Pet dog

Yaskojames

Hey i live in a semi-detached house in Dublin with a medium sized garden. I am looking for a pet dog. Unfortunately i am having difficulties picking out a breed. I live with my family and have a 8 year old brother. I am willing to get a small sized dog that is easily trained (just the basics), gets along with children, good guard dog, preferably short haired but open to others. I was thinking about the Manchester Terrier. Any suggestions?

kylith

If you don't have a breed in mind I'd recommend that you go to a shelter and let them know what you're looking for in the way of size, energy level, etc., and they'll be able to match you with a dog that suits.

ShaShaBear

Yaskojames wrote: »

Hey i live in a semi-detached house in Dublin with a medium sized garden. I am looking for a pet dog. Unfortunately i am having difficulties picking out a breed. I live with my family and have a 8 year old brother. I am willing to get a small sized dog that is easily trained (just the basics), gets along with children, good guard dog, preferably short haired but open to others. I was thinking about the Manchester Terrier. Any suggestions?

How often will the dog be walked, what is your budget for feeding and will you be able to afford vet bills? Where will the dog be sleeping? Who will be the main caregiver and will other family members be fully willing and able to care for the dog if the main caregiver were to move etc?

Yaskojames

ShaShaBear wrote: »

How often will the dog be walked, what is your budget for feeding and will you be able to afford vet bills? Where will the dog be sleeping? Who will be the main caregiver and will other family members be fully willing and able to care for the dog if the main caregiver were to move etc?

Dog will be walked everyday. I have never previously had a dog so i do not know anything about vet charges etc. Do will be sleeping in a normal soft dog bed in the kitchen (quite large room). The main caregiver will be me, a 15 year old guy. There is a bit of a problem though. Our family usually goes on holidays during the summer for a minimum of 2 weeks and i have no idea where i could leave my dog

ShaShaBear

Yaskojames wrote: »

Dog will be walked everyday. I have never previously had a dog so i do not know anything about vet charges etc. Do will be sleeping in a normal soft dog bed in the kitchen (quite large room). The main caregiver will be me, a 15 year old guy. There is a bit of a problem though. Our family usually goes on holidays during the summer for a minimum of 2 weeks and i have no idea where i could leave my dog

Vet charges for any dog could be quite high. If you get a puppy of any breed you are potentially looking at vaccinations, worming, de-fleaing, microchipping and neutering even if the dog is 100% healthy. Most rescues and reputable breeders will have already microchipped the puppy, but you will still have to go to the vet for booster shots and neutering when the time comes. Some breeds are predisposed to illnesses and diseases that could potentially set you back thousands, so merely picking a breed is not the best option.
If the dog is guaranteed 2x 30min walks per day nomatter what the weather (and running in circles around a medium sized back garden in no way constitutes as exercise) then the size of the breed is irrelevant. You could just as easily get a medium to large-sized dog who will be equally happy. Food is another factor. Stuff in the supermarket just will not cut it for a dog. You need to get good-quality food suited to the breed and size of dog that might be pricier than you would expect. Make sure your parents are more than willing to pay this as well as any vet bills before you make a decision to get any dog.

Assuming you and your sibling are at school during the day, will the dog be left on its own during the day? Will it be left inside the house if alone, or will it be put outside?
How much time can you devote to grooming the dog? Remember, just because it has short hair doesn't mean it doesn't need to be brushed regularly, and short haired dogs can shed just as much as some long-haired breeds.

Yaskojames

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Vet charges for any dog could be quite high. If you get a puppy of any breed you are potentially looking at vaccinations, worming, de-fleaing, microchipping and neutering even if the dog is 100% healthy. Most rescues and reputable breeders will have already microchipped the puppy, but you will still have to go to the vet for booster shots and neutering when the time comes. Some breeds are predisposed to illnesses and diseases that could potentially set you back thousands, so merely picking a breed is not the best option.
If the dog is guaranteed 2x 30min walks per day nomatter what the weather (and running in circles around a medium sized back garden in no way constitutes as exercise) then the size of the breed is irrelevant. You could just as easily get a medium to large-sized dog who will be equally happy. Food is another factor. Stuff in the supermarket just will not cut it for a dog. You need to get good-quality food suited to the breed and size of dog that might be pricier than you would expect. Make sure your parents are more than willing to pay this as well as any vet bills before you make a decision to get any dog.

