My name is Jane and I come from SW Pennsylvania in the states. I currently have a 10-year-old Standard Poodle named Bandit whom I got from rescue. Unfortunately, shortly after I acquired him I started going through a divorce. So unlike the dogs before him, I haven't had as much time through the past few years to devote to obedience competition and pet therapy as I would have liked.
I was busy being a single parent and struggling to make ends meet.
Things have finally settled down and now that my old boy is getting up in years I have been thinking alot about what breed to get next. This could take years of research for me as I am very picky about breed traits. However, the research in itself is loads of fun and I absorb facts about breeds like some people obsess about NFL footballs teams. Gooo Steelers:)
I hope to make many dog loving friends here, help others from my experience and learn about dog breeds from other owners. In the past I have had a German Shepherd, Collies, Boxer, Min. Poodle, and Corgie.
The breeds I am considering are the Lab, wiemeramer, minature schnauzer and aussie shep.
Thanks for reading this. I look forward to talking with everyone in this forum.
Jane
siberianhusky101
01-02-2008, 08:34 AM
if you are a single mom, i would not recommend a lab. Labs had hordes of energy and need constant training. they can also ring up to $40 in food every other week (not to mention toys and anti chew sprays). Weimeraners are similar to labs in terms of energy, but fortunately are a wee bit more trainable. Australian Shepards are great dogs as long as they are given the proper amount of exercise and mental stimuli. before you pick a breed i recommend visiting a breeder of each one and asking if they would let you work with the dogs for a day or two, this will give you a good idea on day to day living with the breed.
dogniche53
01-02-2008, 09:05 AM
Thanks for the reply. Actually my youngest is now 20-years-old. So now I have plenty of time for training and I know he would volunteer to walk the dog down to the pond for a swim or for a jog. As far as trainability, I think the Lab would be easier than the Wiemy although I was considering this breed because they make a better watchdog.
So right now I'm mostly confused not so much finding a dog I can handle but one that meets my needs, I have trained quite a few breeds, what I'm having a hard time with is deciding which one. Perhaps you can help. Medium to large size, good watch dog ability ( I don't need a guard dog a warning is sufficient) , not too independent ( dearly love Airedales but wont have one), not too much hair to deal with and highly trainable. I''m going to compete in obedience, rally, tracking and pet therapy. If I go with a sporting breed or an Aussie it would not be a field line so I think I could find mental and physical outlets for the beforemention breeds. First trick? Find the remote!
Your so right about talking, in person, to breeders. I hope to make quite a few shows and ob. trials this coming summer. And by the end of summer I will have a better idea. If I had a fenced in yard and didn't have grandchildren I would get another German Shep. Best dog I ever had. Thanks so much for your insight and your patience for my rambling on. I have very few friends who are dog people. My one friend just had to have a Border Collie. I wish I could have warned her before she got him. Alas, a year later, he is tied to a box in the back yard part of the time. A case of the dog being smarter than the owner. :( Jane
this book is really useful for finding a new friend.
"The sections offered are: what colors?, what grooming does it need? how suitiable are they as family dogs?, what type of home?, what type of owner?, how compatibable are they with other pets?, how much exercise?, how easy to train?, what good points?, what to be aware of?, and what medical problems?.
There is also a small chart that makes it easy to compare some of these attributes with other breeds.
"
(sorry, its late and im too tired to type all of this info out)
from what i seen from owners, Aussie pet parents seem to be the most satisfied and content with their choice of furry friends.
Aztec
01-03-2008, 07:22 AM
It is nice to come accross another person that does extensive research before deciding on a dog!
You must both read and experience certain dog breeds and you want to know the good and bad things about each breed. Many books sugar coat certain breeds and make them sound all good. But let's face it - many dogs aren't cut out to be pets. Talk to rescues, they will give you the facts straight and talk about the requirements for each breed.
The Australian Shepherd is a wonderful, intelligent breed. But must not be underestimated. They get bored easily. (I am sure you will be quite an entertaining owner though - providing all the activities you would like to do with this dog)
If you do not mind owning a mixed breed, please consider some of the dogs living in kill shelters, rescues, and humane societies. These dogs just plead for a second chance at life and dozens of high energy herding mixes are always available.