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So.. I'm moving a little over an hour away from home to go to school. Ill be getting a house to rent and my roommate backed out.. So I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to get a dog! I can't really decide which one I would like.. What is your favorite.. I would really like a medium to big dog.. to keep me company and ward off unwelcome guest.. .. He/She will be an inside dog and I will probably get one from the pound.. I think I also want to get one as a baby.. so I can house train and what not..

First question,How Old are you?If your answer is early to mid 20's or teens, Don't get a dog. You don't yet know what direction your life will go in and a dog will hinder possible opportunities that come your way.There is never a perfect time to get a dog. Dogs quite honestly are a pain in the (removed)! Feed me, take me out, gotta poop, oops! peed on your carpet, ate your shoes, whatever.Having said that, I've had a dog since I was born, initially not by my choice but in the past 35 / 40 years, totally by choice.A dog always loves you and accepts you as Mr Rogers always did, just the way you are.Breed? Hands down Golden Retriever. There isn't another choice for a companion who is loving and loyal. He is NOT a guard dog however. for EVERYONE is his newest friend!Dave

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »If your answer is early to mid 20's or teens, Don't get a dog. You don't yet know what direction your life will go in and a dog will hinder possible opportunities that come your way.DaveTo Dave you should listen. Wise he is.

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I probably wouldn't be getting a dog if I had a roommate.. But thats not happening.. And who knows how often they will want to hang out.. Since they are "those" type of friends.. And I just want a friend there a night and during the day.. I won't be working, and the only time I will be gone will be when I'm in class..

Petfinder.com will help you find a dog in shelters.Make sure you get a breed you can handle... I prefer the German Shepherd, but you must train them early or they might bite...Check out Dogs 101 on YouTube or Animal Planet, they'll help you learn about different breeds.

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »If your answer is early to mid 20's or teens, Don't get a dog. You don't yet know what direction your life will go in and a dog will hinder possible opportunities that come your way.DaveWell said. You might want to wait until you finish school and know what direction your life is going to take. A dog can be a 10 to 15 year commitment. I waited until I owned a house before I got my first dog. I've given up travel opportunities at my job because I'm single and have nobody willing to watch both my dogs for extended periods. I don't care much for kennels. I don't regret it. Something to think about.

Quote, originally posted by VforVIBE »Make sure you get a breed you can handle... I prefer the German Shepherd, but you must train them early or they might bite...A woman of impeccable good taste. Shepherds are great dogs, but obedience training is a must. They are super intelligent and can be very head strong. They will own you if you don't know to handle them. They might not be the best first dog unless you're willing to put the time and dedication.

Young Grasshoppa, Worry about finding the place first...to find a landlord who is willing to allow pets inside their property no less, is not an easy thing.

Although a dog is a great companion, many first time owners are surprised by how much work they require. Now that the snow is melting off my back lawn I realize that I have tons of work picking up all the poo that has been covered by snow for the past 3 months. I'm not saying don't get a dog, just be careful and do your research. Make sure the breed will coincide well with your lifestyle.

Thanks for all the info.. I guess I could have mentioned that we have owned dogs ever since I can remember.. I'll think it out completely before I get one!

At least you know what you're getting yourself into. Let us know what you decide to do.