Dog recommendations

Squall Leonhart

Myself and partner currently considering getting a dog in the summer. We both love dogs, but I have never owned one, she has as a teenager but it's been a while.

We're not sure what type of dog would suit, if any.

Thoughts so far;

- We live in a housing estate, back garden is a concrete yard.
- Would like to build a house outdoors for dog, a warm build, maybe with heat lamp or similar
- Probably have dogs allowed in kitchen/hall area of house (glass patio to yard from kitchen)
- We work different shifts, she would be likely home most mornings and some afternoons, I would be home from six. One or both would be around at weekends.
- Small non-shedding is preferred.
- Something that doesn't bark too much
- Happy to buy in pairs if this makes it better for the dog not to be alone
- we would walk a dog daily
- there are no other animals or children in the house

Any suggestions or advice?

cocker5

Squall Leonhart wrote: »

Myself and partner currently considering getting a dog in the summer. We both love dogs, but I have never owned one, she has as a teenager but it's been a while.

We're not sure what type of dog would suit, if any.

Thoughts so far;

- We live in a housing estate, back garden is a concrete yard.
- Would like to build a house outdoors for dog, a warm build, maybe with heat lamp or similar
- Probably have dogs allowed in kitchen/hall area of house (glass patio to yard from kitchen)
- We work different shifts, she would be likely home most mornings and some afternoons, I would be home from six. One or both would be around at weekends.
- Small non-shedding is preferred.
- Something that doesn't bark too much
- Happy to buy in pairs if this makes it better for the dog not to be alone
- we would walk a dog daily
- there are no other animals or children in the house

Any suggestions or advice?

To me honest OP I’m not sure you’ll get the answers you want here..

something that doesn’t bark too much? It’s all down to the individual dog.. depends how long they are alone, if they are bored or scared etc.

A shed outside? The dog may be allowed indoors.. why do you want a dog OP? If they won’t be sleeping indoors and may or may not be allowed inside then what’s the point?

Sorry to sound harsh but the reality is dogs are very social creatures and don’t do well alone or back yard dogs .. regardless if you have two.

Non shed?? It’s a dog OP while you may be lucky and get a dog the sheds less, it will still be an animal some shedding will
Happen.. along with dirty paws, wet dog fur, and all the other mess which comes from having a dog.

You need to ask yourself why do you want one? You need to put the dogs welfare first here and in all honesty from your post above I’d be saying dont get a dog.

Are u a home owner? If not I’d advise against getting a dog if ur renting too risky.

The idea of getting a dog is all airy fairy OP.. puppies are cute etc but the reality is far far different, yes dogs are amazing BUT take huge effort , care and constant thought . . training is hard work, toilet training is also hard work.. vet bills, kenneling costs, toys beds etc all add up .. it’s a 15 year ish comittment .. to be honest IMO a dog that will sleep outside , may or may not be alllowed in the House sounds like a not so nice 15 years for the dog.

That’s the reality OP..

Squall Leonhart

I take all you're saying on board, and it's a fair response.

I can clarify a point or two;
Non-shed was over selling it, really meant something that won't be constantly leaving clumps of hair everywhere. Also accepted there will of course be some water and mud from wet dogs after a walk etc.

All dogs bark, of course they do, that's fine, but some dogs SEEM to bark incessantly, or are known as "yappy" dogs, trying to avoid that type. I understand some of it will be down to how happy the dog is and the dogs environment.

We do own the house and have no plans to move.

Whether or not it makes things better or worse, to clarify, dog will be let in to house for social interaction with us, but dog wouldn't be allowed near bedrooms.

Would prefer a dog slept in his own house outside, purpose built,in something very sheltered and comfortable. Have seen a thousand dogs living outdoors in their houses, is this frowned upon?

Believe me, have wanted a dog for a long time, but keeping dog welfare in mind with changing personal circumstances has prevented thus far, but things are now settled and hence looking at our options. I don't want to be a crappy dog owner, dogs deserve better.

cocker5

Squall Leonhart wrote: »

I take all you're saying on board, and it's a fair response.

