Dogs.

[Cloud]

Ok most of you know how I feel about dogs.[Oh no not again]
Her indoors and I wre talking the other other day after watching the Police Dog thing on BBC 1 the other day.
We have decided that we would like a dog[SWOON,PICK YOURSELF UP OFF THE FLOOR]
Firstly it would be company for the trouble and strife and secondly I could do with the exercise in walking it!!!!
I don't want to go in headfirst but would rather research and talk to dog owners first and get advice ect.
We have narrowed it down to 3 types GSD,Black Lab or a Collie.
We would prefer a puppy cos of the Cats!!!!!!!!!
We have no young children to woory about and have plenty of space.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[bluemoon]

As someone who has owned all three I'd say the black lab. I didn't even have to think about it. Collies are definitely not a novice's dog and GSD's can become very attached to one member of the household at the expense of everyone else - they also have a very low boredom threshold. (actually all three breeds do, but in my experience the GSD needed the most entertaining) Our lab was a marvellous family dog, I could sing his praises all day, my only regret is that he's no longer with us.

[di]

Not an expert but can let you know what I know from my experiences.We had a GSD when I was growing up & she was such an affectionate dog~needed lots of exercise but was brilliant around us when we were little~Knowing you've got grandkiddies to think about.No experience of labs.My Auntie had collies & although they went for lots of walks I think they also needed more "mental"training~after having lots of probs with them she was told the breed need to be worked mentally as much as physically.Like I say I don't profess to having any expert advice but hope that's some help!

[tootles]

I can only tell you about Labradors!!
We have a black and she is wonderful. They are puppies until they are (at least) 4 years old though........ If you are really lucky you might even get one that doesn't chew everything!! Chances are, though, that it will chew. Ours was expelled from puppy classes for being a bad influence on the others. She doesn't bark though but is a complete floozy. Males like to 'mark' everything (mind you, that is the same for all breeds). A 'bad' lab is rare, although a friend's father did have a bad'un. They aren't aggressive and are desperate to please. They are also brilliant with children. If you have a female - have her spayed unless you want to keep any puppies.
In my opinion they are sweet, gentle and stupid!
I would recommend that you think it over a lot more though - you haven't exactly got a reputation as a dog lover here!!!!! It is a huge undertaking, Your dog will live for some 12 years and you will be responsible for it for every second of this time. They also are not cheap, a good pup will cost £500 plus insurance £20 (ish) per month, plus food £10-£30 per month, plus annual boosters and flea treatments and worming etc. Kennels fees are expensive and days out will need more planning.
Having said that, we would not be without our Bella.

[lynda66]

having had all 3 i would say a lab would be best ....... BUT and a big but they need a lot of excercise, and a lot of entertainment and training ...... yes all 3 are beautiful, but none are really dogs for someone who hasn't had one ...... to be honest, i've had pedigrees, and i would still plump for a cross breed, they tend to be much more stable, and less likely to suffer from hereditary problems.

before you make a decision, have a visit to your local dogs home, they often have pedigrees in, and will be able to match a dog to you ..... and you might just come away with scruffy mutt that makes your heart melt ..... i've done that 4 times ........ whatever you get, be prepared for a lot of hard work, and a lot of fun ...... and i would recommend training classes.

another thought is an ex racing greyhound, beautiful, and usually easy dogs, and don't need miles of exercise a day (make sure you get one that is ok with cats most will be but some will chase)

Lynda xx

[squashysu]

As someone who has owned all three I'd say the black lab. I didn't even have to think about it. Collies are definitely not a novice's dog and GSD's can become very attached to one member of the household at the expense of everyone else - they also have a very low boredom threshold. (actually all three breeds do, but in my experience the GSD needed the most entertaining) Our lab was a marvellous family dog, I could sing his praises all day, my only regret is that he's no longer with us.

hi ya bluemoon, i have now had 4 GSD's and never had one attached to any specific person and never at the expense of anyone else, but they all loved me cause i walked and fed them lol - never had to entertain them either, i think they do need training though, mind you thats any dog lol!

But more to the point - CLOUD YOU HATE DOGS!!! lol!! i would have to question why you would want one really, as you always state defiantly that you dont like them, the thing is they are so much more of a tie than any other animal, they do become more of your family than a cat (have had both).

Our last dog, Rosey the GSD, we lost in October and it still breaks me heart now - she was great with the kids, especially when they were babies and I never heard her growl at anything, she was devine.

You will get all the advice in the world thrown at you, but my one piece would be to write the pros and cons of having a dog, the years, the costs, the attention you need to put in, the training etc etc etc

But if you do make the leap to being a dog owner, i can guarantee that you will soon change your mind and your heart will be melting as soon as you get that first hug/lick!

good luck with your search - oh one other thing, i have also owned rescue dogs, but not had much success as the lab attacked someone and the other one was really ill and died! Also we had a Dalmation (Mutley) what a dog, he was lovely but really really hard work and not one I would suggest for a first timer.

