[nagdu] Figuring out what I need in a dog

[Jenine Stanley]

Hi Jewel, 

Well, as one of the people who will be looking at your application, I can say what you wrote here is just fine as a description of what you need and want. You can use it as a basis during the interview or send it separately to us, build on it, whatever. 

One thing I try to do when looking at getting a new dog is to think of the things that push my buttons, the things I can’t physically or psychologically/emotionally handle long term. Scavenging, lunging, tuning out to me as the handler, those are a few of mine. 

I’d also go over your list and rank things. 

I’m a big fan of goldens but not all Goldens are created equal. I’m becoming a very big fan of the Lab/Golden cross as I’ve had such a great experience with my Swap, but each dog is his or her own being regardless of breed. I’ve had 2 Golden males who were as different as night and day but who both worked well and were loving caring dogs.My cross is almost right between them in personality and working style.
Jenine Stanley
jeninems at wowway.com

http://www.twitter.com/jeninems

On Mar 3, 2014, at 10:06 AM, Jewel <herekittykat2 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi all,
> As it gets closer to time to relinquish my current guide dog, Faye,
> back to the school, I am thinking about what kind of dog I need and
> want. Maybe you guys can help me figure out what to ask for.
> *I need a dog that doesn't get bored walking slow, but also doesn't
> get distracted at these slow speeds.
> *I need a dog that is trainable (to other small tasks, like standing
> still to help me stand up off the floor), but isn't overly food-driven
> *I need a dog that's soft enough to give me emotional support, but
> tough enough to handle city and university walking
> *I need a friendly dog, but one that isn't going to great everyone
> s/he comes across.
> *I need a  dog that will take city or country walks all in stride,
> particularly going off-trail hiking.
> *I need a dog with lots of energy for working around a university, but
> not so much energy that I can't relax on the weekend.
> Maybe I've just described what I need myself, but I don't know how to
> take that and write it in a way that makes real sense to instructors
> and the school. Any advice?
> Thank you all for your support and help so far. I don't know what I'd
> do without this group.
> Yours,
> Jewel
> 
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