I can clarify a point or two;
Non-shed was over selling it, really meant something that won't be constantly leaving clumps of hair everywhere. Also accepted there will of course be some water and mud from wet dogs after a walk etc.

All dogs bark, of course they do, that's fine, but some dogs SEEM to bark incessantly, or are known as "yappy" dogs, trying to avoid that type. I understand some of it will be down to how happy the dog is and the dogs environment.

We do own the house and have no plans to move.

Whether or not it makes things better or worse, to clarify, dog will be let in to house for social interaction with us, but dog wouldn't be allowed near bedrooms.

Would prefer a dog slept in his own house outside, purpose built,in something very sheltered and comfortable. Have seen a thousand dogs living outdoors in their houses, is this frowned upon?

Believe me, have wanted a dog for a long time, but keeping dog welfare in mind with changing personal circumstances has prevented thus far, but things are now settled and hence looking at our options. I don't want to be a crappy dog owner, dogs deserve better.

Fair play OP and I didn’t mean to
Sound harsh I was just trying to be realistic .

Lots of people have dogs who sleep indoors and are allowed the run of downstairs but not allowed near the bedrooms - that’s al personal
Preference to be honest.

With regard to sleeping outdoors u mention a small is size dog.. lots of smaller / medium breeds aren’t suited to sleeping outdoors no matter how nice the shelter .. my cocker would loose his life if he was to sleep outside and yes he has a fab kennel .. he is happier at home lying in front of the fire or lounging around the kitchen (he has a bed in the kitchen also)..

When you say the dog will be allowed in for human interaction.. for how long each day. At all times when your home?

All most dogs want is to be with their humans OP ..

Barking again can’t be depicted by breed honestly it’s down to boredom , interaction levels , .. they can bark at wind... anything OP.

You need to think about are you getting a dog for yourself ? Or because you can / will fulfil their needs ?

I see numerous neighbors with dogs whom sleep outside each night, left outside all day when owners are in work.. allowed in for one hour each night .. that’s just not enough in fact it’s heartbreaking OP.. 23 hours alone each day is a life sentence for a loveable / social dog .. all dogs do it wait for you to come home and to be allowed in...

smilerf

A bichon could be what you are looking for

cocker5

smilerf wrote: »

A bichon could be what you are looking for

A bichon? That will sleep outdoors?

A greyhound. Can’t go wrong. Laziest, most affectionate creatures going.

cocker5

Deleted User wrote: »

A greyhound. Can’t go wrong. Laziest, most affectionate creatures going.

same as my point above... Greyhounds feel the cold they are not suited to sleep outdoors in the winter

cocker5

cocker5 wrote: »

same as my point above... Greyhounds feel the cold they are not suited to sleep outdoors in the winter

Any dog can sleep outside if they’ve a proper kennel. I don’t get the insistance on it being a 100% house dog.

Stoner

Deleted User wrote:

I don’t get the insistance on it being a 100% house dog.

I agree I've seen these comments here a lot.
My dogs sleep outside about 300 nights a year. It is no problem to them at all.

They are Collies, they are in the house when we are in, putting them out is the last job at night and we let them in first thing.

Dogs need exercise and interaction, you can't skimp on them and it sounds like the op might have an issue here.

It's also hard to get a dog that won't lose it's hair and can sleep outside at night. Mine are Collies and sleeping out is part of managing the hair. The other part is a brush and a hoover.

If you get a lap dog you have to keep it in at night they don't have the kit for winters and they bark to get in.

It doesn't sound like you have time for a dog op. There's no issue with one sleeping outside with the right bedding, dry, draft free and the right dog.
Anything that has short hair and skinny isn't suitable for winter conditions imo.

Squall Leonhart

I know you're not being harsh, I appreciate it. The reason I'm asking here is because I know I'll get real answers from people who love and care for dogs, I knew I was never going to receive a "get any dog you'd like" response!

cocker5 wrote: »

With regard to sleeping outdoors u mention a small is size dog.. lots of smaller / medium breeds aren’t suited to sleeping outdoors no matter how nice the shelter

This is the type of info I need. I don't and won't get a dog that cannot cope with being outside. I don't want to get a dog and have him forced to live in an environment totally unsuited to it and have it miserable. I notice yous said "lots of smaller/medium breeds", not "all", this is what I'm looking for, guidance on suitability.

cocker5 wrote: »

When you say the dog will be allowed in for human interaction.. for how long each day. At all times when your home?

