What Medium / Large dog Breed ??
Discussion
Looking to get some dogs after recently getting married. We're both in our 40's, and this isn't a child avoidance thing. Her kids are grown up and nearly moved out ! So we're looking to get some pets that are a bit more obedient and loving than a 23 year who is glued to either his Xbox or his girlfriend.
The situation... We both work full time. Normally out of the house before 8 and not home until 5, though there is some flexibility in that. Reasonable sized garden for short visits. Plenty of walking areas immediate to us, though I suspect not much offlead, unless an obedient dog. Plan would be to get a dog walker in once a day while we are at work.
She wants a Cocker Spaniel. She had one a few years ago, but had to give it up when she was caring for her poorly father. The kids didn't want to help out, and she managed to rehome the dog to a farm in the Lake district. I like them, and we often dog sit her friends pair.
Me, I would like a larger breed. I've grown up with black labs, and fostered a greyhound for a while.
Our current plan is to get 2 pups at the same time. The aim is for the 2 to keep each other company so to reduce separation anxiety while we are at work.
I'm still stuck on the larger dog to be mates with the Cocker though......
My list at the moment is..
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Bernese
Basset Hound
I know the low risk option is the Golden Retriever. My preferred option is the Bernese... Proper fell for them at Crufts earlier in the year.
So.. We work a lot, but are prepared to get a dog walker in during the day, plus walkies before and after work.
Which large dog should we get ??? (The Cockers non negotiable
)
The situation... We both work full time. Normally out of the house before 8 and not home until 5, though there is some flexibility in that. Reasonable sized garden for short visits. Plenty of walking areas immediate to us, though I suspect not much offlead, unless an obedient dog. Plan would be to get a dog walker in once a day while we are at work.
She wants a Cocker Spaniel. She had one a few years ago, but had to give it up when she was caring for her poorly father. The kids didn't want to help out, and she managed to rehome the dog to a farm in the Lake district. I like them, and we often dog sit her friends pair.
Me, I would like a larger breed. I've grown up with black labs, and fostered a greyhound for a while.
Our current plan is to get 2 pups at the same time. The aim is for the 2 to keep each other company so to reduce separation anxiety while we are at work.
I'm still stuck on the larger dog to be mates with the Cocker though......
My list at the moment is..
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Bernese
Basset Hound
I know the low risk option is the Golden Retriever. My preferred option is the Bernese... Proper fell for them at Crufts earlier in the year.
So.. We work a lot, but are prepared to get a dog walker in during the day, plus walkies before and after work.
Which large dog should we get ??? (The Cockers non negotiable
)please try and find a rescue dog if you can 
there are so many about that are completely normal dogs but have treated badly. Not necessarily damaging, but daft things like "had to get rid of them due to a baby" are all to common.
I recently got a large rescue dog (about a year ago) which is a mongrel of some description (mastiff based we believe) and despite being 7, has spent most of her life in rescue shelters. She is a completely normal dog, doesn't wreck things, very well behaved, intelligent and house trained. She has resting sad face though, which is apparently why nobody wanted her
We are in a similar situation where we both work full time, I pop home at dinner time to spend an hour with her though. If it wasn't for the fact she's never had a proper home, I don't think we would have got her due to being out the house most of the day. When I saw her and learned of her back story (was even in a national newspaper), I figured she is as well staying on my couch, than in some rescue shelter for the rest of her life.
there are so many about that are completely normal dogs but have treated badly. Not necessarily damaging, but daft things like "had to get rid of them due to a baby" are all to common. I recently got a large rescue dog (about a year ago) which is a mongrel of some description (mastiff based we believe) and despite being 7, has spent most of her life in rescue shelters. She is a completely normal dog, doesn't wreck things, very well behaved, intelligent and house trained. She has resting sad face though, which is apparently why nobody wanted her
We are in a similar situation where we both work full time, I pop home at dinner time to spend an hour with her though. If it wasn't for the fact she's never had a proper home, I don't think we would have got her due to being out the house most of the day. When I saw her and learned of her back story (was even in a national newspaper), I figured she is as well staying on my couch, than in some rescue shelter for the rest of her life.
+ 1 on the rescue dog.
I would add that you need to really assess whether your work commitments would really allow for you to have dogs, regardless of getting a dog walker. Getting 2 pups properly socialised and trained would be very time consuming. An older rescue pair would work better especially if they had been 'rescued' together.
Looking forward to the piccies!
