Instead of back and forth about big or little dog I say go to a shelter and see what dog you both are attracted to. The right dog for you will find you, I promise!
In my experience, any issue in a relationship should be "Us vs. the issue" and not "You vs. Me". You're a team, you should address the problem together.
Personally, having lived with big dogs my whole life and currently live with 4, I wouldn't get a big dog unless you live in a house with a yard or live very close to a park. Keeping a big dog in an apartment can be very challenging.
On the dog thing: my husband wanted large, I wanted medium. My girlfriend cautioned us both to NOT get any dog that we individually couldn't lift into a car. Best advice ever.
You can tell when generation someone is from when they still say girlfriend for a female friend. Lol. I’m torn because I’d use it more if it didn’t confuse the hell out of people.
When one partner feels like they feel “abandoned” when their partner needs to leave and cool off during a conflict- it helps a lot to lessen that feeling to let them know “I will be back/ I will return” - even if you’re stepping out to the garage/backyard/for a quick drive. Yes, we know you will come back but when it’s verbalized to us (the partner who feels abandoned), it feels reassuring and less anxiety. Just something I learned from years ago and experienced. 😄
Agree! Big dog if you like long hikes and routine in that. Definitely little dog if you want more flexibility. We have a dachshund/sausage dog and it’s loved to bits. We take it everywhere. It loves car rides and to travel… Ohhh, and maybe two dogs if you think they’d be by themselves a lot. But with you guys I don’t think that’s a problem :)
As a self proclaimed minimalist for 10 yrs, and now with a partner for 5, and big dog (aussiedoodle 55lbs) for 2 yrs - I can 100% say it doesn’t matter about the size, but about the breed. Choose a breed that aligns with the lifestyle you have. Our pup engaged us to be more active than we already were. We have found community through her, and have set up our house intentionally to keep her + her pup friends visitors in mind. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lot of work, but wouldn’t have changed it for anything. We’re obsessed with her. Oh yeah.. and the 2 cats too 😆 Good luck, strong work & content, as always. 😊
When you are ready for a dog, make sure you do your homework. The dog you want is not necessarily the dog you need. Your energy levels should match, how do you feel about shedding, do you have dog lovers in your family who can help you out sometimes etc. Great to see you guys!
When it comes to choosing a dog's breed / size, I think the most important thing to ask first is : does their breed personality and exercise need match your lifestyle. Having a sad dog cause you can't offer them enough playtime or exercise, or to the contrary feeling stressed out yourself to exercise / go out all the time when that's just not something you like can be a real pain. All dogs have their own personality and all, but you can still expect certain patterns. I've seen a couple of people getting Aussie Shepherd during the pandemic as it seems to be THE popular bread these days, and they just couldn't cope with their constant herding, need to exercise and overall puppy energy. We got an awesome Siberian Husky about a year ago and it's been a blast. Living in Montreal and being pretty outdoorsy (running / hiking / cycling), I've been going out with her in all weathers, doing usually 1 big walk or activity per day. It's more than enough for her and allows us to rest and not add too much burden in our lives. Getting a puppy has it's tough times, but if it's aligned with your current lifestyle, you'll have an amazing journey with your pup. And that's all I wish you guys
As a professional dog trainer who works with all breeds and all sizes and all ages, I would definitely recommend a small-medium size for your first dog. Not less than 10lbs but not more than 40lbs. Oh and I highly recommend hiring a trainer or behaviorist to help you choose the right dog for your lifestyle.
We have our first “smallish” dog after many generations of big dogs. I still love big dogs but I will say life is easier with an 18lb Welsh terrier. Easier to travel with, eats less, less to clean up after but not so small that I worry about a hawk snatching her. A little dog with big dog personality 😊
15:05 agree with Nat 100%, I also don’t recall applying a certain tip or a “hack” from any of Matt’s videos, but what I have applied many many times (and I’ll continue to do so) is the mindset that he shares on this channel, that has been priceless for me.
Mixed-breed rescue dogs! They tend to be medium in size and have fewer illnesses and special conditions, which helps simplify the role of being a tutor ;)
I definitely agree with you on the physical health part, but too often these dogs are hard to manage for a beginning dog owner due to their past. I do a 100% agree that these animals deserve a life in a loving home, but I personally think that it is not advisable for someone who, I assume, doesn't know a lot about dogs to adopt an adult dog with a history.
That's true, it is nice to raise a puppy how you want them to be.. But on the flip side if you don't know how to properly raise, train, and socialize a puppy an adult dog could be a better fit. It all depends on the adult dog's personality and what exactly they dealt with in their past.
we adopted 2 mixed-breed rescue dogs and never had problems in training. i think it really depends on the dog. puppies are blank slates which has good and bad sides. you'd have to be responsible for teaching the puppy good behaviors and habits from the beginning so that they don't grow up to be undisciplined adult dogs. so on one end, more experience is ideal here. an advantage of getting dogs from shelters is that they're usually rehabilitated by professionals first before they're put up for adoption. dogs with traumas may not be good for first-time owners. personally, our dogs were mostly just neglected which was why they ended up in the shelter. no major traumas or phobias. rescue shelter professionals would surely be able to match you with dogs that would be perfect for your furparenting experience and lifestyle :) they'd be able to guide you as you go through the journey as well. that was immensely useful for me during my first time as a solo furparent.
Agree! And also if you're wanting to be staring a family in the next few years you'll need to consider breeds that are particularly good with kids (whether you're getting a rescue or a puppy). Breed traits have always been bang on for me and it makes a huge difference to your life if you select a breed that fits.
*“You’ll watch an entire Netflix series even when the first episodes are slow just because someone told you that ‘it gets better’, but what if you looked at your goals like that and watched your life get better instead?”* Love from a UA-camr💙
Smaller dog. My husband and I purposely adopted a dog that could fit under an airplane seat so we can travel with him. It’s been so great being able to fly home (east coast to west coast) and take him with us.
honestly love how strong your relationship shows through this video! you both seem very mature in your emotions and interactions with each other and that’s so important! Good luck finding your first dog :)
I just want to say I’ve been watching your channel for the last 3 years now and one of the things that really drew me to your channel is how open and genuine you are. And Nat is just a gem honestly! I love the way you two bounce off each other and have such a respecting and loving relationship that really shines through. Thank you so much for creating an amazing channel and all the work you do. You’ve literally changed my life in so many ways. Ps I vote medium dog, best of both worlds 😉
I just want you to know that even though I understand that having this channel must be hard sometimes, it means so much to me and I assume a lot of other viewers! Your channel is so uplifting and a nice, inspiring part of my life that I enjoy regularly. Thank you for that!