Yes, at all times somebody is home, not at times when there is nobody home. Somebody should be home for 8-9 hours of the waking day.

cocker5 wrote: »

Barking again can’t be depicted by breed honestly it’s down to boredom , interaction levels , .. they can bark at wind... anything OP.

Noted.

cocker5 wrote: »

23 hours alone each day is a life sentence for a loveable / social dog .. all dogs do it wait for you to come home and to be allowed in...

That would never be the case, it really wouldn't. Would not do that to a dog.

I'm not rushing into this, and it may never happen. Just trying to make a (very) informed choice prior to making any commitments or undertakings.

Squall Leonhart

Stoner wrote: »

Dogs need exercise and interaction, you can't skimp on them and it sounds like the op might have an issue here.
....
It doesn't sound like you have time for a dog op. There's no issue with one sleeping outside with the right bedding, dry, draft free and the right dog.
Anything that has short hair and skinny isn't suitable for winter conditions imo.

If this is the case, then this is the case. Maybe I do not have enough time to offer a dog. I feel I do, but if dog owners feel I don't, then maybe I don't.

I don't intend on skimping on exercise with the dogs. We walk daily as it is, and would be even more guaranteed to do it if there were dogs to be brought out and walked.

Knine

Deleted User wrote: »

Any dog can sleep outside if they’ve a proper kennel. I don’t get the insistance on it being a 100% house dog.

Nope. Most toy breeds and the non shed types don't have the coat or body size to keep warm. Similar with many hound breeds.

How many owners do you think will have heated kennels?

SusieBlue

It doesn't sound like your lifestyle is compatible for pet ownership right now.
For what its worth, I have a Maltese and he'd die of the fright if he was left outside alone all night. Working breeds are a bit different, but toy breeds don't have a coat equipped to deal with the elements and also rely heavily on human interaction.

My dog has free run of the downstairs, we discouraged him from going near the stairs as a puppy and I think he's too afraid to chance going up it now. Its possible to keep a dog inside while not allowing them near the bedrooms.

DBB

Hi op,
I think it's great that you're putting in your research now... Far too many people don't, and end up making ill considered choices as a result.
I'm finding it hard to really nail this down from your posts (and I fully accept that could be me having a senior moment ), but it would be more informative if you could give us an idea of how many hours per day the dog would be outside in the garden for, on average.
For me, the physical ability of any dog to live outside is one side of a coin... The other side relates to the dog's mental ability to be left alone. They're just not biologically wired for solitude, there is nothing we can do to change that. Some individuals tolerate solitude better than others (and it has been said already, having a 2nd dog isn't always the answer. In fact, having a 2nd dog is only effective to keep separation anxiety at bay in about 25ish% of cases), and whilst some breeds are definitely clingier than others, in broad terms it comes down to individual traits, which themselves can be maximised by careful and very gentle introductions to solitude from very young. In fact, it's that moment that the pup is taken from its mother and brought to live in a strange place with strange people that the poop first hits the fan in setting up separation disorders. Followed by leaving a new pup to "cry it out" over his first few nights. Huge potential for disaster, and it's no surprise that we now know, via research, that separation disorders are hugely more common, to some degree or other, than we ever realised.
So... This is where I'd urge caution. I'm not a huge fan of any dogs being kept outside because of it making it all too easy for the dog to be put on the back-burner, but I understand too that there are dogs living outside whose owners put a lot of effort into addressing their needs. So, just have a really good think, not so much about whether the dog will be physically comfortable, but if he's regularly going to be alone for long periods (indoor or outdoor). In which case, I'd urge you to reconsider whether getting a dog is a viable option.
Of course, there's always the option, if you're not away for crazy hours, of adopting an established pair of older dogs who have shown that they're OK about being alone for the working day. Not every rescue would be willing to place dogs into a home if they're to be kept outdoors whilst you're at work, but you never know. Worth a look around.

