Prospective dog owner - advice please

[Blue_muppet]

Hi All,

The partner and I have been looking at getting a dog. We have been spending quite a bit of time going to adoption centres for the obvious reasons. However in doing this we're realising that two people who, for the sake of argument, work full time do not present well to adoption volunteers. I think we've been having trouble finding something suitable because we don't want a maltese/shitzu type breed and are more interested in medium sized dogs; unfortunately these types of dogs in adoption centres are in there because of their personality, often having quite bad anxiety leading them to escape when their owners are away.

It's led us to reconsider our options, although to be honest I'm not quite sure what they are. Being away from home 8 hours a day doesn't really suit raising a puppy; guide dogs victoria are not currently rehoming their 'reclassified' dogs; perhaps we could get luck on gumtree or tradingpost with an owner who is moving or can no longer take care of a good temperament dog, but I think we'd have to be pretty lucky.

Below is our situation, and what we'd like in a dog.
- Two adults, active lifestyle, we'd walk it at least once per day for about an hour. We would also take it with us on weekends when we are outdoors (eg mountainbiking, hiking, visitng friends with other dogs etc).
- We both work full time (although currently I work from home 2-3 days per week. This situation could change at any time though)
- Own our own home with secure fencing, I would consider our yard size as small - we're on less than a quarter acre in suburbs.
- We've owned/looked after dogs before and we understand the responsibilities (otherwise I would have been to a pet store to get a puppy already, right? :P)
- The dog would be inside when we're home, and outside when we're not, however we'd install a doggy door once it's toilet trained so it can come and go.
- Guard dog aspect is not important, but we'd like something that is not known for barking.
- Off leash is important for us, so unfortunately getting a grey from GAP isn't really an option (although it ticks nearly all the other boxes).

We're struggling a little to find a breed with a temperament that fits into the category above.

I'd really like to hear from someone else who has been in this position and how it worked out (or perhaps the advice is - dont get a dog). Thanks.

[HumbleBum]

You have basically summed up my life and we have 2 cocker spaniels.. some will say you shouldnt get a dog, but the reality is people need to work.

Our cockers have adjusted fine. We spend basically every minute of the day with them when not working. They get a 45min walk every morning. Spend the evenings inside, before going to sleep in the garage.. its routine. They seem to handle it fine. They know when its a saturday, and sleep in.

Perfect.

[Blue_muppet]

Thanks for that - actually had Cocker Spaniels on the shortlist of breeds so that's good to know.

[Melzawelza]

Your lifestyle could definitely work well for a dog - you just need to make sure you get the right dog.

I would recommend getting an adult dog so you know what temperament you are getting yourself into and you can select a dog that will be fine when left alone during the day.

I know you mentioned shelters but also check out www.petrescue.com.au to look at animals that are currently in foster care if you haven't already.

If you don't want to go down the adoption route anymore, then deciding on a breed and contacting breeders to see if they have a mature dog available for sale would be your best bet. A lot of breeders will 'run on' a puppy for show/breeding and for whatever reason decide not to use them anymore. Or often may have an even older dog who has finished it's breeding career.

Check out http://www.dogzonline.com.au/ to see breeder listings.

Now a few more questions so we can help you find a breed.

What grooming are you willing to put into the dog? Do you have a preference for coat type?

Are there any breeds you already do not want?

What kind of temperament do you like in a dog? Biddable? Goofy? do you want a dog who will be friendly with everyone or aloof?

[Blue_muppet]

Thanks for your reply, Ill check out the website. I have pretty much gone through PetRescue a couple of times lately.

Originally Posted by Melzawelza

Now a few more questions so we can help you find a breed.

What grooming are you willing to put into the dog? Do you have a preference for coat type?

Are there any breeds you already do not want?

What kind of temperament do you like in a dog? Biddable? Goofy? do you want a dog who will be friendly with everyone or aloof?

Not terribly concerned about grooming and coat type. Obviously a short haired dog is always going to be easier, but a longer haired dog wouldn't put me off. Willing to brush a few times a week, and wash once a week probably.

As mentioned above, prefer medium sized dogs, not looking at your maltese/shitzus/chiuauas etc. Also have been put off dogs known for anxiety like staffys, GSPs etc.

Temperament - prefer biddable and friendly over aloof.