I would add that you need to really assess whether your work commitments would really allow for you to have dogs, regardless of getting a dog walker. Getting 2 pups properly socialised and trained would be very time consuming. An older rescue pair would work better especially if they had been 'rescued' together.
Looking forward to the piccies!
Piha said:
+ 1 on the rescue dog.
I would add that you need to really assess whether your work commitments would really allow for you to have dogs, regardless of getting a dog walker. Getting 2 pups properly socialised and trained would be very time consuming. An older rescue pair would work better especially if they had been 'rescued' together.
Looking forward to the piccies!
I have to agree with this.I would add that you need to really assess whether your work commitments would really allow for you to have dogs, regardless of getting a dog walker. Getting 2 pups properly socialised and trained would be very time consuming. An older rescue pair would work better especially if they had been 'rescued' together.
Looking forward to the piccies!
I think two pups for two working people will not be fair on either of you, or the dogs.
There was a programme on the BBC a couple of years ago about leaving dogs at home. This was presented by the former RSPCA chief vet. It was not easy to watch.
Dogs are pack animals and whilst some cope ok with being left, most don't
Good luck
I've had three Basset hounds over the last 10 years.
Two were rescues and one was not, my experience may differ but...
Combining the accepted "willfulness" of a Basset with the unknown background(s) of rescue means you'll have to be prepared for some real challenges
If you're unaware (and you may well be) of what the previous homes were like you could be inheriting both behavioural and health issues. Those health issues could lead your time with your new best friend being curtailed much sooner than expected (neither of our rescues made it past 6, our current hound is 8)
Do not underestimate the size of a basset hound, our current male is healthy, not in anyway fat but weighs just shy of 40kg and due to his short legs has to be picked up and put in (or taken out) of the car
A fit basset will need walking and for much longer than you may think - we're typically at something around 3 hours per day in the week and up to 5 hours a day at the weekend. You'll not walk fast/far but they're like a diesel and just go on and on
They shed all the time - irrespective of season this is a continuous process
Watch out for eye problems, skin conditions caused by lack of grooming especially if the hound is particularly wrinkly - typically the neck and "furnishings" on the legs are problem areas
Now all that sounds like a series of reasons not to get one BUT I've not regretted having any of ours; even when the first rescue raided our landlords beach-hut (whilst they were in it) for sausages, the talent our second had for ninja appropriation of picnic food from anybody or the current one with his pre-disposition to indulging in loud snorting and farting.
They have a huge amount of character, can respond to training if they think it's worthwhile and tend to be very, very good natured.
Two were rescues and one was not, my experience may differ but...
Combining the accepted "willfulness" of a Basset with the unknown background(s) of rescue means you'll have to be prepared for some real challenges
If you're unaware (and you may well be) of what the previous homes were like you could be inheriting both behavioural and health issues. Those health issues could lead your time with your new best friend being curtailed much sooner than expected (neither of our rescues made it past 6, our current hound is 8)
Do not underestimate the size of a basset hound, our current male is healthy, not in anyway fat but weighs just shy of 40kg and due to his short legs has to be picked up and put in (or taken out) of the car
A fit basset will need walking and for much longer than you may think - we're typically at something around 3 hours per day in the week and up to 5 hours a day at the weekend. You'll not walk fast/far but they're like a diesel and just go on and on
They shed all the time - irrespective of season this is a continuous process
Watch out for eye problems, skin conditions caused by lack of grooming especially if the hound is particularly wrinkly - typically the neck and "furnishings" on the legs are problem areas
Now all that sounds like a series of reasons not to get one BUT I've not regretted having any of ours; even when the first rescue raided our landlords beach-hut (whilst they were in it) for sausages, the talent our second had for ninja appropriation of picnic food from anybody or the current one with his pre-disposition to indulging in loud snorting and farting.
They have a huge amount of character, can respond to training if they think it's worthwhile and tend to be very, very good natured.
hkz286 said:
please try and find a rescue dog if you can there are so many about that are completely normal dogs but have treated badly. Not necessarily damaging, but daft things like "had to get rid of them due to a baby" are all to common.
I recently got a large rescue dog (about a year ago) which is a mongrel of some description (mastiff based we believe) and despite being 7, has spent most of her life in rescue shelters. She is a completely normal dog, doesn't wreck things, very well behaved, intelligent and house trained. She has resting sad face though, which is apparently why nobody wanted her
We are in a similar situation where we both work full time, I pop home at dinner time to spend an hour with her though. If it wasn't for the fact she's never had a proper home, I don't think we would have got her due to being out the house most of the day. When I saw her and learned of her back story (was even in a national newspaper), I figured she is as well staying on my couch, than in some rescue shelter for the rest of her life.