tk123

Another thing to allow for is having to change your plans OP - are you prepared to let the dog indoors full-time if things don't go as planned and it's not happy outside? I've posted in other threads before about our lovely neighbours dog who's out barking for hours on end because "he's happier outside" i.e. they don't want him wrecking their house!! :mad: Very very frustrating for neighbours - especially those of us who take better care of and value our dogs more than they do.

moneymad

Squall Leonhart wrote: »

Myself and partner currently considering getting a dog in the summer. We both love dogs, but I have never owned one, she has as a teenager but it's been a while.

We're not sure what type of dog would suit, if any.

Thoughts so far;

- We live in a housing estate, back garden is a concrete yard.
- Would like to build a house outdoors for dog, a warm build, maybe with heat lamp or similar
- Probably have dogs allowed in kitchen/hall area of house (glass patio to yard from kitchen)
- We work different shifts, she would be likely home most mornings and some afternoons, I would be home from six. One or both would be around at weekends.
- Small non-shedding is preferred.
- Something that doesn't bark too much
- Happy to buy in pairs if this makes it better for the dog not to be alone
- we would walk a dog daily
- there are no other animals or children in the house

Any suggestions or advice?

I hope your neighbors aren't driven mad by barking after paying hundreds of thousands for their house.

alroley

No small non-shedding dog should sleep in a shed on their own outside. They are bred for the purpose of being companion dogs. They do not do well at all in the cold or when left alone for more than a few hours.

Knine

moneymad wrote: »

I hope your neighbors aren't driven mad by barking after paying hundreds of thousands for their house.

Not all dogs bark non stop though. My own were outside more then usual lately because my daughter has been very unwell in hospital so my family were looking after them. But I do agree that dogs barking a lot would drive you mad.

Nody

OP I know you specifically asked about dogs but based on your specifics would you consider two cats instead? Same size as a small dog, don't mind being alone during the day (esp. if they got company), no need to walk them and house trained from day 1 pretty much. Plenty of young adults and adults around the rescues who've settled down from the clawed power furball of kittens (i.e. your sofas will be safer) who're bonded and looking for a home to lazy around in and then get some petting and playtime in the evenings and the rescues will have a fair idea on how much they shed (as with dogs it vary greatly between cats).

mylittlepony

Hi.

I agreed with above post if you like cats.
cats would suit you best from your description.

I am sorry but the fact that you mention the dog is only allow access indoors to kitchen and hall areas is not good enough.
Plus you really want the dog to sleep outdoors in a kennel alone ( or companion) separated from his humans that sad.
what if it got sick or very bad weather and fireworks all these events require indoors access.
Okay you mention heat lamp in kennel but what if it bulb bursts, set kennel on fire....

Would you be interested to try temporary foster care a dog or puppy or borrow a friend or family's dog for a week or two to see if it suits your lifestyle.

Irish Guide Dogs are looking for more puppy raisers.
Check their website for open day / Information day about puppy raisers.

It a good step to give you a better idea if dog ownership is for you without the permanent commitment.

Or adopt a retired guide dog or rescue dog if you would prefer an older dog.

All above can be done for cats too - foster, borrow or adopt a cat if you like them.

A dog is for life and need to be a part of your life not just regular walks and access to the back yard, kennel, kitchen and hall.
It is not enough and not fair.
Fair play to you to put your cards on the table and get facts no wishy washy.
Well done.

CircleofLife

What if you got a low shed breed and crate trained them? It's essentially giving them a contained bed inside.

