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Potential first time dog owner - advice and tips?
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15-04-2013 6:03pm#1Hey guys and gals,
After many years of working over the others at home, I've finally managed to convince everyone that getting a dog for the house is a good idea.
Being unemployed and with loads of free time that is going nowhere (the joys of my chosen profession), I've decided to get a dog to train and raise as if they were my own child :P. It'll be a few weeks before we can get it, mind; my brother is finishing up Uni, and then we're off on a holiday for a few weeks. But the hope is when we get back in Mid-July, I can start getting things together to get one.
As a first time dog-owner, and indeed first time pet owner outside a few goldfish as a child, I have a few questions about it though. More things that might seem common sense to people used to having pets in their lives, but things I want to be 100% sure of. I don't want to go into the experience blind, so want to use the next few weeks getting fully educated and prepared.
First off, I wanted advice on breeds, since we're going to be pretty particular. We live in a 3 bed semi in a housing estate, in a house that's decent enough size for small to small-medium sized dogs, though nothing too big. We'd also be looking for something that doesn't shed too much. And also, since it would be my first dog, I'd want something "easier" to train (though fully acknowledge it will be a task training any dog; one I look forward to). Originally, I had it in my head I'd love a Beagle; they are the quintessential dog in my opinion. But looking at posts in the forum as well as doing a bit of research online, I've seen a lot of people say they can be quite rough (pun not intended :P) to train for newbies. Size wise, they'd be perfect examples of what I think would suit around the house though. Would anyone have any thoughts on breeds, beagles, etc? (Reading DeVore's posts have been particularly insightful and enjoyable
)
Secondly, I'm trying to put together some cost estimates; price of the dog (even rescues seem to want some payment in the form of donations), crate, bed, toys, bowls. Insurance is a big one by the looks of it. Initial vet visits. Out of interest, how much do people reckon they spent initially when they got their first dog?
From a training perspective, I've seen a lot of people reference to crate training, and although I worry about the image of the dog locked in a cage, even in the short term, I like some of what I've read about the benefits. Would anyone recommend me any reading about crate training, such as the pros and cons? Or indeed would anyone recommend some vital readings about any other things first time owners should know? Be they books, websites, etc.
On a more specific note, a question about gardens; we've got a section of our back garden which has quite a few stones and pebbles. Given the dog could be left unattended in the long run should I have to run to the shop or into town for an hour, how likely are dogs to start swallowing stones like that? Obviously I get I would be able to supervise it at first, and make sure that I try and train it not to start eating them, but eventually I'd have to be able to trust it on its own and want to know if it will simply start trying to down them as soon as I took an eye off it. Does anyone have any experience with such issues?
Also, how do people have the bravery to leave dogs outside shops when they run in? This may sound silly, but I'd be worried about it the entire time I was in the shop, terrified it would at best get loose, at worse be stolen...
To pre-emptive some things I notice get talked alot about with new owners, I know about exercise and time dedication; I already go for 30 min walks every day, usually more as summer kicks in. I'm also trying to get fitter right now, and a huge part of that is increasing my walks. Having a dog, therefore, would slot right into that aspect of my life I reckon. There'd be no problems with exercise, as walks are all ready a part of my routine. Even better, there's a massive big field outside my house in the estate that's a haven for dogs to play fetch and the likes in :P Would be no issue to take it out multiple times a day for a play and a run around. There's also three of us at home 24/7, with the exception of the odd hour trip to the shop or town, so there'd be no fear of it being abandoned or lonely. When we get it, it's going to be like a new baby coming into the house and will likely get very doted over
So yeah. Any advice and comments would be much appreciated. As I said, I want to go into this with eyes open as much as possible, so any other advice on subjects I missed would also be very much appreciated. 0
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Teamshadowclan wrote: »Hey guys and gals,
After many years of working over the others at home, I've finally managed to convince everyone that getting a dog for the house is a good idea.
