So, I'm considering on adopting a dog. (tips/suggestion, please?)

[CountryWolf07]

Personally, I think a cat is more appropriate at this stage of life for you.

With a dog, you HAVE to be home at a certain time to walk it. What if you need to talk with someone after a class? The smaller breed like you listed, they need to "go" every 4 hours!

Just my thoughts. Sorry, I know it isn't what you want to hear. Cats are great company, too!

I never had such good luck with cats. Every cat I have held or touched, bit me. So I don't know if cats are actually that friendly or whatnot... and dogs are better company to me, in my opinion.

[Giselle]

It really depends on how much time you can devote. Corgis are high energy herding dogs. Don't let those stubby legs fool you I know many corgis, and they are every bit as active as a larger breed. Unfortunately, some people don't realize that and I've seen VERY obese corgis. Depending on Cardigan vs. Pembroke, as well, certain corgis can be more headstrong than others.

To be honest, I don't think Chis should be recommended as first time dogs as much as they are (which could probably explain for why there are SO many homeless Chis in my area). They're feisty, intelligent, loyal dogs. As a result, they can get headstrong and jealous very easily. As cute as they are, they need firm rules and clear leadership. Poms tend to be less 'feisty' in that sense, but they, too, are dogs and need to be treated as such. My friend is a very weak leader and her Pom walks all over her. Yet, whenever we dogsit for the Pom, she is always on her best behavior.

I think your best bet is a trip to the local shelters and seeing who's out there

[Shelteez2]

I too think you should go to a shelter and see what's there.... my first thought when I looked at the breeds you listed were, yappy, yappy, yappy and yappy. lol That is something you should take into consideration if you will be living in an apartment.

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

I too think you should go to a shelter and see what's there.... my first thought when I looked at the breeds you listed were, yappy, yappy, yappy and yappy. lol That is something you should take into consideration if you will be living in an apartment.

Hey take dat back!! We iz not yappy just very expressive Luv Chopper.

I would visit the shelter too. You can house train your dog (if it is small enough) to use a potty box too for the times when you might be gone a little longer than normal. Chopper has a box that I just put a puppy pad in and change as needed. Granite I work at home so he has the option to go outside during the day too. As far as needing to go frequently I think that depends on the dog. Chopper is only 3.5 pounds and he could easliy go an 8 hour work day without having to use the bathroom and he has food and water down at all times. The yappiness too in smaller breeds is controllable, you just have to work with them. Chopper is actually very quiet and only barks if someone comes to the door, after a couple barks from all three of mine I say "quiet" and they all stop. Squirt bottles are a good method of teaching them to stop barking. Mine all learned in two or three squirts and Duke is over 7 years old. Maybe you could find a smaller mix that is not demanding in the exercise department since you will have no yard for them to play in, also try petfinder.com when you get serious. Just but the name of the breed you like most and it will list all the mixes with that in it too. They have a lot of great dogs listed on there.

Take into consideration how long your day is where you will be away from the house. All dogs need human companionship and leaving him/her home alone for to great of a time is unfair. Good luck.

[4 Dog Mother]

I think getting a shelter dog would be a great idea. You can get one that is a little older - like a year that is already house trained. We got Dazzi from a friend who gave her to us when he got divorced and was moving to an apartment. He had got her from the shelter when she was about a year old. She is the best trained dog! She comes when you call, she doesn't leave the yard except for a little wandering and comes back the moment you call her name even in mid bunny chase, was house trained, rides well in the car, and in general is a great dog. We didn't have to deal with chewing, or any of the other things you have to deal with with puppies. I would think in Columbus you would have a great choice of dogs of all ages and types. Good luck in whatever you decide!

[Shelteez2]

Sorry if I offended anyone with the yappy comment. That wasn't my intention. I have a yappy dog. Shelties are known to be barkers, and my girl is. She too doesn't really bark in the house though, unless someone comes to the door. However, I could not live in an apartment with her, with noise above, below and beside us. I've been in some apartments, where when the neighbors door was knocked on it sounded like it was right outside. I just wanted her to keep that under consideration. Of course most all dogs bark, and there are exceptions to every rule.