Gerry T

Hi OP, growing up my house had dogs, I got my own dog a yr and a half ago, what a shock I got. It's really like having a baby at the start, so much work. He got the runs for the first week and that was a 3am wash of him and his bed every night and 8am sometimes. Alot of toilet training. Hes a cockapoo, non shed and for us he hasn't shed 1 hair in that time. He's fantastic, never barkes (unless frightened or excited). He needs daily walking, that's a drive to a park so he gets a good run, a must. and he's seldom alone. Some days it's an evening walk also. He goes to as many kids matches as possible but some grounds he's not allowed in. Family walks don't finish in pub grub, again very few dog friendly places so it's straight home. Vet fees, insurance, food, holiday day care, grooming all cost a good bit. On the plus side it is like having a kid about the place, their so loving and great fun. If your leaving him outdoors, non shed dogs need a cut every 2mths on Avg (50e on Avg). But during cold spells you couldn't take off much hair or they wouldn't survive I guess.
My wife really was nervous around dogs and house proud. But it went from him only allowed in the kitchen, to then the living room and now he sometimes sleeps with my daughter! For me a dog is another family member.

SillyMangoX

Just another thing to be aware of, a lot of the low/“non shed” breeds often have higher than normal grooming requirements, so would need daily brushing as well as visits to the groomer every 6-8 weeks. Another thing to take into account and budget for if you go for a breed like this!

em_cat

SillyMangoX wrote: »

Just another thing to be aware of, a lot of the low/“non shed” breeds often have higher than normal grooming requirements, so would need daily brushing as well as visits to the groomer every 6-8 weeks. Another thing to take into account and budget for if you go for a breed like this!

Ohh I can second that... in Dublin your likely to spend somewhere between €50 - €65 for a full top to tail groom for a ****-zu, Maltese, Bichon etc. Depending on the dog you may need to have it groomed every 6-8 weeks.

shaunr68

Knine wrote: »

Nope. Most toy breeds and the non shed types don't have the coat or body size to keep warm. Similar with many hound breeds.

How many owners do you think will have heated kennels?

Quite right, we have three mini poodles, one is part toy and she's very small and "right nesh" as they say in Yorkshire. She shivers in even moderate temperatures and would not survive outside in winter. Small dogs should live indoors with the family. I don't see what's wrong with giving the dog a small space of its own in a corner of the kitchen or a utility room.

On non-shedding dogs, poodles are fantastic. I'm quite severely allergic to most dogs but absolutely fine with ours as long as they don't lick my hand as saliva irritates me.

em_cat

CircleofLife wrote: »

What if you got a low shed breed and crate trained them? It's essentially giving them a contained bed inside.

Sorry, but doing exactly as you suggest for the amount of time the OP has suggested they may have too is just plain wrong IMHO. Not all dogs are ‘pack’ or want to be confined to a ‘safe space’ , ‘den’ aka crate for 6 - 10 hours per day. No matter what social media & the internet tells you.


When we adopted our rescue, the first thing they said was he was crate trained. The rescue couldn’t have been more wrong on that point. He’s petrified of being in a crate so much that he has to be medicated as it has led to much more serious mental issues for him & no amount of positive reinforcement or counter conditioning will help with it.

Wildcard7

I wouldn't write off the idea completely. A home with two adults who work shifts so most of the day someone is home is far from a worst case scenario.

IMHO the following works:
- Keep your dog(s) inside (dogs are social creatures). If you want to lock them out of the bedroom, fair enough. They'll get used to that.
- Both adults take the dog(s) on a longish walk each (30+ minutes, depending on the race/age/energy levels) as well as a quick potty break whenever they need it.
- Plenty of mental stimulation on top. I for example take one meal of my dog and sprinkle it all over the back garden. That's half an hour of scent work and "free" (as in doesn't take you any time/energy) stimulation for the dog. Add a bit of play and training (obedience with treats) and your dog is happy.

Yes ideally a dog would live on a 2000 acre farm and help with work, but on the other end of the scale are people who keep their dog in a tiny yard all day and "walk" them once for a poo. Maybe a 15 minute walk in the weekend. That's animal abuse. I don't see the OPs situation as unsuitable for a dog.

