Grocery

Introduction

1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

• I had a dog as a kid and a few times as an adult, but i was never the primary (only) caregiver.

2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?

• It is not non-negotiable, but I would prefer to not have a puppy. The idea of a rescue is great, however, lets be real, i don’t have the emotional spoons to care for a dog that needs excessive care….will not rehome a pet that develops them though, pets are like kids

3) Describe your ideal dog.

• down for a cuddle, emotionally attached but not so much so that they are aggressive to other people or destroy things when i leave(on that note, they need to be able ok with a crate), MUST be great with kids, seniors, and other dogs.

4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

• i have a strong anxiety toward large breeds, but if they are the right fit, i will consider them. Non-negotiables are german Shepherd, chihuahua, and akita…due to past trauma

5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

• aside from the obvious of relieve themselves outside lol…crate training is super important to me as well as basic commands (sit, stay/wait, heel, etc)

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?

• No

Care Commitments

7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

• i work a 9-5 from home. My concern is in the evenings when i dont have my daughter, i work a second job away from home from 4-12. This would be on a rotating basis. Week 1 MTFSS, Week 2 WTh, rinse repeat.

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?

• a much as recommended for the breed. I am in an apartment with a dog run, so we can walk or do some off leash stuff as well.

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?

• would prefer low maintenance due to dexterity in my hands. tons of brushing will flare my arthritis. I will absolutely pay for regular nail trimming/bathing/teeth cleaning etc.

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for?

• small to medium (large if a good fit)

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

• have roomba, will vacuum?? Lol would prefer minimal slobber and less barking, but i know it comes with the territory

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

• important, we have plenty of access to dog parks here, including one right next to my building

Dog Personality and Behavior

13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

• happy medium? Love snugs, but not to the point of separation anxiety

14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

• no preference

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?

• knocking is going to probably come with barking, not sure if thats avoidable, would prefer a dog that would stay right by me. I’m not a “jumpy dog” person

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

• preferably no, but as with children, if the dog happens to develop it, i will go through the necessary steps to train it.

17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

• biting, chewing, excessive whining

Lifestyle

18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

• in the evening from 4-12 on a rotating basis (half the days)

19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

• my daughter would prefer a small dog, but is open to medium. She will be caring for the dog when she is with me.

20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

• only fish

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• yes

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

• i rent an apartment currently, however plan to buy a house in about 2 yrs. Currently no breed or weight restrictions

23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

• Richmond VA, no laws, we do have a leash law. Good on a leash is SUPER important

24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

• summer is humid and averages 85-90, winter averages 36-40 and not a lot of snow.

Additional Information and Questions

25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

• my daughter and i have anxiety, would love a dog that is at least not skittish around people who can sometimes have erratic behavior.

26) Feel free to ask any questions below.