The right dog?

robocode

I know a lot of people scoff at it, but doggie daycare can be brilliant. We drop our fella off 3 times a week, for the other two days he focuses on catching up on his sleep It's great for him, socialising, training, playing etc. When he isn't going to his daycare I get up around 6:30am to walk him.

There really are two camps in this country, 1) a dog is part of the family 2) a dog is just a dog. I'm definitely in the first camp, however, it is represented a bit militantly on this forum from time to time.

Only the OP knows where his intentions ultimately lie. If you genuinely think the dog will be alone most of the time, bar evening runs with you, then my advice would be to forget a dog for the time being. If, however, you think you'll tire the dog out in the morning, give him somewhere comfy to sleep during the day, plenty of toys etc (dog walkers would be great), maybe the daycare once or twice a week, then I think it's definitely doable.

Lucy and Harry

You don't know what they are doing to your dog when you are not there.I would be afraid of cruelty or rape.

Mod edit: user banned

Cocolola

Lucy and Harry wrote: »

You don't know what they are doing to your dog when you are not there.I would be afraid of cruelty or rape.

Eh, what!? Who are you talking about here, dog walkers? Daycare? And more importantly, what's this about rape??

Murray007

Green&Red wrote: »

I'm not sure why but I'll try and defend myself here, it may be hard to reach some of the people on their high horses.

Firstly, I described my lifestyle because I'm looking for an animal to fit into my lifestyle. The same as if I was buying a bull, I would identify the characteristics that I wanted in a bull (size, temperament etc). Its the same process I'll go through with a dog. So I'm looking for a dog to fit my lifestyle and schedule, absolutely.

I also believe that animals can adapt to their environment to a certain extent, not wholesale but to a certain extent.

The idea that I would bring any animal on any walk or run that it wasnt able to, I'm not in the habit of making any animal suffer.

As for the dog walker, these would be my siblings, four of whom live with kids within a mile radius of me. That would be a matter for me to decide once I saw how the dog was getting on. And if it came to it I would just move the dog to the farm.

A dog is not like a bull at all. A bull has one obvious function and the farmer will look after the bull in such a way that it fulfills this function in as productive a way a possible for purely commercial reasons. Once it doesn't fulfill this function any more, its off to the factory.

A dog is a domestic animal, either companion or working, and is at the mercy of its owner for its quality of life.

Green&Red

Murray007 wrote: »

A dog is a domestic animal, either companion or working, and is at the mercy of its owner for its quality of life.

As are all animals. My point about the bull was that you choose the animal that suits your needs. I think you may have deliberately missed that point in your pontificating.

My previous dog lived to 18 so I'm not sure I can be lectured on animal welfare and while I firmly belong in the dog is just a dog camp the dog will be well cared for. And like any animal you want to prosper you look out for signs of illness and discontent.

So I go back to my original question of does anyone have any advice on the breed (or more probably cross breed) I should keep in mind?
Thanks

kylith

Green&Red wrote: »

As are all animals. My point about the bull was that you choose the animal that suits your needs. I think you may have deliberately missed that point in your pontificating.

Would you tell someone that it was ok to keep one cow or a sheep on her own rather than as part of a herd, or would you tell them that those animals need company so that they don't get stressed? You need to take an animal's needs into account when you are deciding whether or not to bring one into your life.

Some dogs are ok on their own, most that are left to their own devices for a significant part of the day will develop problems with barking, chewing, digging, or other behaviours. Getting someone to come in during the day, even just to break the monotony for 15 minutes, would be beneficial.

Breeds which may be suitable for your exercise regimen would be beagles/foxhounds, collies, or sled dogs - all are highly gregarious dogs with a need for company, and well known for developing troubling and destructive habits if not properly occupied.

Ashbx

Lucy and Harry wrote: »

You don't know what they are doing to your dog when you are not there.I would be afraid of cruelty or rape.

Rape....dogs?!? Im confused...and worried as to why you would even think that! :eek:

Green&Red

kylith wrote: »

Would you tell someone that it was ok to keep one cow or a sheep on her own rather than as part of a herd, or would you tell them that those animals need company so that they don't get stressed? You need to take an animal's needs into account when you are deciding whether or not to bring one into your life.

