Looking at getting a dog, and need some advice/help
19 April 2004, 09:56 PM
#31
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A dog can look after itself, you do not have to change a dogs nappy, you put water in a bowl for a dog it will find it and drink it, you put food in a bowl it will find it and eat it, give it shelter outside and it will find it!! You do not have to watch a dog 24/7 it can look after itself!! I used to have a horse and have had dogs all my life and one of the sayings I used to hear nearly every day when someone was wrapping their pet in cotton wool was 'what would they do in the wild' - answer - find a way to survive, they are clever & can look after themselves.
Shame on you suggesting leaving a baby on its own all day. Now thats MUPPET LOGIC!
Shame on you suggesting leaving a baby on its own all day. Now thats MUPPET LOGIC!
19 April 2004, 11:59 PM
#33
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And as for
You have no idea about dogs then 
You think a German Sheppard is so much greater than a Labrador? You have never seen a Labrador trained to protect actually protect. Mine was trained to protect and you wouldn't have been laughing had he been let lose on you if you were trespassing for example This is not a 'my dog is bigger than your dog remark', merely pointing out your severely lacking knowledge of other breeds by dismissing their ability to be as well trained a guard dog as a German Sheppard
I teased my Labrador once with his dinner, I didn't do it again after what he did back to me (involved his jaws and my arm). And as for the postman, well he didn't deliver again to my parents house after the day he decided to wind the dog up not realising his chain was longer than he thought and got a very nasty shock - I warned him but he thought like you oh its only a harmless Labrador and like me experienced the dogs mouth clamped firmly on his arm - fool!
My Labrador made an excellent family pet but an equally good guard dog who I soon learned to respect after my foolish teasing incident.
Oh and to add, I have worked at a dogs home and have come across some of the most unlikely contestants for down right visciousness and brutality. Two of the worst were a Jack Russell who you couldn't go in its cage with due to its aggressiveness (should have been destroyed tbh) and a Golden Labrador that had ripped its previous owners face off in a frenzied attack just because it didn't like having its ears touched
You can't take a dog for granted that it will be cute and fluffy or harmless just because of its breeds general reputation
If I walked into a house and a lab came at me barking I'd probably laugh
You think a German Sheppard is so much greater than a Labrador? You have never seen a Labrador trained to protect actually protect. Mine was trained to protect and you wouldn't have been laughing had he been let lose on you if you were trespassing for example This is not a 'my dog is bigger than your dog remark', merely pointing out your severely lacking knowledge of other breeds by dismissing their ability to be as well trained a guard dog as a German Sheppard I teased my Labrador once with his dinner, I didn't do it again after what he did back to me (involved his jaws and my arm). And as for the postman, well he didn't deliver again to my parents house after the day he decided to wind the dog up not realising his chain was longer than he thought and got a very nasty shock - I warned him but he thought like you oh its only a harmless Labrador and like me experienced the dogs mouth clamped firmly on his arm - fool!
My Labrador made an excellent family pet but an equally good guard dog who I soon learned to respect after my foolish teasing incident.
Oh and to add, I have worked at a dogs home and have come across some of the most unlikely contestants for down right visciousness and brutality. Two of the worst were a Jack Russell who you couldn't go in its cage with due to its aggressiveness (should have been destroyed tbh) and a Golden Labrador that had ripped its previous owners face off in a frenzied attack just because it didn't like having its ears touched
You can't take a dog for granted that it will be cute and fluffy or harmless just because of its breeds general reputation
Last edited by Bravo2zero_sps; 20 April 2004 at 12:11 AM.
20 April 2004, 11:03 AM
#34
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Most dogs can be trained to protect, its if you have the time to go through all the training that counts. Its one think training a dog general behaviour but another training to protect. I have absolutely no doubt that your lab is a very good guard dog and protector, my point is merely that when looking for a dog that you dont really want to have to train to guard but one that people will be wary of go for a breed were prospective burglars/attackers would think twice before approaching you or your property. I know that some dogs can be unpredictable and the cutest fluffiest little thing can often give a good bite I believe in the saying 'its not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog'. I personally feel safer with a big dog but each to their own.
