Help choosing dog

Cubed

Hi All,

I have wanted my own dog for a long time and I feel I am now in a position time wise and work wise to take one on. I would like some opinions on a suitable breed from people with experience.
I am in my late twenties and an active person who likes the outdoors so I would like an energetic outdoors type of dog.. I do a lot of mountain biking and running in local forests etc which I would plan to incorporate into the dogs exercise. I live in a three bed semi in a small rural village with a smallish blocked in patio garden. I work from the family home where we have roughly an acre sized garden and already keep a female Jack Russell (spends most of her time indoors) this is where the dog will spend most of its time. The dog would have to be an outdoors dog as the folks would not want another dog living inside the house during the daytime when I am working. Securely fencing off our garden would not be an option so I need a dog that will respond well to training and not be inclined roam off away from the garden when our backs are turned (sheep in the area also).
The breeds that interest me would be medium sized, a Border Collie, a husky, possibly a lab or a pointer... From reading about the Husky breed I have some reservations about its suitability due to is tendency to roam, dig craters in gardens etc

Any suggestions of suitable breeds and feedback appreciated.

andreac

Firstly and most importantly, absolutely do not get a dog if you havent got a secure fenced garden, end of.

Any dog will roam if its not confined so if you cant provide this then you should not get a dog, sorry.

Edited to add: It is your responsibility to make sure your dog is kept secure and from wandering, and even more so if there is livestock in the area. Its up to you to ensure your dog cant get out and cause an accident on the road, chase/kill sheep etc.

ISDW

Agree with Andrea, you need a secure area. If you're not going to do that, then please, please, please don't get a husky.

Inconspicuous

andreac wrote: »

Firstly and most importantly, absolutely do not get a dog if you havent got a secure fenced garden, end of.

Any dog will roam if its not confined so if you cant provide this then you should not get a dog, sorry.

Edited to add: It is your responsibility to make sure your dog is kept secure and from wandering, and even more so if there is livestock in the area. Its up to you to ensure your dog cant get out and cause an accident on the road, chase/kill sheep etc.

I'm a long time lurker on this forum, usually looking for the odd bit of information that may be helpful. However I never post here simply because of the holier than thou attitudes like this post. Instead of actually asking the poster what he works at and maybe suggesting some other methods for keeping the dog secure/entertained during the day when he is at his family home (instead of his own home), you automatically tell him that he should never get a dog unless he puts up a fence around his family's garden!! The mind boggles :rolleyes:

OP, with your active lifestyle and rural location a border collie may well be up your alley. In my experience they are highly intelligent dogs and once given a job to do they are happy. As for keeping an eye on it during the day to stop it roaming, what sort of work do you do? Is it outdoors based or an office in the home? Could the dog keep you company? There are many other ways such as lines or dog runs to keep the dog safe.

Just one small bit of advice to consider if I may. When I got my fella, I had done all the research had the house with the GF and was all prepared for the commitment. But after all that it still can surprise you how much of an impact a dog can have on your life. Especially socially, when you'd like nothing more than to head down to the local for a few after a hard day but can't because you feel guilty about leaving the dog on his own

+1 on the post above OP

I am sure you are aware of the responsibilities of owning a dog. Making your property 100% secure for a large dog is not really an option for most unless you plan on erecting 7ft fencing with 1-2 feet underground all the way around it...
We have a 3/4 acre garden that is reasonably well contained and with some solid training at a young age our collie knows his boundaries and stays within them. I cant comment on the Husky really... beautiful animals although from what i know they take a bit of work. Good luck with the search

FoxyVixen

How have any of the above posts been holier than thou?

True in this forum sometimes people can preach rather than give informative advice, but that is not the case in the posts you mentioned.

The dog will be spending most of its time at the OP's family home where there isn't a secure garden and looking for a dog which isn't inclined to roam. No such breed of dog exists. Left to their own devices all dogs roam, some further than others.

OP, sounds like you'd want a breed that would have a very good recall. Border Collie, German Shephard but a husky would be a bit more stubborn to listen to you 100% of the time. ISDW has plenty of experience with the breed to give more info.

