Aa
Thinking of Getting a New Dog
Okay I will be moving soon to a 10 acre lot with a good 3 bedroom house. My occupation will be changing in a few months from dog bather to dog groomer. I want at least 2 more medium to big dogs and I am wondering which ones to get. I personally want a standard poodle after having worked with three great ones. My boyfriend is think of getting a lab. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should and shouldn't get based on health concerns, behavior, ect.
Oh we have 2 inside dogs currently. One is a daschund and the other is a chihuahua.
Oh we have 2 inside dogs currently. One is a daschund and the other is a chihuahua.
I am SO jealous!! It sounds like you're moving to the Garden of Eden. :-) I'd give about anything to have even 3 or 4 acres and wildlife to watch, but that's still a retirement dream. It sounds like you're all going to do just fine, and I'm glad to hear you'll have a fenced area for the dogs. You are so right to worry about the hawks. They certainly will go after very small dogs because they resemble their typical prey. Down South where I'm at, people lose dogs to the occasional alligator. Truth is, even in a developed area there is still plenty of wildlife around and too many people don't take the time to be aware of the animals in our environment.
I really hope your boyfriend will think seriously about the standard poodle. They are fabulous dogs! It's really a shame that they're always treated like little prisses at the dog shows, because they're highly intelligent and athletic dogs who can perform every bit as well in the field as a lab.
Much as it makes me turn green with envy, keep us posted on the dog, house and land progress. I want pics! :-)
I really hope your boyfriend will think seriously about the standard poodle. They are fabulous dogs! It's really a shame that they're always treated like little prisses at the dog shows, because they're highly intelligent and athletic dogs who can perform every bit as well in the field as a lab.
Much as it makes me turn green with envy, keep us posted on the dog, house and land progress. I want pics! :-)
The older dog, my daschund Bear, does show some aggression towards bigger dogs, but not in a bad way. He would rather play with a big dog than hurt one. Now my chihuahua is just terrified of anything new, especially anything male. (He hasn't been fixed yet.) Bear has become more laid back now that he is 11 and he has never fully attacked any dog. What I mean by that is, he will play until he is done playing and if the dog continues he will snap or growl to get some space. I have always wanted another big dog and I have been looking into standard poodles since I started my job at a grooming salon. I have yet to meet one that is in anyway aggressive or even paw shy really. My boyfriend has wanted a lab for 3-4 years now. I have found a few places that sell both but I am trying to also look in shelters to see if I can find any.
And as for fencing in my yard, yes, it will be properly fenced in I assure you. I use to live at this place when I was a child and I know just about any and every type of wildlife that roams in and out of that area. The only wildlife that concerns me in the least would be the red tailed hawks. The only reason for my concern would be my chihuahua and my dashund. They are inside dogs that like to go outside for the bathroom instead of on a puppy pad so they would have to be supervised while outside.
Thank you for all of your feedback and as I cannot at this time take that chihuahua mix you mentioned, I will ask around to see if anyone would adopt it from you. I know a lot of good hearted people who would be happy to adopt a dog like the one you described. As for me, well I own 2 male inside dogs and currently don't have room for a third. Thank you for the offer and I hope the little one finds a home soon.
And as for fencing in my yard, yes, it will be properly fenced in I assure you. I use to live at this place when I was a child and I know just about any and every type of wildlife that roams in and out of that area. The only wildlife that concerns me in the least would be the red tailed hawks. The only reason for my concern would be my chihuahua and my dashund. They are inside dogs that like to go outside for the bathroom instead of on a puppy pad so they would have to be supervised while outside.
Thank you for all of your feedback and as I cannot at this time take that chihuahua mix you mentioned, I will ask around to see if anyone would adopt it from you. I know a lot of good hearted people who would be happy to adopt a dog like the one you described. As for me, well I own 2 male inside dogs and currently don't have room for a third. Thank you for the offer and I hope the little one finds a home soon.
Just 5 minutes ago I went to my daughters garage to inspect a stange looking animal she said had been coming in and out that I had caught in a capture friendly trap the night before. We live just on the outskirts of a nice city on a large parcel of land. Presently my wife is washing up a kennel cage to transfer this animal into. She and I are a bit surprised at what we have caught. It is the cuteist chihuahua/ something mix I've ever seen. It still appears to be a puppy but full grown. It has huge ears about twice to 2 1/2 the size of a chihuahua with white with tan patch coat and white legs. My first instinct is to pick this cute bundle up and hold it close until it feels comfortable and safe with me but I don't know anything about the dog.
