Decided Against Getting The Puppy...

[lv4dogs]

I'm gald that you had the opportunity to try out the puppy before making any commitments. That was awful nice of the owners.

An adult dog does sound like its the way to go.
Please consider all breeds though, I know you had a terrible experience with a rott, but if bred & raised properly they & pitts are AWESOME family dogs. Many good reputable trainers & vets will say that they may ever surpass the lab & golden as far as being a family dog if they are bred & raised properly. I'm not saying you have to or should get one but please don't over look them completely. But if you truly feel you are better off with another breed than by all means go for it.
I wish you the best of luck!

[k9krazee]

Thats great that you got a "trial run" with the puppy. And I definately agree that an adult dog is a great choice. J-Ball is so handsome (don't particularly care for the name )

Please consider all breeds though, I know you had a terrible experience with a rott, but if bred & raised properly they & pitts are AWESOME family dogs.

I agree. I have a Rott, Shadow and she is the best family dog. She was a pup when my mom did daycare and there were always tons of kids climbing and laying on her and she just adores kids now and is extremely gentle. My lab mix on the other hand has no respect for children and tramples them, not really on purpose but hes just a clumsy puppy.

Good luck finding a dog thats right for you and your family!!!

[slleipnir]

I think if you want something calmer and more well behavied, an older dog is definetly a better choice. I own a lab, and although she loves to run and play and gets excited, she is a very calm dog at home. She will lay down with me if I'm laying down or being lazy, or she will jump right up to go and play. Whatever I'm doing is what she is doing!

Goodluck finding the perfect dog! I'm glad to hear you didn't get the first thing you saw only ending up to regret it!