Puppys

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

So I have to decide what breed of puppy I want...Great Pyrenees,Pit Bull,Mutt,Cocker Spaniel etc. which one? what are they like?

Mossflower · September 2010

Very exciting that you're getting a puppy :P What breed you should get really depends on your lifestyle. You've got to decide whether you want a big dog or a little dog, an active dog or a couch potato. Are you looking for a guard dog, exercise buddy, general companion etc.? Also, will your dog be around small children, old people or other animals? Shedding is also important to consider if you're living with someone who has allergies. The most important thing is reminding yourself that a dog can be a 15 year or more commitment. You have to take into account where you will be over the next few years and whether you will be able to keep looking after your dog. I know several of people who have bought really active breeds of dog only to give them up a year or so later because they can't continue to cope with the exercise requirements. Costs are another major factor. Some dog breeds have more health problems than others (for example, large breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia) and might cost more in vet bills. Larger dogs also cost more to feed. I spent about two years looking for the right dog for me. I finally found the right one through a rescue organisation about a month ago. If you're a first time dog owner then rescue organisations are a great place to start looking. They can help you find a dog to suit your situation and usually offer some good support if you run into any difficulties. It's probably best that you sit down and discuss all those things with your family and anyone else who will be living with the dog, then start doing some research on which breed will suit you best

danae11 · September 2010

Definately do your research especially if you want a great pyrennees. They're good dogs but require a lot of training and socialisation from day one. Make out a list of what you want: 1. Exercise requirements. Do you want a dog that needs walked for a long time like a border collie or a dog that needs a 20 minute stroll two times a day like a greyhound. Just remember that all dogs need walked every day. 2. Size. You seem to like dogs right across the range but make sure you could handle a 150lb dog and can accomodate it. See adults of the breed before you decide on it. A lot of giant breeds are taken back at 6 months or so because the owners didn't realise how big the small ball of fluff they were buying would become. 3. Grooming. Some dogs need groomed for an hour everyday some just need rubbed with a grooming brush once a week or so. The non-shedding breeds generally need clipped every 6 weeks as well. Decide what you can handle 4. Does the dog have to live with other dogs, cats or small animals? Most dogs can live with anything with the right amount of work but some take a lot of work 5. Does the dog have to live with children, elderly people or disabled people? Choose a breed that is good with these or a generally calm breed 6. Ease of trainability. Do you want the dog to listen to you quickly or take a bit more work. 7. Guard ability. Do you want a dog that going to guard you or lick a burglar to death. Keep in mind that guard dogs require a lot of training and socialisation. 8. What do you want the dog to do. Do you want an agility or obedience dog or just a spoiled family pet. Some breeds are better suited to different things. 9. Shedding. Some dogs shed non-stop others blow their coats twice a year and some don't shed. Decide what you can handle. Or just go on petfinder put in your requirements and see what scruffy rescue dog takes your eye. You can get your best dogs that way. Take your time and decide what dog you want it could be sharing your life for up to 18 years and it's better to take the time now than choose too quickly and have an unhappy situation for both of you

Kazuko · September 2010

You asking us what the breed is like leads me to believe you haven't done your research on the breeds. The breeds you posted also really differ. ._. How old are you? If you're still young, pit bulls may not be the best choice. They are terriers, and they are -powerful- breeds. Easily capable of pulling three times their body weight. Like ALL breeds, they require constant socialization ESPECIALLY around things that will end up smaller than them- birds, rodents, cats, children, etc, because they will most likely end up with a high prey drive, meaning they will chase things smaller than them. Also, a high prey drive may mean they will chase things that move- bikers, other dogs, joggers, etc. As Mossflower mentioned, a bigger dog means more food to eat. Just because you like the way a breed looks, and the way it usually sounds does NOT mean you should get it. I love all sorts of breeds, usually the larger ones, or the bully breeds, but I know good and well that I could not handle those breeds. Really, I can't add more than Mossflower has said, but I have a feeling someone else (*nudges Prince and Reina*) will come by and add in their opinions. I hope. xD; There should be more I need to say, but I just woke up, so I'm not all here. But really. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Think of exercise. Think of temperaments. Study training. Puppies are hard work. They're annoying. They're cute as hell... Butreallyreallyannoying. xD *eyes Kira*

NickelbackLuver · September 2010

I agree with starting looking for a dog at a rescue center. You don't necessarily need a puppy either... they are a lot of work, and an older dog may be a better fit. When you look at shelters, trust me, you will like older dogs even more than puppies. At least, if you're anything like me xD I've fallen in love with mostly 2-5 year old dogs at the shelter i volunteer at. The puppies are darn cute, but, remember everything that goes into a puppy ;P

iluvdogs111 · September 2010

I agree with everyone else here. Make sure you do tons of research. Some dogs, such as pit bulls are not very easy to handle. You need to be fairly experienced to own one. I like Nickel's suggestion. An older dog can be just as fun as a puppy, with a lot less work. Plus, you already know what the dog looks/acts like as an adult. Many people choose puppies because their smaller and cuter. So many older dogs really need homes.

