| Author |
Barnyard Buddies:  Planning on a new puppy.....  |
|
|
LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 24 2007 : 10:47:40 AM
|
I am planning on getting a puppy. I love big dogs and want something no smaller than a lab. I have always wanted a Great Dane, but I think that I need to wait until my girls are in high school or out of the house for that big of a baby. I really like Weimaraners also but am not 100% on that either,(if I did a Weimie I would get with the nearest rescue for help if not adopting a young pup). I am researching breeds and also searching breeders online. I plan on getting the puppy between November and January, I know that is a ways away but I want to be completely sure on breed, where I get her, and ready/prepared for training. I definitely want a female and a puppy so my girls and I can train her and be very close with her. My daughters will be 4 and almost 6 when we get her. If any of you ladies here have any suggestions I am open to them, breed, training, breeder, anything! Thanks Ladies!!
~Liz |
|
|
_Rebecca_
True Blue Farmgirl
568 Posts
Rebecca
OK
USA
568 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2007 : 11:07:01 AM
|
Just thought I'd share a past experience and then mention some things to think about.
I had an Australian shepherd mix that we rescued. I loved him so much. He was kind of insecure, he was fat and lazy, he was protective, he had the biggest nose and most pathetic way of looking at me. I miss him. He was clumsy and we named him Crash because he was such a klutz. He did not like to chase balls, he kind of liked some dog toys, but not many. He shedded like a yak and he drooled buckets. He weighed about 87 lbs and he was scared of our cat. It was hilarious. If I could get him back I would want him all over again. He got hit by a car while he was staying at my sister's place. Stupid people. It was sort of foggy and they "didn't see him." Hmmmm. 
That's our big dog experience.
Are you good at training dogs? I love the crate method. I love the Dog Whisperer. He makes oodles of sense. Definitely watch his show and read his book. What is local in your area? Do you have dog trainers or breeders to talk to in your area who specialize in certain breeds, (example: hunting dog instructors)? You are good to research before you get one. My advice, go to where you can observe the puppy in the litter. That will tell you a lot about the dog's personality. Whether they hold their own in the litter, etc. It's harder to deal with runts than it is with dogs who have confidence and hold a good position in their litter. I say get a whole pack of dogs and observe them together (even take them to your home) and then choose one. Our little Cairn terrier mix is the one we have had for almost 9 years and she was a bossy little pup. She does great with our family, very child friendly, loves people and gets along with other dogs.
Good luck!
.·:*¨¨* :·.Rebecca.·:*¨¨* :·.
Wife of Jonathan, Mother of Joel, Caitlyn, Elia, Nathanael |
Edited by - _Rebecca_ on Feb 04 2007 7:44:52 PM |
 |
|
|
LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2007 : 11:31:51 AM
|
I had a Cairn as a kid, he was my first dog. My uncle bred them and he lost half an ear when he was 2 days old so My uncle gave him to my parents for me. He was a very active dog and would tree raccoons and anything else that came in his yard, he would keep them there until my dad could 'take care of them'. He was very touchy about being groomed though, he bit a lot-I have 5 scars from him. I prefer a short hair breed, not just because of past issues but this gal will be indoors with us a lot, but will also get a lot of exercise walking and jogging with me.
I am planning on books and maybe a few videos to learn about training before we get the puppy, I want to feel very confident in my training knowledge/ability before we bring a puppy home. So I really appreciate the Dog Whisperer suggestion.
~Liz |
|
|
|
willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2007 : 11:58:29 AM
|
English Mastiffs! Big and friendly! We have three! All three are on the living room floor right now. Although they take up most of the floor they are SOOO sweet and loving!
Jewelry, art, baskets, etc.
www.willowtreecreek.com |
|
|
|
FlipFlopFarmer
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Carla
Molalla
Oregon
198 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2007 : 12:35:59 PM
|
I like big dogs too. I've like Weimie's but joke that I could never have one as I still can't pronouced "Weimaraners" without trying a few times first. God forbid someone ask me what kind of dog I have. 
Another breed that are bigger, yet sleek and very pretty, smart and loyal are German Short Haired Pointers.
We have a Brittany Spaniel but I'd like a GSP & a Weim too. I didn't start out with a GSP or Weim though as my Britt was my first dog and at the advice of several dog experts indicated that for a first timer GSPs & Weims can be difficult to train because they are so smart.  They play dumb sometimes and you have to be firm with them.
Good luck finding the right breed for you. It's great that you're putty so much thought into this. A lot of folks don't and then end up regretting the breed they've chosen....hence so many in shelters.
There are several breed books out there that give you some info on a breed so you can determine which breeds you want to research further. I have a really good one unfortunately I can't find it as my 5 yr old carries it around the house looking at it all the time and I have no idea where it is.
Carla
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly. |
|
|
|
LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2007 : 12:58:06 PM
|
Carla-I have had a Weimie before, we had him about a year until he was chasing deer at my mom's and was hit by a car. I was devestated. I cried for hours, and on and off for a long time after that I loved him so much. I have had bad luck recueing an adult, doberman, sweet dog but had bath issues and was terrified of my husband, but not a smaller man that lived next door. We had her about a month before we had to take her back to the rescue-she was re-adopted that same day. I have some experience with GSP, my Dad had one before he married my mom and had it until I was about 4, great dog.
