Korean Job Discussion Forums

calicoe · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Location: South Korea

OK, I know all the practical advice and so forth, and usually it is my advice as well, but I have found my dog and I am adopting him, and that is that.

He is a loving, but tall and gangly, wolf dog puppy, and I'm getting him. I am not going to let him die in a shelter.

So, the question remains: how difficult is my life about to get? I will most likely be moving to Busan with him.

Thanks for the advice and war stories in advance.

rollo · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: China

he is going to be big and that is a problem. This type of dog needs a lot of socialization. He could become dangerous to other dogs or children. That means finding other dogs for him to mix with. That means more than thirty minute walks. Putting this animal in a prison (a small apartment) could make it more aggressive and unstable.

calicoe · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Location: South Korea

Thanks for your feedback, Rollo. Trust me, he's not. I grew up with large, intelligent dogs, and have trained them and been around them my whole life. My brother trained german shepherds in the army, and then brought them back to "civilian" life. Trust me, I know dogs. This guy is a gentle giant, and already has a loving and gentle nature. I know how to train him and raise him.

My concern right now is finding a place to live. How much trouble am I getting into? Can I find somewhere to live here? Any large dog owners out there?

Mix1 · Joined: 08 May 2007

A wolf hybrid?
Surprised they have those in Korea. Or are you bringing it from out of country?
Saw a special on them; they love to roam and love their independence, they are smart but can also snap at any moment.
Doesn't seem advisable to keep it in a small apartment. I had a samoyed for a while here in an apartment, and even with two daily long walks a day, it seemed pretty miserable and would tear the place up during the day.

chasmmi · Joined: 16 Jun 2007 Location: Ulsan

mAke sure to focus on only well sound proofed places because neighbours will likely kick up a major fuss if they here a 'wolf' barking next door,

Dodge7 · Joined: 21 Oct 2011

Get a cat instead. Then when you leave you can just throw it in the street with the rest of the ferals roaming around. Man there's some ugly, dangely, stringy, dirty ones by where I live. Saw one stalking another female yesterday..she wasn't havin it. Almost broke out into a spectacular fight but the dude took off. Good thing, she was pissed and ready to go.

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

If you can find a route to walk him off the beaten path then it might be not too bad. Try to walk him through an urban neighborhood and you will feel like it's a 300lb lion on your leash and not a lovable doggie.

As the owner of a 20lb miniature schnauzer who has seen Koreans scream in terror and jump off the sidewalk into the street I can testify to this. He's not even knee height.

About 30% of Koreans seem terrified of any dogs bigger than a rat.

Your key to making this work might be to having a car. Then you can bundle him into a car and drive him to less crowded places for walkies.

Also, just don't bother telling your landlord you have a dog. It's easier in the long run.

chasmmi · Joined: 16 Jun 2007 Location: Ulsan

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

warmachinenkorea · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/

Search this site and try to find some of the stories of others and there troubles with landlords.

Our friends from Puerto Rico brought their 2 pits with them and they live in a house. It has a small courtyard and a high fence. The owner of the house wants to bulldoze it so he can build a villa and they are having a difficult time finding a good house now. Some of the places they have been shown are no better than a campsite. But they were shown a 3 year old place that has 5 bedrooms, a deck and a fenced yard.

It's possible but not easy.

NYC_Gal 2.0 · Joined: 10 Dec 2010

A small apartment is always better than an even smaller cage. The dog is lucky to have found you. Enjoy those walks in Busan! Best of luck, OP.

calicoe · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Location: South Korea

Thanks NYC girlio!

Steelrails · Joined: 12 Mar 2009 Location: Earth, Solar System

Small apartment is better than a small furnace...You're doing the right thing. Best of luck.

Plan for whatever can go wrong and be ready for it, that way you'll be ready.

Mix1 · Joined: 08 May 2007

calicoe · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Location: South Korea

Thanks for the comments everyone, I really appreciate it.

Trust me, I know it's not going to be easy, I never adopt on a whim. Actually, it has been more than a decade that I have actually even thought about adopting an animal, and didn't do it then because the time just wasn't right. You know, the timing is never perfect in life. But, one thing is for sure, if I don't adopt this dog he will be put to death.

And, I found him, interacted with him and already know his temperament. He has the sweetest, gentlest nature. There is not an aggressive bone in his body (I watched him mildly beg for food while he was starving to death, and his sweet demeanor never changed).

Well, I have decided to act this time, rather than standby. No, things are not perfect, and no, they will not be stress-free. It is like adopting a child - there's a huge commitment. But, he's my dog, and I'm going to get him. I will work with him and train him really well. And, when I leave this country eventually, he's coming with me. And that's that.

And, so now, back to the advice about the actual question, rather than about his breed (of which I have no questions, because I know all about these dogs):

Does anyone know of dog-friendly apartments or housing in Busan? For dog owners out there, how do you get your dog from one place to another if you don't have a car?

I may have to get a car eventually, but in the meantime I need to figure out how to get him to Busan.