After being dead set against pets of any sort from childhood, I’ve softened over the past several years and the kids/mrs are nagging for a dog. I’ve always said that there’s no way but am secretly considering the possibility that I may be able to live with it. I’m thinking something “smart” which, in my mind, means something like a Collie or similar.

I can’t decide whether I need to be talked out or into it so I’m after some real world, dispassionate, advice. What do I need to consider? What will I hate about it? If it happens, I’d like to “rescue” one but then I also wonder if I would be better with a young one?

I literally know naff all about it so anything you’ve got would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

“Smart” dogs may need lots of stimulation or they will go crazy; I think Collies are a bit notorious for it. Great if you have the time, not so much otherwise.

Personally I’d go for a working Lab of some sort; the one we have is amazing, although he did destroy a fair number of chewy shoes when he was younger.

Start as you mean to go on.
If you think the puppy is nice to cuddle on the sofa, think about it when the Great Dane is fully grown. I’ve used the extreme example here but it’s the same for a Great Dane as it it is for a Cocker.

Be firm but fair.

Never let it in the bedroom.

When driving, either footwell or boot(with parcel shelf removed), never seats.

Plenty of chew toys if you plan on leaving it alone for a couple of hours. The elder of my two will rip a cuddly toy apart in minutes and the younger one will take his to bed and cuddle it. Two completely opposite dogs but inseparable. Both know the difference between their toys and the kids toys.

I have two springers (2.5 & 11.5 year old) that play by the rules and are pretty obedient, barring a few scatty moments and I think I’ve done a pretty good job.

First of all, don’t get one if you’re going to have to leave it home alone whilst you and your wife are at work and the kids are at school; anything more than 4 hours alone on a regular basis is cruel.

Secondly, be careful with smart dogs: as stated above they need a lot of stimulation and are generally pretty active. If you deny them the stimulation/activity they’re intelligent enough to be really disobedient/destructive.

Research your breeds and work out what best suits your family life. Then do some more research.

Identify a good trainer and attend classes as soon as you can; training requires dedication and consistency. And for God’s sake ignore Caesar Milan and any trainer which advocates pain as a medium for training.

Finally, please please please don’t automatically go to a breeder for a puppy; this country’s rescue centres are bursting at the seams with every dog imaginable of every age. Ours is a spaniel/terrier mongrel who we got as a pup from a centre who rescued her from being put down 24 hours later. She’s now about 4 years old and she has enriched every part of our lives.

A collie is a risk. They can be nervous or nippy. As a child we had a collie which got put down after biting. I take my current dog to a class where there is a collie that goes for any dog that approaches it. There are good ones of course. The other thing is that many collies are strongly one person dogs. My wife’s family had a collie when she was very young. It completely ignored anyone apart from her dad.

We have a standard poodle. Another smart dog. Loves other dogs and all people. Not a hint of nippiness. No bad traits other than not always doing what she is told. Doesn’t cast any hair. Downsides – needs clipped every 8 weeks.

Whatever dog, if any, you get, socialisation in the first few weeks is vital. I spoke to a breeder who before her dogs inoculations were complete used to take her pups into Glasgow Central station and just sit on a bench with them. Great for getting them used to many noises and busy places without coming into contact with other dogs.

I miss my collie, but I don’t miss being a collie owner.

I’ll leave others to give you the sensible advice, which I agree with btw.
Everything you own will be covered in hair, even if it’s never been anywhere near the dog.
Your car boot will become a no go area for anything else, as added to the hair will be mud, dribble and a random assortment of sticks & balls.
Even if you have a will of iron with regards to training & boundaries at least one member of your family will work to undo all of that hard work by spoiling the dog behind your back. They will deny this if challenged.
Things like days out, meals at pubs, holidays etc will all start to revolve around dog friendly stuff. At least they better do, if you’re not involving the dog in the fun stuff you do why have one in the first place?
I love my dog & wouldn’t change him for the world but it is not something you should go into half heartedly. It’s not fair n the dog or you and your family.

I’d not go with a collie, lovely dog but bred to work all the time, and I mean all the time!! So not an ideal pet for every one. The most content ones I’ve met have lived life herding cows or sheep, or sat in a farm vehicle!

Labs have a reputation as a family dog for a reason, Poodles are great dogs once you see past the Crufts show cut!! We have a Labraoodle a very lovely dog, will play fetch all day long with the kids ( or me 😉 ) loves walks swimming etc, will cuddle all day if possible! But he needs two good walks a day. Great with the kids and so friendly. He’s big though 35kgs and not fat at all. Agree with above hair everywhere…I once found some on the crown of my forks in the middle of Whites Level…. 😆

He sheds like crazy, that’s the lab side, and love to eat a toy to destruction!

Once we ( Mrs Wookster and me) decided to get a dog, we went and met lots of different breeds and then litters to see which pup was right for us, that includes meeting the mum and dad and the breeders. We didn’t set out for a Doodle, but once we’d met him and the parents we took the plunge.

