Rescue dog choice?
Discussion
gareth_r said:
It could well have been the weather. Our (late, lamented) Staff was the perfect illustration of the term "hangdog expression" if asked to venture out in the rain. 
Indeed. One of our dogs will do his very best to not go out in the rain, even his pre-bed pitstop will be turned down and he'll hold it if the weather is cold/wet enough (he also will dodge puddles on a walk and won't tread in the mud if he can avoid it!). Whereas another of our dogs couldn't care less and will happily roll around in the rain and thinks nothing of going for a walk in the rain/mud.Jasandjules said:
Indeed. One of our dogs will do his very best to not go out in the rain, even his pre-bed pitstop will be turned down and he'll hold it if the weather is cold/wet enough (he also will dodge puddles on a walk and won't tread in the mud if he can avoid it!). Whereas another of our dogs couldn't care less and will happily roll around in the rain and thinks nothing of going for a walk in the rain/mud.
Now , Toby is an all weather dog( massive Cairn coat ,with severe undercoat), except after a severe trim. Then ,he's not a dog to take out on a cold/wet day . After a cut,he's a complete wimp. Perhaps it'll be time for a doggy coat ,next week . more on guide dogs 
Chip the retriever lived with me for 13 months, went on to do his training at Guide dog school, then went to live with a chap in his 30's who was completely blind, Chip went to work with him every day and was great around the office and out and about BUT after about 3 months Chip was returned to Guide dogs as he took to chasing a cat that lived near his home, causing issues for the chap who could not chase him to retrieve him when he went into his "im not listening to any command im fixated on this cat" mode (he had a shared garden that the cat also shared) hardly the end of the world for the sighted person who could of course see the cat before it became an issue,and retrieve him easily, but sadly this was enough for Chip the fully trained guide dog to be retired, aged just 2.5 years old, and there are many like this. Heartbreaking that we were not in the position to take him back (we had first refusal) but felt sure guide dogs would find him a great home.
he was fine with rats just not cats! lol
Chip the retriever lived with me for 13 months, went on to do his training at Guide dog school, then went to live with a chap in his 30's who was completely blind, Chip went to work with him every day and was great around the office and out and about BUT after about 3 months Chip was returned to Guide dogs as he took to chasing a cat that lived near his home, causing issues for the chap who could not chase him to retrieve him when he went into his "im not listening to any command im fixated on this cat" mode (he had a shared garden that the cat also shared) hardly the end of the world for the sighted person who could of course see the cat before it became an issue,and retrieve him easily, but sadly this was enough for Chip the fully trained guide dog to be retired, aged just 2.5 years old, and there are many like this. Heartbreaking that we were not in the position to take him back (we had first refusal) but felt sure guide dogs would find him a great home.
he was fine with rats just not cats! lol
Edited by Mubby on Friday 13th April 06:24
If you've had a bull terrier breed before you should definitately conisder a staff. As you rightly say the rescues seem to be full of them. Seems every other dog is a staffy. I'd not had one before being used to larger breeds but we got one from a rescue about 6 months ago now. She was due to be put down the next day and our emotions got the better of us. We decided to 'foster' her but it took all of 3 days for her to become our fourth permanent dog.
She is an absoutely lovely dog, full of energy. We think shes about 2 years old. They are full of personality, good with kids etc. I would definately have another one if we ever have more room. I had been put off small dogs previously thinking they were all yappy etc (silly I know) but I feel staffs and probably EBT too are like a big dog in a small dogs body. She plays great with my mastiff cross, they playfight. He is really gentle with her and can seem to fit her whole head in his mouth which she doesnt seem to mind. She hangs off the loose skin of his face and when we wont let her on the sofa, she uses him as a cusion on the floor. Its amazing what she gets away with! They are cheeky, stubborn little dogs
She is an absoutely lovely dog, full of energy. We think shes about 2 years old. They are full of personality, good with kids etc. I would definately have another one if we ever have more room. I had been put off small dogs previously thinking they were all yappy etc (silly I know) but I feel staffs and probably EBT too are like a big dog in a small dogs body. She plays great with my mastiff cross, they playfight. He is really gentle with her and can seem to fit her whole head in his mouth which she doesnt seem to mind. She hangs off the loose skin of his face and when we wont let her on the sofa, she uses him as a cusion on the floor. Its amazing what she gets away with! They are cheeky, stubborn little dogs
Edited by PaulB81 on Friday 13th April 11:32
I hear what you are saying, but at this point in my life I don't know whether I want another bull and terrier, which is the reason behind the initial post I guess.
When Eva (my first) had to be PTS, to get another EBT was a no-brainer - I don't think I waited more than a week before starting to look.
Ruby was the result of that choice - I raised her though puppyhood and the ex took her when she left... She turned out alright that dog, and is happy and well adjusted now so all good IMO.
This time I don't know whether I want to engage in another battle of wills with a bully or a staffy on a daily basis. I also don't want to go through the hassle (enjoyable hassle!) of raising a puppy either. I'm not saying never again to either, I'm saying maybe not now.
I see other breeds (even other terriers!) that are far less stubborn and trainable, and I quite fancy having an "easy life" for a while at least.
