Introduction

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

• Two dogs now. One is getting older, so starting to consider what's next.

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

• No. Good experiences with both.

3) Describe your ideal dog.

• Tolerant of cats and family. Not too loud. Not destructive.

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

• All of them! That's why I am trying this. I see something to love in all of them, except maybe for "bully breeds" since I feel like they might make other people nervous or worried.

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

• Sit, stay, leave it, heel, not try to escape (Shiba owner--it gets old)

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?

• 1-2 hours

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 hour and yes parks are 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 am OK at it, except nails. I seem to hit the "quick" every time.

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for?

• No pref.

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

• Some is fine.

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

• That would be so cool! I have never had the luxury yet.

Dog Personality and Behavior

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

• snuggly

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

• Eager to please would be great!

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?

• Watch-dogging is good as long as they can be called off. Other people should be treated with respect, but curiosity seems natural and oK with me.

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

• Rather not.

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

• Destructive chewing. Been lucky so far, but have seem some friends' really struggle with it.

Lifestyle

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

• Rarely if at all. Vacations.

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

• We are all fans.

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

• German SH Pointer, 2 cats.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• No.

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

• No.

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

• No bans I know of. Oregon.

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

• Summer can get quite hot (100 ), winters generally pretty mild (30s-40s)

Additional Information and Questions

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

• Prefer to start with a puppy.

26) Feel free to ask any questions below.