First Dog Advice
Discussion
KFC said:
I work in dog rescue. Your requirements and your home situation really don't seem to be in sync here. Its completely unrealistic to say "I want to leave a dog at home for 9 hours a day" and then say you only want a puppy. Also these comments about Husky's are really showing you aren't taking this research seriously 
If you're going to leave a dog in the garden all day 5 days a week, to be honest I'd probably suggest not bothering. But if you're going to take a rescue dog then its better in your garden than in a pound so you might as well go ahead and do it. A puppy is a disastrous idea though. You're going to end up with behaviour issues, things destroyed, and neighbours complaining about the noise. The only viable way to do this is with an adult dog. Or two.
Why exactly is the dog staying in the garden all day? It would be better off in the house.
Buy an expensive breed like a Husky and you may come home one day to find it not in your garden any more, as someone stole it. You're still running that risk with a mutt too (people taking them for dog fighting etc).
Personally I think you need to go back to the drawing board here and come up with a better plan. Whether thats a rethink of which type of dog is suitable for you, or the plan to keep it in the garden...
Very wise words. The only bit I'd disagree with is 'But if you're going to take a rescue dog then its better in your garden than in a pound so you might as well go ahead and do it.' As Bex said, very few (decent) rescue centres would rehome any dog - let alone a puppy- to someone who plans to leave it alone and outside for 8/9 hours per day. Most UK rescues state that adult dogs should not be left alone longer than 4 hours, and that they must live inside. As KFC says, why can the dog not live in the house?If you're going to leave a dog in the garden all day 5 days a week, to be honest I'd probably suggest not bothering. But if you're going to take a rescue dog then its better in your garden than in a pound so you might as well go ahead and do it. A puppy is a disastrous idea though. You're going to end up with behaviour issues, things destroyed, and neighbours complaining about the noise. The only viable way to do this is with an adult dog. Or two.
Why exactly is the dog staying in the garden all day? It would be better off in the house.
Buy an expensive breed like a Husky and you may come home one day to find it not in your garden any more, as someone stole it. You're still running that risk with a mutt too (people taking them for dog fighting etc).
Personally I think you need to go back to the drawing board here and come up with a better plan. Whether thats a rethink of which type of dog is suitable for you, or the plan to keep it in the garden...
You may be able to find a pound (not the same as a rescue) that will rehome any dog to you, no questions asked, for a fee. But they are unlikely to have any history on the dog, or any assessment of its temperament. If you're VERY lucky, it might work out, but in your situation, with very young children, it is probably not a sensible option.
Edited by moorx on Thursday 19th February 08:11
You don't necessarily need to go through one of the rehoming charities. There are loads of private ads on Gumtree etc like "I need to rehome my dog asap" etc. One of them will be far less strict. And if nobody takes it it'll end up in one of those same pounds anyway, so you could just cut the middle man out and get it direct.
Just to take a complete random one as an example, http://www.gumtree.com/p/dogs/11month-old-male-sta... this one is going to be dumped in a dog shelter if nobody takes it.
Just to take a complete random one as an example, http://www.gumtree.com/p/dogs/11month-old-male-sta... this one is going to be dumped in a dog shelter if nobody takes it.
Right feel I need to add more detail as I'm getting a bit of grief
I was only thinking of the dog outside due to toilet etc - it could stay in the house no problem - it would have the whole ground floor to run around
When I say outside it will also have access into the garge which houses the boiler so has some heat
Would only be outside in decent weather - inside otherwise
My wife will only be going back part time - 3 days a week
I work from home about 1 day a week
If it was to be alone all day - it would get walked in the morning
Reason my wife picked the husky was that it was suggested as a good dog to take for a jog instead of just walking
For those of you who think I'm not taking this seriously I can assure you I am - we have held off getting a dog for several years now but felt the time was right now
I am doing my research but there are so many breeds etc I was hoping for some first hand experience from owners - not the majority of negative comments I have had
I was only thinking of the dog outside due to toilet etc - it could stay in the house no problem - it would have the whole ground floor to run around
When I say outside it will also have access into the garge which houses the boiler so has some heat
Would only be outside in decent weather - inside otherwise
My wife will only be going back part time - 3 days a week
I work from home about 1 day a week
If it was to be alone all day - it would get walked in the morning
Reason my wife picked the husky was that it was suggested as a good dog to take for a jog instead of just walking
For those of you who think I'm not taking this seriously I can assure you I am - we have held off getting a dog for several years now but felt the time was right now
I am doing my research but there are so many breeds etc I was hoping for some first hand experience from owners - not the majority of negative comments I have had
Whether its indoors or outdoors, its still too long for a puppy. You really should start looking towards an adult dog. A puppy won't be able to cope with what you are suggesting.