One thing I’ll say, it’s like another kid, lots of attention needs training and this is really for ever, holidays with a dog are a laugh! Be prepared never to be alone as they like company eps Labs. I’d agree with above and say 4 hours max if they are left alone, and that would be after a walk! We let ours on the sofa, it’s our sofa, and it’s not a problem! He knows his place but is very much part of the family, won’t beg at the table, doesn’t steal food, toys, socks ( anymore!) kids love him, but they like all kids won’t be interested in feeding, walking them for too long!!

Oh and get pet insurance!! It’s a big step but well worth it, even in the rain and pitch black and rain in winter! I’d not e with out him I think he makes the house a home!

Collies NEED loads of excercise, I see too many people with very highly strung/manic collies on my local walks. Smart dogs need loads of stimulation and entertainment otherwise they’ll become destructive/wound up.

Be pack leader, set ground rules and STICK to them.

Lots of good advise given above. Rescue dogs are friggin ace and if you do get a rescue you won’t be disappointed.

Many rescues let you walk their dogs and some will even let you take them out for the day, weekend foster or an even longer foster. This can be a good way of getting a ‘feel’ of living with a dog, warts and all. Many dogs will suffer anxiety when in rescue so bare that in mind when you visit a shelter.

I don’t know where in the world you are but have a look at this lot – http://rescueremediesdogrescue.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=3.

We have a 4 month old cockerpoo.

First dog we have ever had. We chose a cockerpoo as I know several people with one, and they all think they are great dogs (good with kids, easy to train). She’s nuts at the moment, but also very friendly and outgoing.

I would say, at the stage we are at, at the moment, it’s just like having a small child around the house. Anything you don’t want chewed must be kept out of reach, we keep an eye on what she is up to and where she is and she has been taken for socialisation and, now, training.

I’ve found it harder work than I imagined (haven’t had a lay in since the middle of August), but also a lot of fun. Can’t wait until we can take her for longer walks, as at the moment she’s only supposed to be out for 20 minutes at a time.

Remember “dog training” is actually owner training. Being consistent is essential and don’t be afraid to tell people meeting your dog how they should behave around it to maintain the approach you want.
Get some good outdoor walking kit, a wet walk on a dark December morning needs the right kit. You may be out for up to an hour depending on the dog.

My brother has a cockerpoo that he has had for yr or so. Bloody brilliant dog, well behaved, doesn’t seem to want that much walking, happy to chill on the sofa, does not smell and best of all does not drop hair. Never really wanted a dog but am really considering a cockerpoo after spending time with my brothers. Seems a very well behaved dog and my brother has not had to professionally train it.

The main thing you need to know, and remember, is that it’s a dog. The family is the pack, and it is the least important member of the pack. As long as you understand that, and it understands that, it will be happy.

I’m not saying you have to be cruel, far from it, but you and it have to have rules; it eats after the family eats, it goes out/through doors/gates last, it is not allowed in certain areas of the house etc.

And those pictures above of the dog on the sofa, I wouldn’t allow that (especially lying in top of another pack member, that can be seen as a dominance thing), but each to their own.

Dogs are awesome. Fact.

Collie is a tough breed for a new owner. Great dogs but you need to stimulate them and tire them out, which is fun sometimes but a PITA at other times

I have 2 labs, 1 is 7 and the other is about 13 weeks. Took the puppy to a class last weekend, there was a 6 month old Collie there and the owner was really struggling, you could see it too. 2 hour walks and dog still wasn’t tired.

My older lab gets 3 miles with me on a bike, he regularly gets a 7 mile walk/ride and he’s pretty tired after that. Most he’s done is a 28 mile walk in a day, we were both done after that!

We haven’t been abroad as a family yet as I don’t want to go away without the dogs. Our holidays are always in the car, will try the continent at some point. Our weekends are often dog based in some shape or form but it’s great family time as a result

Having a dog is a bit like having another child – don’t underestimate the comittment required.
If you don’t put the effort in to train them then they can end up a nightmare (run off, won’t recall, jump up at every body – you can imagine).
As a first time dog owner you will probably want something that is relatively easy. No working dogs, big dogs, fierce dogs etc.

We have a 9year old cockerpoo who has been brilliant – mild, friendly, sociable etc. Loads of exercise when young. Happy with one or two walks a day now.

We recently added a Lagotto which looks pretty similar and also does not drop hair. She is a completely different proposition, more of a working background/ farm dog. Wants be outside all the time. Just getting warmed up after a couple of hours out.

Fortunately my wife is at home so life is rarely dull for them and the kids take an interest.

Yeah, as others have said, unless you’re a farmer a collie is probably a bad idea. I love them, grew up with them (on a farm), they are the best but they’re bred to work (i.e. run) and use their brains all day, They are not suited to be house pets.

Go rescue, go mongrel. Generally better health, probably already toilet trained, and any (well most) ‘issues’ that may come with a rescue dog can be handled with a firm, fair, you’re a dog and I’m the boss approach.

