Starting to think about getting a dog - advice on breeds/ practicalities needed

[puddle]

DH and I have been discussing getting a dog recently - we're in the early stages of thinking about it. Could do with some advice.

Firstly DH and I both work, but one or other of us is at home 5 days out of 7. Does that mean we can't consider a puppy? Would we need to get an older dog? We were thinking that the summer (DH teaches) would be a good time to get the dog and get it settled in - is this realistic? How long does a puppy take to settle and train?

What's the best way to research a breed? Our early thinking is that a small dog would be good as we don't want a dog that needs huge walks. Also don't want anything that sheds endless hair. I like the look of schnausers (sp?) but no idea about temperament, I also like daschunds (sp?). The children are 5 and 7.

Can someone with a smallish dog talk me through the realities of daily life - how many walks? How much chewing and mess?

Thanks!

I dont have a small dog but I think I would get a puppy during the 6 weeks holiday that should give you enough time to train it. the kennel club have lots of information about breeds so you can make a choice

My dog didnt chew that much (labrador) but I have to say they do tie you down, its not easy to just go away for the night or stay later, if the dog needs feeding unless all the people you stay with are dog friendly!!

I wouldnt be without mine though, and they do teach children so much about respect for animals and responsibility

border terriers are great and they don't shed at all!

Thanks both - will add border terriers to the list to look at.

Just a quick point: lots of small breeds need at least as much exercise as the average larger dogs.

The 'toy' breeds need less exercise, I imiagine. But most terrier types will need a lot of exercise. Some of the biggest breeds are the ones that need least exercise I think. But I don't imagine you want to go for that!

I've got a Parson Russell terrier. Fabulous, intelligent, trainable dog. But not recommended where there are very young children, or for first-time owners. Need loads of exercise, quite a lot of training, stimulation.

Good luck.

We have 2 Boston Terriers and have found them to be ideal family pets. They are very easy to look after in terms of hardly shedding, moderate exercise needs and neither of them, even as puppies, ever chewed anything and they had plenty of opportunity with ds's toys everywhere. I have had Labradors in the past - pre ds and whilst they're lovely dogs they do need much more attention. I also regularly have my mum's dachshund to stay with us and she has a lovely temperament too, but is much harder work as she digs, chews and is so full of energy she needs lots of attention or she will start looking for mischief !

Mary I am quite taken with the Cairn terrier! that website is great thanks very much. Daschunds are out, having read a bit about them.

Can someone explain crate training to me?

I did grow up with a dog, but owning one myself is a new thing.

Oh, shame, I was just about to expound the virtues of dachshunds, having one curled up on my knee at the moment! short haired (little shedding, no grooming); doesn't need a walk every day but can still happily climb mountains....whats not to like?

Aw emsmum - I do like them but that website says not so great with kids and a bit, erm barky! Which is my other criteria (the criteria list is growing...). Now you're going to tell me yours is gorgeous, friendly, great with kids and never barks!

Also it mentions spine problems.....

Noone have a view on schnauzers?

Well... DH had a dachs as a boy which from all accounts was a vicious little sod. So we were careful to check with breeders for good temper. Also whether they had any history of spinal problems. So far so good.

But barking... well, thats undeniable! Probably largest amount of bark per pound of dog.

i have a mini schnauzers
He does not shed, is great with the children. He has around 30 - 40 imutes walk a day but these dogs will do lots more. He is so so lovely and I woudn't get another breed. Their fur needs to be cut every two - three months as we all non moulting dogs.

Greyhounds are lovely dogs. Very gentle and do not need much walking. They are bred for bursts of running not long walks.
They are a lot of Greyhounds needing new homes because they are often abandoned after they reach the end of their racing days.

we are just about to get a dog after not having one for a yr. always had staffies growing up - but im guessing they prob wont be your cup of tea, even though they are great with kids etc and laid back, certainly not barky and hardly malt. now getting a bullmastiff - hopefully soon!

good luck, sounds fine to be out 2 days per week (not toooo long though) and summer sounds a great idea.

start looking for a reputable breeder now to see if they are planning litters for the summer.

cx

Ah bananaknickers that sounds absolutely ideal. How much does the fur cutting cost (need to factor all this in).
the other thing it says on that website Marypoppins linked to is that schnauzers are ok to be left alone some of the time. Do you find that?

