Hi everyone,
I have been reading this pet forum in the past week or so and I figured out that we so many experts on dogs this would be the right place where to post my questions.

My current situation is the following: in a few months I will be moving to Schaffhausen, where I will be finally able to afford an appartment with enough space and a small balcony (I currently leave in the Geneva and 60m2 is all I can get). So my boyfriend and I started talking about having a house pet.
I am going to be also by myself most of the week, since he'll be travelling a lot, and I would love to have some company, someone to take care for, and I always loved small dogs.

My questions are both practical and just general advice.
Generally speaking I'd like to know if anyone had similar experiences (moving to a new city, being a first time pet owner at the same time) and how did you cope with it?

Practically I'd like to have your advice on how to go about getting the pet.
I was allergic to cats and dogs when I was younger (among other things) so I never owned one. Now I would like to know where I can get an allergy test done, to see if I am still allergic, what kind of test I could do (just dogs in general, or is it possible to test for specific breeds?)

Also, I am in love with my uncle short-haired german basset, he's very lively, very well behaved, loves to play but it's also comfortable living in an appartment without a garden. I am seriously considering getting one (if the allergy test comes negative) ... any advice on the breed itself?

Any other general advice for a brand new pet-owner-wannabe?

Thanks!!
ValeC

OK, so I can't really help but have you considered the following:

1. Buying a dog because you might be bored is a really bad idea.
2. Buying a pet you are knowingly allergic to, is also a really bad idea.
3. Spend time with other dogs before you get your own.
4. Buy a dog not a puppy (all puppies are cute, so know what you want when it's older, that's how it will look for 95% of it's life)
5. Know this - you will command Jedi Knight powers over your dog with a packet of Schmacko's.


You should be getting a dog when you know you are in a postion to look after it for it's whole life. I'm not saying that this is not your intention, so don't get me wrong.

Allergies
Go talk to your doctor. They can do some allergy tests. I have never heard of 'breed specific' allergies, but I could be wrong.

Go and play with other peoples dogs. If you know of someone with a dog, ask to take care of it for a few days to make sure that living with one is what you want (or can handle re: allergy).

Know that puppies sh1t, squeal, howl all night, p1ss everywhere, and when given the choice of two things to chew - they will chew the most expensive thing first.
Know that this is not the dog's fault, it's a dog and they do these things and you have to be smarter than the dog.
It's always your fault , but you learn as you go.

Read about separation anxiety.

in such a small apartment, get a small LAZY dog breed.

I can't stress enough that you should really spend time with someone elses dog for a while first.
In addition to this, usually dog owners will give you all sorts of helpful tips etc.

Costs
mostly cheap to run (especially small hounds), but you will haemorage cash at the vet when they get sick, so keep a couple of grand up your sleeve just in case.

Never give your dog Chocolate, ONIONS (especially pups), and specifically Macadamia nuts (not sure about other nuts, but stay away from nuts in general - yep, one of my hounds was temporarily paralysed (OK now though).

Please Go back and read point number 1.
Sometimes this isn't a good sign.


Oh, and if I could ask a personal favour...... please don't baby talk to your small hound, but it's your dog.

Hope this helps.

I think this is a great idea... As bill says, be aware of what you are getting yourself into, but thus far (reading what you wrote), it sounds like you are ready.

As far as the allergy is concerned, I would just go to the doc and ask for the allergy tests. They just prick different allergens all over your body and see what you react to. I also do not think there is a "breed"-specific shot. And don't fret, if you are still allergic to dogs, there are several allergen-free breeds that you can look into.

And just because the dog won't have a backyard doesn't mean you need to get a lazy breed. I recommend going onto a dog-specific organization website (like this one), reading up on many small breeds and seeing which one fits your personality and the type of lifestyle you lead. The saying that a dog's personality mimics its owners is not a lie. It is best to find one that is compatible with you. If you are a runner/hiker/etc. and want your dog to come with you, then you obviously wouldn't want a basset hound (as an example). But if you lead a pretty sedentary life, then you wouldn't want to get a high-strung/high-energy breed.

