Introduction

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

• Yes, this will be the first dog and non-fish pet for both me and my partner.

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

• The plan was to get a rescue (my partner very much wanted that) but we haven't been able to find any dogs around for rescue. The plan now is to go through a reputable breeder to find our pet!

3) Describe your ideal dog.

• We're looking for a dog that's more cuddly than not, and where their exercise level is closer to going on walks 2-3 times a day. We're also looking for a "fluffy" dog, something a retriever or mini-poodle.

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

• We've looked at mini-poodles for their size, low shedding; goldens for their temperament, appearance, and general activity level

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

• Other than the "normal" tricks like playing dead, holding out its paw, I would really like a dog who can heel on command and can be trusted off leash in the condo fenced backyard.

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?

• Nope! Don't plan on doing this; I have heard of dog sport classes where they can do this for stimulation (mostly for terriers I think?), but I wouldn't expect to do more than that.

Care Commitments

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

• I'm working from home for the foreseeable future; I would like to be hanging out with them all day so I'm not alone in the home at all time.

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 have about two hours a day (in separate blocks) that can be used to exercise at minimum. I'm expecting two walks a day, time at the condo dog park, and weekend park trips.

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?

• We're willing to brush hair, seems like the price to pay for a cute long haired dog! I'm definitely planning on seeing a professional regularly to do the cutting though.

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for?

• Somewhere between a mini-poodle and a golden retriever.

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

• Shedding is not a problem really, excessive barking is a problem (condo living) and slobbering isn't our favourite!

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

• It's relatively important, I live around a reasonably large amount of green space that is mostly empty so during that time I'd like to be able to go off leash (of course leashing around other people/wildlife)

Dog Personality and Behavior

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

• I'd like one that's more medium, doesn't need to cuddle all the time but would be in the same room or at my side.

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

• I'd like one that's easier to train or would respond well to commands.

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'd like a dog that doesn't' bark a ton at the door and walks up to be curious at the stranger.

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

• I think it would be difficult depending on how aggressive it is. There are a few other dogs in the building and dog park.

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

• I can't think of anything at the moment.

Lifestyle

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

• I work at home and my partner is out for her 9-5, so the dog would generally always have someone at 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?

• My partner really wants a larger dog who doesn't bark too much. They'd be involved in going for walks, and miscellaneous care, but I would be the primary care-giver.

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

• No, we're don't and don't plan on another pet.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• Nope!

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

• We currently own, no restrictions on the pet.

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

• Ottawa, Canada. Don't think there are any particular laws.

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

• Around 27 C in the mid of summer and down to the negative teens in the mid Winter (although there is a lot of windchill)

Additional Information and Questions

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

• This is our first pet and we'd love to get advice, with contacting breeders, care, or even finding animals to rescue.

26) Feel free to ask any questions below.