First let me start off by saying this will be my first dog on my own, my parents have owned shih tzu's for several years when I lived there, but I have not had a dog since I moved out. I went last thursday to the local humane shelter and found a really cute 2 year old female beagle named Lexi. I wasn't that interested in her until I got her out to play. There were little kids there, probably around 5 or under, and she was great with them. She never barked, not even in the cage when every other dog was. She was very playful, and seemed to be very respectful to her surroundings. No chewing, did not grab at anything she wasn't supposed to, no jumping up on people unless she was invited.... Well I thought it over for a couple days and decided I can't let her pass. I plan on picking her up a week from Tuesday if the shelter will let me (I have to be out of town next weekend, and don't want to pass her on to someone else right away!). What can I expect when I bring her home? It will be a completely new environment, quiet, open..... She has been kennel trained, but not housebroken yet. Any suggestions on that? I have searched for some, but can never hear enough. Also a question on getting her fixed, how long is the process, and how long is the recovery? Should I schedule it for a friday so I will be home with her all weekend, or would she be fine if it was done during the week? I typically work 7-5, and after that she would be free to run.
One last thing, what should I have at my house when she gets there. I know the shelter provides dog food, and a leash. I have read that a 30" kennel is a good size for these dogs, and I plan on picking up bowls, an outside leash, a few toys, and a bed for her kennel. Until I feel comfortable leaving her out, she will be sleeping in her kennel. After that I will get her a bed and put it in whatever room she wants. What are your thoughts on the bowls that sit higher off the ground, worth the extra $$?
Edit:
I am picking her up next Tuesday!!!! Here she is!
