Introduction

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

• No, this will not be my first dog. I've previously had family dogs growing up (Husky mix, Frenchie, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever). As an adult I've had a Labrador, a Lab/Weim mix, and a GSP/Brittany mix. I also volunteered as a puppy raiser (4 Goldens, 6 Labs), as well as a service dog trainer (Labs, Goldens, Poodles). I've also fostered for animal rescues, (mixes and ACD's).

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

• Def prefer a breeder for a more predictable dog and health screened parents. I also want to wait until she's full grown to spay which most rescue's wont allow.

3) Describe your ideal dog.

• Friendly, outgoing, okay with strangers and random dogs (ie in training classes and come upon on walks), loves training and hiking. More wash and wear type coat. On the quieter side (less barking please).

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

• Labs, Goldens, maybe a Weimaraner though I'm unsure about their anxiety).

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

• All the things. Basic obedience plus dog sports, (rally, agility, nosework, maybe barn hunt).

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?

• Yes, lots of experience with previous 2 dogs.

Care Commitments

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

• 1-2 hours for myself. My husband will take dog to work with him so lots of hours of interacting.

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?

• 1-2 hours. Hiking, training, walks. Absolutely no dog parks.

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 loved having poodles and grooming them but I'm looking for a less needy coat. I like the wash and wear coat of a Lab. Totally willing to trim hair/nails, clean ears, etc.

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for?

• 30-80lbs

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

• Shedding-less is better but not an issue. Barking-less is needed. I cant stand barky dogs. Slobber is okay but less is better.

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

• ?Very. Lots of off leash hiking/training.

Dog Personality and Behavior

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

• Would love a snuggly dog. Our previous dog slept under the bed covers with us.

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?

• Ignores, doesnt care, or happy. I am not looking for any type of guard dog.

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?

• Guarding, aggression.

Lifestyle

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

• Very rarely.

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

• SO loves Akitas, ACDs, and Shibas. Pretty much the exact opposite of me. Will be 50/50 taking care of dog.

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

• No other pets but want to add second dog eventually.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• No children in house however dog will be seeing them often at parks and family.

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

• We own our house.

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

• Philadelphia, PA area. No breed bans, (but I'm not interested in any that would typically be banned any way)

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

• Cold, sometimes snowy winters average 30-50. Summer can be hot and humid.

Additional Information and Questions

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

• Looking for any out of the box ideas. I love sporting breeds and they seem to be a perfect fit for us. I would love a field spaniel but SO doesn't like the look of them. Not sure about anxiety of a Weimaraner and if we could handle the energy of a GSP. A more field bred Lab would probably work but I've had a difficult time finding one I like the looks of.

26) Feel free to ask any questions below.