Dogs/pup from a shelter

con1888

krlyr wrote: »

GSDs still fall prey to similar stigma, as do Boxers, Bull breeds, etc.
Again, the breeds you're listing have a huge variance in traits, an Akita will be very different to a Boxer, which will be very different to a Rottweiler and so on. What is it that appeals to you in these breeds? I assume looks is the first thing becauase there seems to be no link in general traits, other than perhaps that several are typical guarding breeds (and to be honest not sure that's a trait I'd recommend for a household that will have many strangers coming and going).
For example, if you want a dog you can walk to the local park, an Akita is not going to be an easy dog.



Not many reputable breeds will purposely breed a crossbreed so yes, rescues are going to be the main source.
The whole point of a reputable breeder is that they want to improve the health and temperament of their chosen breed. To purposely cross a dog has lots of implications - it may introduce a combination of physical features that compromises the health of the breed. For example, trying to breed out the hip dysplasia in a GSD is going to take lots of work as it is, without crossbreeding it and changing the physical structure which may put more strain on the hips.
There are some breeders who are moving towards creating new breeds - for example, the Labradoodles. I would say the majority of people breeding these nowadays are in it for the money but there's a select group who are doing it thoroughly - breeding for a specific appearance, seeking out a specifical personality etc. to eventually register the dog as a new breed. Ditto with crosses like the Northern Inuits (GSD/Husky/Malamute). But picking up a free ad paper and finding a crossbreed is not the way to find a dog with a sound temperament and good health, which is doubly important when you're having a dog around other people's children IMO.

The breeds I have mentioned I like are mainly due to experience with these dogs through either having as a family pet as a child or a relation/friend having as a pet.

I think dogs trust is the best place to check then, based on your advice. I have a secure garden but the fence is only around 4ft , we are going to get a 6ft fence put up though so they may not accept me until this is done. Have read post about a list of what I am looking for and what I can offer so I will post a list here that I can then jot down when I go to the dogs trust. Is it a good idea to take one of my neices with me to see how the dogs do react around children or can I be guaranteed to trust the staff in the dogs trust if they say the dog is child friendly?


Looking for:
- Medium to large breed/cross/mongrel. Particular interest in GSD,Labrador,Retreiver,Collies and crosses of these type. Would consider another type if dog fits all other needs.
- Must be fine with cats
- Must be fine with children
- dog age from pup to 3 years old.

Can offer:
- Minimum of two, one hour walks a day, in woodland, fields and residential areas. Longer more active walks at weekend ( perhaps in hilly areas)
- Will always be someone at home during day.
- Willing to take dog to training classes.
- back garden but not huge. Large enough for dog to walk around in, go to toilet.

Sagaris

We had to use a crate for our second dog - he had behavioural issues (too many homes before he came to us, separation anxiety etc) and he was wrecking the house any time he was left - no matter how short the time. He actually liked the crate and it gave him his own space to go if he felt he needed to 'get away' from us - and our other dog! 3 months down the line and he has settled really well, he can be left for longer periods of time quite happily. We took the crate down recently and he's now using the space under the dining table as a substitute!

I've had dogs for 19 years and really didn't want to get one as it seemed cruel, but it's really helped us with him.

con1888

krlyr wrote: »

I can't say that every dog on Gumtree will be an unhealthy, unsound dog but I would be grilling the breeders. If they're decent breeders, they won't be offended at a thorough questioning - infact, many would be delighted to see you so dedicated.
A few questions I'd ask
- why did they breed the parents together, what did they feel the combination offered (especially as it's a cross)
- what health tests have been done (research what health tests should be done on Labradors and Collies - hip dysplasia is one I think Labs are prone to as well as Border Collies, so I'd want to know hip scores of both parents and any ancestors)
- what socialisation they do with the puppies. This doesn't just mean that they've had their children play with the puppies so that they're used to kids, but breeders care for the puppies in some of the most vital stages of their life, and should take advantage by introducing them to all kinds of new things. Many good breeders set up an environment to introduce dogs to various things - like different ground textures (grass, paving, gravel), different heights (have various platforms for the puppies to climb in, including some that are a bit wobbly so the puppy gets used to unstable surfaces), various sounds and smells, etc. - raising a puppy properly is hard work!
- where have the pups been raised. Collie cross potentially means working dogs, were they born and raised in an outbuilding? This could lead to lots of problems, e.g housetraining, dog learning to be left in a house, etc.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=302
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2101
http://dogbehaviour.co/blog/questions-to-ask-a-dog-breeder/

I would suggest you ask these over the phone before you even visit the puppies - don't be naive to think you won't fall in love with a cute wiggly little puppy, it will be hard to resist even if they can't answer any of your questions. You've said you don't want to impulse-buy so why are you enquiring about puppies already when you obviously need to do a lot more research into what you want out of a dog. I would say that if you don't want to narrow it down to specific breeds (fair enough, not everyone has *a* breed they bond to) then choose specific traits, because so far you are all over the place with what you want from a dog.



Look up crate training. It is not about sticking your dog in a cage like a rabbit. It's about providing a relaxing 'den' as such to ensure the safety of your dog. You don't have to use a crate but I would suggest introducing one just to have it as an option - I recently faced an issue leaving one of my dogs alone and introducing a crate to her during a period of stress was tough, I wish I'd done it when she was younger just so that she was used to it. I've packed it away now as I don't need it but at least it's there and she'll use it if necessary (my other dog must have been crate trained already as the minute I set it up he climbed inside and curled up!).
You shouldn't confine a dog to a crate for long periods but shutting it away for a couple of hours while it sleeps anyway isn't going to harm (as long as it's not distressed in the crate anyway). It might be more reassuring to the parents of the kids you childmind to know that you have a way to secure the dog if needed. Otherwise I would at the very least use babygates to confine it to one area (large breeds can jump regular gates so consider stacking a second gate upside-down in a doorway. Doesn't look pretty but they can't jump over it at least) for safety reasons.