They are great though, aren't they!
When Eva (my first) had to be PTS, to get another EBT was a no-brainer - I don't think I waited more than a week before starting to look.
Ruby was the result of that choice - I raised her though puppyhood and the ex took her when she left... She turned out alright that dog, and is happy and well adjusted now so all good IMO.
This time I don't know whether I want to engage in another battle of wills with a bully or a staffy on a daily basis. I also don't want to go through the hassle (enjoyable hassle!) of raising a puppy either. I'm not saying never again to either, I'm saying maybe not now.
I see other breeds (even other terriers!) that are far less stubborn and trainable, and I quite fancy having an "easy life" for a while at least.
They are great though, aren't they!
PaulB81 said:
If you've had a bull terrier breed before you should definitately conisder a staff. As you rightly say the rescues seem to be full of them. Seems every other dog is a staffy. I'd not had one before being used to larger breeds but we got one from a rescue about 6 months ago now. She was due to be put down the next day and our emotions got the better of us. We decided to 'foster' her but it took all of 3 days for her to become our fourth permanent dog.
She is an absoutely lovely dog, full of energy. We think shes about 2 years old. They are full of personality, good with kids etc. I would definately have another one if we ever have more room. I had been put off small dogs previously thinking they were all yappy etc (silly I know) but I feel staffs and probably EBT too are like a big dog in a small dogs body. She plays great with my mastiff cross, they playfight. He is really gentle with her and can seem to fit her whole head in his mouth which she doesnt seem to mind. She hangs off the loose skin of his face and when we wont let her on the sofa, she uses him as a cusion on the floor. Its amazing what she gets away with! They are cheeky, stubborn little dogs
She is an absoutely lovely dog, full of energy. We think shes about 2 years old. They are full of personality, good with kids etc. I would definately have another one if we ever have more room. I had been put off small dogs previously thinking they were all yappy etc (silly I know) but I feel staffs and probably EBT too are like a big dog in a small dogs body. She plays great with my mastiff cross, they playfight. He is really gentle with her and can seem to fit her whole head in his mouth which she doesnt seem to mind. She hangs off the loose skin of his face and when we wont let her on the sofa, she uses him as a cusion on the floor. Its amazing what she gets away with! They are cheeky, stubborn little dogs
Edited by PaulB81 on Friday 13th April 11:32
PaulB81 said:
If you've had a bull terrier breed before you should definitately conisder a staff. As you rightly say the rescues seem to be full of them. Seems every other dog is a staffy.
As a non Staff owner,I'd be asking why there's so many in rescue centres. I've got a Cairn, not the best of breeds with other terriers, and having seen him with Staffs, I know why. He's been attacked by a staff. Too many Staffies end up with the wrong owner. Don't get me wrong, I think that brought up right ,they're smashing dogs. But if not- then they will attack,and then ,faced with problems, it's easier to put them to rescue. I met too many Staffies ,that wonder why my little furball becomes a 12kg bundle of sheer aggression when he meets one. I've also seen him ,in a fit of nervous aggression nearly castrate one that attacked him . The breed has no problems. It's the owners, but how can you be certain . The question is why is the dog in rescue. Even my own pet breed, Cairn ,has it's problems. I've heard of places where they will only rescue dogs that have known history . All to often owners get a dog, don't know how to get the best out of it ,and give up, to put the dog into rescue, because it's become a problem dog. Edited by PaulB81 on Friday 13th April 11:32
Ooooh you so want another Bullie! Don't you miss.....
Bullie spins
Bullie runs
Bullie farts
Bullie loyalty
Bullie pig-headedness
The rescue I help www.bulliesos.co.uk are inundated, we're waiting for 6 siblings aged 2 to come in from the pound right now!
Mine, Stella, is slumped against me right now using my leg as an armrest, sitting like peoples
Bullie spins
Bullie runs
Bullie farts
Bullie loyalty
Bullie pig-headedness
The rescue I help www.bulliesos.co.uk are inundated, we're waiting for 6 siblings aged 2 to come in from the pound right now!
Mine, Stella, is slumped against me right now using my leg as an armrest, sitting like peoples
Sigh...
It's appealing...
Is there any way I could arrange for my other half to meet a happy bully? She's only ever known labs. I'd feel better about thinking about another bully if she knew exactly what she was letting herself in for.
It's appealing...
Is there any way I could arrange for my other half to meet a happy bully? She's only ever known labs. I'd feel better about thinking about another bully if she knew exactly what she was letting herself in for.
Rach* said:
Ooooh you so want another Bullie! Don't you miss.....
Bullie spins
Bullie runs
Bullie farts
Bullie loyalty
Bullie pig-headedness
The rescue I help www.bulliesos.co.uk are inundated, we're waiting for 6 siblings aged 2 to come in from the pound right now!
Mine, Stella, is slumped against me right now using my leg as an armrest, sitting like peoples
Bullie spins
Bullie runs
Bullie farts
Bullie loyalty
Bullie pig-headedness
The rescue I help www.bulliesos.co.uk are inundated, we're waiting for 6 siblings aged 2 to come in from the pound right now!
Mine, Stella, is slumped against me right now using my leg as an armrest, sitting like peoples
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