[_DC_]

I did a search and only found something like "best dogs for game" which I think is about as silly as "best college majors for game" etc.

I've ruminated over getting a dog for at least a year and I may finally pull the trigger. I live in an apartment complex and its basically doggie heaven, Id imagine at least 30% of the people here own one.

Reasons for:
Excuse to get out of the apartment often
Doggie companionship
More exercise
A seemingly absolutely fantastic way to meet other people

Reasons against:
I have basically no set work schedule, will have to conform to a schedule, e.g waking up and going outside at certain times
RESPONSIBILITY
Will have to be cognizant of not staying out too late, too often
Hampers travel (or at least makes it more complicated/expensive)

I work from home in a high rise and would buy a doggie platform for the large balcony it could shit/pee on. With this setup, keeping the balcony open, and one room with less precious stuff, could allow me to still go out late on weekends once its trained.

I literally see groups of people hanging outside all the time with their dogs. It would probably mean less or earlier nights, especially when still a pup, but I think the daytime social interaction would trump this.

I wish I could just borrow one for several months for a trial period. ~10 years is an unbelievable commitment.

Anyone recently get a pet? Any advice? Did I miss a big pro or con? Gracias.

[Rutting Elephant]

A lot depends on the breed and size. I have a pair of Shih Tzus, which don't shed and do their business on newspapers in the corner so taking them out regularly isn't an issue.

[_DC_]

Im looking at larger breeds maybe 50-90lbs bc I like them much more. Specifically athletic, non-barkers.

[AntiTrace]

register with a seeing eye dog company.

you get the puppies and train them until they are 18-24 months old, at which point they are given back to go into training.

all your dog food, vet bills, etc is paid for by the company.

They get a cool little "seeing eye dog in training" vest to wear.

Because of the vest, they are allowed places dogs normally arent (mall, bars, sporting events, etc). The vest acts as instant conversation piece and chicks will open you constantly.

The cons are that the companies have a tough screening process. It also sucks giving up the dog after bonding with it for a year and half or so.

But if you can't get laid owning a seeing eye dog puppy, you should just move to sausage island and learn to be a bottom.

edit - other possibility is to adopt a retired military working dog. same screening process applies. You may end up getting an older dog, but that older dog may legitimately be a war hero that has saved many people in one way or another.

[Inspired]

A pet is a huge commitment. If you ever get the urge to travel, a pet is going to be problematic. That being said, pets to offer some wonderful value. They really bring a wonderful energy into your life.....If it's the right pet of course.

Living in a high rise will make things difficult for larger breeds of dogs, especially during house training.

Dogs are smart and may say ,"shitting on a balcony doesn't make sense to me and I'm not gonna do that." So you could have a stubborn puppy that won't want to use the balcony bathroom etc. Sure, a good long WILL learn to do it eventually and it won't be a problem. But, you might be racing up and down your building with a puppy that has to pee etc.

Also, if you do a lot of work from home, your dog is gonna be staring at you the whole time, bored to death. And you will feel guilty because of it, but more importantly, you'll feel distracted.

But, a good dog is the best companionship. They are real buddies and will provide a lot of value.

I am against SMALL dogs in general. In general, most of them are kind of stupid, or bark all the time, or develop mental problems, or are too high energy etc.

Yon want a dog that is going to be well rounded. One you don't have to worry about. A dog that won't eat the small children of other dogs etc. You need to be able to trust your dog.

I think Labrador Retrievers are the best all around dogs. They are friendly, funny, extremely intelligent, easy to train, don't smell etc. A lot of them dont bark a lot. Mine does not bark unless she is outside and other dogs walk by, but she's territorial and she only began barking at other dogs when she was barked at by other dogs etc have one, so I could tell you more abou the breed. I'm totally happy with this dog.

A few negative points: dogs shed

[funkyzeit]

Get a dog if you like dogs. Don't be like those sluts who get tiny "pocket friends" so they fit in some social circle and pretend they are Paris Hilton.

