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New dog??
26 Answers
Help, I would like to get a dog, lots of questions though as I have never had one............
i will be working from home so I will be there all day, would never get one before as did not want to leave him/her alone
Can any one recommend some good 'dog books'
would like a 'certain' type of dog but am torn as think I should get dog from RSPCA and give him/her a loving home.
All advice gratefully apprecicated
warpig1
i will be working from home so I will be there all day, would never get one before as did not want to leave him/her alone
Can any one recommend some good 'dog books'
would like a 'certain' type of dog but am torn as think I should get dog from RSPCA and give him/her a loving home.
All advice gratefully apprecicated
warpig1
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http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/427
This tells you about the various breeds and how they could fit in with your lifestyle. You should try to go for a rescue dog.
I got mine from Battersea and although he was hard work for a time it has been unltimately very rewarding.
This tells you about the various breeds and how they could fit in with your lifestyle. You should try to go for a rescue dog.
I got mine from Battersea and although he was hard work for a time it has been unltimately very rewarding.
Personally I would always go to a RSPCA dog home and re-home, usually they have been taken home by one of the kennel maids and "tried and tested" if you like before you get them, so you pretty much know what you are getting plus they are usually neutered etc. Its your choice, but PLEASE consider geting the dog insured and micro chipped. We have rescued many dogs now and some are more work than others but mostly we have been rewarded over and over again!
Sorry but I have never bought a dog book in my life!
Sorry but I have never bought a dog book in my life!
When you go to a home (I'll use Battersea as an example even though I know you're not from my neck of the woods!) they will ask you loads and loads of questions and really try to fit the dog to you. Although they obviously want to rehome as many dogs as they can, they won't just try to offload any old hound on you. They may even send someone round to look at your house and garden. At Battersea I had a home visit a month after rehoming (not sure if that's standard - I just happened to rehome a very aggressive dog) and they really do try to make an ideal match according to your lifestyle, temperament and living space. I'd try to find out some details of your local rescue place and start by asking them some preliminary questions.
thank you drchasuble, this is all very new to me and I want to do it as right as possible, i realise that it is a big commitment but I also have the time, i think. Basically I have always wanted a dog 'cos I think they are fantastic but have never commited as I was working full time
Now circumstances have changed and I will be at home most of the day, but am still a little scared as have never been responsible for somthing else. Just need some reassurance and guidance please.
thanks
]warpig1
Now circumstances have changed and I will be at home most of the day, but am still a little scared as have never been responsible for somthing else. Just need some reassurance and guidance please.
thanks
]warpig1
You need to work out what your requirements of a dog would be, a 'wish list' if you like.
Do you want a dog that will just lay under your desk all day and go for the odd walk when you feel like it, if so avoid collies, spaniels, terriers, and go for something more laid back and relaxed, maybe one of the bigger gundog breeds, such as a labrador or a retriever.
The more energetic gundogs will require lots of exercise.
If you want a dog you can walk for miles each day, or go hiking with across moorland and mountain, then one of the collie breeds or hound breeds would be more suited.
If you want a constant companion and guard who will lay down his life for you then consider one of the Shepherd breeds, German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd or one of the guarding breeds, Rottweiler, Dobermann.
Do you want a small dog, or a large one, a hairy one or one that take very little grooming.
Make a list of your ideal then you can start to compromise!
Whilst taking on a rescue is a very creditable act, ask yourself if you are prepared (or experienced enough) to cope with any problems the dog may have. Most of them are not in there for no good reason and although they all need a good home, consider whether it is fair to yourself to saddle yourself with something that will require considerable time, maybe expense and maybe even the intervention of a behaviourist to sort out.
I would suggest you visit a dog show and chat to some owners about their breeds and tell them what you require from a dog. Remeber though this is a two way contract, and the dog will require many things of you.
If you can why not visit Discover Dogs at Crufts in March, which is held at the NEC in Birmingham. All the registered dog breeds are represented and you can talk to the owners and discuss whether they are suitable for your lifestyle. The rescue organisations
Do you want a dog that will just lay under your desk all day and go for the odd walk when you feel like it, if so avoid collies, spaniels, terriers, and go for something more laid back and relaxed, maybe one of the bigger gundog breeds, such as a labrador or a retriever.
