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General => General discussion => Topic started by: bobbarley on 08 April 2014, 17:58

Title: Choosing a dog
Post by: bobbarley on 08 April 2014, 17:58
We can't make our minds up between a Beagle or Labrador. Any suggestions? We ruled out a Cockapoo because they look too girly  :grin:
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: murraymint on 08 April 2014, 18:04
Was never a "big" dog fan, but we got a lab and now I love all big dogs! I guess it's fear of the unknown.

Here's darcey

(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h364/murrayminf/23A1351B-E455-4967-8052-C3517C66D7A4_zpsntl3z8xx.jpg) (http://s1106.photobucket.com/user/murrayminf/media/23A1351B-E455-4967-8052-C3517C66D7A4_zpsntl3z8xx.jpg.html)

I vote Labrador. My mate has a beagle and it's nuts. I like labs because there a bit more chilled out 
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: VW BUSH on 08 April 2014, 18:10
I'd go lab out of the two, remember not to let it get fat as fat labs get sick and expensive more so than some breeds
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: barrym381 on 08 April 2014, 18:43
get a boxer they are great dogs  :wink:
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: paultownsend on 08 April 2014, 20:57
Remember beagles and labs are both working dogs. And it's hard to shake the instinct.
I know of two beagles and there both yappy little things. As soon as they get a scent they are off.

I used to be genuinely scared of dogs. But it was a dog Labrador and golden retriever that made me fall in love.

Do not underestimate how much exercise they need. We now have a cavalier King Charles b!tch. She needs 30 minutes twice a day and a few hours at weekends. A lab can double that.

When we can fit one in the house, we will be getting her a golden retriever sister

Please consider dogs trust etc to rehome. Having a pup is a lovely idea but there are so many needy dogs looking for a good home.

Good luck. I can't imagine my life without a dog now.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: bobbarley on 08 April 2014, 21:51
Don't worry we're aware.  I grew up with a Springer Spaniel, and my girlfriend had a Border Collie.  We'r both very experienced with dogs  :smiley:

We're choosing a puppy as we have a 2 year old and want the opportunity for her to grow up with the dog, as well as train the dog to be accepting of her.  We volunteer at a local dog home, so try to do our bit when we can.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: nhop10 on 08 April 2014, 22:45
My old boss used to have a beagle and it was an absolute nightmare!! Beautiful looking and very clever but the most disobedient dog in the world. Then again i am sure you could train it up just fine.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: paultownsend on 09 April 2014, 09:26
I'v been told then! Lab or golden retriever
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Diamond Hell on 09 April 2014, 11:16
Beautiful looking and very clever but the most disobedient dog in the world.

clever and disobedient are often the same thing in the canine world.  :grin:

A beagle and a lab are two quite different dogs, why have you narrowed it down to those two?

I suspect you've already checked, but it's worth having a rummage through the interweb for undesireable traits that have been developed by the Kennel Club's eugenics-like breeding policies.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: VW BUSH on 09 April 2014, 13:38
What you want is Staffy/Pit cross if you live in a council or ex council place :grin:
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: paultownsend on 09 April 2014, 14:36
What you want is Staffy/Pit cross if you live in a council or ex council place :grin:

let's not get in to that debate.

unfortunately from experience the only time my dog is on the lead is if one the above mentioned dogs are in the area (Including akita's, dobermans, mastiffs and any thing with 'bull' in its name).
I understand people have dogs for home security, but keep it on the lead FFS. I never worry if i see a springer or lab. However strangely me and the dog are ok with rottweiller and German sheppherds.

Its sad that some owners are so irresponsible. I do feel owners should have licences. Breeders even more so.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: archie837 on 09 April 2014, 18:50
Lurchers ftw

Easiest going dogs around
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: barrym381 on 09 April 2014, 19:07
What you want is Staffy/Pit cross if you live in a council or ex council place :grin:

let's not get in to that debate.

unfortunately from experience the only time my dog is on the lead is if one the above mentioned dogs are in the area (Including akita's, dobermans, mastiffs and any thing with 'bull' in its name).
I understand people have dogs for home security, but keep it on the lead FFS. I never worry if i see a springer or lab. However strangely me and the dog are ok with rottweiller and German sheppherds.

