Thinking about getting a dog

[Patler]

i have an english springer

absolutely awesome dog

Absolutely the most affectionate breed I have ever had. Very intelligent.

[Patler]

If you want to keep the dog outside think about a husky, samoyed, malamute or keeshond. Something with a heavy double coat.

I had a spitz about 45 years ago. They are essentially a small version of a samoyed. look identical, but smaller. Wonderfully acrobatic dog. Without training it would jump up and walk on its hind legs when I carried his dish high. Would walk completely across the yard.

Winter coat was so dense no matter how hard you tried you could not wiggle your fingers through it to his skin. The dog refused to stay inside. We lived way north at the time, where -20 F. was common. We couldn't even get him to stay in an unheated shed, or his doghouse. He dug his way out of the shed when we tried to close him in there. After the first winter, we realized he was well-adapted no matter how cold it was. He would hollow a spot in a big snowbank, curl into a ball with his snout buried in his fur, and sleep there, no matter what the temperature was. It was where he wanted to be, and we gave him many options!

Spring time? HUGE clumps of fur all over the yard!

[Brando19]

Re: Thinking about getting a dog

My wife and I are thinking about getting a dog (or two.) We want to get one while it's a puppy. We want a dog that'll be fun and devoted. We want it to stay outside, but able to come inside when it's really cold or to just hang out. We don't want a little dog like a wussy poodle or chihuahua. We are also planning on having children in the next couple years, so we want a dog that'll be good with children. I'm thinking a Golden Retriever or a Golden Lab. My wife suggested getting two from the same litter so they'll have a buddy all the time. Good idea? Thoughts on that and why type of dog should I get?

Terrible Idea to get two puppies from same litter; many reasons why. My wife is kind of an animal lover (no jokes please) and she'd endlessly lecture somebody on why to never do this.

Get used to one first and then decide if you want a second. There are a ton of fun but also a ton of work.

Not sure on breed; retriever sounds like a good fit. But why keep it outside ? It'd suck being a dog that lives outside. Just a thought

Thanks...if I get one...I"ll start with one. I don't want anyone here thinking I'm all about animal cruelty for thinking about keeping a dog outside...it's just the way everyone does things where I live out in the country. After talking to everyone and getting advice, I will not keep the dog outside, if I choose to get one. I'm really leaning toward a Golden Retriever.

[Brando19]

If you want to keep the dog outside think about a husky, samoyed, malamute or keeshond. Something with a heavy double coat.

I had a spitz about 45 years ago. They are essentially a small version of a samoyed. look identical, but smaller. Wonderfully acrobatic dog. Without training it would jump up and walk on its hind legs when I carried his dish high. Would walk completely across the yard.

Winter coat was so dense no matter how hard you tried you could not wiggle your fingers through it to his skin. The dog refused to stay inside. We lived way north at the time, where -20 F. was common. We couldn't even get him to stay in an unheated shed, or his doghouse. He dug his way out of the shed when we tried to close him in there. After the first winter, we realized he was well-adapted no matter how cold it was. He would hollow a spot in a big snowbank, curl into a ball with his snout buried in his fur, and sleep there, no matter what the temperature was. It was where he wanted to be, and we gave him many options!

Spring time? HUGE clumps of fur all over the yard!

Haha, that's a very funny story. My parents have a dog and they keep it outside, but they have a heated shed it goes in at night...but like you said about your dog...it usually likes to lay outside instead of in the shed. Your dog must have been built for the frozen tundra if it loved the outdoors at -20 F. It usually never gets to single digits in the winter time where I live. I guess I had thought about keeping the dog outside because i live out in the country, there's not alot of traffic if he/she would happen to run away, I have a fenced in yard of about 5 acres, and it doesn't get very cold like Wisconsin.

[packinpatland]

If you want to keep the dog outside think about a husky, samoyed, malamute or keeshond. Something with a heavy double coat.

I had a spitz about 45 years ago. They are essentially a small version of a samoyed. look identical, but smaller. Wonderfully acrobatic dog. Without training it would jump up and walk on its hind legs when I carried his dish high. Would walk completely across the yard.

Winter coat was so dense no matter how hard you tried you could not wiggle your fingers through it to his skin. The dog refused to stay inside. We lived way north at the time, where -20 F. was common. We couldn't even get him to stay in an unheated shed, or his doghouse. He dug his way out of the shed when we tried to close him in there. After the first winter, we realized he was well-adapted no matter how cold it was. He would hollow a spot in a big snowbank, curl into a ball with his snout buried in his fur, and sleep there, no matter what the temperature was. It was where he wanted to be, and we gave him many options!

Spring time? HUGE clumps of fur all over the yard!

Haha, that's a very funny story. My parents have a dog and they keep it outside, but they have a heated shed it goes in at night...but like you said about your dog...it usually likes to lay outside instead of in the shed. Your dog must have been built for the frozen tundra if it loved the outdoors at -20 F. It usually never gets to single digits in the winter time where I live. I guess I had thought about keeping the dog outside because i live out in the country, there's not alot of traffic if he/she would happen to run away, I have a fenced in yard of about 5 acres, and it doesn't get very cold like Wisconsin.

I'm still questioning why get a dog if you plan on it living outside? I have found that dogs left to their own 'devices', will develope 'vices'.

[texaspackerbacker]

Get a mutt--maybe several of them.

