[nagdu] picking breed, gender, and influences from others

[Rachel Krieg]

Hi, Gerardo.

 

It is best to always let the trainer decide what breed/gender of dog you
will get, in my opinion. Sure, you might get what you think you want, but it
might not be the right pace, pull, or personality. Just because you think a
specific breed is cute, doesn't mean the dog is best suited to you. The
school takes into consideration lifestyle, as well as personality, pace, and
pull of the dog and matches to the handler accordingly.

 

Not to mention, in my opinion, you shouldn't get a dog just because of how
you like the feel of its fur, or because it is cute.

 

It is also critical to mention, you shouldn't get a dog just to prove others
wrong. I feel that a person should get a dog to enhance their independence.

 

With a poodle, there is a significant increase in cost, as you have to have
a full service groom done anywhere from 4-8 weeks.

 

I'm not bashing you in any way, I'm just offering opinions from someone who
has worked dogs for 12 years, and I've seen poodles from the school I've
gotten my prior dogs from. They're a lot of work, and aren't necessarily as
easy to manage for a first-timer, as they tend to have a temperament that
can be difficult to manage. Of course, there are exceptions, but I feel if
you do want the dog for you and to enhance your independence, you should be
less specific in what you need in terms to gender and breed. You can make
your preferences known, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the ideal
match will be the breed or gender you want.

 

For my first dog, I secretly wanted a female black lab. After having to
retire her, I didn't want another black lab, but I've always wound up with
them. I've loved all of them, though, and I wouldn't trade the confidence
and independence I've gained as a result for anything in this world.

 

I hope this has shed some perspective on this matter.

 

If you would like to email me off list, you can at:

Rkrieg7583 at gmail.com

Rachel and Lady the lovable lab