Which breed to get?! Confused!

hethmar

Get yourself fore armed with The Perfect Puppy book - you can buy it on amazon.

As already mentioned, puppies are hard work - be prepared for the poos and wees, the sick and the crying.

I shall get howled down here, but I always think when you get a mature dog from a rescue at least you see the dogs formed personality - all puppies are cute, but they dont all grow up to be cute dogs.

Out of the three you suggested in your first post, I think the lab is the best choice. Beagles can be really really hyper and they howl a lot - the other dog is, as mentioned, not really a first time dog!

UKTigerlily

hethmar wrote: »

Get yourself fore armed with The Perfect Puppy book - you can buy it on amazon.

As already mentioned, puppies are hard work - be prepared for the poos and wees, the sick and the crying.

I shall get howled down here, but I always think when you get a mature dog from a rescue at least you see the dogs formed personality - all puppies are cute, but they dont all grow up to be cute dogs.

Out of the three you suggested in your first post, I think the lab is the best choice. Beagles can be really really hyper and they howl a lot - the other dog is, as mentioned, not really a first time dog!

I totally agree but then almost 3yrs in with the most wonderful rescue Staffy ever i'm biased! No amount of money could ever persuade me to take a Puppy even if my home & lifestyle were suitable, they are such hard work & I couldn't give one what it'd need. For me an older rescue was the best option, already house trained, no seperation anxiety, friendly etc

Of course some people cope with & bring Pups up very well but please don't under estimate the work/time involved

pinkcandyflossprincess

It is a case of finding the right pup for your lifestyle i think as others have said, I have always loved the thought of having a lab but know they are lot of work, My ex used to have one who was a nightmare for chewing although he was quite charming in a way and used to go for walks of his own into the local supermarket and back:eek::rotfl:
I really would take the time to visit local rescues etc and get a feel for different breeds etc and dont be afraid to question dog owners you see. make sure you know the problems that may come with the breed etc
I have met some angelic staffies for example around my area which has made me become more aware of what a good dog they can be and thats purely by talking to responsible owners when i go out walking.

candjsmum

UKTigerlily wrote: »

Of course some people cope with & bring Pups up very well but please don't under estimate the work/time involved

Yes puppies are very hard work but so rewarding. We have had Skye, a border collie 4 months old, since she was 8 weeks. Howled for the first week at night which was understandable, but she was ignored and now takes herself off to bed at night at about 10.30. :j DD 16 and DS 12 have taught her to sit, lie down, hi 5 and rollover. She gets 2 long walks a day and sometimes a 3rd quick round the block and I wouldn;t swap her for the world. Yes it is time consuming and hard work but I wouldn't have it any other way.:T

Gingham_R

Young pups are hard work - teenagers are a nightmare. We're in the 'teenage' stage with our dog and it's full on. I'm flippin knackered to tell you the truth.

Yes, it's worth it and yes he's going to be a fantastic pet thanks to the effort we're putting in now, but if we weren't prepared to put in the hours EVERY day, we would be storing up a !!!! load of trouble, I'm sure!

zackiebabes

Ive got a five year chocolate lab, had him since a puppy. I got him from a reputable breeder, and he was used to a crate. I used a crate at home at first when I left him and I never had any damage done to the house, he was toilet trained immediately, he just got it and hasnt been a moments worry ever. I do walk him alot, though not as said in the first year. But I cannot imagine an easier dog, we have kind of learned together as we have gone along. I always had dogs growing up, but I realise not the same as having total responsibility for one, but cannot recommend labs enough. But, talk to the breeder, there are alot out there that breed them with lovely quiet temperements. Mine is everything you could want from a dog. Good luck

francesis59

Hi all, been very interesting to follow everyone's replies and advice. I would say that getting an older dog would be the route I'd advise going down, I'd also recommend a girl especially if children are in the picture! They seem to be a bit more level headed and not so boisterous/bonkers. Most of the breeds have their own rescue societies so why not have a look at them, they often have young dogs needing homes and advice is always on hand and specific to the breed you choose. Good luck whatever you decide, I've had my GSD for 13 years now and she has been my best friend, protector and most gorgeous girl! and I cant imagine life without her. By the way, yes Labs do moult, my girl only moults once a year, but it lasts for 365 days!!

PuppyLove_2

Thank you for the replies everyone

I think we are pretty much decided on a lab now however i will be doing lots of research first with regards to training and will not be rushing into anything.

Thanks again for all the advice