Tips on being a responsible Owner
By khayshenz
@khayshenz (1384)
United States
July 21, 2009 10:53pm CST
For a while now, the bf and I have talked about adopting a dog. On our latest vacation to Big Bear Lake, California - we saw TONS of siberian huskies. I must say they are the most calmest dog breeds. They just stand there and let other people pet them. And little kids come up to them - and the owners tell the parents that it's ok. And it is!! They didn't even bark.
Anyways - we've looked into siberian huskies. Unfortunately, we lived in an area where it doesn't get that cold. So I don't know how appropriate is this climate to those kinds of dogs. With that in mind, I've though that there should be other things that I should consider before getting too caught up with owning a pet. My parents had pets when we were little - but gave them away when we started to get a bit of a handful (we meaning me and my sibs).
So the breeds that I'm considering now is any St. Bernard mix or pure - any thing that I should consider before adopting a Saint? I live in southern california close to the coast - it doesn't get too hot and it doesn't get too cold.
ANY tips will be helpful!
Thank you!!
1 person likes this
2 responses
@kykidd (6812)
• United States
24 Nov 09
I'm reading this discussion a little late, but just curious to know if you did end up adopting a dog. I love dogs. Friday night I stayed all night with a good friend who has a black lab, well it's really her husband's dog. We played toss with it in the evening. Then the next morning, I played tug-o-war with one of those ropes with the knots tied in the end of it. He was just loving it. Great dog.
I think the main thing is that you enjoy the dog. My neighbors had a St. Bernard when they first moved in, years ago. (They may still have it, I'm not sure.) Evidently the house they moved into had a fence that wasn't too sturdy. The dog would just walk right over it. So, it may be a good idea to check the sturdiness of your fence if you do decide to get a Saint.
Good luck to you!
@khayshenz (1384)
• United States
24 Nov 09
I decided against it. Mainly because of I don't think I'm ready for that kind of responsibility. And this economy just totally destroyed all the savings that I had set aside for adoption. I was saving for the dog because I know that they're just like having kids - just less responsibility. I am still looking around and still would love to get a dog someday. Just not right now because I don't want to get one and neglect him/her. Thanks for the input!
@bricked (151)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I love St Bernard. The are so cute. My pet sitter have a St Bernard. Just to let you know a little about the St bernard that i met,They do get very large almost a size of a mini horse. They need a lot of room to run and lay around. you might not want to consider the breed if you have a small space. They do eat a lot. The lady that sit my pets for me said the pup would eat about 4 cups of food 2 times a day and a largest dog food bag would only last her about 2 1/2 weeks. with the amount of food they eat their poop is big too if you know what i mean! I would consider the Siberian Huskies breed. They don't actually need cold climate to live. Dogs adjust to their enviroment really well. If you want something that is very obedient and listen to you, I would say a german shepard. They are very loyal to you and also listen to you really well. Good luck in finding your new pup!
@khayshenz (1384)
• United States
22 Jul 09
The St. Bernard's size is great for me. I love to hike - and since I don't like to hike alone anymore (all those mountain lions and what-not), the big dog would definitely do it for me! They would intimidate in size!!
Space is no issue - I have my own house. Though I'm thinking of investing in a house with a bigger backyard for my future saint (and family, of course).
The Siberian Husky can get pretty big too. However, their faces are mean looking. You have to really look for a good breed. In this case, since we're adopting, it's gonna be tough to look for a "good looking" husky.
German Sheperds are OK - I've heard labs are the same.
But I've heard a lot of good things about saints!
Thanks for the input!