Tort we have a smallish house and a greyhound, lovely as they are, would be far too big for it.

Herts what is the best way to find a reputable breeder?

Yes, that's a really useful website Mary.I'm pleased to see that Boston Terriers are very favourably mentioned on it. We actually ended up filling in an online questionnaire re which breed of dog was suitable for our circumstances and one of the top ranked breeds for us came out as a Boston Terrier. We'd never actually heard of the breed and when we saw a photo thought they were a bit ugly but now fully appreciate the beauty of their squished up faces. I'm sure there must still be some of those online questionnaires around { we did ours nearly 10 years ago now } and we did find it helped to crystallise our thoughts.

Just thought I would add - we had a Cairn growing up and he was great - he was followed closley by another when he passed away - and again a great dog to have around children - but did have lots of exercise. Was also very protective of us growing up, didn't like strangers coming near our pram when we were babies unless my mum greeted them, then it was ok. They also are great as guard dogs. They'll let you know someones at the door before they've had a chance to knock! I would go for a Cairn - but them I guess I am biased.

Theres a lady in my local park who has 5 miniture schnauzers, they're very friendly dogs, but she walks them alot, I don't know if they all need alot of excercise though. You ask about crate training, I've crate trained my Toller, he's 8 mths now and is happily curled up in it as I write this, with the door open. The crate acts as their den or bed, mine has a blanket draped over it and lovely soft bed in it so is lovely and cosy, plus water bowl and toys. the idea with the crate is that when they are pups its easier to house train them in a crate as they won't mess in the crate as they treat it as their bed, mine did have accidents in his crate for about the first month, and occasionally after that for another few weeks, but its alot easier to clean up in a crate. He goes in his crate at night and when I'm out. You get them used to it by feeding them in it, I always put his kong in it with food when I shut him in, it also gives the dog a safe place to hide from the DC's when they need a rest. Although my toller isn't too destructive he does occasionally chew dd's toys or magazines so its reassuring to know that he's safely tucked away when I'm out.
I would also say get a pup as I wouldn't trust an older rescue dog with young children, I had to rescue dogs in the past but we got a pup this time now we've got DD. Waiting for the summer is good as it gives you time to research breeds and find a good breeder (have you heard of 'Discover Dogs' you could meet other breeds), and its a better time to be stood in the garden waiting for them to wee etc!
the only thing I would say is that you might not to be able to leave it all day, even just for two days after 6 weeks, its still likey to only be about 3-4mths old then, and most pups want 3 meals a day and regular toilet breaks until they're about 6 mths, I haven't left my dog for a whole day yet, I think his first whole day will be next month when he'll be over 9mths. Perhaps for the first couple of terms you'll need a dog walker or friend to pop by around lunch just to let the pup out, stretch its legs and have lunch, it should be fine as it gets older though.
Sorry to waffle on, hope some of the above is useful!

when u decide on a breed, go the the kennel club - and go to the breeders link. spk to them - even go to some shows of that breed to meet other owners - there are also lots of breed forums - sign up to one and chat with other who may know about litters around.

good luck.

cx

jsut chkd out the links - its

www.the-kennel-club.org.uk then go to buying, puppoes for sale - even if there isnt a recent litter - call them and speak to them about the breed.

cx

Very happy with our cocker spaniel.

She can take no end of ear pulling, etc. from the children - will growl, but never bites. She is always so happy, and is a permanent companion to whoever is around.

She is a nice size - not too small, but definitely not big. Needs a couple of walks a day, but relishes more.