It is amazing how under this situation the eye contact between this animal and me seem to look deep into each other for some form of agreement. As I softly talked to the dog his eyes appeared to relax, his shaking slowed down and he raised his left front paw to indicate it was injured. Perhaps from trying to scratch its way out of the cage. At any rate we currently have 4 dogs and really don't want another. I intend to nurse the dog back to health, take photo's and post them in the surrounding communities. If after a few days someone doesn't claim the animal we would be interested in finding it a good home--provided we don't first fall in love with it---which might be difficult.
Pertaining to your large dog question. I have had Old English Mastiffs, Chow, Shar-Pei- Boston Terrier, Snauzer, Cocker Spaniels, sheep dog and currently a Golden Retreiver. In the small dogs i've had a Westie, Dauchunds and currently a Maltese. I've loved them all and each has there own uniquness about them. People who visit us can't believe just how incredible our dogs are. They are so alive and upbeat, get along and don't behave disruptly. I contribute that solely to my wifes care and considerations toward each dogs individual characteristics. Every dog has been incrediblly different and each dog must be granted their own individuality and equal respect. If so they dont chew up shoes, pee on the corner of the wall to express resentment. If you take on any dog, especially a large one you must consider these factors or your in for a bumpy ride. Case in point--My daughter, husband and now 6 weeks old baby live next door to me. They have a wonderful medium size dog who up until recently was an excellent dog. Since the baby they have often shut the dog outside, and changed many treatments of the dog. In return the door has chewed up the couch, its bed, dug huge holes in the front yard plus other behaviors in revolt of its new treatment. My daughter is finally calming down with her maternial instinct and is beginning to see how she has effected her dog. Together we are re-integrating the dog back into its once accepted and agreed upon status. Things are getting better and I feel it won't be much longer before we can put new cushions back onto the couch.
Some dogs will handle adversity worse than others. I feel the Golden Retriever to be the most incredible large dog I've ever experienced. Not to say Labadores and other dogs are equally as great. However, with a Golden Retriever you must not betray this dog. He gives his whole heart and devotion plus protection. Very intuitive but could only imagine how disruptive it could be if its treatment and expectations is altered later. If you plan a family I would consider a small dog. I loved my Dauchunds but they were spitfull if you refused there effection. The maltese however has been the most all around incredible little dog I've ever experienced. Good luck and let me know if you have interest is this little critter I just captured.
It is amazing how under this situation the eye contact between this animal and me seem to look deep into each other for some form of agreement. As I softly talked to the dog his eyes appeared to relax, his shaking slowed down and he raised his left front paw to indicate it was injured. Perhaps from trying to scratch its way out of the cage. At any rate we currently have 4 dogs and really don't want another. I intend to nurse the dog back to health, take photo's and post them in the surrounding communities. If after a few days someone doesn't claim the animal we would be interested in finding it a good home--provided we don't first fall in love with it---which might be difficult.
Pertaining to your large dog question. I have had Old English Mastiffs, Chow, Shar-Pei- Boston Terrier, Snauzer, Cocker Spaniels, sheep dog and currently a Golden Retreiver. In the small dogs i've had a Westie, Dauchunds and currently a Maltese. I've loved them all and each has there own uniquness about them. People who visit us can't believe just how incredible our dogs are. They are so alive and upbeat, get along and don't behave disruptly. I contribute that solely to my wifes care and considerations toward each dogs individual characteristics. Every dog has been incrediblly different and each dog must be granted their own individuality and equal respect. If so they dont chew up shoes, pee on the corner of the wall to express resentment. If you take on any dog, especially a large one you must consider these factors or your in for a bumpy ride. Case in point--My daughter, husband and now 6 weeks old baby live next door to me. They have a wonderful medium size dog who up until recently was an excellent dog. Since the baby they have often shut the dog outside, and changed many treatments of the dog. In return the door has chewed up the couch, its bed, dug huge holes in the front yard plus other behaviors in revolt of its new treatment. My daughter is finally calming down with her maternial instinct and is beginning to see how she has effected her dog. Together we are re-integrating the dog back into its once accepted and agreed upon status. Things are getting better and I feel it won't be much longer before we can put new cushions back onto the couch.
