What breed - dog
Discussion
Prof Prolapse said:
I would similarly caution you against counter arguments, based on "that's what so and so did", or "that's what we did in the old days". Obviously to engage in anything on that basis would be definition of stupidity.
I presume this is aimed at my earlier thread. I agree that to ensure the well-being of dogs it would be pretty daft just to buy a pet dog and dump it in an outbuilding. But some dogs do thrive in such an environment. Not all though, but some will providing their needs are met.I still stand by my views that pets these days are generally cosseted. Mine are!
But the point I'm making, is that this does not mean there is only one way for a dog to live happily. They can live happily outside in a kennel or similar outbuilding. Yes, and these will mostly be working dogs. But please don't allude to stupidity on my part!
I'm biased but you can't beat a Golden Retriever IMO. They have the most wonderful nature, love to play and are very affectionate. However they love to be close to their family so I don't think the summerhouse would work. Currently on my second (both came into the house with a female cat already there) and both have been very respectful towards each cat.
I think you are doing the right thing in considering the right breed for your lifestyle, many don't and go for looks or other things..... ending up with a dog that doesn't get what it needs... but I really can't fathom why anyone would enter into a lifelong partnership with a new family member, intending to keep it in a shed at night. This makes me very sad indeed, especially for puppy, an older dog used to living in a home with his family could also be very distressed. If it barks and cries (likely) then it will be awful. I hope you will re-consider before making any decisions. Collies are great dogs and I know lots, but many of those are very highly strung despite being worked, trained and walked almost daily. Not a breed I'd recommend for a pet only.
dudleybloke said:
Greyhound.
Good call.opieoilman said:
You would think that, but I have two Jack Russells and don't recommend them, unless you want to kill an army of rats. They're nice and friendly, they just seem to exist in a different world to everyone else.
Great, aren't they?
Your dog should be part of the family, don't make it sleep outside. I'd think even most collies live inside, after they've cleaned up anyway.
Got a dog 4 years ago. Personally, I didn't want to get one but family pressure won the day. I did state certain requirements. Collie/Lab size, non-moulting and non-barking.
Ended up with a Fox Red lab. He moults continuously, barks at everything and eats all sorts of crap. Love him to bits. And of course he can be pretty smelly.
On the plus side, he gets two good walks every day but is happy to be on his own for up to 8hrs if necessary (not often).
But he would be a nightmare if we had carpets. Fortunately we have stone floors throughout the ground floor and the problems of hair and muddy paw prints really aren't a problem.
Yes, he goes mad if he sees a cat but a cat would soon sort him out; our friends have his sister that lives with a cat.
Having said all that, they do require contact with other dogs/people so I wouldn't recommend continuous long periods of isolation.
Ended up with a Fox Red lab. He moults continuously, barks at everything and eats all sorts of crap. Love him to bits. And of course he can be pretty smelly.
On the plus side, he gets two good walks every day but is happy to be on his own for up to 8hrs if necessary (not often).
But he would be a nightmare if we had carpets. Fortunately we have stone floors throughout the ground floor and the problems of hair and muddy paw prints really aren't a problem.
Yes, he goes mad if he sees a cat but a cat would soon sort him out; our friends have his sister that lives with a cat.
Having said all that, they do require contact with other dogs/people so I wouldn't recommend continuous long periods of isolation.
joshcowin said:
I also love dogs and all animals and would hate to be selfish and get a dog I want rather than one I am going to be able to 100% care for! I am aware it is as much work/time as having a child!
Thanks for explaining the dog sleeping in the house, I didn't realise that they like to hear/smell you constantly! (The wife says I smell, I am a quiet sleeper though )
I will be looking into the rescue dogs locally as many of you have posted that, there is a dogs trust site 10 mins away!
100% taking views and thoughts on board, looks like the dog will have to sleep in the house and will be looking into this separation anxiety!
Just so it's clear and we can move on I have quoted where I have listened to people and changed my mind, I know this is a miracle on PH but it is still possible to learn from others!! Thanks for explaining the dog sleeping in the house, I didn't realise that they like to hear/smell you constantly! (The wife says I smell, I am a quiet sleeper though
)I will be looking into the rescue dogs locally as many of you have posted that, there is a dogs trust site 10 mins away!
