Not a dog owner...yet!

I am in the market for a dog but I don't want to jump into it without
doing proper research. The last thing I want to do is buy a dog that
is not right for my lifestyle and where I live. I am graduating from
college in May which will leave me with MUCH more free time. I live
in an apartment in Tempe, AZ so the last thing I want to do is get a
large dog who would feel too confined or a dog that us used to cold
weather. In joining your group I hope to learn which dog would be
best for me!

On 21 Feb 2007 13:01:15 -0800, wrote:

I am in the market for a dog but I don't want to jump into it without
doing proper research. The last thing I want to do is buy a dog that
is not right for my lifestyle and where I live.

Smart.

I am graduating from
college in May which will leave me with MUCH more free time. I live
in an apartment in Tempe, AZ so the last thing I want to do is get a
large dog who would feel too confined or a dog that us used to cold
weather. In joining your group I hope to learn which dog would be
best for me!

Then welcome aboard, Cynthia!

--
Handsome Jack Morrison

Obamination?
http://howardwasright.com/index.php/site/more/458/

On 21 Feb 2007 13:01:15 -0800, wrote:

I am in the market for a dog but I don't want to jump into it without
doing proper research... In joining your group I hope to learn
which dog would be best for me!

I applaud your efforts! Bravo!

There might be a particular breed that meets your needs, but there might
also be a mix that would be as good or better. So, with your basic
specifications in mind, visit the local animal shelters. Not only will
you save a life, but you might find the perfect match--in a mix.

If you absolutely must have a pure bred dog, please, consider getting
one from a rescue group that specializes in that breed.

Living in an apartment doesn't necessarily rule out large dogs, but I
think it does, where you live--because the intense heat means far too
little exercise.

Logically, a small dog makes sense. You are probably not always going to
have the abundance of spare time that you're anticipating. And since
proper grooming is often the first thing to go, a short-haired dog is
probably the best choice. Besides, a short-haired dog can handle the
heat a bit better.

Small, short-haired dogs are the opposite of what I like, but I do know
a few such breeds. Chihuahuas, Chinese Cresteds, some Beagles, maybe a
Jack Russell Terrier. I'm sure there are many suitable breeds. Visit
your library and look through some dog encyclopedias.

Good luck!


_________________________
If you don't have a dream,
how are you going to have a dream come true?
- Oscar Hammerstein II

On Feb 21, 4:01 pm, wrote:
I am in the market for a dog but I don't want to jump into it without
doing proper research. The last thing I want to do is buy a dog that
is not right for my lifestyle and where I live. I am graduating from
college in May which will leave me with MUCH more free time. I live
in an apartment in Tempe, AZ so the last thing I want to do is get a
large dog who would feel too confined or a dog that us used to cold
weather.

You are starting on the right track for dog ownership. First, you need
to figure out what kind of lifestyle you will have. Work schedule,
planned free-time activities, will you be moving to find a new job.
Once you have got those figured out, it will be a lot easier to narrow
down what breed(s) might be right for you.

In joining your group I hope to learn which dog would be
best for me!

Welcome!!

Marcel