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NFT: Getting a Dog! (First Time Owner)

Anando : 6/19/2017 4:32 pm
Hi everyone, I know there are a lot of dog owners here in BBI so thought I'd reach out...

I love dogs and have been thinking about getting/adopting/rescuing one for quite some time.

I think I've reached the stage in my life where I'm ready - I'm getting married early next year, and my fiancee will be moving in.

I've always loved dogs, and am confident in my ability to train, take care of, and accept this (major) responsibility.

For the next year or so, I live and work in the same building - so if needed, I can go downstairs and check in on my dog, take it out for a walk, etc.

My building also is full of other dog owners, so I know there are plenty of dog walkers/caretakers around if needed.

Finally, my mother who lives in Manhattan is a former dog owner, so if I'm traveling/out of town she will be there to take care of it.

So! Finally getting to my questions:

1) Being that I'm in a 700 sf apartment in Manhattan, what are some breeds that are suited best for this type of environment? I.e. something that doesn't need a ton of room/space to run around? I've researched that bulldogs, boston terriers, and pugs are great options for this...

2) Given the space constraints, I'd need a dog that is not as "hyper," and is content lounging around the house and doesn't need a ton of company (no way I can handle/fit another dog in the house). Are there any additional breeds that I should be exploring?

3) Is there a particular time of the year I should get a dog and start training? I'm assuming summer is best? I also have a house in Long Island where we go in the summers, the dog will have a lot more room to run around/play there on the weekends...

4) As a first time owner should I be looking at a puppy? Or an older dog that perhaps is in a foster home and slightly trained?

5) Any breeds to stay away from or have huge medical issues? I know bulldogs can have hip problems and pugs with their breathing...

6) Any other tips/advice for someone like me

Thanks!
I would stay away from puppies  
bigblue12 : 6/19/2017 4:33 pm : link
We just rescued a 3 year old pit bull/lab mix who is awesome. Not one accident and she sleeps through the night in her crate, no problem. Good luck.
I have an English Bulldog, they are ideal for apartments  
David in LA : 6/19/2017 4:37 pm : link
Most of his day is spent snoozing away on my couch. He'll have his short spurts of energy, and he likes to rough house for a brief moment. Haven't had any breathing issues or problems with his hips, but he does have arthritis now.
I would always recommend rescuing a dog,  
Section331 : 6/19/2017 4:38 pm : link
rather than buying a puppy, especially as a first-time dog owner. A rescue dog should be pretty well trained, and there are so many that need homes.

My wife and I have rescued a few greyhounds. I know they would seem to be counter-intuitive - a large dog living in a small space - but they are extremely mellow creatures, and only need a little exercise every day. They are major couch potatoes, and sleep up to 16 hours a day.

Good luck in whatever you choose, getting a dog is a great decision.
I used to hate pugs  
santacruzom : 6/19/2017 4:45 pm : link
Until I got one, and now it would be tough for me to consider another dog. I'm just not sure they're well-suited for New York since they don't handle hot weather well. They also shed the living shit out of their fur.
We adopted a Shih-tzu/probably mini Schnauzer mix...  
MOOPS : 6/19/2017 4:54 pm : link
about 3 years ago. Eleven pounds, non-shedding and generally laid back. Doesn't need long walks.
We had her in an apartment while we were in transition and she was great in limited space.
French Bulldog might be best in your situation  
NYG27 : 6/19/2017 4:54 pm : link
The breed historically is a mix between Bulldogs and Pugs, which are two dogs great for small spaces and just like to lounge around with you on the couch.

Although the French Bulldog doesn't have the shedding issue as the pug does and is only a fraction of the size of a Bulldog, which would benefit you in your 700 sq ft apartment.
She was an 8 month (approx) rescue....  
MOOPS : 6/19/2017 4:56 pm : link
when we got her.
Bulldog is a great breed for apartment living  
aimrocky : 6/19/2017 5:00 pm : link
I have an American, who's way too big for your situation, but he sleeps for about 22 hours a day. He moves around a little before and after work, but quickly gives up and goes back to his bed. His major issue is skin allergies. I'm bringing him in every other month with a new rash.
RE: French Bulldog might be best in your situation  
Anando : 6/19/2017 5:29 pm : link
In comment 13504191 NYG27 said:
Quote:
The breed historically is a mix between Bulldogs and Pugs, which are two dogs great for small spaces and just like to lounge around with you on the couch.