“Your thoughts can eat you alive.” Thank you for this chat and including the lovely Natalie 😍 Her words resonated deeply for me, when I went through a deep internal transition of employee to entrepreneur mindset.
On the subject of dog(s): we have Australian Heelers. They are a great compromise because they are on the smaller side of medium, about 30-40lbs, but they have the presence of a larger breed. It feels like having a larger dog, but they are physically fairly small and manageable.
My wife and I got a yellow Labrador two years ago and she has been one of the highlights of our lives! I was actually very resistant to the idea of taking on the responsibility of a dog. I didn’t grow up around dogs so I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But when we brought Blue home from the breeder, everything changed. She has brought so much joy to our lives. Every day she does something hilarious that has us pulling out our phones to take pictures. They really do become part of your family and now I can’t imagine what things would be like without her. If you decide to get a lab, at least from our experience, they are very smart and have a strong desire to figure out your house rules. She is very self sufficient but will often ask for attention in the form of bringing toys to play fetch. More than anything, they want companionship and to feel like they are part of your “pack.” Best of luck! We were testing the waters getting a dog to help decide if we wanted kids. We are thinking we with stick with the dog! 😅 And maybe add another at some point 😁
We had the same debate! We ended up with a medium sized dog and I am SO thankful, I wanted the big dog and now I’m thankful we went smaller because that was a lot to commit to in cleaning and higher expenses and harder in travel. We looked at shelters and listings in the newspapers and our sweet Benja found us. You guys will feel a connection and it will feel right!
More important than size is researching the breed that will fit your lifestyle. Smallish dogs are easier to take places (planes, car etc) and are less expensive in every way. Good luck!
When it comes to a dog, please consinder the travelling between us and Australia. Bringing a dog to Australia seems very complicated. It has to go to quaratine a Long time. I personally don’t prefere a special breed. Every breed has some advantages and some disadvantages. My advice is, Go to a shelter and look with who you fall in love with. I worked as a dog trainer for 10 years and my experience is, 99% get the dog they need to become better in life. Just get a lot of information about the needs of dogs and trust your gut. If you are still unsure what dog you want, ask for proffesionel help. A dog trainer can help you better than UA-cam 😉 a dog can accompany your life a very long time.
As someone who has had dogs most of my life (40), I’d say instead of necessarily thinking big or small dog, think about personality and lifestyle. Are you a runner and you want a dog to run with you? If so, a chihuahua probably isn’t the right dog for you. Do you plan to remain in an apt/condo situation, or do you plan to have a house with a yard soon? As an example, I have a Corgi and they are AWESOME. But, it would be tough to have her in an apartment for one reason: she barks. At everything. And it’s a breed thing. Just food for thought.
Oh my goodness, I am such a big fan of this channel. It has been almost three years since I watched my first video and subscribed. I do agree with Nat 100%, that there's not one particular tip that I have learned but instead the overall mindset has been a stepping stone for me. I have taken out so much about the importance of a work life balance and the fact that I'm in my 20s. I now appreciate seeing Matt's journey as a minimalist and embracing that for myself. Thank you Matt and Nat, you guys are amazing. Side note: I would recommend a big dog:)
Team little dog! Longer life span, lower maintenance (generally), easier to take on trips, plus moving into a rental always comes easier with a smaller pet. Good luck choosing!!
This was quite nice. Just hearing the two of you talk. I don’t know why I feel that way but this really brought my mood up. Honestly your wife is quite insightful…..😂😂
@@crisp3music yeah it really is, I actually bought it bc someone made that joke talking smack online and thought it was hilarious bc I didn’t find it offensive at all
@@crisp3music omg you’ve seen the tiniest fraction of their relationship. it was very clear that she was teasing him because they are comfortable with each other and not out of any spite, I think the stupid comment only came across as more serious because matt didn’t laugh. it’s very obvious the amount of love and respect they have for each other
I chose a medium size dog (welsh springer spaniel) but if I were to choose between a small and big dog I would choose a big one 😄 and in my opinion it's good to have a dog before the baby - it's a wonderful training of patience, sacrifice and commitment ❤
Best to start with a small dog since you’re in an apartment. Small Labradoodles would be good as they do not shed / loose minimal dead hair which is a big plus
Small dog. I have a Yorkie and I love him so much! Maintenance is so much easier, you don’t have to pick up a huge pile of poop, and they are easier to manage. Also they don’t shed so there’s no need to worry about hair all over the house.
3:35 So well put. I'm fresh out of a relationship where I just never felt heard when we'd have conflicts, and that's something I put a ton of thought into going the other way. I knew it would never work for that reason. Conflict is inevitable, it's all about respecting each other through it.
Medium dog! That might sound like a cop out lol, but personally, i really love staffordshire bull terriers! They're bigger than chihuahuas but smaller than labradors, and I'm someone who believes in "if you're getting a dog, then get a DOG" like make it somewhat sizeable and not just an overactive bunny on a leash. Also, staffies are great family dogs if you're looking to have kids soon 🐶
I have to write this: consider having a dog twice and then think about it twice again! Having a dog may be super cool for some people though it hasn't been for me/us so far. It's kind of a similar story: my girlfriend always wanted a dog but I wouldn't consider myself a "dog person". But relationships are about making compromises. Long story short: we have a white German Shepard (3 years now) and our lifes never been the same. This dog is hyperactive, extremely hard to handle, loses tons of hair all year and just doesn't stop complaining/ whining or however you may call it. Though she is super friendly by nature, having her is a huge responsibility, takes tons of time, makes many things like being around other people etc.super stressful or sometimes even not possible. This dog put our relationship and even our working lifes (we are both freelancers/ self-employed as well) to the edge. So surely we had somewhat bad luck and not the most experience when chosing the kind of dog we wanted, but you never know - especially being a non-professional in this field. My advice: Take your time, chose wisely and read between the lines when it comes to race descriptions, look for possibilities to go dogwalking beforehand/ take other dogs (from friends etc.) home for a couple of days and try to talk to professionals who can advice you with regard to your personal living and working circumstances rather than talking to dog enthusiasts. Prefer dog shelters and maybe even older dogs - there you can more easily see their character to decide whether they fit into your life. Some dogs may be easy to handle, but some dogs are a full-time job + everything in between. So I hope this helped a little without sounding too negative. At least I wish I had more honest advice before getting a dog... So all the best to you - may the right one come your way!