I'd look into some form of security to your parents garden if the dog is to spend most of its time there. That way you can work without having to check on the dog every few minutes to ensure that it's still in the garden.

With livestock nearby and at this time of year, the last thing you want is an angry farmer at the door of your parents infuriated that the dog has been worrying sheep.

planetX

Normally I would agree that complete fencing is not a requirement - but that's in a situation where the dog is in the house when not being supervised. You can't leave an unsupervised dog in an insecure garden - and with sheep nearby spells disaster.

Actually I'm changing my mind on the fencing anyway, you can't be 100% vigilant, it's tiring:(

plasteritup

we have a female chocolate lab,she would still be running in the woods long after you tired out,for the first 2 years we had her there were sheep near by and she never bothered them.would still recommend a run or something similar as a place to put a dog tho,even for yourself to get a bit of space to yourself,cleaning the house etc,also gives dog a break from being couped up inside.:)

andreac

Inconspicuous wrote: »

I'm a long time lurker on this forum, usually looking for the odd bit of information that may be helpful. However I never post here simply because of the holier than thou attitudes like this post. Instead of actually asking the poster what he works at and maybe suggesting some other methods for keeping the dog secure/entertained during the day when he is at his family home (instead of his own home), you automatically tell him that he should never get a dog unless he puts up a fence around his family's garden!! The mind boggles :rolleyes:

OP, with your active lifestyle and rural location a border collie may well be up your alley. In my experience they are highly intelligent dogs and once given a job to do they are happy. As for keeping an eye on it during the day to stop it roaming, what sort of work do you do? Is it outdoors based or an office in the home? Could the dog keep you company? There are many other ways such as lines or dog runs to keep the dog safe.

Just one small bit of advice to consider if I may. When I got my fella, I had done all the research had the house with the GF and was all prepared for the commitment. But after all that it still can surprise you how much of an impact a dog can have on your life. Especially socially, when you'd like nothing more than to head down to the local for a few after a hard day but can't because you feel guilty about leaving the dog on his own

Where on earth is the holier than thou attitude?? The OP says they wont be fencing in the garden so therefore they should not get a dog if they arent prepared to do this.
They have already stated there is sheep close by so how would it be ok and responsible to get a dog when they cant and wont be contained??

andreac

Deleted User wrote: »

+1 on the post above OP

I am sure you are aware of the responsibilities of owning a dog. Making your property 100% secure for a large dog is not really an option for most unless you plan on erecting 7ft fencing with 1-2 feet underground all the way around it... We have a 3/4 acre garden that is reasonably well contained and with some solid training at a young age our collie knows his boundaries and stays within them. I cant comment on the Husky really... beautiful animals although from what i know they take a bit of work. Good luck with the search

Of course its an option. It should be the first thing thats done before even considering getting a dog, even more important if there is livestock close by.

Cubed

Inconspicuous wrote: »

OP, with your active lifestyle and rural location a border collie may well be up your alley. In my experience they are highly intelligent dogs and once given a job to do they are happy. As for keeping an eye on it during the day to stop it roaming, what sort of work do you do? Is it outdoors based or an office in the home? Could the dog keep you company? There are many other ways such as lines or dog runs to keep the dog safe.

Just one small bit of advice to consider if I may. When I got my fella, I had done all the research had the house with the GF and was all prepared for the commitment. But after all that it still can surprise you how much of an impact a dog can have on your life. Especially socially, when you'd like nothing more than to head down to the local for a few after a hard day but can't because you feel guilty about leaving the dog on his own

Ya I always liked Collies, quite a few people in the neighborhood have them, always so curious looking and very intelligent dogs. I would like a dog with good recall. I work in an office but there are always people coming and going, family members about the place etc. Ya sure, but I wouldn't keep it in all day.
What is a line?
I was not planning to get a dog until the longer evenings come in anyway, more time after work for outdoor training and all that so I am giving myself plenty of time to research it. I live a quite enough life socially these days but the folks will always be on hand to mind him if I have to head away anyplace for a day or two