Its sad that some owners are so irresponsible. I do feel owners should have licences. Breeders even more so.
why should staffy owners or anything with bull in its name keep there dog on a lead but you dont  :undecided: its not the dog its the way its been brought up an treated
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: lucky_se7en on 09 April 2014, 19:55
Don't think you'll go wrong with a lab fella.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Sam on 09 April 2014, 20:30
My girlfriends mum just got a beagle. For god-sake get a lab!

Beagles are notorious as one of the hardest dogs to train and the past 6 months have proved this.He has been to puppy school and they are very strict with him but you would never tell, he is incredibly disobedient.

Beagles are very stubborn. Very vocal they ALWAYS NEED ATTENTION. You will never be able to let it off lead, as they get a scent and run with it and believe me that when this happens they go completely deaf - you will not be able to recall it.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: clipperjay on 09 April 2014, 20:37
 King Charles Cavalier for me love them to bits Bohemian colour :smiley:
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: paultownsend on 09 April 2014, 22:13
What you want is Staffy/Pit cross if you live in a council or ex council place :grin:

let's not get in to that debate.

unfortunately from experience the only time my dog is on the lead is if one the above mentioned dogs are in the area (Including akita's, dobermans, mastiffs and any thing with 'bull' in its name).
I understand people have dogs for home security, but keep it on the lead FFS. I never worry if i see a springer or lab. However strangely me and the dog are ok with rottweiller and German sheppherds.

Its sad that some owners are so irresponsible. I do feel owners should have licences. Breeders even more so.
why should staffy owners or anything with bull in its name keep there dog on a lead but you dont  :undecided: its not the dog its the way its been brought up an treated

Without meaning to offend anyone, I can't fathom why people have certain breeds.
I have a cavalier. She's the wettest little thing. We adopted her as an ex kc breeder.  possibly lick you to death.  But why do people shout at me in the field because my dogs off the lead? When I can control her.  Yet you have the unruly boxer showing its teeth at mine?
The only bad experiences have been with certain dogs. Not what iv read on tv or in the papers, but my experience. Look at dogs trust and 90% of the dogs in there are what I'm talking about.
And it makes me sad because you are right. It's the mostly the owners fault.

Back to the brief. Also research red/Gordon setters. Lovely dogs. My girlfriend grew up with one before her retriever and said she was the perfect companion.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: paultownsend on 09 April 2014, 22:14
Again, no need to offend anyone
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: barrym381 on 09 April 2014, 22:24
What you want is Staffy/Pit cross if you live in a council or ex council place :grin:

let's not get in to that debate.

unfortunately from experience the only time my dog is on the lead is if one the above mentioned dogs are in the area (Including akita's, dobermans, mastiffs and any thing with 'bull' in its name).
I understand people have dogs for home security, but keep it on the lead FFS. I never worry if i see a springer or lab. However strangely me and the dog are ok with rottweiller and German sheppherds.

Its sad that some owners are so irresponsible. I do feel owners should have licences. Breeders even more so.
why should staffy owners or anything with bull in its name keep there dog on a lead but you dont  :undecided: its not the dog its the way its been brought up an treated

Without meaning to offend anyone, I can't fathom why people have certain breeds.
I have a cavalier. She's the wettest little thing. We adopted her as an ex kc breeder.  possibly lick you to death.  But why do people shout at me in the field because my dogs off the lead? When I can control her.  Yet you have the unruly boxer showing its teeth at mine?
The only bad experiences have been with certain dogs. Not what iv read on tv or in the papers, but my experience. Look at dogs trust and 90% of the dogs in there are what I'm talking about.
And it makes me sad because you are right. It's the mostly the owners fault.

Back to the brief. Also research red/Gordon setters. Lovely dogs. My girlfriend grew up with one before her retriever and said she was the perfect companion.
well our 40kg boxer runs an hides from the mother in-laws tiny jack russell as he has been brought up right and has never showed any sign of being aggressive towards other dogs but he wont let any strangers near our daughter he just stands in the way but still not showing any signs of wanting to bite any1  :smiley:
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: paultownsend on 10 April 2014, 07:58
Dogs are protective. My sisters (my dogs pup) 1yr old cavalier pup is very protective of our house. It's a shame she looks like a Gremlin! Scares no one away!

Our house was recently burgled. In the middle of the day. I am in no doubt that all our dog did was get on her back for belly rubs!
If we had a bigger dog, I doubt they would have come in. I understand that.