Similar situation here and I decided to shime in because it seems like having a dog is a wonderful life-changing and all roses experience for everyone but that's not true. "Just get a rescue that you fall in love with" is actually pretty bad advice and can get people and dogs in trouble. Theres so much more that you should take into consideration. We've gone through countless hours of training and disensitization to triggers (because we're young, childless and available do that) but our 2 y/old pup is, unfortunately, reactive to people and dogs and that's not something we can train off of him like teaching him not to jump on our bed. We got him as a stray when he was around 6 months old and he was "normal" for a couple of months until we started noticing his issues. It's gotten much better now but it did take, and it still takes a huge daily toll on our mental health, our relationship and our relationship with friends and family because every activity involving him and other people require so much logistics and management. Seriously, if you're reading this and thinking about getting a dog, inform yourself as much as you can before hand. Think about the life you want for yourself in the next 5, 10, 15 years. And please be aware that dogs are not all happy tail wagging cuddle machines all the time - that's a farytail. And don't fool yourself by thinking whatever problem the dog has, you can train it - it's true that all dogs can learn and improve but some issues are too complex and ingrained, you're not a dog trainer and you won't quit your job to become one. Don't get me wrong, I love my pup but he's a handful and he has impacted my life negatively a lot of times. It's too easy to get caught up in puppy fever if you read all these lovely comments about how great your life with a dog will be.
Kudos to you for sticking with your 4-legged friend, even though the dog is difficult. One day at a time. Maybe there's a chance it will become more calm with age. Best of luck.
100% small dog! If it's small enough, they can come with you almost anywhere. I have a Chihuahua mix that loves every human, hikes mountains, but also will chill in a shoulder bag when I go to the grocery (stealth mode!). But honestly, rescue dogs are the best and the right dog will find you, whatever the size. Thanks for your videos - you do great work!
I love when Nat pops up in your videos! And I'd recommend a small dog, they are a bit less maintenance and you can take them everywhere with you. I personally have a big dog and she's great but I can't take her everywhere with me.
I feel like with your lifestyle (ex. Traveling, sometimes apartment living) a "smaller" dog would thrive more. I've heard that Cavalier king Charles spaniels are really good with children and smaller living. You could get a cross between a cavalier and a poodle to make it hypoallergenic too
My parents adopted a senior cocker spaniel and I love him 💖 they’re big enough that they’re pretty sturdy (& they have massive paws), but small enough that hotels don’t turn them away. Also super playful and adorable. Of course I’m also partial to a good ol medium-sized shelter mutt as my family has had a lot of great ones of those 💖 lots of dogs out there needing homes, so if you are in a position to be able to do so, visit shelters and adopt a dog in need once you find a good fit!
As a dog trainer who works with lots of clients in different family structures and with different sized dogs, I would recommend first talking about what you want and can give in/to a dog before thinking about size. High or low drive? Shedding or no shedding? Trainable or stubborn? For you guys, I would personally recommend a King Charles as it is on the smaller size, has in general a fantastic temperament, and is a breed that is both able to chill and be active. If you end up deciding you would like a larger dog, I would strongly suggest a golden or lab, or possibly a poodle as they all have very solid temperaments and are generally good with kids (with proper training). Excited for you guys to become parents!
Personal story: my family wanted a big dog for yearsssss. Well, a couple years ago we came home with a puppy and he is now full grown at 6 pounds. We love him!!! He is a Lasso apso terrier mix. Best of luck!! Love y’all!
You two look really "cute and cuddly" together. There's really that 'chemistry' between you two. It's true that conflict is inevitable. It happens all the time. Anddddd, I like it that you two met on tinder. It's a surprise to me because it seems that you two have known each other for the longest time. I and my husband first met on facebook by the way. God bless and good luck on your future endeavors. As for your furbaby, choose the one that will choose you. ☺️
I’ve also had dogs my entire life, and my absolute favorite is golden retrievers, but they aren’t minimalist by any means. I am also a firm believer that the right pet chooses their owners, so I say just go to the humane society and look around and meet a bunch, and you’ll know when you find the right one. But also no matter what the size, dogs need a lot of space, like yards and parks and dog beds and toys.. so make sure you’re really ready to commit.
This doesn't have anything to do with this video in specific, but one of those nights I dreamed that you two were my uncles, and I was visiting you guys in Sydney. And you guys had a picture of me and because Matt is a minimalist, seeing that made me start crying and you two hugged me. And it was one of the best moments of my week that has been chaotic. Honestly, it doesn't even seem like a dream, but thanks for the hug guys ❤
Matt and Nat, I love seeing how happy you guys are in Aus 😍 And about the dog - getting through the puppy stage is the hardest! Rescues are amazing and in Aus you have rescue places that can be breed specific- Lab rescue, Golden retriever rescue etc. They are all assessed so well and it's like adopting a child. If you have experience with dogs from before, then any rescue is fine. My dog is from the Blue Mountains in NSW and we moved to the UK a few years ago with her. We are hoping to come back to Aus - I've looked into the process and as long as you are organised, it's doable. Expensive but doable. Get a big dog! Mine is 30kgs and she's lived in a big house, small house, apartment - she's seen it all. Smaller dogs can be more energetic than bigger dogs. I've trained my dog to be lazy 😆 Good luck!
A breed that is medium sized 🤷🏻♀️ if you want to travel with the dog, it might be best to stick with a smaller one. If they’ll be staying in the primary country while you travel, then go bigger.
We've had two dogs for 5 years, and then we had a kid a year ago. I wish someone had told us how frustrating it can be to be a dog owner while trying to learn to be a parent, and how many extra things you have to worry about when you've got a kid trying to crawl/walk around with dogs. If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself to wait and get a dog/dogs when our kids are old enough to enjoy it, and not be as easily knocked over or woken up by a dog.
Dropped in to say something similar- as a parent of one child with no pets, I can’t imagine having to take care of a dog while navigating that first year of parenthood. I have friends that have dogs and babies and they are constantly having a menty B about something relating to the dogs. That being said, we’d love to get an Australian shepherd or something when we are done having kids and they are old enough to enjoy and help out with caring for it.
I definetely agree with this. I have 2 dogs for 5 years and 2 kids, they are 3 and 1. If I could go back I wouldn't of had the dogs until my kids are much older.
Oh my goodness thank you for saying this. I have a dog who I love to pieces for so long it was just her and I but then I suddenly fell in love and had two babies back to back and she did not handle it well it has been so difficult. I try my best for her but it has been such a struggle with work and the two babies and a dog. My partner tries to help but he also works A LOT and with covid we had to move over and over again and … I don’t know I love her very much don’t get me wrong but It’s hard.
Exactly my advice, too. Baby first, dog second. Just get through those first few years. The cleaning up the floor after meal time is great, but having to wipe under a table is much less stressful than a baby and dogs.