[broccoli]

You might want to do a bit more research into the "dog-friendliness" of the activities you'll want to pursue. For example, hiking in national parks might not be possible because they don't allow dogs. There are a lot of places that don't allow dogs, so check it out before you get the dog and then find out that he can't come with you where you'll want to go.

[1800-gumby]

Try having a look on dogz online for breaders looking to move on older dogs. As Mel said breeders will often move on dogs at 2-4yrs old because of a number of reasons (performed poorly in shows, breeding issues etc).

My parents breed collies (which suit most of your concerns but they can be barkers) and they have 6 dogs because rehoming them once they're no longer puppies is very difficult.

[Blue_muppet]

Thanks gumby, I'll give it a shot. My neighbour has a collie and he barks a lot. It doesn't really worry me, but they don't ever seem to walk the poor thing

[aXis]

Originally Posted by Blue_muppet

Thanks for that - actually had Cocker Spaniels on the shortlist of breeds so that's good to know.

Even better again, springer spaniels. Slightly larger with longer legs and a leaner body so they will cope with the exercise/outdoors activities better, but otherwise the same temperament. My springer used to spend the daytime alone outside and then evenings inside with me - as far as I could tell she just slept all day.

Only problem is the terrible amount of hair they shed, it is non stop never ending fur city. You can clip them but then they look stupid and their coat goes curly.

[HumbleBum]

Originally Posted by aXis

Even bettter again, springer spaniels - same as on all of the PAL advertising. Slightly larger and leaner, so they will cope with the exercise/outdoors activities better, but otherwise the same temperament. My springer used to spend the daytime alone outside and then evenings inside with me - as far as I could tell she just slept all day.

Only problem is the terrible amount of hair they shed, it is non stop never ending fur city. You can clip them but then they look stupid and their coat goes curly.

Our cockers (and when I work from home we dont change the routine) will get up at about 6am, go for a walk.. come back, chillout on the deck for a hr (8am) have some breakfast, sleep till lunchtime. Get up play with toys and what not for a bit, and then go back to sleep.. get up about 4pm, for us getting home @ 5.30pm usually.

[Blue_muppet]

Originally Posted by aXis

Only problem is the terrible amount of hair they shed, it is non stop never ending fur city. You can clip them but then they look stupid and their coat goes curly.

Does the clipping help the shedding though? They look like they have quite the 'neck beard'

[aXis]

The neck and belly hair seemed to be a bit oilier and didnt shed so much. Also the beautiful flowing mane on the back of their legs and tail seemed pretty stable. Worst offender was their back and side - fine, straight dry hair that shed easily. If you were dilligent enough to brush them several times a week I think it would be fine.

As for clipping, from what I've seen when they get fully clipped the hair looks more like the "neck beard" and goes curly. That probably helps to hold it in place better and reduced shedding.

[Blue_muppet]

I've been doing a bit more reading about cocker spaniels and they seem to be known to be more likely to suffer from separation anxiety.

It's quite hard to know what would happen in reality as all dogs have different personalities, and all (most?) dogs can be trained or have behaviours adjusted.

HumbleBum - did you raise them from pups? What are their sex?

[HumbleBum]

Originally Posted by Blue_muppet

HumbleBum - did you raise them from pups? What are their sex?

Yes, 8 year old female.. and a 7 month male.

We also had a 4 year old rescue (cocker) but he passed away from lymphoma.

[broccoli]

As dogs are pack animals, they don't really like being on their own. The extent to which they make this dislike known will vary. Unfortunately, you won't really know whether you've got a dog who will deal with being alone during the day until you get the dog, or you adopt an adult who is used to it. You can't really train the desire for company out of a dog, it's how dogs are.

My dog used to go crazy when I'd get home from work. I'd take her for her walk straight away. Things changed for her when I got her "brother". She didn't really care too much about me any more and was quite calm when I got home, because they'd been hanging out together and she wasn't "stir crazy".

I think having 2 dogs can help, BUT you can't just go out and get 2 dogs if you are first dog owners. Training one dog is hard enough, training 2 undisciplined dogs would be a problem. It's something to aim for after you've got your dog trained. Or you could look into adoption of a pair of dogs who've grown up together/lived together?

Have you considered other types of small dog if you don't like the "hairy" maltese/shih tzu type? Size doesn't equal temperament and if you'll end up with 2, your food and vet bills will be less with smaller breeds.