Dogs: recommendations

[El Salsero Gringo]

{stuff}

Thanks, good advice. I'm not away from home for much of the day, so I don't think that would be a problem. As for the rest, I'll have think through what you say.

[dee]

recommendations for dogs?

I find a low heat for 30-40 minutes (depending on the size of the canine), with a lime and ginger baste is normally best. Forget the microwave, it just doesn't do them justice

Fantastic!!!! you have my sense of humour

[Little Monkey]

Lots of very sensible stuff, and:
As with all animals... there aren't bad pets - JUST BAD OWNERS!!! Dogs in particular pick up on subliminal influences... they recognise when you're upset, angry or scared... and react accordingly. If dog bites you... then it's a last resort - often out of panic as it's previous warning signals of tail between legs, ears back, eyes dilate, hackles rising and bearing teeth have been missed. And even then, it will nip and then back off. The problems start when this happens repeatedly... and incidently Labradors are responsible for more attacks on humans than any other breed.

And border collies is the 'most destructive breed in Britain'! People get them because they're cute and cuddly, and many idiots think that because the dog is intelligent, it will know/ learn what it's not allowed to do (chew, nip, bark etc). Then they don't give the dog enough mental and physical stimulation, and they create monsters who'll destroy your house, bark it's head off, and nip anything that moves.

LM

[Dance Demon]

Just remember this adage....

A dog is not just for Christmas.................

If you are really carefull, you should have enough left over for new year as well...............

[Trousers]

ESG having been someone who has been around dogs since I could crawl I would shout out


You Need A House and a GARDEN

Kids need out side so do dogs

I recommend you put this idea on hold till you have some space.

Remember Holidays
Dirty Weekends away
Late nights where you score and don't come home

All Gone


There are only bad owners not bad dogs - if you start from that premise you may make the correct decision here.

[LMC]

Fantastic!!!! you have my sense of humour

Mostlysane, you THIEF - give dee's sense of humour back to her...

(just kidding dee , couldn't resist, 'cos the old ones are the best )

[ElaineB]

And border collies is the 'most destructive breed in Britain'! People get them because they're cute and cuddly, and many idiots think that because the dog is intelligent, it will know/ learn what it's not allowed to do (chew, nip, bark etc). Then they don't give the dog enough mental and physical stimulation, and they create monsters who'll destroy your house, bark it's head off, and nip anything that moves.

LM

Agreed!!!! They don't mature until they are past two and by then, you will have no friends left!

Jack Russells? Yuch - agressive little blighters!

Scotty dogs - never met one yet that I didn't think had a happy 'well rounded' attitude!

I have heard that the Greyhound is a good sort. They are shorthaired and don't need quite as long to excercise. They run incrediby fast and use a lot of calories in a short time - but I would check that out if I were you!

If you get a cat though, it will want to go out as well - so unless you want to build a cat run at the back of the house, suggest a no, no!

Good luck with your quest and let us all know what you decide upon!


Elaine

[Baruch]

My in-laws have a toy poodle. The great advantage of this breed is that they don't shed hair. Believe me, as a spaniel owner, I envy this! I have an English Springer Spaniel called Jac, and he's a very energetic dog, but then I live in a place with plenty of open space for him to enjoy a good run, and I work him now and then as well, which he loves.

Give Jack Russells a wide berth. They can be VERY yappy.

Someone mentioned chihuahuas if putting dogs in the oven. I'm sure I heard somewhere that chihuahuas were actually bred for the pot in the first place. Hot dogs, anyone?

[Seahorse]

Best advice I've ever heard was a retired greyhound as they are so docile...and are looking for a quiet life.

Avoid collies as discussed - they're working dogs and it's in their instinct to her - also need heaps of exercise. Hence they will stalk chickens, cattle or even children if they have the opportunity. Further to what was said earlier - they'll damage property out of boredom.

Finally, never leave any dog alone with children irrespective of how well you know the animal.

[ChrisA]

Not popular with everyone but I like Jack Russells, lots of character, loads of fun, very amusing with a football, not cissy and compact in size, can also be taken hillwalking. Just think Eddie from Frasier...

I had one, and all this is true. Don't even think of getting one unless you're prepared to devote a lot of time and energy to exercising it and training it.

