Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Pluto]

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. I'm coming up on my 30th birthday early next year (already 30 in Korea ...eek!). But as the OP says, I REALLY WANT TO GET A DOG! I run through the local park everyday and I always see that everyone and their dog is there; pun fully intended

But just wondering what has been everyone's experiences with their dogs. What is your favorite dog? What dogs are in your family? What dogs were in your family? Was it worth the trouble?

I've decided on getting a Retriever. Still up in the air about weather I'll get a Golden or a Labrador, although I'm leaning Lab.

The Golden Retriever (YouTube)

Labrador (Google Video)

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As an aside:
How Dogs Became Man's Best Friend (National Geographic) *Spoiler Alert* Creationism debunked... again.
I also find it interesting that dogs, more than any other animal, are so responsive to human behavior. The video said that dogs have been around for 15,000 years and that they evolved from wolves in Asia. This just makes it seem odd that dogs would evolve to become man's best friend. Is there any other literature out there on this subject. I'd be interested to know why this relationship exists w/r/t dog & human.

[T-dot]

Jindo.

Have raised one for 5 yrs in Korea and love the breed.

[Missihippi]

Mini Snauzer (sp?)
Boxer
English Bulldog
Siberian Husky


I've always wanted a dog, but not until i have enough time or space to take care of it. It's just cruel to keep a dog in these tiny korean apartments.

[Bramble]

I can't adopt one myself, but please consider these precious babies if you're in a position to do so.

[Bramble]

[Forward Observer]

Australian shepherd (Aussie) or Great Pyrenees.

[Lemon84]

[tzechuk]

I really, really want a dog. After little babies, dogs are like my favourite little things on earth...

I think my all time favourites are the Old English Sheep dogs for the big breed and Maltese for the small breed.

[Missihippi]

[chonga]

Boston Bull Terrier is the dog I will one day have.

I've always wanted a Sibery Husky but I realize that I can't provide the climate they like nor the exercise they need.

[Bramble]

Right, you have to have time, energy and a stable situation if you want to care for any dog. My tiny, older dog is all I can handle, but she still needs exercise (and she definitely won't get it running around the apartment). Fortunately there are some nice parks in my area, and my dog enjoys going grocery shopping with me, but if I'm in a rush she'll tolerate a quick trip to the roof in the morning instead of a walk. (Of course she prefers a real walk.)

From what I've read, Jindos need about two or three hours of exercise a day and they aren't as welcome as small dogs in public places (like grocery stores). T-dot, do you have any advice for future Jindo guardians? Do you take your Jindo hiking in the mountains?

Here's a link that might help posters who are thinking of adopting a dog, cat or bunny. OP, please let us know how it goes.

[mlh]

i have a jindo-mix and live in a tiny prison cell of an apartment. now i did think about it before i got him, but i adopted him from a shelter so i figured it was my tiny tiny apartment or a cage in a shelter. you choose.

i also knew i'd only be staying here with him about 8 months then it'd be back to america where he'll have a yard and all of that great stuff.


that said though i get up at the crack of dawn every morning and walk/hike/jog with him for about an hour and twenty minutes (i live out in the sticks and there are several hiking trails). then when i get home from school we go on another hour long walk/hike. all in all i'd say the guy is pretty happy and owning him has been an absolute joy.

however, owning a larger dog in korea has been really stressful because he is definitely not very welcome when we're out walking. when we first started walking i cannot tell you how many times people yelled/screamed at us that we weren't supposed to be there. but now that people are more used to us it is easier and i do get the occassional compliment about how beautiful he is (and he really is a beautiful dog)

also people here seem to really enjoy barking at us. to the point where people will be driving along and see us, slow down or even stop, roll down their windows and bark and bark. sometimes i think they're actually trying to call my dog over and other times i think they're mocking us. usually i don't care about the stares and hellos i get on the street but the barking really gets to me.

but we only have 2 more months left and then we're moving to colorado where he'll have a yard to play in and can chase squirrels to his hearts content and i'm super excited about being able to have him in a more pet friendly environment.

[travelbears]

I'd like to have a chihuahua or anything small and not hairy. I don't know if it's better to buy one before I move to Korea or just adopt/buy one when I get there. Also, I'm worried about where to put the dog during my vacation.

[Pink Freud]

Airedale terrier. But not in Korea.

[mlh]

I think you should definitely wait until you get here. You might get here and realize your lifestyle isn't conducive to owning a dog.


As for little dogs I don't think its that hard to find a vet who will board your dog especially if you live in a larger city or Seoul. For larger dogs its much more difficult.

My dog is larger and since he doesn't really like other people it has meant that pretty much ever since I got him I can't really travel. For me thats ok but that can mean suckiness on vacation. Now I do live out in the sticks and far from Seoul. If I lived in Seoul I probably could find someone. But for me personally I find the advantages of having my dog outweigh the disadvantages, but its definitely something to think about.

There are also tons of pets here needing loving homes. If you're thinking of adopting or you can even foster if you don't think you want to take a dog in permanently you should check out animalrescuekorea.org