Comments on: Things to consider before adopting a dog

By: Mr. Puggle®

Mr. Puggle® — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:01:07 +0000

You have a really nice blog!

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:25:13 +0000

When people criticize breeders or buying from a breeder, I always think of you and Biggie and how you chose him in the most responsible and reasonable way possible. I would like to get a Swiss mountain dog someday, and to do that I will likely go through a breeder.

By: Biggie-Z

Biggie-Z — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:18:04 +0000

I agree re: dogs and yards! you don’t have to have a big one if you find other ways to exercise them. And even if you have a yard, it’s no substitute for socialization!!!

We have a 100lb dog and live in an apartment in the city. But we take him to the dog park every day unless he’s spending the day at day care, and we have spent countless hours training him and working with him – and still he has issues.

We wanted a large dog – and given our limitations (apartment living, work schedules) – we didn’t feel like we could take a chance with a “mutt” if it turned out its temperament wasn’t going to be well-suited to our lifestyle. So – a purebred, after lots of research and lots of checking out breeders and puppy testing. And still he has issues.

Agreeing to take on a dog is a major commitment and your post really highlights all the things a responsible dog owner should think about before s/he adopts a dog. Nice post!

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:05:58 +0000

Yeah, it is really sad when a dog never gets out of the backyard. That happens all the time.

By: Ross

Ross — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:48:50 +0000

I see way too many people get a dog and never take them for a walk. I see so many dogs in my area that are never let out of the back yard. It’s sad. I wish people would educate themselves before they get a dog.

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:16:07 +0000

Thanks so much, Tammy! I can’t wait for you to get a dog!

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:15:05 +0000

Yeah it bothers me when people say you shouldn’t have a big dog unless you have a big yard. I don’t need a yard because I take my dog out for walks or runs every day.

When people adopt rescue dogs, they seem to think since they are “saving a life” everything will be OK and the dog will be grateful and everything will work out. Boy are they living in a fantasy!

By: Tammy

Tammy — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:14:42 +0000

I tell you Lindsay – your blog is a fount of information! For someone who does not have a dog as of yet, the info you provide is invaluable! I would definitely choose to adopt a shelter or rescue dog if/when I do get one. Your points all really help me to know what I need to consider BEFORE making the decision to do so!!

By: Jan

Jan — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:08:39 +0000

Good post, there is almost a mindless hysteria about adopting rescue dogs and people so often don’t know what is waiting for them.

By: Apryl DeLancey

Apryl DeLancey — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:07:51 +0000

It’s amazing how many people believe that they just need to throw a dog in a backyard and give it some food and they are done. You made the point before that just leaving a dog outside is like a big pen and they still need exercise. I mean really, do people just want to sit in a house all day, every day or do you want to do something? Even my lazy guy likes to get out.