House Dog

[lahinch_lass]

E H, if you are looking at re-homing from a shelter & they don't have anything suitable right now I'd say give it a while.. let them know what sort of dog your family could adopt & I'm sure they'll make contact if the suitable type comes in, or if they know of something in another shelter. I had a look at the Limerick Animal Welfare sanctuary there, they didn't have many dogs listed today, but I've been on their site before when they've had mix-breed puppies, terrier-cross types, etc.. quite a few that were non/minimal-shed varieties.

Lurchers are lovely dogs but they do shed like bedamned.. I'm trying to remember what our greyhound & wippet houseguests were like for shedding.. I know they weren't as bad as a labrador, but I think they also shed a bit... Again they're usually lovely tempraments, as are the lunatics of the dog world - irish red setters, utterly bonkers dogs & will run forever. We had a setter, then a lab-cross, but we regularly had house-guests with dogs when I was growing up so I've seen my share of breeds up close. the cocker spaniel got chucked around by our setter, the greyhound was best buddies with him they'd disappear onto lahinch golf course if we brought them onto the beach together. The whippets used to wind up in our beds... And an english setter was practically identical in behaviour to our irish setter.

[BOK]

The most important thing to take into consideration with dogs imo is that they are highly intelligent. People sometimes don't realise this. If they are not stimulated and exercised they will, just like a child, become bored and troublesome as a result. Likewise if you don't impose your authority over them they will, again like a child, start throwing hissy fits. (come to think of it like many adults I know too). Even house dogs have to get out and get some new scenery or else they will go mad. If you get a dog as a pup you can to a certain extent determine what kind of temperament he/she will have when they grow up just like a parent can with a child. Good social interaction with other dogs and people and an immediate stamp down on any negative behavior is a must. I have come across Rottweilers that have been the most friendliest and affectionate dogs you'd ever see and king charles's that have been the meanest little things. How a well bread intelligent dog turns out is effectively up to its owner.

[No. 16]

Not all dogs are highly intelligent. I currently have an adolescent Labrador that is a feckin blithering idiot and thick as a ditch! Not a good replacement for his predecessor of the same breed with a visible touch of St John's waterdog in him (the ancestor to the lab). Rotweilers are one of the most misunderstood and unfairly discriminated against / irrationally feared dogs. Bred as sheep dogs (albeit to fight off wolves too) they are generally very smart and very loving and great with children. But they need smart games. They bore with the standard fare and are sometimes difficult to get to repeat tasks over and over without variance. I have seen some absolutely lovely and safe with toddlers rottweilers crossed with labrador or boxer too. Friendly loving trainable retrieving muscular sweethearts that give the appearance of guardian of the property. The whole package. They're only warriors if taught that. I knew one pure Rottie that served a paraplegic. Very much a guard dog in that case, but a sweetheart if you were in the circle of trust. And she'd bring you a can of beer from the fridge! There are always exceptions, but a big dog that is predictable and trusted is much better to leave alone with kids than a lot of popular breed small dogs that can be unpredictable...and dangerous. Not always the case, but its a pity when I see people make assumptions based on size...and end up wrong. Big dogs do require more work, food, and depending on genetic skill set...often much much higher walls! But it's worth it. Ye know my opinion by now about midget dogs and I'll let it rest now, but I would never own a dog less than about 2 feet tall at the withers. Sure what's the point for all the hassle that comes with it?!

[Valencia]

I'd agree with you LL, Irish Setters what gorgeous dogs but based on my buddies dog when we were growing up, the dog was bonkers

[the plastic paddy]

I think jack russells get a terrible press myself. They can be absolutely fantastic dogs but they need to understand right from the off that they are NOT in charge. Give them an inch and they will take ten miles. As always, it is important to get a handle on a dog's instinct before you start b*ggering about teaching the thing to sit, paw, roll over and other such BS. A Jack Russell wants to hunt, and has been selectively bred for 35 generations a century to do just that; if you make it clear to the dog that hunting is fine but is something that is done when you, the pack leader, say so you will find they can be terrific dogs. That said, I would not be introducing a rescue terrier or indeed collie anywhere near a young family; it is not fair to expect a dog that has not grown up with young children to suddenly be able to rationalize the well meaning but clumsy affection of a toddler.

[BOK]

I'd love to get a Rottweiler but the GF is having none of it. Can't convince her of everything that you just said. They are a tremendous dog in my view. We have managed to agree on a Boxer but I have never had much to do with Boxers before so must do a bit of research first.

[JN.Allezdax.com]

I think jack russells get a terrible press myself. They can be absolutely fantastic dogs but they need to understand right from the off that they are NOT in charge. Give them an inch and they will take ten miles. As always, it is important to get a handle on a dog's instinct before you start b*ggering about teaching the thing to sit, paw, roll over and other such BS. A Jack Russell wants to hunt, and has been selectively bred for 35 generations a century to do just that; if you make it clear to the dog that hunting is fine but is something that is done when you, the pack leader, say so you will find they can be terrific dogs. That said, I would not be introducing a rescue terrier or indeed collie anywhere near a young family; it is not fair to expect a dog that has not grown up with young children to suddenly be able to rationalize the well meaning but clumsy affection of a toddler.