Also a puppy left in a garden is WAY more likely to be stolen than some random adult rescue dog that isn't worth 50 pence
Also a puppy left in a garden is WAY more likely to be stolen than some random adult rescue dog that isn't worth 50 pence
325Ti said:
I am doing my research but there are so many breeds etc I was hoping for some first hand experience from owners - not the majority of negative comments I have had
OK, but your OP wasn't very clear then, seriously forget about the Husky, especially as a first time owner, I'm a member of many northern breed groups, and the amount of people that give them up when they grow out of the cure puppy phase is unbelievable, they are a very demanding breed, not the easiest to train.If you really want that type of breed maybe look at Samoyeds, but you will still have the same moulting issues, and they can be vocal, but are great with kids.
Still miss my boy
325Ti said:
I am doing my research but there are so many breeds etc I was hoping for some first hand experience from owners - not the majority of negative comments I have had
I've got two small breed puppies (a dachshund/border terrier and a dachhund/yorkie) that are now 6months old now.
They get left alone on some days from 8am till about 3pm with me always going back at lunchtime for about 40mins to feed and give them a run around the garden. We only had one puppy for the first 2months but the guilt of leaving him alone was too much and that's why we got him some company, we got a camera and all they do is sleep when we're not in.
Another reason for maybe getting two is that they do a good job of tiring each other out in the garden, they are still taken for a quick walk round the block and a walk in the park to socialise them.
To be honest OP I dont know what to suggest, two puppies (not from same litter) is great now but they were hard work when house training etc. Even one puppy is hard and I see you've got kids? Sounds like hell.
They get left alone on some days from 8am till about 3pm with me always going back at lunchtime for about 40mins to feed and give them a run around the garden. We only had one puppy for the first 2months but the guilt of leaving him alone was too much and that's why we got him some company, we got a camera and all they do is sleep when we're not in.
Another reason for maybe getting two is that they do a good job of tiring each other out in the garden, they are still taken for a quick walk round the block and a walk in the park to socialise them.
To be honest OP I dont know what to suggest, two puppies (not from same litter) is great now but they were hard work when house training etc. Even one puppy is hard and I see you've got kids? Sounds like hell.
OP a dog can be found with the traits you require, but its a big ask and dogs rarely go to plan, especially for the first 6 months/year when it is settling in. I wouldn't go for a husky, great dogs but you need devotion and experience for them. One of my dogs settled in well, the other was a stressful bloody nightmare!
You mention maternity leave , we have just had a baby and whilst the dogs have been good and walking them gives an escape, they add another layer of bloody hard work! Its hard enough keeping a house clean with 3 kids, add filthy dogs in and its never-ending.
We have had to work hard to ensure that the dogs accept the baby as well, we can't risk ever leaving them in the same room unattended (they would be fine, not worth the risk).
Personally I would concentrate on the newborn/pregnancy and look into a dog once the child is a year or so old.
A good mate of mine just got a lab/retriever that is a "failed" guide dog. What a stroke of luck! The dog is expertly trained, he just wasn't quite up to the high standards, its like being given a "perfect" dog! He even loves cuddles! Something like this could be worth looking into
You mention maternity leave , we have just had a baby and whilst the dogs have been good and walking them gives an escape, they add another layer of bloody hard work! Its hard enough keeping a house clean with 3 kids, add filthy dogs in and its never-ending.
We have had to work hard to ensure that the dogs accept the baby as well, we can't risk ever leaving them in the same room unattended (they would be fine, not worth the risk).
Personally I would concentrate on the newborn/pregnancy and look into a dog once the child is a year or so old.
A good mate of mine just got a lab/retriever that is a "failed" guide dog. What a stroke of luck! The dog is expertly trained, he just wasn't quite up to the high standards, its like being given a "perfect" dog! He even loves cuddles! Something like this could be worth looking into
Someone mentioned Staffies early on, there are loads in rescue centres to choose from & they are great with kids. Scum get them to look hard & when they turn out to be the typical cuddly, daft (yet bright) loving dog that Staffs are they abandon them.
Your dog run idea with access to the garage doesn't sound bad to me, it's better for the dog to be able to run & play than be cooped up indoors & it sounds like it'll be able to keep dry & warm if it wants.
I'll second the comments earlier about dogs getting nicked though & if you do look at Staffs they are more at risk for this as bait dogs.
