Dogs

get yourself a staffy !

Staffies do make excellent pets, they are fantastic with children (known as the Nanny Dog) and suffer from an excess of personality. The only downsides with them as a breed is their flatulence and their willingness to fight with other dogs.
The whippet is also an excellent breed, most of the qualities of the greyhound but in a smaller package. The worst thing about whippets is their appearance!

If you must have a dog, don't go for a Bull Mastiff or similar, as you'll be branded a chav... (apparently)

I've NEVER got on with dogs - no idea why, but I can't stand them personally - bigger ones are better though.

Cats rule!

Sorry to hear about Custard - I hope he passes away peacefully.

We had a cat (a bog standard tabby called Whiskey) who adopted us in 1987; she was fairly old then, but managed to soldier on until 1996 (she was around 21 years old when her kidneys went). I miss her like mad even now, as she had an amazing personality and, aside from jumping on your balls by mistake when she was getting on your lap (she was HEAVY!) she was awesome.

My previous houseshare had a cat as well; I'm not sure I'd invest in one now myself, but the house I'm moving to DOES have a catflap, and the landlord is cool with cats, so you never know

To even the pictures up, here's one of Whiskey from waaaaay back when:


...and one of Narla, from the previous houseshare (I called her Gnarly as she loves playfighting and acting psychotic):


__________________________
Don't wanna be cremated or buried in a grave
Just dump me in a plastic bag and leave me on the pavement
A tribute to your modern world, your great society
I'm just another victim of your highrise fantasy!

quote:

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Originally posted by BLT:
Staffies do make excellent pets, they are fantastic with children (known as the Nanny Dog) and suffer from an excess of personality. The only downsides with them as a breed is their flatulence and their willingness to fight with other dogs.
The whippet is also an excellent breed, most of the qualities of the greyhound but in a smaller package. The worst thing about whippets is their appearance!

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Are you talking a Staffordshire Terrier? Over here in Canada, those are synonymous (and often interbred) with Pit Bull Terriers, which are generally viewed as vicious creatures. Yes, most dogs can be trained not to follow their instinctive natures, but it's exceedingly hard, and if it slips once, children get mauled, other pets get killed, etc.

As to their stereotypical owners, it's usually angry young males suffering from insecurity issues.

Pit bulls and staffs are the most prevalent in the local animal shelter, because people underestimate how much effort it takes to control them.

I understand that the purebred staff is much gentler than a purebred pit bull, but how are you going to tell? Considering the possible negative outcomes, I personally feel it's not worth the risk. Even my "gentle" collie loves to bark at strangers, giving them sufficient reason to pause. Unfortunately, my wife likes the fact that Jamfi barks when people knock at the door, and has forbidden me to eliminate this annoying behavior.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

quote:

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Originally posted by BLT:
The whippet is also an excellent breed, most of the qualities of the greyhound but in a smaller package.

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I did consider the whippet when I was deciding on a dog. However, they tend to be very meek and shy, which is something I don't like in a dog. I prefer confident and friendly. If you don't mind this aspect, and can stand tons of short air shed about your house, then a whippet is a good choice.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

The AOL dog-search came up with Canaan for us. Never heard of them, and it didn't mention "likes sleeping during the day when you are at work".

The Staffordshire bull terrier is a VERY different dog to the pit bull or the American staffordshire terrier both of these breeds are on the dangerous dogs list in the UK and it is impossible to buy a pup legaly.

For my 2p's worth there is only one breed of dog that I would recommend to anybody.
List of requirements,it must be:-
intelligence,independent, affectionate,hardy, low cost of maintenance[food etc.] low vets bills, trustworthy,good with people including kids of all ages, generally good with cats[ if trained from young] likes long walks, can tolerate with short walks ,can be left on their own for reasonably
long periods, fearless [all think that they are 15 foot tall] protective, welcoming,I could go on for hours ,What animal am I describing, the description Dog does not do justice for this noble beast, JACK RUSSELL thats the animal what you need, preferable a couple
oldie [ Jack Russell lover]

The Jack Russell is a very practical choice, but I have met several that don't like children. My parents have a Patterdale Fell Terrier, which is similar but with even more attitude!

But will a terrier cope if I go to work and my daughter goes to school?

BLT,
I don't like children, but not every body would hold that against me There are not many dogs who do not like children, most seem to have an affinity with kids that goes beyond our understanding
"Doc"
We had a "jack" for years [ my Mother didn't want him after my Father died] and he had to be left on his own all day, as both of us had to work [not the best solution I admit ,but in the circustances the only one]
As soon as we left in the mornings, He used to just go up stairs and sleep at the bottom of our bed but as soon as he heard us arrive home Well thats a diferant story!!!!!!!!!
Get a Jack ,you will not regret it!!
oldie.

Every Jack that I've encountered has been exceedingly high energy. They go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, ............!!!! If they aren't kept active, they can easily get destructive. If you don't funnel that energy into something acceptable (long walks, preferred chewy toys, etc.) then you're bound to have countless shoes, socks, furniture, etc. completely ruined.

With my ad hoc lifestyle, there's no way in hell that I would ever get a Jack Russell Terrier. They are nice dogs, though, given the right circumstances.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Jack Russells are pretty good at ratting - if they are not too aware on how to kill initially you should put one into a barrel with a rat and they will soon learn how to kill it. (Old farners trick)

We had a couple of JRs and they were pretty good hunters. - however you can get some very tempermental ones.