The more energetic gundogs will require lots of exercise.
If you want a dog you can walk for miles each day, or go hiking with across moorland and mountain, then one of the collie breeds or hound breeds would be more suited.
If you want a constant companion and guard who will lay down his life for you then consider one of the Shepherd breeds, German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd or one of the guarding breeds, Rottweiler, Dobermann.
Do you want a small dog, or a large one, a hairy one or one that take very little grooming.
Make a list of your ideal then you can start to compromise!
Whilst taking on a rescue is a very creditable act, ask yourself if you are prepared (or experienced enough) to cope with any problems the dog may have. Most of them are not in there for no good reason and although they all need a good home, consider whether it is fair to yourself to saddle yourself with something that will require considerable time, maybe expense and maybe even the intervention of a behaviourist to sort out.
I would suggest you visit a dog show and chat to some owners about their breeds and tell them what you require from a dog. Remeber though this is a two way contract, and the dog will require many things of you.
If you can why not visit Discover Dogs at Crufts in March, which is held at the NEC in Birmingham. All the registered dog breeds are represented and you can talk to the owners and discuss whether they are suitable for your lifestyle. The rescue organisations
If you have a breed in mind, contact the breed club secretary who will be able to put you in touch with reputable breeders, who will be happy to discuss the breed with you.
They will be able to tell you about any health problems you should avoid, and anything relevant, such as whether they should be able to be let off the lead, or whether they are good with children, how long they live and how trainable they are.
This is a very exciting time and you should remember that any decision you make could be with you for around 10+ years (the father of one of mine is nearly 19), so don't rush it and you will hopefully end up with a loving companion that you can be proud of.
They will be able to tell you about any health problems you should avoid, and anything relevant, such as whether they should be able to be let off the lead, or whether they are good with children, how long they live and how trainable they are.
This is a very exciting time and you should remember that any decision you make could be with you for around 10+ years (the father of one of mine is nearly 19), so don't rush it and you will hopefully end up with a loving companion that you can be proud of.
If you go to the Our Dogs website (Our Dogs is a weekly canine newspaper)
http://www.ourdogs.co.uk
and click on shop, they have a book list. Scroll down to either general or new owner and they list books for sale on everything you can think of, all breeds, training, health and general.
You could also join the Our Dogs Online website, and ask questions as you think of them.
http://www.ourdogs.co.uk
and click on shop, they have a book list. Scroll down to either general or new owner and they list books for sale on everything you can think of, all breeds, training, health and general.
You could also join the Our Dogs Online website, and ask questions as you think of them.
lankeela, thank you so much for the advice, this is something I have thought about but I I feel I need to give consideration to all aspects and I realise it is a big commitment for me and I will not enter into it lightly, just want to look at all aspects before I commit, and also I realise that these dogs need the best too and that is what I want to provide if I possibly can.
Am just in a quandry. as want to do the best but not sure what is the best, if you get me.
Thanks
warpig1
Am just in a quandry. as want to do the best but not sure what is the best, if you get me.
Thanks
warpig1
The Blue Cross are very good, in my opinion better than the RSPCA, they really research their dogs and give a lot of backup when they rehome a dog (all their dogs are insured when they leave the centre, for six weeks). I find the RSPCA vary a lot from centre to centre, some are good but some are bad.
Why not get in touch with a local rescue centre, many often need volunteers to help walk the dogs etc. This way you can familiarise yourself with the dogs up for re-homing and gain experience of looking after dogs. Sometimes they also need foster homes for dogs (which sometimes turn into forever homes!).
If you do get a rescue, make sure that the place you get them from checks you out and is prepared to give follow up advice. Because this is your first dog you do not want to get one that has alot of problems.
A good web site for dog training/behaviour and general information is http://www.takingthelead.co.uk they have lots of info. on dogs and dog breeds. They also have a good forum. One of the people who runs it is Gill, she works for the Blue Cross with their dogs and she is a very experienced behaviourist.
Good luck in your search!
Why not get in touch with a local rescue centre, many often need volunteers to help walk the dogs etc. This way you can familiarise yourself with the dogs up for re-homing and gain experience of looking after dogs. Sometimes they also need foster homes for dogs (which sometimes turn into forever homes!).
