Getting a dog, any advice?

Mike Hoxbig said:
We're dog people, we each grew up with them with our parents. We just haven't had any in a while. In some ways it's harder having a dog, we understand the challenges.
Click to expand...
That's good. People tend to forget the first few months and how bad it can be though.

Mike Hoxbig said:
On that topic, what do you guys do with them when you need to go away on holiday? Growing up, we had live-in helpers who looked after them so they wouldn't be lonely.
Click to expand...
Kennels for long holidays but rather plan trips they can join in on.
Grandparents/uncles/aunties in the picture? It takes a village.

Mike Hoxbig said:
I'm not yet comfortable enough to leave the keys with the neighbours, and I'm not entirely sure about these "doggy spas" and the effect it would have on the dog...
Click to expand...
Related to the previous quote but if you are the kind of family that needs to leave the dog alone for 8hrs a day then you should rethink your plans. IMO it is cruel to leave an intelligent, bonded animal alone all day. Doggy day-care at the very least but essentially there really should be someone at home at least for part of the day.

Longboi said:
Get a bull terrier pup.

They will die protecting your kid if need be and are very playful/energetic. Bonus points goes to their keen sense of awareness and intelligence.


View attachment 1762488
Click to expand...
Intelligence in the minus numbers, extreme explosive power and very boisterous, some pretty fair concerns regarding prey-drive and very small kids/toddlers. Nah uh. Terrible suggestion.
 
My vote goes to a medium poodle.

Not a Maltese yapper. Proper poodle. And without the stupid haircut.

Very very intelligent, good with kids, and non allergic.
1728291461684.png
 
Hotfuzz said:
She isn't 'happy go lucky' like you would typically get from a dog who is raised from birth with their arse in the butter. So a bit cautious of unknown environments and protective over us which are actually great attributes. Her arse is in the butter now and she knows it, such a huge contrast to when we got her, its pretty awesome.
Click to expand...
Same with ours! She's very protective over us and who comes in the house and scared of things she doesn't understand (like barking at a lady doing yoga poses in the park the other day :ROFL:) Super lovable though and lets us know when she wants attention by poking at us with her nose.
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
We're dog people, we each grew up with them with our parents. We just haven't had any in a while. In some ways it's harder having a dog, we understand the challenges.

On that topic, what do you guys do with them when you need to go away on holiday? Growing up, we had live-in helpers who looked after them so they wouldn't be lonely.

I'm not yet comfortable enough to leave the keys with the neighbours, and I'm not entirely sure about these "doggy spas" and the effect it would have on the dog...
Click to expand...
Please - and I cannot stress this enough - socialize the dog at puppy stage. Take it for frequent walks and outings to busy places, let loads of people pet it, let all the dogs sniff its butt. Basically, teach it to be comfortable in non-home situations, and to be comfortable with other living creatures. Maybe even take it with when you go visiting friends with other dogs, and let them play. Doing this will give you many options when you go away: you can either leave it at home to be cared for,take it to a different home where it will be comfortable, heck maybe even take it with.

Point being that a socialized dog is one that gives you the most number of options. Neglecting this is what limits most dog ownership situations in massive ways.
 
Bewlen said:
Please - and I cannot stress this enough - socialize the dog at puppy stage. Take it for frequent walks and outings to busy places, let loads of people pet it, let all the dogs sniff its butt. Basically, teach it to be comfortable in non-home situations, and to be comfortable with other living creatures. Maybe even take it with when you go visiting friends with other dogs, and let them play. Doing this will give you many options when you go away: you can either leave it at home to be cared for,take it to a different home where it will be comfortable, heck maybe even take it with.

Point being that a socialized dog is one that gives you the most number of options. Neglecting this is what limits most dog ownership situations in massive ways.
Click to expand...
There is nothing worse than when you visit someone, and the dog goes ape $hit, jumping all over you, running into the road while the owners are frantically trying to Sheppard the dog back, lot's of chaos and general mayhem.

Socialised and excercised dogs don't have that pent up energy and desperation to explore.
 
SlinkyMike said:
ITT: everyone shouting out their favourite breed with no regard for the OP.

Although you did express concerns about Maltese with kids and although I have heard similar rumours, I am still going to recommend them because:

1 . I think those rumours arise from old ladies Maltese Poodles who have not been socialised with kids so this could really be any dog/cat/bird for that matter.

2. Hypo-allergenic and easy to groom.

3. Intelligence really goes a long way when you are trying to fit a dog into a family unit and they have it in abundance.