20 April 2004, 12:52 PM
#35
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The guy i got my springers from had a jack russel guard dog and trust me, there is no way on earth you would have got into the kennels in one piece, he was a nasty git, but then again if you had short stumpy legs and your bollocks dragged along the floor so would you be
20 April 2004, 01:34 PM
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I have a rough collie 
As a breed they can tend to be a little reserved with starangers, however mine isn't he loves everybody. He wouldn't hurt a fly but does have a good bark on him if people knock on the door. He has been left at home all day from about 10 weeks of age. We got him at 8 weeks and I took 2 weeks off to get him house trained, it only took a week or so. He is not very destructive if left on his own, I believe that labs and others can be, nor has he become neurotic or obsessive about us going out which can be a sign they are not happy being on thier own (setters can be a bit this way).
He has 2 bowls of water left for him along with 2 treat *****, 3 kongs and various toys. He is on dry kibble and we do not put it in a bowl. It is always in kongs etc so he has to work to get his food. This has a 2 fold effect, it reduces bordem and makes use of his natural instincts to forrage for food and also as he has to work for it, he appreciates treats from us more and so he works hard when we are training him.
Rough Collies are nothing like as bad as Borders for needing excercise, although they will happily run about all day given the chance. half an hour to an hour a day walk is plently if combined with some play with a ragger or the like inside and some training.
Visit this page and you can enter some info and see which breed is best for you. We ended up with a Chinook, but you can't get them outside the USA and the Rough Collie came second.
As a breed they can tend to be a little reserved with starangers, however mine isn't he loves everybody. He wouldn't hurt a fly but does have a good bark on him if people knock on the door. He has been left at home all day from about 10 weeks of age. We got him at 8 weeks and I took 2 weeks off to get him house trained, it only took a week or so. He is not very destructive if left on his own, I believe that labs and others can be, nor has he become neurotic or obsessive about us going out which can be a sign they are not happy being on thier own (setters can be a bit this way).
He has 2 bowls of water left for him along with 2 treat *****, 3 kongs and various toys. He is on dry kibble and we do not put it in a bowl. It is always in kongs etc so he has to work to get his food. This has a 2 fold effect, it reduces bordem and makes use of his natural instincts to forrage for food and also as he has to work for it, he appreciates treats from us more and so he works hard when we are training him.
Rough Collies are nothing like as bad as Borders for needing excercise, although they will happily run about all day given the chance. half an hour to an hour a day walk is plently if combined with some play with a ragger or the like inside and some training.
Visit this page and you can enter some info and see which breed is best for you. We ended up with a Chinook, but you can't get them outside the USA and the Rough Collie came second.
20 April 2004, 05:18 PM
#43
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Informative site here on many breeds.Pet Planet
Bravo2zero- A well trained dog wouldn't react like yours did if you were it's owner. As for it being a good family pet I'd be well wary.
Originally Posted by Bravo2zero
I teased my Labrador once with his dinner, I didn't do it again after what he did back to me (involved his jaws and my arm).My Labrador made an excellent family pet
20 April 2004, 05:26 PM
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A well trained dog wouldn't react like yours did if you were it's owner
We did this with our dog and for the most part he sits and looks at you when you have food for him and will wait until he is told to take it. I can wave it in front of his face, walk away, let him start eating and tell him to drop it and take it off him again all without any sign of agression
20 April 2004, 05:33 PM
#45
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Boxers' everytime .
They can be a bit 'chewy' when young, but grow into lovely dogs with great temprements. Beware about cheap white ones as they have a tendancy to be deaf and have heart problems.
.They can be a bit 'chewy' when young, but grow into lovely dogs with great temprements. Beware about cheap white ones as they have a tendancy to be deaf and have heart problems.
