Hello! I'm realistically a year to a couple of years out from getting a dog, but I really enjoy reading about dogs and planning. While I have specific breeds I'm interested in, I'm also open to adopting a dog. I just wanted to have a general dog-related discussion and I'm curious to chat. Thanks in advance!

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1. Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs? * Sort of. It will be my first dog owning by myself, but I was the primary carer of my family Labrador when I was 18-23. I trained him when he was a puppy, walked him for 10 km every day when he got older for a couple of years, and took him camping/hiking a lot.
2. Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a [reputable breeder]( http://ownresponsibly.blogspot.com/2011/07/identifying-reputable-breeder.html)? * I have a slight preference for going through a reputable breeder, because I have specific characteristics I'm looking for in a dog. But I am very open to adopting, too.
3. Describe your ideal dog. * I like a dog that follows me around and sleeps at my feet when I'm around the house (velcro dog). I like a dog that I can take on at least an hour walk every day, with the option to take them hiking/on more vigorous activities. I am more inclined to a medium/large size breed. I like a dog that's easily trainable, but not so smart that they need constant mental stimulation in order to not become destructive. I like a dog that's good with other pets (I would like to have a cat). I would like an adaptable dog that enjoys the company of people. I would like a dog that's good with children.
4. What breeds are you interested in and why? * I am particularly interested in English Setters, Vizslas, and Labrador Retrievers. I like all of these dogs because they are active, intelligent, trainable, companionable, and sensitive.
5. What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do? * I want to train my dog in basic obedience (sit, stay, down, come, leave it, off, etc.) I also like my dog to be able to be off-leash when I'm hiking. Beyond that, I don't have specific training needs.
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, I don't have a desire for any of these.

**Care Commitments**

7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day? * I would like to devote a few hours each day in training, playing with, and interacting with my dog. I spend a lot of time at home but I also love to go out and walk around (ideally with my dog!).

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 would be able to devote around 45 minutes in the morning and 60-90 minutes in the evening. I used to walk my family Lab 10 km every day and this was perfect for me. I usually walk at a very brisk pace/jog (i.e. it would take me around 1 hour 15 mins to do a 10 km walk, quite a bit shorter if I jogged or jogged/walked). I would like to take my dog to the dog park on a regular basis. I value off-leash time with my dog. Hiking is great.

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 would be willing to brush every day, but would prefer every few days. I am open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, and clipping nails/brushing teeth.

**Personal Preferences**

10) What size dog are you looking for? * Medium-large. Medium being ideal, as I live in an apartment.

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle? * Shedding is fine for me, but a Husky shed is probably on the "too much" side. I don't like barking very much, I prefer a quieter dog who will alert me if there is danger/people knocking at the door, but don't want a yappy dog. Slobber I don't care about.

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area? * It's important to me. I like hiking with my dog.

**Dog Personality and Behavior**

13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space? * Snuggly. I like to be close to my dog.

14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please? * A dog that's 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 am fine with my dog barking when someone knocks on my door or enters my yard. I would like my dog to be friendly with strangers and visitors, I don't like timid dogs as much as I like confident ones.

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs? * I would prefer a dog that's friendly with other dogs.

17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid? * I don't like excessive barking or skittish dogs.

**Lifestyle**

18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone? * The dog will be left alone for a couple of hours every day. But myself and my partner work very different hours so the longest stretch would be two to three hours at a time.

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 partner would be involved in dog care. I believe I would be the primary care-giver for walks, due to my work hours.

20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they? * I would like to get a Maine Coon cat. So, a large house cat.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly? * No, but I would like to have children within the next 5-7 years.

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease? * Yes, I live in an apartment. I will continue to live in an apartment, though not the one I am currently in. I would find an apartment that is dog-friendly before I got a dog, so that's not as much of a consideration for me.

23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds? * I live in a large city in the United States. I don't believe there are any laws banning certain breeds.

24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live? * The average summer day where I live is 85-90 degrees Farenheit/29-32 degrees Celcius. The average winter day is 25-30 degrees Farenheit/-2-1 degrees Celcius.

**Additional Information and Questions**

25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant. * I live in an apartment. I will continue to live in an apartment in the city likely for the next 5 years. I hope to have a backyard, but that's not a guarantee. I can take my dog to the park a lot as I live close to a couple of parks (think 5-10 minute walk) with dog runs/off-leash times. I live in a big city where there is lots of traffic, noise, people, and other dogs. I would like a dog that's adaptable and friendly, and not going to be afraid of a busy environment.