I cant help you in your area, but if you are willing to travel, please go to Sosua, Judy at Judy's Pet Lodge, is extremely reliable, she has many dogs to choose from and is a trained Vet, she also ensures that her dogs are neutered and "bug free", and go to a good home. For a good clean dog you will only pay about $40 + whatever you wish to donate. Her contact details are;
Code:
http://www.aaasosua.com/sosua_dogs_judys.html
It really is worth the trip, however my recommendations are;
Take a doggie under 2 yrs old, then train them.
It is not so difficult, simple techniques, give them lots of love in the first month or less, until they know you will be kind to them (Many dogs in this country either live wild on the streets and Judy rescues them), or they come from very abusive situations. If they will accept within that time, or less, just simple pats and merely giving them their food, when you have their confidence, Dont auto put down the bowl of food after you gain their love and confidence, let them smell it, but delay actually putting down the bowl of food and give them lots of pats and good boy etc, whilst you are holding the food. Do this gradually and when you feel they know and will wait and obey. Then tell them sit, push their bum at the same time, so they reconcile the word sit, with the same action (Much easier with puppies but older will learn)
NEVER smack a doggie. They recognise the tone of any human's voice. Cruelty to animals and children are never accepted in my book. NEVER ever chastise a dog or a child in anger.
My last recommendation would be to choose a bitch. They will guard you and your family to the death. If you decide you cannot afford, nor travel the distance to Sosua, buy 1 from the streets and pay no more than 100RD, but take it to a Vet to find out info, once your new "baby" is clean and ok, it will be much easier to train.
NEVER ever let anyone give your doggie food or tipbits,,, only your immediate family that it is protecting.
One added point, please dont just have one doggie, they do get lonely and need company
Good luck and please post on here to keep me updated, I will leave my subscription to this thread open. This will also allow you to let me know if you need any further help.