So, I'm back to getting a dog...

DeVore

Early last year I started this thread: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056150557

Since then, things have been pretty hectic for me but now my life has settled down into a more "dog friendly" style. I don't go on months away (though 2-3 weeks twice a year are likely) and I work from home so I wouldnt be away at work all the time (though there is no guarantee that that will stay that way! I could end up doing 9-5 again...)

I have converted the shed into an insulated, wood lined, hard wood floored workshop for me and its huge so the dog will have the finest kennel in Dublin

He has the backyard to himself and I'll make an access flap for him in the shed door so he can come and go as he pleases if I'm not about and its rainy or cold.

I've made a friend recently who is a big dog lover who has told me he will advise me and says that I shouldnt over think this and so long as the dog is well treated (which he will be), its no shame if I had to find a different home for him if circumstances change drastically.

So.... taking a deep breath, here we go. I'll try to keep you all informed as to how its going from time to time...

In the mean time, any advice for someone looking for a youngish dog who would fit a single working bloke? Or for a new dog owner??

DeV.

Inexile

DeVore wrote: »

I've made a friend recently who is a big dog lover who has told me he will advise me and says that I shouldnt over think this and so long as the dog is well treated (which he will be), its no shame if I had to find a different home for him if circumstances change drastically.
QUOTE]

Its actually very difficult to find a new home for a dog at the moment. But we cant foretell the future and seeing as you have put off the decision for nearly a year until your circumstances are right, and from reading a bit of the previous thread, Im assuming you are committed to this decision.

Im not sure what type of dog will suit you but if I were you I would pay a visit to my local rescue just to look initally and see what you are drawn to and what they recommend would suit you. If you are in Dublin there are two very large rescues that would accommodate a sounding out visit - if you know what I mean.

Btw - you mightnt be single for long - dogs are known to be useful accessories in the dating game

Outkast_IRE

Consider getting a dog or a pup from a rescue

We rescued our current dog when she was a pup, and its one of the best decisions I ever made.
Also advantages with regard to less chance of health issues if its mixed breed, also some pups are like mystery pups and you never know what size or shape they are going to grow into.

Bubblefett

+100 for getting the dog from the rescue, a good rescue like dogs trust will talk to you about your home situation and what kind of dog you'd like and introduce you to some that would be best for you.

Also the feeling of bringing home your new woof from the rescue is the best in the world

borderlinemeath

You have loads of options but because you have such an open mind I would suggest going the pound or rescue route. There's so many dogs there just waiting for their forever home.

If you go to the pound you can walk out the same day with a dog. But they won't match a dog to an owner so you might get the most untrainable unruly hound who could be too much of a handful for a first time dog owner.

If you go the rescue route they will homecheck you (with what you've stated you should pass with flying colours, you're a dream candidate, working from home, enclosed yard and shelter for when you're not there. But the plus with this is they will match you to a dog that will suit both of your lifestyles/needs.

There's loads of puppies at the minute in a certain place in Dublin (the ones that were found in a car boot and made the news) and they were on the Late Late on Friday night and will be ready for rehoming within a week or two (I think they want to get them out before Xmas) so that's an option.

You could look at breed stereotypes and traits all you like but no two dogs are alike so I would never rule out any breed. It could be the dog that gives you 'the eyes' in the pound and it might be a type of dog you never dreamt of having as a companion. The only thing I would take into consideration is exercise as this can vary with size and breed and with dog ownership comes the responsibility of exercising your pet. So if you can only walk for half an hour a day don't be getting a husky or a springer or a collie that comes from a working background because you get out what you put in. I did read in your previous thread that you aren't very organised and lack routine - one thing a dog does is give your day routine - feeding time, exercise time, mine even tend to poo at the same time:D (kinda figures if they get fed at the same time though!)

Good luck with your search, and the rule is that you must post a photo of the new companion when he/she comes home to you.

Whispered

borderlinemeath wrote: »

Good luck with your search, and the rule is that you must post a photo of the new companion when he/she comes home to you.

He's admin! He could change the rules, if he decides the new rule is we all send our dogs to him so he can try each breed out, then that's what has to happen. :eek:

What dogs do you like? About how much exercise do you want to give a dog and what type of exercise? Would you be hoping for a very intelligent, highly trainable dog, or a bit of a loveable blockhead? Any breeds you don't like the idea of, why? How do you feel about grooming (the dog)?