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

Mossflower wrote:

Very exciting that you're getting a puppy :P What breed you should get really depends on your lifestyle. You've got to decide whether you want a big dog or a little dog, an active dog or a couch potato. Are you looking for a guard dog, exercise buddy, general companion etc.? Also, will your dog be around small children, old people or other animals? Shedding is also important to consider if you're living with someone who has allergies. The most important thing is reminding yourself that a dog can be a 15 year or more commitment. You have to take into account where you will be over the next few years and whether you will be able to keep looking after your dog. I know several of people who have bought really active breeds of dog only to give them up a year or so later because they can't continue to cope with the exercise requirements. Costs are another major factor. Some dog breeds have more health problems than others (for example, large breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia) and might cost more in vet bills. Larger dogs also cost more to feed. I spent about two years looking for the right dog for me. I finally found the right one through a rescue organisation about a month ago. If you're a first time dog owner then rescue organisations are a great place to start looking. They can help you find a dog to suit your situation and usually offer some good support if you run into any difficulties. It's probably best that you sit down and discuss all those things with your family and anyone else who will be living with the dog, then start doing some research on which breed will suit you best

well i want a big dog

i would say we have about an acre of property in a town of 128 people. no one that lives here is allergic. and a 8 yr old lives here but she also LOVEs big dogs

I am a VERY active person! lol

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

danae11 wrote:

Definately do your research especially if you want a great pyrennees. They're good dogs but require a lot of training and socialisation from day one. Make out a list of what you want: 1. Exercise requirements. Do you want a dog that needs walked for a long time like a border collie or a dog that needs a 20 minute stroll two times a day like a greyhound. Just remember that all dogs need walked every day. 2. Size. You seem to like dogs right across the range but make sure you could handle a 150lb dog and can accomodate it. See adults of the breed before you decide on it. A lot of giant breeds are taken back at 6 months or so because the owners didn't realise how big the small ball of fluff they were buying would become. 3. Grooming. Some dogs need groomed for an hour everyday some just need rubbed with a grooming brush once a week or so. The non-shedding breeds generally need clipped every 6 weeks as well. Decide what you can handle 4. Does the dog have to live with other dogs, cats or small animals? Most dogs can live with anything with the right amount of work but some take a lot of work 5. Does the dog have to live with children, elderly people or disabled people? Choose a breed that is good with these or a generally calm breed 6. Ease of trainability. Do you want the dog to listen to you quickly or take a bit more work. 7. Guard ability. Do you want a dog that going to guard you or lick a burglar to death. Keep in mind that guard dogs require a lot of training and socialisation. 8. What do you want the dog to do. Do you want an agility or obedience dog or just a spoiled family pet. Some breeds are better suited to different things. 9. Shedding. Some dogs shed non-stop others blow their coats twice a year and some don't shed. Decide what you can handle. Or just go on petfinder put in your requirements and see what scruffy rescue dog takes your eye. You can get your best dogs that way. Take your time and decide what dog you want it could be sharing your life for up to 18 years and it's better to take the time now than choose too quickly and have an unhappy situation for both of you

yes great pyrenees ever since i had 3 mixes with it I LOVED them and have been researching them for about 3 yrs

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

Kazuko wrote:

You asking us what the breed is like leads me to believe you haven't done your research on the breeds. The breeds you posted also really differ. ._. How old are you? If you're still young, pit bulls may not be the best choice. They are terriers, and they are -powerful- breeds. Easily capable of pulling three times their body weight. Like ALL breeds, they require constant socialization ESPECIALLY around things that will end up smaller than them- birds, rodents, cats, children, etc, because they will most likely end up with a high prey drive, meaning they will chase things smaller than them. Also, a high prey drive may mean they will chase things that move- bikers, other dogs, joggers, etc. As Mossflower mentioned, a bigger dog means more food to eat. Just because you like the way a breed looks, and the way it usually sounds does NOT mean you should get it. I love all sorts of breeds, usually the larger ones, or the bully breeds, but I know good and well that I could not handle those breeds. Really, I can't add more than Mossflower has said, but I have a feeling someone else (*nudges Prince and Reina*) will come by and add in their opinions. I hope. xD; There should be more I need to say, but I just woke up, so I'm not all here. But really. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Think of exercise. Think of temperaments. Study training. Puppies are hard work. They're annoying. They're cute as hell... Butreallyreallyannoying. xD *eyes Kira*

I know xD Ive had a great pyr mix that was HUGE and he was fine

and Pit Bulls are VERY good dogs!