Shiba Inu: 900 years of Japanese engineering to create the ultimate dog. Not too big not too small, adorable, independent, can hunt, screams, is a meme. Perfect.
It'd be interesting to hear about Nat's experience leaving Australia. I assume she's a US citizen now, but I'm wondering if it'd still be hard for her to leave during covid times and lock down.
She's not a citizen but has a green card. Always difficult to leave family/friends but practically speaking we just had to apply for an exemption to leave (applied months ago before lockdown).
Little dog pros: - „portable“ when travelling (can be taken in-cabin) - really feisty and sassy - easy to carry (for example when you want to get them away from danger quickly) - will often feel fulfilled and good in a small living space Little dog cons: - feisty or sassy can be bad (if you don‘t like a dog who has the character traits of tacky nail polish) - they get in weird spaces more easily and quickly, which can get pretty dangerous or inconvenient Examples of little dogs: - maltese dogs (high maintenance hair tho) - havanese (same as above but a bit smaller) - west highland terrier (kinda like the pitbull of little dogs, high energy, buff, but pretty compact too) - pug (omg so cute, especially as babies 😍) - dachshund (beautiful color, kinda funny) - corgi (cute legs but OMG so much fur everywhere) Big dog pros: - really high energy (will be enthusiastic about being outdoors for long periods of time) - always ready to be entertained - basically giant teddy bears - very similar to raising a toddler so it‘s great prep for a family haha Big dog cons: - sadly very hard to travel with (tip from me: NEVER take your dog on travels with you „in cargo“ where they‘re stashed in the back of the plane. Pets die that way kinda frequently and it‘s terrifying) - easily unhappy in small living space - just as little dogs can get stuck in weird places, big dogs can knock things over accidentally Examples of big dogs: - Bernese - Golden Retriever (most similar to a toddler haha) - Pitbull (really cool, but pay attention socializing them early and consistently) - australian shepherd (really beautiful and smart) - labrador (kinda like the golden retriever but less pesky shedding) - dalmatian (omg so majestic) - great dane (the rich, shorter cousin of the labrador) So, given this set of lists and the limited information I have about yall‘s lifestyle and preferences, I‘d say get a dog that‘s rather on the little side (or have someone dogsit your big dog when you‘re away). But of course it all depends on your preferences, hence the (hopefully) comprehensive guide above.
The most impressive thing I took away from this video was the fact that Matt beat Overcooked 2…… HOW MY GUY. My roommates and I are so stuck and it’s tearing our apartment apart.
Whatever dog you get, just be sure it's a size you can each individually carry to the car for an emergency vet appointment. Our 140 lb boy was too large for me to carry alone, and the end was really difficult because of that. Luckily, I found help at 3 am. Also, consider the shedding more with a large dog. I swept our home twice a day for 7 years.
No 👶 yet but maybe a 🐶 soon. Which kind should we get?
a rescue!
🐶🐶🐶
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
only get a rescue. no excuse for getting a puppy especially as all the pandemic pups are being returned
Instead of back and forth about big or little dog I say go to a shelter and see what dog you both are attracted to. The right dog for you will find you, I promise!
You are so right!
This is the right answer
“Attracted to” is an interesting way to say this
Ask the professionals in the dog rescue to match you both up with a dog that suits your lives abs personalities - best fit guaranteed.
Yes!
In my experience, any issue in a relationship should be "Us vs. the issue" and not "You vs. Me". You're a team, you should address the problem together.
Personally, having lived with big dogs my whole life and currently live with 4, I wouldn't get a big dog unless you live in a house with a yard or live very close to a park. Keeping a big dog in an apartment can be very challenging.
Ditto! Big dogs are pretty hard in an apartment.
On the dog thing: my husband wanted large, I wanted medium. My girlfriend cautioned us both to NOT get any dog that we individually couldn't lift into a car. Best advice ever.
you have a husband and a girlfriend? nice dude you win at life
@@naominohar9251 Girlfriend also just means female friend dude 😂
Or he's poly right?
@@Sky-Child Or a she?
You can tell when generation someone is from when they still say girlfriend for a female friend. Lol. I’m torn because I’d use it more if it didn’t confuse the hell out of people.
"sorry for calling you an idiot" "honestly didnt even notice" god thats so funny you two are great
Time stamp?
@@march7437 5:10
@@beckyc7263 It was clearly a joke and he took it as a joke.
You two seem so happy together. Matt, you never laugh as much as when you're with Nat. So fun to see the change in your demeanor when you're with her.
Simplifying tasks isn't laziness. It's the dedication to achieve.
and a really difficult thing to do... definetely not laziness
@@kyf_ I agree, Konstantinos :)
It's something I'm still working on.
When one partner feels like they feel “abandoned” when their partner needs to leave and cool off during a conflict- it helps a lot to lessen that feeling to let them know “I will be back/ I will return” - even if you’re stepping out to the garage/backyard/for a quick drive.
Yes, we know you will come back but when it’s verbalized to us (the partner who feels abandoned), it feels reassuring and less anxiety.
Just something I learned from years ago and experienced. 😄
Lol nah, you girls can’t communicate even if your life depended on it. A man walking out to cool off is completely fine.
@@pakigangsta5 Sure. Have a great walk.
Omg I could've used this years ago. Oh well. Hopefully next time
@@pakigangsta5 Well no girl is going to communicate with you when you talk like that lmao. Communication is an equal exchange.
She could also reflect on why she feels abandoned. If he needs space it has nothing to do with her
Guys, big dog if you want stability and routine, small dog if you want more travel and flexibility. 🙂
I agree with this. ^
Big dog if you want to be the boss, small dog if you want a boss - ask my mini dachshund haha!
Matt wants a small dog, I bet %)
I couldn’t agree more! That’s really good!
Agree! Big dog if you like long hikes and routine in that. Definitely little dog if you want more flexibility. We have a dachshund/sausage dog and it’s loved to bits. We take it everywhere. It loves car rides and to travel… Ohhh, and maybe two dogs if you think they’d be by themselves a lot. But with you guys I don’t think that’s a problem :)
As a self proclaimed minimalist for 10 yrs, and now with a partner for 5, and big dog (aussiedoodle 55lbs) for 2 yrs - I can 100% say it doesn’t matter about the size, but about the breed. Choose a breed that aligns with the lifestyle you have. Our pup engaged us to be more active than we already were. We have found community through her, and have set up our house intentionally to keep her + her pup friends visitors in mind. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lot of work, but wouldn’t have changed it for anything. We’re obsessed with her. Oh yeah.. and the 2 cats too 😆
Good luck, strong work & content, as always. 😊
A dog AND two cats? You're living my dream life. 😭 I hope you have a good day today!! 💗
I misread this as a 550lb dog and my mind just said 'that makes sense' until I reread it >
Temperment is everything! Yes...totally agree. Mutt, mix or purebred, find out what mixes with your temperments.
amen to thisss
When you are ready for a dog, make sure you do your homework. The dog you want is not necessarily the dog you need. Your energy levels should match, how do you feel about shedding, do you have dog lovers in your family who can help you out sometimes etc.