Wildcard7

Small addendum: OP, be aware though that a dog is a responsibility and can be a LOT of work. No matter how hard you try it is possible that your dog will bark a lot more than is "normal", at everything or nothing, or that it becomes reactive, or develops any other less than desirable traits. IMHO if you're not ready to work with that and stick with your pupper no matter what, don't get a dog.

sillysmiles

When we very getting a dog first, my OH wanted the dog outside. That to me was a huge sticking point and we compromised that the dog was in while we were there and outside during the day when we were at work, sleeping inside. When the dog came he was in the kitchen when we were there but out during the day in a secure space when we were at work.
After the 4th day, we came home to where he had started to chew the timber in his lock up outside. He has been an indoor dog since. It give us the piece of mind that he is happy, that he hasn't gotten out and wandered off, that he hasn't been stolen.

My point is, you have to be willing to adapt depending on the dog.

We were told our dog was low shed. I assume he is low shed compared to some breeds, but there is a constant hair bunny in the corners that seems to appear just after you've hoover.

Personally I would suggest talking to a rescue and trying to foster a dog, see how it suits your lifestyles. At least that way if it doesn't suit, it's ok.
Otherwise, your dog is your commitment for life and that is irrespective of whether it is raining or whether you are sick or whether you want to not come home for the evening.
Dogs are awesome and if you put in the time and effort you will have a fantastic companion.

em_cat

shaunr68 wrote: »

Quite right, we have three mini poodles, one is part toy and she's very small and "right nesh" as they say in Yorkshire. She shivers in even moderate temperatures and would not survive outside in winter. Small dogs should live indoors with the family. I don't see what's wrong with giving the dog a small space of its own in a corner of the kitchen or a utility room.

I grew up on a farm in the ‘dales & we had several working dogs+ plus stray cats. As my bedroom had an open fire, all but 1 working dogs slept on duvet bed pallet in front of the fire. The 1 that slept in in the shed next to the henhouse did so as she worked to keep the foxes away. During the day tho’ she slept in my room when not working.

So I find it really odd that people in the city keep pet dogs outside bc of the muck!!!!

Stoner

Squall Leonhart wrote:

I don't intend on skimping on exercise with the dogs. We walk daily as it is, and would be even more guaranteed to do it if there were dogs to be brought out and walked.

Sorry I was basing my suggestion on the dog only being inside for 1 hour a day. Fair play on the exercise.


To be honest of you walk a dog every day they could be your best buddy and you won't want to leave them out so much or at all.

But you are better off not rolling a dice on it , so maybe alter the interaction time and IMHO you'll be fine.

My wife didn't like dogs very much when we got ours 12 years ago. He was only allowed in one room, would sleep outside, I'd walk him etc

Now we have two they are allowed everywhere downstairs, they are in the house when we are one is following her now, and we both walk them.

All that said I was prepared to go it alone when I got him initially, hope for the best plan for the worst.

borderlinemeath

OP, one of my dogs was given up for rehoming to me because he wasn't allowed in the house, and had begun to express some problem behaviours, such as digging and chewing. Naturally enough I might add, as he was lonely and frustrated in the solitude of his garden. He was exercised every day, but it wasn't enough for a social companion animal. He's a gundog, so a hardy enough dog, the weather didn't bother him - but the loneliness did. He's living the life of Reilly since coming to live here though.

Long story short, you could have a great home for a dog, if you let them be part of your life. Too long spent alone in a garden, or regimental that the dog must overnight sleep outside (where they can hear every rustle of every leaf, and sleep far more lightly than indoors) can result in problems, one of those can be nuisance barking, so by insisting that the dog sleep outdoors, you could be setting yourself up to fail from the get go.

Squall Leonhart

Thanks to all for their input. There's a lot to consider and let sit. There's no rush anyway, lots more thought to be given and lots more time to investigate. The foster option does sound like it may be a good idea also.

We're not going to be rushing into anything.

volchitsa

Just on the sleeping outside bit, if the dog is calm and well exercised, I'm not too sure why you would need or want to. IME even a very high energy dog will be happy to chill with you in their crate or basket in the evenings. They love spending time with you, not being on their own.
Our dog (sheepdog) doesn't go upstairs. Ever. She went up once or maybe twice as a puppy and got shouted at, which pretty much never happens otherwise (not deliberately exactly, but voices raised and she was picked up unceremoniously and taken downstairs again) and she just never did it again. I don't think it's an issue, really. Maybe tiny dogs who feel the cold, I dont know.