Female dogs are a bit more tricky than males. I am quite sure one of the veterans here will give you more information sooner or later. But from what I have read, not all female dogs are into sex out of heat, some are not into sex at all. Getting discovered by a vet is practically impossible when you have a male dog unless you do something obviously stupid, with females it is more risky. You should be looking for dogs with wider hip.
When it comes to sex, build a relationship first then have sex. You will need to wait for even years.
A shelter dog is probably not a good idea for your first dog. These dogs usually have a not so nice history and may need more experienced owners to handle them and repair the psychological damage done to them.
Unfortunately, I know very little about sexuality with animals, even though I have the desire to do it with my dog then.
Go trough the how to section and the articles there.
Guides, FAQs, How-To's, and anything educational related to animal love.
www.zoovilleforum.net
Therefore, the question now to the community, what is your experience and what risks are there, what vaccinations need my dog, etc.?
Any vet will give you advice on what vaccinations you should have.
The life with a dog is about 10% sex and 90% other issues. Before you get a puppy, find a good dog school and talk to them so you will be able to attend as soon as it becomes possible. They might even let you observe a few lectures so you can decide. Dog socialization with other dogs and people is very important for your later life and the sooner you begin the better. Find a school that focuses more on raising the dogs rather than exhibition training. Of course it is nice when your dog can perform tricks, jump over obstacles and runs well through a tunnel, but obedience, socialization, street training and real world useful things are in my opinion more important.
When it comes to health, start training the important stuff you can do yourself soon. Tooth brushing and nail clipping... Both these things can be done without stressing the dog too much and with the dog letting you do it for a reward. A vet will do this for you too, but it will cost you a little and it will stress your dog a lot more. And keeping your dog's teeth in good shape will reward you with a healthy dog and amazing kissing experience.
Veterinary teeth cleaning is done under anesthesia. You may never need it if you brush your dog's teeth daily. Dental plaque in dogs solidifies in 48h, so you should do it daily.
Buy a small box of the powder that stops bleeding from deep cut nails. Trust me, if your dog has black nails, you will need it. Even my vet cuts too deep and uses it.
Read a book or two about raising a dog, it will tell you the basics in a concentrated easy to understand way.
Prepare yourself that you will need a lot of patience and never get mad at your dog for not understanding something. (it may get hard sometimes
)
Prepare yourself for a lot of sleepless nights and stress. Just recently my dog was sick and it really hurts to see your dog suffer.
Prepare your home for a puppy, hide cables, shoes... anything you do not want to be chewed.
Once you get a puppy stock up on rice, carrots and chicken meat a little. Young dogs often suffer from diarrhea and boiled rice with chicken and carrot helps a lot. I also always have some dog Probiotic paste or pills from my vet in case my dog feels sick. Your vet will tell you more about how to use it. My dog used to get diarrhea a lot in the beginning.
Always keep some money reserve for emergency vet care.
Save a phone number for the nearest 24h vet emergency in your phone.
Depending on your area learn how to deal with poisoning and how to make your dog vomit. In my area people sometimes poison dogs with poison bait.
That is about all I can think of now.
