Been wanting a dog... tips/hints/suggestions ?

[MCummings]

I've benn wanting a dog for a long while now. I had a dog when I was growing up, and would like to get another dog now.





I've been reading up alot on different dogs and would like to have a large dog, and pretty much have my mind set on the gentl giant, Great Dane. I had one when I was 16, but didn't know how to raise a dog, my dad ended up kicking it and breaking it's leg, then gave it away. I think I'm still a little off kilter with that one,, but enough about the family... :-laf



I've had a g/f for 5 years now, who will become my fiance within the month, and I would like to get my Dog then, or close to that time.





I've read up alot on all types of dogs, and really like the rescent breeding, and gentle/guardian nature of the Dane. I've read too much in the last week or two,, kinda like I do with TDR, :-laf



I've learned how to grow them up to be a very obediant dog, talked with a vet, talked to a few people who run obediance classes, and have found a store that will have a dog ready for me (for a price. ) Now, all I have to do is talk to a few other dog owners,, Like yall here, and family who has dogs, and put all that in practice.





Two things I want to do with my dog would be to have my dog teach me how to teach my future children (discipline, consistancy, caring and routine, etc) and, to teach the dog obediance, especially with voice commands.



I still live at home with my parents, we have a large house, and a huge backyard (200'x100'), we do live in the city, but can easily walk him, and take him to the park, etc. When I was younger, I had a very active lifestyle, and was always outside, but now, with my friends moved away, and the cops not liking my "stunting" with my ATV's on public roads I'm inside wayy to much and have become homesick of the outdoors.





My mother has a dog right now, a bolgenese, sortof a overgrown poodle, LOL. I like her dog, but it's wayy to small and wouldn't want a dog like that of my own. (seems the dog is easily over excersised) I've cared for a labradore (sp?) Retriever as well, and was a great dog, but still a little small. (If a great Dane is about as smart, and trainable, I don't think I will have any problems... )



Right now I have a huge fantasy in my head about a great Dane. I really like their "small person" size (30"+ @ shoulders, and 100-150Lbs), I've read about diseases, excersise and attention needs, intake and waste needs as well, but would like to hear from other dog owners (even if not a great dane), I would like to hear about good or bad ideas, hints,suggestions, and maybe even some tricks,, (pun, intended)



I'm not a small person myself, I'm about 6' and 250Lbs. I want a "buddy", and especially want him to be properly socialized, and get used to riding in my truck to go places, and meeting new people, dogs, and children (although that's all hard to do with a guardian dog... )



All in all , I would like to hear what yall have to say.



TIA,

Merrick



BTW, my g/f has a cat of about 3 years, and would like to get a pomerianian just before she gets out for summer. (any thoughts on that?)

 

[RBergman]

well for what its worth usualy the larger the dog the shorter the life span,

our 1st dog the girl friend brought home when it was 8 weeks old when

she was 2-1/2 years old we found out she had cancer when going

through the treatment the vet recomended we get a 2nd dog so i spent

hours and hours doing research on the breeds that had the least amount

of health problems , but when doing this i found the number of special needs

dogs and dogs that get put down because they cant find a home for them

to be heart braking so i threw out all my research and went to www.petfinder.com and found a very young miniture st. bernard that

had been hit by a car and had her leg bolted back together and she

had some special needs but i would not trade her for the world

she is 75 pounds we are very lucky to have her .

we also have a choc. lab whos owners got devorced and

did not have a place for him he to is kind of a special needs dog

as he had been passed from home to home and he worries a lot

he will be left behind and is extreamly needed he is 125 pounds

we are lucky to have him. if you must have one breed

you might do a search on google for the breed you want

and search for rescues i. e. "lab resuces" "rott rescues"

usualy they have dogs of all ages and just ask a donation

usualy between 75-250. 00 its something to think about

 

[Dl5treez]

Currently we have a German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix. Wouldn't trade her for the world.



My favorite breeds? Border Collie and Alaskan Malamute. Grew up around both, couldn't ask for better.

 

[RandyHamilton]

I was adcopted 5 years ago by a 1 yr old female Blue Heeler. She just showed up and never left. In all that time I have never came home and not found her here. I live in the country and have no fences to keep her in, she just stays here on her own accord. Wouldn't trade her for anything. . She is very mindful, unless she perceives something as a threat to me. Then, her hearing shuts down, kinda like a wife or GF when they are pithed at you.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Blue and Red Healers are great dogs. We picked up a Border Collie from the pound in January 2005. She was 11 weeks old and purebred. A grandmother had received the collie as a gift and the pupply was too much for the grandmother to handle.



We took her and have never looked back. Great dog. Loves people. Not aggressive. Loves to run, play frisbie. Easily trained.



Good luck finding the right one. I was looking for a healer when I picked up the Border Collie.

