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   Question    posted to Pet Trainers on 11/28/08 03:12 PM, Rye, NY 10580
I never had a dog before...I am retired and want to have a well trained dog but don't know where to begin. How do I purchase a good dog, and where do I go to have it trained?  Is a husky or a setter collie a good combination.  Medium sized dog that can be trained.  Recently I was on a plain with a guide dog which was unbelievable considering the length of the flight and his NEW owner.
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   Answered By     Westchester K-9, 12/03/08 06:42 PM
Westchester K-9

white plains, NY 10601
914-393-2346
Email Company
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There are lots of places to get a great dog - rescue organizations, the local animal shelter, online at petfinder.org, or through a good breeder.  There are a few things to keep in mind while choosing a breed, though.  Remember that dogs who were bred to work for a living - herding breeds like Collies, sporting breeds like Setters or working dogs like Huskies - are going to have a LOT of energy, so consider if you're prepared to give your new dog the amount of exercise he's going to need every day.  A dog like a Collie, Setter or Husky can need as much as two hours of intense exercise a day (and that's not just a walk arund the block!).  That means getting him running - whether you're running with him, having him run alongside a bike, getting him to a dog park to play with other dogs, finding him a place to swim and so on.

If you want a dog who will need somewhat less exercise, maybe consider a Basset Hound, Clumber Spaniel, Greyhound (yes, less exercsie even for a Greyhound - let them run 40 mph for 15 minutes and they're done!), or even a larger breed like a Mastiff or Newfoundland (they're a lot easier than you'd think).  Smaller dogs might be a good choice, as well - the Cairn or Norfolk Terriers are both smallish breeds that are often described as "big dogs in a small package."

As for training - don't worry, all dogs can be trained.  Some are more stubborn than others, but they can all learn.  To find a trainer, you can go online and do a search in your area, check your local Yellow Pages, ask at your vet's office or a grooming salon, or go to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers web site (www.apdt.com).  The most important thing is to ask the right questions of a potential trainer.  Always find out how long they've been training, how and by whom they were taught, what training methods they use, and ask for referrals. Ask the same questions whether you're working with a private trainer at your home or if you're going to a group class.

Oh, and by the way - guide dogs ARE great, but keep in mind, they have months and months of intensive training before they get to the point where they're going home with their new owners.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, or if you'd like further help in choosing the right dog for you.  One of my favorite parts of my job is helping people choose their dogs!

Joanne Willard, Senior Trainer, Behaviorist, Canine Nutritionist

Westchester K-9

914-844-8680          joanne@westchesterk-9.com

 

 

 

 

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