Want to get a dog (in the future, just want to ask some questions first)

[basin79]

I don't know whether the US is the same as here in the UK but some many labs I see have been turned into barrels. Unless the lab is a gun/working dog they tend to end up fat.

No idea what their owners feed them. I suspect many owners give in to those wonderous eyes and feed them too many treats without then getting them to burn the extra calories off.

 

[StampFan]

I'm planning to get a dog next year or in the next few years, but I've never had that much experience with them. What breed of dog would you recommend for me based on this criteria:

-I'm a somewhat active person, I like to walk for at least five miles a day (is this too little for some dogs?)
-I'd really like a dog that could keep up with me while hiking/backpacking/etc.
-A breed that's a bit 'easier' to train as I'm not experienced with dogs in general and whenever I go out of town for extended periods, it'll be staying with my parents who have even less experience
-A 'quieter' breed, I know this largely depends on the individual, but if there's a breed that's quieter in general that would be great
-I tend to be gone for a decent period of time during the day, a dog that could stay by itself for a while would be great. I'd still be there in the morning/night and will walk them daily as mentioned above.
-Must be friendly and not defensive/aggressive. I have family members who have had horrible experiences with dogs and I want to change their mind with whatever dog I do end up getting.

I'm also highly considering a dog from the shelter as I'd much rather adopt than buy one from a breeder, but my only concern is that I wouldn't know the background of the dog (if it is aggressive/defensive, health problems, etc.).

Based on this, what kind of dog would you recommend me? Also, if all of this sounds improbable, I don't mind holding off until I get more experience as I want to be able to take care of this dog to the best of my ability and make it a part of my family.

Just wanted to comment on the "quieter" breed. Just remember that many large active breeds are happy to walk 5 miles a day, and will happily sleep 18 hours a day. However....when they are playing, or when its feeding time, or when the doorbell rings, or they see a squirrel, or when they want to play, expect barking. Dogs will bark.

 

[boina]

5. Buy and use a portable dog crate. Even if you don’t use it often, it’s essential for the mental health of a dog, especially if you work long hours, to have a place that’s made specifically for staying safe and calm.

Oh, come on. I know many people use crates, but essential for the mental health??? I've earned money training dogs for years while I was studying, my friend works with 'difficult' dogs that get transfered to her by vets, and we've both never used a crate and never will. Are you saying all our dogs have/had mental health problems? Hardly.

I'm against using a crate - ever. I think it's cruel.

 

[Garth Vader]

Both of my dogs are rescue mutts and they are wonderful. They are healthy too although one of them takes acid reflux meds and prozac, but that's another story!!!

You can't get a perfect dog. Find one with a temperment you agree with, an energy level you can manage, and get some good training on how to communicate and work with your dog. Both if my dogs are, um, special- one was born blind and the other one had issues with reactivity. We trained them very well and they are great. It makes me happy that we saved them and they are such an important part of my life!

If you get a puppy they will have a harder time being home alone for a long time. Getting an adult dog might be better for that.

 

[Bree24]

Oh, come on. I know many people use crates, but essential for the mental health??? I've earned money training dogs for years while I was studying, my friend works with 'difficult' dogs that get transfered to her by vets, and we've both never used a crate and never will. Are you saying all our dogs have/had mental health problems? Hardly.

I'm against using a crate - ever. I think it's cruel.

Difference of opinion, I suppose. I’m involved with a lot of rescues, and can 100% guarantee you that the dogs who are the least stressed are the ones who are accustomed to crates. They also are the ones who adjust the fasted to their new homes. Their crate is their den. It’s a piece of familiarity that lets them know that they’re okay when they’re unsure of their surroundings. What happens when your dog goes to the vet? To daycare or a holiday kennel? They use crates in those places. If your dog isn’t trained to use them then don’t you think it’s just going to add to their stress to suddenly be forced into one? Are you absolutely sure that when you leave your dog home alone outside of a kennel that it’s not pacing the house upset and anxious?

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Cane Corso, Mastino Napoletano buy Italian

 

[boina]

Difference of opinion, I suppose. I’m involved with a lot of rescues, and can 100% guarantee you that the dogs who are the least stressed are the ones who are accustomed to crates. They also are the ones who adjust the fasted to their new homes. Their crate is their den. It’s a piece of familiarity that lets them know that they’re okay when they’re unsure of their surroundings. What happens when your dog goes to the vet? To daycare or a holiday kennel? They use crates in those places. If your dog isn’t trained to use them then don’t you think it’s just going to add to their stress to suddenly be forced into one? Are you absolutely sure that when you leave your dog home alone outside of a kennel that it’s not pacing the house upset and anxious?