Assuming you and your sibling are at school during the day, will the dog be left on its own during the day? Will it be left inside the house if alone, or will it be put outside?
How much time can you devote to grooming the dog? Remember, just because it has short hair doesn't mean it doesn't need to be brushed regularly, and short haired dogs can shed just as much as some long-haired breeds.

The dog is guaranteed walks during the day! I am afraid if i get a medium to large sized dog the cost on food, vaccines etc. will rise. Also if i get a smaller dog i would be able to leave him with my friends during holidays. The dog will be very well looked after! Fed, groomed, walked regularly. While we are at school the dog would be kept in the house in the kitchen. If it is better for the dog, we could buy a garden kennel to leave him outside.

VonVix

If you're getting a puppy there's a huge more amount of work to be done, you'll need to socialise it properly and expose it to lots and lots and lots of new experiences so it does not become fearful in certain situations. You'll need to potty train it, potentially need to teach it bite inhibition, how to walk on the leash properly and other basic commands.

However, if you get an adult dog you won't have to do so much work from scratch and if you go to a rescue you could find a dog that would be suitable for your home and be fine with younger people. Choosing a Manchester terrier is actually a quite specific breed, it'll be hard to come by I'm sure and if you do find one chances are it'll cost a couple of hundred euros.

And it would be best to keep your dog inside, not only the weather can be bad, you can also get dodgy people around who will steal dogs left in the back garden at any given opportunity.

Yaskojames

VonVix wrote: »

If you're getting a puppy there's a huge more amount of work to be done, you'll need to socialise it properly and expose it to lots and lots and lots of new experiences so it does not become fearful in certain situations. You'll need to potty train it, potentially need to teach it bite inhibition, how to walk on the leash properly and other basic commands.

However, if you get an adult dog you won't have to do so much work from scratch and if you go to a rescue you could find a dog that would be suitable for your home and be fine with younger people. Choosing a Manchester terrier is actually a quite specific breed, it'll be hard to come by I'm sure and if you do find one chances are it'll cost a couple of hundred euros.

And it would be best to keep your dog inside, not only the weather can be bad, you can also get dodgy people around who will steal dogs left in the back garden at any given opportunity.

I would really prefer to go through all the struggle but get a puppy. Do you have any opinions on the beagle? Looks like a nice dog but heard its a bad watchdog.

VonVix

Yaskojames wrote: »

I would really prefer to go through all the struggle but get a puppy. Do you have any opinions on the beagle? Looks like a nice dog but heard its a bad watchdog.

I love beagles, but they are howlers/barkers (I've met loads, and I've never met one that didn't howl!) and often strong on the lead, really big into food, they sniff and sniff and sniff, walking is often about what THEY want to do and where they want to go, not what you want to do. But I still think they are lovely.

Also, when you do find a dog you want, I'd highly recommend crate training it.

Yaskojames

VonVix wrote: »

I love beagles, but they are howlers/barkers (I've met loads, and I've never met one that didn't howl!) and often strong on the lead, really big into food, they sniff and sniff and sniff, walking is often about what THEY want to do and where they want to go, not what you want to do. But I still think they are lovely.

Also, when you do find a dog you want, I'd highly recommend crate training it.

Would you recommend any breeds? I am looking for a small,family watchdog that is easily trained basic skills.

4th horsemen

Are your parents as enthusiastic as you?

If getting a puppy there will be accidents in the house which need to be cleaned up and everyone needs to be on board with training your dog otherwise you could end up with a hyper dog who begs and chews etc etc. Thing with dogs is consistency and everyone in the house needs to be on board with the rules and training.
Also you don't want to be giving a dog a home only for the poor thing to be given up on and brought to a pound or end up in rescue, after becoming a part of your family. A dog is for life. Don't mean to sound negative but it's important everyone is on board with this decision.
For a kid you sound like you would be a great dog owner by the way

As mentioned, also go visit a rescue center and tell them your needs, There are so many dogs of all shapes and sizes and breeds looking for homes and you will also get to see many different breed of dogs there in person which you'll get to see. It's an option apart from buying a dog.
Also you mention you want it to be a good guard dog, do you mean just to bark etc when people are around? you might want to seek advice from a trainer if you are looking for a guard dog as you could end up with a dog who gets aggressive with all people calling to the house!!