Cubed

plasteritup wrote: »

we have a female chocolate lab,she would still be running in the woods long after you tired out,for the first 2 years we had her there were sheep near by and she never bothered them.would still recommend a run or something similar as a place to put a dog tho,even for yourself to get a bit of space to yourself,cleaning the house etc,also gives dog a break from being couped up inside.:)

Ya I was under the impression that some dogs roam a lot more than others and can cause problems with sheep more so than others, we never had problems with Jack Russel's over the years tbh always stayed within the garden limits. Our property is reasonably secure but making it 100% dog proof just wouldn't be possible due to its nature, a dog run could be an option but I was never that keen on keeping a dog in a small confined area... do you know if there are behavior differences between male/female and brown/black/golden labs? the chocolate ones are lovely dogs

tk123

Inconspicuous wrote: »

I'm a long time lurker on this forum, usually looking for the odd bit of information that may be helpful. However I never post here simply because of the holier than thou attitudes like this post.

Report the post if you have a problem - if you're a lurker you should know that at this stage!?

Look at all the pounds and rescues there's even sites dedicated to helping find lost animals there's even a thread here - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055413146

Dogs get startled and run off, they see something interesting and run after it etc etc even with electric fences and shock collar. My dogs recall is pretty good but if I'm not there watching him how can I call him back?

I have a retriever and when I'm working from home he's in the same room as me snoozing and when I'm not there he snoozes in his bed. Lots of people use baby/stair gates to confine them to certain areas - would your parents let you confine the dog to one area of the house??

star-pants

Guys if there are issues with posts - use the report post function and let a moderator deal with it. If you do report a post, you don't need to respond on thread yourself, one of us will be along in time to make a comment.

Vince32

regarding what kind of dog you should get, you need to consider your own lifestyle, the daily time you can spend with the dog of choice, and ofc the dogs personality.

Smaller dogs are easier to care for and don't need alot of exercise, and as ISDW said, absolutely don't get a husky if your not prepared for 10-15 years hard labour.

You also need to consider your financial situation, just as you prepare for a new baby to enter your home, some preparations are needed also for the new dog. I know it's not right to compare a child to a dog, but you will need:
Sleeping area
Toilet area
Toys
Secure area ( when your not with your dog ) and if you think i'm kidding watch this,
http://youtu.be/yJ13Wcx4wjQ
a good vet
and a host of other things
which i'm sure you have considered fully.

The choice of dog you get, depends on your personality and your energy levels, your commitment plans for the next 10 years regarding the dog.

So the best advice you can get is to choose a dog that suits you, and love it dearly.

marley123

Wouldnt think any Rescue would rehome a dog to an Un-Enclosed Garden unless designated dog run .

tk123 wrote: »

Report the post if you have a problem - if you're a lurker you should know that at this stage!?

Look at all the pounds and rescues there's even sites dedicated to helping find lost animals there's even a thread here - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055413146

Dogs get startled and run off, they see something interesting and run after it etc etc even with electric fences and shock collar. My dogs recall is pretty good but if I'm not there watching him how can I call him back?

I have a retriever and when I'm working from home he's in the same room as me snoozing and when I'm not there he snoozes in his bed. Lots of people use baby/stair gates to confine them to certain areas - would your parents let you confine the dog to one area of the house??

ISDW

Vince32 wrote: »

Smaller dogs are easier to care for and don't need alot of exercise, and as ISDW said, absolutely don't get a husky if your not prepared for 10-15 years hard labour.

Sorry Vince, thats not what I said. I said if there is no secure area, please don't get a husky. It sounds as though a sibe would be brilliant for the OP's lifestyle if there was somewhere secure for it to be.

Bullseye1

Is there a maximum size dog you would consider? I see you have mentioned a Pointer or Lab. Is this the max size?

Your lifestyle suggests that you are sporty and an intelligent dog with lots of stamina would fit the bill. I'm probably alittle biased here but you cannot go wrong with a Rhodesian Ridgeback. They are the navy seals of the dog world.