I took on an (almost) untrained one when he was 13 (and trained him - you can teach an old dog new tricks), and had a fantastic two years with him until he died - but it was a lot of effort and time. A fantastic resource is here.

Jack Russells? Yuch - agressive little blighters!

And what were the owners like?

Jacks are fantastic dogs if treated right. Treated wrong, well, they're like people that are brought up wrong.

[dee]

ESG having been someone who has been around dogs since I could crawl I would shout out


You Need A House and a GARDEN

Kids need out side so do dogs

I recommend you put this idea on hold till you have some space.

Remember Holidays
Dirty Weekends away
Late nights where you score and don't come home

All Gone


There are only bad owners not bad dogs - if you start from that premise you may make the correct decision here.

I was thinking of getting a dog a few years ago, i even went as far as looking at the local rescue centre, i have a huge back garden thats ideal for a dog i dont work so all sounds perfect!!! but then my sister came up with those very points stated by Little Monkey, i do tend to spend alot of time in London sometimes unexpected, and what about the weekenders? would cost a fortune to keep putting a dog into a kennel and its also not fair on the dog.

I have 2 cats and a cat flap so they can come and go as they please, and if i do stay out the night its no problem, no barking ,no mess ,perfect, and if i do go away my friends dont mind popping in to feed them

maybe you should consider a pedigree cat?? what would be better ESG than to come home to a purring pussy every night lol.

[ElaineB]

And what were the owners like?

Jacks are fantastic dogs if treated right. Treated wrong, well, they're like people that are brought up wrong.

The owner was a very good friend of mine, but the dog was was very agressive. He would become possessive about anything, including my handbag and at a barbecue, the barbecue itself. We could only get to it by throwing some food for him in the opposite direction. His high point I think, was when he was in the passenger footwell of my car. Every time I attempted to change gear, the little blighter growled at me - with real meaning. My high point was when he jumped out of the window of my car (I was stopped at the time). He still had his lead on, but it was not long enough to reach the ground...........so there he was, the agressive little swine, dangling in mid air......... Fortunately for him, my friend rescued him. I couldn't resist a chuckle of satisfaction though!!

He (the dog that is!) has now gone to meet his maker, but I doubt if that was in an 'upwards' direction!

You are right though Chris, it is generally the way that owners treat their animals that 'brings out' their character. I have met a number of animals that have been 'spoiled' by their owners, either through cruelty or too much 'kindness'.


Elaine

[Baruch]

You are right though Chris, it is generally the way that owners treat their animals that 'brings out' their character. I have met a number of animals that have been 'spoiled' by their owners, either through cruelty or too much 'kindness'.

There's also an issue of training. A dog can be trained not to be possessive about food etc. It's all about establishing who's boss. A well-trained dog usually exhibits good behaviour, although there's always the odd occasion when they push at the boundaries to make sure.

Mind you, I don't know if it's the same everywhere, but around these parts I am constantly amazed by the number of people who expect their dog to listen, come when called, sit, behave etc. when they have never given it any training at all. Lots of time needs to be invested if you want a well-behaved dog.

[Lucy Locket]

Haven't read all the way through but i've always had dogs & cats & dogs are just so special. My brother in Brussels lives in a flat & has a dog & a park close by. Not a problem, never has been, although he has someone who walks it lunchtimes. Mine goes out in the morning then has to wait till i get in, but i don't work everyday & my son's home from school at 4 & i don't leave for work till 9.30. He's happy.

[Little Monkey]

You Need A House and a GARDEN

Kids need out side so do dogs

I recommend you put this idea on hold till you have some space.

Remember Holidays
Dirty Weekends away
Late nights where you score and don't come home

All Gone

Ummmm....... I care to disagree..... I live in a flat, in a city, with a very active 3 year old border collie! She's very happy and content - but then I do give her a lot of exercise and training, as well as mental stimulation. But yes - if you live in a city, you do need to devote a lot of time to make sure your dog gets all the exercise and trips outside it needs.

I still go on holidays, weekenders and dance parties. I just have to make sure I have someone who can come and take Troll outside/ for a walk/ look after her for the weekend. Yes, she does cost me extra money, but I wouldn't want to be without her! And if a bloke should be interested in me, he'd better like my dog, or he's out of the question! I'd rather have my dog!