Regarding working 9-5, a lot of dogs live happily with that type of routine. A dog walker or daycare would work well.

BillyMitchel

Btw - you mightnt be single for long - dogs are known to be useful accessories in the dating game


Agree 100% with this, I know longer bring my dog out to give him exercise but to see what chicks we can try and pick up, he works wonders! He nearly even caused a crashed some girl was looking that hard! Every single day without fail me and the hound come home smiling!


OP get a dog that suits your lifestyle and it will work out fine

DBB

Whispered wrote: »

What dogs do you like? About how much exercise do you want to give a dog and what type of exercise? Would you be hoping for a very intelligent, highly trainable dog, or a bit of a loveable blockhead? Any breeds you don't like the idea of, why? How do you feel about grooming (the dog)?

Whispered has asked some really important questions here, your answers will really help narrow down your search to a dog that suits.
A few more questions to add:
Is the dog going to live inside with you while you're home?
Are allergies a problem for you? Or indeed for any of your visitors?
Are you houseproud?!
Male or female? Or does it matter?
And to really narrow things down for the sake of other posters here, do you want a rescue dog, or do you want a purebred dog? Do you still want a pup, or have you given consideration to a slightly older dog (anything up to, say 2 or 3 years of age)?

You mentioned a Cocker Spaniel in your 2011 thread: personally, if I wanted a breed that was good with young kids, a Cocker would not be my first choice. A pity, they were once a super, dependable breed, but the cowboys have got to their gene pool, and problems such as resource guarding have become very common in the breed. Same goes for Golden Retrievers.
Pups are hard work. REALLY hard work. You get back what you put into them, but boy oh boy, this can be hard to remember when you're mopping up yet another pile of sh1te from your Axminster If you're up for this, great. But if you don't want to go through the house-training, the biting, the chewing, the crying at night etc, then think long and hard re a pup! Remember that buying a pup is no guarantee they're going to be good with kids: the best you can hope for is that the breeder did some intensive child-socialisation with the pup... and these breeders are thin on the ground. You just won't know with any degree of certainty how a pup is going to turn out with kids until he's a bit older.. certainly 6+ months.
On the other hand, and I see it was mentioned before, a young adult may be more suited to you. It'll have gone through the worst of the above, and the owner/rescue/whoever currently owns the dog will have a far clearer idea of its likes and dislikes in the child/men/women/cars/cats/washing machines/vacuum cleaners/strangers/other dogs departments.

Okay, I'll come clean... I can't help but think a whippet, greyhound, or lurcher would be brilliant in your particular set-up. There, I've said it
Easygoing, people-friendly, generally other-dog friendly, biddable, lazy couch potatoes who tend not to be as emotionally clingy as other dogs, yet still affectionate. They usually have some amount of training done with them. Thrive in a small flat or a large home. However, if your dog is to spend time outside alone, he'll need a warm shed (check), and a coat, and it can't be a 24/7 arrangement. But then again, for psychological welfare reasons, I'm not an advocate of dogs being kept outdoors anyway, regardless of breed.

I take it that your comment about having to rehome the dog if it comes to it is an absolute worst-case scenario, and that this is you being extremely thorough? Just checking! Let's face it, people with the best of intentions sometimes have to let their dog go, but whilst there's no shame in it if done for the right reasons, it is hard on a dog. It can be very hard on a dog in fact, depending on the dog. So, a worst-case scenario it should be. On the one hand, when people ask me "what happens if I can't keep the dog" when I'm rehoming one, it can set off alarm bells. But on the other, I also have to consider that the person is being utterly, and correctly, thorough!
I think, in contrast to your friend, that you're right to over-think this: there is too big a problem with people underthinking this whole process which gets them into a whole lot of trouble down the line. So, over-think away. As long as you have everything in place to meet the dog's needs and wants (well, most of them), and are prepared for a pretty seismic shift in the way you live your life , you can't go too far wrong.

