Getting a dog

tiff

I agree about Labs, very boisterous. My in-laws have one that is 2 years old now, and I didnt feel it was a suitable dog for my little girl who is 6. Molly (the Lab) used to jump up and push her over etc and she was really scared of large dogs after that. Also my kids wouldn't be able to hold a Lab on the lead etc because they are so strong.

We ended up with a lhasa apso x shih tzu. Fab little dog, his only irritating problem is he barks when we eat because he wants our food. Totally motivated by food so makes for easy training.

Justie

tiff wrote: »

I agree about Labs, very boisterous. My in-laws have one that is 2 years old now, and I didnt feel it was a suitable dog for my little girl who is 6. Molly (the Lab) used to jump up and push her over etc and she was really scared of large dogs after that. Also my kids wouldn't be able to hold a Lab on the lead etc because they are so strong.

that's down to training (or lack of) more than the breed though - our lab wouldn't jump up at anyone least of all a child as jumping up has never been encouraged or tolerated. Labs are big dogs though and can easily knock a small child over by accident even without jumping up and tail height is just right for whacking toddlers in the face :rolleyes: They make good ride on toys though :eek: :rotfl:

tiff

lol, well they live in Ireland and paid a fortune for the dog to go on a residential training course for 6 weeks. The dog came back and still wasnt trained, would only obey the person who trained him!

Eels100

tiff wrote: »

lol, well they live in Ireland and paid a fortune for the dog to go on a residential training course for 6 weeks. The dog came back and still wasnt trained, would only obey the person who trained him!

:rotfl: They should have got a stuffed one! :rotfl:

new_mum_again

My m.i.l.(2b) has a labradoodle and she is really quiet and very easy to train and best of all doesnt moult. When my children are older I hope to have one of her puppies, I think all types of dogs can be boisterous we once had a jack russell who was a nightmare and a dobermann that was as placid as anything!!! Imho Exercise (alot of) is key to a happy dog. Too many people get dogs and they are just left in a house all day.

Justie

tiff wrote: »

lol, well they live in Ireland and paid a fortune for the dog to go on a residential training course for 6 weeks. The dog came back and still wasnt trained, would only obey the person who trained him!

In my experience it's the owners that need training (if only in how to communicate what we want the dog to do in a way s/he understands) not the dog so to send one off without the other is a waste of money...

Slapps

i've just become the proud owner of a 2 year old german shepherd who wos under weight by 10 kgs but is now well on his way bk 2 bein the happy healthy dog he should be. i just wanted 2 point out that there are plenty of holiday parks in the uk that will allow u 2 take your dog as i'm goin on 1 in july and the dog is defo comin with us lol. i did have to downgrade on the caravan i had booked but it will be well worth it just 2 share our holiday with our new found member of the family.
just remember that pets give bk 10 fold wot u put in2 them.

Firefly

kr15snw wrote: »

Hmm 5 hours is a bit long for a puppy, but we got around this problem when we got our two spingers.

No reputable breeder would allow two pups from the same litter to go to the same home either! Obviously not all breeders are as thorough in their investigations and home checks as others, but those that take more care are more likely to always be there for support.

Claire_Jones_3

My mum and Nan had a Bichon Frise each from the same litter. My nan's dog had to be put down a few years back but my Mum's is still going after 15 years! We found Bichon's (like a small poodle) so good natured. We got them when my brother was about 3 yrs old and he loved playing with the dog but toddlers can be a bit rough without meaning too and the dog wasn't bothered at all. They don't moult either and loves us to bits! I've now moved 200 miles away and I miss him so much and the house is so quiet without him running about. The only thing to really think about is the cost, a smaller dog will eat less, require in general less walks etc but vets bills can really add up. My mum's dog has had all vacinations etc but also has poorly teeth (can't remember proper name!) and can cost a fortune for treatment.

All this is making me want one of my own!! (again)

sticher

new_mum_again wrote: »

My m.i.l.(2b) has a labradoodle and she is really quiet and very easy to train and best of all doesnt moult. When my children are older I hope to have one of her puppies, I think all types of dogs can be boisterous we once had a jack russell who was a nightmare and a dobermann that was as placid as anything!!! Imho Exercise (alot of) is key to a happy dog. Too many people get dogs and they are just left in a house all day.

The thing is, as with any crossbreed a puppy could grow up like one parent (poodle who doesn't moult) or the other (a labrador who does!) or a mix of both. Both breeds are different not only in coat, but size and no doubt temperament. You cannot guarantee what sort of mix you will get, so will have no idea until the dog is an adult what it will look/be like. Would you be as happy if your pup grew into a labrador type dog? (who moults).