....whoa...

[stirder]

richie...I would contact the shelter and let them know that you are very interested and tell them you want to wait untill the tests (temperament and health) have been done. most shelters have a 7 day holding period for dogs who are not dropped off by the owners. this is both to allow the owners to claim the dog (incase it was stollen or lost) and to have a vet check the dog for heart worms and other health problems, and test the temperament for food aggression, afraid of men/women, dog aggression etc. let them know and they may allow you to fill out a preliminary adoption contract stating that if the dog is healthy and has a good temperament that you can then decide. that way you wont miss out on the dog if it IS right for you, and you will not be REQUIRED to adopt even if she is aggressive or has a horrible infestation of heart worms, etc.
manchesters is right, no question related to health and or temperament is off topic when the topic is about rescueing a dog, or even aqcuiring from a breeder. I would like to say to the people who are not educated about heart worms...have the vet diagnose the dog. dont just start giving your dog heartwormer. it is possible to kill the dog that way. if it is a really bad infestation many (I assume not the ones mentioned here) heartwormers that are available over the counter work too fast and can cause the dog to go into shock.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

Maybe you could give them a little info on things such as food and basic training??

I would get an young adult that is housetrained. Housetraining is such a hassle.

 

[Richie12345]

Thank you, Stirder for the information

 

[stirder]

inform your parents that you are getting info from knowledgable, experienced owners, trainers, and breeders. encourage them to join this forum, or another one if they think we are all against them, corrupted by your desire to get a dog. encourage them to learn more so they can make educated decisions.
and I agree about getting a young adult, but keep in mind that if it is in a shelter it may have never been house trained. some dogs come in as pups or are born at the shelter, others were kept in the back yard and never allowed inside, others were born to a stray female. not all adults are house trained. it all depends. you could get a puppy and it could have all its shots and be perfect, or it could be end up being fatally sick. same with an adult. but all will be health and temperament tested before going home.

 

[yuckaduck]

Good Luck! I think a dog would be perfect for you, a friend that you can count on. Just think it out and be sure because it is a lifetime commitment for the dog.

 

[Richie12345]

They don't care, Stirder. They don't really want to learn anything about a dog, and they don't get why I'm reading much about them... My dad is always saying "Why do they make it such a big deal, it's just a dog!"

 

[stirder]

and no matter what age dog you get, sign up immediately for a obedience class and tell your parents that you and the dog are being trained by a professional, and that if they are going to be trying to train the dog or influence your training that they should attend the class as well.

 

[stirder]

just out of curiousity how old are you?

 

[yuckaduck]

Yup we know who the adult is here, don't we. Just a dog eh? It's you baby, friend, partner, saviour, angel, sometimes the joker, comforter, and above all yes it is a dog but not just a dog.

 

[stirder]

if you can convince them to get on here and talk to a few of us then maybe we could convince them WHY you are right by asking questions and why it is such a big deal and not "just a dog".

 

[showpug]

I don't know what to do anymore... my parents aren't much of a help either, in fact they get on my nerves... they think they know it all, when my mom keeps on saying "boxter" instead of "boxer"... and I'm not sure if I should get a pup or grown dog... I'm not even sure if I should even get a dog anymore... My parents don't know anything on dogs except that their parents raised some, and I'm scared they might hurt the dog... I just need some time to think I guess...

Richie...if you feel that there will be any threat to your new dog don't get one. It may be as simple as extreme dog ignorance, or abuse. I don't know your parents, but you do and you are the best judge on how they will tolerate carpet soiling, whining, destructive chewing, vet bills and everything else that comes along with having a dog. You are a smart kid, I can tell by your posts and I know YOU would make a great dog owner, but unfortunatley you still have to deal with your parents in their home! Time flies and you will have your dog in no time, even if you do wait. I remember you mentioning that you are going to go to college in the future....what will happen to your dog if you do? Will your parents take proper care if you leave it behind? Good luck to you.

 

[Fran27]

I agree with Showpug, you won't stay home forever and you won't be able to take care of the dog if you go to college. I would hold off until you live on your own and are sure you will be able to take care of the dog all his life - especially if your parents don't seem to really want one.

 

[Richie12345]

You guys are right, I should hold off on getting a dog... I'd just be torturing the dog...

 

[Fran27]

Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to have your own dogs once you're done with college. You wouldn't believe how fast it goes really...

 

[smkie]

your too good of a person to hurt a pup Richie..you have a heart of gold, and its not that hard..truly and i for one would always be here if you had any questions..i think this is too many cooks spoil the soup..i think this is a dandy time in your life to get a dog..one that you will never have again..

 

[yuckaduck]

Me too, I think it is a dandy time and I really don't think your parents would ever hurt the dog. But it is a decision that only you can make with your parents. WE can say yes or no but it is you who will have to feed it, walk it and give it love not us. Only you know if the time is right for you. I will also always be here for you and you can pm me anytime. But you already know that!

 

[showpug]

Richie...if you don't mind my asking, how old are you?

 

[Richie12345]

Richie...if you don't mind my asking, how old are you?

I'm 12 years old, why?

 

[smkie]

here you go..i was looking for one..richie if wishes were horses i would reach into the past and scoop up one of my pups and hand it to you..i would trust you..and trust the pup to have a blessing of a lovely life together.http://www.chazhound.com/pictures/showphoto.php?photo=4102&cat=500&ppuser=2623

 

[stirder]

I think thats a great decision (waiting to get a dog), and really shows how great of an owner you will be when you do get one. they are right, I hate to say it because I remember how much I hated to hear it when I was 12, 16, even now at 26, but time does fly and before you know it you will have a dog and be the sole care giver. as for waiting, there is a growing trend lately in the united states in which more and more colleges are allowing students to bring their dogs to school in the dorms with them. they have realized that it eases the transition of leaving everything you have ever known (as exciting as that is) and suddenly being on your own for the most part. they've also begun to realize that having your resume/college transcript show that a student was not only a GOOD student but was a good student while caring for a dog, rather than partying every night etc, is a big deal. so college is not necassarily a reason to not get a dog. but deffinetly wait untill you can educate your parents...if that doesnt happen then go to a school that allows dogs in the dorms and get one then, or wait untill you are out of school. but learn all you can in the mean time, and dont give up on your parents, we're all ignorant in some regard/regards and its nice to know that there is someone out there willing to educate us...just hope they will someday be willing to be educated.
no matter what I have no doubts that you will be among the great dog owners someday.