I've had dogs literally my entire life. Growing up, my parents and I showed Old English Sheepdogs and from the time I left the house I got my own dog. Now, I'm the proud alpha master of a Rottie and a Cocker Spaniel (as well as 4 cats and two birds).
If you are planning on getting a dog I have a few suggestions for you.
1. Research the type of dog you are going to get to make sure it will fit into your lifestyle. Look at how much time you really have to train, exercise and groom a dog and base your decision on that. http://www.akc.org/future_dog_owner/index.cfm?nav_area=future_dog_owners has great information for prospective dog owners.
2. Many pet stores such as PetCo have inhouse training/obedience classes. Find one in your area and make an appointment to speak to a trainer. They can help you with the problems all people encounter with their first puppy. These stores will also carry tons of books on general dog training as well as breed specific books.
3. I am a huge supporter of animal rescue. As a matter of fact, none of my animals have come from a breeder. All have been rescued from either the SPCA or a private rescue organization. If you decide to purchase a dog, please PLEASE get one from a reputable breeder NOT a puppy mill. (www.akc.org has links for breeder information) Most pet stores that sell dogs receive their stock from puppy mills. I personally will not spend a red cent at a store that sells dogs.
4. Talk to people in your neighborhood who are pet owners about the Vet they use, find a vet that really cares about the animals they treat, instead of one who is only in it for the money. Most importantly, give your dog it's yearly shots and vet exams. Never forget to give your dog heartworm medication and keep them on a good flea/tick treatment. (I prefer Advantage for fleas over Frontline, I find it more effective) Regular grooming/bathing is also important to an animal.
5. As for training. You will find many different training techniques out there from "click" training, treat training, praise/correct training etc. In my experience, using a combination of training methods is needed with most breeds. I strongly suggest that any first-time dog owner take training classes. Dog training isn't about training the dog, instead it is about training the owner. Beginner obedience classes are usually not very expensive, will give you a good foundation to work with and will normally address specific problems you may be having with your new pet.
Finally, the most important piece of advice I would give any new dog owner is to enjoy your dog and bring them in as a new part of your family. There is a reason why so many pet owners will tell you their dog/cat or even potbelly pig is like one of their kids. They get into our hearts and stay there even after they pass on.
Good luck!!!!
Thanks so much for the info.
We had a Heinz 57 mutt growing up and he was a constant companion for us kids.
But my parents didn't take him to obedience training or anything, which would have been a good idea. I'd like to make sure about what we are doing here and get everything started off right.
I had also heard from a friend that you have to be really careful with where you get a dog. I'm going to get some names of breeders from her and definitely not go the pet store route.
Someone had suggested that a Boxer-Bulldog breed is a good family dog, and it doesn't shed much, either. Have you had any experience with those?