And really, I am a major advocate of rescuing. In rescuing, you will find mutts of all ages (previous threads have listed some organizations in Switzerland that do rescues; I don't know any right off the top of my head). One problem you can encounter when getting a dog and not a puppy is that you then spend time breaking the bad habits the dog already learned, whereas with a puppy, you get to raise it and discipline it, and then can only blame yourself when (if) it misbehaves. Either way, there are so so so many dogs/puppies in need of homes that you should consider it. I have never owned a pure-bred dog (we always rescued mutts), and if I did, it would still be a rescue (like the greyhounds that they race and then throw away like trash). Mutts tend to be less high-strung in general too, which we like in my family.

The best advice I can give is to read, read, read. Do your research, be 110% committed to bringing this animal into your life (including the upheaval it is sure to cause for a while), and then go for it. It will turn into an integral member of your family... Well, it should at least.

Start by talking to a doctor for your allergy.

There are some breeds known to be better for people with allergy than others, for example the Schnauzer - BUT there are people who are also allergy for them (but I also know people with allergy that can handle them).
Best is of course to get to know someone who owns the breed and see how you feel around them.

For a small apartment a smaller breed would be a better choice. A Miniature Schnauzer perhaps?

Thanks for the tips and for giving me more things to consider, I really appreciate it. I just to clarify one thing, I am not getting the dog because I will be bored. I will be getting a dog because I want to have somone that will be there with me/us and we are both fully committed to take care of the dog for all its life and not just a short time.

Regarding allergies, I used to be allergic to a lot of things when I was a kid, but I grew out of some of them, and I noticed that when I am around my uncle's dog (the basset) I do not get any extreme allergic reaction (I am allergic to dust, so sometimes figuring out if it's the dog or just the house that is making me sneeze is not so easy).
That's why I want to get an allergy test first and will try and be around the one or 2 breeds we might want to get to see how I react, before getting one.

I never thought about "separation anxiety" related to a dog, but as I said, I am really a newbie, so I will go and read more about that.

Thanks a lot for your advice!

ValeC

Thanks JLF and Begga for the tips! Definetly going to look into the website you recommended and will see what breed fits our personality best! I am an averagely sporty person, but I find it really hard to be outdoor all the time in Switzerland, both because of my working hours but mainly because Winter is SO cold!
I have several friends/relativs with dogs, so I will ask them if I can dog sit for them for a day, as I usually only spend a few hours with them and see how I can handle it!

Cheers again!
ValeC

3 Great points from JLF there, I can't back them up enough.

1st point, breed choice..... really have a good think about what you plan to do over the next 5 years to see what sort of activity level in your hound you are looking for.

2nd point
Rescue shelter - even if it's not your cup of tea...... go a visit one of these places if only to help concrete your commitment level.

3rd Point - Mutts (I love 'em)
Usually the hybrid vigour helps keep the dog healthy and active.
Beware, a Mutt usually grows a bit bigger than you expect.
Wild cards (but unique)

Take your time in choosing which dog is right for you, there's no rush. You'll have to live with it for a LONG time. Read Learn Enjoy.

Oh....... one more important point..... Desexing !!!
Especially as a first time dog owner, I think this is a super wise idea.

Good luck.

Awesome !!!! You do sound ready to me, so I wish you the best of luck.

Oh, and re: Separation Anxiety
Reading about this, try to take the mind set of the dog. Clearly this isn't an issue for you just yet, but it helps you to understand how and why they will react the way they do.
There are so many 'hot tips' you can collect from this information that will prevent you from making bad habits right from the start.


Don't worry about being a 'newbie' dog owner, we all were once.
The other thing about owning a hound is "Don't be afraid to ask, or talk about an issue". Generally other dog owners will help you.

Seriously, I wish you the best of luck

(hide your shoes)

ValeC, I think before you go into all of these, you might want to check out the mandatory (by law) BVET courses for first time owners first. There is a theory portion which you, as a first time owner will have to complete - and it will help you consider all sorts of pointers that you are required to consider before even getting yourself to the shelter / breeder.

PM englishtim on this forum. He has done the course. For the practical part, you will only need to start it once you've got your dog.

On another note, I dont think a small apartment limits the type of dog you can have - only your landlord has that power. Please also check what kind sized of dogs you are actually allowed before making that leap. The energy of dog just needs to correspond with the energy of the owner and I am a firm believer that the size of the apartment really doesnt matter (she says, hoping and dreaming to adopt a rottweiler next).

