 | Home > Off Topic > Dog Ownership and Training - Advice Please |
 
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| Simon Audi Member Since: 19 Nov 2020 Location: Newport Posts: 544  
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1. Why do you want a dog?
2. How big is your house and gardens? 3. Do you want an Energetic one or? I have had lots of dogs over the years, Border Collie Rotweillers (6) Heinz 
Bijone Friss Currently - 2 St Bernard's and a Bulldog and a very old Bijone. They have nearly all been great with the kids... 5 of the Rotties, Bully and Bernards have been marvelous - the one Rottie you could not trust.... she wanted to be in charge. The Bernards are MESSY... wet slobber and hair everywhere but loving as can be.. The Bulldog sleeps and snores and farts continuously and does not like exercise... The Bernards get me up at 3.30 to walk them... they are weary of strangers... so its a good time to walk them... Depends what you want. Last edited by Simon Audi on 30th Nov 2020 1:12pm. Edited 1 time in total |
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30th Nov 2020 1:11pm |
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| hank Member Since: 12 Sep 2016 Location: South Wales Posts: 2301  
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We took in a rescue and trained him no problem, though he was still relatively young at around 9 or 10 months old. I was new to dog ownership although we did have dogs in the family when I was a kid so weren't completely green.
I think it's case by case really. Don't just blanket discount rescues, go and have a look. Most rescues find themselves there due to no fault of their own and it's so sad to euthanise them all when breeders are churning pups out at rate of knots. At the time I was looking for a dog I wanted a frenchie or something pedigree like that. I ended up with a complete mongrel runt and wouldn't change him for the world! Generally the majority of dogs have a lovely temperament unless something has gone really terribly in life for them. Of course there are exceptions to the rule... Adopt don't shop as they say! > 110 XS Double Cab |
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30th Nov 2020 1:11pm |
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| Simon Audi Member Since: 19 Nov 2020 Location: Newport Posts: 544
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2 of mine were rescue also... but pups..
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30th Nov 2020 1:14pm |
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| Co1 Member Since: 19 Aug 2018 Location: North Yorkshire Posts: 3677 
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Whether you go pup or rescue, find yourself a well respected trainer to work with. Bear in mind that the training is really for you and not the dog! I wouldn’t recommend the pup route if you are a novice. If you going down the pup route, for the first couple of months do very little training and just focus on building the bond between you both. Developing that bond is what will make all the future training easier. The dog should trust you and see that everything good comes from/with you so spend as much time forge that as you can.
As far as breeds go, i love a working dog, be it terriers, pastoral or gundogs. Don’t be fooled into thinking that this type of dog needs more stimulation/exercise as all dogs need this regardless. The beauty of a gun dog is that there are lots of passionate and enthusiastic trainers, whether you intend to work it or not. The last thing I’d say is you need to exercise the mind as well as the muscles. Plenty of mental stimulation is The key to a relaxed dog. |
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30th Nov 2020 1:36pm |
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| shropshiredefender Member Since: 05 Jun 2017 Location: Shropshire Posts: 834  
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Firstly you need to decide the general characteristics that you want in your dog.
Size Long or short haired and so on. Then lots of research to see which breed conforms closest to your ideal type. Bear in mind that owners will, naturally, prefer the breed that they own. Dog (really owner) training classes are, in normal times, a good idea. It might be worth while to talk to someone who runs such classes before settling on breed. Have a chat with your local Vet about the breed that you think is suitable and local breeders or rescue centres. Try taking a regular walk where the local dog owners go, admire/fuss their dogs and most will engage in conversation about dogs. Above all remember that it should be fun - for the dog and you. Oh and you need a Lurcher in your life - not at all biased - just had them for the past 40 years. Just because you're offended doesn't mean you're right. |
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30th Nov 2020 1:45pm |
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| jst Member Since: 14 Jan 2008 Location: Taunton Posts: 8049  
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^^^^^ many a true word in above and advice to take on board. Especially ref exercise the mind. What ever you decide on, it needs your time and patience, more of both than many expect. On a financial side: I'd be inclined to wait a few months at the moment dogs and horse prices are through the roof. £750 labs at £5k for example. Granted that's the most I have confirmed see go for, but £3k avg still well over what it was 12mths ago. Once vaccine are readily available and more people back to work there may well unfortunately be a surplus of your dogs. Cheers James 110 2012 XS Utility 130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper 90 2010 Hardtop 90 M57 1988 Hardtop |
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30th Nov 2020 2:01pm |
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| rockster57 Member Since: 15 Nov 2014 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 937 
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Thank you for all those very sensible responses and suggestions. I will take it all on board - especially the point about training of the owner
My partner and I are both fairly active walkers so in addition to the routine of daily dog walking, we want a pet to accompany us on longer outings up to around 10 miles. I imagine the majority of dogs are more than capable of walking the legs off me. But actually, are there any breeds that such a distance would create a problem? The companionship is also important to us. |
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30th Nov 2020 2:10pm |
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| AMBxx Member Since: 24 Jul 2016 Location: York Posts: 1032 
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There are plenty of online breed choosers, take a look through some. You'll probably find there are other 'features' to think about too.