Great to see you guys!
When it comes to choosing a dog's breed / size, I think the most important thing to ask first is : does their breed personality and exercise need match your lifestyle. Having a sad dog cause you can't offer them enough playtime or exercise, or to the contrary feeling stressed out yourself to exercise / go out all the time when that's just not something you like can be a real pain.
All dogs have their own personality and all, but you can still expect certain patterns. I've seen a couple of people getting Aussie Shepherd during the pandemic as it seems to be THE popular bread these days, and they just couldn't cope with their constant herding, need to exercise and overall puppy energy.
We got an awesome Siberian Husky about a year ago and it's been a blast. Living in Montreal and being pretty outdoorsy (running / hiking / cycling), I've been going out with her in all weathers, doing usually 1 big walk or activity per day. It's more than enough for her and allows us to rest and not add too much burden in our lives. Getting a puppy has it's tough times, but if it's aligned with your current lifestyle, you'll have an amazing journey with your pup. And that's all I wish you guys
perfectly said
That was informative, thanks.
Love when Nat makes an appearance!
Matt in 2014: "I tried going on first dates for 30 days. Here's what I learned..."
ALERT! Underrated comment.
😂😂😂
It’s so gratifying getting a rescue dog. Would recommend it to anyone!
As a professional dog trainer who works with all breeds and all sizes and all ages, I would definitely recommend a small-medium size for your first dog. Not less than 10lbs but not more than 40lbs.
Oh and I highly recommend hiring a trainer or behaviorist to help you choose the right dog for your lifestyle.
Matt wants the little dog, aka…
a minimalist dog
that dog will probably have one toy to play and maybe one t-shirt
The dog will wear the same pair of dark denim daily and not have it washed for as long as possible.
Malt free dog
We have our first “smallish” dog after many generations of big dogs. I still love big dogs but I will say life is easier with an 18lb Welsh terrier. Easier to travel with, eats less, less to clean up after but not so small that I worry about a hawk snatching her. A little dog with big dog personality 😊
I can definitely see you guys having a corgi. They're super fun, smart, and have the best personalities.
15:05 agree with Nat 100%, I also don’t recall applying a certain tip or a “hack” from any of Matt’s videos, but what I have applied many many times (and I’ll continue to do so) is the mindset that he shares on this channel, that has been priceless for me.
I feel like Matt is the healthiest version of a perfectionist.
Mixed-breed rescue dogs! They tend to be medium in size and have fewer illnesses and special conditions, which helps simplify the role of being a tutor ;)
I definitely agree with you on the physical health part, but too often these dogs are hard to manage for a beginning dog owner due to their past. I do a 100% agree that these animals deserve a life in a loving home, but I personally think that it is not advisable for someone who, I assume, doesn't know a lot about dogs to adopt an adult dog with a history.
That's true, it is nice to raise a puppy how you want them to be.. But on the flip side if you don't know how to properly raise, train, and socialize a puppy an adult dog could be a better fit. It all depends on the adult dog's personality and what exactly they dealt with in their past.
we adopted 2 mixed-breed rescue dogs and never had problems in training. i think it really depends on the dog.
puppies are blank slates which has good and bad sides. you'd have to be responsible for teaching the puppy good behaviors and habits from the beginning so that they don't grow up to be undisciplined adult dogs. so on one end, more experience is ideal here. an advantage of getting dogs from shelters is that they're usually rehabilitated by professionals first before they're put up for adoption.
dogs with traumas may not be good for first-time owners. personally, our dogs were mostly just neglected which was why they ended up in the shelter. no major traumas or phobias. rescue shelter professionals would surely be able to match you with dogs that would be perfect for your furparenting experience and lifestyle :)
they'd be able to guide you as you go through the journey as well. that was immensely useful for me during my first time as a solo furparent.
@@shawnieisz1785 super agree with this.
Agree! And also if you're wanting to be staring a family in the next few years you'll need to consider breeds that are particularly good with kids (whether you're getting a rescue or a puppy). Breed traits have always been bang on for me and it makes a huge difference to your life if you select a breed that fits.
Nat's voice is absolutely cheerful!
*“You’ll watch an entire Netflix series even when the first episodes are slow just because someone told you that ‘it gets better’, but what if you looked at your goals like that and watched your life get better instead?”*
Love from a UA-camr💙
Wow! Thanks for that... ❤️😊
I won’t watch it tho
Awww love this! Thank you! :)
Cringe
Smaller dog. My husband and I purposely adopted a dog that could fit under an airplane seat so we can travel with him. It’s been so great being able to fly home (east coast to west coast) and take him with us.
honestly love how strong your relationship shows through this video! you both seem very mature in your emotions and interactions with each other and that’s so important! Good luck finding your first dog :)
I just want to say I’ve been watching your channel for the last 3 years now and one of the things that really drew me to your channel is how open and genuine you are. And Nat is just a gem honestly! I love the way you two bounce off each other and have such a respecting and loving relationship that really shines through. Thank you so much for creating an amazing channel and all the work you do. You’ve literally changed my life in so many ways. Ps I vote medium dog, best of both worlds 😉
I just want you to know that even though I understand that having this channel must be hard sometimes, it means so much to me and I assume a lot of other viewers! Your channel is so uplifting and a nice, inspiring part of my life that I enjoy regularly. Thank you for that!
“Your thoughts can eat you alive.”
Thank you for this chat and including the lovely Natalie 😍 Her words resonated deeply for me, when I went through a deep internal transition of employee to entrepreneur mindset.
My girl's wicked smart.
Love these types of “unscripted” videos. Genuine is what’s missing from social media and this is that. More videos like this please! Keep it up Matt
On the subject of dog(s): we have Australian Heelers. They are a great compromise because they are on the smaller side of medium, about 30-40lbs, but they have the presence of a larger breed. It feels like having a larger dog, but they are physically fairly small and manageable.
My wife and I got a yellow Labrador two years ago and she has been one of the highlights of our lives! I was actually very resistant to the idea of taking on the responsibility of a dog. I didn’t grow up around dogs so I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But when we brought Blue home from the breeder, everything changed. She has brought so much joy to our lives. Every day she does something hilarious that has us pulling out our phones to take pictures. They really do become part of your family and now I can’t imagine what things would be like without her.