However for an intelligent dog, the Standard Poodle is pretty good, the hair is less allergic than most dogs and they are very intelligent. Can learn how to shop and pay for the produce in the supermarket, take washing out of the washing machine, open the door for visitors, pick up keys, plates that you drop on the floor from your wheelchair, help you undress and a smashing temperament.

Derek

<< >>

Ok Derek,
my Jacks can't compete with that ,so how about a standard poodle to do all of that sort of thing and a Jack to be in charge of every thing else
oldie

JN - The pencil sharpener thing was just a joke!

Rockingdoc


I`ve been in a similar position

I grew up with cats, but always held off from getting my own for all the usual reasons


Then in the 80`s, a wilful ginger& white female took up residence....she died aged 19 in Dec 2001,...had to get the vet to come round Boxing Day morning to put her down... after getting colon cancer. It was extremely traumatic, watching the illness progress. I tried to look on the light side......no more smelly litter tray (she refused to use a cat flap...even when she was in the garden, she would come inside to use the litter tray.)
No more fussy eating habits, no fur, no damage (she completely destroyed the wallpaper in the hall& staircase)etc etc

She had been very badly treated, and it took years to "soften her up"..any stranger that tried to stroke her got well & truly bloodied

Yet, after a few months of "no cat" we decided another was essential

We now have Oscar $ Polly.. who arrived courtesy the local cat rescue home. 15 month old brother and sister, who are very well behaved, have never scratched or bitten in anger, and don`t wake me at 4am in the summer.They have well and truly established their position of seniority in the household now

`Fraid couln`t be without cats now.

I love dogs, but they are not for me, so my own advice would be.....if you`ve lived with a cat that long, there is no alternative but to get another cat IMHO

regards

Laurie S

[This message was edited by Laurie Saunders on Thu 22 April 2004 at 7:50.]

I know cats, I like cats, I can live with their redecorating habits.

But, can I graduate to dogs? Has anyone regreted dog ownership to the point of having to give one away?

My neighbour has just purchased a Lhaso Apso (I have probably spelled this incorrectly) - what a fantastic little dog! Cute as hell, very good with children, fantastic temperament and fur which doesn't affect most people who are allergic to dogs.

Doc,

I have never owned a dog but I am currently working across the road from Battersea Dogs Home. The windows of the office are open and I can hear the dogs barking above the traffic noise.

If you have any doubts about getting a dog, then don't.

The family is keen to be doggy. I'm just trying to find out all possible problems in advance. Inability for someone to be at home with a new dog 24 hours a day (after the first couple of months) seems to be the sticking point, but any other concerns if I solve this?

quote:

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Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
I know cats, I like cats, I can live with their redecorating habits.

But, can I graduate to dogs? Has anyone regreted dog ownership to the point of having to give one away?

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I grew up with a dog, and enjoyed it. We never had cats when I was a kid, probably because my mother has never seemed to understand or trust cats. Once I grew up, I decided to get a cat, and discovered that I was much more a "cat person". I liked their independence, calm exterior, etc.

Since then (over the span of twenty or so years), I've had 4. One died a very strange internal configuration problem. One was crazy and jumped from our 21st floor balcony. The last two, brothers, are still with us now.

A few years ago, my wife reminded me that she wanted kids "eventually", and that I wasn't get any younger. With that in mind, I decided test/train myself with a dog. That was the first reason for getting the animal. I also needed an undeniable reason to walk each day, as it's the only type of exercise I always seem to enjoy, but often skip for no particularly good reason. The third reason was that I still like dogs, even though I prefer cats.

I spent two years deciding what traits were acceptable to me, and researching the various breeds. I wanted a "medium" sized dog (14-21" at the shoulders), which doesn't shed "too much". It should be easy to train, not too independent (which means it's likely to stay close and to come when I call). I didn't want to have to walk for more than 30-60 minutes a day, so the dog would have to fit this too. Also I wanted it to be fairly calm in the house. Finally, it needed to be good with kids, and people in general. I ended up with a smooth-coated collie, which suited all of these requirements, and a few more that I've not bothered to mention.

I got the dog at 9-weeks, so it was definitely a puppy. Training it was simultaneously simple and hard. I studied various books, took it to training classes (which really train the owner, and not the dog), and overall I did pretty well. However, there were certainly times that I was extremely annoyed, weary, etc., and I sometimes considered throwing in the towel. I persevered, though, and now I have a "good dog".

The real trick is unwavering diligence. The training must be consistent and constant. This is even more important at the start than later, although you still need to do a "training session" occasionally, just to reinforce the message. If you can't stick with this routine, then you're likely to have a "bad dog".

Ultimately, you must be CERTAIN that you're willing to make the long term commitment. Otherwise, don't take that first step!

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

I've been off researching further, and have been given another suggestion for the would-be suburban dog owner who also has to work for a living; a DOG WALKER.
Now this makes sense to me,paying a nice peson to visit my dog on the maximum two days a week when I have to be at work all day and have no definite cover. I have sorted out the other five days for full-time care (idle teenage daughters). I plan to get a puppy, but it won't be left alone at all for at least the first two months with us.

Now all I have to do is choose the right breed.

Having recently lost two 18 year old cats within a month of each other, I can empathise with your plight, it is very very sad.

However, I must say:

'GET ANOTHER CAT'!