Puzzlement over the perfect puppy
Dear Dr. Forsythe: I’m finally planning to reward myself by getting a puppy to keep me company and give me companionship. I’ve wanted to do this for several years, and now that I’ve finished grad school and have a position where I can spend some time at home, I’m going to take the plunge. There are many breeds that I really like, from Labradors to Chihuahuas, but I was wondering if you could tell me if there are any certain breeds that I should absolutely stay AWAY from in your experience. Are there any breeds that you find have numerous health problems typically or behavioral problems that surface more often than other breeds? Also, do you have any tips in selecting a good dog? I’m planning on doing research and finding a good breeder, but there are so many types of dogs I like, narrowing it down is tough. Thanks for your help! – JG, Santa Rosa
Dear JG: Congratulations on getting through grad school. I can’t think of a better way to reward yourself than a pet!! I can’t mention breeds to absolutely stay AWAY from because even in more problematic breeds (such as bulldogs, cocker spaniels) there are still some excellent breeders out there selling beautiful and healthy puppies (you just have to look carefully and select cautiously).
Follow your heart when picking the dog you want. Go to a dog show and see all the different breeds and pick out a breed that tickles your fancy and makes you melt with love. I also find that many of my most memorable, wonderful and heartwarming patients come from adoption agencies and are mixed breed dogs. Humane societies and rescue organizations never stop astounding me with the amazing array of fascinating, incredible pure-bred and mixed breed dogs and cats up for adoption. I recommend widening the scope of your search when looking for that “special someone.”
Consider your lifestyle and needs and living space when picking the breed. If you like to hike and camp, jog, and want a pet who can help you with the crossword, consider a Border collie in favor of a Bulldog. If your space is cramped, look into a Pug rather than a Bull Mastiff. I’m sure that once you meet the pet that stirs your soul, all common sense will fly out the door, but this basic common sense can help be a guidepost when starting the selection process. Good luck with getting a companion. I’m sure you’ll be happy once you have that leash in your hand and a buddy for life. – Dr. F.
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My girlfriend’s dog is completely out of control. It breaks out of her backyard at least once a week and we have to go trolling around the neighborhood like a couple of dorks calling after it. One time it was gone for a week and we finally found her in a backyard down the street. I keep telling her she needs to get the dog on some medication or something to calm it down, but she insists “she’s just high strung.” Isn’t that just an excuse? It can’t really be normal for a dog to dig out under a fence one week then knock a gate down then chew a hedge away to escape week after week, can it? – Frustrated “guy”
Dear “guy”: No, it isn’t normal. A pet that is breaking out like this has some type of anxiety disorder and this needs to be dealt with. To simply label a dog that is destroying property and escaping repeatedly “high strung” is like burying your head in the sand. I suggest you urge your girlfriend to contact her veterinarian for a recommendation to a canine behaviorist. This is a situation that can likely be helped through conditioning, and to let the pet run amok is really a form of neglect. Thanks for being involved and doing what’s right. – Dr. F.