Your dog run idea with access to the garage doesn't sound bad to me, it's better for the dog to be able to run & play than be cooped up indoors & it sounds like it'll be able to keep dry & warm if it wants.
I'll second the comments earlier about dogs getting nicked though & if you do look at Staffs they are more at risk for this as bait dogs.
Hooli said:
Someone mentioned Staffies early on, there are loads in rescue centres to choose from & they are great with kids. Scum get them to look hard & when they turn out to be the typical cuddly, daft (yet bright) loving dog that Staffs are they abandon them.
Your dog run idea with access to the garage doesn't sound bad to me, it's better for the dog to be able to run & play than be cooped up indoors & it sounds like it'll be able to keep dry & warm if it wants.
I'll second the comments earlier about dogs getting nicked though & if you do look at Staffs they are more at risk for this as bait dogs.
From my experience, which is not as much as some on here. If he was going to keep one dog in this run (not sure what that is) surely he'd be better off getting two? My first dog only kept himself entertained for a short while before turning to us to play with, once we got the second they play for hours without any input from us. Your dog run idea with access to the garage doesn't sound bad to me, it's better for the dog to be able to run & play than be cooped up indoors & it sounds like it'll be able to keep dry & warm if it wants.
I'll second the comments earlier about dogs getting nicked though & if you do look at Staffs they are more at risk for this as bait dogs.
I think I'm on the very limit of how long I'm happy to leave my dog Vinnie for, up to 6 hours, 4 days a week. To do that, he gets a good walk each morning just before he's left, he gets a good hour or two mid afternoon, then a quick wee in the evening. He gets a good few training sessions through the day, and I'm just starting to experiment with 'sprinkles' for extra mental stimulation. He is a live wire but equally will sleep most of the day if the weather is naff, he isnt a fan of the rain and cold.
I think we've been very lucky, looking back we'd have been better taking an older dog from a rescue but none of them would consider us. We went for a puppy in the end, back then I was on split shifts so he was only left for a few hours at a time which meant he was trained up and happy being left before I went to normal shifts.
How long will the dog be left each day? You'd need to take it out for at least 2 long or 3 short walks a day imo which ever dog, it's not just physical exercise but mental stimulation too, obviously you can play with it at home but nothing replaces being out and meeting other dogs, smells and people. Vinnie is our first dog, he's been 100x more work than either me or my mrs ever imagined but on the flip side he's 1000x more rewarding than I expected too. I'd be lost without him now, but I can understand why some people think having a dog would be hell, it really is a lot of work. It's not for everyone for sure, I'd think long and hard in you're situation, 2 young kids and 2 working adults, I can imagine you having all that much time to do much as it is? (guessing, I dont have kids)
I think we've been very lucky, looking back we'd have been better taking an older dog from a rescue but none of them would consider us. We went for a puppy in the end, back then I was on split shifts so he was only left for a few hours at a time which meant he was trained up and happy being left before I went to normal shifts.
How long will the dog be left each day? You'd need to take it out for at least 2 long or 3 short walks a day imo which ever dog, it's not just physical exercise but mental stimulation too, obviously you can play with it at home but nothing replaces being out and meeting other dogs, smells and people. Vinnie is our first dog, he's been 100x more work than either me or my mrs ever imagined but on the flip side he's 1000x more rewarding than I expected too. I'd be lost without him now, but I can understand why some people think having a dog would be hell, it really is a lot of work. It's not for everyone for sure, I'd think long and hard in you're situation, 2 young kids and 2 working adults, I can imagine you having all that much time to do much as it is? (guessing, I dont have kids)
OP - In the circumstances described (even with the amended times it will be left), I would avoid any form of 'working dog' (spaniels, pure bred collies etc) as they are likely to get bored and destructive.
Saying that - have you considered a Trail Hound? With a bit of work they are amazing dogs - great with kids, love their cuddles / sofa spots / sleep, fantastic temperaments, short hair (low malt) etc. We got one who was 18 months old - the first week was difficult as he had separation anxiety, the first few months he chewed stuff (he was a puppy after all), and we initially lost him to a scent on a walk (our fault for thinking his recall was better than it was). However, after a bit of work he is now the perfect dog (for us anyway). He can be left for 9 / 10 hours if needed with no problems, can be let off lead and will come back, friends kids love him as he is so gentle (he is so good we were considering putting him forward as a Pets As Therapy Dog but his lead work isn't quite good enough as he pulls a bit).