But you need to make sure it is well socialised and you need to give them plenty of stimulation. Very intelligent and if trained right excellent call back and a great companion for walks, running or cycling.

Cubed

ISDW wrote: »

Sorry Vince, thats not what I said. I said if there is no secure area, please don't get a husky. It sounds as though a sibe would be brilliant for the OP's lifestyle if there was somewhere secure for it to be.

The husky idea is scratched for now, i think one would be ideal for me in a lot of ways but not in others like you mentioned, maybe in a few years time when my situation is different.

Tbh I am a bit taken back on how people are insisting on totally fenced in areas, with a husky/certain other breeds/living in an urban area I can see the point but with other breeds not so much.. our family, my neighbors and friends all keep dogs in a similar environment without any problems, I think how the dog is trained and treated can have a lot to do with it.

Cubed

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Is there a maximum size dog you would consider? I see you have mentioned a Pointer or Lab. Is this the max size?

Your lifestyle suggests that you are sporty and an intelligent dog with lots of stamina would fit the bill. I'm probably alittle biased here but you cannot go wrong with a Rhodesian Ridgeback. They are the navy seals of the dog world.

But you need to make sure it is well socialised and you need to give them plenty of stimulation. Very intelligent and if trained right excellent call back and a great companion for walks, running or cycling.

That would be as big as I would consider tbh I would really love a wolfhound but given the size of where I live, my house and my car its just not realistic at the moment.
The Ridgeback is a fine animal alright, seen one outside a shop lately with its owner, very disciplined looking.

ISDW

A friend of mine has ridgebacks that she bikejores and dryland mushes with - they are fast:D Another friend does canicross with her ridgeback, so an excellent breed for the activities you have in mind.

Pointers and pointer crosses are the dog of choice for most continental European bikejorers, canicrossers and mushers, brilliant dogs, just hope you'd be fit enough to keep up with one;)

Vince32

ISDW wrote: »

Sorry Vince, thats not what I said. I said if there is no secure area, please don't get a husky.

Sorry I misunderstood

TG1

Just want to say that I would be wary about getting a border collie in your situation. I am by no means an expert on the breed, I've only owned the one I have currently, but I got him as I fell in love with the breed from dealing with 6 of them belonging to various family members in my childhood.
two of these were working dogs, and these were totally relaxed, chilled out dogs, as they were working five or six hours a day. the rest, including my current dog, were or are pets and I don't think any of them would be happy in the situation you are describing.
Border collies are a one person dog, and so the person who bonds with them is "their person" for life. This may sound like a cliche, but from what I've seen it is true! If you're the border collies person, and you're gone eight hours a day they wont be happy, and unhappy border collies can be incredibly destructive, and can get very stressed. For two months I had a dog I couldn't bring to work with me as he chased the ponies, so my border collie stayed at home with him in my garden while I was at work, and he lost 2.5kg's in that time due stress. The neighbours eventually told me he just paced the boundary fence for the four hours between when I left and came home for lunch and the four hours between leaving after lunch and coming home in the evening.
As well as this, you can run the legs off a collie and it wont tire it out... what they really need is mental stimulation, which you can really only give them if you are there interacting with them during the day.
I know your dog wont be totally alone during the day but if its outside, while all the actions happening inside I just don't think a border collie would be the best breed to deal with that.

Vince32

Some breeds of dogs are like Houdini they way they figure out escape routes, that's all, just something to think about. I think it's fair to say all the posters are speaking from experience (apart from me in the escape thing, I'm a new Husky owner and it's alot of fun and very challenging)

I'm learning alot of stuff you don't get in the books from posters, and it's really a godsend to have people who are willing to help me understand and learn about my dog from their experiences.

My sibe is 18 weeks now, and getting quite stubborn, but I wouldn't change her for anything

You sound like a level headed, responsible person and I think what ever dog you get will have a happy, loving home for many many years.

tk123

marley123 wrote: »

Wouldnt think any Rescue would rehome a dog to an Un-Enclosed Garden unless designated dog run .

tk123 wrote: »

Report the post if you have a problem - if you're a lurker you should know that at this stage!?