I've worked with dogs that were traumatized by crates. I can absolutely not confirm your experiences and I think there's a lot of confimation bias involved here.

 

[Bree24]

I've worked with dogs that were traumatized by crates. I can absolutely not confirm your experiences and I think there's a lot of confimation bias involved here.

Wouldn’t that be bias on both parts? As I said, difference of opinion. Just sharing mine.

By the way, I’ve seen a lot of dogs go through the rescue that were traumatized by a lot of things. It has less to do with the thing in question and more to do with the person who used it against them.

 

[Minty]

I'm planning to get a dog next year or in the next few years, but I've never had that much experience with them. What breed of dog would you recommend for me based on this criteria:

-I'm a somewhat active person, I like to walk for at least five miles a day (is this too little for some dogs?)
-I'd really like a dog that could keep up with me while hiking/backpacking/etc.
-A breed that's a bit 'easier' to train as I'm not experienced with dogs in general and whenever I go out of town for extended periods, it'll be staying with my parents who have even less experience
-A 'quieter' breed, I know this largely depends on the individual, but if there's a breed that's quieter in general that would be great
-I tend to be gone for a decent period of time during the day, a dog that could stay by itself for a while would be great. I'd still be there in the morning/night and will walk them daily as mentioned above.
-Must be friendly and not defensive/aggressive. I have family members who have had horrible experiences with dogs and I want to change their mind with whatever dog I do end up getting.

I'm also highly considering a dog from the shelter as I'd much rather adopt than buy one from a breeder, but my only concern is that I wouldn't know the background of the dog (if it is aggressive/defensive, health problems, etc.).

Based on this, what kind of dog would you recommend me? Also, if all of this sounds improbable, I don't mind holding off until I get more experience as I want to be able to take care of this dog to the best of my ability and make it a part of my family.

Labrador.

 

[Minty]

Meant to respond to this sooner, but I did some more research and I think I'll be going with a lab if I do get a dog. However, after looking into some breeders they're asking for $1,800-2,500 for a puppy. I know I shouldn't be cheap when getting a dog, but I was reading articles saying that even if they do come from a breeder, you shouldn't be paying more than $800-1,200. Not being cheap when I say this, but if a breeder is asking for anything more than that should I look elsewhere?

Wow. I’ve seen pedigree Lab puppies for £400-600 here.

 

[Potatatas]

I'm against using a crate - ever. I think it's cruel.

It does seem cruel but if it's crate trained as a pup then later the crate doesn't need to be locked. It just becomes their den and they can retreat there if it feels unsafe and when sleeping. I think some people keep their dogs in far too small crates though and lock them in there for too long. Comes down to responsible ownership in the end. Dogs are probably the most mistreated pet ever. So easy to get one and people don't realise they demand so much care.

I know I shouldn't be cheap when getting a dog

Buying pure breeds with all the paper work can be super expensive and unnecessary for the majority of people. Unless you are going to breed or put the dog into shows the papers aren't necessary. They mean nothing and I've known many pure breds that have been nightmare in terms of health. Paying lots for a dog does not garauntee anything either. And as a wise man once said "They are all good dogs, Bront"

That's just my opinion anyways and crates are kind of controversial too.

 

[antinous]

Thanks for the replies guys! I'll def check out local shelters and see if there's a lab that fits what I'm looking for/meshes well with me.

Also, kind of random, but do any of you guys feed a raw diet to your dogs? I know @basin79 you sometimes feed raw treats according to your videos. I generally heard that this is 'more healthy' than most dog food?

 

[basin79]

Thanks for the replies guys! I'll def check out local shelters and see if there's a lab that fits what I'm looking for/meshes well with me.

Also, kind of random, but do any of you guys feed a raw diet to your dogs? I know @basin79 you sometimes feed raw treats according to your videos. I generally heard that this is 'more healthy' than most dog food?

I give Typhon raw meaty bones and raw lamb's hearts along with his large/giant breed kibble.

The kibble provides everything he needs including bits, minerals, joint aids etcetera. I just like to give him raw meaty bones for his teeth (and he loves them) and raw lamb's heart (because he loves them).

To be perfectly honest I'm too lazy to give my little man a completely raw diet. I'd have to add in so many things, know the correct amount etcetera. This way I know Typhon is getting everything he needs plus bonus of raw.

 

[MintyWood826]

Also, kind of random, but do any of you guys feed a raw diet to your dogs? I know @basin79 you sometimes feed raw treats according to your videos. I generally heard that this is 'more healthy' than most dog food?