Have a look -
http://www.trailhoundwelfare.org.uk/
Saying that - have you considered a Trail Hound? With a bit of work they are amazing dogs - great with kids, love their cuddles / sofa spots / sleep, fantastic temperaments, short hair (low malt) etc. We got one who was 18 months old - the first week was difficult as he had separation anxiety, the first few months he chewed stuff (he was a puppy after all), and we initially lost him to a scent on a walk (our fault for thinking his recall was better than it was). However, after a bit of work he is now the perfect dog (for us anyway). He can be left for 9 / 10 hours if needed with no problems, can be let off lead and will come back, friends kids love him as he is so gentle (he is so good we were considering putting him forward as a Pets As Therapy Dog but his lead work isn't quite good enough as he pulls a bit).
Have a look -
http://www.trailhoundwelfare.org.uk/
mustdash said:
OP - In the circumstances described (even with the amended times it will be left), I would avoid any form of 'working dog' (spaniels, pure bred collies etc) as they are likely to get bored and destructive.
Saying that - have you considered a Trail Hound? With a bit of work they are amazing dogs - great with kids, love their cuddles / sofa spots / sleep, fantastic temperaments, short hair (low malt) etc. We got one who was 18 months old - the first week was difficult as he had separation anxiety, the first few months he chewed stuff (he was a puppy after all), and we initially lost him to a scent on a walk (our fault for thinking his recall was better than it was). However, after a bit of work he is now the perfect dog (for us anyway). He can be left for 9 / 10 hours if needed with no problems, can be let off lead and will come back, friends kids love him as he is so gentle (he is so good we were considering putting him forward as a Pets As Therapy Dog but his lead work isn't quite good enough as he pulls a bit).
Have a look -
http://www.trailhoundwelfare.org.uk/
I love Trailhounds, and seriously considered getting one. They are beautiful looking dogs Saying that - have you considered a Trail Hound? With a bit of work they are amazing dogs - great with kids, love their cuddles / sofa spots / sleep, fantastic temperaments, short hair (low malt) etc. We got one who was 18 months old - the first week was difficult as he had separation anxiety, the first few months he chewed stuff (he was a puppy after all), and we initially lost him to a scent on a walk (our fault for thinking his recall was better than it was). However, after a bit of work he is now the perfect dog (for us anyway). He can be left for 9 / 10 hours if needed with no problems, can be let off lead and will come back, friends kids love him as he is so gentle (he is so good we were considering putting him forward as a Pets As Therapy Dog but his lead work isn't quite good enough as he pulls a bit).
Have a look -
http://www.trailhoundwelfare.org.uk/
How vocal is your hound? Because the two I met were VERY vocal 325Ti said:
Thanks for the replies
I have been looking at labradoodle sir possibly even a miniature labradoodle
From what I've read they are hreat with kids , train well and are recommended for first time owners.
They also don't shed too much which is a bonus for me.
Plenty of info/advice here:I have been looking at labradoodle sir possibly even a miniature labradoodle
From what I've read they are hreat with kids , train well and are recommended for first time owners.
They also don't shed too much which is a bonus for me.
http://www.labradoodletrust.com/about_labradoodles...
(Look under Education and Welfare section for further topics).
Just to say, there are no guarantees when it comes to their coats - it depends on whether they take after the lab or poodle side.
moorx said:
Plenty of info/advice here:
http://www.labradoodletrust.com/about_labradoodles...
(Look under Education and Welfare section for further topics).
Just to say, there are no guarantees when it comes to their coats - it depends on whether they take after the lab or poodle side.
Great thanks - I'll take a lookhttp://www.labradoodletrust.com/about_labradoodles...
(Look under Education and Welfare section for further topics).
Just to say, there are no guarantees when it comes to their coats - it depends on whether they take after the lab or poodle side.
Do you have one yourself ?
Am trying to get in touch with the breeder - even if just to express interest in the next litter - don't want to rush in.
325Ti said:
Great thanks - I'll take a look
Do you have one yourself ?
Am trying to get in touch with the breeder - even if just to express interest in the next litter - don't want to rush in.
No I don't, but I have considered getting one (from rescue, not a puppy). As KFC says, I think you really need to think about whether a puppy is right for your circumstances. It's unlikely that a reputable breeder will think so (IMO) but there are probably plenty of BYBs or puppy farms who will sell a puppy no questions asked. Whether that puppy will be health checked, etc is another matter....Do you have one yourself ?
Am trying to get in touch with the breeder - even if just to express interest in the next litter - don't want to rush in.
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