So we got a new apartment and can get a dog. We plan on getting one sometime this summer but I want as much information as I can get before we bring it(don't know what sex yet so for now its an it) home. We plan on going to the Humane Society. In San Diego all adoption fees for dogs over 5 have been dropped also for dogs who have been there for more than 30 days(of any age) and dogs under 5 have reduced fees. Same for cats but that another story. The reason is they have seen a huge increase of animals due to the economy and foreclosures here, its bad to say the least. We were already planning on getting a dog before this, the way we look at it is all the money we would have spent to adopt can go to toys and things for the new pooch
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So here are my questions/concerns I need to figure out before the new one arrives. Any advise is greatly appreciated.
1) Monkey is a very selfish kitty. Today she got mad at me for playing catch with the neighbor boy(human). If that bothered her how will she react when I give attention to the new animal? Will she plot to kill me or the dog? How can I help her to realize she is still the ruler of the house and will always loved, without making the dog feel unloved.
2)Should we crate train so when we are not home both stay safe? What are the pros and cons of crate training? Is is mean to do to the dog? It would only be crated 2 days a week for an extended period of time, about 8 hours. they rest of the time it would be with one of us.
3)Should we go for the dogs that are 5+ or look at younger dogs? What will be better for Monkey? We don't care what age it is we just want the transition to go as smooth as possible for Monkey.
4)We do know that we want a small dog, under 20 pounds. Our place is not very big, we do have a yard but at night or times when we are inside we do not want a dog that will take up the whole room. Plus we both love small dogs. Any recommendations on breeds to look at, if they are at the shelter? Mutts are good to but a lot of purebreds are being turned over so we will have both to look at. Any breads we should stay away from, ones that are known for not getting along with cats.
Last one for now
5)What do we need to do when going to look to make sure it gets along with cats? Whats the best way to know? It would break my heart to adopt one only to find out it wanted to kill Monkey and we had to return it. Any suggestions on what questions to ask the staff or what to watch for during the meeting?
Thanks for reading. I am sure over the next few weeks I will have many more questions. I just want whats best for everyone involved, human and animal.
So here are my questions/concerns I need to figure out before the new one arrives. Any advise is greatly appreciated.
1) Monkey is a very selfish kitty. Today she got mad at me for playing catch with the neighbor boy(human). If that bothered her how will she react when I give attention to the new animal? Will she plot to kill me or the dog? How can I help her to realize she is still the ruler of the house and will always loved, without making the dog feel unloved.
2)Should we crate train so when we are not home both stay safe? What are the pros and cons of crate training? Is is mean to do to the dog? It would only be crated 2 days a week for an extended period of time, about 8 hours. they rest of the time it would be with one of us.
3)Should we go for the dogs that are 5+ or look at younger dogs? What will be better for Monkey? We don't care what age it is we just want the transition to go as smooth as possible for Monkey.
4)We do know that we want a small dog, under 20 pounds. Our place is not very big, we do have a yard but at night or times when we are inside we do not want a dog that will take up the whole room. Plus we both love small dogs. Any recommendations on breeds to look at, if they are at the shelter? Mutts are good to but a lot of purebreds are being turned over so we will have both to look at. Any breads we should stay away from, ones that are known for not getting along with cats.
Last one for now
5)What do we need to do when going to look to make sure it gets along with cats? Whats the best way to know? It would break my heart to adopt one only to find out it wanted to kill Monkey and we had to return it. Any suggestions on what questions to ask the staff or what to watch for during the meeting?
Thanks for reading. I am sure over the next few weeks I will have many more questions. I just want whats best for everyone involved, human and animal.