*Sonic*

Im looking into getting a dog again

Had one for 7 years, quite a while ago now, but due to recent events I am considering getting another one

Im really looking for some advice, on good breeds/cross breeds, best place to go to look at some, wether I should get a pup, or get one a little older, already semi/fully trained

I have plenty of space, both in the house and garden, and loads of fields nearby etc

I do have a cat (about 7 years old) so I need a dog that will not rip it to shreds (although I know some of you on here would like that )

I will be out at work during the day throughout the week (which is why I am still hesitant about getting another dog)

Its also for a little extra security too

but really after some advice

Ta

Steve

what would scooby do

Big male labrador - only problem is they don't bark (not supposed to) - very cat friendly though..

If you go for a german shepherd etc you would probably get home to find it has eaten the cat

Tiggs

"I will be out at work during the day throughout the week "

then get an alarm and rent the incredible journey. (unless you plan to get a dog flap so fido can enjoy those fields while your at work all day)

what would scooby do

p.s. if you are away from home during the day - keep the dog in a kennel in your garden - otherwise bye bye soft furnishings (assuming a young dog)

*Sonic*

Was thinking Labrador initially

My last dog was a Lab & Staff Bull cross, excellent dog, great temprement, but went mental at anyone it didnt like, and very very protective

Kennel isnt a bad idea, I do have plenty of room for a kennel, and garden space etc (previous owners had a lovely golden labrador

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Doberman - but I am biased

Very Loyal and protective, Very trainable, scares the crap out of anyone who trespasses. Normally just big softies.

Not sure about the cat - like any other dog really it'll either like it or hate it, unless you have a puppy. Depends if you have a cat that likes to tease.

Will be a bit of a nutcase in the first year - and a little unaware of their size/strength, makes them more fun in my book

f1

I got a German Shep, more loyal than my wife (ex-wife, sorry), takes more notice as well !! Had dog since a pup, never chewed anything, gets left at home never any problems. I gotta cat as well, when you are about cat makes out it hates the dog, but at night they both sleep side by side on the bed like the best of friends.

Dog is VERY good at protecting me and the house, but on the other side as soft as lights. My parents have German Sheps, 2 of 'em again both as good as, and when mine is there NO ONE comes anywhere near us. Getta German, u won't regret it !!
Thing with a kennel is what's the point of having a dog ? If you let it in the house when you are home the WHOLE world knows you are home 'cos the dog is in. If you keep it in the kennel all the time, why have a dog at all. And if it is out when you are what's stopping burglars from breaking into your house ? Oh yeah, windows and locks and a viscious dog in a kennel they can pull faces at whilst they are nicking your hi-fi !! IMHO of course.

*Sonic*

I do like German Shep's,

I see your point about the kennel tho,

My neighbour a few doors up has 14 Collie's, yes 14 of them, takes them for walks every 2 hours, think I might have a word with him tomorrow, as he may have some good local advise etc of where I can go to look

I know he looks after dogs too, when owners go on holiday etc, maybe if I paid him, he could take mine (if I get one) for walks etc in the day whilst im at work

Keep the advice coming tho

Steve

Corgi

Depends if you like long walks, most of the dogs mentioned need plenty of exercise.

I have a Bull Mastiff, she's the best dog i've had, very easy going, very lazy, will go on long walks but quite happy to laze about the house and of course a Mastiff will defend you till the end.

Adrian F

I have two dogs but only because I can take them to work with me or I take them to my parents for the day I don't think it is fair leaving them at home all day five days a week.

Also I like GSD's but there are a lot of health problems in the breed so much so that some of the UK Police forces are now refusing to take them and going for different breeds. And the other thing I find is that I have to plan my social life around the dogs as I can't go out from work if they are with me. I have to give them time every day etc. and don't be surprised if for the first few months of ownership you get the odd thing chewed. Then there is time to socialise the dog and time for dog training classes, the cost of vet bills.

All in all a very big commitment which if you can make then you get rewarded with true love and genuine affection.

talizman

iTrader: (1)

Sonic,

I got a German Shepherd pup last year. In fact he'll be one next week.

We got him at 8 weeks and they are incredibly easy to train, due to their extremely high intelligence.

There was a spell where the skirting boards and table legs were getting it, but that passed and he is goog as gold now.

Only downsides are the possibility of hip disorder (displacia), plus the fact that thoroughbreds always seem more prone to daft illnesses and trips to the vet that don't seem to transpire from cross breeds.

Other than that, I'd definitely encourage you to get one.

What I would say is, be very vigilant with the breeder you choose as there are more and more 'puppy farms' cropping up each day.

Why not go to your local Police Dog Kennels and ask their advice?
They are usually extremely keen to help and give advice/training tips.

They might even recommend a breeder they use.

Let us know how you get on.

talizman

iTrader: (1)

Adrian
The reason police forces aren't using GSD's as much these days is not to do with their health mate.

In fact, the GSD's health has not deteriorated at all. It is as bad as it always was!

The GSD has been the dog of choice for so many years now due to their extremely high intelligence, ease of training, willingness to work, but most of all, they are extremely 'capable' dogs for 'man-work' etc. (biting bad people! )

The 'problem' today is that the dogs are being bred more and more for shows and domestic pets, therefore the 'red-mist' is being bred out of them.

Less and less of the dogs are having the inclination to 'turn' on a person, making them about as much use as a cat flap in a submarine!