Here's a thread about it. It's mainly a debate about raw diet for dogs and has some links in it.

http://arachnoboards.com/threads/training-and-diets-for-cats-and-dogs.310765/

(Ignore the quote of me in the first post I was trying to say something else but didn't choose my words well at all)

 

[Bree24]

My dog hunts on the farm so I usually just give her dry kibble, but I’ve researched and am absolutely in love with The Honest Kitchen. It’s a complete formula that you add raw meat to, and I would definitely give this to my dog if she were an indoor/town dog. Raw food diets aren’t at all necessary, though, and can be very costly. As long as you pick brands that aren’t full of processed junk then your dog will be just fine. If your dog has a good stomach then buy a different brand every time because they tend to vary in their nutrient content. Giving your dog a wide range of brands will ensure they get a balanced diet with the added benefit of them not getting bored of their meals. I would also look into multivitamins and a dental bone once a day, but those last two are just my opinion.

 

[Potatatas]

Raw food diets aren’t at all necessary, though, and can be very costly. As long as you pick brands that aren’t full of processed junk then your dog will be just fine. If your dog has a good stomach then buy a different brand every time because they tend to vary in their nutrient content.

Yeah raw food diet is expensive! The most true to nature food though and you know it's not processed crap (which a lot of dog food is). The stuff that doesn't make it into sausages goes into dog food.

If your dog has a good stomach then buy a different brand every time because they tend to vary in their nutrient content.

Never heard of this before. Not saying you're wrong or anything I just find it an interesting idea. I've always been told that you should stick to one brand otherwise it will upset the dogs stomach which I have always found is true with mine. Maybe that's why your dog needs a good stomach and mine has had bowel issues since a pup.

 

[antinous]

I give Typhon raw meaty bones and raw lamb's hearts along with his large/giant breed kibble.

The kibble provides everything he needs including bits, minerals, joint aids etcetera. I just like to give him raw meaty bones for his teeth (and he loves them) and raw lamb's heart (because he loves them).

To be perfectly honest I'm too lazy to give my little man a completely raw diet. I'd have to add in so many things, know the correct amount etcetera. This way I know Typhon is getting everything he needs plus bonus of raw.

Got it, after reading everyone's responses, I might just do this too in the future. Should I be worried about feeding meat with small bits of bones in them?

Here's a thread about it. It's mainly a debate about raw diet for dogs and has some links in it.

http://arachnoboards.com/threads/training-and-diets-for-cats-and-dogs.310765/

(Ignore the quote of me in the first post I was trying to say something else but didn't choose my words well at all)

Thanks! Much appreciated

My dog hunts on the farm so I usually just give her dry kibble, but I’ve researched and am absolutely in love with The Honest Kitchen. It’s a complete formula that you add raw meat to, and I would definitely give this to my dog if she were an indoor/town dog. Raw food diets aren’t at all necessary, though, and can be very costly. As long as you pick brands that aren’t full of processed junk then your dog will be just fine. If your dog has a good stomach then buy a different brand every time because they tend to vary in their nutrient content. Giving your dog a wide range of brands will ensure they get a balanced diet with the added benefit of them not getting bored of their meals. I would also look into multivitamins and a dental bone once a day, but those last two are just my opinion.

Got it, thanks!

Yeah raw food diet is expensive! The most true to nature food though and you know it's not processed crap (which a lot of dog food is). The stuff that doesn't make it into sausages goes into dog food.

That is true, guess I didn't really take how expensive it'll be into consideration seeing as I haven't really bought much meat before haha

 

[basin79]

Got it, after reading everyone's responses, I might just do this too in the future. Should I be worried about feeding meat with small bits of bones in them?



Thanks! Much appreciated



Got it, thanks!



That is true, guess I didn't really take how expensive it'll be into consideration seeing as I haven't really bought much meat before haha

Do you mean dog chicken mince? Bones are fine so long as they're raw. Cooked bones can be very dangerou. No idea why petshops sell cooked bones for dogs. Avoid load baring bones though. They're hard/strong and could potentially break a tooth. Typhon gets lamb ribs, spine & neck. He also gets small beef rib/spine too although he basically just strips the meat/fat off those now.

 

[antinous]

Do you mean dog chicken mince? Bones are fine so long as they're raw. Cooked bones can be very dangerou. No idea why petshops sell cooked bones for dogs. Avoid load baring bones though. They're hard/strong and could potentially break a tooth. Typhon gets lamb ribs, spine & neck. He also gets small beef rib/spine too although he basically just strips the meat/fat off those now.

I remember one of my friends feeding turkey necks to his dogs, but someone was criticizing him as the dog could choke on the smaller bones.

 

[basin79]

I remember one of my friends feeding turkey necks to his dogs, but someone was criticizing him as the dog could choke on the smaller bones.

Raw they'll be fine.