Being unemployed and with loads of free time that is going nowhere (the joys of my chosen profession), I've decided to get a dog to train and raise as if they were my own child :P. It'll be a few weeks before we can get it, mind; my brother is finishing up Uni, and then we're off on a holiday for a few weeks. But the hope is when we get back in Mid-July, I can start getting things together to get one.
As a first time dog-owner, and indeed first time pet owner outside a few goldfish as a child, I have a few questions about it though. More things that might seem common sense to people used to having pets in their lives, but things I want to be 100% sure of. I don't want to go into the experience blind, so want to use the next few weeks getting fully educated and prepared.
First off, I wanted advice on breeds, since we're going to be pretty particular. We live in a 3 bed semi in a housing estate, in a house that's decent enough size for small to small-medium sized dogs, though nothing too big. We'd also be looking for something that doesn't shed too much. And also, since it would be my first dog, I'd want something "easier" to train (though fully acknowledge it will be a task training any dog; one I look forward to). Originally, I had it in my head I'd love a Beagle; they are the quintessential dog in my opinion. But looking at posts in the forum as well as doing a bit of research online, I've seen a lot of people say they can be quite rough (pun not intended :P) to train for newbies. Size wise, they'd be perfect examples of what I think would suit around the house though. Would anyone have any thoughts on breeds, beagles, etc? (Reading DeVore's posts have been particularly insightful and enjoyable )
For a first time dog owner/pet owner, beagles can be a handful. Hounds in general are harder to train, their minds are on other things! Scents, smells, prey, a feather floating in the wind...:D That said there's always exceptions to the rule.
Don't sweat the small stuff such as 'non shed'. Pretty much all dogs will shed at some point, it's no biggie. Some of the double coated breeds will shed far more than others. I have setters, they shed twice a year but not that much really. I find shorter haired dogs hair tends to stick in things more than longer though.. maybe that's just me.Secondly, I'm trying to put together some cost estimates; price of the dog (even rescues seem to want some payment in the form of donations), crate, bed, toys, bowls. Insurance is a big one by the looks of it. Initial vet visits. Out of interest, how much do people reckon they spent initially when they got their first dog?
The donation to a rescue covers a multitude of expenses. Neutering/spaying, vaccinations, microchipping will cost an average puppy owner maybe €300-€400, but a rescue will ask for much less. Not only that but the most invaluable thing that a reputable rescue passes on is the evaluation of the dog to make sure it's the right one for your family.
I don't really want to add up what I spend on my dogs, I don't have insurance, I'd rather put money away each month. Besides one of my dogs is a rescue that had multiple issues when he was found so these wouldn't be covered by insurance if he got them again as they tend not to cover 'pre-existing conditions'. Vaccinations are €70 per dog per year. Beds may need replacing if you get a 'chewer'. I'd suggest you get vet bed for the crate.From a training perspective, I've seen a lot of people reference to crate training, and although I worry about the image of the dog locked in a cage, even in the short term, I like some of what I've read about the benefits. Would anyone recommend me any reading about crate training, such as the pros and cons? Or indeed would anyone recommend some vital readings about any other things first time owners should know? Be they books, websites, etc.
Crates are nothing like what the image suggests, a crate is meant to be used as a sanctuary for the dog, somewhere to go to rest, relax and feel safe in their own space. Used incorrectly, ie without any training they can be abused as a bit of a prison for the dog. But a little training and time and your dog will love their crate.
http://www.dogstardaily.com/ is a good reference online.On a more specific note, a question about gardens; we've got a section of our back garden which has quite a few stones and pebbles. Given the dog could be left unattended in the long run should I have to run to the shop or into town for an hour, how likely are dogs to start swallowing stones like that? Obviously I get I would be able to supervise it at first, and make sure that I try and train it not to start eating them, but eventually I'd have to be able to trust it on its own and want to know if it will simply start trying to down them as soon as I took an eye off it. Does anyone have any experience with such issues?
