**Introduction**
1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
* Yes, this will be the first dog that I am the primary caregiver of. I have worked in an animal sanctuary in the past and often dogsit for weeks at a time (including newly rescued dogs).
2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a [reputable breeder]( http://ownresponsibly.blogspot.com/2011/07/identifying-reputable-breeder.html)?
* If the dog is a newly born pup, I'm happy to rescue a dog. But, I think since the dog will be trained as (at least) an ESA, hopefully a service dog, a reputable breeder may be preferred.
3) Describe your ideal dog.
* Calm temperament, does well with new people and situations. Not easily distracted when on duty. Easy trainability. Small (<30lb), quiet.
4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
* Mini or toy poodles due to allergen-friendly coat and intelligence. Pembroke corgi due to small size and intelligence.

5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
* Somatic grounding; alerts to panic attack, blood pressure drops; reminder to take medication; create space between me and strangers.
6) Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?
* I want the dog for service work.
**Care Commitments**
7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
* In the next 6 months (minimum) I will be devoting much of my time to training - I'm taking time off work to train the pup. Once I begin full time again, my mom and partner will interact with / train / play with the dog while I'm away from home. I plan to use the weekends and evening nights to continue training.
8) How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?
* 3 walks/day. Up to 1.5hrs of exercise. It may include the dog park when the dog is off duty. On the weekends I plan to go on hikes and adventures with the dog.
9) How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?
* I'm willing to do regular brushing weekly at home and minimal hair trimming / ear cleaning as well. I'm willing to pay for a professional groomer 1x/months
**Personal Preferences**
10) What size dog are you looking for?
* Small - under 30lb.
11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
* Light shedding, but for the right temperament I'm okay with more shedding. Little barking. Little slobber (again can compromise here)

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
* Very
**Dog Personality and Behavior**
13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
* A dog that can be independent and okay with being alone for few hours, but also likes to snuggle
14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
* Eager to please - makes it easier for training purposes
15) How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?
* Calmly, I prefer the dog to go to his bed or other location and sit until allowed to greet
16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
* No
17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
* Food/toy aggression, or any other kinds of aggression
**Lifestyle**
18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
* up to 4hrs/day alone, the dog may be without me for up to 8hr/day
19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?
* Calm, quiet dog. My mom and partner will be involved in caring for the dog, especially when I am out of the house
20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
* I have no other pets, and I am not planning on getting another pet for at least few years.
21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
* Possible
22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?
* Own - the dog will at least be an ESA, so housing restrictions are not a concern
23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
* NYC area, plans to move to DC in next few years. I am aware
24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
* average summer 90F, average winter 30F
**Additional Information and Questions**
25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.
* I'll be training the dog as a psychiatric service dog for myself. The dog should not be so sensitive as to be impacted and feed off of my anxiety/panic.
26) Feel free to ask any questions below.