HGG Community Forums

Good luck! My rescue pup is awesome!

Congrats! Dogs are awesome. My top tips are be realistic. What energy level is the dog? Huge difference between adopting a young border collie mix versus an older calmer dog. Since you say hiking partner I assume you are looking for at least moderate energy. I enjoy dog sports (agility and flyball). It is worth finding a training club whose methods you agree with if any dog sports interest you because most require you start at beginner obedience. I have also decided about 50 lbs is my limit. It is what I feel comfortable picking up and running with in an emergency. I currently have 2 dogs, one is 45 lbs, one is 35 lbs and I have picked up one or the other in different scenarios (ie someone lets their overbearing dog run up to mine when I am out hiking). Most of all have fun!

Congratulations on getting a pup! Your life will be changed that is for sure!

Everyone has had absolutely excellent advice and I would definitely keep them in mind as you look at the puppers at the shelter. I would also advise asking the staff at the shelters if they have any dogs they would recommend for you based on your wants/needs as they might have some younger adults/adults who could perfectly fit your needs without having to go through the hassle of puppy proofing, training, potty training, and so on.

I would also be hyper realistic about your energy levels. A lot of people I work with say they want dogs with moderate to high energy because they are high activity people and they end up "over dogging" themselves with breeds that don't have a good off switch. I have a boxer who is considered "moderate" energy and her daily activity level is insane: 2 hours walking/running, 1 hour frisbee/ball, tug of war with either her tree or a person, and playing at the dog park on a near daily basis and she is 8 years old. Keep this in mind- if you have a job/school that requires long hours away from home, it might be better to get a dog who is as equally content to run around for 10-15 minutes in a backyard daily as they are to go on long hikes rather a dog that is gogogogogogo whatisthisthingyoucallanap playplayplayballball.

Trainability is another critical thing to think about. If this is your first pup, you will want a dog that can help you learn how to teach and partner with, not a bull headed stubborn dog that runs the show if given an inch. Again, asking shelter staff can be a help with this as they can point out the eager to please dogs vs those that might need a little extra experience to work with. For example, English bull terriers and mixes are notoriously famous for being incredibly stubborn and "What is in it for me" dogs and not recommended as 1st time dogs BUT in the hands of a determined person who can push the right buttons, they really are super cool dogs. There are always exceptions to the rule though :-) Working with a trusted trainer will help immensely and help you bond with your pup.

Also keep in mind, it will take time for your new companion to decompress and relax from being in a shelter environment. Don't immediately take out to parks, social places, etc for several weeks. This allows dog to get established in new routines and start figuring out expectations for fitting into its new home.

Again, congratulations on picking out your new companion and the best of luck! You will have amazing adventures.. would love to see pictures of the new boy/girl when you pick 'em out!

Thanks everyone for all of your helpful tips and whatnot! I ended up going early and didnt even have to look at other dogs.

UPDATE: okay so there was this dog on their website that the shelter had on stray hold for about a week, and every day since then i would check to see if anyone claimed her. Well.. I have news. She popped up in the available dogs section, i ran over to meet her.. And I fell in love. (She is still a puppy and most DEFINITELY needs training, but it will be worth it! I cant wait to learn and grow with her)

Her name is zelda. ;)
https://ibb.co/Mnh09Yn
https://ibb.co/jfvMsqV
https://ibb.co/f094gcf

Oh what a precious baby!! Her coloring is soo pretty!

Good luck and wishing your new partner and you many adventures together!

I wish I can get a dog. Maybe in the future. Have fun.

She is precious!