20 April 2004, 06:18 PM
#46
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Spoon when I say teased him I mean I really went over the top and I deserved what I got and he did this when he was quite young. He never did it again to me or to anyone other family member in the 14 years we had him because no one pushed his limits to that extent again. I don't need to be wary - he's dead. I know what a fantastic 14 years I had from him and what a loyal dog he was. My parents haven't had another dog since cos he is irreplaceable and they couldn't go through the upset again of having a pet become a family member for so long and to then see him all of a sudden deteriorate and have to have him put down for his own sake.
20 April 2004, 09:33 PM
#47
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Once again thanks for all the comments, (and a little debate thrown in for good measure too 
)
Been to see my neighbour, and his first thoughts were German Shepard
So im going to look around locally and see whats available if any
Steve
)Been to see my neighbour, and his first thoughts were German Shepard
So im going to look around locally and see whats available if any
Steve
20 April 2004, 11:06 PM
#48
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Steve
If you go for a GSD then you will need a dog flap if you are going to leave it alone. As everyone has said they are very intelligent and need a lot of things going on to keep them occupied otherwise they will make their own entertainment
I have a Lab as you know, shes as daft as a brush and has only ever bared her teeth once in all her 13 years. This was when the gas man came round to read the meter, he went to say hello to my daughter who was in her play pen and our dog was at the base of the pen. As he leant over to say hello the dog got up, hackles raosed and growled until he took a few steps back.
A chap round the corner puppy walks labs for the blind and he has a lab himself. A few years ago his house was broken into and the dog nearly killed the robber. His arms, face and legs were a mess and blood was everywhere. The Police came and an officer said that labs were very terrortorial and would do this type of thing. He also suggested letting the dog back into the room so it could finish the job
The robber was let off though otherwise he could have had the dog put down........................fookin justice eh!
PMSL at the peeps who think Labs are soft, yes they are until they feel threatened or you threaten one of their "pack" in which case i wouldn't like to be at the sharp end of one
If you go for a GSD then you will need a dog flap if you are going to leave it alone. As everyone has said they are very intelligent and need a lot of things going on to keep them occupied otherwise they will make their own entertainment
I have a Lab as you know, shes as daft as a brush and has only ever bared her teeth once in all her 13 years. This was when the gas man came round to read the meter, he went to say hello to my daughter who was in her play pen and our dog was at the base of the pen. As he leant over to say hello the dog got up, hackles raosed and growled until he took a few steps back.
A chap round the corner puppy walks labs for the blind and he has a lab himself. A few years ago his house was broken into and the dog nearly killed the robber. His arms, face and legs were a mess and blood was everywhere. The Police came and an officer said that labs were very terrortorial and would do this type of thing. He also suggested letting the dog back into the room so it could finish the job
The robber was let off though otherwise he could have had the dog put down........................fookin justice eh!
PMSL at the peeps who think Labs are soft, yes they are until they feel threatened or you threaten one of their "pack" in which case i wouldn't like to be at the sharp end of one
21 April 2004, 07:16 AM
#49
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Labs are monsters !
Look at this 14 week old puppy: she's supposed to look cudly
Good advice about not leaving a puppy with her food, giving it constant attention, giving more treats etc... ours loves us to be around when she eats, and that's only after 4 weeks of ownership.
We also have 5 cats, and she has no problem with them being in the house, she wants to play with them. Beware though that outside it is different if the cats quickly move away, she will chase, and it's not easy to control that.
Look at this 14 week old puppy: she's supposed to look cudly
Good advice about not leaving a puppy with her food, giving it constant attention, giving more treats etc... ours loves us to be around when she eats, and that's only after 4 weeks of ownership.
We also have 5 cats, and she has no problem with them being in the house, she wants to play with them. Beware though that outside it is different if the cats quickly move away, she will chase, and it's not easy to control that.
21 April 2004, 08:12 AM
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Thats some big paws there mate, large Labrador in the making
If I was able to get a dog now it would either be a Labrador or Golden Retriever. I have always wanted Dobermans (Magnum PI as a kid has a lot to answer for ) but having grown up with a GR and a Lab I couldn't choose any other breed above the two I know well.
If I was able to get a dog now it would either be a Labrador or Golden Retriever. I have always wanted Dobermans (Magnum PI as a kid has a lot to answer for
) but having grown up with a GR and a Lab I couldn't choose any other breed above the two I know well.