She doesn't shed hair, but needs to be groomed regularly. She took a while to toilet train, but we got her at 4 months, so that may have been the problem - she did get there in the end. Chewing was a problem for a while, and quite costly (seatbelts in the car, my passport, Ipod cable...) - we probably weren't very good about disciplining her though.

He goes to the salon and has his fur cut,anal sacks done and nails cut for £27. A know a few people with them. I am at home all day but can leave him on his own in the kitchen for around 6 hour ( never left him longer). I know someone that has one and she works full time. I think it relly is what they are used to from the start.
He is adorable and loves cuddles. He gets on with my cats. He thinks he is one of the children l.o.l. I love the way that he loves all the family and not just one of us, which some dogs tend to.
schnauzers don't need lots of excerise but he loves to walk loads at the weekends with us. The only problem I have with him is that he thinks everyone kids, adults and other dogs are all his best mate.
He has lots of energy and is always up for a game with the children.

What part of the country are you in? You have just missed Discover Dogs which was last weekend at Earls Court, London. They do a smaller version at Crufts which will be at the NEC in March I think, haven't checked dates yet. Basically all pedigree breeds have a stand where you can meet the dogs, talk to the owners/breeders, find out more about them etc. The Earls Court one is a great day out, lots of other things going on as well. Still worth a visit if you can get to Crufts its just the Discover Dogs bit is smaller. The Kennel Club do hold lists of breeders who have recent litters, but a word of warning, anyone can advertise their pups through the Kennel Club. They are not checked by anyone, they have to be pedigree obviously, but thats about it, so not always guaranteed to give you someone reputable. The best way once you have decided what breed you want is to contact the Breed Club Secretary. All breeds have a club, the phone numbers can be got from the Kennel Club or I think now on the Kennel Club web page. Ring the Secretary and they can let you know club members who have puppies. Contrary to popular belief, most responsible breeders are trying to get rid of the hereditary problems that plague certain breeds or at least have their dogs/puppies screened for them. I have Dalmatian's and all of our club members will not breed from deaf dogs, all puppies will be hearing checked, we are doing all we can to improve the problem. Also, they may be willing to have someone in your area come round to your house with their dogs, so you can get a feel of the dog in your house and ask loads more questions. I have done this lots of times with my Dalmatians. I would say that about 25% of homes I have visited changed their mind after meeting my 2. You can do all the homework in the world but when you actually see the fully grown (especially male) adult dog in your house, shedding hairs everywhere it can make you change your mind. Gosh, what a long post that was, sorry. Will try and see if I can find any decent links for you.

I always advise people to find out what the dog was bred for initially and that might give you a clue as to the type of life that would suit them. Dalmatians used to run behind coaches, also guarding them. They need heaps of excersise, they are an endurance dog really. I can never understand people who get labs and hardly walk them. They are gundogs, bred to work in the field. It helps a bit into what sort of character they might have. This shows you the breed standard of each breed. Look at the Characteristics and Temperament bit, that might help. They also chart what sort of coat each one has, how much grooming, walking etc. Very useful. For instance Cairns they say need moderate grooming and moderate excersise. They are lovely little dogs. Border Terriers also nice but they are quite active little dogs. Described in the list as able to follow horse and keep mentioning them as 'game'. Bit fiesty maybe for what you want. Keep asking questions, we will try to help!

Good idea to wait until the summer. Means you can be around for puppy while they settle in and kids can have more time to enjoy pup. I have always had sheltland sheepdogs (also known as shelties. They look like a miniture rough collie). We lost one last year at the age of 16 and got a new sheltie puppy this summer. She house trained really easily and was clean by about 12 weeks. She is adorable. They are a lovely breed Very intelligent and good with kids. Also not too big so great for a cuddle if that's what you like. Need a bit of grooming as long coat. They need a moderate amount of exercise.

Thanks everyone - wags you are a mine of information. NEC too far for us (on south coast).

That's a fantastic idea to have a dog to visit us!