Some dogs will handle adversity worse than others. I feel the Golden Retriever to be the most incredible large dog I've ever experienced. Not to say Labadores and other dogs are equally as great. However, with a Golden Retriever you must not betray this dog. He gives his whole heart and devotion plus protection. Very intuitive but could only imagine how disruptive it could be if its treatment and expectations is altered later. If you plan a family I would consider a small dog. I loved my Dauchunds but they were spitfull if you refused there effection. The maltese however has been the most all around incredible little dog I've ever experienced. Good luck and let me know if you have interest is this little critter I just captured.
The American Kennel Club website (akc.org) has information on every breed it recognizes. The most important thing is to evaluate the individual dog's personality rather than focusing on breed only. If you are very active, by all means get a lab! Standard poodles also need a lot of exercise and are great field dogs. If you want a couch potato, those dogs wouldn't be a good fit for you.
Are your smaller dogs aggressive in any way? If they do things like charge other dogs, you're eventually going to have a fight on your hands when you add the new dogs.
If you don't have a lot of time to devote to training, you'll need a low-key personality dog. That means the dog who is flinging himself at the kennel and barking it's head off likely won't be a good choice. The dog who doesn't enjoy rolling over for a belly rub likely wouldn't be a good choice.
While the idea of having a pack of dogs with roaming access to 10 full acres is attractive, it's not always a good thing for the dogs. You never know what wildlife is out there (or people for that matter) who might harm the dogs. Will you have a fully fenced and secure area for them to hang out? There are a lot of things to consider before adding more dogs to your pack. I've seen more disasters happen because people think all dogs get along all the time. They can, but only if their humans are strong pack leaders.
Are your smaller dogs aggressive in any way? If they do things like charge other dogs, you're eventually going to have a fight on your hands when you add the new dogs.
If you don't have a lot of time to devote to training, you'll need a low-key personality dog. That means the dog who is flinging himself at the kennel and barking it's head off likely won't be a good choice. The dog who doesn't enjoy rolling over for a belly rub likely wouldn't be a good choice.
While the idea of having a pack of dogs with roaming access to 10 full acres is attractive, it's not always a good thing for the dogs. You never know what wildlife is out there (or people for that matter) who might harm the dogs. Will you have a fully fenced and secure area for them to hang out? There are a lot of things to consider before adding more dogs to your pack. I've seen more disasters happen because people think all dogs get along all the time. They can, but only if their humans are strong pack leaders.
Thank you for your advice. I have personally owned many steroetyped dogs and I agree that they make some of the best pets around. I owned a beautiful pit bull and she was one of the sweetest dogs I had ever known. She was even playful and sweet with our daschund. Unfortunately, the people we got her from didn't treat her for parvo before we got her and she came to us with it. I miss her. But anyways, thanks again for the help. I will look that website up and see what they have got on the poodle and lab.
As far a behavior problems, that all depends on how the dog was raised. I've seen pit bulls and dobermans who had wonderful loving personalities and were great with kids! Many breeds including those are stereo typed because they are usually purchased to be guard dogs.=( I've had two boxers who were intelligent, great with children and small dogs. I just recently got a white shepherd husky mix pup who is probably one of the most intelligent dogs I've seen however, he can be very stubborn. As for a Standard Poodle they are highly intelligent, and have been known to be very easy to train. I personally have no experience with Poodles but that seems to be a good choice if that is what you want. Health problems most common with the poodle breed are hip dysplasia, runny eyes, and ear infections. Labs are also highly intelligent dogs, very easy to train, and great with kids and other animals. They crave human attention, they also LOVE water and the outdoors. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplacia. All breeds will have a health problem that is most common among that breed so don't let that get you down, but it is good to know the facts. Go to dogbreedinfo.com and that should answer any questions you have on which breed is right for you. They also have a quiz that will help you pick a breed. The ones you have stated seem to be wonderful just get what YOU want. Hope that helps. =)
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Dogs Community
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
Ooh and aah your way through these too-cute photos of MedHelp members' best friends
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
