about

I am 48 years old (yes that's old compared to some of you).


I have worked in nursing and/or healthcare management positions for 24 years. Primarily OB, Neonatal, Mental Health, Occupational Health and Geriatrics. In Jan 2008 I started my own business to board horses and do equine/human education. I am also a certified dog trainer.


I've been around the block so to speak and seem to be always helping others. I've been told that the reason people seek me out for advice is that I am approachable and caring. But on the same token even though I consider the person's feelings. I tell it like I see it. I've dealt with people in trouble with the law, dysfunctional families such as those with abuse & marriage problems. Not to mention problems with employees and employers.


I don't ever claim to know it all, and always keep an open mind.

advice

Dear Nallie,

I would really appreciate it if you could help me with my search for dog breeds. Here are the answers to your questions:

The hobbies that I have are exercising of all sorts like swimming, sports, running, walking and I enjoy reading. I am a pretty active person.

Children will be around this dog.

I do like to be in authoritative positions.

The weather is very hot in the summer and extremely cold in the winter and everything else in between. I need a dog who can withstand high temperatures and humidity along with very cold temps.

My yard is medium to large sized and is about 4.5 feet tall.

Thanks for helping me!

Hi,
Well, it's tough to meet all your criteria especially with the shedding part but you would at least do best with a dog with a short coat, so it would only need brushed 1-2 x per week. You would need to stay away from the breeds with the shorter/puggy type nose as they can't withstand the heat well. An active dog would fit your life style and if you start it out in a kennel or crate it could easily be alone 6 hours per day. Since the dog would be around children, there's several breeds I eliminated right from the get go and those are in the mastiff and working breed family. With your active lifestyle I would suggest a sporting breed, if you plan to do obedience training with the dog, the sporting breeds seem easier to train and are quick learners because they so want to please their owner. Although most young sporting dogs can be a little over friendly with small children (such as knocking them over) they usually seem to do well once they are trained not to do this. Perhaps a good choice for you in the medium dog size would be a yellow or a chocolate lab. If this size of dog seems too large for you it seems as if the 2nd choice would be a beagle. If you go with a lab get one from a reputable breeder where you can see the Mother dog for temperment reasons,and ask about a history of hip displaysia. You might also contact owners of previous litters and ask them. This is something you don't want to take a chance on. Because although there are treatments, more than likely a dog with hip problems will cost a lot of money in vet bills and will not be the active dog that you desire anymore. Best of luck and let me know what you decide.

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(Rating: 5) Thanks for the great advice. After researching it, I think I will go with a Chocolate Lab. Thanks again. You helped me enormously! Thank you!
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