new home for 'dog-talk'

    • Gold Top Dog

    new home for 'dog-talk'

    Hi I am a new user to this site, and I love what I have read so far.  I came from a different site where there was a lot of bickering and arguing.  Everyone here seems to be good (dog)people.  I am in between dogs and I am doing a lot of reading to help me decide on what breed to get next.  So far I can't decide between golden retrievers and burnese mountain dogs.  I have and eight year old child and a two year old child, so kid friendly breeds are of utmost importance for my family.  Anyway, nice to 'meet' everyone, and I look forward to future chats.  BTW any input or questions are welcome.  Thanks, from a Utah mom.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Hi There and welcome to the forum!
     
    We have a great bunch of people here on our forum but I will be honest there are times when we get very passionate about our beliefs and can get in some heated debates. Sounds like you already have your thoughts on what type of dog you will be looking for and I know you'll get great suggestions from our members, keep in mind what your lifestyle is and activity level when choosing.
     
    I hope you enjoy the forum, find a new companion and will share lots of pictures with us when you do! We LOVE pictures!!
    • Gold Top Dog
    Welcome to the forum!  I take it you are an experienced dog owner.  There is a bit of a contraversy about toddlers and puppies around here.  Please make sure your child know to be gentle with the puppy.  Even if your 2 year old is gental, make sure they know that the puppy is not a toy.  It can be a great learning experience.  Good luck with you puppy!

    And remember the toll is PICTURES!
    • Gold Top Dog
    I have a golden now, and plan to own a bernese in the future. Good choices. [sm=biggrin.gif]
    • Puppy
    Welcome
     
    • Gold Top Dog
    Hey, and welcome!
     
    A Berner is a good choice for a family with children (not that I'm biased or anything... having two myself and a Grandma who breeds them and having grown up with several - but who's counting?).  Like any dog, a Berner's interactions with your child must be monitored at all times, but when raised with or around them, Berners do seem especially tolerant of childish antics.  I wouldn't recommend a puppy if you have young kids.  Too much unpredictability and Berners can be hellions in their teenage phase.  Unless you are prepared to watch the both of them 24/7, it would probably be a good idea to go with an older rescue or a retired show dog from a breeder.  One of my favorite Berner rescue orgs takes them from puppy mills and rehomes them after some prearatory training and temperament evaluation. Check them out here:
     
    [linkhttp://www.barcinc.net/pages/1/index.htm]http://www.barcinc.net/pages/1/index.htm[/link]
     
    Good luck!
    • Gold Top Dog
    Tvm for your replies.  :)  Yes, I have owned dogs before plus I was a 'foster-momma' for a rescue organization and cared for literally dozens and dozens of cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies.  I saw first hand the results of irresponsible ownership.  That was before I had kids so I took home animals who would no longer tolerate children hanging-on, stepping-on, pulling ears, kicking, and otherwise abusing these poor hapless dogs.  This included a litter that a man had his son throw out a moving car.  I've seen some of the worst and some of the best of people.  I am very sure that a dog or pup is definately missing from my home so I have a ton of homework to do.  Also, I love a good debate, I just don't want to get 'nasty' about any topic.  PS   I'm a new computer user, so I really gotta get a camera!! Progress reports to follow.   Utah mom.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Welcome!  Just FYI- when you get film developed from a non-digital camera, a lot of places will make you a CD with the pictures also for a very small fee.  This is a good way to get your pics to your computer so you can post them in the mean time!  We do LOVE pics around here!
    • Gold Top Dog
    welcome!!  I am a Libra... and Libras love to argue. :o)  I truely love a good debate, and I also hate when it turns ugly.  Seems some people just enjoy the debate for what it is, and some get personal.  Ive learned to deal with all diff types as I have been a debator my whole life.  Countess people have said I should be a lawyer.  Just love a good discussion.  Cant wait to see your pictures!
    • Gold Top Dog
    Welcome to our little corner of the world.  To avoid bickering and arguing, avoid the breeding threads and some of the nutrition threads...oh and anything in training that says Ceasar Millan!  Those are areas where we get mighty passionate!  And passionate can equal ugly........
     
    My own personal perference for dogs with kids is german shepherds....I've had foster children in and out along with foster dogs in and out.....luckily I can't fail HUMAN fostering, just the dogs....and the gsds are wonderful with kids.  Just to add another thought..........
     
    I know that you don't need to hear this having seen the results, but train the KIDS right along with the pup and whatever you get will be fine!  And, of course, I have to demand pictures too.....just as soon as you have the pup!  Welcome!
    • Gold Top Dog
    doggi2 I went to the barc web site and it is heartbreaking to know what these puppy mills get away with.  I have broached the subject with my household and all are open to rescuing a dog.  So, ...... more homework. 
    I like german shepards, I worry about how protective they are around strangers, would the dog bite the pizza guy or the meter reader or neighbor kids??
    I have an interest in golden retrievers and I am wondering if rescuing a puppymill dog is in order just like burnese mountain dogs like mentioning above.  How do I adopt only ONE dog???  I am trying hard to not picture these dogs as puppies!  'Puppy' is short a short term for dog ownership but boy are they cute.  Jules
    • Gold Top Dog
    My brother's gsd loves kids and would be protective of them if he had to I'm sure, but he has never made a move toward anyone who approaches the house. He actually would probably let anyone in the house for a scratch on the head! LOL!
    • Gold Top Dog
    I was wondering about the gsd's because I would rather be the protector, and have my dog just be one of my kids.  I really need a patient relatively unflappable dog.  I found my two year old trying to 'plunger' our cat this a.m.  The cat climbed into the tub looking around and my son ordered the cat to exit the tub.  When the cat didn't follow the command (imagine that) then my son picked up the plunger that was parked by the toilet and put it on top of the cat's head like a big dunce cap.  The cat is an eighteen pound male, and just sat there with his ears mooshed down looking at me like 'jeeze lady, the crap I gotta put up with'....I couldn't stop laughing.   I didn't feel too bad, this is the same cat that stole cooked chicken off my counter.  :)  Jules
    • Gold Top Dog
    Just wanted to say hi. I'm kinda late, but I was out-of-town. Welcome to the board!
    • Gold Top Dog
    Hi! I am new here too. For what it is worth, I say goldens are a great choice and usually really good with kids. Just be prepared for some fur.
    If you get a dog show a picture (even if I can't figure out how to do it...)