For your 10 mile walks, most will happily manage that, it's a case of frequency. We currently have our 3rd & 4th Mini Schnauzer (probably the biggest miniature dog that exists!). They're happy doing 15 miles, just not every day for a week. If you plan to walk 10+ miles every day, think carefully. On the other hand, our Schnauzers are quite happy to sit and do nothing for a day - just not every day! Take a look around a few rescue centres and get a feel for different breeds. If a breeder isn't happy to discuss your suitability for a breed, walk away. It's also worth looking into owner's clubs. They'll help you find a breeder and provide any breed-specific advice. You're now going to find out what an incredibly friendly and helpful bunch dog owners are. Hence the frequent combination of Land Rovers and Dogs!! However - keep off Facebook dog stuff - full of nutters and soon gets unpleasant. |
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30th Nov 2020 2:18pm |
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| Rashers Member Since: 21 Jun 2015 Location: Norfolk Posts: 3507 
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All of the above is great advice.
Dogs take over your life in a way that is not dissimilar to having children. I have never personally had much luck with dog training groups. But don't let that stop you. They are a fantastic way to socialise your dog. Socialisation is something that often gets forgotten. The reason why some dogs pull, bark, growl, become aggressive and misbehave is they are not naughty or poorly trained as such, but they have never been socialised with others. This is so important and something which may be difficult to do during these restrictions we live under. The other thing which they require is time. Lots of it. A dog which misbehaves and chews and destroys the carpet in the lounge is often bored rigid. We have a Doggy Day Care Centre up the road. The lady who runs it is amazing. I would recommend booking a dog in for a day a week - even if you don't need someone to look after your dog - just so your dog can meet and play safely with other dogs and so it gets used to leaving you and is comfortable with that. Good luck |
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30th Nov 2020 2:26pm |
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| gilarion Member Since: 05 Dec 2013 Location: Wales Posts: 5111 
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Only one rule, train with kindness never with anger. For those who like Welsh Mountains and narrow boats have a look at my videos and photos at..
http://www.youtube.com/user/conwy1 |
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30th Nov 2020 2:53pm |
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| jst Member Since: 14 Jan 2008 Location: Taunton Posts: 8049
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there is some good stuff in here and lots of it he repeats throughout the book. will take all of two nights to read the book and you can take from it what you think is relevant. its about understanding the dogs mind. I have used his principles to train my last three working dogs with good results. particularly about head/shoulder movement. patience is what you need.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dog-Whisperer-Graeme-Sims/dp/0755317009 Cheers James 110 2012 XS Utility 130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper 90 2010 Hardtop 90 M57 1988 Hardtop |
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30th Nov 2020 3:23pm |
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| Co1 Member Since: 19 Aug 2018 Location: North Yorkshire Posts: 3677
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I think that unless your going for toy breeds or dogs with flat noses (which are unfortunately growing in popularity), pretty much any breed will have you begging for mercy in an endurance event!! Last edited by Co1 on 30th Nov 2020 3:26pm. Edited 1 time in total |
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30th Nov 2020 3:26pm |
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| jst Member Since: 14 Jan 2008 Location: Taunton Posts: 8049
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oh yes and dont go to see a litter unless you are prepared to have one! they are hard to turn away from!
 Click image to enlarge Cheers James 110 2012 XS Utility 130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper 90 2010 Hardtop 90 M57 1988 Hardtop |
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30th Nov 2020 3:26pm |
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| hank Member Since: 12 Sep 2016 Location: South Wales Posts: 2301
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> 110 XS Double Cab |
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30th Nov 2020 3:31pm |
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