Yaskojames

4th horsemen wrote: »

Are your parents as enthusiastic as you?

If getting a puppy there will be accidents in the house which need to be cleaned up and everyone needs to be on board with training your dog otherwise you could end up with a hyper dog who begs and chews etc etc. Thing with dogs is consistency and everyone in the house needs to be on board with the rules and training.
Also you don't want to be giving a dog a home only for the poor thing to be given up on and brought to a pound or end up in rescue, after becoming a part of your family. A dog is for life. Don't mean to sound negative but it's important everyone is on board with this decision.
For a kid you sound like you would be a great dog owner by the way

As mentioned, also go visit a rescue center and tell them your needs, There are so many dogs of all shapes and sizes and breeds looking for homes and you will also get to see many different breed of dogs there in person which you'll get to see. It's an option apart from buying a dog.
Also you mention you want it to be a good guard dog, do you mean just to bark etc when people are around? you might want to seek advice from a trainer if you are looking for a guard dog as you could end up with a dog who gets aggressive with all people calling to the house!!

Yeah i mean if there's someone at the door the dog will start barking. Most dogs do this but i read that if someone brakes into your house, beagles won't do anything because of how friendly they are. I am afraid that isn't what im looking for.

VonVix

Yaskojames wrote: »

Would you recommend any breeds? I am looking for a small,family watchdog that is easily trained basic skills.

I have more experience with large breeds, so I don't think I'd be much use suggesting any small breeds in particular! Though if you have any in mind, I could tell you my experiences with the few I may have met.

Pretty much any dog can be trained the basic skills, it's often just a matter of the owner understanding how the dog learns in order to train it properly. As for looking for a watchdog, that's often a position that's adopted by a dog out of choice, it's not always something that is assigned to a particular breed, so it could be hit and miss whether your dog acts as a watchdog or not.

4th horsemen

Yaskojames wrote: »

Yeah i mean if there's someone at the door the dog will start barking. Most dogs do this but i read that if someone brakes into your house, beagles won't do anything because of how friendly they are. I am afraid that isn't what im looking for.

Most burglars that break into a house will not go near a house with a barking dog as it will bring attention and that is the last thing a burglar wants so they will go to a different house, so barking is prob all you want from a dog.

If you want a dog to attack someone if they do decide to break in, then a small little dog is not going to be much of a challenge to a burglar. You would be looking at something like a German shepherd or Doberman or Labrador size dog which is not an option for you.

Yaskojames

4th horsemen wrote: »

Most burglars that break into a house will not go near a house with a barking dog as it will bring attention and that is the last thing a burglar wants so they will go to a different house, so barking is prob all you want from a dog.

If you want a dog to attack someone if they do decide to break in, then a small little dog is not going to be much of a challenge to a burglar. You would be looking at something like a German shepherd or Doberman or Labrador size dog which is not an option for you.

Okay thanks! Would you know the procedures I have to take when getting a puppy.

VonVix

4th horsemen wrote: »

If you want a dog to attack someone if they do decide to break in, then a small little dog is not going to be much of a challenge to a burglar. You would be looking at something like a German shepherd or Doberman or Labrador size dog which is not an option for you.

I'd just like to make a point that just because a dog happens to be a GSD/dobie/lab/etc. doesn't mean it will be more inclined to confront someone due to its breed, those breeds you've mentioned are just more inclined to be trained to do a specific behaviour when it comes to guarding/intruders.

Comparing the average family German shepherds I've met to the average family Jack russells I've met, I'd be far more inclined to think a Jack russell would confront an intruder than a German shepherd would lol.

Tranceypoo

Even if you're set on a puppy OP, there are loads of litters of puppies in shelters at the moment, the rescue I work for have about 3 or 4 different litters at the moment.