Julie-My husband loves Mastiffs, but I am a bit wary of the 'drool factor'. How is that for you?
Again Thanks for the advice and keep it coming!!!!
~Liz |
|
|
|
Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2007 : 11:59:16 AM
|
I am preferential to the Belgian breeds. I had one for 8 years, and now our newest addition as of nearly 2 weeks ago.
For a really smart dog that is great w/ kids, excellent when raised w/ livestock, make good wathcdogs w/ out being overly aggressive and just a really good loving companion all around.
Look up Belgian Tervuren and Belgian Shepherd. The shepherd is the black phase of the Tervuren. The males can get up to 75 pounds, the females are a bit smaller but no less charming.
I prefer a lap dog to an ankle biter. something you can relly wrap arms around when comfort is needed.
such sweet tempered animals
Otherwise my second choice might be the australian shepherds or Great Pyranese.
whatever you decide, do the research and really get to know the dog as a species and all the in's and out's of whatever breed you finally decide on
what fun!
|
|
|
|
ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4822 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4822 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2007 : 7:42:26 PM
|
My parents have Brittney and Springer Spaniels. They are not only beautiful, but are also great family dogs. If you go with a really large breed, check to see how long a life span the breed has. The bigger the breed, the more health issues and shorter life span it will have. Have fun doing your homework and talking with a vet. That's the best way to find the perfect dog for your family.
Dawn in IL |
|
|
|
_Rebecca_
True Blue Farmgirl
568 Posts
Rebecca
OK
USA
568 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2007 : 7:44:12 PM
|
Do the Brittany Spaniels/Springers shed much? Do you have them groomed? I'm only familiar with Cocker Spaniels.
.·:*¨¨* :·.Rebecca.·:*¨¨* :·.
Wife of Jonathan, Mother of Joel, Caitlyn, Elia, Nathanael |
|
|
|
ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2007 : 06:58:30 AM
|
Liz - there is an excellent book called "The Right Dog for You". I can't remember the author. I've loaned my book out so many times, I can't remember who has it now. It covers almost any breed you can think of, and evaluates dogs based on real-life issues like exercise requirements, good with kids, good with families, good guard dog or not, trainability, problem-solving capabilities (like...do you want a dog that will work at that latch on the cupboard forever, just to get to the cookies), temperment, etc. Really helped us when we were looking.
Julie - I've known two mastiffs in my life - one named "punkin" that was quite mellow....and one named Hooch that really wanted to take my head off. Both were 'family' dogs, but that shows how different training (or lack of training) can make a difference!
I'm heading south for the winter. Some parts of my body already have a head start! |
|
|
|
Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2007 : 07:15:45 AM
|
I grew up with labs..and love them, but I am really partial to hounds. I have two bassets right now..just love them. I had a blood hound (talk about drool factor!!!) in the past and would have one again....wonderful dogs! I think for US..our next dog will likely be a Golden retriever. They are about the best family dogs out there in that size...calm, sweet and loyal..not hyper, good with kids. I worked in two different dog grooming shops and have been around dogs alot my whole life and I have seen so many breeds, and seen so many people make mistakes in picking a dog for their family...I think that book Sandy recomended is a great idea!! Have fun. I can't imagine not having at least two dogs in my life!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
|
|
|
Meg
Moderator/Farmgirl True
974 Posts
Meg
Idaho
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2007 : 09:21:43 AM
|
Is a Golden Retriever too small for you? I agree, Aunt Jenny, they are wonderful family dogs. My step sister has had her sweet sweet golden for years and we finally got our little pup about sixth months ago. He is a full fledged teenager right now and with a new babe too, he is a bit of a handful. But he is so sweet and is very good with little Stella. He doesn't really shed all that much, someone once told me long haired dogs are better because short hairs shed just as much and it's harder to clean up, who knows. And, he never drolls or barks. But he loves to chew and he thinks everyone wants to be his friend, which can be a problem sometimes. But he doesn't have a mean bone in his body and he is very trainable, besides the teenage stage, but he's just doing a us a little favor to prepare for the real thing with little Stella, I am sure.
MaryJane's daughter,
Meg
megan@maryjanesfarm.org |
|
|
|
LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2007 : 10:39:00 AM
|
Golden Retrievers are a good size for us, DH has actually asked that I look into them also. I think that they are beautiful and I am sure they would be a great family dog for me and my girls. They are on my 'list' of dogs that we are considering, thank you for suggesting them and that some of you have them and they are as good as I have heard on tv, etc.
|
|
|
|
ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4822 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4822 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2007 : 7:52:18 PM
|
Rebecca, The Brittney and Springer spaniels do shed, just like all hunting dogs. Though they aren't as bad as the beagles my folks had when I was little. They are beautiful dogs. My dad's Brittney goes everywhere with him. None of his dogs have ever been on a leash or chain. They are very well behaved too, just a bit spoiled.
Dawn in IL |
|
|
| |
Barnyard Buddies: Planning on a new puppy..... |
|
Planning on a new puppy.....