It's the normal behaviour of a dog to climb the levels of the pack hierarchy. Dogs need hierarchy for their own balance. And yet, the most frequent faults commited by owners I noticed is how they consider the pet as a new "child" in the family instead of considering the family as a new "pack" for the dog. And in the pack, there must be a hierarchy, and the relationship between members is based on a the respect of the hierarchy by a subordinate so long it feels that the superior does protect it and exercises a domination on it. And if the superrior weakens, then, the subordinate tries to get its place. So, what you write about the inch and the mile is absolutely ok, but is not the problem of this only one breed.
An then, your opinion about the need of this breed for hunting is interesting: In France, the JRT is nearly no more considered as a hunting dog. Even if its genes are nearly 100% Fox Terriers genes. You can trust me, most of litters I have vaccinated, and the most subjects I consulted (and JRT is a dog really in trend here) have, or will have nothing to do with hunting. But it's not the first breed in this case: Look at the Poodles. Were in the past water dogs, but nowadays they are a typical family dog breed.

[the plastic paddy]

It's the normal behaviour of a dog to climb the levels of the pack hierarchy. Dogs need hierarchy for their own balance. And yet, the most frequent faults commited by owners I noticed is how they consider the pet as a new "child" in the family instead of considering the family as a new "pack" for the dog. And in the pack, there must be a hierarchy, and the relationship between members is based on a the respect of the hierarchy by a subordinate so long it feels that the superior does protect it and exercises a domination on it. And if the superrior weakens, then, the subordinate tries to get its place. So, what you write about the inch and the mile is absolutely ok, but is not the problem of this only one breed.
An then, your opinion about the need of this breed for hunting is interesting: In France, the JRT is nearly no more considered as a hunting dog. Even if its genes are nearly 100% Fox Terriers genes. You can trust me, most of litters I have vaccinated, and the most subjects I consulted (and JRT is a dog really in trend here) have, or will have nothing to do with hunting. But it's not the first breed in this case: Look at the Poodles. Were in the past water dogs, but nowadays they are a typical family dog breed.

It may not be used for hunting and more especially ratting now, but the majority of its breeding history has been to encourage a hunting dog. That people now want the dog to sit on their laps all day is not the fault of the dog and is a major aspect of the Jack Russell having a p*ss poor reputation.

Almost every breed of dog had a traditional function, for which it was very carefully selectively bred, which bears little relationship to their modern function of being a companion for a family. One of the most popular Family dogs is the labrador, a dog originally bred to pull in fishing nets and hence one of the most powerful dogs you will ever encounter especially in its front end. They are lovely dogs and incredibly friendly but their friendliness combined with their huge shoulders means that when they jump up they knock kids over; even in a dog as bomb proof as a labrador, function is in conflict with modern requirement.

We are in complete agreement about the pack mentality though and just to be clear you do not have to beat the sh*t out of a dog to encourage it to regard you as leader of the pack. A bitch will chastise her pups by picking them up by the scruff of the neck and giving them a small shake and I have always found that getting hold of a young, over enthusiastic dog by the scuff and simply holding it until it calms down and looks you in the eye is chastisement enough.

[No. 16]

I'd love to get a Rottweiler but the GF is having none of it. Can't convince her of everything that you just said. They are a tremendous dog in my view. We have managed to agree on a Boxer but I have never had much to do with Boxers before so must do a bit of research first.

"Boxweiler" so! She's a pet! (you will need at least an 8 foot high wall. Rottweilers jump over cars. She is springier and all that more leggy. She goes thorugh brush like a spingbok Bok.
(I didn't cut her tail - we adopted her like that at 6 mos.)

1 yr.





1.5 yrs.

[Valencia]

She's a beaut, on your other note, didn't think the Rotties would be great jumpers with that bulk

[Valencia]

Lab/Collie mix, brothers, the white socks is the dominant fella, these were taken about a year and half ago, they're 3 now

[No. 16]

She's a beaut, on your other note, didn't think the Rotties would be great jumpers with that bulk

Saw it on YouTube. Police rottie giving a demo. Over car roof and on perp. Lickity split.

[No. 16]

Lab/Collie mix, brothers, the white socks is the dominant fella, these were taken about a year and half ago, they're 3 now

Looks a good mix too. I always wanted a labweiler. Or is it Rottador?

[BOK]

"Boxweiler" so! She's a pet! (you will need at least an 8 foot high wall. Rottweilers jump over cars. She is springier and all that more leggy. She goes thorugh brush like a spingbok Bok.
(I didn't cut her tail - we adopted her like that at 6 mos.)