Get a breed that fits your character and lifestyle and you'll have an easier time talking about it. Exception is a contrast game, ie: you are a hulking tattooed muscle mountain and you own a tiny chihuahua, girls will be highly intrigued and will try to get to know you.

[Nolecbo]

(01-08-2014 08:03 PM)_DC_ Wrote:  

I wish I could just borrow one for several months for a trial period. ~10 years is an unbelievable commitment.

Anyone recently get a pet? Any advice? Did I miss a big pro or con? Gracias.

Animal rescue groups have something they call 'foster homes'. The dog lives with you, but is still available for adoption. This frees up a spot for them to rescue another dog at their facility.

I have a dog, and my first time out I fostered a great pittie for about 9 weeks before she got adopted.


Getting laid shouldn't be your #1 reason for getting a dog, but if you get one bangs follow. In 2 years I have gotten 4 bangs that I can 100% credit to my dog (she is really friendly and opens on the street for me).

On dates, though, having a dog is invaluable for getting the girl back to your place. Earlier (over drinks) I show her a picture from my phone. After 2-3 drinks, I look at the time and say:
'I am having a great time, but I have to admit - my dog has a 6 hour bladder and she last went out 5 hours ago.'
(let her respond, ask bartender for check).
'Hey, wait. Would you be interested in going on a dog walk?'

I would guess that works a staggering 80% of the time. Before my dog I transitioned girls from bar to apartment 15%-20% of the time.

[Beyond Borders]

I love dogs. There's really nothing like having a good dog in your life, and I truly look forward to being ready to have one again.

My advice though.

If you're planning to travel substantially....

...don't fucking do it.

Or even if simplicity is just a valuable thing to you.

This comes from a guy who had to hand over his pitbull to someone else because he had no choice but to leave. I still dwell on it sometimes...

And even before that point, my lifestyle put my dog (and me) through a of hell.

If you have the loot, plan on being stationary, and have around a decade to dedicate, go for it. It really is awesome.

Just weigh the decision very carefully and not like "oh I want this cool new thing because of what it will do for me/say about me."

In a lot of ways, having a dog really is like having a kid. Only they get a lot more expensive as they get older.

(ha I was thinking the same thing about the "borrowing one for a month" thing. Maybe a good biz idea?)

[big poppa]

Love dogs.

If you have no one who can definitely look after it if you want to leave, I wouldn't go for it.. Other than that I think they're an awesome addition to your life.

[Gopher]

(01-08-2014 08:03 PM)_DC_ Wrote:  

I wish I could just borrow one for several months for a trial period. ~10 years is an unbelievable commitment.

You can volunteer as a foster with a rescue organization.

Then you will watch the dog with no financial burden until it gets adopted.

Good opportunity to test the waters.

[Chaos]

Don't get a dog if you travel a lot. Just don't.
But it's indeed a good way to meet girls in parks all around the world.
Except Iran of course.

[_DC_]

Thanks everyone, good info. I like Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

I'm def looking into become a foster owner. Honestly I don't think it would be that hard saying goodbye after a few months, its prob worse to own a dog for 12 years and watch it slowly die

[Vroom]

(01-09-2014 06:02 AM)funkyzeit Wrote:  

Get a dog if you like dogs. Don't be like those sluts who get tiny "pocket friends" so they fit in some social circle and pretend they are Paris Hilton.

Get a breed that fits your character and lifestyle and you'll have an easier time talking about it. Exception is a contrast game, ie: you are a hulking tattooed muscle mountain and you own a tiny chihuahua, girls will be highly intrigued and will try to get to know you.

That's the game I fell into, but not through choice. I was given a jack russell x chihuahua - 3.2kg of seething rage. She gets dwarfed by toy poodles...but still has the heart to take on great danes.

Although haters no doubt sneer at the well muscled man with a tiny toy dog as being a homo, there's never any shortage of female attention being directed at the dog, and at me. It makes the dog beach one of my favourite places to game.