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

Nickelback__Luver wrote:

I agree with starting looking for a dog at a rescue center. You don't necessarily need a puppy either... they are a lot of work, and an older dog may be a better fit. When you look at shelters, trust me, you will like older dogs even more than puppies. At least, if you're anything like me xD I've fallen in love with mostly 2-5 year old dogs at the shelter i volunteer at. The puppies are darn cute, but, remember everything that goes into a puppy ;P

yeah i prob wont get a puppy unless the person i know with pits breeds his pits again which will be in about 2 yrs other wise i will prob get a trained more or less dog

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

iluvdogs111 wrote:

I agree with everyone else here. Make sure you do tons of research. Some dogs, such as pit bulls are not very easy to handle. You need to be fairly experienced to own one. I like Nickel's suggestion. An older dog can be just as fun as a puppy, with a lot less work. Plus, you already know what the dog looks/acts like as an adult. Many people choose puppies because their smaller and cuter. So many older dogs really need homes.

how would you ever get experience with pits if you never own one?? i know the breeds of great pyrs and pits very well

Kazuko · September 2010

Don't ask for suggestions and advice on VP if you're going to disregard everything people tell you, and then even act rudely towards said advice-givers. >_>;

danae11 · September 2010

If you want a pitbull I would check any bsl in your area. You might not be allowed to own one. If you know great pyrs and you know you can handle a huge dog which while great with family might be bad with strangers then see if there are any in rescue I would guess there would be.

NickelbackLuver · September 2010

Mysterous Love wrote:

 I know xD Ive had a great pyr mix that was HUGE and he was fine and Pit Bulls are VERY good dogs!

They can be very good dogs, but they can also turn into very bad dogs with inexperienced owners (which is why our shelter is packed full of them) Just because you read all of the "Blame The Deed not the breed" banners and whatnot, does not make it an EASY breed to work with. They are not easy dogs to work with all the time. They can be very hyper, and they don't always know their boundaries (especially when playing with smaller kids, they can hurt them even if it's an accident) You get experience by doing such things as volunteering. Plus, you don't have to get a pit bull puppy. As I said, our shelter is full of them. A lot of shelters are full of them. Full grown pit bulls that need families, and you can already tell their personality. I'd recommend you getting one from a breed rescue (they are usually in foster homes this way, and the foster 'parents' can tell you all about the dog) if you plan on getting a pit bull. I love pit bulls, but just as I love every other dog, I wouldn't want them going to a home that cant handle them. I'm not saying this is you, I'm just saying reading everything online and ACTUALLY handling a dog are two totally different things, and the best place to get hands on with a grown dog is at a shelter ;P I guess another question for you is... What are you wanting the dog for?

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

Kazuko wrote:

Don't ask for suggestions and advice on VP if you're going to disregard everything people tell you, and then even act rudely towards said advice-givers. >_>;

sorry im just saying what i think xD

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

Nickelback__Luver wrote:

Mysterous Love wrote:

 I know xD Ive had a great pyr mix that was HUGE and he was fine and Pit Bulls are VERY good dogs!

 They can be very good dogs, but they can also turn into very bad dogs with inexperienced owners (which is why our shelter is packed full of them) Just because you read all of the "Blame The Deed not the breed" banners and whatnot, does not make it an EASY breed to work with. They are not easy dogs to work with all the time. They can be very hyper, and they don't always know their boundaries (especially when playing with smaller kids, they can hurt them even if it's an accident) You get experience by doing such things as volunteering. Plus, you don't have to get a pit bull puppy. As I said, our shelter is full of them. A lot of shelters are full of them. Full grown pit bulls that need families, and you can already tell their personality. I'd recommend you getting one from a breed rescue (they are usually in foster homes this way, and the foster 'parents' can tell you all about the dog) if you plan on getting a pit bull. I love pit bulls, but just as I love every other dog, I wouldn't want them going to a home that cant handle them. I'm not saying this is you, I'm just saying reading everything online and ACTUALLY handling a dog are two totally different things, and the best place to get hands on with a grown dog is at a shelter ;P I guess another question for you is... What are you wanting the dog for?

actually i really dont just read the banners xD I know alot of people with them and am around them alot

i am wanting a dog for a companion and maybe do a little hunting xD also where is the shelter ? close to nebraska?? lol