Finally, as a first-time owner, have a think about getting a good, qualified trainer or behaviourist in to help you in the first couple of weeks: this one step can really set things off on the right foot, as you'll understand from the outset where your dog is coming from, why he does what he does, how to stop or prevent some of the more common problems with (a) dogs, and (b) rescue dogs (if this applies), and you'll have yourself a good support system should you encounter any problems in the training/behaviour department.

anniehoo

DBB wrote: »

I can't help but think a whippet, greyhound, or lurcher would be brilliant in your particular set-up. There, I've said it

+1 Exactly what i would've said too. Excellent choices of dogs for your lifestyle now. You havent mentioned if you're into fitness or exercise so if not, then these lads are ideal.

I agree with what a previous poster said about going to various shelters and pounds and get a feel for what type of dog you like. While we can list character traits of every breed here, my last dog was a mongrel and an absolute legend. If a pups not for you there's lots of mature dogs looking for homes too so don't rule them out either.

JustAThought

I wouldnt agree at.all in wasting hundreds of unnecessary euro on paying a so-called behaviourist to help you train your dog. Im assuming youre not planning on rescuing a vicious peoplebiter?

Rescue + the various other suggestions sound great : )

Those chocolate lab pups are all " gone" btw!

ISDW

JustAThought wrote: »

I wouldnt agree at.all in wasting hundreds of unnecessary euro on paying a so-called behaviourist to help you train your dog. Im assuming youre not planning on rescuing a vicious peoplebiter?

Rescue + the various other suggestions sound great : )

Those chocolate lab pups are all " gone" btw!

can you please clarify what you mean by "so called" behaviourist, really odd thing to say.

DBB

JustAThought wrote: »

I wouldnt agree at.all in wasting hundreds of unnecessary euro on paying a so-called behaviourist to help you train your dog. Im assuming youre not planning on rescuing a vicious peoplebiter?

What do you mean by a "so-called" behaviourist, Just A Thought? I mentioned qualified trainers and behaviourists, the "qualified" bit denoting there's nothing "so-called" about them.
There are a lot of people out there who call themselves behaviourists without having any qualification to do so, so yes, you could call them "so-called". But what about those who are qualified in the field of applied companion animal behaviour? This is why I specifically mention qualified trainers and behaviourists.
I don't know too many who charge hundreds of euro either, tbh. I'd hate to think that anyone would post such misinformation that'd be taken as the truth by any poster here.
New owners can benefit hugely from getting a qualified opinion and help on how to avoid the more common mistakes made which lead to training and behavioural problems, thousands of first-time and experienced puppy and adult dog owners do it all the time. Indeed, it has been shown that owners who invest the time to train their dogs with the help of an expert are far less likely to surrender the dog due to behavioural problems. So, are these people wasting their money?
The dog does not have to be a "vicious peoplebiter"... if the dog comes from a good rescue, it should not be rehomed if it is a "vicious peoplebiter". However, even issues not quite as serious such as pulling on the lead, house-training issues, jumping up on visitors, can turn out to be major dealbreakers for new owners, and are relatively easily and quickly dealt with between the owner and an expert in such matters, let alone more serious problems.
What would you advise a new owner do, now that they have a new dog, and is completely lost as to where to go from here?

JustAThought

The op is looking for suggestions for dog - not bandwaggoning for so called behaviourists.

SillyMangoX

JustAThought wrote: »

The op is looking for suggestions for dog - not bandwaggoning for so called behaviourists.

Why the"so called"? Someone who has a degree in animal behavior is a behaviourist, just as much as someone with a degree is nursing is a nurse, or someone with a degree in veterinary is a vet. A behaviourist, while not 100% necessary, may be very beneficial in helping a new animal be trained and settle in with a family.

DeVore

What dogs do you like?

I like Labs, Collies nothing too huge but nothing too small either (though I realise Labs and Collies are pretty big...they would be the biggest possible, and probably too big). Tbh, a mutt is fine by me and probably a rescue dog is what I will get.

About how much exercise do you want to give a dog and what type of exercise?

Walking , throwing a stick, that sort of thing. I have two big enough green areas right near the house. About the size of a football field each.

Would you be hoping for a very intelligent, highly trainable dog, or a bit of a loveable blockhead?

Heh, either is fine, with a slight preference for loveable blockhead

Any breeds you don't like the idea of, why?

Not particularly, probably I would prefer a mutt as opposed to a nervous wreck of a pure breed. I'm not wildly fond of skinny dogs.

How do you feel about grooming (the dog)?