Nope, stone eating isn't something that dogs do. Grass yes, poo - sometimes. We have loads of gravel and never have I ever encountered a dog eating stones.Also, how do people have the bravery to leave dogs outside shops when they run in? This may sound silly, but I'd be worried about it the entire time I was in the shop, terrified it would at best get loose, at worse be stolen...
I don't do it. I see it happening and I worry the same as you, that the dog would be stolen...then again, it depends on the dog maybe. A pedigree dog would be far more tempting to opportunistic thieves than a cross breed or a full on mutt/heinz 57.To pre-emptive some things I notice get talked alot about with new owners, I know about exercise and time dedication; I already go for 30 min walks every day, usually more as summer kicks in. I'm also trying to get fitter right now, and a huge part of that is increasing my walks. Having a dog, therefore, would slot right into that aspect of my life I reckon. There'd be no problems with exercise, as walks are all ready a part of my routine. Even better, there's a massive big field outside my house in the estate that's a haven for dogs to play fetch and the likes in :P Would be no issue to take it out multiple times a day for a play and a run around. There's also three of us at home 24/7, with the exception of the odd hour trip to the shop or town, so there'd be no fear of it being abandoned or lonely. When we get it, it's going to be like a new baby coming into the house and will likely get very doted over
So yeah. Any advice and comments would be much appreciated. As I said, I want to go into this with eyes open as much as possible, so any other advice on subjects I missed would also be very much appreciated.
Only when your dog has perfect recall would you be able to let it off on a green, open space. You run the risk of losing your pet, or worse still it has an altercation with another dog or even something as simple as running up to a child will have your neighbours on your case (won't somebody please think of the children:rolleyes:).
Also, while there is somebody home 24/7 it is advisable to leave the dog for small amounts at a time every so often so that when you do all have to be out at the same time (family gatherings/occasions) that the dog doesn't have any issues. Long term when you do get a job, you don't want the dog to suffer from the dreaded 'separation anxiety' as it's hell for the dog and the owner.
Maybe to familiarise yourself with having a pet you could foster for a local rescue. I see you post in the Louth forum and there is a great local rescue that I foster for from time to time. It would really give you an insight to what having a pet is like without the commitment and it will stand to you when the right dog comes along. Who knows, you might join the failed fosterer club;).0 -
Just two things spring to mind straight away op, what type of accomodation are you living in a present, with parents by the sounds, and are you looking to get back into the workforce. Who will have overall ownership of the dog?
3 bed semi-detatched. Yes, living with parents. Looking to work, but as a teacher, I may as well be looking for gold in the rivers. Trying to start up my own business from home though, so as I said, plenty of time for the dog. Wouldn't get it if I thought I was likely to disappear from the house any time soon. And it would be "my" dog, along with my brother, but I'm looking to take on pretty much all of the responsibility.A few quick pointers as a first time dog owner myself.
Don't buy off done deal. Reputable breeder or re-home a dog. Money saved in the short term on a backyard bred dog will cost far more in the long term.
Crate train your dog. The list of positives is far too long. The 'cage' image or prison idea is nonsense. My lad LOVES his crate and it helps toilet train, is useful for travel, hotel stays, camping, post operative, the list is endless!
Have a think about / research raw feeding (barf diet). We switched 2 weeks ago with our 2 year old and I should have done it far sooner. At the very least - stay away from cheap foods.
A pet is for life. 12, 13... ?? years (met a lad at the beach lately who had just buried his 17 year old). Consider this above all else.
They need company. A healthy mix of yard time and a house dog has worked wonders for us. Not out the yard all day and night - bored to death and barking/misbehaving as a result. A tired dog is a happy dog.
I'm a firm believer in pack mentality and the alpha role. Others disagree. I've been very firm but fair from day one. No up on furniture, in beds or upstairs. He has his crate, his yard (with shelter), twice daily walks and training. With lots of love and attention. But... I'm the boss. Most of the time.