If you decide to get a lab, at least from our experience, they are very smart and have a strong desire to figure out your house rules. She is very self sufficient but will often ask for attention in the form of bringing toys to play fetch. More than anything, they want companionship and to feel like they are part of your “pack.” Best of luck! We were testing the waters getting a dog to help decide if we wanted kids. We are thinking we with stick with the dog! 😅 And maybe add another at some point 😁
I'd recommend a Greyhound. They're "small" big dogs; very easy going and chilled out; affectionate and the best dogs in the world!
the way they vibe and bounce off each other is the CUTEST! more Natalie content !!!
We had the same debate! We ended up with a medium sized dog and I am SO thankful, I wanted the big dog and now I’m thankful we went smaller because that was a lot to commit to in cleaning and higher expenses and harder in travel. We looked at shelters and listings in the newspapers and our sweet Benja found us. You guys will feel a connection and it will feel right!
I just love the rapport between you and Nat. It’s really sweet!
More important than size is researching the breed that will fit your lifestyle. Smallish dogs are easier to take places (planes, car etc) and are less expensive in every way. Good luck!
You should make more videos like that, you both have a great chemistry and are well-spoken❤️
So refreshing to hear from a couple so candidly, you guys are great!
I'm from Vietnam, your video is very good, I've subscribed
Whatever size dog you decide on make is a shelter rescue.
When it comes to a dog, please consinder the travelling between us and Australia. Bringing a dog to Australia seems very complicated. It has to go to quaratine a Long time.
I personally don’t prefere a special breed. Every breed has some advantages and some disadvantages. My advice is, Go to a shelter and look with who you fall in love with. I worked as a dog trainer for 10 years and my experience is, 99% get the dog they need to become better in life. Just get a lot of information about the needs of dogs and trust your gut. If you are still unsure what dog you want, ask for proffesionel help. A dog trainer can help you better than UA-cam 😉 a dog can accompany your life a very long time.
Beautiful and true advise 💕
This was a really fun format - you should do more of these! Also big dogs are cooler
Menty B’s for the win. Thanks for sharing what you’re thinking and where you are.
Way easier to travel with a little dog. But, large dogs are great for long runs and hikes! Nothing is either good or bad. Good luck!
I want a big doggo to wrestle with 🐕
I totally thought you wanted the small dog! Lol
As someone who has had dogs most of my life (40), I’d say instead of necessarily thinking big or small dog, think about personality and lifestyle. Are you a runner and you want a dog to run with you? If so, a chihuahua probably isn’t the right dog for you. Do you plan to remain in an apt/condo situation, or do you plan to have a house with a yard soon? As an example, I have a Corgi and they are AWESOME. But, it would be tough to have her in an apartment for one reason: she barks. At everything. And it’s a breed thing. Just food for thought.
😆 “I don’t want to see any of those bullshit comments” 😆 I could be legit friends with her
Oh my goodness, I am such a big fan of this channel. It has been almost three years since I watched my first video and subscribed. I do agree with Nat 100%, that there's not one particular tip that I have learned but instead the overall mindset has been a stepping stone for me. I have taken out so much about the importance of a work life balance and the fact that I'm in my 20s. I now appreciate seeing Matt's journey as a minimalist and embracing that for myself. Thank you Matt and Nat, you guys are amazing. Side note: I would recommend a big dog:)
The clock did not change 🤔
That’s why Matt is so productive, he is able stop time and get more things done.
hahaha omg yeah truee
I was thinking the same thing.
The clock has been broken since we moved in last Dec.
Came here to say this! Thought I was going crazy.
I love how naturally funny you guys are without even trying. Wholesome Q&A :)
Team little dog! Longer life span, lower maintenance (generally), easier to take on trips, plus moving into a rental always comes easier with a smaller pet. Good luck choosing!!
I really love how you both interact, so authentic and fun! 💖✨
BIG DOG. They are so gentle with babies and so sweet.
This was quite nice. Just hearing the two of you talk. I don’t know why I feel that way but this really brought my mood up. Honestly your wife is quite insightful…..😂😂
So good to see Natalie! She’s a delight ✨
@@crisp3music huh? why?
@@crisp3music ok bean dip
@@crisp3music yeah it really is, I actually bought it bc someone made that joke talking smack online and thought it was hilarious bc I didn’t find it offensive at all
@@crisp3music omg you’ve seen the tiniest fraction of their relationship. it was very clear that she was teasing him because they are comfortable with each other and not out of any spite, I think the stupid comment only came across as more serious because matt didn’t laugh. it’s very obvious the amount of love and respect they have for each other
She's got the most addicting Australian accent and surprisingly so accurate. We stan an Australian UA-camr 👏🙌
I chose a medium size dog (welsh springer spaniel) but if I were to choose between a small and big dog I would choose a big one 😄 and in my opinion it's good to have a dog before the baby - it's a wonderful training of patience, sacrifice and commitment ❤
Best to start with a small dog since you’re in an apartment. Small Labradoodles would be good as they do not shed / loose minimal dead hair which is a big plus
You guys are so real. I've heard some UA-cam "therapists" say that it's not normal to argue more than once a year or something like that.
One could argue that true "minimalism" happens in the mind and our surroundings are just a symptom. The mind won't be changed by fixing the symptom
This is great. Love these chats. I totally relate to being a freelancer. Got your back, Nat!
You both should do a podcast, it’d be so fun
Small dog. I have a Yorkie and I love him so much! Maintenance is so much easier, you don’t have to pick up a huge pile of poop, and they are easier to manage. Also they don’t shed so there’s no need to worry about hair all over the house.
3:35 So well put. I'm fresh out of a relationship where I just never felt heard when we'd have conflicts, and that's something I put a ton of thought into going the other way. I knew it would never work for that reason. Conflict is inevitable, it's all about respecting each other through it.
Big dog: Labrador Retriever would perfectly fit to you both. My wife thought she was a cat person untill we got our Labrador 3 years ago.
Medium dog! That might sound like a cop out lol, but personally, i really love staffordshire bull terriers! They're bigger than chihuahuas but smaller than labradors, and I'm someone who believes in "if you're getting a dog, then get a DOG" like make it somewhat sizeable and not just an overactive bunny on a leash. Also, staffies are great family dogs if you're looking to have kids soon 🐶
I have to write this: consider having a dog twice and then think about it twice again! Having a dog may be super cool for some people though it hasn't been for me/us so far. It's kind of a similar story: my girlfriend always wanted a dog but I wouldn't consider myself a "dog person". But relationships are about making compromises. Long story short: we have a white German Shepard (3 years now) and our lifes never been the same. This dog is hyperactive, extremely hard to handle, loses tons of hair all year and just doesn't stop complaining/ whining or however you may call it. Though she is super friendly by nature, having her is a huge responsibility, takes tons of time, makes many things like being around other people etc.super stressful or sometimes even not possible. This dog put our relationship and even our working lifes (we are both freelancers/ self-employed as well) to the edge.
