which dog for me?

hethmar

Basically dogs smell - may be you have got used to yours, most people do -non dog people will notice. A whole industry of dog air fresheners and so on is based on the fact they smell. And probably I do smell when I wash, certainly when Im out in a crowded area, plenty of people do smell of bo, it happens.

jetta_wales

I thought dogs always smell too but turns out that's just because most people just don't wash them very often and we've been asked many times how come our dogs don't smell or been told that they smell really nice

I hate it when you stroke a dog and then your hand feels greasy and stinks, yuck.

Caroline_a

A little off topic, but certainly with some breeds of dogs it isnt advisable to bath them very often as you will wash out the natural oils in their coats. My German Shep has only had 2 baths - when he gets dirty I wait for him to dry and then give him a good brush, he comes up clean. When he's had a bath his fur goes fluffy, looks like a giant black Pom...

jetta_wales

Caroline_a wrote: »

A little off topic, but certainly with some breeds of dogs it isnt advisable to bath them very often as you will wash out the natural oils in their coats. My German Shep has only had 2 baths - when he gets dirty I wait for him to dry and then give him a good brush, he comes up clean. When he's had a bath his fur goes fluffy, looks like a giant black Pom...

Indeed you do have to replenish their natural oils through coat conditioners and good food or supplements if you want to wash them more often than once in a blue moon. Ours two love oily fish for example and that's great for their coats. Our Pap looks a bit permed unless I brush and dry her fur straight like it should be. Loki and his Sheltie coat just becomes the smoothest softest coat ever and I just want to cuddle him endlessly when he's just been bathed and dried. You'd probably be there for quite a while trying to blow dry a German Shepard though lol.

Fire_Fox

jetta_wales wrote: »

Because if they didn't then they eventually would smell. Do you wait till you smell bad before you wash?

Ours two love oily fish for example and that's great for their coats. Our Pap looks a bit permed unless I brush and dry her fur straight like it should be. Loki and his Sheltie coat just becomes the smoothest softest coat ever and I just want to cuddle him endlessly when he's just been bathed and dried. You'd probably be there for quite a while trying to blow dry a German Shepard though lol.

The skin is an organ of excretion, so some/ all of the smell is down to diet; I believe there is some evidence linking cereal intolerance to doggy odour. If you are using a high quality food you should not need to use supplements, in fact this can negatively affect the balance of nutrients in the food - bearing in mind nutrients work synergistically and in opposition. A good food will contain the correct balance of unsaturated omega-3 to omega-6 and saturated animal fats. Bear in mind fish is not a staple in a wild canine or feline diet.

Knowing what I do about the effect of sulphate surfactants on sensitive/ eczematous skin I would be careful what I used on my dogs. Perhaps you can get sulphate-free dog shampoos? Believe it or not it is possible to wash hair with conditioner only.

jacko91

My nan and grandad are 75 and have a lab, and it really suits them, very easy to train, she is very obedient and such a beautiful dog. From my experience of the other two they need far more exercise. Hope you get a lovely dog.

jetta_wales

Fire_Fox wrote: »

The skin is an organ of excretion, so some/ all of the smell is down to diet; I believe there is some evidence linking cereal intolerance to doggy odour. If you are using a high quality food you should not need to use supplements, in fact this can negatively affect the balance of nutrients in the food - bearing in mind nutrients work synergistically and in opposition. A good food will contain the correct balance of unsaturated omega-3 to omega-6 and saturated animal fats. Bear in mind fish is not a staple in a wild canine or feline diet.

Knowing what I do about the effect of sulphate surfactants on sensitive/ eczematous skin I would be careful what I used on my dogs. Perhaps you can get sulphate-free dog shampoos? Believe it or not it is possible to wash hair with conditioner only.

Indeed that is why I said good food or supplements as there will always be some who need extra for various reasons but a good quality food is always important. We don't use supplements, have never needed to but treats of salmon or macrel always go down well and the vet they were fine and good for them.

You should note when you quote somebody but pick bits from more than one post to put in one quote btw.

We use puppy shampoo still plus a good conditioner but they have never been 'smelly' like so many dogs are. No way I'd have let Bunny pinch one of the pillows or be anywhere near the bed if they did.

Caroline_a

jetta_wales wrote: »

Indeed you do have to replenish their natural oils through coat conditioners and good food or supplements if you want to wash them more often than once in a blue moon. Ours two love oily fish for example and that's great for their coats. Our Pap looks a bit permed unless I brush and dry her fur straight like it should be. Loki and his Sheltie coat just becomes the smoothest softest coat ever and I just want to cuddle him endlessly when he's just been bathed and dried. You'd probably be there for quite a while trying to blow dry a German Shepard though lol.

Hours. Don't think I could afford the 'lekkie bill! He's exceptionally shaggy, despite the Furminator, and the last time he went swimming he was still damp the next day.... however, when he's in the rain it doesnt penetrate into his undercoat!

zaksmum

I've only ever had crossbreeds - to me they are as good if not better than any other dog.

Runningbackwards_2

Going to throw my two pence worth in - I would advise you go for a lab if you have them on your list - great dogs, usually easy to train, affectionate, good natured. We have had several over the years and they have all been wonderful characters, and know many friends with them now and they are all super - yes they shed, but daily brushing and a hoover take care of that.

Whatever choice you make I hope you enjoy the new addition to your family