Lastly... Neuter your pet.
Thanks for all this. That's exactly the type of things I'm looking forHave skimmed thru your post as I've to head out with my fella... For at least 8km in the lashing rain. No choice in that... a Husky is not everyone's idea of a first dog. But it suited us perfectly! And I enjoy the exercise, no matter the weather.
And if you want a dog that doesn't shed... Run a mile from a Siberian Husky! FYI - They are not an 'off lead' dog, require a hell of a lot of exercise and stimulation. Bore easily. Howl (not bark) and blow their coats twice a year.
Haha. I know my brother loves them, and would love to get one. But I know that the house nor the garden wouldn't be big enough for one of them. Beautiful dogs, but no way would they suit us, unfortunately.borderlinemeath wrote: »The donation to a rescue covers a multitude of expenses. Neutering/spaying, vaccinations, microchipping will cost an average puppy owner maybe €300-€400, but a rescue will ask for much less. Not only that but the most invaluable thing that a reputable rescue passes on is the evaluation of the dog to make sure it's the right one for your family.
I feel really stupid that it didn't register that obviously the cost is reduced with the rescue. I knew they did those things (or so it says on the DAR site) but I was still working in costs of those things as well :rolleyes:Crates are nothing like what the image suggests, a crate is meant to be used as a sanctuary for the dog, somewhere to go to rest, relax and feel safe in their own space. Used incorrectly, ie without any training they can be abused as a bit of a prison for the dog. But a little training and time and your dog will love their crate.
http://www.dogstardaily.com/ is a good reference online.
Thanks for the link. Exactly the type of reading I'm afterNope, stone eating isn't something that dogs do. Grass yes, poo - sometimes. We have loads of gravel and never have I ever encountered a dog eating stones.
Yum. Poo. That's good though. Eases my mind a bit.Only when your dog has perfect recall would you be able to let it off on a green, open space. You run the risk of losing your pet, or worse still it has an altercation with another dog or even something as simple as running up to a child will have your neighbours on your case (won't somebody please think of the children:rolleyes:).
Yeah, I guess that's part of the training process to look forward to.Maybe to familiarise yourself with having a pet you could foster for a local rescue. I see you post in the Louth forum and there is a great local rescue that I foster for from time to time. It would really give you an insight to what having a pet is like without the commitment and it will stand to you when the right dog comes along. Who knows, you might join the failed fosterer club;).
Yeah, I noticed the DAR group do that, and it's something I might look into. Thanks for all the advice 0 -
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DOUBTER, never saw this type of collie shaved - never even heard of anyone shaving one - he looks fantastic - certainly removed the problem of matting/brushing!
DBB, on the issue of owner maintaining 'alpha' status - I merely meant in the context that the owner is seen by the dogs as the one in charge - purely from the point of view that the dogs will allow you to be in charge of their safety, care, food, health, good behaviour, not showing aggressive behaviour/dominance etc. Ive seen so many owners who let the dog think it can behave as it pleases, which has led to the owner having problems later on.
I have two Jack Russells crosses - one was a total hunter, would go to ground every chance he got, and SO clever. The other is a total softie and afraid of his shadow and really 'thick'
(they are uncle/nephew). So even two dogs from same breed/breeder/line can be totally different in temprement. Our ancient collie is a rescue and afraid of EVERYTHING - after 12 years, still wont come in to the house. So, spending time with a dog you are thinking about rescuing, or checking the personalities of a puppy's parents, if possible, is probably a good idea 0 -
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So looking at breeds and doing research, I was wondering if I could ask more experienced people on here....what's the general consensus on Westies and Shih Tzus for first time owners?
Looking at size wise, they'd be perfect but how are they personality wise in general? What's people's experiences of them? I know that's a general and vague question, but as I said, I want to get as much feedback as possible before committing to anything. 0 -
Allow me to take on the Westie portfolio OP!