If I were honest, this is probably my weakest point. Not crazy about it but hoping I bond with him (yeah, probably a him) enough to enjoy it rather than see it as a chore.

Is the dog going to live inside with you while you're home?

Not sure about that, probably, or he could sleep in the shed, its full insulated.

Are allergies a problem for you? Or indeed for any of your visitors?

This is a worry, some dogs have made me allergic before and its a big worry for me that any new dog would have the same effect. Are there some that are more prone to causing allergies than others?

Are you houseproud?!

Nah, not at all

Male or female? Or does it matter?

Male I think.

And to really narrow things down for the sake of other posters here, do you want a rescue dog, or do you want a purebred dog? Do you still want a pup, or have you given consideration to a slightly older dog (anything up to, say 2 or 3 years of age)?

Probably not a pup but not too old hopefully. I think a rescue dog is best, give one of them a good home and a bit of good luck for once.

As for rehoming him, I'm just making sure I cover all the angles and the dog wont suffer if I cant manage. Being single is a concern because there is no way around having to be home for him or sharing that responsibility with someone else.

Tom.

DBB

Lovable blockheads? Hmm, that'll open up a few doors for you so, there are a lot of lovable goofballs out there!
Though one breed you've mentioned doesn't fit that category, and that's Collies. Nothing blockheadish about them, they can be hard old work due to their high work ethic and drive. Great dogs, but tend to need a lot of investment time- and training-wise.

You'll get nervous wrecks of mutts and purebreeds tbh, a lot depends on their past. It's fairly easy to get many pure breeds in rescue these days, but I suspect you'll spot "The One" by looking up various rescue sites, or visiting various rescues. And he mightn't look at all like what you had in mind!

I'm taking it that greyhounds, lurchers and whippets are out if skinny dogs are not your thing!
That said, a shaggy rough-coated lurcher doesn't have to be skinny, and in many respects ticks a lot of the boxes you've mentioned so far. Up for whatever exercise you throw at them, low shed (in many cases), goofy, but also great in many home environments.
A wirey-coated type dog is going to suit best in terms of grooming; they tend to be low-moulty and don't get so matted. Silky-coated, and/or double coated, and short-coated breeds tend to need regular grooming due to matting, and as they shed a lot, if you don't keep up with grooming, the hair in the house can build up astonishingly quickly.

As for living outside, it'll depend on the dog, but as a general rule, the more contact the dog has with his owner, the less likely it is that he'll develop various behavioural problems. Personally, I prefer to see an owner wanting the dog to be a housedog, but if the dog is used to sleeping out in a kennel, and is getting a lot of social interaction with you during waking hours, then it can work out fine.

The allergy thing is a worry. It is an oft-quoted reason given for why dogs are surrendered. Any idea what it was about the dogs that provoked a reaction from you before? Were they moulty breeds? Fluffballs? Could be dander that causes it, could be hair, but one thing's certain, you're going to have to get up close n personal with any dogs you like the look of, to see does it provoke a reaction. Some people are happy to live with the ensuing sniffles and sneezes, but the reality of this must be tough enough.

Being single does complicate matters, but not that much. You have family back up I think? Plus there are quite a few doggy daycares and home-pet care services about nowadays so you can head away, or go on nights out guilt-free, with a bit of planning!

Have you started having a mooch around and seen any potential pooches yet?

DyldeBrill

hmm I would have said a boxer, but a boxer needs loads of space to run + loads of attention.Amazing dogs, that are people friendly and remain young at heart for there doggy life.No doubt you will get many a laugh out of these rascals too.

Great with other dogs too, just needs to be trained right at a young age

But the pound is another good option, always nice to give a new home to some of the poor dog that unfortunately made its way in there.

GL with this

Vel

I'm NOT taking up this point to start a debate on whether dogs should be kept inside or outside but I just wanted to point out, as they have been recommended, that I would really not advise leaving any of the sighthounds (whippets, lurchers and greyhounds) left in a garden unattended while you are out as they are at high risk of being stolen by members of a certain community who are interested in them for their potential hunting capabilities.

Whispered

DeVore wrote: »

I like Labs, Collies nothing too huge but nothing too small either (though I realise Labs and Collies are pretty big...they would be the biggest possible, and probably too big). Tbh, a mutt is fine by me and probably a rescue dog is what I will get.