Troglin · September 2010

Mysterous Love wrote:

iluvdogs111 wrote:

I agree with everyone else here. Make sure you do tons of research. Some dogs, such as pit bulls are not very easy to handle. You need to be fairly experienced to own one. I like Nickel's suggestion. An older dog can be just as fun as a puppy, with a lot less work. Plus, you already know what the dog looks/acts like as an adult. Many people choose puppies because their smaller and cuter. So many older dogs really need homes.

 how would you ever get experience with pits if you never own one?? i know the breeds of great pyrs and pits very well

I think perhaps iluvdogs is referring to understanding canines in general, before attempting ownership of a Pit. The biggest mistake I've seen with Pit owners, at least out here, is getting them as first time or impulse owners. First time dog owners may not understand canine development, both physically and mentally. American Pit Bulls, bully breeds, and large/strong breeds require firm ownership. They require an owner who understands that this little 5lb puppy is going to turn into a 60-100+ pound animal, and it needs to have proper training. There are a -lot- of poorly behaved Pits out here because these owners don't know how to handle them. I've never owned a Pit and I don't need to, to know that I can handle one. I had experience with them thanks to an irresponsible neighbor. If you've handled large dogs already, I'd say go for a breed that you'd like. If you've already done your research, go for a breed that you feel is perfect for you, not what breed is perfect for someone else.

Personally I love large, strong dogs and dogs with dominant tendencies. Physically I can handle a dog that's around 150lbs, or those as little as 5lbs. On the other hand, if I went by what my mother could handle, I'd have to search for a naturally non-dominant breed who weighs between 15-45lbs. What she thinks she could handle is much, much different than what she should ever own. Thinking you can handle something and actually attempting to do so are two entirely different things. That goes back to Pit ownership as well. Pits are amazing dogs, in the right hands. You could do several years research on a breed, go into a purchase thinking you can handle it, and then later realize it's not what you expected. Have you considered where you're going to college and/or what your future plans are? If you're going to college, will you be able to take your dog with you or will you have to leave him behind? Are the costs of vet bills and food bills an issue to you, or is that something you won't have to worry about? The breed of your choice, what type of health issues does it have, and how much do those cost to treat? If you plan on entering the workforce immediately, will your job require a lot of travel? Will you work 40 hours a week, 20 hours a week, or even 80 hours a week? Once you start getting past 40 hours, are you sure you'll be able to give your dog the exercise he needs? Regardless of the acreage you have, a dog will not get it's exercise just from free roam. If that worked, wouldn't humans exercise more often, since we have access to parks and roads? And if you won't be capable of taking your dog with you to college or wherever your future lies, then could you talk your family into doing foster work? You could work with breeds you want and help them get adopted. It might hurt and it's not the same as owning one, but if you know right now that you can't keep him forever, then it might be better to do foster. Since you do have experience with those two breeds, do you just want to try out an entirely new breed? Or continue owning breeds that you have past experience with? If you like that one Pit breeder, why not just wait two years for him to breed again? It might get annoying to wait, but that's what many people have to do. I have to wait because I'm not in a position to take in another animal, but even if I was, I'd still wait for the -right- dog. If this Pit breeder is the right breeder for you, then the wait might be worth it. What if you end up buying a dog now, and two years down the road you want one of the Pit puppies? If you can't get another dog because of finances/laws/whatever, will you regret the dog you bought?