If you do get a rescue, make sure that the place you get them from checks you out and is prepared to give follow up advice. Because this is your first dog you do not want to get one that has alot of problems.
A good web site for dog training/behaviour and general information is http://www.takingthelead.co.uk they have lots of info. on dogs and dog breeds. They also have a good forum. One of the people who runs it is Gill, she works for the Blue Cross with their dogs and she is a very experienced behaviourist.
Good luck in your search!
The problem is, most people will tell you their breed is the best, so you need to ask lots of questions and then pick out what advice you feel is best for you.
For instance, if you get a long coated breed, will you be willing to pay to have it groomed professionally, or have it clipped regularly (every 6 - 8 weeks)? Do you want a dog you can let off in the local park (don't get a beagle!) or one that will be able to curl up on your lap while you watch TV (don't get a mastiff - although they may try). Boxers and other slobbery breeds make a mess up your walls, and dogs with hairy feet bring mud into your house. OK unless you are houseproud!
Do you want a 'manly' dog that looks butch or are you happy to be seen walking a 'stuffed toy on a lead' like a Yorkie?
So many questions, so many combinations. As I said before, think about what you want from a dog and I am sure we can recommend some breeds for you.
For instance, if you get a long coated breed, will you be willing to pay to have it groomed professionally, or have it clipped regularly (every 6 - 8 weeks)? Do you want a dog you can let off in the local park (don't get a beagle!) or one that will be able to curl up on your lap while you watch TV (don't get a mastiff - although they may try). Boxers and other slobbery breeds make a mess up your walls, and dogs with hairy feet bring mud into your house. OK unless you are houseproud!
Do you want a 'manly' dog that looks butch or are you happy to be seen walking a 'stuffed toy on a lead' like a Yorkie?
So many questions, so many combinations. As I said before, think about what you want from a dog and I am sure we can recommend some breeds for you.
Oi Lankeela....Stuffed toy on a lead...how dare you!!!! lol
I have had Yorkshire Terriers for 6 years now..... they are loving and intelligent [sometimes!!!]....mind you my other dogs a Great Dane....honest....hehehe
Warpig, just take your time choosing....it's a big commitment[sp]....but years of love and fun when you find the right one....
Good luck hun...
Lisa x
I have had Yorkshire Terriers for 6 years now..... they are loving and intelligent [sometimes!!!]....mind you my other dogs a Great Dane....honest....hehehe
Warpig, just take your time choosing....it's a big commitment[sp]....but years of love and fun when you find the right one....
Good luck hun...
Lisa x
Hi there,
Lankeela's absolutely right. Decide what you want from a dog and what you can offer the dog.
I think if I get another dog I will go for a retired greyhound, because they're great with people and, contrary to popular misconception, don't need miles of walking every day, just a good run or two a day. After all, that's what they're used to and bred for. They are quite lazy most of the time, by all accounts.
Not trying to sway you! Fab decision to get a dog and I will say Shar Pei are great (no prizes for guessing!)
happy dog-hunting.
p.s. As a rough guide, you could try the pedigree chum website - not sure of the address, but google'll know. they ask 4 or 5 questions then make some recommendations. You may not opt for one of those, but it may give you an idea of what sort of family of dog you're after: gun dog, hound, etc.
Lankeela's absolutely right. Decide what you want from a dog and what you can offer the dog.
I think if I get another dog I will go for a retired greyhound, because they're great with people and, contrary to popular misconception, don't need miles of walking every day, just a good run or two a day. After all, that's what they're used to and bred for. They are quite lazy most of the time, by all accounts.
Not trying to sway you! Fab decision to get a dog and I will say Shar Pei are great (no prizes for guessing!)
happy dog-hunting.
p.s. As a rough guide, you could try the pedigree chum website - not sure of the address, but google'll know. they ask 4 or 5 questions then make some recommendations. You may not opt for one of those, but it may give you an idea of what sort of family of dog you're after: gun dog, hound, etc.
All of the advice offered here should be helpful, but one thing I see missing in your original question as well as the opinions is the consideration of acquiring a dog on the other members of your family. Could be, of course, that you live alone... if so, disregard. But if you are but one member of a household you'll need to be aware of the dog's, any dog's sense of pack. A dog is always a dog, no matter how cute or intelligent. They live in the here and now and the most important instinct they possess is that of packhood (is that a word?). You must be the pack leader and this involves an attitude as much as it does actions. Actions must follow, of course, but I've friends that have experienced disasters due solely to imparting confusion to their dog about who is the pack leader.