Walking , throwing a stick, that sort of thing. I have two big enough green areas right near the house. About the size of a football field each.



Heh, either is fine, with a slight preference for loveable blockhead




Not particularly, probably I would prefer a mutt as opposed to a nervous wreck of a pure breed. I'm not wildly fond of skinny dogs.



If I were honest, this is probably my weakest point. Not crazy about it but hoping I bond with him (yeah, probably a him) enough to enjoy it rather than see it as a chore.



Not sure about that, probably, or he could sleep in the shed, its full insulated.



This is a worry, some dogs have made me allergic before and its a big worry for me that any new dog would have the same effect. Are there some that are more prone to causing allergies than others?



Nah, not at all


Male I think.




Probably not a pup but not too old hopefully. I think a rescue dog is best, give one of them a good home and a bit of good luck for once.

As for rehoming him, I'm just making sure I cover all the angles and the dog wont suffer if I cant manage. Being single is a concern because there is no way around having to be home for him or sharing that responsibility with someone else.

Tom.

You absolutely NEED a staffy then (or a cross)

Compact little dogs but nothing small about them, love their walks and don't tend to like swimming, loveable blockheads with a very cute streak - mine acts the clown unless you have food then he's the smartest little man going and LOVES to learn. They are rarely nervous dogs and any I've met personally are totally bombproof, my own guy again for example had a bad start and is the happiest dog I've ever met and has been since he arrived in the house, it's like they are determined to be happy and see the good in everything all the time. They don't need a whole lot of grooming, an occasional bath and a rub down.

A staffy will have to sleep in the house in my opinion as they are dogs who can suffer in extreme temperatures and as soon as it starts getting cold my 2 take up residence in front of the fire. In my view they are too thin coated to be outside for any length of time.

Another thing you'll have to be aware of is that they are on the restricted breed list which brings with it some more responsibilities but they are well worth it.

If you're worried about sharing responsibility, build up a good relationship with your local boarding kennel. For our regular customers we would often collect and drop off if they are stuck and I'm sure others would do the same if needed.

RossPaws

I hate to recommend "Designer breeds" but something like a labradoodle or a similar cross could do you well.

They're lovable blockheads, good if you have allergies because they're poodle crosses and tend shed less than other breeds, the only possible drawback is that they do like their exercise.

Although it might depend on the dog, we had a foster labradoodle that we used to bring for one fairly long (maybe an hour and a half) trek through the phoenix park a day, after that he'd just flop down on the carpet and wouldn't move again. If we'd show him the lead he'd turn his head and walk away!

JustAThought

RossPaws wrote: »

I hate to recommend "Designer breeds" but something like a labradoodle or a similar cross could do you well.

Id forgotten about them" fab dogs thou high energy + they can vary in shale + size a lot! A few of my dogwalking budfies have them ... invariably georgous + goodnatjred so far IMO.

Staffies + staffie mix dogs will cause you problems.Particularly if you are planning on mostly exercising it in a green in a housi.g estate,+ playing with it off lead.

Staffies and staffie mix dogs ( regardless how nice) are restricted breeds and HAVE to be kept on a lead AT ALL TIMES, and muzzled when out in public. People are nervous around them + you tend to get shouted at a lot + told to put your dog on a lead if you let it off. A lot of parents get very hysterical and unrational arou.d them. It would be a lifetime of heckling + hassle & i wouldnt recomnend it. Unless of course you want to have a dog permanently muzxled when you're out with it + never off lead to play ball or run.

SillyMangoX

People dont run around hysterically every time they see a staffie, not everyone on the streets will stand there screaming if you have a staffie. Justathought you seem to have a bee in your bonnet about restricted breeds, if the OP is interested in a staffie or a cross, there are plenty of owners on this forum who will give you a better picture of what life is like with one, not sweeping general statements. Personally if I see a nice staffie, muzzled or not (and generally they are not around here) I have no problem going up and having a rub, or letting my dog say hi once they arent funny around other dogs. Some of the sweetest dogs Ive ever met have been staffies or bullies

Cherry Blossom

Hi OP,

Just one thing that I don't think anyone has mentioned . . .

To summarise: You're looking for a lovable blockhead of a dog, medium sized, not too fussed on breed but allergies may or may not come into play and you are looking into rescuing.

I think you would be ideally placed to contact a few places, tell them your requirements etc. and inquire about fostering with a view to adopt. That way, when a dog that fits the bill comes up that needs a foster home you would have the advantage of assessing first hand how that dog fits in with your life and will have time to see if allergies will flair up before you have committed to keeping that dog. If a particular dog doesn't work out, then the worst that has happened is that you have helped him/her out while they were waiting for a home that suits to turn up.

seamus

Relatively low-grooming, fearless, loveable blockhead. Yeah, that describes a staffie alright. Or a rottie. Labs can be like that as well.

Owning a restricted breed isn't quite the constant battle that JustAThought paints. Certainly in our immediate area, my dog is a bloody celebrity now ("Look, there's that 3-legged dog again!"), and even out and about in parks and the like you don't get the same faces that we used to. Though maybe I've just grown immune to it. Either way, I certainly didn't "get shouted at a lot", I don't recall ever being shouted at.

No, you won't really be able to play fetch with a staffie, but that's more because they're lazy beasts who tend not to bother with the catch-return. Catch-destroy is usually my dog's preferred game with a ball.

I would be concerned for your health, DeV, if you were to get a staffie. Knowing you, you'll be about two weeks into ownership and the absurdity of the restricted breed laws will become clear to you. Then you won't be able to do anything as you fume and obsess about ways to pressurise politicians into repealing it and introducing more common sense laws to protect both dogs and owners.

You'd be a valuable asset to the dog lobby, but I don't think your blood pressure would thank you

AJ's suggestion of signing up to foster is a great idea. Chances are you'll fall in love with the first dog you foster (even if it's an Irish wolfhound), but to a certain extent it gives you that "try before you buy" element. Naturally in fostering the dog's welfare comes first, but at least if you can get assigned to a short-term foster of two weeks or so, you get to find out how well a dog fits, without the pressure of the long-term commitment.
If you're not given a puppy to foster, you're often given a dog who's just had an operation or some other short-term illness, so from that perspective you also get a taste of caring for a dog when they're at their worst, as opposed to the easy times.

edit: Oh, and the offer from the previous thread of a lift to the DSPCA is still open

DeVore

Yeah fostering sounds like a great idea, cos I'm still a bit nervous about being "right for a dog".

So, where does one go to foster? DSPCA? Appreciate the offer Seamus, might have a ride sorted but if not, I'll shout!

T.

ps: lol at the dog laws bit, yeah... thats probably true

DeVore

Home inspection tomorrow... Kinda excited and a bit anxious about the impending arrival but I'm just fostering for 4 weeks to see how it goes. I dunno how long it is from inspection to arrival of my new companion ... Any ideas?

There will be pictures... Oh yes!

T.

scudzilla

Thought about a Boxer Dev??


(And i thought we'd got past the stage of you signing your name to every post :P )

Inexile

DeVore wrote: »

Home inspection tomorrow... Kinda excited and a bit anxious about the impending arrival but I'm just fostering for 4 weeks to see how it goes. I dunno how long it is from inspection to arrival of my new companion ... Any ideas?

There will be pictures... Oh yes!

T.

Good Luck today and a big thank you for fostering - it really is a brilliant thing to do. For rescues fosters are like gold dust. Once an a person passes their home check they usually get a dog fairly fast - once the rescue has something they they think will be suitable.

JustAThought

Inexile wrote: »

Good Luck today and a big thank you for fostering - it really is a brilliant thing to do. For rescues fosters are like gold dust. Once an a person passes their home check they usually get a dog fairly fast - once the rescue has something they they think will be suitable.

BEST OF LUCK!!!!

getz

Whispered wrote: »

You absolutely NEED a staffy then (or a cross)

Compact little dogs but nothing small about them, love their walks and don't tend to like swimming, loveable blockheads with a very cute streak - mine acts the clown unless you have food then he's the smartest little man going and LOVES to learn. They are rarely nervous dogs and any I've met personally are totally bombproof, my own guy again for example had a bad start and is the happiest dog I've ever met and has been since he arrived in the house, it's like they are determined to be happy and see the good in everything all the time. They don't need a whole lot of grooming, an occasional bath and a rub down.

A staffy will have to sleep in the house in my opinion as they are dogs who can suffer in extreme temperatures and as soon as it starts getting cold my 2 take up residence in front of the fire. In my view they are too thin coated to be outside for any length of time.