So surely we had somewhat bad luck and not the most experience when chosing the kind of dog we wanted, but you never know - especially being a non-professional in this field.
My advice: Take your time, chose wisely and read between the lines when it comes to race descriptions, look for possibilities to go dogwalking beforehand/ take other dogs (from friends etc.) home for a couple of days and try to talk to professionals who can advice you with regard to your personal living and working circumstances rather than talking to dog enthusiasts. Prefer dog shelters and maybe even older dogs - there you can more easily see their character to decide whether they fit into your life.
Some dogs may be easy to handle, but some dogs are a full-time job + everything in between. So I hope this helped a little without sounding too negative. At least I wish I had more honest advice before getting a dog... So all the best to you - may the right one come your way!
They can be a lot of work for sure!
Similar situation here and I decided to shime in because it seems like having a dog is a wonderful life-changing and all roses experience for everyone but that's not true. "Just get a rescue that you fall in love with" is actually pretty bad advice and can get people and dogs in trouble. Theres so much more that you should take into consideration. We've gone through countless hours of training and disensitization to triggers (because we're young, childless and available do that) but our 2 y/old pup is, unfortunately, reactive to people and dogs and that's not something we can train off of him like teaching him not to jump on our bed. We got him as a stray when he was around 6 months old and he was "normal" for a couple of months until we started noticing his issues. It's gotten much better now but it did take, and it still takes a huge daily toll on our mental health, our relationship and our relationship with friends and family because every activity involving him and other people require so much logistics and management.
Seriously, if you're reading this and thinking about getting a dog, inform yourself as much as you can before hand. Think about the life you want for yourself in the next 5, 10, 15 years. And please be aware that dogs are not all happy tail wagging cuddle machines all the time - that's a farytail. And don't fool yourself by thinking whatever problem the dog has, you can train it - it's true that all dogs can learn and improve but some issues are too complex and ingrained, you're not a dog trainer and you won't quit your job to become one.
Don't get me wrong, I love my pup but he's a handful and he has impacted my life negatively a lot of times. It's too easy to get caught up in puppy fever if you read all these lovely comments about how great your life with a dog will be.
Kudos to you for sticking with your 4-legged friend, even though the dog is difficult. One day at a time. Maybe there's a chance it will become more calm with age. Best of luck.
Your comment is too long, edit it plz
I love watching you guys do videos together. If you ever consider doing a podcast together, I am in full support!
100% small dog! If it's small enough, they can come with you almost anywhere. I have a Chihuahua mix that loves every human, hikes mountains, but also will chill in a shoulder bag when I go to the grocery (stealth mode!). But honestly, rescue dogs are the best and the right dog will find you, whatever the size. Thanks for your videos - you do great work!
Honestly, look at different types of breeds and see how the specific dog (breed, trainability, size, activity needs) fits with the lifestyle you want
Loved this! You guys are really entertaining together so think you should do this more often!
I love when Nat pops up in your videos! And I'd recommend a small dog, they are a bit less maintenance and you can take them everywhere with you. I personally have a big dog and she's great but I can't take her everywhere with me.
@@Captain.Aly98 She's a 60lbs golden retriever.
I feel like with your lifestyle (ex. Traveling, sometimes apartment living) a "smaller" dog would thrive more. I've heard that Cavalier king Charles spaniels are really good with children and smaller living. You could get a cross between a cavalier and a poodle to make it hypoallergenic too
My parents adopted a senior cocker spaniel and I love him 💖 they’re big enough that they’re pretty sturdy (& they have massive paws), but small enough that hotels don’t turn them away. Also super playful and adorable.
Of course I’m also partial to a good ol medium-sized shelter mutt as my family has had a lot of great ones of those 💖 lots of dogs out there needing homes, so if you are in a position to be able to do so, visit shelters and adopt a dog in need once you find a good fit!
That’s really cool! I love giving dogs a home, I got 2 dogs recently.
As a dog trainer who works with lots of clients in different family structures and with different sized dogs, I would recommend first talking about what you want and can give in/to a dog before thinking about size. High or low drive? Shedding or no shedding? Trainable or stubborn? For you guys, I would personally recommend a King Charles as it is on the smaller size, has in general a fantastic temperament, and is a breed that is both able to chill and be active. If you end up deciding you would like a larger dog, I would strongly suggest a golden or lab, or possibly a poodle as they all have very solid temperaments and are generally good with kids (with proper training). Excited for you guys to become parents!
Personal story: my family wanted a big dog for yearsssss. Well, a couple years ago we came home with a puppy and he is now full grown at 6 pounds. We love him!!! He is a Lasso apso terrier mix. Best of luck!! Love y’all!
You two look really "cute and cuddly" together. There's really that 'chemistry' between you two. It's true that conflict is inevitable. It happens all the time. Anddddd, I like it that you two met on tinder. It's a surprise to me because it seems that you two have known each other for the longest time. I and my husband first met on facebook by the way.
God bless and good luck on your future endeavors. As for your furbaby, choose the one that will choose you. ☺️
Why don’t you turn this into a mini series and call it Relationship Banter with Nat and Matt?
Gonna have to negotiate that with Nat's agent ;)
Agree! I really enjoyed this (especially being in another successful Tinder relationship lol)
Yesssss pleasseeee
Haha, I love your guys’ humor and dynamic.
Also, yes, good advice on the freelancing! It’s tough but worth it 🙌🏽
“Will our child be smart,”
*Nat gestures at herself*
“or an idiot”
*gestures at matt* 😳😂
“You want all of this?”
I didn't love that one tbh, gotta treat your king/queen with respect
I’ve also had dogs my entire life, and my absolute favorite is golden retrievers, but they aren’t minimalist by any means. I am also a firm believer that the right pet chooses their owners, so I say just go to the humane society and look around and meet a bunch, and you’ll know when you find the right one. But also no matter what the size, dogs need a lot of space, like yards and parks and dog beds and toys.. so make sure you’re really ready to commit.
I like the way Nat talks. Her accent and the way she says things is relaxing and interesting.😀
Her accent is classic, somehow she fits the letters W, R & A into the two-letter word "no"
yeah legends i have to agree! us aussies just have a built-in gift, what can we say?! XD
Your relationship seems really great. It just makes sense.
