New puppy - dog or bitch?

[Sherbert37]

Any broad comments on the differences between a dog and a bitch (apart from the obvious, that is)? Practically and characteristically.

[bella39]

Broadly - bitches more biddable, less aggressive.

Bitches more expensive to neuter.

Bitches usually more expensive to buy and in greater demand.

[Sherbert37]

Thank you. We always had bitches growing up so I see them as preferable I suppose. Have the chance of a dog Border Terrier.

[bella39]

I have a very loving, very biddable, non-aggressive 1 year old black lab dog...

... and borders are very nice.

Have you met the pup? If you like the pup I wouldn't be put off by the fact it's a dog? The differences are very small and don't always apply...

[Sherbert37]

Oh Bella do talk me into getting a pup. There is a puppy shaped hole in my life right now. Not had this feeling since the extra chair at the table in the restaurant before DS2 was conceived! I'll go and look then. Am in danger of doing so much research I'll never find the perfect pup.

[bella39]

Listen ,bedlam, you'll give my boy a complex. He's from show lines (thick, as the working lab owners say) and he's a boy...

[bella39]

lol - you sound like me. Go look. Go forth and play with puppies!!!!

I'm getting another in 4 weeks and I cannot wait. I just want to blow rapsberries on her little soft pink puppy tummy

[bella39]

last post was aimed at Sherbert

[bella39]

Thank you bedlam - am now trying to sort out live vole deposited in my office by (very intelligent) cat

[lizzyboo]

Dog, cheaper and their wee doesn't leave bald patches on the grass. I have 2 dogs a cocker and a calalier both really gentle and loving, never snap thick as 2 short planks though!!!

[Sherbert37]

Well, in an amazing twist of fate, I contacted a local kennels who have a female BT for sale. Having trawled the web for months I cannot believe I have found the ideal pup on my doorstep. Have seen her and will be collecting her soon.

Quick questoin about dog tags - do I put her name on it or mine? Seem to remember we never put our dogs' names on theirs.

[doggiesayswoof]

Great news Sherbert. We have a BT pup - just picked her up at the weekend.

Let us know how you get on.

BTW I think it's just your name on tags.

[Sherbert37]

Thanks - I seem to be going between 2 threads here. Interesting that you have a BT too. Our is just 10 weeks but has been used to having the run of a kennels with other dogs, so much socializing will be required. Love the table in the puppy books where you tick off if the dog has seen a man with a beard, old person etc - the DCs are lining up friends with disguises.

[doggiesayswoof]

Ours is 8 weeks and has been living in a house but then spent a lot of time outside in the last couple of weeks. She is fine with the vacuum, washing machine etc.

I like the socialisation chart too! DH carried her round the block the other day to try and meet people and when he got back I was going "did you meet any livestock? or people with a limp?"

disguises is a great idea.

[Sherbert37]

We should have a puppy cam so we can compare notes.

[bella39]

Congratulations, Sherbert!

Dog tags - I put my surname and ohone no on one side, and 'vet' and their number on the other.

So pleased for you

[Sherbert37]

We are so excited. Tried to get all the info on a tag at the machine in Pets at Home but it is too long. Will go to Timpson on the way to work tomorrow. Good idea to put the vet number on.

[spugs]

ALfie is my first dog (boy) when i was a child we always had bitches and my family on the whole seem to prefer them. Alfie is lovely though and doesnt seem much different form any of the bitches i have (hes yappy but hes a small dog).

Tags are apparently legally supposed to have your surname, address and phone number on. Tags are all tiny though and the big ones look to big on a tiny puppy. So on mine I have my surname, house no., post code and phone no.