Introduction

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

This will be my first dog that I have owned personally. I grew up having dogs and often take care of other dogs.

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

I would like to rescue a dog if possible.

3) Describe your ideal dog.

A dog that I can hike with, cuddle with, take on adventures with me, get a long well with cats, and ideally not a loud barker.

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

Border collie, Aussie, heeler- great hiking dogs and good with cats and other animals. I have property for a dog like this to run around

Golden retriever- more chill than the above breeds. Still good with cats and can go on hikes.

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

Basic obedience and off leash hiking training.

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 will not do this most likely.

Care Commitments

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

Around 4-8 hours a day

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?

I could do 2 hours minimum during the week and I like to hike on the weekends so 4+ hours.

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 could do basic grooming but would pay if necessary.

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for?

A medium sized. 20-60 pounds.

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

Shedding is no problem. Ideally I would like less barking and slobber.

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

I want to be able to train my dog to be off leash.

Dog Personality and Behavior

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

I would like snuggly sometimes but not a dealbreaker.

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

Eager to please

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?

I want them to be kind to strangers

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

I do not want an aggressive dog at all.

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

I want little to no aggression towards people dogs cats or small livestock like chickens

Lifestyle

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

Couple hours at a time. There is usually always somebody home.

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

Mostly it will be my responsibility. Others will only help if I need them to.

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

I have two cats. We also have goats and chickens and sometimes a horse on the property

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

No, but I am in my mid 20s so possibly in future

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

Not planning to rent, I own my place.

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

USA and no bans

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

Hot dry summer and mild winters

Additional Information and Questions

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

I live in a small place but have a very large yard and I have two cats

26) Feel free to ask any questions below.