Introduction
Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
My first dog, never owned or stayed near one for a long time. Partner trained and owned dog for several years
Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?
Reputable breeder. We have looked at rescue and I don't think we are confident with a big dog.
Describe your ideal dog.
One which is affectionate, fairly easy to train (but prepared to train a lot if needed), smaller in size, able to be at home on it's own for some periods of the day.
What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
Shiba-Inus. Due in fact to their nature, their apperance, and my partner having experience with a friend for advisement.
Pugs. We were suggested them from a friend due to their smaller size, training methods etc.
But open to smaller dog types
What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
For me, nothing specific. Just standard training. Partner trained their dog to clean its feet coming in but other then that! Haha!
Care Commitments
How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
During work days, we will be on shift work. So we will dediate as much time as possible. Partner has 1 hour lunch and a minute from work. So full time then. All the time in the evenings and all weekend. One of friends works from home and will be able to spend time interacting with said dog on days.
Training, as long as needed. Happy to dediate time and days to do so.
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?
A few hours a day. A huge park we are moving next to is popular for dog walkers. We also live near a large field so time will be used to walk and train the dog outside. Daily walks.
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?
Yes. Regularly either ourselves, or we have nearby areas for grooming if needed. Partner experiencing in washing dog wrangling so we happy to do as much as needed.
Personal Preferences
What size dog are you looking for?
Smaller dogs.
How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
A much as needed. Barking maybe less as we are semi-detached but I think neighbours understand dog barks. (and hope they do!)
How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
Not important. Enclosed garden with large grass space. Parks allow unleashed dogs.
Only area is field as it's near a large main road.
Dog Personality and Behavior
Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
Snuggly.
Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
If possible both. Okay to leave on it's own and indepedantly look after itself. But happy to give it attention if needed.
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?
To either run to the door, or if it barks to be able to quiet it if needed.
Strangers and visitors with some caution (as all dogs tend to do). But friendly if possible.
Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
Honestly, I can't answer that. Partner's previous dog was managed as it barked at all dogs and was managed. So yes?
Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
From experience with friends dogs, one which doesn't destroy the house if left on it's own. Pretty sure we can look and adapt as needed.
Lifestyle
How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
Honestly depends on the day. I work shift of anything from 9-5, 8-4, 10-6 and 12-8. My partner works from 9-4.30.
His lunches are 12, so an hour during the day with the dog.
So most is 4 hours alone before some contact (without friend looking after)
What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?
No preference. Happy to look after dog if away. Can feed, train, look after, wash and generally maintain until we return if needed.
Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
No pets. Unless you count visiting siblings.
Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
Not regularly. On occassion.
Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?
Buying our own house. So preference is ours alone.
What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
Bradford, West Yorkshire. None that I know of off the top of my head.
What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
Summer (this year has been the hottest) 17 - 20 degrees
Winter (again last year the coldest ever) 4 degrees - 6 degrees
Feel free to ask any questions below.