1 yr.





1.5 yrs.

Jez yeah she is a beaut! Could be on to a winner.

[Kavy]

Yis're after getting me started. Here's our pair of allsorts! Larger one is about 11yrs at this stage. Stiffening up too. We reckon there's lab, shepherd, collie and possibly setter in her if you go back a couple of generations. Loveliest, mildest and most tolerant dog I've ever had the pleasure of being around.

The terrier is about 8yrs and we rescued her as a companion for the older one. Twas a masterstroke so it was.

[McCloud]

Anyone interested in adopting a dog should have a look here
http://www.thejournal.ie/rescued-pup...29470-Oct2012/

[Kavy]

I'd urge everyone considering getting a dog purely as a pet to use one of the county pounds or reputable rescue centres. With a little patience it should be possible to source a good match for anyone's particular circumstances.

Obviously, this doesn't apply to someone sourcing a dog for the gun or for showing etc etc...

[McCloud]

I'd urge everyone considering getting a dog purely as a pet to use one of the county pounds or reputable rescue centres. With a little patience it should be possible to source a good match for anyone's particular circumstances.

Obviously, this doesn't apply to someone sourcing a dog for the gun or for showing etc etc...

Got a English Pointer from a pound - mad a march hare. Fecking thing runs into trees head first.

[prempal]

We've a Parsons Rusell Terrier [longer legs than a Jack basically], she has a fantastic temperment, not a chewer and not a barker unless someone comes to the door. Not great with obedience but she's getting there- great with other dogs too.

[No. 16]

I've owned 3 black labs and that huge mutt posted above. Never bought a dog for a penny. With immunizations, parasite control, injuries requiring medical attention, neutering/spaying, food, etc...they're feckin expensive enough! All 4 dogs were adopted locally for "free". I would certainly recommend going to the pound before ever supporting either unscrupulous breeders or over-charging breeders. "Shows" I don't get, racing I understand, rescue dog / guide dog - sure...

But our recently deceased Labrador with the St. John's waterdog marking on him naturally took left/right and out/near commands to direct him to the "dead duck" in the middle of the lake without me even training him beyond the normal pet stuff. I'm sure he would have been a fine gun dog if that were his purpose. I would be under the impression that people in shooting clubs could locally network and make good gun dogs happen with out having to go to a "breeder". May be I'm wrong? But I'd never "buy" a cat or a dog. There's no need as far as I see it.

[Kavy]

Got a English Pointer from a pound - mad a march hare. Fecking thing runs into trees head first.

Who's to say I wouldn't run into trees head first if I ended up living with you McCloud; or you with me for that matter!

[Pixie]

Golden Retriever,mine 10+now and I love every moment with him.Fur is a problem though,but everything else couldn't ask for a better friend.Intellegent,good natured,handsome,easy to train,loves people, loves kids,gentle,clean..he even walks around puddles.great time keeper.True to breed,always picking things up and carrying.Best of all his favourite colour is ..red.

[trixie]

This is my lady, ran away from the farm aged 6mths decided farm life wasn't for her (it must have been the hours). She a hairy bitch, slops her food, gets sand and muck all over the place, but would I swap her...... no way!

[Drick]

Anyone interested in adopting a dog should have a look here
http://www.thejournal.ie/rescued-pup...29470-Oct2012/

would be nearly worth the drive to dubland

[Valencia]

This is turning into a huge doggy love in. Feck those puppies look great

[McCloud]

This is turning into a huge doggy love in. Feck those puppies look great

Did you see the news this evening? Pups were on it. Just as well my daughters away on a TY thing otherwise I'd be on the road to Dublin now.

[Zack]

The Lhasa is a tough character. He is independent, stubborn and bold. Although he is eager for a romp or game, he will be happy as long as he is given exercise. He will also happily snooze beside his owner. These characteristics make him an excellent small companion in adventure. He is somewhat reserved with strangers.

[Boo-boo]

Bichon frise, kerry blue terriers and irish terriers. terriers have left me with scars and you will never again find me making time for either of those 2 breeds. i have met 3 bichon frises all of whom are nasty little ****s. and tonight for the 3 rd time a stupid owner has let their bitchin frise run at us while we jogged by. we have reflectors and lights so we can be seen but the same dog went for me and my sister again this evening and i got such a fright i ran after it screaming i would kill it next time it went for me. the owner does nothing. next jog i am carrying a hurley with me.

[glossy]

My personal preference is a siberian husky. Very fun personality but they do require a lot of attention and exercise. Like all dogs the shed but bonus of longer hair is they are a very clean dog. They don't smell and dirt fall off their coats. Some can be too clever for their own good. Fantastic escape artists.

[Valencia]

Came out of this morning, my 2 cats dismembering a young rabbit, they'd already eaten his entire head. Came back later & only a small smear of blood remained. Cats, stone cold killers but essential for a house in the country