Definitely agree on getting a rescue dog. It saves two lives. The dog you're adopting and the dog that takes its place in the rescue. there are so many about that are completely normal dogs but have treated badly. Not necessarily damaging, but daft things like "had to get rid of them due to a baby" are all to common. I recently got a large rescue dog (about a year ago) which is a mongrel of some description (mastiff based we believe) and despite being 7, has spent most of her life in rescue shelters. She is a completely normal dog, doesn't wreck things, very well behaved, intelligent and house trained. She has resting sad face though, which is apparently why nobody wanted her
We are in a similar situation where we both work full time, I pop home at dinner time to spend an hour with her though. If it wasn't for the fact she's never had a proper home, I don't think we would have got her due to being out the house most of the day. When I saw her and learned of her back story (was even in a national newspaper), I figured she is as well staying on my couch, than in some rescue shelter for the rest of her life.
Have you got a link to the newspaper story about the dog you rescued that you wouldn't mind sharing? I always like to see when dogs in the papers have a happy ending
Getting two dogs to combat separation anxiety makes sense from a human's point of view, but not necessarily how a dog thinks. You could end up with one very anxious dog who over time teaches the other dog to be anxious. That's common...
Having said that, I do think two dogs is a good idea. But I would definitely get one at a time. Get the first one established in the house, build a routine, get the dog feeling safe/secure/etc - then add the second one who will find it easier to integrate into your routine. Trying to raise/train two dogs together is about four times the work of a single dog.
Rescue dogs could be a good idea. Some dogs behave completely differently in kennels, but you have a better chance of gauging the dogs personality than with a puppy. There's at least a chance you can find a calm, steady dog who doesn't appear to suffer or act destructive when left alone in the kennel. That could be a very good sign that it'll be compatible with being left at home.
I've had too many puppies and never want another one. The best thing about dogs is when they bond with you, they want to please you, they work with you and listen to you... Puppies do none of those things. Puppies are selfish, difficult and messy. It can take them a year to get into your routine and fully stop toileting in the house, and they want to please themselves rather than you. The cuteness isn't worth it. Adult dogs are cute enough and superior in every other way.
Having said that, I do think two dogs is a good idea. But I would definitely get one at a time. Get the first one established in the house, build a routine, get the dog feeling safe/secure/etc - then add the second one who will find it easier to integrate into your routine. Trying to raise/train two dogs together is about four times the work of a single dog.
Rescue dogs could be a good idea. Some dogs behave completely differently in kennels, but you have a better chance of gauging the dogs personality than with a puppy. There's at least a chance you can find a calm, steady dog who doesn't appear to suffer or act destructive when left alone in the kennel. That could be a very good sign that it'll be compatible with being left at home.
I've had too many puppies and never want another one. The best thing about dogs is when they bond with you, they want to please you, they work with you and listen to you... Puppies do none of those things. Puppies are selfish, difficult and messy. It can take them a year to get into your routine and fully stop toileting in the house, and they want to please themselves rather than you. The cuteness isn't worth it. Adult dogs are cute enough and superior in every other way.
I'd also recommend a Greyhound.
We have a retired racing one and we both walk full time.
They happily sleep all day and most of the evening as well!
Need two 20 min walks a day minimum. Ours gets a short 20-30 minute one before work and a longer one in the evenings.
Plenty to choose from from at the retired Greyhound trust.
Loveable, quirky and generally low maintenance dogs.
This is Eve our 5 year old ex racer.
We have a retired racing one and we both walk full time.
They happily sleep all day and most of the evening as well!
Need two 20 min walks a day minimum. Ours gets a short 20-30 minute one before work and a longer one in the evenings.
Plenty to choose from from at the retired Greyhound trust.
Loveable, quirky and generally low maintenance dogs.
This is Eve our 5 year old ex racer.
I honestly don't think two pups (or even one) when you're out all day is a good idea in any way at all. How are you going to train them? How will they work out that you telling them they can't mess in the house in the evenings also means during the day when you're out? Or chewing. Or any other unwanted activity. It just won't work.
Also you need to avoid the more active/intelligent breeds. In principle I would recommend a GSD to anyone - properly trained and handled, they are a fantastic household dog. I'm on my 4th now, plus a GSD cross. But they need stimulation, mental & physical.
