Hello, trying to pick a dog - Updated, Found my dog!

• 10-26-2009 12:55 PM

  In reply to AgileGSD

  stardog85 Joined on 09-10-2007 South Carolina, USA Posts 2,349 Points 235

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact  Umm the outside home issue is very different from the intact animals in the home issue Agile.  There are things worse than death and a "home" that chains the dog out and only interacts to give food an water would fall under that heading imo.  The OP sounds like he is likely doing the "outside dog" thing much better than most. Erin, the Amazing Maggie Mae, Ziva the Wonder Dog, and Kestrel the Up and Coming "Always keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go." - Louise Priscoll

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• 10-26-2009 12:57 PM

  In reply to AgileGSD

  Liesje Joined on 03-02-2007 Posts 9,907 Points 655

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact I think a milder, more independent GSD could suit the bill.  Mine do not roam, but they are hopelessly bonded to me (ie, if I'm inside working they'd rather sit at my feet than have 10 acres to do as they please!).  Like Agile said, you may bump up against shelter blanket rules.  Maybe check your local Craigslist and see if there is anyone re-homing a young GSD? http://vankelderdogs.dutchbingo.net http://www.schhmi.com

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• 10-26-2009 3:30 PM

  In reply to stardog85

  AgileGSD Joined on 09-16-2007 Posts 1,034 Points 65

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact stardog85:  Umm the outside home issue is very different from the intact animals in the home issue Agile.  There are things worse than death and a "home" that chains the dog out and only interacts to give food an water would fall under that heading imo.   Certainly not what this poster or many other people are looking for when they want a farm dog. Most every shelter/rescue would turn him away regardless, as they would me even if it meant killing the dog instead. The issues aren't that different really because the issue is that instead of trying to find homes where the dogs will be cared for, some shelter workers (far too many unfortunately) seem to rather use their position to make a statement about their own personal beliefs and to "punish" those they disagree with over their choices. I have seen it first hand time and time and time again. I knew someone who has a CH UD dog (was an only dog at the time) who was turned down to adopt a dog because she had an intact male. Shelters/rescues should be thrilled someone who is that involved with "doing stuff" with her dog would want to adopt one of their dogs. A friend of mine was turned down by a shelter to adopt a 10 year old cat because of her intact dogs. One would think the shelter would be thrilled that someone wants to give a home to an old cat that most people wouldn't even consider.   People who have full time jobs, have a job that requires travel, don't have a fenced yard, don't have a high enough fence, use an IF, don't have a dog door, have children under X years old, don't own their home, want an active outside dog (such as this situation), have intact pets, have bred animals of any sort, have never had a dog before, have never had X breed before, want to adopt a dog around the holidays, have euthanized a dog for a health or temperament problem, have rehomed a pet, don't feed the right kind of food, don't follow traditional vaccine protocols and countless other rather trivial things are routinely turned down to adopt dogs. Hardly think any of that qualifies as "the dog is better off dead" and I really doubt the dogs would disagree with that. IMO screening for "good homes" has gotten quite out of hand, especially while the shelters continue to blame the public for the "overpopulation" and the need to kill animals in shelters because of it.  And for the original poster, Leisje's suggestion about a more laid back type GSD is a good one. There are a lot of GSDs out there needing homes and I suspect you'll be able to find one that suits your liefstyle with a bit of looking.

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• 10-26-2009 4:24 PM

  In reply to AgileGSD

  Luvntzus Joined on 05-09-2006 Posts 4,201 Points 170

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact AgileGSD: Very sad that this happens under the illusion of "helping animals". Then the same shelters say they "have" to kill animals because there "aren't enough homes". I couldn't adopt from a shelter because I own intact dogs, which in the shelter world means I am an irresponsible owner. Doesn't make much sense at all. I agree. Their guidelines make it nearly impossible for a lot of people to adopt a rescue dog.

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• 10-26-2009 4:55 PM

  In reply to ripsnorter

  Sera_J Joined on 09-10-2007 Western Washington (State) Posts 3,469 Points 830

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact  Welcome to the forum Ripsnorter :)  I have to ask the question, why can't the dog come into the house?  At the very least at night?  I guess I don't understand why this is a problem.  Even a laundry room or somewhere you know your dog is safe and warm.  Yes, I know that 20+ yrs ago most people didn't have house pets, those that had dogs in the house were out of the norm.  But, we've evolved in many ways as a society and in our pet care... why not let Fido in the house?  What is the concern there? I have no problems with a farm dog, and I'm glad you're asking for breed help there are many breeds that would be a terrible choice (most Sporting and Hound breeds.... whew... Weimaraners would sit at the back door, plastered to it screaming to come in and be with you, for example and hounds would be 3 counties over having followed the scent of a fox, or deer.)   I second asking you to consider fencing off at least part of your yard as a safe containment for your pet.... as many have said, most dogs won't range, but why take the chance?  While gone into town for lunch -- I wouldn't want to be worried my dog was bothering the neighbors chickens and getting shot or hit by a car.... I'd be worried sick. I hope you take my questions as intended, not as an attack.  They are asked sincerely.  You seem like an open minded individual, so, I'm hoping you see that I'm asking honestly. Lani- Dog.community Moderator Proud Idogger since April 2005

