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

[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.

[beeniesmom]

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.

Unless you've owed a boston terrier, you have no idea how active they are.
Beenie tore up the bathroom twice when she was a little puppy. Thak God it was my own home and not a rental or we would have been in BIG trouble.

Frankie was a little more laid back but he still did his share of chewing the wood molding around the house if left unattended for 5 min. Now that they are older, they are great.

A boston puppy would be a no no but an older boston would a better idea.

Get whatever apt. friendly breed you want. Just consider that the more excerise the buggers get, the less damage they cause in the house! hehe



I have others of all the wood eaten in my bathroom and rugs eaten... etc. Don't mean to scare you but you don't want a boston puppy.

[caseysmom]

My casey is 40 lbs but she is the most mellow dog, she never barks and it content to sit on the coach and do nothing all day. She can hold her bladder forever also.

My advice would be to talk to the shelter workers and get the most mellow dog they have, I would not think size would be a big issue. Bubba is mellow now he is half shihtzu half poodle, I would not want him in an apartment though because he is barky and when he was a puppy he was awful! I think a dog at least 2 or 3 would be a good choice.

[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.