 

[mcoleman]

We have a 7 year old Dane and a 4 year old German Shepherd that weighs in around 130 pounds. We just recently lost our 13 year old Akita and were adopted by a small chocolate lab that someone had dumped. The Dane stays in the house unless we are outside. Danes don't handle cold weather very well due to their short hair. As for as training I highly recommend Cesar Milano's book and catching his show called The Dog Whisperer. We have high expectations for all of our dogs and require all of them to sit before being petted and sit while I'm filling their feed bowls along with sitting while I open the door to let them out. You have to be their leader and they will follow. Danes make for hilarious companions as their personalities are very humourous. From walking up and sitting their rear on the couch to stopping in the middle of walking across the living room with the expression of having forgotten what they were doing or where they were going.

 

[JSienkowski]

I grew up with dogs as well, we had good luck with Labs, currently I have a "Poundpuppy" who's about 7 now, he was born in the pound so we know he's part yellow lab, the rest of him who knows wouldn't trade him on anything!! Give the SPCA/Local Animal shelter a look, mutts usually have a good temperment and all they want is your love and companionship.

 

[gonehuntingagain]

My aunt had a Great Dane when I was growing up. She was a very friendly dog, but I remember the 'piles' that she left - OMG they were HUGE. :--)





She ended up getting tumors on her leg and had to be put down. It might be worth checking to see what the breed's tendencies are for diseases and find a reputable breeder that can provide clearances - like for Labs people will get the hips, eyes, and elbows certified before breeding.



Check out the book "Family Dog" by Wolters for training info.

 

[TORQUE THIS]

We have a 5 month old Beagle... a really great dog! (his name is Turbo)

He was very easy to housebreak, is GREAT with kids!

 

[Big MAK]

Was the Lab you worked with pure bred? A pure bred Lab is 90-120 lbs and strong as a horse (very slight exaggeration). I'm a huge fan of Labs myself -- very intelligent and obedient if you do atleast some training.



But mostly get what you enjoy.

 

[ThompsonS]

A dog is like a watch, the less you pay the longer they last.



and a mixed breed mutt is usually smarter and healther than a purebreed, not enough forks in the family tree and all that.



I wouldnt pay much for a dod, theres always dogs that need a good home.



Irish wolfhounds are big & friendly,



CHeck with your homeowners ins agent about which breeds they allow, since so many drug dealers have pit bulls and other aggressive breeds that make the 6 o'clock news when they kill a child, many ins co's will drop you if they find out you have one.

 

[mjendrejcak]

We picked up a boxer through Boxer Rescue about 3. 5 years ago. Myra is a pure breed (larger than most Boxers at 80 LBS) is now 6. I have had many dogs growing up and find boxers to be the most fun. As someone said most large breeds do not live that long but they tend to be the most social dogs. She has jumped the fence a couple of times and always runs three house over with a family of 4 kids oldest about 6. They kids grab the dogs ears, lips, stub tail and Myra could care less Just loves any attention for the kids. Girl next to us has a jack russel that has attacked everyone on the street.



Try to find breed clubs in your area and spend some time at a gathering. If your think of kids down the road study how the majority of the breed acts around kids.

 

[RustyJC]

I've been reading up alot on different dogs and would like to have a large dog, and pretty much have my mind set on the gentl giant, Great Dane. I had one when I was 16, but didn't know how to raise a dog, my dad ended up kicking it and breaking it's leg, then gave it away. I think I'm still a little off kilter with that one,, but enough about the family... :-laf

Merrick,



Not to get into your personal business, but since you still live at home, could this happen again? If so, you might want to think twice about bringing a dog into this environment, for the dog's sake if nothing else.



Rusty

 

[Amish Elegance]

While somewhat hypocritical for me, as I have two pure breed dogs (Newf and Great Pyrenees), the petfinder thing is great. After the hurricanes last year they were very over whelmed and there were a lot of dogs that needed saved. I've got a real soft spot for dogs. There's a lot on that site that could use a good home. My next dog may very well be a petfinder dog.



My wife and I have no kids. Our two dogs may as well be, though. They go everywhere we can take em. Hense, the cap. They have taught me a great deal of patience, and have been wonderful examples of character and an unconditional loving companion.



I will have a Newfoundland as long as I live. I love my Pyrenees, but he's nuttier than a squirrel turd. (1 ex. :140 lb dog wont walk on pergo floor in basement to save his life or mine. :-laf ) He's a little big to be the lap dog he thinks he is. Loves to be loved. He'll stay at your side as long as you can stand to pet him. My wifes teddy bear.



If you ever move north, look at a Newf. He'd die in texas. 70 and sunny, he's hiding under my deck like its hell out there. (all he's gotta do is hear the hose, comes runnin') Only lays in the shaded snowbanks in the winter. :-laf Loves water. Loves to swim, swims faster than me. Has a vocabulary that would rival a toddler. Great with kids. They like his kisses, and hug all over his 160lb frame. Not an in-your-face dog, just content to be by your side or in the same room. Subtly protects, not aggressive. Frequently places himself between us and strangers. His size alone is a deterrent. Gentile when around kids or people, but he'll wrestle in the yard with me as rough as I can take. In many ways he's just like a person. A true best friend. Just a big, loving, black bear, lookin dog.