Certainly my GSD is a big ***** cat! He looks the part and stands at nearly 5 feet tall on his hind legs with a great sounding bark, but he has got zero bottle when pushed!

More forces are using Rottweilers these days, certainly I know my force has a few of the breed and I've read in the Police magazines that they are more and more becoming the breed of choice for general police work.

Redkop

GSD's do not like being left all day and f1 yours must be pretty spectacular not to chew. My 13 month old bitch has chewed mobile phone/digi camera/trainers galore/armchair/wooden patio set/videos/cds and loads of other things and she isn't left on her own for long, she even thieves things to chew while I am here

eddie h

Rhodesian Ridgeback (sp?) we had two when i was growing up, fantastic dogs excellent temprement, good round kids (never bit me, growled at me, anything) they would lay their life down for you.

Plus point they're bred to hunt lion's etc, so theiving chav would be no problemo...

Jerome

If you don't mind a smaller dog, consider a Border Terrier. They are hardy dogs with an excellent temperament. Mine had to share a house with numerous cats, and the cats were definitely the boss. They were bred to go down fox holes and get the fox, so they have much larger teeth than you'd expect for a dog of this size. They also have a big dog bark. So they should deter an intruder, but also not to be trifled with if confronted by one. They are also pretty active for a small dog, so need longer walks than the size would suggest.

If you prefer bigger dogs, another vote for Rhodesian Ridgebacks. All the ones I've come across have been lovely dogs.

I would also get one (of any breed) that has already been discipline trained.

Jamo

iTrader: (23)

get a rotweiler and call it scooby

thats what im going to do anyway

little miss fire

We've got a staffie, he'll be 1 year old tomorrow. I take him to my Mum's everyday while me and the other half are at work. He's such a character and would stick up for either of us if he had to. Great lock jaw on him too! If he gets hold of something, he ain't letting go!!!!! (usually the other half's socks when they play fight!) Very loyal to anyone he knows.

Edited to say he's great with the cat too, mind you the cat was there first, and we did have him from a pup. He sticks up for the cat too when they are outside together!

Spoon

I've had German Shepherds around for 37 years and in my own right for 12 years and seen no problems whatsoever with the so-called health problems.

My two sleep outside in a 17ft x 5ft kennel which is permanently open so they can roam the grounds at any time, night or day.

I wouldn't entertain a GSD as a puppy indoors if you want anything to remain unchewed.

It cost me 3 tyres on a dayvan and 35 Koi carp and several plants when our latest GSD puppy went on a bender one night.

To be honest if you are out all day a dog doesn't really deserve that, so my advice is don't bother, for the dogs sake.

StickyMicky

awghhhh

we have a westie
its nuts, i wouldnt recomend one, it really hates cats tho andis always trying to catch them , but it just doesnt look scarey enough for the cats to be botherd lmao

chance the burglars would leave because the dogs made such good friends with them and has persuaded them that were not the household to steal from, but its probably a very, very small chance
lmao

zax

Excellent choice! They don't bark without a really good reason, and are more than capable of handling trouble. They are intensely loyal to their "pack". Incredibly smart too, but often reluctant to show it

But not ideal to be left alone all day as a puppy. A bored ridgeback is a recipe for disaster...

Tiggs

whats all this "lay down their life" "can look after themselves" tosh.

where do you live with your dogs? the bronx?

Diesel

Think its important to get a 'dozy' dog if you are going to leave him during the day - get a low maintenance one.

It's always tricky having a dog if you love them and want one, compared to waiting till you are retired and live on a farm before you think it's 'fair'. After all, mine tends to be out in the garden all day - even though he has company at the house...

*Sonic*

Thanks for all the comments and advice

Im going to go and see my neighbour who breeds dogs, has kennels etc, for some more advice, and what sort of options I have

Keep em coming tho

scoobybitch

We have a German Shep & got him when he was eight weeks old and he's great. You want something to protect the house you have to get something that people are scared of. If I walked into a house and a lab came at me barking I'd probably laugh whereas even though I own a German Shepherd I am still wary around other peoples as they are well known for their loyalty to their owners and property. We had a pretend salesman knock on the door when I was home alone (I did what any woman late at nite with a big dog would do and took the dog to the door) I kindly asked the man for his ID and he had none (all the time Jake was going mad and the bloke looked very nervous) he didnt have any so with a loose collar I kindly told him he had 5 secs to f**k off or I was letting go - never seen some1 run so fast in my life. I rang the company to check an no1 was in my area at the time, he never came back though.
As for leaving the dog all day if you get it from a pup it grows up knowing nothing else so were some people may think it is cruel how can it be when they know no different.

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Dont get a Cocker Spaniel, useless.

Tiggs

"As for leaving the dog all day if you get it from a pup it grows up knowing nothing else so were some people may think it is cruel how can it be when they know no different."

interesting logic

scoobybitch

As for leaving the dog all day if you get it from a pup it grows up knowing nothing else so were some people may think it is cruel how can it be when they know no different."

interesting logic

Never did mine any harm and a dog trainer I know agrees, hes done the same for years!

andypugh2000

I have 3 dogs 2 springers and a cocker and i leave mine in a large kennel enclosure / run all day during the week, its even got a thermostat in case it gets too cold then the heating kicks in, they never bark which is a bonus only when they hear the HKS thumping down the street then its excitement barking.

my advice would be to get a resue dog but if you are going to leave it all day most places wont entertain you as its against their policy.

good luck

andy

Corgi

So you would leave a baby on it's own all day cos it knows no different?

Muppet logic.