[mikeymike]

(01-09-2014 07:13 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  

ng a kid. Only they get a lot more expensive as they get older.

(ha I was thinking the same thing about the "borrowing one for a month" thing. Maybe a good biz idea?)

not a good biz idea, I thought the same thing ages ago looked into it and the backlash faced by even the thought of a rent a dog company was overwhelming then I saw a few years ago somebody went through with it and they were doing terribly. Animal groups were all over them too. When you genuinely like dogs you don't think of the negative but those groups just think of the harm that'd come to the dogs, the inconsistency of being bounced around etc and it'll never fly and make enough money for the headache you'd go thru. For anybody who doesn't have the time, do as I do, volunteer at a shelter, I have dogs but its a min commitment for guys who are swamped and you get to go in and spend time with dogs that need it. Good for the soul...it's not gonna land you women but having a dog shouldn't be about women.

[Marlfox]

Get a pair or none.

[Seaver]

(01-08-2014 08:03 PM)_DC_ Wrote:  

I did a search and only found something like "best dogs for game" which I think is about as silly as "best college majors for game" etc.

I've ruminated over getting a dog for at least a year and I may finally pull the trigger. I live in an apartment complex and its basically doggie heaven, Id imagine at least 30% of the people here own one.

Reasons for:
Excuse to get out of the apartment often
Doggie companionship
More exercise
A seemingly absolutely fantastic way to meet other people

Reasons against:
I have basically no set work schedule, will have to conform to a schedule, e.g waking up and going outside at certain times
RESPONSIBILITY
Will have to be cognizant of not staying out too late, too often
Hampers travel (or at least makes it more complicated/expensive)

I work from home in a high rise and would buy a doggie platform for the large balcony it could shit/pee on. With this setup, keeping the balcony open, and one room with less precious stuff, could allow me to still go out late on weekends once its trained.

I literally see groups of people hanging outside all the time with their dogs. It would probably mean less or earlier nights, especially when still a pup, but I think the daytime social interaction would trump this.

I wish I could just borrow one for several months for a trial period. ~10 years is an unbelievable commitment.

Anyone recently get a pet? Any advice? Did I miss a big pro or con? Gracias.

1. It is a great way to meet other people. It is also a hindrance to meeting other people. Some people are afraid of, allergic to, or do not like dogs, so those people will now be harder to meet and hang out with.

2. Having your pet use a bathroom pad is a good idea in theory, but in reality you are training your dog to use the bathroom on something instead of outside. That means it will go on clothing or anything else it finds (bathroom mat and jackets are common items they use instead). It might also decide to not use the grass when outside b/c it knows it is supposed to use the pad. IMO this is a terrible idea for dogs and their owners. Nobody really wins except the company selling the pads.

3. Dog boarding isn't just expensive because of the boarding cost (you really don't want your dog in the lowest priced place), but because they will often come home with sickness that can end up requiring a vet bill (visit, treatment, meds) and more of your time nursing the dog.

4. If you use different services like cleaning services, building maintenance, etc. they may not want to show up when you are not around if the dog is home.

5. Dogs in apartments make a mess, even when they are older and well training. prepare to greatly increase the amount of time you spend cleaning, like triple or quadruple possibly.

[_DC_]

Fostering a great idea, just sent in an application.

The doggy pad gets good reviews, its more for when its a puppy and has to piss constantly. Not bringing the dog out at least two or three times a day would take away from the meeting people outside aspect.

[el mechanico]

Wrong reasons bro. I HAVE to have a dog with me and I teach them since the jump. I have a Lab which is a good dog but one command word and he'll rip your face off.

It's an all in thing

[lowbudgetballer]

Keep in mind, the best friend of every warped female academic unable to maintain any type of human relationship in any manner is her dog. I see a chick with a dog and consider it a red flag to stay away: something to do with high maintenance, a bitchy personality, and a lack of social skills.