21 April 2004, 08:58 AM
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PMSL they look great dont they when they're pups. However they turn out looking like this and smelling of carcass odour
Mine is 13 years old on 22nd April and she's going strong with the help of vitamin supplements (thanks to Redkops advice)
......................Oh and yes she is possessed by the devil before you ask. Well either that or cateracts (sp)
Mine is 13 years old on 22nd April and she's going strong with the help of vitamin supplements (thanks to Redkops advice)
......................Oh and yes she is possessed by the devil before you ask. Well either that or cateracts (sp)
21 April 2004, 09:14 AM
#53
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The worst trait of Labs I found was the determination to eat other animal excrement and also to roll in it Dirty filthy gits at times. Oh and the one other downside is the fact their skulls are made of concrete and if you ever bump heads with one (like bending down to give it its food) you end up with concussion
Dirty filthy gits at times. Oh and the one other downside is the fact their skulls are made of concrete and if you ever bump heads with one (like bending down to give it its food) you end up with concussion
21 April 2004, 12:30 PM
#54
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PMSL they look great dont they when they're pups. However they turn out looking like this and smelling of carcass odour
21 April 2004, 02:15 PM
#55
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Sister in Law has a Boxer that is 1 years old and a cat that is 2 years old and the cat attacks the dog all the time.
The dog might follow it for a while and when the cat has enough it will just turn and launch an attack on the boxer until it runs off.
I wouldnt worry about the cat if you get a nice young pup, most of them can hold their own and the dog will leearn to leave it alone eventually . . .
. . .OR EAT IT
The dog might follow it for a while and when the cat has enough it will just turn and launch an attack on the boxer until it runs off.
I wouldnt worry about the cat if you get a nice young pup, most of them can hold their own and the dog will leearn to leave it alone eventually . . .
. . .OR EAT IT
21 April 2004, 07:29 PM
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Steve
Our dog now has the scent of you from the cup of tea you had round at ours. The word "rosebud" will now send it into a frenzy and lick you to death with its 13 year old mouth eeeewwwwwwwwwwww
Sorry i posted the wrong pick anyway..........thats the missus
Our dog now has the scent of you from the cup of tea you had round at ours. The word "rosebud" will now send it into a frenzy and lick you to death with its 13 year old mouth eeeewwwwwwwwwwww
Sorry i posted the wrong pick anyway..........thats the missus
22 April 2004, 06:17 AM
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The worst trait of Labs I found was the determination to eat other animal excrement and also to roll in it Dirty filthy gits at times.
I would not call that her most endearing trait
(can we have a yuck! smiley ? )
22 April 2004, 08:01 AM
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Boxers' everytime .
They can be a bit 'chewy' when young, but grow into lovely dogs with great temprements. Beware about cheap white ones as they have a tendancy to be deaf and have heart problems.
They can be a bit 'chewy' when young, but grow into lovely dogs with great temprements. Beware about cheap white ones as they have a tendancy to be deaf and have heart problems.
As for the "Rare White Ones" that is a load of tosh, they are not rare, all white boxer comes from the red boxer breeding programme from years ago, so much so that they are pretty common now, most litters contain at least one. They cannot be Kennel Club registered, showed or bread from/with. Some people are lucky and the dog has no sight/hearing problems but you can't tell at an early age, if anybody is thinking about getting a white Boxer they are only worth the price of their innoculation jags, do not be conned into the "rare" factor.
John.
22 April 2004, 11:10 AM
#59
haha, its funny on the turd eating thing, but if u think about it, its only because labs are so greedy in the 1st place that they cant help but eat up their dinner or breakfast that they had 30mins earlier lol. Rolling in it is a mystery thou heh, must be an instinctive marking territory kind of thing.
22 April 2004, 11:33 AM
#60
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labs are just so hairy...fine as a working dog in a kennel but if you had to pick an animal to go in your house why choose one that dumps hair all over the floor/sofa and makes the house look rank?