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• 10-26-2009 5:11 PM

  In reply to Sera_J

  ripsnorter Joined on 10-25-2009 Posts 11 Points 0

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact Sera_J: I hope you take my questions as intended, not as an attack.  They are asked sincerely.  You seem like an open minded individual, so, I'm hoping you see that I'm asking honestly. I am very happy to consider other viewpoints such as yours, provided they give me the same benefit of open-mindedness. I am happy that everyone here, even if they don't understand, are willing to consider other ideas. In response to your question about a fenced yard, I'm not sure if you've read all of my posts, but I will have a fenced area, (I already have the fencing for it) probably 20' by 50' (larger than a lot of yards in town) that will also have a door into an enclosed shop for when I'm not able to watch it. It will be very well contained, yet have a lot of room outside, as well as a lot of room in a warm and dry shop as well. Abundant toys and beds as well, if my last dog was any indication. In a normal day I will be with the dog as long as I am awake, so it won't need to be in the enclosure. Also keep in mind that in a normal week, I am only gone twice. Once for maybe 2 hours in the evening, and on Sundays, only for church and I stop and get groceries on the way home. I don't go into town for lunch etc. except once in a great while. Other than that, I'll be with my dog if I'm awake. As to letting the dog in the house, I probably will on occasion. But it won't be the norm. I have given thought to the arguments for it though, I just stand by my feelings that a dog shouldn't sleep in the house. With me anyway, I know some people wouldn't have it any other way and that's what works best for them. I've been checking shelters etc asking what dogs they have that need help the most, or are closest to being euthanized.

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• 10-26-2009 6:19 PM

  In reply to ripsnorter

  JackieG Joined on 04-15-2008 Central Texas Posts 5,920 Points 710

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact ripsnorter: I've been checking shelters etc asking what dogs they have that need help the most, or are closest to being euthanized.   Just chiming in to suggest that you don't base your decision on the above criteria.  Making a ten to 15 year committment based on emotions, especially considering your situation, is not wise, in my opinion.  Take your time to find the right dog.  It took me well over a year to find Rex and that was me checking area shelters weekly.  One more comment.  Housetrain this dog, even though he won't be allowed in the house, he might not understand that the shop area is not for potty purposes.

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• 10-26-2009 6:34 PM

  In reply to JackieG

  ripsnorter Joined on 10-25-2009 Posts 11 Points 0

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact I should clarify that statement yeah. I'm checking the shelters etc, but within my criteria. However there are several that I think would work very well for me, and I'd like to look first at the ones that need a home the most. Much as I would love to, it's just not feasible to take in every dog that needs a home, no matter what the conditions, and usually not fair to the dog in the long run either.

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• 10-26-2009 6:46 PM

  In reply to AgileGSD

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 10,873 Points 3,330

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact Gee whiz Agile, how AM I able to have a conversation with anyone without YOU to interpret for me??? (sarcasm intended) All of my comments were meant as a response to the original poster -- NOT as a "one-size fits all" scenario.  In his original post he elaborated quite a bit on the fact that the prior dog howled and ran off.  Both of those can be boredom issues -- particularly the howling.  And no - it's not a bit different than someone being gone at work -- and in total honestly, I would tell someone with a problem with a dog howling while they are gone that they need to STAY HOME to train the dog and catch it so they can work with the behavior at the time it occurs. AgileGSD: I don't see where keeping a dog in the shop at night is any different than people keeping a dog confined in another part of the house at night. Gee "I don't see" EITHER.  Please -- find a post of mine where I EVER encourage someone to keep a dog in another room where they don't sleep.  I don't.  Not ever.  It's just not something I ever recommend.  If it's something YOU want to do fine.  AgileGSD: None of my dogs sleep with me. Some do sleep in our room, some don't but none have any bonding issues Agile -- FINE.  I don't know you, don't know your dogs, but I suspect my idea of "bonding" and yours may be a tad bit different. Now we also have more information -- that there ARE other people that will be with this dog -- family and friends.  No part of my post was intended as argument -- simply as other points to help the OP to consider.  But as usual, someone (gee, guess who?) wants to stir the pot and cause an argument.  Not from me -- I was simply trying to raise a few points germaine to the problem cited with the prior dog.    AgileGSD: Of course, I don't think anyone would suggest for a Pug or a Peke to be a farm dog :) Looking around for who did?

