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Anonymous
Basically pop down to your local animal shelter and start asking questions. You may just fall in love with one there.
Also look for local dog rescue groups. Normally they have a number of dogs that were saved from death row who are now living with a foster family, that foster family can tell you what a dog is like behaviour wise and if its been healthy since they've had it.
Not to sound rude, but by reading your posts you're fairly new to the whole dog scene by the looks of it? I would highly recommend that you look for local rescue groups and give them a ring. (not email, actually ring them) and have a chat. They can probably help you out the most.
I'm very much a person that falls in love with a dog due to its looks, but when I've done dog behaviour testing in the past, some of the ugliest dogs I've worked with I ended up loving them heaps, because a good hour with a dog, playing and going for a walk can make you appreciate who they are, and their looks become less of a blocker.
So what you need is exposure to dogs to build up your confidence in the correct way. Rescue groups can do that. Possibly volunteer a day to go help out with behaviour testing, or head down to your local dog park and watch the dogs, talk to the owners and ask questions.
Another possible option is to do dog fostering. Take in a dog, help raise it, the rescue groups will help you with advice (and some sling you money for food) and it gives you a chance to get to know the dog. if you like it you can keep it, otherwise it will hopefully go off to a caring home :)
Note - I'm a forum junkie, and I have always found local social forums for everything I do, from motorcycling to dogs, to cooking, etc. If you feel confident on forums, maybe look for a dog forum where owners are chatting away. That could be your first step into getting the right connections and finding out if there are any events on in your local area
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