Can't remember if you said your area but if you're in Dublin you could go to <snip> and just have a look round and a chat with one of the workers there, explain what you're looking for, get some advice, they probably have puppys/young dogs in as well

4th horsemen

VonVix wrote: »

I'd just like to make a point that just because a dog happens to be a GSD/dobie/lab/etc. doesn't mean it will be more inclined to confront someone due to its breed, those breeds you've mentioned are just more inclined to be trained to do a specific behaviour when it comes to guarding/intruders.

Comparing the average family German shepherds I've met to the average family Jack russells I've met, I'd be far more inclined to think a Jack russell would confront an intruder than a German shepherd would lol.

Totally Agree, I have 3 dogs (medium/large) myself and was only using the above breeds as an example to size dog and possible behaviour that the OP is looking for in a guard dog, as the OP wants a dog that acts as guard dog but not only by barking but also if burglar decides to enter the house and although a jack russel is in general more snappy and aggressive(mainly cause its a high energy dog and doesn't get the exersice it needs) than any big dog like shepherd etc, I doubt a burglar would be overpowered by a jack russell. But yeah it depends on the personality of the dog regardless of breed, what it will do in certain situations.

4th horsemen

Yaskojames wrote: »

Okay thanks! Would you know the procedures I have to take when getting a puppy.

If you are buying one then make sure it is from a reputable breeder as there are so many people breeding dogs and don't know what they are at. These uninformed people who breed will breed dogs that have temperament issues, dogs with health issues etc etc which all get passed onto the puppy.

A reputable breeder will care about where their puppy goes to, will have puppy vaccinations, probably IKC registered and will provide you with information regarding your breed of dog. If looking at the litter try see how puppies are interacting and see which ones are the timid ones and which might be the more dominant/cheeky ones so you have an idea what kind of temperament you might end up with(not to see which is a bad puppy or anything, just for their little personalities) The breeder will know also which puppy is the quieter ones and which ones might be more bold/adventurous.
Also ask to see the parents and ask bout their temperaments etc.

So decide on a breed of dog and then look for a reputable breeder (don't go straight onto Done Deal and buy from the first add you see ) and maybe visit the litter a few times before deciding or taking the puppy.

I know it might sound over the top but may as well do it right and with reputable breeders all this is common practice and they will help you along the way.
Also google and learn about Crate training, it is great for toilet training and getting dog used to it's own space and anytime a dog goes to vets, groomers etc they will be put into a crate so if he is used to it then makes life a lot easier for you and the dog

Yaskojames

Great! Thanks everyone for your replies and help! Really appreciate it!

ShaShaBear

Yaskojames wrote: »

Great! Thanks everyone for your replies and help! Really appreciate it!

Also worth asking how much you are willing to pay for a puppy.

VonVix

Yaskojames wrote: »

Great! Thanks everyone for your replies and help! Really appreciate it!

Post any questions or worries you have here, there's some really knowledgeable people around who can help. Raising and owning a dog isn't easy, and owning your very first dog can be even more difficult. But one thing I can say is... training with your dog can be super fun, rewarding and can build a great relationship between you.

kylith

Whatever you do stay away from sites like DoneDeal. It's very difficult to tell the genuine breeders from the puppy farmers, and people are often lured by the relative cheapness of the pups on there, but cheap pups are usually the farmed ones and can come with all kinds of expensive health problems on top of the ethical issues. A well-bred pup can cost hundreds of euro, but you can be assured that the parents have been health screened and the pups have been vaccinated and wormed.

DBB

Hi OP,
You want small, barks at intruders, but is reliable around your little bro, so although many terrier breeds would be ideal on the first two counts, many of them are hit and miss with younger kids. Not wanting to tar all terriers now, I'm a big terrier fan myself, but by and large they can be a bit fiery and intolerant... not a good idea around a kid.
Out of all the other terriers, I know some that are just wonderful family dogs, and I know just as many that aren't.
That said, some terrier breeds are much more gentle of temperament... you'll get the barking, but also a well-bred and raised one can make a great family dog. I'm thinking something along the lines of the Border Terrier?
If you're not shy of grooming nor shedding, maybe the Japanese Spitz?
Of another reasonably good little all-rounder who should tick all the boxes for you is the Bichon?
The Manchester Terrier is going to be hard to get, they are not a common breed and you will therefore end up paying more for them.