Again, thanks for the advice. Will look into crate training, our old family dog came with a crate but we never used it, she liked to sleep in it though so we took the top bit off of it and let her use it as a bed. It makes sense what you say about training them/introducing them to it so that if the time comes when they need to be put in one that they aren't frightened.

Will be getting a safety gate to fit in with the size of dog I get so if it means a double one then that's fine. Will get one that can be removed when not caring for the children.

krlyr

Do you want a dog that can be let off-lead everywhere? Bear in mind that a GSD with poor recall will be a frightening sight to someone if it darts over to them and their dog - I am consciencous of this fact so my dogs stay on long lines if I am not 100% sure they won't dart over to someone. A long line is hard work when you get to dogs as big as GSDs - 40kg running to the end of a 30' lead does require some strength (and a pair of gloves to pretend ropeburn from the lead!) and you need to be vigilant to prevent being pulled over or dropping the lead.
Collies can be known for their chasing - joggers, cyclists, animals, etc. so may not be safe off-lead in public. Also can be known for their ankle nipping/rounding up small children so be aware of that.
Labs and Retreivers are probably some of the easier going breeds but I know a few owners who have issues with their dogs chasing things, or being overly friendly and running up to strangers and their dogs.
Other stuff to consider - if you're home all day with a GSD, you really must put work into teaching it independence and teaching it to be left alone, or you could easily have a dog with seperation anxiety that destroys the house when you have to nip out for an emergency.
Also bear in mind the fur - GSD owners have a saying, they only moult once a year, it just lasts 365 days! I think most, if not all, all of the breeds you list are double-coated breeds so will shed, consider how this would affect you as a child minder (allergies, cleanliness, etc. if there's dog hair all over the house)

I know I'm focussing on the negative stuff but you're commiting to 10+ years with a dog, you need to be prepared for the worst (and enjoy the good stuff) and to be sure you can cope with (and will be happy with) a dog that is not the perfect dog. I certainly sometimes wish I had two dogs that stuck to me like glue but I have one with a high prey drive and one that isn't 100% with other dogs so I have to make do with avoiding the more popular dog walking areas and holding the end of a lead the whole time.

con1888

krlyr wrote: »

Do you want a dog that can be let off-lead everywhere? Bear in mind that a GSD with poor recall will be a frightening sight to someone if it darts over to them and their dog - I am consciencous of this fact so my dogs stay on long lines if I am not 100% sure they won't dart over to someone. A long line is hard work when you get to dogs as big as GSDs - 40kg running to the end of a 30' lead does require some strength (and a pair of gloves to pretend ropeburn from the lead!) and you need to be vigilant to prevent being pulled over or dropping the lead.
Collies can be known for their chasing - joggers, cyclists, animals, etc. so may not be safe off-lead in public. Also can be known for their ankle nipping/rounding up small children so be aware of that.
Labs and Retreivers are probably some of the easier going breeds but I know a few owners who have issues with their dogs chasing things, or being overly friendly and running up to strangers and their dogs.
Other stuff to consider - if you're home all day with a GSD, you really must put work into teaching it independence and teaching it to be left alone, or you could easily have a dog with seperation anxiety that destroys the house when you have to nip out for an emergency.
Also bear in mind the fur - GSD owners have a saying, they only moult once a year, it just lasts 365 days! I think most, if not all, all of the breeds you list are double-coated breeds so will shed, consider how this would affect you as a child minder (allergies, cleanliness, etc. if there's dog hair all over the house)

It would be good to have a dog that can be off lead in areas ( not in residential areas as would be afraid of road accidents, streets near me are very narrow, double parked cars and idiot drivers) it's not essential though.

Fur is something I should manage with, I am a bit OCD with hoovering as it it because although my cat is shorthair he gets black fur everywhere !!

con1888

Oh and it's fine you focusing on the negative as these are the important things I need to be aware of.

krlyr

I can hoover daily and I'm still forever finding Casper's hair in my dinners - and all over my work clothes, the car, even over my work desk where he's never been! I've even been out to restaurants and pulls his hair out of my dinner there where it must have fallen off my clothes! :rotfl: Just bear in mind that even with the dog kept separetly, parents may be picking dog hairs off their kid's clothes when they go home, so think about how that would be tolerated.

Griizelda

We have a flat coat retriever. He's great with children (my youngest was only 14 months when we got him as a puppy and that was hard work!) and cats. He's very sociable and loves everyone. He's a big dog, so perhaps one you may consider?

con1888

Would definately consider one of those.

krlyr

Also another thing to bear in mind is that a reputable breeder or a decent rescue will offer backup and support for the lifetime of the dog. If you rehome via a dodgy breeder or a privately rehomed dog, you are unlikely to get any support - either due to the inability (if the owner isn't in a position to keep the dog then they're unlikely to be in a position to take it back if things don't work out) or unwillingness (why take back a 2 year old dog they'll struggle to sell when they've made a nice profit out of it already?). A good rescue or breeder will help you work through problems, offer resources (their experience or perahsp an in-house behaviourist) and ultimately take the dog back if things really cannot be worked through. Given the nature of your business I think it's important to have a support network "just incase", e.g. dog develops a health issue that makes it aggressive through pain, is it going to be safe to keep it in a house with children?