Introduction

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

• Yes. Had a kelpie growing up as a kid. He was just a family/farm dog with little to no training.

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

• I would be happy to rescue a dog but have reservations about behaviour problems. If it's the right dog/feels right I'm not fussed where the pooch comes from.

3) Describe your ideal dog.

• One that would love to go outdoors (camping/bushwalking/hiking) with me but can also be happy home alone or just hanging out with us at home.

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

• I'm interested in medium to large dogs. Don't mind if it's mixed bred or pure. I love the look of GSD, suitability of GR for first time owners and the fitness levels of working breeds such as kelpies and GSP. My sister had a Vizla and she is beautiful, looks and temprement. Temprement is probably key for us. A calm friendly dog!

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

• Obedience, strong recall and lots of socialisation. I'd also consider agility and tracking training.

Care Commitments

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

• A couple of hours. Training, however much it needs/takes but not so much I get bored before the dog does. Playing/interacting, I imagine that as long as I am home/not at work, the dog will either be at my side or not far away.

7) 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?

• On average, around 2-3 hours a day. Hopefully walking and exercise at off leash dog parks.

8) 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?

• Willing to do maybe 20-30 minutes a day or once or twice a week. I would be open to trimming and cleaning coat and ears if it's only once or twice a week. I would be open to paying a pro to do this.

Personal Preferences

9) What size dog are you looking for?

• Knee height. 50-60cms.

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

• Shedding, would prefer less but I'm realistic. Barking, it's fine in reasonable settings/circumstances but the less the better. Slobber, the less the better.

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

• Very!

Dog Personality and Behavior

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

• 70/30 snuggly/personal space

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

• Eager to please

14) 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?

• Wary but confident approachable. Knocking on the door, alert and attentive but not barking and crazy. People entering the yard, much the same. Curious/wary but friendly enough he can be petted.

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

• Not so much.

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

• Seperation anxiety and resource guarding.

Lifestyle

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

• My partner and I both work. Although the only time would he would be left alone would be the occasional shopping trip or social outing when my partner and I both go. The occasional weekend away. But he would be left alone regularly fri, sat and sun night 5pm to 11:30pm while my partner and I are both at work.

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

• It's only my partner and I. She wants a larger dog and would be very involved in it's care/training. She wants a protective(ish) snuggly buddy who will hang out with her, especially when I am at work and she is by herself. Otherwise what we want in a dog is very similar.

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

• Domestic medium-haired cat. We both love her to bits and it would be AWESOME if he and the dog became friends.

20) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• Not so much but we want to make an effort by introducing the dog to as many types of people as possible.

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

• We rent now and will most likely rent into the foreseeable future. I can't comment on breed/weight restrictions. Currently I don't think there are any on our property.

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

• Australia, larger rural city of 100,000 people in the state of Victoria. No laws regarding the types of breeds we're interested in.

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

• Summer - 25-30 Celsius. Winter - 8-15 Celsius.

Hope I've done this right. Thanks again!