However, no matter what breed you go for, there is one thing you must, must, must do: find a reputable breeder, and research the bejayzus out of them. Or, if you go for a rescue pup, and you would be amazed at what's available out there, make sure the same terms and conditions I'm going to rant about below are being fulfilled:
Make sure your pup is reared inside the family home, not in a shed. Make sure the breeder.fosterer is giving their pups access to kids of different ages, men and women, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, handling... lots and lots of handling, and you'd also like to see that they have the housetraining foundations already laid down. Pups that are used to living in a busy, noisy, slightly mental house before moving on to their new homes are ready, willing and able to cope with most things life can throw at them.
Cut any corners here at your own peril, but don't say you weren't warned... a huge amount of future problem behaviours have their roots in the dog not having been properly socialised and habituated to all sorts from very early on in life.

Yaskojames

Wow after all the hassle, I have convinced my dad that when we actually buy a dog, it should be one that we want and we will love. And we have agreed that the golden retriever has to be a prat of our family. Ive read he's great around children, great watchdog, intelligent and in our opinion he seems like a dog you can't hate. Can anyone inform me more about this dog?

4th horsemen

They are a lovely dog and a good family dog,

See some info here:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/goldenretriever.htm

borderlinemeath

Yaskojames wrote: »

Wow after all the hassle, I have convinced my dad that when we actually buy a dog, it should be one that we want and we will love. And we have agreed that the golden retriever has to be a prat of our family. Ive read he's great around children, great watchdog, intelligent and in our opinion he seems like a dog you can't hate. Can anyone inform me more about this dog?

Goldies are great dogs - fantastic family pets, easy to train, great reputation as family dogs, once you get your pup from a reputable breeder. But you initially wanted a short haired dogs, and goldies are anything but! You'll have to get used to a good deal of hair shedding, and the longer hair tends to gather together like little golden dust balls!

Yaskojames

borderlinemeath wrote: »

Goldies are great dogs - fantastic family pets, easy to train, great reputation as family dogs, once you get your pup from a reputable breeder. But you initially wanted a short haired dogs, and goldies are anything but! You'll have to get used to a good deal of hair shedding, and the longer hair tends to gather together like little golden dust balls!

Thats not a problem! I am more worried about training the dog to go toilet (using the crate method) and what will happen when it is left alone for 7 hours a day every weekday.

VonVix

Yaskojames wrote: »

Wow after all the hassle, I have convinced my dad that when we actually buy a dog, it should be one that we want and we will love. And we have agreed that the golden retriever has to be a prat of our family. Ive read he's great around children, great watchdog, intelligent and in our opinion he seems like a dog you can't hate. Can anyone inform me more about this dog?

Ah, golden retrievers, I've met loads of them, but I personally never want one as a pet (personal opinion, they just don't really suit my lifestyle). I think they would be excellent in an active family environment. To sum up a golden retriever in three word... sweet, lovable and nuts lol.

They're a very busy dog from my experiences, they always want to be doing something or involved with what you're doing. If you want a dog that makes itself involved in and apart of your family, it's definitely a good one.

Yaskojames

Im a bit paranoid over the crate training because i am willing to buy a puppy at a young age (7-8 weeks) and people state that i will have to let the dog out every 3-4 hours. I would be able to get up twice a night to let him out but there is nobody home for 7 hours (from 8am-3pm). Don't know how it will work out

VonVix

Yaskojames wrote: »

Im a bit paranoid over the crate training because i am willing to buy a puppy at a young age (7-8 weeks) and people state that i will have to let the dog out every 3-4 hours. I would be able to get up twice a night to let him out but there is nobody home for 7 hours (from 8am-3pm). Don't know how it will work out

You'd be better off getting a puppy who's 8-10 weeks. And that's the joy of a commitment to a dog lol, do you have someone you could trust to come over and check on the pup? Will you/your family have time dedicated to socialisation and training of the pup along side crate training?