Although the French Bulldog doesn't have the shedding issue as the pug does and is only a fraction of the size of a Bulldog, which would benefit you in your 700 sq ft apartment.


I've heard Frenchies can be quite hyper around other dogs and chew up a lot of stuff around the house - has this been your experience?
I am a confirmed bulldog lover.  
3putt : 6/19/2017 6:29 pm : link
They are perfect for your situation. However, they shed a lot and they do tend to have eye, skin and hip problems. Mine is 8 years old. So far, eye problem, no skin issues, and hip issues haven't YET appeared. He's our second. All the problems aside, they are worth it.
Rescue if you can.  
ctc in ftmyers : 6/19/2017 6:39 pm : link
As others have said, while everyone wants a puppy, it's nice to get a trained dog.

You MUST still go through all the obedience classes just to bond with your dog as well as learn how to handle a dog the right ways.

If you can't find what you want from a rescue, which is damn near impossible. By all means get what you think is the best fit for you.

Good luck. We want to see pictures.
RE: RE: French Bulldog might be best in your situation  
NYG27 : 6/19/2017 7:25 pm : link
In comment 13504219 Anando said:
Quote:
In comment 13504191 NYG27 said:


Quote:


The breed historically is a mix between Bulldogs and Pugs, which are two dogs great for small spaces and just like to lounge around with you on the couch.

Although the French Bulldog doesn't have the shedding issue as the pug does and is only a fraction of the size of a Bulldog, which would benefit you in your 700 sq ft apartment.



I've heard Frenchies can be quite hyper around other dogs and chew up a lot of stuff around the house - has this been your experience?


Two family members currently have had Frenchies for the past 3-5 years. They are hyper around other dogs but in isolation situations are very calm. Didn't sound like you might be getting two dogs yet, so that shouldn't be an issue. As far as chewing, normal puppy training needs to be done when teething but both have outgrown it for the most part. Although one will destroy any slipper if left unattended. LOL
BTW - Get your fiance involved in the process  
NYG27 : 6/19/2017 7:30 pm : link
You mentioned you'll be getting married soon, definitely get your fiance involved. Get feedback from them on what their preferences are and put that into account. Have them feel like they have a vested interest in this process.
RE: BTW - Get your fiance involved in the process  
ctc in ftmyers : 6/19/2017 7:48 pm : link
In comment 13504326 NYG27 said:
Quote:
You mentioned you'll be getting married soon, definitely get your fiance involved. Get feedback from them on what their preferences are and put that into account. Have them feel like they have a vested interest in this process.


+1 if you want to get married.
A few English Bulldog fans here...  
lono801 : 6/19/2017 8:15 pm : link
I'm not much of a dog/pet guy myself...but I have been dog sitting an English Bulldog for the past 6 months...

Perfect dog for an apartment... She's perfectly content hanging in the AC...or chilling on the deck when it cools off.

Such a sweet goofy personality...you can tell when she wakes up crabby or in a good mood...it's totally cracks me up. And she has a face only a mother could love...

If you do opt for an English Bulldog...be ready to be woken up by snoring...she wakes my ass up with her snoring. Part of the breeds charm I guess...

She's 7 I think...her hips are starting to go...which makes using the stairs for bathroom breaks a bit difficult.

The one and only MAJOR negative...the shedding is insane. I have not put away my vacuum for 6 months. I have to sweep and vacuum daily. Even when diligent...I still find dog hair everywhere.

They have breath that could knock a buzzard off a shit house door...

That said...great dog. Other than the shedding...I'm going to miss her when she goes home.

And I don't like dogs...
Get a rescue  
markky : 6/19/2017 9:16 pm : link
They do a great job matching dogs with owners and their situations.

We rescued one from Louisiana. They flew it up to Boston where we picked it up. So you are not limited to one already in NYC. And like I said, they represent the dogs very honestly. We got one that just lays around and doesn't bark but is very sweet. Low maintenance.

