Our first dog

[Rosyrosehips]

Hello everyone, we are now in a position where we are looking to get a dog. Mondays I work 10am-1:30pm however I can bring the pup along! Tuesdays and Thursdays I work 7am-12pm and my partner 1pm-7pm, Fridays and Saturdays I work 10am-5pm and my partner is off, Wednesdays I work 10am-5pm; my partner 9am-5pm so my mum will be taking them for the day, she is extremely keen on this idea, she is unemployed and mainly potters around the house and goes on walks along the beach so she’d also love the companionship each week. Sundays, my partner works 9am-5pm however I am off every Sunday.
We would love a puppy to truly raise from scratch and bring up in the family, and to fit us perfectly.
We can offer 3 walks a day no issues, we are active (always enjoy a good long walk, there are many spots around here).
Our outings with friends usually entail café meet ups with their own dogs, sitting on the beach, long walks, paddle boarding and occasional UK trips.
We do have a garden, however it is not big enough for anything more than toilet breaks really, however this will hopefully be replaced with the walks.
We have had family dogs growing up, all rescues and all with many issues.

Border collies are intelligent dogs and need a lot if stimulus. Are you prepared for this? Not always the idea first dog. Maybe a Sheltie instead. Other breeds - West highland white (Westie), Scottie, Cairn terrier, papillon, a small spaniel breed.

They do cause alot of mayhem and mischief at first, so be prepared for this.

Please please please do not consider a border collie. Collie owner for over 40 years. You may get a collie who will tolerate what you are offering but as a dog lover be aware that they will not be flourishing.

They need to flourish, they need a lot of time, they may hate going out with other dogs and sitting in cafe more than most other dogs. 3 walks a day will not be enough for a collie to be happy. They need more than justs walks.

They need to be involved (not necessarily physical activites) but they do need to be doing more than 3 walks a day. Unless they are long interesting doing things walks.

There are loads of breeds that will love a social walk with the family and love the idea of a day with your Mum and out to the cafes with other dogs way more than a collie.

Get the dog to fit in with your lifestyle dont make the dog change to fit in with your lifestyle.

I wouldn’t be going for a poodle cross, despite their popularity I don’t know a single one that has no issues - they’re all either hyperactive, nervous or a bit snappy (and I know a fair few) but I’ve heard pure bred poodles make good pets.

You are contradicting yourself here. For you to say ALL poodle crosses are as you describe, you're obviously saying the poodle part of the cross is the issue, as this is the only thing they have in common - bit then you go on to say pure poodles make good pets?

I have a poodle cross and she's nothing like you describe, nor are the other 8 in her litter, or many of the ones we meet on our walks. Some are more energetic and bouncy than mine and some of the smaller crosses are rather yappy, but NONE are snappy at all and all very amiable dogs.

Mine is a retriever cross and large. She's the most chilled dog ever. She was a bit of a landshark until she was around 5/6 months old and a bit of a nightmare on the lead until she turned 1 (she's really strong) but never went through a teenage stage and is pretty much perfect now, apart from the grooming, but that's as I keep her long and do it myself.

I may have been lucky but the other retriever/poodle crosses I know are all pretty similar. Her best friend is an Irish setter/poodle and she's also a beautiful dog. Far more energetic and faster than my lazy bones though, but just as affectionate!

three poodle crosses here and all have been great dogs, oldest is now 18!

Wow, what crosses are they? I'm sure it would be unheard of for mine to make 18 as she's large but I pray she almost makes it! I did however have a childhood friend who had a massive afghan hound who made it to 19! 🙏

Have you looked at the costs, OP? Veterinarian costs are the most prohibitive aspect of keeping any pet right now and with dogs they usually go up with the dog's size. Certain breeds are also prone to specific health problems than other breeds. Furthermore, if they dog became injured or suddenly very ill, do you have a way of getting the dog to the vet?

I think you should take these questions into consideration when making your decision.

I think that these are all good things to consider. Our DDog had the benefit of being small enough to pick up, doesn’t take up the whole sofa or bed and doesn’t need much grooming but wants to be glued to you 24/7.

I think your set up could work for some dogs. Like others have said though I’d also budget for things like puppy training and agility.

