Rev. Adam Weatherly: God.Ministry.Leadership.Life.Media: Dogs, Dogs, and More Dogs

Just about every Friday I watch a show, on the National Geographic Channel, called the "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan." In fact, my wife and I are about to watch it and we don't even have a dog. This has to be one of the best shows to watch if you are training your dog. Every time I watch this show I want to get a dog.

This is something that Bethany and I have been talking about for the past year and a half. We really want a dog but there are 2 issues: 1. We can't decide on what breed of dog, and 2. We refuse to pay the ridiculous $700 non-refundable deposit to have a dog where we live. The good news is that our lease is up in February and hopefully we can find someplace better than where we're at.

When we move there will be a really good possibility of getting a dog. Bethany wants a small dog, particularly a Yorkshire Terrier, and I want to get a big dog like a Rottweiler or an Irish Wolfhound. After an incident a few months ago where the maintenance people left the door of our apartment wide open for several hours (with the spare key in it, and the complex office was closed), Bethany has warmed up to the idea of a big dog. Now the question is what kind of dog should we get?

We want a dog that can be our companion that is good friendly family dog, one we can play with, go on walks with us, and for the physical and mental health benefits that dogs offer. But on the other hand we want a dog that will stand guard to scare people off who come in uninvited, to protect us if needed, and to keep Bethany company when I'm away at church camps and events. I want a dog that will play with and allow kids to come in and out of the house, but will not allow adults in until my wife or I says its ok. We want to train a dog to be a fun friendly family dog, not a mean guard dog.

Let me know what you think, what you would recommend, and what your experiences are with dogs?

The 6 dogs below are the dogs that we have narrowed the search down to. The ones Bethany wants are at the top, and the ones I want are towards the bottom.