Back on topic again. I would personally recommend getting a b!tch rather than dog. My friends dad is a game keeper and runs a lot of shoots. They have 9 labs in the family and only ever use black or yellow b!tches. There easier to train, and don't have lipsticks popping out every 5 minutes!
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Jay on 11 April 2014, 15:00
Boerboel or GTFO  :grin:

(http://thebullybreeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Boerboel-breed.png)

(http://thisbugslifedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/3290957173_efcaec00cc.jpg)



More generic info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boerboel

Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: archie837 on 11 April 2014, 21:34
(http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af318/archie_837/49AD3441-781A-47BD-8C88-D759EA042FAA_zpsitknietd.jpg) (http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/archie_837/media/49AD3441-781A-47BD-8C88-D759EA042FAA_zpsitknietd.jpg.html)

Sun and any length walk he's chilled
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: OakeyDoak16v on 13 April 2014, 00:26
Whippet!!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Ginge 35Edition on 13 April 2014, 07:42
A big bullie, then put ya car keys under his bed at night.

(http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/Ginge35Edition/cars/Woofas/a9015fda91126cdf033fb6f37379a32f.jpg)
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: kittie on 14 April 2014, 12:41
Out of those two choices it's be a lab, I heard too many 'bad' things about beagles. By 'bad' I mean traits that might make them brilliant for someone who knows what they're doing and wants to put them to work, but would likely make them a nightmare to live with.

I agree with Archie though - lurchers make excellent pets. Obviously it's not a breed so they're all different but generally speaking they're fit, healthy, brilliant with people and very loving, and will do as much exercise as you want.

We've got a whippet x saluki/grey and she's wonderful. Only problem is her chase instinct which isn't too hard to manage with a bit of care. She also hates dogs she doesn't know but that's because she was attacked by some sort of massive wolfy/akita looking thing when she was young which could happen to any dog.

She's happy with a quick raz around the field or a 12 mile walk in the peaks. Not the brightest bulb in the box though - they're never going to be obedience champions!

For the record - we have most issues with small, yappy dogs. Border terriers and that sort of thing. Never come across a bad staffy, mastiff etc but the numbers of nasty, badly behaved and un-managed small dogs are ridiculous.

I appreciate that some dogs have issues/problems, it's how you deal with it as an owner that matters.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 21 May 2014, 16:38
Me and Chelsea are getting our first dog next Sunday! A chocolate lab. Literally can not wait!! We've named him Harvey.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bn5vfx6CIAEtNu-.jpg)
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Waspy on 21 May 2014, 17:05
Dalmatian. Because it has spots and is nuts.

Or one of those badass cats that attack dogs who attack boys. Those are cool cats.

Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: VW BUSH on 21 May 2014, 17:09
In Korea you would pick a nice young lively one :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Seanl on 21 May 2014, 18:21
DO NOT GET A BLOODY LAB!!!

Ours is 20 weeks old. Although he's sort of housetrained now, he still pisses everywhere when he gets overexcited, which is about 23 1/2 hours a day! He has literally destroyed the house and garden with his chewing! Clothes, shoes, skirting board, curtains, dining chairs and table legs, the lot! He's walked at least twice a day for 30 mins in the morning, and much longer in the evening to try and keep him occupied, but its not really working. Its really bad in that we've now had to either leave him in the garden most of the day, or keep him in a crate. When he's allowed around the house, we have to keep him in the same room as us as he's mental and just charges around looking for the next thing to pick up and chew.
He can sit, give paw, and doesn't run off when on walks which is probably the only plus.  :cry:
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Jack3559 on 21 May 2014, 18:27
DO NOT GET A BLOODY LAB...

I think it's the species that's the issue, rather than the breed.

What you've described is a puppy, some of ours have been like that, some haven't.

Just got to press on with training and you'll sort it out pretty quickly.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 21 May 2014, 23:08
DO NOT GET A BLOODY LAB!!!

