Considering a dog - advice/opinions needed

pawrick

Hi,

I am considering getting a pet dog later in the year (end of summer maybe or later).

I am still deciding on the type to go for but so far I'm considering German Shephards and Labradors. Ideally something which would be capable of going for long walks or the occasional jog and but not too energetic.

I will be looking for a pup so I can get it used to my cats and parrots.

It will be a house dog but I want to have an enclosure outside for it to get fresh air, chill out in fine weather etc.

Main questions are concerning the enclosure
- what size enclosure would people recommend for a GS or lab sized dog?
- what type of ground surface - part cement with grass or with gravel?

Open to all suggestions/advice on this as I never had an enclosure before and as there are sheep nearby I do not want to run any risks but also want it comfortable for the dog.

Also open to suggestions on the type of dog, I'll be looking at local rescues closer the time but if getting a german shephard I'd prefer to get it from a reputable breeder so the parents hip scores etc can be checked.

Had also been considering a beagle at the smaller end of the scale but have been put off by people saying they howl a lot. Types I would not consider - terriers, sheepdogs, husky types, toy breeds such as poms etc.

The dog will not be alone all day long but could be for up to 9 hours occasionally while I'm in work and if the gf is not about either so that's something I will also have to consider, maybe getting someone to walk the dog during the day when that happens - also open to views on this

VonVix

I'll just hit on one point, as I can't really think of anything else useful I could add regards your other points at the moment!

German shepherds are one of my favourite breeds, but they are known for having issues when it comes to fearful behaviour if they are not well experienced with meeting people and other dogs as well as other regular day-to-day scenarios from an early age. Like any dog, they need to be well socialised in order to avoid such problems. You need to keep in mind they are a herding breed (I see you mentioned against sheepdogs) and they are pacers, so they are likely to be instinctively attracted to the sheep.

Another thing too, is that ideally you wouldn't want a GSD with a sloped back (though I think this is a show standard when it comes to breeders who specialise in showing GSDs?), as they are more likely to suffer from health issues because of it.

Lemlin

pawrick wrote: »

Hi,

I am considering getting a pet dog later in the year (end of summer maybe or later).

I am still deciding on the type to go for but so far I'm considering German Shephards and Labradors. Ideally something which would be capable of going for long walks or the occasional jog and but not too energetic.

I will be looking for a pup so I can get it used to my cats and parrots.

It will be a house dog but I want to have an enclosure outside for it to get fresh air, chill out in fine weather etc.

Main questions are concerning the enclosure
- what size enclosure would people recommend for a GS or lab sized dog?
- what type of ground surface - part cement with grass or with gravel?

Open to all suggestions/advice on this as I never had an enclosure before and as there are sheep nearby I do not want to run any risks but also want it comfortable for the dog.

Also open to suggestions on the type of dog, I'll be looking at local rescues closer the time but if getting a german shephard I'd prefer to get it from a reputable breeder so the parents hip scores etc can be checked.

Had also been considering a beagle at the smaller end of the scale but have been put off by people saying they howl a lot. Types I would not consider - terriers, sheepdogs, husky types, toy breeds such as poms etc.

The dog will not be alone all day long but could be for up to 9 hours occasionally while I'm in work and if the gf is not about either so that's something I will also have to consider, maybe getting someone to walk the dog during the day when that happens - also open to views on this

I have a Labrador and live near sheep, hens and all types of livestock. I also have cats and my Labrador has never gone near them. In fact, one of our cats often sits with her. The only animal I have ever seen her chase is a rabbit.

In regard to running, I run 5k to 10k three times a week and she runs with me.

I'd point out though my Labrador is a field trial Labrador. She's not as big as the show type - bred to be smaller and quicker. I'm not sure if some of the show Labradors I've seen would be fit to run 10k like she does.

Woodpecker1

I recently got a dog. Not the type you are after but im sure the habits and requirements will be similar.

The cons.

Dog poo. Lots of dog poo. The little bag, the warm sensation and the gagging while trying to get it moved. I got a handy scoop with liners which is taking the horror away a fair bit. Mine is a small dog, you want a big dog. Double poo. It has to be lifted even in the country or it will end up all over your carpet at some stage.

The cost. My dog started sneezing last week, and then started to gag and struggle breathing with it a bit this week. I took her to a vet. 70 euro it cost and did not get a definite answer . I did get 12 antibiotic tabs just in case it was an infection. Now the sneeze has gone after one tablet and I feel a bit sick that I handed over a days wages for 5mins of a vets time.

Last is they attention they need. This could also be a pro I guess, But sometimes when the rain is hammering down, you do not want to go out walking. Needless to say , its gets done regardless. It would be down right cruel not to get them out for a walk twice a day. I grew up with labs in the home and they need lots of exercise. If they don't, they get fat and this leads to horrible problems for their joints and well being. They also need to get out to keep their head right. A run around a cage is not a substitute .

We are away 3 full days a week (but home for lunch). The dog needs a walk in the morning and in the evening these days. If you cant do this then you might want to reconsider your position.

The pros for me is the companion I have gained. My whole family rotates around this little happy soul who is always there to greet us with excitement, even if you are only putting out the bins.

Great for home security. My dog goes nuts barking when a stranger comes to the door. Perfect.

These are my opinions after 1 month of ownership . Mine has blended in and become a valued member of the family. No regrets at all.

borderlinemeath

Woodpecker1 wrote: »

I recently got a dog. Not the type you are after but im sure the habits and requirements will be similar.

The cons.

Dog poo. Lots of dog poo. The little bag, the warm sensation and the gagging while trying to get it moved. I got a handy scoop with liners which is taking the horror away a fair bit. Mine is a small dog, you want a big dog. Double poo. It has to be lifted even in the country or it will end up all over your carpet at some stage.

Slightly off topic but I had to respond to this!

If you're getting lots and lots of poo from a small dog, and it smells vile and is 'loose' when trying to lift it - I know you didn't state this but if you're gagging "trying to get it moved" then it's probably a bit pliable - I think you're feeding the wrong food.

If you feed a high quality dry food that suits your dog the poos will improve.
If you feed a high quality wet food (not a supermarket brand) the poos will improve.
If you feed a fresh/raw diet the poos will improve. Substantially. Smaller, harder, no smell, so easy to get into the bag.

Woodpecker1

borderlinemeath wrote: »

Slightly off topic but I had to respond to this!

If you're getting lots and lots of poo from a small dog, and it smells vile and is 'loose' when trying to lift it - I know you didn't state this but if you're gagging "trying to get it moved" then it's probably a bit pliable - I think you're feeding the wrong food.

If you feed a high quality dry food that suits your dog the poos will improve.
If you feed a high quality wet food (not a supermarket brand) the poos will improve.
If you feed a fresh/raw diet the poos will improve. Substantially. Smaller, harder, no smell, so easy to get into the bag.

The poo could come out smelling of roses and look lovely. Im still going to gag . I really despise going near it.
Im still trying to find a mix that see likes. Im getting a mixed range of poo LOL. This sounds terrible.

We have not settled on a food that she likes yet.

pawrick

@Vonvix

Thanks for advice

My brother and sister both have young dogs (lab 3 months and cocker spaniel 7 months old) plan is to have them around each other as much as possible as I had read up on that bit about GSDs being timid around strangers etc unless well socilised (been paying attention to any mention on the forums here over the past year while considering breeds). I already dog sit for them occasionally so it wont be difficult to introduce them more regularly.

Re the sloped backs - I keep reading that's a big minus for the future health prospects of the dog but I'm seeing GSDs for sale who's parents have low hip/elbow scores but appear to me to have very sloped backs (scouting certain websites selling puppies that is)- with a good score would the slope still be a concern?

Only reason I don't want a sheepdog is personal preference, not based on their personality - any I knew who were well looked after were lovely dogs like most breeds are if treated correctly.

borderlinemeath

Woodpecker1 wrote: »

The poo could come out smelling of roses and look lovely. Im still going to gag . I really despise going near it.
Im still trying to find a mix that see likes. Im getting a mixed range of poo LOL. This sounds terrible.

We have not settled on a food that she likes yet.

I look after dogs and I can literally tell who's had what for dinner by the consistency and smell of their poos:D. Some of them are horrific. Loose, stinky and huge.

My own pair are raw fed and it's like picking up a few marbles compared to some of the others. My dogs are medium sized and as the food they eat is purely meat, with a small amount of spud and cooked veg, there is nothing left to 'waste' to come out the other end. With dry food a lot of it is full of wheat or fillers, and that's why most of it that goes in - comes out the other end. Sometimes in a big stinky mess.

Not only does your dog have to like the food, but it must also agree with her insides, I'm sure mine would wolf down tins of pedigree if I let them - while it looks like chunks of meat, and smells like some kind of tasty dog stew, it is mainly made up of wheat - with maybe 4% meat in the whole tin. One of mine can't eat a whole dentastik without getting a runny bum so I could imagine what a whole tin of the muck would do to his insides.

Sorry again OP for dragging off topic

ShaShaBear

Can I just commend the OP on being one of the first in I don't know how long to ask advice on a new dog and literally has already covered every inch of research that we usually have to fight to get posters to do.

pawrick

@ Woodpecker1

Well used to cleaning up dog poo over the years + have an indoor cat and two parrots to clean up after each day so em yep not nice but used to it.


Could rejig my schedule I guess to pop home days where the gf is not around to give the dog more attention.

@ Lemlin

Labs are great I know, i may end up getting one as they tick all the boxes but keeping my options open for now as they are a dog I am very used to being around and I'd like to get one I'm not as familiar with. I'd be more open to rehoming an older one of these come the time as I'm used to their temperments. Just checking options right now and opinions.

VonVix

pawrick wrote: »

@Vonvix

Thanks for advice

My brother and sister both have young dogs (lab 3 months and cocker spaniel 7 months old) plan is to have them around each other as much as possible as I had read up on that bit about GSDs being timid around strangers etc unless well socilised (been paying attention to any mention on the forums here over the past year while considering breeds). I already dog sit for them occasionally so it wont be difficult to introduce them more regularly.

Re the sloped backs - I keep reading that's a big minus for the future health prospects of the dog but I'm seeing GSDs for sale who's parents have low hip/elbow scores but appear to me to have very sloped backs (scouting certain websites selling puppies that is)- with a good score would the slope still be a concern?

Only reason I don't want a sheepdog is personal preference, not based on their personality - any I knew who were well looked after were lovely dogs like most breeds are if treated correctly.

The lab and cocker won't be enough, I hope you know. Any dog would need to meet strange dogs, big and small, of various breeds. If you have a pup that grows up only know those two dogs intimately it doesn't sum up his reaction for meeting a dog he doesn't know. Take into consideration how different dogs look, a dog that is being socialised will really pick up on that.

I've met plenty of adult dogs who feel weird about pugs/boxers/squishy faced dogs because they are 'different' to read than most dogs and they've never really come across a dog with a face like that.

Re: hip scores, maybe someone else can help you with that, can't say it's an area I'm knowledgeable in.

pawrick

VonVix wrote: »

The lab and cocker won't be enough, I hope you know. Any dog would need to meet strange dogs, big and small, of various breeds. If you have a pup that grows up only know those two dogs intimately it doesn't sum up his reaction for meeting a dog he doesn't know. Take into consideration how different dogs look, a dog that is being socialised will really pick up on that.

I've met plenty of adult dogs who feel weird about pugs/boxers/squishy faced dogs because they are 'different' to read than most dogs and they've never really come across a dog with a face like that.

Re: hip scores, maybe someone else can help you with that, can't say it's an area I'm knowledgeable in.

Good advice - hadn't thought about them not being enough
There is busy pathway used for walking dogs near my gfs home where I see a good range of dog types being walked so I'll use that for the evening walks after work to get him/her used to lots of different ones. My own immediate area is very quiet, haven't seen anyone walking a dog yet (not there long though) apart from the sheep or an odd sheepdog barking in the distance

hollytrees

Sorry to butt in but someone mentioned raw diet. I'm presuming this is raw meat?

borderlinemeath

hollytrees wrote: »

Sorry to butt in but someone mentioned raw diet. I'm presuming this is raw meat?

Yep, raw meat and fish:)

Pretzill

Hi OP

You are covering all the points and so are other posters although I have little to add except have you considered getting two dogs together. 15 years ago we got two dogs always with the intention of getting one female but when we went to pick her up, her brother was also available - these were rescues - on the spot we decided to bring them both home and it was a great decision for 14 years they were best of friends who kept each other company if we were out of the house - they grew up together, and were into everything together - unfortunatly only seperated last year when the female died.

This probably goes against what most say about keeping siblings but we have been really lucky with these two and often if you do go the rescue route there will be litters waiting for homes.

Just a suggestion to add to all you have covered. Two dogs aren't double trouble sometimes having two actually halves much of the seperation anxiety imo but then maybe I just got an exceptional pair!

euser1984

9 hours is very long to leave a german shepherd imo. They need constant stimulation and have lots of energy. They need to be constantly socialized.

You need to use of their mental energy build up to wear them out. Top it off with a puppy which needs to be monitored nearly all the time.

Coming from a person that has had a pup for the last year.

Bandana boy

pawrick wrote: »

Hi,
Ideally something which would be capable of going for long walks or the occasional jog and but not too energetic.

GSD are great dogs but do not meet this requirement ,they have ridiculously high energy and require a lot of exercise.

My GSD when growing up got 10km a day and was always looking for more.

DBB

Bandana boy wrote: »

GSD are great dogs but do not meet this requirement ,they have ridiculously high energy and require a lot of exercise.

My GSD when growing up got 10km a day and was always looking for more.

There's a lot of individual variation though. I've had two from the same lines who would go all day if you wanted them to, but are/were also incredibly laid back and did/do not actually need, nor demand an enormous amount of exercise.
A good GSD is hard to beat OP... but getting a good one isn't always easy. By good, I mean both health-wise and behaviour-wise.

DeVore

I'm sorry ... you said Beagle and "not too energetic" in the same post

Don't make the same "mistake" I did. I did all the research.... and then chose a beagle cos he look soooooooo cute and cuddly and just the right size.




AND HE'S A DEMON!




Unless you meant to say "very VERY energetic" then a beagle is not the dog for you.
Also they are hunting dogs. They have strong prey instincts that you arent going to train out of them easily, if at all.

My beagle doesnt howl (I've heard this said before, but not from beagle owners funnily enough) .... he does bark a bit but nothing too bad.

I wouldnt trade him for the world but really, my fella is like the energiser bunny.

Mark.Smith90

These are the criteria I use when selecting a dog


<snip>
Mark.Smith90, as per other threads, your posts will be deleted until you appropriately link to the original author/website/blog.
Thanks,
DBB