Conversely, I do know a stable guy, whom I heavily admire, whose best friend is his dog.

lowbudgetballer

[SeanBateman]

A dog can be great but don't get one in the situation you are in. If you own a house and possibly have a family then a big properly trained dog is good to have. But for a single dude in an apartment it's a hassle and there's no good reason to have one. See the world first, buy a house second, get a dog third.

[caracal]

Dude, nice sentiment, but don't do it.

A Rhodesian Ridgeback in a high rise apartment? Not good for the dog, not good for the neighbours (would also assume body corporate regs may apply) and will cramp your ability to travel at the drop of a hat.

I would suggest volunteering at a local animal shelter where you can help socialise the animals. Chance to meet hot chicks (although you'll probably meet a few old loopy ones as well), doesn't affect your lifestyle and costs nothing.

[LowerCaseG]

A dog is a reflection of his owner. If your dog is not well behaved it means you are doing something wrong. I would HIGHLY recommend getting a mutt, as they have a diversified gene pool, fewer health problems, and a generally better disposition. I am lucky to have about 5-7 people who are just salivating for when I go away so they can watch my dog...because he's the man. So, in this sense, it has not been an impediment to traveling for me. However many people do not. My dog has never gotten me laid with a new girl, although several have come back for more because they liked my dog, so, in terms of meeting chicks, I think it's highly overrated. You are going to need to run your dog at least an hour a day....of heavy play until he's about 2.5. A tired dog is a happy dog. If I were you I would be looking at a 30-40lb mutt.

[mikeymike]

(01-10-2014 01:11 PM)LowerCaseG Wrote:  

A dog is a reflection of his owner. If your dog is not well behaved it means you are doing something wrong. I would HIGHLY recommend getting a mutt, as they have a diversified gene pool, fewer health problems, and a generally better disposition. I am lucky to have about 5-7 people who are just salivating for when I go away so they can watch my dog...because he's the man. So, in this sense, it has not been an impediment to traveling for me. However many people do not. My dog has never gotten me laid with a new girl, although several have come back for more because they liked my dog, so, in terms of meeting chicks, I think it's highly overrated. You are going to need to run your dog at least an hour a day....of heavy play until he's about 2.5. A tired dog is a happy dog. If I were you I would be looking at a 30-40lb mutt.

surprisingly bigger dogs don't always make bad apartment dogs, just depends on the breed and activity level. I have a house but my saint is a runt for a saint but at 130 she'd be a better apartment dog than many smaller breeds. My rott same thing, long work out and she's content to sleep all day, I've sat for a few friends smaller dogs, jack russels, beagles mainly and those things despite the size never stop moving and would suck for an apartment especially if you had wood floors. A border collie which is around the 35-40 pound mark would need 10x the attention my dogs do. Get a dog that matches your activity level and reflects the amount of time you can spend being active with your dog don't go off weight as it doesn't reflect temperament, activity needs, trainability etc. Mutts are always a good way to go, my Rotts a mutt, 3/4 rott, 1/4 shepherd and she's avoided the bad hips that are common in german bigger breeds and been very easy on the vet bills. My saints pure, she's never had any issues either so far so good but I can tell you that her ability to get attention from females isnt overated. Its actually annoying, she brings everybody from fatties to grandmothers to hardbody 10s so lots of time you're trying to end a conversation with a whale so you can talk to a cute girl but the whale doesn't move and when you want a 20 minute quick run out it turns into at min double that.

[billy]

Don't get a ridgeback unless you can walk it for 8 miles a day, proper ridgebacks are hunting dogs and in Africa packs of.ridgebacks are made chase landrovers 10-20 kilometers every day. If you get one as a.puppy and.are.not at home.247 budget anything up to $10k in damages for the first year of its life. A dog means no weekends.away, no staying out all night on the spur onnthe moment, no leaving for work in.the.morning then staying out on the drink straight after. Also.holidays require kennels.

[_DC_]

Roosh V Forum for the win, again.

Approved as for fostering. You give them a list of the ones you want.

Fantastic idea from the members as usual.