This can manifest itself in many ways, but inappropriate behavior on the part of the dog can almost always be traced to inappropriate behavior on the part of the owner.
Ever the adventurer warpig1 you'll do well as a ddog owner, but pick up a good, small, inexpensive book called Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems... by Cesar Milan. He also has a TV program here in the U.S. His approach mirrors that of my father's, who trained dogs in this same manner for years (also horses). Best of luck!
This can manifest itself in many ways, but inappropriate behavior on the part of the dog can almost always be traced to inappropriate behavior on the part of the owner.
Ever the adventurer warpig1 you'll do well as a ddog owner, but pick up a good, small, inexpensive book called Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems... by Cesar Milan. He also has a TV program here in the U.S. His approach mirrors that of my father's, who trained dogs in this same manner for years (also horses). Best of luck!
Point taken Clanad, but hopefully with all the help being offered, warpig will not end up with a problem dog!
I have seen so many people get the wrong breed for them, and then both them and the dog are very unhappy. There was a case of this very recently on here, when someone bought a young springer spaniel that was not suitable for their lifestyle, young children who were overwhelmed by it and ended up parting with it. Fortunately they took on board that this was not the right dog for them and are now looking for a smaller, quieter breed.
Also not long ago someone took a rescue dog on, and it was being very aggressive with other dogs, and they were novice owners. They ended up feeling very guilty because they took our advice and returned it to the rescue home. With a little bit of advice and planning this owner would have had a dog they could really enjoy, instead of worrying about every time they took it out.
Remember, owning a dog should be a pleasure, not a hardship or a chore.
I have seen so many people get the wrong breed for them, and then both them and the dog are very unhappy. There was a case of this very recently on here, when someone bought a young springer spaniel that was not suitable for their lifestyle, young children who were overwhelmed by it and ended up parting with it. Fortunately they took on board that this was not the right dog for them and are now looking for a smaller, quieter breed.
Also not long ago someone took a rescue dog on, and it was being very aggressive with other dogs, and they were novice owners. They ended up feeling very guilty because they took our advice and returned it to the rescue home. With a little bit of advice and planning this owner would have had a dog they could really enjoy, instead of worrying about every time they took it out.
Remember, owning a dog should be a pleasure, not a hardship or a chore.
You seem so keen to get a pooch and I do hope you find the right one for you .They bring such a lot of pleasure .
Fine to find out all about breeds and what have you but I'll tell you a little story.
I used to a have a Norfolk Terrier which had belonged to Mum but she couldn't look after him anymore and I took him and he outlived Mum! Passing away at the ripe old age of 17.I was heartbroken ..
Anyway a neighbour of mine worked in a builders yard and one day these didiycoy types drove in ,threw this dog out of their van and drove away. My neighbour asked me to take this dog in as it had been roaming around the yard by then for a couple of weeks and was being aggressive and destructive .
Aggressive my foot ! And he has never destroyed anything in our house .
I said OK and for the last twelve years have had the most wonderful companion I could wish for .A dog is what you make it .
Shaney wishes you a very happy Christmas and so do I and hope that you will soon have a loving companion !
http://i16.tinypic.com/2q9z2h4.jpg
Fine to find out all about breeds and what have you but I'll tell you a little story.
I used to a have a Norfolk Terrier which had belonged to Mum but she couldn't look after him anymore and I took him and he outlived Mum! Passing away at the ripe old age of 17.I was heartbroken ..
Anyway a neighbour of mine worked in a builders yard and one day these didiycoy types drove in ,threw this dog out of their van and drove away. My neighbour asked me to take this dog in as it had been roaming around the yard by then for a couple of weeks and was being aggressive and destructive .
Aggressive my foot ! And he has never destroyed anything in our house .
I said OK and for the last twelve years have had the most wonderful companion I could wish for .A dog is what you make it .
Shaney wishes you a very happy Christmas and so do I and hope that you will soon have a loving companion !
http://i16.tinypic.com/2q9z2h4.jpg
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