Agree with all that’s been said, please look at shelters first, there’s a lot of very good dogs in there that just need a home.

The little Staffy I got was in a shelter last Christmas, I’ve had to make a lot of changes (especially around holidays) but wouldn’t change a thing, he’s great company on the trails 😀

Get a stoopid dawg. This one raids the cat litter boxes whenever he can. Which seems bloody stoopid to me…

As a first time dog owner you will probably want something that is relatively easy. No working dogs, big dogs, fierce dogs etc.

I agree with the ‘fierce’ dogs comments

Working dogs and big dogs are a scale.
– Big dogs are often calmer and generally less yappy than little dogs. Anything lab size is generally classed as quite large
– Working dogs – again, varies massively here e.g. gundogs are working dogs, but certain types want more exercise than others

Collies are not first dogs. Get something calmer and more stupid. I have a lurcher she is 1/8 border collie 1/8 bearded as thick as mince. She can out run a collie hopping on two legs backwards though!

loads of good advice above.

there are a lot of cracking dogs in rescue. And rescue pups available.

Go for a cross-breed if you can. get yourself trained. do loads of fmailiarisation work.

never ever ever miss a walk out.

be prepared to fall in love and have your life enriched.

I have three and my wife spotted a 6 year old black lab rescue on facebook today that I could easily have taken in as well.

just because, my crowd in reverse order:

[url=https://flic.kr/p/KFNA4f]Birthday girl all tired out.[/url] by Evil Goat, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/8ScKcm]Stick hunter[/url] by Evil Goat, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/HFVt4K]IMG_20160628_194619[/url] by Evil Goat, on Flickr

IHN,

I do and can see your point, however he “asks” to come up and as for sitting on top of people, he did it as a pup ( who doesn’t love a sleeping pup cuddle) and well its continued. He knows his place in the family, and as much as I love him and trust him he’s never alone with the kids, for his protection as much as theirs.

Thanks for all the replies and info. Bit put off by the comment that you can’t leave them at home all day comment. I get it but do wonder how dog owners manage. Can’t all be self employed/working from home surely.

Fancied a lab but kinda thought they were too big. I guess, in light of the comments, that disposition/breed is more important sometimes than mere physical size.

Thanks again. Looks like I’ve a lot more reading to do.

Ours can be left all day no problem she just sleeps. If we are at home all day she sleeps too but on the sofa rather than her kennel.

They get more expensive & messy as they age.
We love our two old borders – but wouldn’t get a dog again.

The biggest downside to a Lab is the hair. They moult a lot. But they have an amazing temperament. They’re the most popular dog for a reason

Ref leaving them at him, a lot of dog owners manage it by locking to dog up and giving it no choice! There are a number of dogs around where I live which are left alone 9-5 daily and they back and whine constantly. Their levels of anxiety must be off the scale. That said, I’m sure some dogs couldn’t give a rats arse but I certainly wouldn’t bank on the one you get being one of them. It was one of the stipulations I had when we got ours: luckily I can take mine into the office with me and on the odd days I can’t, my wife is at home with her.

Essentially, unless you can give the dog the attention it deserves then seriously reconsider if it’s a good idea.

Yeah, to follow up on the leaving at home thing; it’s not ideal, but it’s doable. It’s much, much easier if the dog is happy of it’s place at the bottom of the pack, because anxiety often comes from the dog thinking it’s further up (or at worst at the top) of the pack, therefore responsible for the dogs below it. If they disappear, dog goes mental through worry. If it’s at the bottom, it knows it’s been left by, rather than has lost, the other pack members, so it may not be happy but it shouldn’t be too bad. Plus, it’ll get used to it.

Ours get’s left on his own 9-5ish for about three days a week. He’s a bit whiney when we get home, but he soon settles down. Leaving a radio on helps (although he’s going deaf so not as much as it did).

To be honest, the easiest way around it is to get two, because then they keep each other company, and two dogs are basically the same work as one. That’s what we’ll do next time.

@themilo If you are still looking for a dog after all the good advice above. There maybe a spaniel that would suit you available via a friend who fosters and trains spaniels for rehoming. At present he is looking after a 4 year old Springer that a family has had to give up (sad story), we nearly took it ourselves. It’s well trained very steady social with others (dogs and people). If you are interested drop me a line and I’ll put you in touch, dogs in in North Yorkshire.

Good luck with your search.

One thing, like kids dogs completely change your life. Things start to revolve around their needs.

I’ve lived with working dogs my entire life, they are amazing creatures but can be hard work! We’ve got a little family now and fully exercising [and inevitably cleaning fox shit off] our working spaniel is just difficult to get time for at the moment, things are certainly easier now he’s 5 yrs old but if we get another dog it’ll be something small and docile – haven’t researched closely but something like a pug-cross would be on my list.

if you have friends with dogs, maybe you could ‘borrow’ them for a day. We decided against a flat coat retriever when one came round to our old house and filled the front room with it’s enormous wagging tail.
It’s a big decision to make so take your time.