Dog Health Questions: I think I've decided to get a dog for Christmas! Help!?

What breed should I get (any size). Why should and shouldnt get a dog? What i need for a dog and how much itll cost and last but not least how much does the breed/breeds cost please help....
I have-

dog experince
a dog right now
enough money for a dog
lots of dog breed books
lots of dog training books
30min.-1hr. 30min. to walk a dog
i will be gone for about 8hrs a day
will come home to let dog out
about 2 acres
a small back yard
a place i visit every week with horses to chase
i like bid and small dogs.
mediam dogs r great also
ex.

The Evolution of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Sound like you are ready for a puppy, but I recommend waiting until after Christmas.

First of all, Christmas is a terrible time to get a puppy.
http://www.petrescue.com/library/no-pups…
http://www.slate.com/id/2132035/
http://cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/le…

Also GOOD breeders will never sell a puppy for Christmas, so anyone you could get a pup from right now would NOT be a good source.

Another reason is because you are not yet sure what breed you want. This is not a decision that should be rushed. Take your time, narrow it down to a few breeds, then go to some shows and actually meet the breeds and people that own them, join some internet groups and discussion boards just for those breeds so you can talk to pet owners that have them and find out their experiences.

Once you've selected a breed, then you need to search for a good breeder. This can take a while too, especially since good breeders will probably have a waiting list. Don't just go somewhere and buy the first puppy you see, ALL puppies are cute. Check out the breeders ADULT dogs. Are they good examples of the breed? Are they well cared for? Do they have the kind of personalities you want in a dog? Check out the website for the breed's parent club (they're usually called something like "Breedname Club of America"), and most of them will have breeder referrals, information on the breed, and information on what to look for in a breeder. Don't even look at puppies until you have selected a breeder.

It's worth it to take a little extra time an effort to make sure you end up with a dog that will be an enjoyable companion for the next 10-15 years.

What to Look For in the Best Dog Training Program

• you will be gone a lot and the dog can chase horses?
  the world does not need another irresponsible pet owner.
  Forget getting a dog and do yourself and the dog a favor.


• Well I thought about answering your question until I read that the dog will have lots of horses to chase. Thats really immature. Have you ever seen what damage can be inflicted from a dog chasing a horse thru the fence or a horses hoof connecting with the dog.......


• too late to get a dog for christmas,, reputable breeders usually have waiting lists of prescreened puppy buyers BEFORE THEY EVEN BREED THE DOG... you would have to go to the breeders house, be interviewed and hopefully pass your screening...
  
  dogs should not be CHASING horses.. try a cat or adopt a shelter dog


• if you don't care about having a mixed breed some of the sweetest dogs come from shelters, and are usually cheaper ( around $75.00-$100.00) if you want a pure breed I would look around for breeders, but don't ever buy from a pet store they often times get their dogs, from puppy mills, and are sick and die within weeks if not sooner...hopes this helps..


• Alright, I'm hoping that horse chasing thing was a joke. Seriously not good for horse or dog. Also, you say you'll be gone for 8 hrs a day and come home to let the dog out. I hope you don't mean out of the house b/c no dog should stay locked indoors for that long unless you don't care about urine on the floor. You sure can't expect them to hold it that long. You have to research the breeds and pick the best one for you. Keep in mind, some breeds are more prone to health issues.


• You don't need a dog.


• seriously research all the different breeds and think about which ones you can handle. you can also try rescuing a shelter dog. whatever dog you decide to get, take the time to learn to take care of it first and COMMIT to it! I can't stand seeing posts from people who find out after a month or so that a dog is work and not just something cute to play with.


• You shouldn't let dogs chase horses and now is not a good time to be getting a dog. Your house will probably be busy over Christmas and it will not be the best time for the dog to settle in. There will be a lot of dogs in rescue centres come the end of January when people have decided that it wasn't what they wanted for Christmas after all.


• Since you only have 5 days to pick the breed of your dreams... how about you wait until after Christmas so you have time to research different breeds, attend local breed events, talk to multiple owners, inquire about responsible breeders, etc.
  
  Also, I just read your statement about the dog being able to chase horses. Are you SERIOUS???? Horses can kill dogs! I grew up with horses and dogs... one kick is all it takes.