Dogs Dogs Dogs

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

Thanks for the advice guys - yes I am going to go for an easy to keep breed - although I adore Alsatians I know they can be a real challenge!

Have seen this beautiful dog: http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/109457367/solid-black-german-shepherd-female.html
But I know something like a Labrador would be far easier

I don't know if I'm giving off some sort of 'vibe' but in the last week or so loads of people have said to me
'oh you'll be wanting to settle down and start a family soon'

Dear god people!! I could not think of anything worse! Everyone I meet tells me!

WMR that's my worry - I'll just think oh that dogs adorable and it turns out to be a nut!

Going this afternoon so will let you know how I get on!

 

[Glam]

Having had 2 Labs and a Golden Retriever, only advice I can really give is, hide anything that is edible. Our 2nd Lab ate thru an entire babys bottle, numerous bits of plasterboard. The morning the surveyor was coming round for our house buyers, we got up to find a football sized hole in the kitchen wall. I know for a fact, I am an expert bodger and filler of holes!
My sister has a Springer crossed with a Doberman, the only thing Doberman about him is 2 brown marks above his eyebrows, otherwise he is loop-de-loop.

 

[flossietoo]

I suspect that terriers and rats might not always be ideal housemates.

At least...not for very long.

 

[stoofer34]

Terriers not to be trusted with non canine pets or other ( hedgehogs , hamsters pigeons even crows etc)

S

 

[Gramaisc]

Terriers not to be trusted

Yeah - Passey was in the T.A.

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

Rats and dogs will not be meeting at all - ever!

Rats have an emporium and only come out at night - dog will have house and massive garden to play in

I have joined the ranks of the unemployed due to the house move so hence the decision to get a dog whilst I have all the time in the world to give - and even more time for my ratty boys!

 

[littleme]

Be very careful My Dad has had 3 rescue dogs, first one was amazing - really good dog, great with other pets & kids, when he died Dad got a rescued Springer....ok until you left it alone & then it total wrecked the house....& I mean wrecked (it was rehomed to a farm where it became a working dog & was brilliantly behaved), third dog was a rescued Kerry Blue, it attacked my Dad so badly that he was hospitalized (Dad was devestated as he absolutely loves dogs), the rescue place either weren't aware or didn't inform my Dad that the dog didn't like men. Kerry Blues aren't particularly large but the amount of damage he did to my Dad was amazing.....if he had done the same to my daughter I think (know) she would of died. (Poor dog had to be put to sleep).

Please, please, please be careful when re-homeing a dog, its not just children they can attack, & size doesn't seem to stop them at all if they're that way inclined.

I know I sound all doom & gloom, sorry! On a positive note we've had some fab dogs. ...hope you find the right one

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

Thankyou Littleme - Big hugs for you dad - I do hope he can find a dog who he can enjoy life with again!

It is such a big decision - you wouldn't invite a stranger into you house without knowing them so to choose a rescue is scary!

I could get a puppy - but I just don't feel I have the training experience and don't want to give it loads of bad habits!

 

[littleme]

Thankyou Littleme - Big hugs for you dad - I do hope he can find a dog who he can enjoy life with again!

It is such a big decision - you wouldn't invite a stranger into you house without knowing them so to choose a rescue is scary!

I could get a puppy - but I just don't feel I have the training experience and don't want to give it loads of bad habits!

Weirdly he now has its brother (from a different litter).

My friend recently had a 12wk collie puppy from a rescue place, from a litter that was caught coming in from Ireland...she's brill but very naughty!

 

[Jonah]

Miniature Schnauzers.

Loving, loyal, protective, great with children, fabulous characters, a lovely size to pick up and cuddle, they do not shed any hair (unlike pretty much every other breed) and I have two and could never imagine having any other breed and I used to have Cocker Spaniels.

Schnauzers will walk as far as you want to. Ours have walked about 8 miles in one go with us or they are happy at being taken round the block for a quick "splash and dash".