I wanted a small dog and my GF wanted a big dog, we ended up getting a Golden Retriever and it was the best decission we made. They are pure love
This doesn't have anything to do with this video in specific, but one of those nights I dreamed that you two were my uncles, and I was visiting you guys in Sydney. And you guys had a picture of me and because Matt is a minimalist, seeing that made me start crying and you two hugged me. And it was one of the best moments of my week that has been chaotic. Honestly, it doesn't even seem like a dream, but thanks for the hug guys ❤
Matt is deciding to become a maximalist
Matt and Nat, I love seeing how happy you guys are in Aus 😍
And about the dog - getting through the puppy stage is the hardest! Rescues are amazing and in Aus you have rescue places that can be breed specific- Lab rescue, Golden retriever rescue etc. They are all assessed so well and it's like adopting a child. If you have experience with dogs from before, then any rescue is fine. My dog is from the Blue Mountains in NSW and we moved to the UK a few years ago with her. We are hoping to come back to Aus - I've looked into the process and as long as you are organised, it's doable. Expensive but doable.
Get a big dog! Mine is 30kgs and she's lived in a big house, small house, apartment - she's seen it all. Smaller dogs can be more energetic than bigger dogs. I've trained my dog to be lazy 😆
Good luck!
A breed that is medium sized 🤷🏻♀️ if you want to travel with the dog, it might be best to stick with a smaller one. If they’ll be staying in the primary country while you travel, then go bigger.
We've had two dogs for 5 years, and then we had a kid a year ago. I wish someone had told us how frustrating it can be to be a dog owner while trying to learn to be a parent, and how many extra things you have to worry about when you've got a kid trying to crawl/walk around with dogs. If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself to wait and get a dog/dogs when our kids are old enough to enjoy it, and not be as easily knocked over or woken up by a dog.
Dropped in to say something similar- as a parent of one child with no pets, I can’t imagine having to take care of a dog while navigating that first year of parenthood. I have friends that have dogs and babies and they are constantly having a menty B about something relating to the dogs. That being said, we’d love to get an Australian shepherd or something when we are done having kids and they are old enough to enjoy and help out with caring for it.
That’s solid advice!! Agree 100%
I definetely agree with this. I have 2 dogs for 5 years and 2 kids, they are 3 and 1. If I could go back I wouldn't of had the dogs until my kids are much older.
Oh my goodness thank you for saying this. I have a dog who I love to pieces for so long it was just her and I but then I suddenly fell in love and had two babies back to back and she did not handle it well it has been so difficult. I try my best for her but it has been such a struggle with work and the two babies and a dog. My partner tries to help but he also works A LOT and with covid we had to move over and over again and … I don’t know I love her very much don’t get me wrong but It’s hard.
Exactly my advice, too. Baby first, dog second. Just get through those first few years. The cleaning up the floor after meal time is great, but having to wipe under a table is much less stressful than a baby and dogs.
Shiba Inu: 900 years of Japanese engineering to create the ultimate dog. Not too big not too small, adorable, independent, can hunt, screams, is a meme. Perfect.
I love Shibu Inu's and Im low key afraid of dogs. But a coworker had one and would bring her to the office. In love.
My father in law had a Shiba Inu. She was an amazing dog and died at very old age. We all miss her so much!
@@noreenn6976 ua-cam.com/video/rGTttWASpfI/v-deo.html
@@denovodavid lol
Such an honest and heartwarming video! Love it when you guys do these couple colabs.
Matt's face when he takes a sip of his coffee when she calls him an idiot 😂
He definitely noticed lol 😂😅
It'd be interesting to hear about Nat's experience leaving Australia. I assume she's a US citizen now, but I'm wondering if it'd still be hard for her to leave during covid times and lock down.
She's not a citizen but has a green card. Always difficult to leave family/friends but practically speaking we just had to apply for an exemption to leave (applied months ago before lockdown).
“The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you
need tomorrow.”
-Robert Tew
That little bit of lens flair at the end was magical. Thanks for another great vid.
Little dog pros:
- „portable“ when travelling (can be taken in-cabin)
- really feisty and sassy
- easy to carry (for example when you want to get them away from danger quickly)
- will often feel fulfilled and good in a small living space
Little dog cons:
- feisty or sassy can be bad (if you don‘t like a dog who has the character traits of tacky nail polish)
- they get in weird spaces more easily and quickly, which can get pretty dangerous or inconvenient
Examples of little dogs:
- maltese dogs (high maintenance hair tho)
- havanese (same as above but a bit smaller)
- west highland terrier (kinda like the pitbull of little dogs, high energy, buff, but pretty compact too)
- pug (omg so cute, especially as babies 😍)
- dachshund (beautiful color, kinda funny)
- corgi (cute legs but OMG so much fur everywhere)
Big dog pros:
- really high energy (will be enthusiastic about being outdoors for long periods of time)
- always ready to be entertained
- basically giant teddy bears
- very similar to raising a toddler so it‘s great prep for a family haha
Big dog cons:
- sadly very hard to travel with (tip from me: NEVER take your dog on travels with you „in cargo“ where they‘re stashed in the back of the plane. Pets die that way kinda frequently and it‘s terrifying)
- easily unhappy in small living space
- just as little dogs can get stuck in weird places, big dogs can knock things over accidentally
Examples of big dogs:
- Bernese
- Golden Retriever (most similar to a toddler haha)
- Pitbull (really cool, but pay attention socializing them early and consistently)
- australian shepherd (really beautiful and smart)
- labrador (kinda like the golden retriever but less pesky shedding)
- dalmatian (omg so majestic)
- great dane (the rich, shorter cousin of the labrador)
So, given this set of lists and the limited information I have about yall‘s lifestyle and preferences, I‘d say get a dog that‘s rather on the little side (or have someone dogsit your big dog when you‘re away). But of course it all depends on your preferences, hence the (hopefully) comprehensive guide above.
Get a German Shepherd or Border-collie if you're active and want a big dog!
get a papillon - small, smart, friendly, active breed!
Yorkies are cute lovable small dogs
Love how you compare the sassiness of little dogs to a tacky nail polish 😂
What do you mean that Golden Retriever is most like a toddler?
The most impressive thing I took away from this video was the fact that Matt beat Overcooked 2…… HOW MY GUY. My roommates and I are so stuck and it’s tearing our apartment apart.
The complexity all began with the new colour shirt Matt... Just saying!
Whatever dog you get, just be sure it's a size you can each individually carry to the car for an emergency vet appointment. Our 140 lb boy was too large for me to carry alone, and the end was really difficult because of that. Luckily, I found help at 3 am. Also, consider the shedding more with a large dog. I swept our home twice a day for 7 years.