SS

[lynda66]

regarding the rescue dogs, i was thinking of something young, puppy or just past puppy stage, would be better than an older dog set in it's ways, unless theres one with a known history.

[Polly Fouracre]

I would, tentatively, suggest that if you are not a dog lover or experienced with dogs that you may put in some time at your local rescue kennels.
They will welcome you with open arms for exercising, grooming etc. and you will meet a wide variety of breeds ( Labs, Border Collies and German Shepherds will figure largely!!) and you will be able to see which breed you will get on with best.
Take your time and don't let your heart rule your head and you will end up with your best friend ever.
A lot of adult rescue dogs are quite safe with cats.
Dogs don't ask for much, just a warm, safe home, a bit of grub, knowing the rules and a pat and a "Good dog" now and again. Oh! and exercise. Exercise in rain and snow, in hangover and tiredness and a bit of fun in their lives.
Good luck! Your life may be asbout to change!!

[blue411]

My sister breeds choc labs and currently has an angel called Mollie and her daughter called paisley, whilst she struck gold with Mollie, her luck ran out with paisley, shoes,bags,tv cables,remote controls you name it shes eaten and chewed through it! she is beautiful though and both are great with kids and the most friendly dogs you will meet,my sis volunteers at our local rspca and took on a litter of new born kittens and the dogs were as gentle as can be, if you can get through the chewing stage your onto a winner, i took on a rhodesian ridgeback, currently 8 stone of muscle but no chewing!

[bluemoon]

hi ya bluemoon, i have now had 4 GSD's and never had one attached to any specific person and never at the expense of anyone else, but they all loved me cause i walked and fed them lol - never had to entertain them either, i think they do need training though, mind you thats any dog lol!

SS

Yes, I didn't put that very well (typical of me, eh?) When I said at the expense of everyone else I didn't mean aggression. Our GSD, who it has to be said the whole family adored, was supposed to be my dog. Unfortunately no one had told her that and she absolutely worshiped my OH. I think it was partly because they are a breed which likes to know the boundaries and will respect the person who is firm (the rest of us were just soppy pushovers). OH wasn't even particularly strict, but he didn't let her get away with things.....although she did once manage to open the fridge and steal the Sunday joint ten minutes before my in-laws were due for lunch and OH just laughed and said he'd rather the dog enjoyed it as his parents never appreciated anything.
Our lab was wonderful though. Sadly he had to be put to sleep last Hallowe'en and I'm still not over it. I will have another one someday, but not yet, at the moment I'm still at the phase where I don't want another lab, I just want him. We do have a rescue dog too a weird sort of spaniel x whippet and he's been fabulous. He was five when we adopted him and that was five years ago so he's getting on a bit now, but I'd certainly reccommend that anyone thinking of getting a dog should seriously consider a rescue.
Also, it isn't just a choice between breeds as their personalities can vary between dogs and bitches and also the individual pup's place in the litter. Lots to consider, Cloud, so don't rush it.

[pjh75]

Oh right, I get it now... have just responded on your other dog-related thread. I have no experience of the breeds you have narrowed it down to. Growing up we had cross breeds and since I have been with my OH we have had Cavaliers. The only advice I could give is to be totally sure that you really do want a dog.

[gemlady]

Don't have any personal experience of owning any of the 3 dogs mentioned, we've only ever had Boxers (they are fab!). Out of the 3, I would plump for the Lab in regard to temperament, but I believe they are prone to hip problems.

I would suggest you choose a dog that suits your lifestyle best as it's hopefully going to be with you for quite a few years. Dogs are dependant on you throughout their lives for everything! There are no days off! You will get wet, cold, and miserable taking it out on foul weather days, and you won't be able to put it off. It will cost a fortune in vets/boarding kennel fees, not to mention the personal and household things it will chew beyond recognition when young. You will have to take the time to train and socialise it so that it won't drive the neighbours mad by barking whilst your out, will allow people into your home, and is not a danger to society. If you are likely to out for more than a few hours, you will have to make provision for the dog.

On the plus side, you will have a friendly greeting every time you come through the door, a good reason to go out and get some excercise and fresh air, but most importantly you will have the absolute unconditional love of the best friend you'll ever have.

[lynda66]

had a thought before ...... do you know anyone with a dog that would lend it to you for a week (while they are on holiday or something?) actually putting it into practice at home would be a good way of finding out if you really want one, or not.

[Cloud]

I grew up with Black Labs,my grandfather was a game keeper.
I now know its not dogs that I hate but irresponsible owners and that from reading and joining in all the other threads on dogs.

[lynda66]

oooooooo that's a turn up for the books ...... i realised that about dentists ...... it's not the dentist i hate it's the needles ...... and now my new dentist does all my fillings without anaesthetic, it's actually quite relaxing, when i used to be terrified