Another thing you'll have to be aware of is that they are on the restricted breed list which brings with it some more responsibilities but they are well worth it.

If you're worried about sharing responsibility, build up a good relationship with your local boarding kennel. For our regular customers we would often collect and drop off if they are stuck and I'm sure others would do the same if needed.

the staffy should never be left alone outside ,a staffy is a person dog and needs to interact with people all the time

Whispered

getz wrote: »

the staffy should never be left alone outside ,a staffy is a person dog and needs to interact with people all the time

Why are you telling me that?

Good luck today!!

DeVore

scudzilla wrote: »

Thought about a Boxer Dev??


(And i thought we'd got past the stage of you signing your name to every post :P )

I havent thought about a breed beyond not wanting something huge (for practical purposes) or something handbaggie cos I dont think I would bond with him. Other then that, a loveable mutt is just fine by me

Also, it stilllllll feels strange not to sign my posts and sometimes I sign the serious ones about my actual real life with T..... its so weird not to for some reason.

anniehoo

DeVore wrote: »

I dunno how long it is from inspection to arrival of my new companion ... .

Is the home inspection with the organisation i sent you? If so, they're always looking for fosterers, so if you pass it'll be pretty quick as long as you are happy with the dog you pick. Keep an eye on their facebook page as they regularly update the dogs needing foster homes.

fatmammycat

Good luck today DeVore!

Whispered

What time is it at? How did it go?

DeVore

Its this evening at 7. To be honest, from what they say, I'm a dream foster home. I work from home so I'm here most days. Have a high walled garden which is big, hard wood floors for cleaning , plenty to time to exercise the dog, no kids, dog can sleep inside etc etc. I'll put cash behind toys and bedding and all that, the dog will only suffer from spoiling

I didnt realise I'd get to pick the dog, I presumed I'd get whichever dog they needed homed next. That will be nice!

(Anniehoo, yes it is, they've been very efficient and nice).

Lexie_Karas

So excited for ya hun (and a little jealous too!). Fostering is really the best way to go about getting a new pet, you end up finding a dog that really suits you and in the mean time you get to help out other dogs that are in need (that's assuming you don't just fall head over heels for the first furry mutt that you foster :P)

Keep us up to date, can't wait to see pics!!

xx

DeVore

So, slight change of plans... I had planned to foster but the dog I like the look of is in a pound and seems perfect in all other regards so I'm taking a deep breath, and taking the plunge to rehome him tomorrow. Otherwise it isnt clear that this would be the dog I would get and I probably couldn't bring myself to return another dog just because "I didnt like him enough". So, since I mean this to be the real deal, I'm just going to put my best foot forward and hope.

This is my new companion all else being equal.


He looks part Beagle and I dunno what else. I'm guessing a bit over one year old? I go to the pound tomorrow, to bring him home, so... I'm a bit anxious about the new responsibility and the complete unknown I'm getting myself in for but let see how it goes...

Anyone know much about Beagles? How big will he get? (I'm presuming not all that big...)

westies4ever

i've just happended on this thread and read it from start to finish.

Congrats - he looks like a fine fella - his eyes are very kind.

beagles are great, curious and fun - wonder does he do the beagle 'howl'?

SillyMangoX

He looks like a hunting type beagle, they usually grow to be about knee high, lovely intelligent dogs, but if they catch a scent forget about them caring about you :P A neighbour of mine has one and she is so sweet!

Lexie_Karas

Aw he's gorgeous hun Bet you can't wait to bring him home. Does he have a name yet?

Inexile

Ooooh... I saw this guy on the rescue's thread. Thought he was lovely - my guess he is a bit older than one but that only me guessing and its hard to guage from one photo. Beagles arent that big a dog - about knee high. Though I suppose it depends on how tall you are Good luck with him

DeVore

No, maybe Caesar, or Chewie (like Chewbacca) but for the moment I'm going to get him home and see how he acts and maybe take a few days to give him a name that fits.

toadfly

Aw hes gorgeous, best of luck and keep us updated!