Also, you mentioned that you wont be working and only your boyfriend does? Please have a chat about finances - something alot of people tend to pass on and dive straight into the search - food, vet shots, training courses, toys, etc etc - those are just start up costs - but you need to set aside money for emergency vet trips. It might sound a little OTT but we have an "emergency" savings account for that little fella of mine - which got drained in 2 minutes when he had to stay in the tierspital for 3 days due to a viral infection.

Most has been said very well already. May I add a few points: The dog will change your life quite radically. Doggie will be your first thought/worry, whatever you will be up to for the next 10 to 15 years.
Go on a vacation --> Is the hotel dog friendly?
Move apartments --> Pets allowed?
Go quick over the border --> Are the shots up to date?
Get a job unexpectedly --> What about doggie?
Get a baby --> How about doggie?
Go somewhere, doggie cannot come with your --> Who's my dog sitter?
Lots more, everything, really.

Depending on the breed/mix your new friend will have, you might end up with no place in your life without dog hair (including your coffee), no matter, how thoroughly you vacuum (go grab the strongest vacuum, that you can get your hands on).

Things in your life like furniture, cars, houses, everything, will deprecate in value very quickly by being chewed/scratched/eaten or worse. Just don't be fussy

And the most important point: To live with a doggie will be bestest thing, you've ever done in your life, promise!

Have fun

http://www.tinypuppy.com/images/Img108.jpg


Might I suggest settling into your new home before bringing a new dog in. Small dogs especially can be nervous. Regarding your allergies, Yorkshire terriers have hair like humans, not fur, I highly doubt you would be allergic to that breed. The yorkies are small live to be 14+ years and smart and loyal. They would be perfect for a small apartment. I have had a yorkie for years, the best breed I have ever owned. Good luck in your venture.

You've been given excellent advice!

The companionship, the joy, the unconditional love a dog brings into your life is something very special indeed - but dog ownership is also a very serious responsibility. The first question is: Are you ready to take on that responsibility, no matter what the vagaries of fate bring into your life, be it relocation abroad, the arrival of children, work commitments - for the next 10-15 years? Because a dog really is for life.

When considering what sort of dog to get, first think about the qualities you must have, and those you cannot deal with. Then think about what you can offer a dog - because it's not only about finding the dog who is right for you, but also determining if you are right for that particular dog. And remember, while breed is a good guide to a dog's character and needs, every individual differs. Make sure the individual is right for you, and you for him.

First, I will second Summerrain's suggestion - please take the SKN theory course before you go any further. This is mandatory by law (TschV), and must be done BEFORE you acquire your dog. As it's name suggests, the course is designed to get you thinking about whether you are ready to take on the responsibility of a dog, and to get you prepared for the dog's arrival. It may take you some time to find a course in your area, so put this first on your To Do list.

The database for trainers certified to teach the course:

http://bvet.bytix.com/plus/trainer/

Second - be sure you have the allergy issue sorted before going further. It would be grossly unfair to a dog to bring him home then find out that you cannot live with him.

Third, have you found your new flat yet? If so, make sure you have the landlord's permission to keep a dog in writing. If you have not yet found your flat, do be aware that dog-friendly housing can be difficult to find; make sure you have your accommodation sorted before you go further.

Fourth, think about pet care. If you anticipate taking holidays where the dog can't go along, or if you expect to need a dog walker for times when you are away from the house - get this sorted before you get your dog. Qualified dog sitter and dog walkers are quite thin on the ground (yes, under the TschV people providing dog care must be qualified and registered with the cantonal Veterinäramt) - those who are working legally are in great demand. If you anticipate needing this service, find out what is available in your area before you go further.

You mentioned your working hours... are you working full time, part time? If full time, you will likely need a dog walker. If part time, make sure that you have your day scheduled so that you can give your dog a good walk in the mornings and again when you come home. Every dog is different, but most need a chance to go out and piddle at least every 4-6 hours.

And, you will want to schedule a block of time off to coincide with the dog's arrival. Most dogs need time to get used to the new family, to the new home, the new regime before you leave him alone for a chunk of time. It's not fair to bring a dog into a strange environment and then leave him alone for a long time right away. Which may mean that this year your vacation is spent at home rather than going abroad - but hey, a good opportunity to explore the wonderful hiking trails of Switzerland.