Sounds like you've given this a lot of thought. You'll be a great owner to some lucky dog.
NYG27  
Marty in Albany : 6/19/2017 10:30 pm : link
+2
the first thing you should do is run this by your fiance  
gtt350 : 6/19/2017 11:14 pm : link
.
Shih-tzu Or Yorkie  
Daniel in Kentucky : 6/20/2017 12:31 am : link
I've owned both in small quarters.
Excellent dogs and don't need a lot of roaming room.
Both needy and both are snuggle bugs.

Currently own an Australian Shepperd.
Would never recommend that in your situation.

Just know the two dogs I recommended will fall in love with you and they will wait at the door all day for you. So if you want to go out for drinks after work and aren't a home-body I would not suggest them as a match.

It's just cruel to get a dog that requires a consistient amount or affection and attention and deny them.
Also...  
Daniel in Kentucky : 6/20/2017 12:34 am : link
No shedding!
RE: Shih-tzu Or Yorkie  
jcn56 : 6/20/2017 12:37 am : link
In comment 13504472 Daniel in Kentucky said:
Quote:
I've owned both in small quarters.
Excellent dogs and don't need a lot of roaming room.
Both needy and both are snuggle bugs.

Currently own an Australian Shepperd.
Would never recommend that in your situation.

Just know the two dogs I recommended will fall in love with you and they will wait at the door all day for you. So if you want to go out for drinks after work and aren't a home-body I would not suggest them as a match.

It's just cruel to get a dog that requires a consistient amount or affection and attention and deny them.


Shih Tzu and Yorkie was the call here with similar requirements, and couldn't make up our minds, so we went with a hybrid (that's what you call a mutt when a puppy mill wants to make top dollar). Our shorkie seems to be made for NYC, the only thing he's missing is a metrocard. I'd stop short of saying he's needy but the little fucker will take all the attention you can give him and still want more. He's very chill though, which was important because my wife was not a dog person and would probably have had a hard time with a high strung dog.

Doesn't shed, not particularly hard on those with allergies (no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed, but he's not bad when we have visitors with allergies). Likes his exercise but won't get nutty if he goes a day or two without more than his usual walks.
French Bulldogs are pretentious....  
Milton : 6/20/2017 1:25 am : link
And with an English Bulldog there won't be the language barrier.
Go to your local shelter  
Spike13 : 6/20/2017 5:03 pm : link
and adopt a dog ( I've have three of them). We usually go with the older dogs that interest no one. They have already gone through the terrible two's, and IMHO, they appreciate any love they can get. We have a boxer/greyhound mix, that was used as a bait dog for 8, years; a pit bull, we found on side of 95, after being hit by a car; & a Lab mix that survived a hurricane in Puerto Rico.

You'll be surprised what you spend on a dog annually. Saving one not only makes you feel good, but the dogs are so appreciative. I can tell you this, as a Veteran with issues, they give me a reason to get up in the morning. Good luck with your search.
Thank you to everyone for your feedback. Very helpful  
Anando : 6/20/2017 5:45 pm : link
Some comments:

1) Yes, I'm definitely trying to get my fiancee involved. She's also a first time owner and is not a big "dog person," hence our looking for a dog with the aforementioned characteristics.

2) Will definitely rescue a "younger" dog, but not a puppy. I don't think we have the skills/time yet to train a puppy.

3) Obedience classes a must. I can stay committed to this

4) We will stay away from the more "needy" dogs as mentioned in this thread. Both of us are working professionals so no one will really be around the house

5) Going to narrow down our search to bulldogs (both english and french), boston terriers, and shi tzus
This  
ctc in ftmyers : 6/20/2017 7:04 pm : link
"Obedience classes a must. I can stay committed to this."

When you have a well trained dog, and more importantly, a well trained owner, you and your companion will immensely enjoy your time together.
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would be a great dog  
PatersonPlank : 6/20/2017 9:25 pm : link
We rescue two at a time, 4 yrs and older usually. Small love to lay around, and are very smart and affectionate.
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