100% taking views and thoughts on board, looks like the dog will have to sleep in the house and will be looking into this separation anxiety!
The dog won't be sleeping outside, let's crack on, as this thread is proving to be very useful, many thanks to everyone for their input!
dog related threads like these tend to attract a holier than thou approach as you can clearly see from the responses that you have received so far, how on earth could you possibly be as responsible and caring as these highly experienced owners!
its clear that you are a responsible guy with your head at least half screwed on. people make dog ownership sound like some epic test, its nowhere near on the same level as kids.
based on the fact that you want something of a decent size and are not keen on moulting (its not totally avoidable btw) but want something at least semi active, i would recommend a Rottweiler or Dobermann. Both are superb family dogs if raised well from pups.
also, keeping a dog in an outside kennel is absolutely fine. don't read too much into the pack animal stuff, it will appreciate having its own space.
its clear that you are a responsible guy with your head at least half screwed on. people make dog ownership sound like some epic test, its nowhere near on the same level as kids.
based on the fact that you want something of a decent size and are not keen on moulting (its not totally avoidable btw) but want something at least semi active, i would recommend a Rottweiler or Dobermann. Both are superb family dogs if raised well from pups.
also, keeping a dog in an outside kennel is absolutely fine. don't read too much into the pack animal stuff, it will appreciate having its own space.
Jag_NE said:
dog related threads like these tend to attract a holier than thou approach as you can clearly see from the responses that you have received so far, how on earth could you possibly be as responsible and caring as these highly experienced owners!
its clear that you are a responsible guy with your head at least half screwed on. people make dog ownership sound like some epic test, its nowhere near on the same level as kids.
based on the fact that you want something of a decent size and are not keen on moulting (its not totally avoidable btw) but want something at least semi active, i would recommend a Rottweiler or Dobermann. Both are superb family dogs if raised well from pups.
also, keeping a dog in an outside kennel is absolutely fine. don't read too much into the pack animal stuff, it will appreciate having its own space.
God, yes. Some of the sanctimonious drivel on this thread is an embarrassment. It just reads "If you're not doing it like me, you're not doing it good enough.".its clear that you are a responsible guy with your head at least half screwed on. people make dog ownership sound like some epic test, its nowhere near on the same level as kids.
based on the fact that you want something of a decent size and are not keen on moulting (its not totally avoidable btw) but want something at least semi active, i would recommend a Rottweiler or Dobermann. Both are superb family dogs if raised well from pups.
also, keeping a dog in an outside kennel is absolutely fine. don't read too much into the pack animal stuff, it will appreciate having its own space.
Whoever made the point about UK dog owners going soft is on the money - we had several dogs in the family growing up, and they all lived in much less luxurious outdoor habitats than the OP described. Do you know what? None of them had "psychological issues" or anything of the ilk.
It's nice that people care and all that, but the "do it like this or you don't deserve a dog" stuff is a bit tragic and unnecessary.
moorx said:
Willy Nilly said:
dudleybloke said:
Greyhound.
Good call.We have a cat tolerant greyhound - she's a rescue who wouldn't chase the lure and small fluffy things hold zero attraction to her. She'll snarl at one if it swipes her nose, but what dog wouldn't?
A lot comes down to how they were trained. Most rescue organsiations test them really well before handing them over.
In terms of lack of energy, chilling out around you and not needing constant activity they are pretty much ideal. Ours raced around a friends yard for 20 minutes yesterday and is still sleeping it off
Thanks for the responses, I suppose everyone does things differently, good to get plenty of opinion and way up the decision!
As I said I am going to be looking into the seperation anxiety thing, also I will see what the dog is like when I get one they are a living thing with a personality.
As I said I am going to be looking into the seperation anxiety thing, also I will see what the dog is like when I get one they are a living thing with a personality.
Stu R said:
May be bias, but IMO labs are the perfect dog. Obligatory pic of ours...
Collies are crackers, lovely dogs but really not a fair to own one unless you can exercise the bejesus out of them constantly.
