LOL).

I don't believe you need a license in NY. Or anywhere in the states, for that matter.

And, you're quite welcome We love to be supportive in any way we can, really.

 

[nedim]

I've decided against the pitbull. I love them to death, but there are a bunch of little old ladies in my neighborhood and he might view them as fullgrown chew toys. Could you give me a rough estimate pertaining to how much a veterinary checkup plus a licence will cost? Also, do I have to wait a few days to get the dog, or do I take him home that very day?

 

[EliNHunter]

In most rescues you will have to fill out an application or questionaire. Have you decided on the pit cross? If you go to their home website they may have more info. It's best to get one that is already vet checked, altered (spayed/neutered), vaccinated and dewormed. It's usually much cheaper adn you won't have to worry about making extra trips. Although, it's a good idea to have a new dog vet checked when you get it just to be familiar with your own vet and make sure everything is alright. I think an adult will probably have to sign the adoption papers.

Yes, if he's coming from a shelter or rescue (legit) an adult will need to sign. I hope that isn't a problem for you, Nedim! I'm identifying with you and your situation. Nothing made me more happy growing up than my dogs... they were my buds...

 

[nedim]

Im loving all the replies, everytime I post, there a 2 new posts waiting for me. Thank you all again!