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

Sorry if I offended anyone with the yappy comment. That wasn't my intention. I have a yappy dog. Shelties are known to be barkers, and my girl is. She too doesn't really bark in the house though, unless someone comes to the door. However, I could not live in an apartment with her, with noise above, below and beside us. I've been in some apartments, where when the neighbors door was knocked on it sounded like it was right outside. I just wanted her to keep that under consideration. Of course most all dogs bark, and there are exceptions to every rule.

None taken

[Pam]

Well, I know a standard poodle is probably larger than you were looking for but I just had to put in my own personal plug for them. My Bella only barks if Ripley gets her started and, though she does love racing through the yard and playing fetch, she does not demand lots of daily exercise. She is quite happy to just lay around during the day. Of course the downside is the grooming requirement.

I would like to suggest a shelter dog but, even better than that, how about a dog who has been fostered? Then you get the added bonus of knowing in advance how the dog behaves in a home environment (that would help you evaluate the "quiet" factor). Also many are housebroken or the foster mom or dad is working on that. Just a thought.

[Sevaede]

To be honest, I don't think Chis should be recommended as first time dogs as much as they are (which could probably explain for why there are SO many homeless Chis in my area). They're feisty, intelligent, loyal dogs. As a result, they can get headstrong and jealous very easily. As cute as they are, they need firm rules and clear leadership. Poms tend to be less 'feisty' in that sense, but they, too, are dogs and need to be treated as such. My friend is a very weak leader and her Pom walks all over her. Yet, whenever we dogsit for the Pom, she is always on her best behavior.

I completely agree with what you said about Chihuahuas.

Although, I must disagree with you, Shelteez2, on the yappy comment. My Chi rarely barks. Usually only when there is a knock on the door.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

I will be living alone and I will want to have company when I come home after classes and whatnot.

I fully understand your reasons but look at that statement from the dog's point of view. He/she will be living alone while you are at classes and there is sure to be a social life........... will you really have time for a dog when you are in your last year of studies???

If you want canine company is there a shelter where you can help out when/if you have spare time?

[kimlovescats]

First, could you PLEASE make your font bigger? Some of us 'not so young' ones can't read it good even with our bi-focals!

September is pretty far away, so it's good that you are planning way ahead! My Doxie has always been indoors since she was a baby, but has truly been the best and easiest one of ours to housebreak and control her actions. She is very smart and minds completely and quickly. With her very short legs, a good few laps around the room is great exercise for her, but also she is a miniature Doxie. I don't know, maybe we have been extremely lucky with her but I've heard others who thought the same of their Doxies.

Good luck in your search!

[Pam]

I can totally understand your desire to have a furry friend waiting for you at the end of the day. There is nothing like it! I only have two thoughts in that regard. The first concerns barking which all dogs will do at some time. I know that many people have dogs in apartments but I am wondering how well even minimal barking plays out with the neighbors.

Secondly, and perhaps more important, is the last walk of the night. I am assuming you live in a safe area, but unfortunately in some areas it is not wise for women to be outside at night walking a dog. I guess I have been hearing too many of these *missing women* stories on TV but it would be a concern to me and I just thought I'd pass it on.

[angelbow20]

Whi not something like a bassett hound, bull dog or boston terrier or even a shi tzu or cocker? mixed dogs are always great also.

[molucass]

Although, I must disagree with you, Shelteez2, on the yappy comment. My Chi rarely barks. Usually only when there is a knock on the door.

Deebo hardly ever barks.. Only when someone new comes in the house that he doesn't know or if someone knocks on the door. Other than that, he's very quiet.

However, I do see the point she was trying to make with living in an apartment.. If someone surrounding your apartment made the slightest noise, Deebo probably would bark.. We don't live in an apartment, so that doesn't really become a problem for us.