Ours is 20 weeks old. Although he's sort of housetrained now, he still pisses everywhere when he gets overexcited, which is about 23 1/2 hours a day! He has literally destroyed the house and garden with his chewing! Clothes, shoes, skirting board, curtains, dining chairs and table legs, the lot! He's walked at least twice a day for 30 mins in the morning, and much longer in the evening to try and keep him occupied, but its not really working. Its really bad in that we've now had to either leave him in the garden most of the day, or keep him in a crate. When he's allowed around the house, we have to keep him in the same room as us as he's mental and just charges around looking for the next thing to pick up and chew.
He can sit, give paw, and doesn't run off when on walks which is probably the only plus.  :cry:

Sounds more like you're the issue. You can't blame the pup, he doesn't know what you want from him, which is why you need to train him so he knows. It's not easy but labs are an intelligent breed who aim to please.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Steve_PD on 22 May 2014, 14:21
DO NOT GET A BLOODY LAB!!!

Ours is 20 weeks old. Although he's sort of housetrained now, he still pisses everywhere when he gets overexcited, which is about 23 1/2 hours a day! He has literally destroyed the house and garden with his chewing! Clothes, shoes, skirting board, curtains, dining chairs and table legs, the lot! He's walked at least twice a day for 30 mins in the morning, and much longer in the evening to try and keep him occupied, but its not really working. Its really bad in that we've now had to either leave him in the garden most of the day, or keep him in a crate. When he's allowed around the house, we have to keep him in the same room as us as he's mental and just charges around looking for the next thing to pick up and chew.
He can sit, give paw, and doesn't run off when on walks which is probably the only plus.  :cry:

Never had a puppy before? Mine was 18 months before we could leave him alone for a while and not come back to a trashed house. Now he's great 2 walks a day and he knackered for the other 22 hours.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 22 May 2014, 15:31
DO NOT GET A BLOODY LAB!!!

Ours is 20 weeks old. Although he's sort of housetrained now, he still pisses everywhere when he gets overexcited, which is about 23 1/2 hours a day! He has literally destroyed the house and garden with his chewing! Clothes, shoes, skirting board, curtains, dining chairs and table legs, the lot! He's walked at least twice a day for 30 mins in the morning, and much longer in the evening to try and keep him occupied, but its not really working. Its really bad in that we've now had to either leave him in the garden most of the day, or keep him in a crate. When he's allowed around the house, we have to keep him in the same room as us as he's mental and just charges around looking for the next thing to pick up and chew.
He can sit, give paw, and doesn't run off when on walks which is probably the only plus.  :cry:

Never had a puppy before? Mine was 18 months before we could leave him alone for a while and not come back to a trashed house. Now he's great 2 walks a day and he knackered for the other 22 hours.

It's all about training, patience and persistence. I've had Springer Spaniels from 8 weeks old before and a Jack Russel. The right training will go a long way. You'd probably be surprised what you're doing wrong if you took them to a training class or read up online about them.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Rhyso on 22 May 2014, 16:17
If you watch programs like the Dog Whisperer etc and pay attention, who gets the most training because it isn't the dog...... :whistle:
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: Seanl on 22 May 2014, 22:25
Steve, yes. I've had dogs all my life, including a Black Lab from a pup until he passed at 8 years old.  Its difficult in the fact that I work full time, and the missus works 3 days a week. We also have two young children. I agree he isn't really to blame, I know he still requires a lot of training and attention. The breed is known for its very lively nature, especially up until around 3 years old. And as I'd already mentioned, he gets two good walks a day. Labs are also known for having anxiety and separation issues too. Which obviously doesn't help. I'm not claiming to know everything about raising a dog because I've had one in the past, I've also read a lot of articles and subscribed to a few lab/retriever specific websites for guidance on what the best ways to train, and deter this behaviour is. This is what I'd recommend for anyone thinking about getting a dog.
That said, its still a massive undertaking and as you can imagine, at times you get very frustrated.

Peace out.
Title: Re: Choosing a dog
Post by: kittie on 28 May 2014, 17:56
I think Sean's situation demonstrates the importance of picking the right breed of dog to fit your lifestyle - if you're out at work or can't devote your full attention to the dog all the time for other reasons, a highly intelligent and active breed isn't a good idea.

Something like a greyhound or grey based lurcher would probably have suited you better! It'd be happy to go for a couple of nice walks and play with you when you feel like it, but the rest of the time just sleep and not cause any bother! I know I keep pushing lurchers but they really do make absolutely excellent pets.

I'm a keen walker and fairly active but I wouldn't consider anything like springers, labs, huskies etc - IMO if your dog of choice is lazier than you are that's the ideal situation  :smiley: