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

[Raven Tolliver]

As someone who was and will always be picky about breed, I agree that
you shouldn't pick a breed because it's cute. However, if you truly
feel that a certain breed's general temperament is more suited to you,
I would make the request.
Three years ago, I got my first guide dog, and I asked for a golden
because I have always appreciated how down-to-earth, compliant, and
loyal they are. The goldens I met who were pets were very low-key,
very out-of-my-face, and minded their own business in the house. Of
course, I understand now that some of that is crocked up to the
family's training, but I think the breed's ease of trainability plays
a major role as well. And goldens are definitely not as stubborn as
other breeds used for guiding, which is a big plus in my book.
I didn't have to explain the case for my choice to the school I
attended. I simply asked for a golden, and they obviously found that
one of their goldens was a perfect match for my pace, personality, and
handling skills.
So if you think a certain breed is cute or cool-looking, don't request
that breed for that reason. Do research on the temperament,
energy-level, and behavioral tendencies of that breed to see if it
will meld with your own energy level, temperament, and personality.

To give a good example, I adore one of the most feared and hated
breeds, the pitbull. I love how slick their coat is, their
musculature, their cute brick heads, wide muzzles, ease of
trainability, and willingness to please. However, I will likely not
have one as a pet up the road. Most of them are extremely high energy,
and the kind of smart that can get them in trouble. Honestly, the last
thing I need is a high energy dog in my house. They are great to work
with for a couple hours, but to live with that energy 24/7, I'm not
interested.

So if you think you want a particular breed, understand that it is
okay to be picky within reason. Also understand that requesting a
certain breed could mean a long wait time. The majority of guide dogs
are labradors, and when you decide on a different breed and go the
guide dog program root, you could be waiting a while. That was not the
case for me, I applied in March, and got into a June class. But that
doesn't happen so soon for everyone.

Ask yourself why you want one breed over another. What specific
behavioral and temperamental traits do you like about poodles? What do
poodles have to offer that other breeds don't? Do you think you could
work with a labrador or another breed? Why or why not?
Those are just the questions I think you should ask yourself if you're
considering requesting a specific breed.
-- 
Raven
Founder of 1AM Editing & Research
www.1am-editing.com

You are valuable because of your potential, not because of what you
have or what you do.

Naturally-reared guide dogs
https://groups.google.com/d/forum/nrguidedogs

On 7/10/15, Rachel Krieg via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 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
>
>
>
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