The first thing about them is that it is very, very, very difficult to find a well-bred, and ethically-bred Westie in the south of Ireland. Almost every Westie in the south of Ireland is puppy farmed, or back-yard-bred. This might sound like an exaggeration, but unfortunately, it's not. There is, however, a good little Westie club up in the North, but you can expect to pay top dollar for them. That said, an extra couple of hundred quid over the lifetime of the dog comes to very little... and the vet's bills aren't as high either!
As a consequence of really poor breeding over the past 20 years, this breed is top of the league when it comes to health problems. The majority of Westies WILL, at some stage in their lives, develop one, or more, of the big Westie conditions: Atopy (skin), Perthe's Disease (hips), Cranio-Mandibular Osteopathy (jaw), Westie Lung (so endemic in the breed, it's named after them), diabetes, cancers, pancreatic problems, digestive problems, and westies are considered to be the most allergic of all breeds (many of the aforementioned conditions are related to allergies)... well, I did tell you they were top of the unhealthy list
Behaviour-wise, they are stubborn, wayyyy too clever for many owners, independent, opinionated, but deeply loyal: there is a good chance that a Westie will bond closely with one person in the house, and this bond can be exceptionally close when appreciated and reciprocated by the human side of it. Like a lot of terriers, they are full of fun, mischief and divilment, but at the same time, they tend to have only so much patience, and tend to be less tolerant than other breeds. They tend not to be big into cuddling: a little bit is okay, but they will let you know when they've had enough. Ignore this at your peril, because they are quick enough to bite when things don't go their way.
For these reasons, whilst they often love kids, they don't like to have to live with them 24/7: they just don't have the patience for it. They could be described as a good grandparent's dog: they love when the grandkids come to visit, but at the same time, wave goodbye to them enthusiastically too! A lot of Westies are surrendered to rescue due to them having an incident with a child.
There will always be exceptions to these tendencies, but my experience, anecdotal as it is, is that 8 out of 10 Westies would rather not live with children full time, and conform to a large degree to what I've said above.
All of that said, they have a huge fan base (me included:o), but generally their fans are people who love them because they are little feckers, not in spite of it
A lot of people get Westies because, well, they're damn handsome little dogs. But they get a nasty shock when they realise the big attitude this dog can have, and again, a lot of them end up in rescue because of this.
They do shed, not heavily, but they do, and their coats are pretty high maintenance: you're looking at having them professionally groomed 4 times per year.0 -
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Hope it's not minded that I'm bumping my old topic. Felt it was better than starting a new one, so people can see where I'm heading easier
Back from holidays yesterday, so now focusing on getting my first dog With Haddington Road about to kick in, and thus teaching jobs pretty much vanishing, I'm also moving to start my own business up, so will be home 95% of the day (as will my brother and mother).
The main question I wanted to ask though was about what people do with their pets should they decide to go out for a few hours into town? Say the three of us decide we want to go to the cinema; would the general practice then be to move them to a dog minder place for the few hours? Do people leave them in their crates or out the back garden? What do people do in that situation? Also, say for a puppy, will dog minder places take younger pups in (a question aimed at Borderlinemeath there, being honest, since I live across the road :P). Is there any worries there about vaccinations and the likes? Or am I committing to not going out for a few weeks while I train it up
Also, want to start ordering toys and stuff before it arrives. Do people generally use the basic sites like ebay and amazon? I've got one page saved from a few weeks back doing crates, so that's taken care of. Want to get a Kong or two for it though; ebay the safest bet?0 -
Teamshadowclan wrote: »Hope it's not minded that I'm bumping my old topic. Felt it was better than starting a new one, so people can see where I'm heading easier
Back from holidays yesterday, so now focusing on getting my first dog With Haddington Road about to kick in, and thus teaching jobs pretty much vanishing, I'm also moving to start my own business up, so will be home 95% of the day (as will my brother and mother).