Look at all the pounds and rescues there's even sites dedicated to helping find lost animals there's even a thread here - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055413146

Dogs get startled and run off, they see something interesting and run after it etc etc even with electric fences and shock collar. My dogs recall is pretty good but if I'm not there watching him how can I call him back?

I have a retriever and when I'm working from home he's in the same room as me snoozing and when I'm not there he snoozes in his bed. Lots of people use baby/stair gates to confine them to certain areas - would your parents let you confine the dog to one area of the house??

Sorry I that came out wrong (damn you android locking up as I type!!) What I meant to say was that a lot of the dogs in pounds and refuses are 'lost' dogs.

How about a setter - our friends have one and he has loads of energy when he's out and loves to run around for ages but chills out snoozing between walks.

Cherry Blossom

Cubed wrote: »

Tbh I am a bit taken back on how people are insisting on totally fenced in areas, with a husky/certain other breeds/living in an urban area I can see the point but with other breeds not so much.. our family, my neighbors and friends all keep dogs in a similar environment without any problems, I think how the dog is trained and treated can have a lot to do with it.

OP - you are required by law (under the control of dogs act) to keep your dogs securely confined to your own property at all times unless they are accompanied by someone who is responsible for them. I have been hearing a lot of reports recently about dogs being shot for chasing/killing sheep (they don't have to do either by the way, being on someone's land who doesn't want them there is enough). Do you have instant access to thousands of euro to pay for damage done to someone else's property? I live in a 'rural' area - how will this stop me from taking any dog found in a field with my horses to the pound? In short, it won't, that's exactly where they will go.

I would suggest having a read of this thread before you make your decision. Do you really want all this hassel?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056501260

moving_home

Vince32 wrote: »

Smaller dogs are easier to care for and don't need alot of exercise

.

sorry but this just isn't true. Breeds such a cockers and Westies for example need LOADS of exercise. I know a shih tzu that would keep walking forever so its not true to make such a sweeping generalisation

are you serious

Cubed wrote: »

The Ridgeback is a fine animal alright, seen one outside a shop lately with its owner, very disciplined looking.

Just to throw it out there Cubed, if the Ridgeback is one your putting thought into, you'd better have a look at the restrictions in owning a dog who is on the Restricted Breed List

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1991/en/si/0123.html

ABajaninCork

moving_home wrote: »

sorry but this just isn't true. Breeds such a cockers and Westies for example need LOADS of exercise. I know a shih tzu that would keep walking forever so its not true to make such a sweeping generalisation

It's not our Shih Tzu you mean is it? . I know what you mean. Mine goes for 5 mile walkies, and still isn't tired out. He'll walk all day for you!!

Cubed

garkane wrote: »

Just to throw it out there Cubed, if the Ridgeback is one your putting thought into, you'd better have a look at the restrictions in owning a dog who is on the Restricted Breed List

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1991/en/si/0123.html

No I am not considering that breed, a bit on the large side tbh thanks for the link though

mosi

Cubed wrote: »

Tbh I am a bit taken back on how people are insisting on totally fenced in areas, with a husky/certain other breeds/living in an urban area I can see the point but with other breeds not so much.. our family, my neighbors and friends all keep dogs in a similar environment without any problems, I think how the dog is trained and treated can have a lot to do with it.

I grew up in quite a rural area where plenty of people kept their dogs in unsecured gardens. In some cases, nothing went wrong but in the majority of cases, the dogs met an unfortunate early end. Some just vanished, many were killed on the roads and others were pts for biting.
There were numerous different breeds involved...Golden Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, Spaniels, Chihuahuas, GSDs and Border Collies. In fact, all of the BC's that were killed were working sheepdogs. It does not matter one jot, what breed the dog is, it will roam if the garden is unsecured. Those who don't are very much in the minority.

Could you fence off an area of your parents garden? On an acre, you could make quite a large enclosure. My own parents live on an acre that would be difficult to secure in its entirety. However, they do have a very large area around the house fenced off like Fort Knox so that the dogs can be let out safely.