I've been thinking about getting a dog as of lately. I really want one but I'm not sure if I'm home enough yet. I will be having some scheduling changes coming soon with work so that may be the extra time I need to be able to spend with a dog. I have a few breeds in mind but I'm not really sure on which one I really want yet. So far its between a Great Dane, Thai Ridgeback, and a Pit. Any suggestions?

If your not home enough to exercise those breeds as they require a lot, then those are all bad choices

If my schedule changes I will be home a LOT more. I will be working a 9-5 so to speak.

so you want a dog based on an "IF"?

okay...... Like i said.

so this "9-5" thing, who would take him/her out during that time?

Thats why I said TOSSING. Just wondering what you guys thought about these different breeds mainly.

Originally posted by Star Turbo Talon
If your not home enough to exercise those breeds as they require a lot, then those are all bad choices

Yeah, those are pretty high maintanence breeds (with lots of big poop). As long as you got a yard for them to run around in, I would say cool. But otherwise, be careful what you wish for.

Best thing you need to do is research your breeds and see what issues there might be along with the type of maintenance they are gonna need. Things you need to consider are the amount of time you are going to be able to commit to not only training the dog but also taking care of it. Plus you also have to develop a routine with it. Don't just decide on a dog because you like that particular breed.

Go to the pound and get a mut. That's where I got my dog from almost 5 years ago. She's a black lab/pointer mix. She's been there for me through 4.5 years of college, moving three times, and a lot of other hard times.

Let a dog choose you, don't choose a dog. Go to the pound, look around and you will know what I am talking about. That's how I got mine. I was trying to pet one dog in a cage and my dog knocked the other dog out of the way to get petted on. I knew she was perfect.

It almost makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up when you hear "I hate X breed of dog, I only want an X" There are tons of good dogs looking for a home.

We bought a Nebolish Mastiff puppy back in November, and he's been great. Of course, my wife runs home every day for lunch to let him out, and we walk him and play with him every evening.

Keep in mind puppies can usually only hold it one hour per month of age +/- one hour, so if you get a young dog you'll have to make time to let him out.

What size dog? I mean you want a huge dog that can tackle you or a little thing that you can carry with your hand? Also like said above some dogs need more exercise then others. A shizu won't need a yard to run in compared to like a shepard.

Yes, you definitely need to see what will fit your lifestyle, if you are a "lazy" person who doesn't like much activity, a high energy breed isn't good. Animal Planet's website has a tool that you can use to help guide you to which dog would suit your lifestyle (http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do). Another thing to be looking at is what will you and the dog be around? Will it agree with, or get along with other dogs or people? Are you ready for the financial commitment (vet costs, food, toys, unexpected vet costs which can be VERY costly ($2000 for me)).

I got a German Shorthaired Pointer in July, but I am used to high energy bird dogs. I am pushing it with him as well, long hours at work, but I also come home to let him out and make sure to exercise him well when I am at home, and got him used to a routine. I personally wanted a dog that was easily trained, obedient, and would do well outdoors. I do not regret this decision one bit... yes, he is extremely hyper and according to the vet will not calm down until about 12 years old, but that is perfect as he keeps me on my feet all of the time.

As Dino said, every hour puppies need to go outside (or more frequently!). I was lucky and picked mine up while I was on a 2 week vacation followed by a 2 week temporary layoff during the summer which gave adequate time to bond and start training the pup.

After the decision is made if you decide purebread, finding a breeder is the next fun part, and you may have to be prepared to travel. I had to drive 7 hrs to get mine. (I wanted to get mine at the begining of the 4 weeks off and this one was ready at the right time).

Let us know what you end up getting, and good luck!