The main question I wanted to ask though was about what people do with their pets should they decide to go out for a few hours into town? Say the three of us decide we want to go to the cinema; would the general practice then be to move them to a dog minder place for the few hours? Do people leave them in their crates or out the back garden? What do people do in that situation? Also, say for a puppy, will dog minder places take younger pups in (a question aimed at Borderlinemeath there, being honest, since I live across the road :P). Is there any worries there about vaccinations and the likes? Or am I committing to not going out for a few weeks while I train it up
Also, want to start ordering toys and stuff before it arrives. Do people generally use the basic sites like ebay and amazon? I've got one page saved from a few weeks back doing crates, so that's taken care of. Want to get a Kong or two for it though; ebay the safest bet?
A dog 'should' be ok left for about 4 hours, maybe more depending on the actual dog. Once it's been previously exercised and mentally stimulated it should just sleep until you get back. Depending on how crate training has goine you could leave them in a crate for that amount of time (with water) or just in a bed in the kitchen/utility. I would be wary of leaving a dog in a back garden, but each to their own. Again it could depend on the dog, a pure breed dog would be desirable to thieves, but then some cross breeds/lurchers are also highly desirable, it's a risk you would have to measure yourself.
Puppies are different, they need human companionship to learn in the early months. Once a pup has all their vaccinations it's no problem to mix with other dogs in daycare. But I would do some short periods of time without company, for the dogs own good, otherwise it may get too attached and used to constant companionship and may suffer from separation anxiety if and when it is left on it's own.
Jebbtools is great for crates
https://www.jebbtools.ie/animal-products
I've bought kongs from zooplus, best to do is shop around for prices.0 -
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I'm a tad worried about bringing her upstairs in case she wakes everyone. Slightly more tempted to stay downstairs with her.
I also don't know if we can trust her to be left alone with the crate door open, since she keeps trying to explore dark corners and small spaces. :P She's at the stage where she'll walk in and out of the crate no problem when the door is open, and most of the time when the door is closed, she's grand. Starting to pick up the signs of her wanting to pee though, as she starts wimpering pretty loudly when its time to go. She's pooped on her bed twice already though which is a frustration
She's lying in the crate, door open, no problem at the moment. Head tucked down and having a nap. Plan on trying to spend some time tiring her out though.0 -
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Teamshadowclan wrote: »I'm a tad worried about bringing her upstairs in case she wakes everyone. Slightly more tempted to stay downstairs with her.
I also don't know if we can trust her to be left alone with the crate door open, since she keeps trying to explore dark corners and small spaces. :P She's at the stage where she'll walk in and out of the crate no problem when the door is open, and most of the time when the door is closed, she's grand. Starting to pick up the signs of her wanting to pee though, as she starts wimpering pretty loudly when its time to go. She's pooped on her bed twice already though which is a frustration
She's lying in the crate, door open, no problem at the moment. Head tucked down and having a nap. Plan on trying to spend some time tiring her out though.
If you start off pandering to her now you'll be doing it for a long time, the crate is supposed to be a sanctuary where a puppy can get from the hustle and bustle of a house.
Put her in her crate to sleep tonight with something that smells of you like a stuffed toy of hers, do not let her out if she starts jumping at the crate door as your teaching the wrong thing, leave space her crate if you can for her to do her business during the night, don't leave the gate for reason of presents and puppies chewing cables is not a good idea.
It might sound mean to leave the puppy sleep by itself but in the long run it will be better if you don't mind puppy sleeping in your bed for the rest of its life then of course do so.
Congratulations on starting to raise a puppy there will fun moments and stressful when you thought they where potty trained there's a fresh new present. There will be scary moments of thinking did she eat that is it safe and of course the times when your talking to your dog like they actually understand and all there think is where the sausages,
Good luck0 -
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