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• 10-26-2009 7:04 PM

  In reply to ripsnorter

  Mechanical Angel Joined on 04-24-2008 Posts 496 Points 130	Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact I know some say that herding breeds would be a bad idea, but honestly I think an Australian Cattle Dog or Border Collie would fit your requirements pretty well. Also, Belgian Malinois would be great.
  	Post Points: 0

• 10-26-2009 10:27 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  AgileGSD Joined on 09-16-2007 Posts 1,034 Points 65

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact calliecritturs: Gee whiz Agile, how AM I able to have a conversation with anyone without YOU to interpret for me??? (sarcasm intended) All of my comments were meant as a response to the original poster -- NOT as a "one-size fits all" scenario.   No need to get angry. I didn't realize you were trying to have a one on one discussion with the original poster. calliecritturs: AgileGSD: I don't see where keeping a dog in the shop at night is any different than people keeping a dog confined in another part of the house at night. Gee "I don't see" EITHER.  Please -- find a post of mine where I EVER encourage someone to keep a dog in another room where they don't sleep.  I don't.  Not ever.  Again, you don't need to get angry. I didn' realize that you felt that having your dog (s) sleep in your room is essential to being a good owner. calliecritturs: Agile -- FINE.  I don't know you, don't know your dogs, but I suspect my idea of "bonding" and yours may be a tad bit different.  Not sure what you are implying here. If you are suggesting that my relationship with my dogs is lacking when compared to you and your dog's, I would have to wonder what caused you to come to such a conclusion.

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• 10-26-2009 10:34 PM

  In reply to Mechanical Angel

  Jason L Joined on 09-17-2009 Posts 79 Points 0	Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact Mechanical Angel: I know some say that herding breeds would be a bad idea, but honestly I think an Australian Cattle Dog or Border Collie would fit your requirements pretty well. Also, Belgian Malinois would be great. ACD, BC, Malinois ... oh boy, that's recipe for some serious mayhem LOL ... or maybe a really awesome flyball team.
  	Post Points: 0

• 10-26-2009 10:59 PM

  In reply to AgileGSD

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 4,363 Points 410

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact  Agile, I find myself agreeing with you - yet again! I know plenty of dogs that do not sleep in bed with their owners, and often sleep in a different room, crated or otherwise - and they LOVE their owners. I don't think sleeping arrangements have much affect on 'bonding'...I allow my dog in bed with me, but I have recently started to not allow fosters in bed - for the simple reason that not everyone wants a dog in the bed. Current foster is passed out on her blanket on the floor - happy as a clam :) As far as breeds go... I agree with a shepherd. Too bad I don't think I'm anywhere near your area - we get a lot of 'farm' dog pleas for help from other counties nearby. We can't take those types of dogs - because the people in MY area looking for pets are wanting inside dogs. If it's feasible - check with a more rural county shelter in your area - you'll probably find a dog used to living like you want. A friend of mine has two farm dogs - labs. They are great, and super fat (ugh) and happy.

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• 10-26-2009 11:15 PM

  In reply to Luvntzus

  BlackLabbie Joined on 01-27-2008 South of Boston Posts 3,045 Points 250

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact Luvntzus: AgileGSD: Very sad that this happens under the illusion of "helping animals". Then the same shelters say they "have" to kill animals because there "aren't enough homes". I couldn't adopt from a shelter because I own intact dogs, which in the shelter world means I am an irresponsible owner. Doesn't make much sense at all. I agree. Their guidelines make it nearly impossible for a lot of people to adopt a rescue dog. FWIW, my DH and I were rejected from a (very popular) Lab rescue in our areabecause we don't have a fenced in yard. We explained that we would leash walk and my parents- who have a huge, double lot, fenced in yard- live 2 houses away and we have permission to use their property whenever we like. Plus, I'm a dog walker/pet sitter working for myself so my dog can come to at least 1 park every single day. We have excellent vet references as well as personal/professional refrences. My job is a work from home/take the dog to work, so it could be with me 24/7. We have prior Lab experience. We would take an adult- we don't want a puppy. I agreed to obedience classes. We gladly invited a home inspection. We would send updates. We're financially sound. They still said no. No fenced in yard means no dog. Period. So, we adopted Apollo from down South. He was going to be PTS that day we faxed in the adoption agreement, and we found transport on our own. It was costly, but we don't care. We love him, and have the perfect dog for us. I met a women at a Lab club who is involved with that Lab rescue we tried to adopt from and she basically couldn't believe they turned us down- without even meeting us face to face (even though I requested a meeting)....riiiight. And then we endured a 20 minute "lecture" about why we shouldn't adopt from out of state because there were so many homeless dogs here already. -Stephanie blacklabbie.weebly.com Apollo- black Labrador Retriever Molson- buff American Cocker Spaniel Patty- black American Cocker Spaniel

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• 10-26-2009 11:22 PM

  In reply to BlackLabbie

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 4,363 Points 410

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact  Rescues like that really upset me. There cannot possible be one blanket rule - for every dog. Rescues need to be willing to work with people, to educate and explain. They need to be flexible. We adopted a foxhound out to a farm - full knowing that he would be an outside/inside dog. But this was the PERFECT home for HIM. For another dog? Maybe it would not have worked. But rescues need to place a dog based on what will be the appropriate environment for THAT DOG. Not every dog will thrive in the OP's setting, but there are many that WILL. Rescues need to look at the bigger picture, and stop being so stuck on the rules. (I can say this, as a shelter employee ;))

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