First Dog Advice

[325Ti]

thanks in advance for any advice

finally decided to get my first dog

bit of background -
me and my wife have always wanted a dog but said we would be responible and wait until we were ready
now having moved to a house with a decent garden etc we are ready
the house also came with a professionally installed dog run that links to the garage - there was access once thats now blocked but ill get it opened again

hoping to get the dog in early summer

important points
we have 2 young girls - come May the oldest will be 2 and the young 6 months

the dog must be good with kids
it will be by itself in the garden during working hours - so something that can amuse itself and wont bark all day
medium sized that requires 1 walk a day
tight hair with minimal casting would be great

my initial thoughts were
choc lab
welsh terrior
weimaraner

any advice suggestions etc are very welcome

[325Ti]

Thanks for the replies so far

I had wanted a rescue dog but due to the kids my wife wants to have it from a pup and make sure it's raised and trained right

Also it's for my 30th birthday present.

I like the look of the terriers and think they would be a good fit size wish - ill do some more in depth reading on them

Not too worried about it being stolen, we are pretty rural and the garden is pretty secure

[325Ti]

How about


Cockers or
Beagle

[325Ti]

Thanks for the comments.

In terms of excerise I'm sure I could walk before and after work plus it would get plenty of attention and play time in the evenings.

Would that not be enough for a medium size dog?

I've had family and friends with bigger dogs - labs etc who were walked once in the evening after work and were perfectly happy and well behaved dogs.

[325Ti]

In terms of not leaving a puppy alone - is there an age when it would be more acceptable?

My wife will be off on maternity until the dog is about 6 months so it would get lots of attention

She's done research and thinks a husky would be suitable. I'm liking the sound of a boxer

[325Ti]

boy said:

Pickled said:

325Ti said:

She's done research and thinks a husky would be suitable.

No way would a Husky be suitable, they can suffer from separation anxiety, make Houdini look like an amateur when it comes to escaping, high energy, can be very destructive when bored, need lots of exercise and stimulation.

While they can cope with living outdoors fine in the cooler months, they can easily overheat in the warmer months.

And your neighbours won't thank you for leaving a bored/lonely Husky outside - they are very vocal!

Not to mention the twice yearly blowing of their coats, this is what your be looking at for weeks on end

Edited by Pickled on Wednesday 18th February 18:46

Research obviously consisted of looking at Google images after searching cute dog rather than trying to understand the breeds.

Yeah think ill ignore my wifes research and get stuck into some proper in depth research myself

i still like the idea of a dog from a shelter or at least a cross - heard too many horror stories about people paying big money for predigree dogs that are full of health problems

[325Ti]

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

[325Ti]

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.

[325Ti]

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 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.