which dog for me?

hethmar

Just one of many sites for lab rescue to check out:

http://www.loveyourlabrador.co.uk/

Welshdebtor

OP how do we know you have now not knocked 5 years of your true age of 70? :rotfl:

The RNIB was mentioned earlier. I have heard of many people who have taken on Labs deemed unsuitable for guide dog work. This can for many reasons even a fear of roads. So you end up with a young lab who is already trained etc. Not sure if you contact the RNIB or any assistance dog charity direct or if it is done via a "middle man"

suki1964

moneylover wrote: »

Just woken up from my snooze and going to put my teeth in now so I can have my tea.......
Well, to tell the truth I am actually 65 but thought that might sound a bit old to some people so knocked 5 years off!
I like to think I am a 'modern' sixty five - the sort that worries the government in case I live for ever! (or sixty decades as someone suggested!)
I know labs can be very strong, however my husband (toy boy aged 62) is a big strong guy and I am also very keen on training which should reduce the pulling me around the park problem - after all blind people of my age have these dogs.
It all takes loads of thinking about and I shall look into some of the other breeds suggested including the labrapoodle and the enchanting looking spinone (never heard of that one)
Someone said their cocker was well trained and smart but 'needy' - I hear that a lot about cockers can someone elaborate? Sorry, can't remember who said this it was a page or two back!
I do take on board age re lab, but I have three adult children who cannot wait to walk this dog, and any dog owner can drop dead at any age......
Keep the info coming you have all been very helpful - more than I have got off the 'dog forum'!

Cockers are easy to train. They are very wilful though so you do need to be firm. Its so easy to get suckered into those big brown eyes and give in. Give one an inch and it will take a mile :rotfl:

They are needy in the fact they actually prefer human company. They are not a breed that does well if left all day whilst you go to work for example and they hate to be seperated from their human, In our case here its me. For example, our lad sleeps on the bed with us but he wont go to bed with hubby, sits up and waits for me to go. Hubby could even carry him to the bed and he will jump straight off and plonk himself beside me. If he comes looking for me and Im in the bathroom - he will push the door open to see me. My last one would settle on my feet as I settled on the loo :rotfl:Those are extreme examples of his behaviour to give you an idea. That doesnt mean i dont ever go out without him - I do and he settles down on the sofa till Im home.He doesnt pine or shows destructive behaviour as he knows Im coming back.

He ( and my last lad) were the best about children. My last lad had the kids growing up about him and put up with their poking and prodding and pulling without turning a hair. This lad is best friends with my 4 yo grandson and they play for hours together and isnt fazed at all with being pulled and dragged about. When hes had enough he goes off and settles under the lamp table and GS knows not to go near him there.

I think cockers are at their most endearing when they greet you when you come back from being out. They come wiggling up to you with a prized possession to show you - usually a sock or pair of knickers they have managed to pinch from the laundry:rotfl::rotfl:They all appear to have a sock fetish and we dig many up from the garden where hes snuck off with one unnoticed and buried it

jetta_wales

Our Papillon is clingy in that respect too and we love that about her so so much. She pats me when she wants fuss and just loves it when my other half tickles her tummy. She will sit at my feet if I'm busy and can't have her on my lap but the second I sit down she jumps in my lap. Our other dog on the other hand will jump in my seat the second I get up instead. I think he likes pre warmed seats I've just leaned forward sometimes to get something from the coffee table and tried to sit back on,y to find he's plonked himself behind me already lol. He's a sheltie x chihuahua and nowhere near as bright as our Papillon, bless him.

Our Pap sleeps on my pillow and will wait there for me the second she knows it's bed time but will come running back down to look for me if I take too long. I really don't think needy's a bad thing at all I think it's lovely, we really are the centre of her world it's beautiful that she is that attached to us.

moneylover

all the posts have been useful but we could cut the discussion on rescue dogs as I had already spent some time considering this before ever posting.
Who said I might actually be 70? I probably will be by the time I get this dog!
Interesting posts about cockers. Not sure I would be a good cocker owner, I cannot imagine a dog that followed me around absolutly ALL the time, although obviouslythere is no point in having a dog if you only want it around when you are in the mood for it rather than when the dog wants loving. I definitely dont want a dog that sleeps on my pillow. So does this knock out cockers? I suppose what I am saying is I dont want a dog that needs more 'me' time than a young baby and I do wonder if some owners (not refering to anyone on this board) do treat their dogs like babies!

suki1964

moneylover wrote: »

all the posts have been useful but we could cut the discussion on rescue dogs as I had already spent some time considering this before ever posting.
Who said I might actually be 70? I probably will be by the time I get this dog!
Interesting posts about cockers. Not sure I would be a good cocker owner, I cannot imagine a dog that followed me around absolutly ALL the time, although obviouslythere is no point in having a dog if you only want it around when you are in the mood for it rather than when the dog wants loving. I definitely dont want a dog that sleeps on my pillow. So does this knock out cockers? I suppose what I am saying is I dont want a dog that needs more 'me' time than a young baby and I do wonder if some owners (not refering to anyone on this board) do treat their dogs like babies!

There's the working cocker - different traits again - although still as adorable as the show cocker

And then there is my next choice - springer.

I think also Id like a Schnauzer. As they are terrier like without the terrier stubborness when it comes to training. They are very popular this neck of the wood where its collies, spaniels (all types) and then Schnauzers in popularity

Im glad you are taking your time and getting different ideas on breeds. Its always a good idea to talk to owners to get more of an idea of a breed.

And be 60 or 80 - age should not be stopping you from getting a dog. Im not even 50 yet and im crippled with the arthritis with somedays barely able to move. Not hearing anyone suggesting I should give him up because I cant do the 6 miles or more hikes he is used to

You go for it. Do your homeswork and you will find the perfect dog for you and your lifestyle

Good luck - keep us posted xx

tango

If you want to be as fit as a butchers dog get a German Shorthaired Pointer:rotfl:

hethmar

No one has suggested the OP doesnt get a dog, only to think carefully about the type she does get for the dogs sake as much as the owner.

kate1976

I have no idea what breed to suggest to you but you can have a jack russell x border collie off me if you want, he's an absolute angel who doesn't bark at all, he doesn't pull like a train on a lead, he doesn't nip the back of your knees when the phone rings and most importantly he doesn't suffer with seperation anxiety!!!!!!

Ok so I'm lying but honestly you can have him before he drives me insane!!! :rotfl:


Before anyone jumps on me, I am of course kidding, I wouldn't give him away...I'd want money for him!!!!!

Caroline_a

moneylover wrote: »

all the posts have been useful but we could cut the discussion on rescue dogs as I had already spent some time considering this before ever posting.
Who said I might actually be 70? I probably will be by the time I get this dog!
Interesting posts about cockers. Not sure I would be a good cocker owner, I cannot imagine a dog that followed me around absolutly ALL the time, although obviouslythere is no point in having a dog if you only want it around when you are in the mood for it rather than when the dog wants loving. I definitely dont want a dog that sleeps on my pillow. So does this knock out cockers? I suppose what I am saying is I dont want a dog that needs more 'me' time than a young baby and I do wonder if some owners (not refering to anyone on this board) do treat their dogs like babies!

I think you are so right. Yes, I love my dogs to bits, but they sleep downstairs and are trained to behave. They only bark (well early days with little one :rotfl:) when there is a need, and come back when called. They are socialised with everyone and everything, and believe me it's a long, hard, time-consuming task. However... so long as you are consistent, it will pay dividends and you will end up with a smashing friend and companion.