Vagueness and the Aftermath - A sporadic diary

[RED-DOG]

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[sovietsong]

Hi Red,

I'm planning on getting a dog, I have been thinking about it for about 18 months so defo not rushing into it and understand the commitment, I arent really sure on the bread to go for although I have had a look on a few websites that give rough guildlines etc. 

I would really like a border collie mainly because of there intelligence/trainability the only problem I face is the excercise they require, I would be happy to walk in the morning and night but my garden is pretty small so not sure if that would be fair although I plan to return home from work at lunch times.

I wondered if you can think of a good bread of dog for me to start with, I really dont want a small dog that really isnt a dog but i dont want a huge dog (border collie size is perfect! lol). 

Do you have any other tips or starting points as I would really like to do some research before I go ahead which will be in a few months!

[RED-DOG]

Hi Red,

I'm planning on getting a dog, I have been thinking about it for about 18 months so defo not rushing into it and understand the commitment, I arent really sure on the bread to go for although I have had a look on a few websites that give rough guildlines etc. 

I would really like a border collie mainly because of there intelligence/trainability the only problem I face is the excercise they require, I would be happy to walk in the morning and night but my garden is pretty small so not sure if that would be fair although I plan to return home from work at lunch times.

I wondered if you can think of a good bread of dog for me to start with, I really dont want a small dog that really isnt a dog but i dont want a huge dog (border collie size is perfect! lol). 

Do you have any other tips or starting points as I would really like to do some research before I go ahead which will be in a few months!

Please don't get a border collie. they need to be working (or doing something) all the time. Yes, they are intelligent and trainable, but they are not easy to train.

Do you want a dog or a bitch, long or short coat, active and agile or quiet and passive? 

If you have answers to these questions, let me know and I will tell you which ones will fit the bill.

Does it have to be a puppy, or a prdigree? If not, go down to your local branch of the RSPCA and try to find one that you like.

Ask if you can spend some time with the dog before you decide, to see if it's personality suits you. They will be impressed and more than happy to let you.

[sovietsong]

Hi Red,

I'm planning on getting a dog, I have been thinking about it for about 18 months so defo not rushing into it and understand the commitment, I arent really sure on the bread to go for although I have had a look on a few websites that give rough guildlines etc. 

I would really like a border collie mainly because of there intelligence/trainability the only problem I face is the excercise they require, I would be happy to walk in the morning and night but my garden is pretty small so not sure if that would be fair although I plan to return home from work at lunch times.

I wondered if you can think of a good bread of dog for me to start with, I really dont want a small dog that really isnt a dog but i dont want a huge dog (border collie size is perfect! lol). 

Do you have any other tips or starting points as I would really like to do some research before I go ahead which will be in a few months!

Please don't get a border collie. they need to be working (or doing something) all the time. Yes, they are intelligent and trainable, but they are not easy to train.

Do you want a dog or a bitch, long or short coat, active and agile or quiet and passive? 

If you have answers to these questions, let me know and I will tell you which ones will fit the bill.

Does it have to be a puppy, or a prdigree? If not, go down to your local branch of the RSPCA and try to find one that you like.

Ask if you can spend some time with the dog before you decide, to see if it's personality suits you. They will be impressed and more than happy to let you.

I was afraid you'd say that!  I know deep down that a collie isnt the right dog for me just hoped you would come on and say 'go for it' 'collies are perfect for first time dog owners'  lol

1) Dog or Bitch - Not really sure to be perfectly honest.

2) Long haired is my preference

3) Active and Agile

4) I would like a young dog/puppy.

I think a trip to the RSPCA is a good shout and will have a scout about to see where the local places are.

[RED-DOG]

Consider a springer spaniel Sov. Bright as a button, energy to burn but very bidable. Make sure you start it's training from day one though. Teach it to come when called and that "No" means stop whatever it is you're doing immediately.

[sovietsong]

Cheers Red,

I would like to have a read up about training etc, I am just feeling out ideas at the moment as I dont want to rush in like i'm buying a new car.  Do you know of any books i should take a look at about training etc, i expect the things you know are passed on from older generations my problem is we never had a dog as kids so wouldnt really know where to start.

[RED-DOG]

Cheers Red,

I would like to have a read up about training etc, I am just feeling out ideas at the moment as I dont want to rush in like i'm buying a new car.  Do you know of any books i should take a look at about training etc, i expect the things you know are passed on from older generations my problem is we never had a dog as kids so wouldnt really know where to start.

This is the best book ever written for a novice owner/trainer. (imho of course)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Family-Dog-Its-Choice-Training/dp/009185444X

[RED-DOG]

BTW- Get the book before you get the dog, it will help you choose.

Good luck, let me know how you get on.

[Ecosse]

My ex live in girlfriend had both a border collie and an English springer spaniel !

Both dog's are absolutely brilliant (I still see them).

Good Luck !

[sovietsong]

BTW- Get the book before you get the dog, it will help you choose.

Good luck, let me know how you get on.

Thanks for the help, I will get the book asap, the dog wont be for a few months we are moving house so need to sort all that jazz out first.  Will keep you upto date to my progress!  Thanks again!

[sovietsong]

Cheers Red,

I would like to have a read up about training etc, I am just feeling out ideas at the moment as I dont want to rush in like i'm buying a new car.  Do you know of any books i should take a look at about training etc, i expect the things you know are passed on from older generations my problem is we never had a dog as kids so wouldnt really know where to start.

This is the best book ever written for a novice owner/trainer. (imho of course)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Family-Dog-Its-Choice-Training/dp/009185444X

Just ordered this, pretty annoyed with you really Red.  I only realised after I had paid that this book cost over 80p...

[RED-DOG]

Cheers Red,

I would like to have a read up about training etc, I am just feeling out ideas at the moment as I dont want to rush in like i'm buying a new car.  Do you know of any books i should take a look at about training etc, i expect the things you know are passed on from older generations my problem is we never had a dog as kids so wouldnt really know where to start.

This is the best book ever written for a novice owner/trainer. (imho of course)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Family-Dog-Its-Choice-Training/dp/009185444X

Just ordered this, pretty annoyed with you really Red.  I only realised after I had paid that this book cost over 80p...

I bought my copy 30 years ago and it cost more than that.

[sovietsong]

its a used one...good condition but well thumbed...dont know what that means, surely its one or the other!

[RED-DOG]

Is it me, or is this the most annoying advert you have ever seen?

[77dave]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8QQtaTikR0&feature=related