Sorry for the rant, I love dogs. When we lived in Muncie, our Newf had a Dane for a friend. Played like crazy. Nice dog. Good luck with your Dane or whatever you choose.

 

[Amish Elegance]

Merrick,



Not to get into your personal business, but since you still live at home, could this happen again? If so, you might want to think twice about bringing a dog into this environment, for the dog's sake if nothing else.



Rusty

I was kinda thinkin that too. Nicely phrased.

 

[MCummings]

That was 7 years ago. Alot has changed since then.



I do appreciate the concern, and completely understand. Don't worry about it "not being your business", that's what TDR is for, and how we keep America responsible... Thank You.



My Dad has changed alot, and this dog won't be like the completely uncontrolable 16 week old puppy we had.



No need to go into details about what has happened since then, but suffice to say that the event that occured back then won't be happening again.



----



Now, back to the thread.



The Lab I played with was actually somewhat of a stray (maybe a drop 'n go dog), and blind in one eye. A great dog that stood about 2' 10" (top of head). Very Smart, but I still feel he was small for me.





Thanks for the talk. I have been reading alot, and yall have been backing up what I have been reading. Shorter lived, typical big dog problems such as arthritis, sore joints, hip dilexsia (sp?) bloat, and a problem with eyelids turning in and rubbing the eye...





I am goint o be getting him from a place where my g/f's brother works. PetLand is the name of the store. I feel for the dogs that need rescued, but, I also feel that this will be a big commitment, and will want a show quality, purebred dog to reflect my work and time I will be investing in him. They also offer several other things that have me leaning that way.



I've read about alot of dogs, and I appreciate all the responses, and have considered them. I do feel that if I don't do what's in my heart, I will always "wonder" how things would have been...





Merrick

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

My favorite breeds? Border Collie and .....

I've had dogs most of my life from beagles to Dobermans to Border Collies. I strongly recommend against getting a Border Collie, or other stock dogs for that matter, heelers or australian shepherds. They are intense intelligent dogs who HAVE to HAVE a job. The saying is "if you don't give them a job, they will find a job. And probably one you don't want them to have. " I thoroughly enjoy (love) my BCs but they have plenty of space to work and have enough work to keep them content. But they are intense gals.



It has been mentioned that Great Danes tend to have health and longevity problems. Labs and especially golden retrievers can make excellent companion dogs.



My first BC came off a ranch from work stock. Then I found out about BC rescue sites and www.petfinder.com. I have adopted several BCs located off petfinder. These dogs can be intensely loyal. If I am in need of another dog I will go to petfinder because these critters desperately need homes. Having said that you need to put you emotion aside and be cold and calculating when picking one out -- not a place to let sympathy or emotion overide good sense. These sites typically will let you adopt a pet for a trial run to see how things work out. I have to avoid go to petfinder because I find my self thinking "wouldn't three dogs be great..... and etc. "



Lastly, I think you really need to consider where you will be in a couple of years. Are you going to college or the service? You mention a girlfriend, so she had better be part of the decision. Personally, my advice is wait until you are on your own and have a good idea or plan where and what you will be doing for the next 15 years. Nothing is sadder than some jerk or jerkette who gets a cute puppy then decides it just doesn't fit in to their lifestyle -- hello dog pound.

 

[Spooled-up]

Well, no one has posted a pic, so I guess I will.



This is Diesel. Like everyone else says about theirs, he's the best dog in the world, and I wouldn't trade him for anything. He's a German Shorthaired Pointer. He's great with kids, well behaved and he's also on the Cesar Millan program (not literally). Cesar is great, and if you follow what he says, you'll have a great relationship with your dog. That guy is amazing.



Here's my boy. He's about 85 lbs - big for a GSP, but I like 'em big.



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[jandtjil]

Good words O'TD.

I would echo that sentiment, if you get one, make it for life.

Good luck and get your running shoes out of the closet, nothin better than a 4 legged running partner, you rarely have to ask twice to go.

GSP and a Weimaraner here!

 

[MMeier]

Well, no one has posted a pic, so I guess I will.



This is Diesel. Like everyone else says about theirs, he's the best dog in the world, and I wouldn't trade him for anything. He's a German Shorthaired Pointer. He's great with kids, well behaved and he's also on the Cesar Millan program (not literally). Cesar is great, and if you follow what he says, you'll have a great relationship with your dog. That guy is amazing.



Here's my boy. He's about 85 lbs - big for a GSP, but I like 'em big.



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Gorgeous dog, here is a pic of mine! Buddy of mine raises them, hunts , trains them. His name is Alex, and talk about personality!!! :-laf Darn pic is too large AGAIN !