But I totally agree with the statement "There are no bad dogs, just bad owners", although there are a few dogs that are mentally 'damaged' from the start, and will possibly never be ok, even with devoted owners who spend all their time and effort trying to socialise and train the animal.

Agreed!!!! They {border collies} don't mature until they are past two and by then, you will have no friends left!

I think you'll find they don't mature for many, many years past their second birthday . Most dogs mature by the age of about two, but collies just have such an extreme amount of energy, intelligence and 'drive' that they can hardly contain themselves. My border collie is almost 3 1/2, and nowhere near mature! She has calmed down to the extent where she can happily sleep for 3-4 hours in my studio while I'm working, if she's had a really good run in the park first. But in the park, or if she's not had enough exercise, she's like a dog on speed!

I still have all my friends that I had before I got my collie, and most of them (even the ones who were never doggie people to start with) absolutely adore her. She's even cured one of my friends of her extreme fear of dogs! I have several friends who are very happy to take both me and my dog for hillwalking trips, as she's not a problem in the car, and an absolute joy to go hillwalking with. I also have friends who will come and 'borrow' her for walkies! And I've made lots of new friends after I got her, too - you always meet other doggie-people in the park to chat to!

Finally, never leave any dog alone with children irrespective of how well you know the animal.

Couldn't agree more. You never know what those pesky kids might do to the dog!!!

Actually, my dog is not fond of children . When she was a puppy, I tried to socialise her and make her safe in all situations and with all people. Unfortunately a little snotrag (boy, probably about 3-4 years old) was allowed to pet my dog when she was only a few months old. He was with his dad, and I made my dog sit, and held her so she wouldn't jump. The little b*st*rd first tried to pull her ear, and I told him off. Then, before I could stop him, he stood up and kicked her right in the head!!!!! I wanted to kick him back, but managed to control myself. Just.

About a month later, two other children asked if they could pet her, and I said yes, but told them to be gentle. They ended up scaring the living daylight out of her by jumping towards her screaming and 'barking' and pretending to thrust their hands in her face.

Unfortunately I don't have any friends with kids who I could 'use' to socialise Troll with, so these incidents really scarred her for life. She has met other children in controlled situations (I never leave her alone with kids, or let kids play with her in the park without me being in complete control of the situation), but I do know she's scared of some children, and always make sure to call her to me and put her on a leash if we meet children in the park. She's not bothered with them as long as they don't come running towards her/ try to grab her, which is when she feels intimidated.

LM

[Mostlysane]

Mostlysane, you THIEF - give dee's sense of humour back to her...

(just kidding dee , couldn't resist, 'cos the old ones are the best )

sorry guys,

I needed to borrow it for the weekend. I wanted to use it for an episode with tequila and disney tunes. Here you go Dee, have it back Can i maybe borrow it for tomorrow's team meeting? I'll need it for maybe an hour or two.

[dee]

sorry guys,

I needed to borrow it for the weekend. I wanted to use it for an episode with tequila and disney tunes. Here you go Dee, have it back Can i maybe borrow it for tomorrow's team meeting? I'll need it for maybe an hour or two.

Of course you can sweetie, you know how i like to share what i have

[ElaineB]

Another thought - whether it be a little dog or big dog - VETS BILLS!!!!! They are horrendous these days - beware!!! I have two cats, a brother and sister, now two years old. Costs in vets bills are £1,100!!! They came with cat flu and ring worm and one of them recently had a liver infection. On top of that are the annual jabs!

Start saving now!


Elaine

[dee]

Elaine B is soooo right. Vet bills are a nightmare, i have 2 cats and that is bad enough if one gets sick that £20 consultation fee before they even assess what the problem is, and if it needs anaesthetic that can cost a fortune. I dont bother with the annual injections but im sure in a dog its a must have?. My cats are getting on a bit now at the grand age of 12 most things i can treat myself and i try to avoid the vets if i can. Good luck ESG on whatever you decide

[WittyBird]

a friend of mine has a Siamese cat that doesnt like people and tends to attack everyone possible, my friend decided she loved the cat so couldnt get rid of it and called on the help of an animal behavour specialist. They agreed the fee of £50 for the first consultation and she was rather excited that Saskia (cat) was going to be sorted. This woman turned up and Saskia did what she does and after the woman had tried many things with the cat she turned to my friend and gave her professional advise, " when your friends come over shut the cat in the kitchen".