[NAGDU] Insisting on a particular breed of dog

[Charlene Ota]

I think I might state my preference, but there are so many factors involved, lifestyle, physical ability, possible health issues, dog's personality, dog's energy level, etc. etc.  If you state a preference, they might look harder for that particular breed, but the trainers may also feel that another dog might suit you better in your particular situation. For example, I had a shepherd, but that was when I was in my 20's and had lots of energy and supposedly more patience. He was an alpha dog and I really had to stay on top of him because he'd get bored and start looking for mischief, but he was an excellent guide, he just needed a lot of variety and needed to know pretty much all of the time that yes I was still the boss. I can't imagine handling a dog like him now, it would be a terrible match that wouldn't last because I don't have the energy or the strength or the patience. I just use him as an example because not all shepherds are necessarily that strong-willed either, but seems like they do require more, maybe not as compliant as a lab, for example. There really are so many factors involved that I'd encourage you to maybe tell the school which breed you like, but be willing to be flexible, too, and open-minded. 

Redcently, I talked with an old friend who's had Dobbies all his life and that's stillwhat he wants but now he's stuck with no dog because he refuses to consider a lab. With all of his health issues and limited mobility, a lab would really work out well for him now but now, like I say, he's without a dog altogether because of his I supposed you could say his stubbornness.

I guess I'm just advocating for being open-minded and really thinking carefully about your situation and the charistics of the breed of dog and looking at the bigger picture rather than just focusing on one breed.
Sorry to be so long-winded!!!  (smile!)

Charlene

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tara Briggs via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2018 11:17 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Tara Briggs <thflute at gmail.com>
Subject: [NAGDU] Insisting on a particular breed of dog

Hi all! My friend just got back from guiding eyes for the blind. She has a beautiful German Shepherd named talent. This is the third German Shepherd I have had the chance to interact with and I think I fallen  in love. The three  German Shepherd‘s that I had the pleasure of meeting all had such dignity and calm  beautiful nature‘s. I’m thinking about insisting on a German Shepherd for dog number three. I go in September. Perhaps insisting is the wrong word. Since I will be getting my dog from the Seeing Eye and they know the dogs  that are available I feel like they should still make the ultimate choice. However, I have fallen in love with the German Shepherd breed. I am wondering if any of you have  insisted on a particular breed. If so, what were your reasons and how did it work out for you? I look forward to any responses.


Tara
Sent from my iPhone
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