DBB

Ah would ya look at him
I saw him up on the rescue webpage too, he does have a Foxhound-y look to him as well as Beagle, but if he's a year old, he's prety much as tall as he's going to get... the only direction her can grow now is outwards
The very best of luck with him, he's lovely

DeVore

So, he's home now. He was shaking like a leaf in the car on the way home but still was very well behaved. Half way home he decided that instead of completely ignoring me in the backseat with him, he wanted to lick my hands all over and then sniff everything in the car, including under the seats. Then he went very calm and put his head on my lap and after a while took an overwhelming interest in everything going by outside.

So, I've had him home maybe 3 hours now and he doesnt like being left alone so I've moved the computer downstairs to work near him. Of course, now he cant be arsed being near me but if I dare move, he's on me like a shot. Thats ok, I guess he needs reassurance. Wouldnt we all!
He was pretty damned keen to be out of the kennel so I dont think he particularly gives a monkeys where he is and he seems very happy. He only barks when I leave him alone.

Already he's chewed one door stopper and a fist sized hole in the (quite expensive) blanket I bought him. He also made off with one of my shoes which lead to 10 laps of my kitchen table. I'm tellin' ya, this is tough work!

He goes mental every now and then sniffing and running around and chewing things and then seems to absolutely chill the ^$%£ out and just sits at my feet and likes getting rubbed all over. He seems to want to play a game of "get part of Tom's body into my mouth"... its not biting or nipping, but he has gone a bit mental doing it at times. Right now he's lying down peacefully on his blanket, which I have to say is a relief... lol

I'm worried about leaving him alone for the night in the kitchen, I dunno what disaster I'm going to get up to in the morning or if he will settle at all... lets see. This is going to be a bit more work than I expected in terms of time taken up and hopefully he chills out fairly fast because I cant be with him every minute of the day but for the next few weeks I'll be here probably 95% of the time.

Will post pics in a while...

westies4ever

DeVore wrote: »

So, he's home now. He was shaking like a leaf in the car on the way home but still was very well behaved. Half way home he decided that instead of completely ignoring me in the backseat with him, he wanted to lick my hands all over and then sniff everything in the car, including under the seats. Then he went very calm and put his head on my lap and after a while took an overwhelming interest in everything going by outside.

So, I've had him home maybe 3 hours now and he doesnt like being left alone so I've moved the computer downstairs to work near him. Of course, now he cant be arsed being near me but if I dare move, he's on me like a shot. Thats ok, I guess he needs reassurance. Wouldnt we all!
He was pretty damned keen to be out of the kennel so I dont think he particularly gives a monkeys where he is and he seems very happy. He only barks when I leave him alone.

Already he's chewed one door stopper and a fist sized hole in the (quite expensive) blanket I bought him. He also made off with one of my shoes which lead to 10 laps of my kitchen table. I'm tellin' ya, this is tough work!

He goes mental every now and then sniffing and running around and chewing things and then seems to absolutely chill the ^$%£ out and just sits at my feet and likes getting rubbed all over. He seems to want to play a game of "get part of Tom's body into my mouth"... its not biting or nipping, but he has gone a bit mental doing it at times. Right now he's lying down peacefully on his blanket, which I have to say is a relief... lol

I'm worried about leaving him alone for the night in the kitchen, I dunno what disaster I'm going to get up to in the morning or if he will settle at all... lets see. This is going to be a bit more work than I expected in terms of time taken up and hopefully he chills out fairly fast because I cant be with him every minute of the day but for the next few weeks I'll be here probably 95% of the time.

Will post pics in a while...

Dont panic - he will settle in a few days i'd say, it's just all very strange for him. Best of luck.

DeVore

Oh, *HE* seems to be having a ball, its his owner who is nervous

Raminahobbin

DeVore wrote: »

I'm worried about leaving him alone for the night in the kitchen, I dunno what disaster I'm going to get up to in the morning or if he will settle at all... lets see. This is going to be a bit more work than I expected in terms of time taken up and hopefully he chills out fairly fast because I cant be with him every minute of the day but for the next few weeks I'll be here probably 95% of the time.

Have you looked into crate training? It'd certainly do a lot to put your mind at rest at night time especially.

He's a great little lad, fair play to you for taking him

Chucken

So far the name Chewie seems to suit him

Hes beautiful. I hope the 2 of you are very happy together

DeVore

Yeah, it would but my friend who helped me enormously today suggested a biblical name so he's been christened Joshua (or Josh). He's apparently selectively deaf too... hmmm