If you want to see lots of photos then take a look here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigbluewolf/sets/72157633558172078/

 

[Perrier]

whatever you decide ... dont get a dalmation , it will drive you nuts !!.

 

[shoes]

I'd happily recommend a retired greyhound to anyone

 

[kilmaccumsey]

We were brought up with labs and I've since had 2 of my own the current one was about 2 when we got him from Labrador rescue , softest dog ever , but they are a commitment , but I still would never trust an dog ,, good luck

 

[flossietoo]

Some of the most wonderful dogs I have met have been rescue dogs and if you can give a dog a 'forever home' then that's a brilliant thing to do, especially as most are there through no fault of their own. A surprising number are the fallout from failed relationships.

That said, some are there because they had behavioural issues that their previous owners couldn't cope with - and not just the headline-grabbing aggression. To have a good outcome with these dogs you either need to be very experienced and dedicated or incredibly lucky.

I'm still living with my first proper dog thank goodness. When I was finally able to get the dog I'd wanted for such a long time I did consider a rescue dog but wasn't confident I had the experience not to let it down. I got my spaniel from a neighbouring farm and a few years later, we had her daughter.

After a long time living with two stubborn, clever, excitable working cockers, I think I might now be up to a rescue dog!

 

[Vault_girl]

I've never owned a dog so can't advise from personal experience, I would however recommend listening to anything this guy has to say: http://www.cesarsway.com/channel/dog-rescue/adoption-tips I've actually used some of his training techniques on my cats and seen rather impressive results in controlling their behavior.
Interestingly - Cesar always says that dogs don't remember their past, it has nothing to do with how they act in the present - so someone saying "this dog was treated badly by a man so doesn't like men" is against Cesar's theories. I have no idea how much truth there is in that I just know he can do some pretty impressive things with "damaged dogs". I would love a dog but with two cats and a full time job I know there's no room in my life for one atm.
Hope you find your perfect poochie!

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

Thanks guys, went on Friday afternoon to a local rescue - don't know if I'm a bit soft but I wanted to cry!

It was so so sad (they were all well looked after at the rescue!) but just so sad to see them all alone!
Anyway the other half told me to pull myself together and we took a stroll around!

I was really surprised to see how many Staffys/ staffy cross there were - around 90% I'd say!
Anyway unfortunately - although I wanted to take them all home - no one quite fitted the bill.

So went to a Dogs Trust rescue on Saturday (wow what an amazing place!) and fell a little bit in love with this chappy:

http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dog/1041669/kane#.Un6FRyfwqd7

And - hopefully if all goes well - he will be coming home with us this Saturday coming!

I am in love with him! He had just the best nature - so cuddly and friendly - he hasn't come from an abusive home just they didn't have the time for him - he has a few bad habits but a beautiful nature we both fell in love with!

He is however - enormous... stands a good 6ft on his toes! An Alsatian/ Lurcher cross he is both lanky yet elegant!

Yeeeep so excited!

 

[staffordjas]

OOOH So excited and happy for you . Hope all goes well and he's back home with you on Saturday. It's going to be a long week for you waiting for the weekend to come!
He looks lovely I notice he has a fondness for weetabix and milk..........our rescue dog had a weetabix and milk for breakfast every morning for the 17 years she was with us.

 

[Gramaisc]

I had no knowledge of this device - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adaptil-Diffuser-Pack-Appeasing-Pheromone/dp/B001A2X950 - until Google suggested that I needed one the other day.

Might be of some interest to the doggy types on here...

 

[flossietoo]

He looks loads of fun. Good luck and keep us updated with pictures!

 

[wmrcomputers]

I was really surprised to see how many Staffys/ staffy cross there were - around 90% I'd say!

I argued this point on here last year and wasn't believed by some, so I'm glad you've pointed this out. (Although obviously not glad that it's a sad but true fact)

Good luck with your new dog!! Looks sweet enough.