He looks epic, great photo!!Collies are crackers, lovely dogs but really not a fair to own one unless you can exercise the bejesus out of them constantly.
I will be able to walk it twice a day, we also live opposite a park, I mean literally open front door cross the road and we are in a park. So a 10 minute tear up in addition is easy.
It was the mental stimulation that scared me, as would hate to have a frustrated unhappy pooch!
keirik said:
so you want a dog but will leave it on its own at work for 10 hours a day and then when you get home you will make it sleep outside?
Please don't get a dog, get a tamagotchi. A dog needs stimulation, company and love, not someone who thinks it can be turned on and off at will.
Keep upPlease don't get a dog, get a tamagotchi. A dog needs stimulation, company and love, not someone who thinks it can be turned on and off at will.
I'd recommend a lurcher, specifically a rescue too rather than a pup.
Obviously I'm bias: the misuses and I have had our boy Billy for a couple of years now, he's absolutely family and we don't care than there's hair everywhere, that there're paw prints on all the bedding or that we humans only get half the sofa.
Our lad isn't cat friendly (something of an understatement) but as previous posters have pointed out, some just don't have prey drive to chase small furries and any rescue centre would test for that.
We also now have a small baby and, whilst I wouldn't put the dog in charge for the evening and take the missus out, I don't feel worried about any jealousy or snack-type incidents.
Good luck!
Obviously I'm bias: the misuses and I have had our boy Billy for a couple of years now, he's absolutely family and we don't care than there's hair everywhere, that there're paw prints on all the bedding or that we humans only get half the sofa.
Our lad isn't cat friendly (something of an understatement) but as previous posters have pointed out, some just don't have prey drive to chase small furries and any rescue centre would test for that.
We also now have a small baby and, whilst I wouldn't put the dog in charge for the evening and take the missus out, I don't feel worried about any jealousy or snack-type incidents.
Good luck!
Prof Prolapse said:
joshcowin said:
Everything OK mate? I will ignore the stupidity in the last paragraph, maybe at that stage your brain prolapsed!!
I am an adult thanks for your opinion don't have another meltdown if I ignore it!
Everybody else has been really helpful and opened my eyes a little, thanks.
I'm grand thanks, it's just my sense of humour. I am an adult thanks for your opinion don't have another meltdown if I ignore it!
Everybody else has been really helpful and opened my eyes a little, thanks.
You can ignore whatever you want, but for your own benefit I would ask you try and dismiss on the basis of fact, rather than because you don't like what I'm saying, or how I say it.
Just that last paragraph you have taken exception to. The fact is that getting a dog to live outside, whilst addressing it's emotional and other psychological needs can be difficult. Warning you against it, owing to your lack of expertise, and apparent willingness to ignore consensus, isn't stupid.
I would similarly caution you against counter arguments, based on "that's what so and so did", or "that's what we did in the old days". Obviously to engage in anything on that basis would be definition of stupidity.
But hey, keep throwing those stones from your glasshouse you knob.
Can't see the problem with keeping a dog outside. Mine sleep in the house but I know plenty of people who stick their dogs into a kennel overnight and not all of these are working dogs but then again should that really make a difference, if the dog works or not.
Anyway, if the OP wants a dog I would suggest a lab from good working stock, they tend to be a bit more hardy than show ones, if they intend to keep it outside.
Anyway, if the OP wants a dog I would suggest a lab from good working stock, they tend to be a bit more hardy than show ones, if they intend to keep it outside.
Cupramax said:
Can i ask why you'd be putting the dog out in a shed overnight? Regardless of heated pads or whatever, theyre pack animals and dont like being separated from you or left alone.
Oh and the answer is always golden retreiver... collies need a lot of training excercise and keeping occupied.
Agree with this 100%. Why can't it stay in the house?Oh and the answer is always golden retreiver... collies need a lot of training excercise and keeping occupied.
Edited by Cupramax on Tuesday 28th February 18:34
I know some farmers who have dogs that live outside, but I personally don't agree with it. Ours sleeps in the lounge on a sofa with his own duvet. I wouldn't have it any other way.
It sounds like you like the idea of collie in looks and size, but being honest, I don't think the breed trait are right for you.
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