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

I think perhaps iluvdogs is referring to understanding canines in general, before attempting ownership of a Pit. The biggest mistake I've seen with Pit owners, at least out here, is getting them as first time or impulse owners. First time dog owners may not understand canine development, both physically and mentally. American Pit Bulls, bully breeds, and large/strong breeds require firm ownership. They require an owner who understands that this little 5lb puppy is going to turn into a 60-100+ pound animal, and it needs to have proper training. There are a -lot- of poorly behaved Pits out here because these owners don't know how to handle them. I've never owned a Pit and I don't need to, to know that I can handle one. I had experience with them thanks to an irresponsible neighbor. If you've handled large dogs already, I'd say go for a breed that you'd like. If you've already done your research, go for a breed that you feel is perfect for you, not what breed is perfect for someone else. Personally I love large, strong dogs and dogs with dominant tendencies. Physically I can handle a dog that's around 150lbs, or those as little as 5lbs. On the other hand, if I went by what my mother could handle, I'd have to search for a naturally non-dominant breed who weighs between 15-45lbs. What she thinks she could handle is much, much different than what she should ever own. Thinking you can handle something and actually attempting to do so are two entirely different things. That goes back to Pit ownership as well. Pits are amazing dogs, in the right hands. You could do several years research on a breed, go into a purchase thinking you can handle it, and then later realize it's not what you expected. Have you considered where you're going to college and/or what your future plans are? If you're going to college, will you be able to take your dog with you or will you have to leave him behind? Are the costs of vet bills and food bills an issue to you, or is that something you won't have to worry about? The breed of your choice, what type of health issues does it have, and how much do those cost to treat? If you plan on entering the workforce immediately, will your job require a lot of travel? Will you work 40 hours a week, 20 hours a week, or even 80 hours a week? Once you start getting past 40 hours, are you sure you'll be able to give your dog the exercise he needs? Regardless of the acreage you have, a dog will not get it's exercise just from free roam. If that worked, wouldn't humans exercise more often, since we have access to parks and roads? And if you won't be capable of taking your dog with you to college or wherever your future lies, then could you talk your family into doing foster work? You could work with breeds you want and help them get adopted. It might hurt and it's not the same as owning one, but if you know right now that you can't keep him forever, then it might be better to do foster. Since you do have experience with those two breeds, do you just want to try out an entirely new breed? Or continue owning breeds that you have past experience with? If you like that one Pit breeder, why not just wait two years for him to breed again? It might get annoying to wait, but that's what many people have to do. I have to wait because I'm not in a position to take in another animal, but even if I was, I'd still wait for the -right- dog. If this Pit breeder is the right breeder for you, then the wait might be worth it. What if you end up buying a dog now, and two years down the road you want one of the Pit puppies? If you can't get another dog because of finances/laws/whatever, will you regret the dog you bought?

well im thinking about waiting

i can handle huge dogs

Juve a gp mix and Miley a gp mix were "hard" to handle for some people but not me. the person I know is NOT a breeder xD just so you know..he is responsible and only breeds if someone wants puppys from those bloodlines. I am looking into volunteering in a city about 15 minutes from my house. I am looking to be a horse trainer and rescuer and will barrel race in rodeos. I would be able to take a dog if it was trained to rodeos

Im not sure depends what dog and its breed i fall in love with

i might get another gp mix

so far i have technically had 12 cuz one had pups then the one i had recently

NickelbackLuver · September 2010

Mysterous Love wrote:

 actually i really dont just read the banners xD I know alot of people with them and am around them alot i am wanting a dog for a companion and maybe do a little hunting xD also where is the shelter ? close to nebraska?? lol

If you're wanting to hunt, what kind of game are you looking to hunt? Dogs differ in what they were bred to hunt, so you might want to take that into consideration as well. The way you said "Pit Bulls are good dogs!" or whatever, just made me think you were referring to all the banners..because it kind of sounded like that ;P And, pit bulls are not the same as most large breed dogs... which tend to be rather laid back. You can't really compare a pit bull to owning a Great Pyrenees xD And, why are you asking if its in Nebraska? there are LOADS of pitties in shelters all over the place... in both states I've lived in there were tons of them in shelters. I don't get why you'd make such a comment.. =/ Anyway, I'm done with this post. I just hope you do your research and get out and make sure you get to know the breeds before you go out and get one.

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

If you're wanting to hunt, what kind of game are you looking to hunt? Dogs differ in what they were bred to hunt, so you might want to take that into consideration as well. The way you said "Pit Bulls are good dogs!" or whatever, just made me think you were referring to all the banners..because it kind of sounded like that ;P And, pit bulls are not the same as most large breed dogs... which tend to be rather laid back. You can't really compare a pit bull to owning a Great Pyrenees xD And, why are you asking if its in Nebraska? there are LOADS of pitties in shelters all over the place... in both states I've lived in there were tons of them in shelters. I don't get why you'd make such a comment.. =/ Anyway, I'm done with this post. I just hope you do your research and get out and make sure you get to know the breeds before you go out and get one.

lol i asked because i am looking to volunteer somewhere

Mossflower · September 2010

Have you thought about getting something like a Labrador? It sounds one might possibly be suitable for you. There tend to be a lot of Labs and Lab crosses at animal shelters and you could probably find a specific Lab rescue somewhere near you. If I were you I would get my whole family to make some visits to local shelters and rescue organisations. The people there are probably the best ones to help you find a match

Mileysmybaby · September 2010

Mossflower wrote:

Have you thought about getting something like a Labrador? It sounds one might possibly be suitable for you. There tend to be a lot of Labs and Lab crosses at animal shelters and you could probably find a specific Lab rescue somewhere near you. If I were you I would get my whole family to make some visits to local shelters and rescue organisations. The people there are probably the best ones to help you find a match

well labs arent my type unless they are mixes lol we already have one but she is weird lol

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