What Should I Expect? I Have So Many Questions!?

So tommorow I am going to the pound and rescue a dog hopefully a puppy. I already have a 5 year old papillon mix, he is a little jealous but I plan on doing a proper introduction so that no jealousy arises. So my question is what should I expect going to the pound in terms of the dogs there? ( by the way im in a city) . Are there always puppies? Do the dogs/puppies generally com healthy or do they sometimes come out sick (ex kennel cough, manges,parvo, etc) What should I ask? Also should I rescue a puppy or a slightly older dog? Or what breed or mix do you suggest:: Heres my living situation
I already had a huge dog, unfortunately it died a few months ago, so my mom doesnt like big dogs because she thinks they are to much to handle. I dont think so and I would be responsible in training and I personally would be up for it., (by the way Im 23 so its not my first and Im not a little teenager or kid) She really has her heart set on a littler one but I would also like a bigger one to walk and jog with me. Exercise wouldnt be an issue. The other issue my mom has is that she wants a low – no shed dog. So what are your thoughts- puppy or adult dog? small or bigger dog? if so what breed/s ( considering the fact that alot of the dogs are mutts in the pound) and again what are some questions should I ask them? by the way I am going by myself. Thanks for your help and no sarcastic or rude answers.

Questions About My New Puppy !?

Sorry if this is long.. First time puppy owner :]
Hi, I just got my new puppy 2 days ago. He’s a pomeranian/papillon mix and is about 9 weeks old. He’s like a new baby to our family and is always the center of all the attention, but i’ve been noticing some no no’s about him. Here is a list of things i need help with..
1.He gets car sick VERY easily, starts to drool excessively then eventually throws up..
2.He was already house trained from his breeder but lately Most of the time when i bring him outside he wont go until i bring him inside, THEN he goes! He just sits there when he has his potty time.
3.He’s a naughty boy and wakes me and my bf up at around 5 to 6am just to lay in bed with us, then starts going wild and jumps around with so much energy. :]
4.He ate a little the first day but yesterday and today he barely eats at all… He’s drinking just fine though i think.
5.He sleeps a lot, is that normal ? since he’s just a baby.
6.When i try to get him back inside the house from playing outside or from potty breaks, he never wants to follow me. He just sits there and gives me the puppy face.
7.Every time he looks at something that he can see himself in (reflections) he goes crazy and barks, growls, stare for the longest time..
Training Tips ?
He’s already learning how to sit, only within the first 2 days ! But only if i give him a little piece of chicken, and also not willing to do anything else but “sit”. I want to be able to call to him and he’d follow me, or how to stay, roll over, Most Importantly NOT TO BARK at other dogs or his reflection, and etc.
Here’s a picture of him.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h201/azncutie1627/Keoki2.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h201/azncutie1627/papimom3.jpg

Dog Housebreaking Questions?

I’m thinking of getting a Papillon in the next couple of years. And I heard that they are a little obstinate to house training? Can you tell me to what degree that they are hard? Because I had a miniature pinscher, and if a Papillon is as bad as that I do not want one. I’m going to make a portfolio all about Papillons so I know exactly what to do if I get one,
How long after drinking should they be taken out?
How Long The Potty Break Should Be?
Should They Be Crate Trained To Stay In At Night So They Don’t Pee Everywhere?
How Hard Is Crate Training?
How Long After Eating Should They Be Taken Out?
Should I Keep The Dog With Me For A Couple Days Prior To Purchase (if breeder allows) Just To See If It Really Is House Trained? (because I bought a min pin for a large sum and it turned out not to be very well house trained)
Would An Invisible Fence Be A Good Idea So I Don’t Have To go Outside With Him Everytime He Has To Go?
Thanks So Much, And No I don’t think crate training is cruel, No I don’t disagree with invisible fences obviously.
Thanks A Bunches!

Papillon Puppy Questions…?

I’m interested in the Papillon breed. If all goes well, I will purchase a Papillon puppy from a reputable breeder sometime in the future. But before I make any decisions, I have a few questions to ask the Papillon owners/breeders.
1) How much does a Papillon shed? Do some colors shed more than others?
2) On a scale of 1-10, how much does a Papillon bark (with 1 being not at all and 10 being excessive barking)? With proper training, how much can the barking be reduced? Also, what’re some ways to reduce barking?
3) Is it true that Papillon are hard to housebreak?
4) Does Papillon get along well with small pets?
5) Is Papillon suitable for apartment living in general?
6) How many times does a Papillon have to be walked daily? What times?
7) Finally, is Papillon a great companion dog to have?
Only serious inputs from Papillon owners/breeders, please.
Thanks.

Who’s Got A Papillon? Training Questions…?

I’ve got a 2 year old and she can sit, lay down, shake with both paws, stay, rollover, heel, bark and be quiet on command. I want to teach fun stuff now. I haven’t found the best way to teach her to balance a treat on her nose until I give her the “ok” command. They’re such hyper dogs that it’s hard to get her to sit still. Any suggestions?
Also, any other ideas for fun tricks I can teach her?

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