First, I would rather adopt an older dog that needs a home but would be a bit nervous about bad habits formed in previous homes and not being able to break them, such as not being housebroken.

As much as I would want to give an older dog a home, would I still be better off getting a puppy?

Second, I do have allergies, but it is mostly to cats and it's usually not bad around dogs. I think I would just have to be careful about washing my hands a lot.

Since they are so stubborn, do most people even take them to obedience training?

Any pro/con for male vs. female? Do males tend to pee in the house more?

What do you do to keep them entertained, or is just being around people enough? Do they chew on toys (and I assume also things they are not supposed to chew on!) while you are gone from the house?

I also have an eclectus parrot but she has been around dogs and is fine with them, she pretty much ignores them. Maybe they could keep each other company during the day even tho the bird is in a cage when I am not home.

I sure wish someone could give me a loaner dog for a month or two, just to make sure I know what I'd be getting into :)