What dog do I buy?

[akirk]

Has to be a springer for love of water...

Where's my Jetski - never mind, I can do 25knots across water without one...



and what do muddy floors matter, they are such fun (dog not floors!) - there is no other animal so devoted, and loving - and a springer will always think that you are right...
get one and transform your life /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[victoraspey]

We are off down the dogs home. Looks like a possible life change is on the horizon. The catman may be going doggy.

 

[emcm0025]

Whats a huge dog when its loyal, ive got a Great Dane that will be going to the boat with me, anyone know how well they are with water?. But know they are great with kids and dopey things aswell

 

[Mike_S]

Agreed, our springer's superb. Once trained she's been fine, if a little strong willed but we wouldn't have her any other way. Loves the water though and can be a fast moving mudbomb when she wants to be. The ducks in the marina had better watch out as well. 30 seconds after taking this picture she had her head stuck out under the canvas after a mallard had the audacity to paddle past 'her' boat...

 

[victoraspey]

Tell me are people attracted to dogs because they reflect their own personality? You say your dog is strong willed so does it mean you are also strong willed and attracted to a strong willed dog. Is the daft dog in an earlier post a reflection on his owner being daft? Is the devil/poo dog a reflection on his owner being a bit of a devil? I am obstinate, hard working, good looking, devoted to SWMBO and kids(ie house trained), love the water and some say a sense of humour. Which dog reflects my personality?

 

[Sixpence]

Victor . If you're serious about getting a dog or at least the rest of the family are , why not borrow a dog first and see how you get on with it ? . I have an Alaskan Malamute that I wouldn't be without and a chocolate Labrador that's about eighteen months / two years old , that I'm looking at re-homing as I'm looking at moving sometime in the next six months ( hopefully ) . He's playful and loves kids , and water , so if you want to try before you decide I can arrange for him to stay with you for a while , possibly , but are you sure you're ready for a dog ? they need a far more responsible owner than a cat does

 

[victoraspey]

Joking aside. It s pretty clear from all this that owning a dog is a major responsibility. had not given much thought to it before. Its new territory - and a bit daunting really. Looks like a lifestyle change which I will need to adapt to. Hope to god I dont make a mistake.

 

[Sixpence]

I have actually read between the lines and I can see that there is an element of humour to your comments which is very useful when you do own a dog , but in seriousness , I would suggest you try one first . If you can get one that the family fall for you'll probably end up realising that a nip on the bum when you were little isn't any reason to hate dogs full stop and you'll end up totally attached to it even more so than a cat . After all , cats don't like getting wet but dogs do , so they go together with water and boating very well

 

[victoraspey]

i did try one many years ago for 2 days and it was a total disaster. It just bit my ankles the moment I moved and wrecked the house. I ended up rooted to the spot for hours with literally bleeding ankles. All my experience with dogs has been completely negative so far. My kids are very pet orientated and want a dog. SWMBO had a dog and is keen. I hate to be a killjoy.

 

[Sixpence]

Buy and read the book ' Do dogs need phsychiatrists ' , excellent way to learn how to understand them . The snapper sounds like a young pup that missed out on its mothers teachings , they usually get taught what to nip at when very young so you need to do the teaching instead

 

[Renegade_Master]

West Highland terriers seem to be ideal boat dogs, check out Boatone and hlb.

My miniture Daschunds a crappy boat dogs, far too nervous.

 

[akirk]

Think of the change liking having a child
they will need potty training (faster than children, and some come trained!), they look to you for every decision, you build up a wide network of babysitters, however they are cheaper to run then kids, don't need schooling, should sit and stay when told, don't answer back, only require bags of dog food (try that with your kids!), and if trained well will bring back the odd rabbit or pheasant for the cookpot, not so the kids...

and when it all gets too much you can give them away or have them put down (ducks abusive reaction from dog lovers...) - can't do that with your kids /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Your previous experience sounds as though it was a really dominant dog - you must be pack leader, and then you will have a wonderful time - there is nothing quite like a smelly dog that has rolled in fox poo with smelly breath having eaten disgusting things coming up to you as you lie on the sofa watching tv and licking you all over, wanting to cuddle up with you /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[hgvman]

A jack russell. We have ours loose on our farm 24 hours a day much better than a staffy which is really just an interbred gay fashion accessory. Our rottweiler loves eating staffys!

 

[davesimmons]

Agree with everyone about trying one first. I got mine about 3 years ago and it really changes your life. Try to keep in mind that they cannot just be left to their own devices like cats.

Go around and think about what changes would have to be made if you had a dog i.e. wake up = dog there and needs to be walked (not much fun in winter), what happens whilst you are at work, holidays, long weekends etc? One thing I never thought about (which seems stupid now) is securing the garden / front door etc as I live near a main road and it is easy for friends and extended family without dogs to leave the occasional door open!

Its not all doom and gloom though - whilst these are all considerations I would never be without a dog now. Don’t get me wrong I like cats but dogs become a real member of the family. They are incredibly loyal and start to mould into the family very quickly (mine is asleep under my desk which he does everyday when I am working) speaking of which I better get back to it - good luck!!