I think you also need to look at what your bank up plan is for your DM.

We got put DDog with the plan that DFIL would do the odd walk if we were stuck. He walked miles every day and was very fit and active. Within a month of getting DDog DFIL had a medical emergency and can now barely stand up without keeling over.

And @oakley2010im so sorry for your loss

@LandSharksAnonymousyou sound like a great breeder.

And I agree with @EdithStourton suggestion of going to Crufts. We went this year on Hound & Terrier day and became a bit smitten with Lancashire Heelers.

I would suggest too @Rosyrosehipsjoining a couple of FB groups for owners of Border Collies.

I’m on a couple for the breed of our DDog. Sometimes (ie all the time) people join then when they realise all of the problems owners experience they say thanks but no thanks, we’re going to look at other breeds, and I don’t blame them!

i have a newf cross who is 18, my labradoodle was 11 and my little shitzu poodle cross is 18.

18 for a newfie cross is amazing! I might have to see a pic to believe it 😉😂

My first Tibetan lived 3 weeks and 2 days past her 18th birthday.

She was a typical elderly dog for the last 6-7:years but healthy. Sadly she got very ill in the last 7 months of her life and we decided to just keep her comfortable rather than treatment.
With the right diet, care and a bit of luck, dogs can exceed the average lifespan of 12-14 years.

Collies and spaniels have lots of energy. It depends. Do you want a dog who will relish (and need) long walks and lots of play to burn through their energy? If you want a dog who will snooze while you work, you want something like a lab.
Every puppy will need time when they're little to get them in routine, watch like hawks for chewing etc etc and generally help them to grow up into calm friendly companions. We have had pups during the summer holidays to better manage being up in the night etc for toileting, lunchtime feeds and so on. It's like having a baby. They depend on you so much for the first few months and then become teenagers and forget every scrap of training!

Dogs lifespan varies a lot between breeds though. Giant breeds tend to live for a lot less than smaller dogs for example. French bulldogs are usually the exception though as they have much lower lifespans than simarly sized dogs, due to all their health issues.

you wouldn’t believe it as that was my damn nails typing badly and is actually 8. but the little one is 18. he is so active still but can’t really see now and has about 1 tooth lol but he eats like a horse and is always happy

My criteria gor first dog was small, portable, friendly and easy to train. I went with a Jack Russell cross terrier and he fitted the bill perfectly. He needs a lot of exercise but that’s most dogs I think.

Work out what you would like in a dog and go from there.

😂 Fingers crossed it wasn't just a typo, it was a premonition!

I follow a few rescues and there’s been several litters of puppies recently. One posted a message saying that they’re getting more pregnant dogs and litters through because of COL and people just not being willing to pay stupid money for a puppy. It might be worth exploring.
photo attached for added cuteness.

In your circumstances I would get a golden retriever.

Not a border collie as a first dog. Labs or retrievers are great family dogs. Read easy peasy puppy squeasy before you get a dog. Also we had a similar care set up to yours, just be aware that a dog needs consistency in training and approach so you all need to be on the same page as to what’s acceptable and what’s not.

also, if there are times you are going to go away with your mum and not the dog, get the dog used to going to a kennel or home stay….

get a dog though, they are ace.

Things I would think about when deciding which dog is

what size you’d be happy with/will fit in your car

if you mind shedding/regular grooming appointment

costs for food/insurance/boarding

what happens to pup if you mum goes back to work. Is there daycare? Do they have spaces?

How much time can you give to training? Some dogs are easier to train than others

How do you feel about barking

What kind of temperament would you want

Answering these will help find a dog that will suit your family and expectations

Fox terriers, Norfolks, Border terriers, all fab. Giant Schnauzer, another favourite. At the moment I have two fox terriers and a Peekapoochi. The Fox terrorists are rescues and the Peekapoochi was abandoned near my village.

I have recently said goodbye to my golden retriever after fifteen wonderful years. She was perfectly trained, placid and playful at all the right moments and helped me bring up my children. I worked hard to train her in the three years before babies started arriving and she was an enormous source of help to me with them, albeit also a partner in crime with the children on occasion. She was very straightforward to train and we didn't have the issues you've mentioned at all.