4. Loyal and playful but also able to chill on their own. Some breeds it's more like having another child than a play-pal for a child. If a Collie or Lab bonds to you - that's your new life for the next decade and then some. They will need your attention constantly for every waking hour.

5. Little poos.

6. Another point for their personality: there is just something about these little dogs. They are kind of funny in a way and they will surprise you with how dialled in they can be to certain peoples emotional state. This translates into so many good things like: dog understands when it's time to chill and not constantly need to play, they fit into your schedule a lot better than more demanding breeds, which brings me to...

7. A walk around the block twice a day is enough to exercise a little Maltese but if you want to take them on longer adventures they are fine to chill in a backpack when they get tired.

Good luck with the first few months. Not sure if this is your first puppy but clear your calendar and vasbyt.
Click to expand...
Good suggestion, but how the hell do you get that thing from stop yapping. High pitched and loud. But nice little handbag doggies.
 
notayoba said:
My vote goes to a medium poodle.

Not a Maltese yapper. Proper poodle. And without the stupid haircut.

Very very intelligent, good with kids, and non allergic.
View attachment 1762612
Click to expand...
We had a Poodle x as a kid. Was super intelligent and loved us as kids. Could walk on its backfeet, smile , roll and give you the paw to greet you.
 
SlinkyMike said:
ITT: everyone shouting out their favourite breed with no regard for the OP.

Although you did express concerns about Maltese with kids and although I have heard similar rumours, I am still going to recommend them because:

1 . I think those rumours arise from old ladies Maltese Poodles who have not been socialised with kids so this could really be any dog/cat/bird for that matter.

2. Hypo-allergenic and easy to groom.

3. Intelligence really goes a long way when you are trying to fit a dog into a family unit and they have it in abundance.

4. Loyal and playful but also able to chill on their own. Some breeds it's more like having another child than a play-pal for a child. If a Collie or Lab bonds to you - that's your new life for the next decade and then some. They will need your attention constantly for every waking hour.

5. Little poos.

6. Another point for their personality: there is just something about these little dogs. They are kind of funny in a way and they will surprise you with how dialled in they can be to certain peoples emotional state. This translates into so many good things like: dog understands when it's time to chill and not constantly need to play, they fit into your schedule a lot better than more demanding breeds, which brings me to...

7. A walk around the block twice a day is enough to exercise a little Maltese but if you want to take them on longer adventures they are fine to chill in a backpack when they get tired.

Good luck with the first few months. Not sure if this is your first puppy but clear your calendar and vasbyt.
Click to expand...
Not the worst idea. Most I've seen are very friendly and also intellegent. But holy sheet, they can yap.

Maybe a bad experience from childhood. our neighbour had 5 of them. Every time you stick your head out the door they would start yapping for 10 minutes non stop. Drove everyone nuts.
 
The_MAC said:
There is nothing worse than when you visit someone, and the dog goes ape $hit, jumping all over you, running into the road while the owners are frantically trying to Sheppard the dog back, lot's of chaos and general mayhem.

Socialised and excercised dogs don't have that pent up energy and desperation to explore.
Click to expand...
This is why I do not like dogs full stop. That, and they schitt everywhere, including your carpets
 
PaulMurkin said:
This is why I do not like dogs full stop. That, and they schitt everywhere, including your carpets
Click to expand...

This.

My pitbull and bull terriers live outside in their spacious and warm kennels. A dog is not supposed to live in a house.
 
PaulMurkin said:
People lecture you a lot because the dogs are outside no doubt
"How can you leave the poor animal outside.... it will die of cold/heat/rain/wind"
Click to expand...
Those people also let their dogs lick their faces
 
Looney said:
Miniature Schnauzer. They are without a doubt the best breed for children. They are playful, gentle, loving and love to play with kids. You can’t go wrong with a miniature Schnauzer

5735c105fe4843fd7716e6e204ffaef3.jpg
Click to expand...
i 2nd the schnauzie.... we got one last year. best decision ever!! most loyal and intelligent dogs ever.
 
PaulMurkin said:
People lecture you a lot because the dogs are outside no doubt
"How can you leave the poor animal outside.... it will die of cold/heat/rain/wind"
Click to expand...

Those people forget that a dogs natural habitat is not in a house with humans. I interact with them / play / talk / exercise them daily.

I make sure their kennels are large and warm enough for Durban weather. They get natural food (minced fresh meat) and water daily x 2. They were trained by a professional for a few months then I took ownership.

You also have a clean house free from pet hair and odour when you keep your dogs outside. I do not think of them as "pets" - they are a part of the extended family and are treated very well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X