BUT - If you are working at all, a puppy is out. A puppy needs someone home 24/7 for the first few months. This is a critical learning phase - you need to be right there to give your pup the start he deserves. To give you an idea why I say this, take a look at this article by Dr Sophia Yin on training a puppy :

http://drsophiayin.com/docs/articles...earns2Earn.pdf

If you are working, please consider adopting an older dog.

And fifth, as you get ready to bring a dog into your life, I'd recommend taking this time to learn as much as you can about dogs and dog ownership. A couple of books I recommend:

'The Complete Idiot's Guide To Positive Dog Training' by Pamela Dennison
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Pos...4461386&sr=1-1

'100 Ways to Train The Perfect Dog' by Sarah Fisher and Marie Miller
http://www.amazon.co.uk/100-Ways-Tra...4461446&sr=1-1

'The Other End Of The Leash', by Patricia B McConnell
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Other-End-Le...4461539&sr=1-1

Spend as much time as you can with friend's dogs, go and see some training classes in action (if you ask beforehand, some trainers will allow you to observe) and, if you have some free time and can make a solid commitment, why not volunteer to do some dog walking at a Tierheim? Volunteering is a good way to 'test drive' the commitment needed to take on a dog. (Remember - no matter what the weather: rain, snow, sleet, freezing cold, boiling hot - no matter how tired or busy you are - your dog needs his walks.)

I'll close with a plea: as you think about the sort of dog you would like to bring into your family, please consider a rescue dog. There are many dogs in shelters due to no fault of their own. An easy-going older dog, past the teenage yob stage, might be an easier first time dog. Speak with a few shelters in your area, ask the staff for their advise. Your new best friend may well be out there, waiting for you.

Wishing you - and you future four-footed best friend - all the very best.

Read 'The Dog Listener' by Jan Fennell from cover to cover. She advocates the gentlest and most humane ways of training your pup. It will help you stave off niggly little behavioural problems later.

Also, find out about a well-run puppy playgroup near where you'll live (ask your vet for a list; or me - I have a list given by a guide dog school). Most of the Swiss like their dogs to socialise well.

On top of all the great advice given already in this thread, just a small remark; at some dog shelters they give you the opportunity to walk the dogs ("gassi gehen"), this gives you the opportunity to get a feel for walking the dog(s) and get to know it (them). And its fun!

Another thing to consider before you take the dog - your new neighbours. Even if your landlord says it's ok, a neigbour who is constantly complaining, writing, calling police and animal protection if your dog makes a sound is not easy to deal with.

The biggest thing to consider is that you will be responsible for the dog for 10 to 15 years, so think carefully before making a decision. Consider what happens if you move. What if you want to go on vacation or travel for business?

Also be aware that I haven't slept in past 7:30 since I got my dog. They really need to go out in the morning and have ways of making you know it.

You get to sleep in until 07:30? Luxury!

It's a matter of you showing you're the boss. After our foster Lab was past 6 months old, she could hold her bladder. I'd turn away and ignore her if she tried to wake me up with a smelly sock in her mouth. I'd wait till she's curled up to snooze again for a while BEFORE I get up and say, "Time to get up!" You're the pack leader; you decide when it's time to get up. In this way, I've encouraged her to sleep till 8am. Success!

However, when my other half was around, he'd let her wake him up at 7am or at the latest 7.20am. She learnt that her job was to be his alarm clock. "Act as you mean to go on" is very good advice from Jan Fennell.

before that though they will simply pee all over the place if you don't feel like getting up at 3.30AM.. (I have two three-month-olds)

Hope you don't have wall to wall carpets?

Yeap, my dog's reaching 2 (in November! time flies) and he has learnt to hold it in. On weekends, he is happy to snooze in with us till 9ish-10ish. But the moment you get up - he is relentless and constantly following you around - from the bathroom, to the kitchen, everywhere basically - refusing to let you out of his sight or sit down for a coffee until you bring him out. Bless. I personally feel bad if I chill because I know I wouldnt like it if I have to hold my pee in whilst someone else is enjoying their morning cuppa!