OT: Buying a Dog

[FriarJ]

 

[Bezzz]

Rescue dog testimony:
In the late 90's, when my wife decided to start screwing another man and I ended up single, self employed and raising two little girls, I decided to get a dog.

Search after search on Petfinder.com brought me to Millie, 2 year old greyhound/shepherd/lab mix. Described as "best dog ever". Twelve years later, my 14 year old soulmate has been the greatest friend and companion anyone could hope for.

I highly recommend finding a local shelter and rescuing a dog. Petfinder will provide you with all the info you need re: size, age, breed and personality.

 

[Edward Sargent]

Please let's not perpetuate this false stereotype. Pit bulls, if properly socialized, make wonderful family pets, just like any other dog. They're loyal, fun-loving and very affectionate. Just because they happened to get popular with Replicantes who aren't fit to be called humans, does not mean the dog itself is bad.

In terms of rescuing/buying, go with what you feel is best for you and your family. Just know that 1. there are plenty of full breeds at shelters and certainly through rescue groups if you don't want a mutt (I personally think they make the best pets, but that's just me), and 2. you can get a young dog from a rescue group that's already been house broken. Best of both worlds! Mine was 7 months old when I got her, and she was house trained, with all her shots and spayed. All for $350. And she's beyond awesome.

But please, please, whatever you do, do not buy a dog from a pet store. Please! Spend the extra cash and find a reputable breeder if you decide to purchase.

I'm off my soapbox now.

Thats what all dog owners say. Fluffy never did that before. One reason for a pit bull - drugs. One ate a 3 day old child in Columbus OH just last week. Ooops my bad. Certain breeds are bred for certain things. Pit bulls are bred for pit fighting with other dogs. You might have a wonderful kind loving dog I agree, but the statistics warrant concern. Go ahead and put one in your house. I don't know you and could care less. Just don't come whining back on the Boneyard looking for sympathy when your kid gets eaten.

 

[Tommyboy]

Good looking animal. I'd guess Rottweiler/lab.

How's the house breaking going? Are you crate training? It's been more years than I care to admit since I last had a dog. The house breaking training is something that I'm not looking forward to.

Thats exactly what they thought she was at the rescue group: rotty/lab.

She came basically crate trained and only has had sporadic accidents the first couple weeks we got her. And even then it was more us misreading her signals. The main issue with her is her playful and testing nipping/biting that we are trying to curb. Other than that a great puppy.

 

[Fishy]

http://abcnews.go.com/US/alligator-hungry-pit-bull-left-massachusetts-apartment/story?id=16510778

That guy left an alligator and a pit bull in the same apartment and the alligator is the one who needed a vet.

Even alligators are scared of pit bulls.

 

[CL82]

http://abcnews.go.com/US/alligator-hungry-pit-bull-left-massachusetts-apartment/story?id=16510778

That guy left an alligator and a pit bull in the same apartment and the alligator is the one who needed a vet.

Even alligators are scared of pit bulls.

Hmnn what about a pitt bull vs. a great white shark? I guess the outcome would be terrain based. I'd like the shark if they were in the water but the pitt bull would have to have an advantage on land.

 

[Fishy]

If pit bulls had snorkels, the oceans would be emptied of life inside of six months.

 

[StoweD210]

For the win...

English Mastiff.

We bought a female mastiff a few months ago and she's been great. Probably the best puppy we've had so far (not that the others were terrible, but the mastiff hasn't permanently damaged any furniture or anything like that).

 

[mets1090]

We bought a female mastiff a few months ago and she's been great. Probably the best puppy we've had so far (not that the others were terrible, but the mastiff hasn't permanently damaged any furniture or anything like that).

My family rescued one a few years ago. 180 pounds or so and by far the gentlest dog I've ever come across.

 

[Dogdeacon]

My family rescued one a few years ago. 180 pounds or so and by far the gentlest dog I've ever come across.

We've got a lab, I researched a lot and got her from a private breeder for not a lot of money 8yrs ago (about $700 I think, healthy dog) I think finding the best fit for your family is most important. I've got young children and no risks acceptable nor time for special care. I watch two guys in my neighborhood taking their little 15lb dogs for walks each AM while I play ball with my labrador and that choice is better for me (I can still watch/hear kids), those guys might like walks. When we moved in family across the street dog sat for us, loved it got a rescue dog. Its a very skiddish chow mix and its fought & bit at least 3 other dogs in neighborhood including mine. Everyone walking in the neighborhood crosses the street when passing their house and the dog still barks & stands ready to fight at everything passing. That risk is unacceptable for me.

 

[k9fanatic]

http://abcnews.go.com/US/alligator-hungry-pit-bull-left-massachusetts-apartment/story?id=16510778

That guy left an alligator and a pit bull in the same apartment and the alligator is the one who needed a vet.

Even alligators are scared of pit bulls.

See? I knew you'd eventually come to see how incredible pit bulls are. They've even mastered using tools!

" they found a 4-foot-long, 25-pound alligator with stab wounds to its upper left leg. "