Some dogs are ok on their own, most that are left to their own devices for a significant part of the day will develop problems with barking, chewing, digging, or other behaviours. Getting someone to come in during the day, even just to break the monotony for 15 minutes, would be beneficial.

Breeds which may be suitable for your exercise regimen would be beagles/foxhounds, collies, or sled dogs - all are highly gregarious dogs with a need for company, and well known for developing troubling and destructive habits if not properly occupied.

Honestly? I would monitor the animal and if it was thriving then leave it as it was, I wouldnt assume the animal would be lonely.
I would do the same with a dog, solutions to the problem being getting a second dog, moving the dog to the farm or having family take the dog out during the day (not necessarily in that order)

Murray007

Green&Red wrote: »

As are all animals. My point about the bull was that you choose the animal that suits your needs. I think you may have deliberately missed that point in your pontificating.

My previous dog lived to 18 so I'm not sure I can be lectured on animal welfare and while I firmly belong in the dog is just a dog camp the dog will be well cared for. And like any animal you want to prosper you look out for signs of illness and discontent.

So I go back to my original question of does anyone have any advice on the breed (or more probably cross breed) I should keep in mind?
Thanks

What? I am saying what the majority of posters are saying. Get a grip, you just don't like the opinions so you choose to take pot shots at individual posters i.e me.

It has been said over and over in this thread, there is no dog suited to the circumstances you yourself have described. Over and Out.

Green&Red

Murray007 wrote: »

Hold on, it's cloud cook coo land to think the OP will be employing a dog walker. The reality is that OP has decided that it's Ok to leave a dog all day and now OP wants more than that, the dog must also be willing to train to his schedule, a schedule that none of us here know in terms of distance, speed, frequency and even if we did the dog, say a greyhound may be unable due to age or experience to live up to the expectation.

OP do as you will lots of other do and people will justify on that basis, but don't look for validation here because, certainly from me, dogs are not accessories and just because you have experience that dogs can be treated like this doesn't mean that others will condone it (of course other than like minded people).

I would consider this pontificating

Ashbx

Green&Red wrote: »

I would consider this pontificating

OP, you cant expect to get nice/helpful responses from people if you keep ignoring the people who are actually trying to help you! If this thread ends up in an argument, it isn't going anywhere!

Lots of people have given you suggestions on here and you haven't thanked (or even acknowledged) one single person....

DBB

Cocolola wrote: »

Eh, what!? Who are you talking about here, dog walkers? Daycare? And more importantly, what's this about rape??

Ashbx wrote: »

Rape....dogs?!? Im confused...and worried as to why you would even think that! :eek:

Folks, you know what the report button is for. Please don't feed trolls. It gives them energy.
Thanks,
DBB

DBB

Furthermore, this thread is rapidly going belly-up. I'd suggest that everyone posts in a mutually respectful manner, or don't post at all.
Do not reply to this post on-thread.
Thanks,
DBB

Green&Red

Ashbx wrote: »

OP, you cant expect to get nice/helpful responses from people if you keep ignoring the people who are actually trying to help you! If this thread ends up in an argument, it isn't going anywhere!

Lots of people have given you suggestions on here and you haven't thanked (or even acknowledged) one single person....

My apologises for the lack of thanks, my boards manners arent what they should be!

I have taken on board the constructive posts, other posts are less constructive.

deadwood85

Get two rescue dogs so there will be no separation anxiety when they are left alone,,id say get a border collie,german shepherd or a springer they all enjoy running, <snip> and the <snip> are a good place to start,

kylith

Green&Red wrote: »

Honestly? I would monitor the animal and if it was thriving then leave it as it was, I wouldnt assume the animal would be lonely.
I would do the same with a dog, solutions to the problem being getting a second dog, moving the dog to the farm or having family take the dog out during the day (not necessarily in that order)

Anyone I've ever known who keeps livestock has not looked favourably on keeping one animal by itself for hours on end, whether cow, pig, or chicken, unless for medical reasons.

Honestly getting a second dog often means winding up with two dogs with annoying and destructive behaviours. Moving it to the farm sounds like it won't actually change the dog's circumstances - just give it more space to be bored and destructive in. Having the family take the dog out would probably be the best option, but would depend on their willingness, whether or not they have kids, and how the dog tolerates kids.

