Getting a dog......suggestions?

[BADWIN BING]

Hi guys,

As the title suggests I'm getting a dog and it's been a loooong time since I owned one, mainly because I've always though of my last one (Ted, German Shepherd) as irreplaceable.

Years have passed since then and the kids have finally worn me down. So a new addition to the family is firmly on the cards.

I know that there are many dog owners here so I'm putting the feelers out. What would you guys recommend as a good family dog. Good temperament is essential and I like a dog to be a dog. Nothing small, but not huge either!

Any hints, tips, advice are welcome.

Front runner so far is a Black Lab btw.

 

[wat44]

lab poodle cross

 

[trailboss99]

Do you need an active dog? A lazy dog? A protective dog? How much room will it have? How old are the kids? More information needed mate.

 

[BADWIN BING]

He/she will get plenty of exercise, not looking for a guard dog. Jack is 15, Sarah is 11.

We're looking for a faithful companion that will get plenty of attention. A loyal dog that will get loyalty in return.

Oh, and a ach collar is a must!

 

[Steelfish]

My friend I'd totally go with your front runner........Black Lab.

They have a wonderful temperment, loving, loyal and intelligent.

I wish you all the best in the search for your new friend.

 

[BADWIN BING]

Thanks SF......such a tough choice and hard decision. A dog is a huge commitment!!

So I have to get this right. Prices are incredulous too (anything from £400 - 650). Small price to pay when you think of the years of enjoyment you can get out of them though!

Wait.....I can get a couple of decent watches for that! Dog........what dog?

 

[RWIGWH]

Most wonderful loyal, playful, companion in my world. Only problem is, she is smarter than me...My Poodle...

 

[cybee]

Labs are great, very smart dogs. I have a dog that is part border collie, shepard, and husky. She has an awesome temperment and disposition. The only bad thing is she sheds but other than that she is great and super smart too. But, this will be my last dog cause I'm tired of shovelling and throwing it over into the neighbors yard.

 

[Steelfish]

Thanks SF......such a tough choice and hard decision. A dog is a huge commitment!!

So I have to get this right. Prices are incredulous too (anything from £400 - 650). Small price to pay when you think of the years of enjoyment you can get out of them though!

Wait.....I can get a couple of decent watches for that! Dog........what dog?

Yes that is quite a price but as you said.......as small price to pay.

Of course there's always the pound/RSPCA option and those dogs appreciate a loving home more than words can say but there is a problem with that........you'll want to take them all home.

 

[BADWIN BING]

Most wonderful loyal, playful, companion in my world. Only problem is, she is smarter than me...My Poodle...

Ahhhhhh....she looks so cute (sounding like AHW).

Labs are great, very smart dogs. I have a dog that is part border collie, shepard, and husky. She has an awesome temperment and disposition. The only bad thing is she sheds but other than that she is great and super smart too. But, this will be my last dog cause I'm tired of shovelling and throwing it over into the neighbors yard.

Lol....my neighbours have just aquired two kittens. So guess who's going to be Mr.Popular?

 

[RWIGWH]

Just dun try and take the remote...
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHCuh4eKIRU"]Missy's remote - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Steelfish]

Just dun try and take the remote...
Missy's remote - YouTube

Hehe........great stuff mate. :lol:

That's it for me all........I'm off to play truck driver.

Have a great and safe week all and best of luck with your decision BB.

 

[RWIGWH]

Be good SF, enjoy your trip.

 

[BADWIN BING]

Don't mess with Missy, "We watch what I wanna watch tonight". :lol:

Yeah....cheers SF. Safe week and well wishes.

 

[jeffw69]

Here's my German Sheperd puppy, I say German Sheperd!

 

[BADWIN BING]

Beautiful dog jeff, gorgeous and I'm sure you're gonna have a lot of fun with him/her.

German Shepherd is not an option though. That was my last dog. I had to have him put down when his back legs went. Broke my heart!!!

He was a one off and it would be unfair to both of us to have another.

Something different this time. Enjoy the time you have with your new companion. They are a great breed and a loyal and trusted friend.

 

[SRower003]

I hated dogs until my wife and kids talked me into a yellow lab 13 years ago. Belle, (my lab) is my faithful friend and companion. She worked her way into my hardened heart early on. I love that dog.

 

[jeffw69]

Yes, she's a great girl, a little over 7 months now.
My last dog was a female black lab, the ex-wife got her
Black labs are definitely amazing...smart, loyal, and a lot of fun!

 

[BADWIN BING]

I hated dogs until my wife and kids talked me into a yellow lab 13 years ago. Belle, (my lab) is my faithful friend and companion. She worked her way into my hardened heart early on. I love that dog.

I'm glad that you posted. It's funny, I'm the dog lover, but (out of the four of us) I'm the only one with reservations. I'm the 'bad guy' for not wanting a dog!

I have to give in though. This post gives me renewed enthusiasm. Thanks!

 

[RWIGWH]

Beautiful dog jeff, gorgeous and I'm sure you're gonna have a lot of fun with him/her.

German Shepherd is not an option though. That was my last dog. I had to have him put down when his back legs went. Broke my heart!!!

He was a one off and it would be unfair to both of us to have another.

Something different this time. Enjoy the time you have with your new companion. They are a great breed and a loyal and trusted friend.

I can relate to this...My last dog was an English Shepherd, named Major.
He was around 200 lbs, and was raised in the Bronx as a guard dog for a gas station before I got him. He knew attack commands in Spanish lol...
Yet my 75 year old Grandmother would get on the floor and roll around with him without any fear...We loved Major, and I miss him every day.