Rory is very good with other dogs and children, but I think he’d love a little sister to cuddle with. We’ve filled in the form. What breed and means of finding a little lady, shall we choose? All suggestions and comments welcome.

Introduction

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

• No, am proud momma to a 9 year old Shar Pei Male, named Rory. I do clicker and hand signals with him. We went to training classes at 5 months old (two different trainers)

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

• I’d like to rescue but as I am disabled we have been discriminated against. Ideally we’d like to adopt a 1-3 year old from a foster home, that would allow for slow introduction, walks together and night stays before moving in. It’s rare breeders have older dogs, but would of course consider any option. I don’t expect a free lunch.

3) Describe your ideal dog.

• small-medium size neutered female 1-4 years old. playful, friendly, adaptable, (I have a wheelchair) Willing to learn (we love clicker training), Good with other pets, dogs and kids. (I baby sit occasionally) doesn’t get too defensive of mum or nippy with strangers. Able to entertain herself when mum is working from home. Loving towards big bro and wiling to play with him on his terms.

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

• Shih Tzu, (I’ve had one before, am experienced with small breeds and grooming costs) Frenchie, (cute and quite robust) Poodle (laid back and doesn’t shed) Brussels Griffon (friendly and have less health issues than my adored pugs) Maltese (another lovely small breed) crosses of any of these would also suit.

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

• We do clicker training - Meal times: Sit, wait Go ahead) turning circles, find which hand has the treat, give paw, no begging, Not pulling on the lead. Rory doesn’t like being left but settles eventually.

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?

• We usually short bursts of training 3 times per day. I’m home all day with my pets. So I talk to them and pet them madly haha

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?

• An Hours walk a day with dog walker, yard playtime with toys and just hanging out. training sessions. Rory’s not one for chasing a ball. He’d rather lay in the sun.

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 groom Rory and dog walkers bathe him. He sheds a lot lol. I am familiar with grooming needs and cost of non shedding breeds. Am ready, experienced and willing.

Personal Preferences

10) What size of dog

• Small - medium

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

• Excessive barking isn’t good, I have close neighbours. Used to slobber and hair though.

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

• Not keen on being off lead but happy to use extension leads

Dog Personality and Behavior

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

• Happy medium, I adore licky dogs but have to be on my laptop so can’t cuddle all day

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

• Again a happy medium. Shar peis are stubborn and it can be a pain. but he loves to learn new things. So less stubborn than a pei, but content in her own company.

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?

• With a good bark that decelerates to cautious friendliness. Rory acts agressive but really isn’t. It makes delivery folk nervous, until they get to know him. Wouldn’t like a repeat of that.

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?

• Biting/nipping, agressive over protection of mum, excessive soiling of home

Lifestyle

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

• Once or twice a week, max 3 hours.

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

• Carers are happy to occasionally feed another dog as needed. Dog walkers are helping in search.

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

• not allowed more, have a little corn snake already.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• once or twice a month.

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions: Allowed two of any species with a max of 4 pets

Additional Information and Questions

Couple of questions got deleted? I’ll edit them back in after posting

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

• I do spend some days in bed, about twice a week. Dogs are walked as normal and fed by carers. Rory normally gives me stink eye, but is then happy to nap all day beside mum.

26) Feel free to ask any questions below.