F1fan

Op, in response to your question I would suggest that maybe you get two rescue dogs? They would be company for each other, and as a previous poster said, if they were inside the wntire time when you are home spending time with people I don't think there would be anything 'wrong' with that.
I have a German Shepard and a Golden Retriever. We work shift work and have children, so there is usually someone home or not too far away! However, if we went off for the day they would be outside together, and we know from neighbours they get in just fine. However, when we are home they are with us all the time, have their own sofa, sleep indoors etc. I run with them also, and both love it.
I agree that there is a lot of 'militant' views here. I don't expect any dog owner to be perfect, but if someone is prepared to care for a dog and give it attention when possible they shouldn't be discouraged.

Green&Red

Cheers, I'd hope to get a young enough dog so that I could get it used to small kids who would man handle it enough for them both to be at ease with each other

daUbiq

Adopting a dog from the pound is the most rewarding thing I've done in years and it's totally changed my life... Best of luck with whatever you do.

Stheno

Green&Red wrote: »

Cheers, I'd hope to get a young enough dog so that I could get it used to small kids who would man handle it enough for them both to be at ease with each other

Bad idea on the kids manhandling the dog, both the dog and the kids need to learn how to behave

Green&Red

Stheno wrote: »

Bad idea on the kids manhandling the dog, both the dog and the kids need to learn how to behave

Really? I would have thought it was an inevitable part of having kids around a dog? And its better to get the dog used to it

VonVix

Green&Red wrote: »

Really? I would have thought it was an inevitable part of having kids around a dog? And its better to get the dog used to it

A dog shouldn't have to get used to it. Inappropriate handling by children is often the main cause of dog bites. A dog should by comfortable by kids running around or making loud noises, but a dog should not be expected to be comfortable with being poked, prodded or pulled at.

Green&Red

Sorry, not what I meant, I meant over zealous petting etc, manhandled rather than being kicked around the place!

con___manx1

Murray007 wrote: »

A springer spaniel loves work, I have a springer and a collie and we have always had one of both since I was a child.

They are not a dog, if they is such a thing, that can it should be left alone for long periods. If it wasn't for the hardship to the dog, I would laugh if the OP got a springer.

My springers have over the years, dug huge holes in the gravel street around the house trying to dig her way in when she is outside without us. Has trashed Christmas wreaths that we hung on the front door, four feet up, and same with the only neighbour we have within a mile. Trashes planters randomly at the front door, leaves them alone most of the time but digs they up if bored. Has jumped into a trailer were we put newly planted hanging baskets - trashed them, they were in the trailer to keep them away from her. Our front hedge has huge holes it in where she storms through rather than go around. Left a roast on the the kitchen table to rest while we were having a pre dinner drink at Easter and she swiped it and the two dogs were crowing down on it before we realised.

This dog is out all day up and down the fields with us and anytime she is bored she is destructive.

my springer jumped into a swollen river and some how made it out alive she once jumped up onto the wall of a bridge had a look at the 50 ft drop at the other side and jumped back down off the wall. they are crazy dogs mine died sadly a while ago but im gonna get another springer soon.

kylith

Green&Red wrote: »

Sorry, not what I meant, I meant over zealous petting etc, manhandled rather than being kicked around the place!

Overzealous petting, manhandling, and unwanted holding was the #1 reason for my childhood dog biting me on the face, and she was reared with us from 6 weeks old. Kids need to be taught to treat dogs gently and with respect, and the dog should be taught to tolerate children running around and making noise.

Toulouse

Green&Red wrote: »

Sorry, not what I meant, I meant over zealous petting etc, manhandled rather than being kicked around the place!

I got what you meant. Just kids should not have that kind of access to a dog.

There's a really excellent chart about kids and dog signalling if anyone has it to hand. The majority of dog bites are as a result of adults missing some pretty big warning signs and then turning around and saying that it was completely out of the blue.

I'll see if I can find it to give you an idea.

tk123

Green&Red wrote: »

Cheers, I'd hope to get a young enough dog so that I could get it used to small kids who would man handle it enough for them both to be at ease with each other

You won't be able to run with a young dog until it's fully grown so as not to damage it's joints. The rule of thumb is 5 mins per month of age for walks.