Greyhound is a good shout. I've had 3 in the past, and contrary to what people think they don't need a massive amount of exercise. Give them a good run and they're knackered, and then they'll sleep until the next walk!
You also need to be prepared (apols if I'm preaching to the converted) to give them a long walk (unless greyhounds!) before you go to walk and another when you get in. Don't under-estimate the impact this will have on you.
Also you need to avoid the more active/intelligent breeds. In principle I would recommend a GSD to anyone - properly trained and handled, they are a fantastic household dog. I'm on my 4th now, plus a GSD cross. But they need stimulation, mental & physical.
Greyhound is a good shout. I've had 3 in the past, and contrary to what people think they don't need a massive amount of exercise. Give them a good run and they're knackered, and then they'll sleep until the next walk!
You also need to be prepared (apols if I'm preaching to the converted) to give them a long walk (unless greyhounds!) before you go to walk and another when you get in. Don't under-estimate the impact this will have on you.
camshafted said:
I bet Ollie is the boss!
You are absolutely correct, he makes all the noise.Both are extremely friendly to humans dogs etc.The Bullmastiff is one of the softest most gentle dogs I have ever met.Unfortunately some people make pre conceived, mainly completely innacurate judgements about him because of his size and breed.After a rational discussion this evening we are going to get our logistics in place first, to make sure we can get good cover during the day. Going to find a local dog crèche that can help resolve day time issues.
I read a lot of support for rescue dogs, and I get it... but that unknown history is a risk. Ok there’s a risk with any dog, but seeing the parents and their temperament helps I’m sure.
The greyhound we had was a character for sure, but not really what we’re after. Some intelligence would be nice. It sounds like a Basset might be just as stubborn.
I fully understand the effort required, maybe not based upon puppy levels though. I’ve been out in the grim mornings before work on a regular basis, I’ve had to hand feed the dog for days when ill, stepped through the war zone in the morning after an upset stomach, and visited the vets monthly 80 miles from home when the dog was on chemo for lymphoma. I get it...
The Bernese is still my favourite choice... they seem to have the nature we’re looking for...
I read a lot of support for rescue dogs, and I get it... but that unknown history is a risk. Ok there’s a risk with any dog, but seeing the parents and their temperament helps I’m sure.
The greyhound we had was a character for sure, but not really what we’re after. Some intelligence would be nice. It sounds like a Basset might be just as stubborn.
I fully understand the effort required, maybe not based upon puppy levels though. I’ve been out in the grim mornings before work on a regular basis, I’ve had to hand feed the dog for days when ill, stepped through the war zone in the morning after an upset stomach, and visited the vets monthly 80 miles from home when the dog was on chemo for lymphoma. I get it...
The Bernese is still my favourite choice... they seem to have the nature we’re looking for...
Ceeejay said:
After a rational discussion this evening we are going to get our logistics in place first, to make sure we can get good cover during the day. Going to find a local dog crèche that can help resolve day time issues.
I read a lot of support for rescue dogs, and I get it... but that unknown history is a risk. Ok there’s a risk with any dog, but seeing the parents and their temperament helps I’m sure.
The greyhound we had was a character for sure, but not really what we’re after. Some intelligence would be nice. It sounds like a Basset might be just as stubborn.
I fully understand the effort required, maybe not based upon puppy levels though. I’ve been out in the grim mornings before work on a regular basis, I’ve had to hand feed the dog for days when ill, stepped through the war zone in the morning after an upset stomach, and visited the vets monthly 80 miles from home when the dog was on chemo for lymphoma. I get it...
The Bernese is still my favourite choice... they seem to have the nature we’re looking for...
Most breeds have their own rescue society. Details are available from the kennel club.I read a lot of support for rescue dogs, and I get it... but that unknown history is a risk. Ok there’s a risk with any dog, but seeing the parents and their temperament helps I’m sure.
The greyhound we had was a character for sure, but not really what we’re after. Some intelligence would be nice. It sounds like a Basset might be just as stubborn.
I fully understand the effort required, maybe not based upon puppy levels though. I’ve been out in the grim mornings before work on a regular basis, I’ve had to hand feed the dog for days when ill, stepped through the war zone in the morning after an upset stomach, and visited the vets monthly 80 miles from home when the dog was on chemo for lymphoma. I get it...
The Bernese is still my favourite choice... they seem to have the nature we’re looking for...
Many of the dogs looking to be re homed are subject to changed circumstances, e.g. owners death or divorce.
Would it be worth looking for a mature Bernese through their rescue society?
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