They tend to be calmer/less high strung, more playful, loving, and loyal.

Really consider getting more than one dog. They are happier when they interact; They are more entertaining; They eat and play better because it's more like life in the wild. And let them lick your face--and especially your kids. It's good for both you and them.

And don't train your dog(s). Dogs are most of all, pleasers. Put in a doggie door, and they will learn to pee and crap outside--because they figure out that you want it that way. Have a nice fenced backyard for them, but let them have the run of the house most of the time. And have a window or whatever where they can see out in front, and they will be there eagerly wait to greet you every time you come home.

[Iron Mike]

Well, I'll check in counter to most here and say the most important consideration is how well the future pet will deal with having young children as companions.

And since you seem to already have your mind made up, I'll validate your opinion for you:

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/top-dog-breeds-for-families/page1.aspx

I'd also ask you to consider adoption:

http://www.almostheaven-golden-retriever-rescue.org/doglist.html

[Patler]

If you want to keep the dog outside think about a husky, samoyed, malamute or keeshond. Something with a heavy double coat.

I had a spitz about 45 years ago. They are essentially a small version of a samoyed. look identical, but smaller. Wonderfully acrobatic dog. Without training it would jump up and walk on its hind legs when I carried his dish high. Would walk completely across the yard.

Winter coat was so dense no matter how hard you tried you could not wiggle your fingers through it to his skin. The dog refused to stay inside. We lived way north at the time, where -20 F. was common. We couldn't even get him to stay in an unheated shed, or his doghouse. He dug his way out of the shed when we tried to close him in there. After the first winter, we realized he was well-adapted no matter how cold it was. He would hollow a spot in a big snowbank, curl into a ball with his snout buried in his fur, and sleep there, no matter what the temperature was. It was where he wanted to be, and we gave him many options!

Spring time? HUGE clumps of fur all over the yard!

Haha, that's a very funny story. My parents have a dog and they keep it outside, but they have a heated shed it goes in at night...but like you said about your dog...it usually likes to lay outside instead of in the shed. Your dog must have been built for the frozen tundra if it loved the outdoors at -20 F. It usually never gets to single digits in the winter time where I live. I guess I had thought about keeping the dog outside because i live out in the country, there's not alot of traffic if he/she would happen to run away, I have a fenced in yard of about 5 acres, and it doesn't get very cold like Wisconsin.

I'm still questioning why get a dog if you plan on it living outside? I have found that dogs left to their own 'devices', will develope 'vices'.

Well, considering I was on a farm at the time, and our dogs were "working dogs" who never left our sides when we were outside from about 5:00 am to about 7:30 pm in the winter or 9:00pm in the summer, they probably got more attention from us than the house dog who lives with a family where everyone is away from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm for work or school.

A dog on a farm in the country is happy as can be. He has room to run, jump and play whenever he wants. Our dogs were never on a chain, had freedom to roam, but they never went far. They lived to help us herd cows daily during the warmer months, corner chickens who escaped their area, "announce" visitors, follow us during all our chores, chase birds and rabbits and play with our cats (they often shared the food in their dishes).

I have found many housebound dogs, especially larger breeds, to be "lifeless", sleeping all day except for their occasional walks. Our dogs were "busy" all day. They were well-behaved, with few if any vices, because they were with us all day long.

I have had dogs in the city, and I wished they had the freedom my farm dogs had. I always felt their adventurous natures were quashed. The way my "indoor" dogs played when we went to a park was the way my "outdoor" dogs played everyday, all day if they wanted.

[Iron Mike]

$375 for TWO dogs!!!



Look at that boy and tell me he doesn't deserve to run around and play in your yard, and that you'd rather have a puppy.

[Bretsky]

Re: Thinking about getting a dog

My wife and I are thinking about getting a dog (or two.) We want to get one while it's a puppy. We want a dog that'll be fun and devoted. We want it to stay outside, but able to come inside when it's really cold or to just hang out. We don't want a little dog like a wussy poodle or chihuahua. We are also planning on having children in the next couple years, so we want a dog that'll be good with children. I'm thinking a Golden Retriever or a Golden Lab. My wife suggested getting two from the same litter so they'll have a buddy all the time. Good idea? Thoughts on that and why type of dog should I get?

Terrible Idea to get two puppies from same litter; many reasons why. My wife is kind of an animal lover (no jokes please) and she'd endlessly lecture somebody on why to never do this.

Get used to one first and then decide if you want a second. There are a ton of fun but also a ton of work.

Not sure on breed; retriever sounds like a good fit. But why keep it outside ? It'd suck being a dog that lives outside. Just a thought

Thanks...if I get one...I"ll start with one. I don't want anyone here thinking I'm all about animal cruelty for thinking about keeping a dog outside...it's just the way everyone does things where I live out in the country. After talking to everyone and getting advice, I will not keep the dog outside, if I choose to get one. I'm really leaning toward a Golden Retriever.

Golden Retrievers are very nice dogs that are normally good with kids. Just think about being a dog living outside. It'd be like having to sleep on a couch when you know Jessica Simpson is upstairs nekkid


I have nothing against two dogs; just better to do one at a time so you are confident you are ready for #2 IMO

[Brando19]

Re: Thinking about getting a dog

My wife and I are thinking about getting a dog (or two.) We want to get one while it's a puppy. We want a dog that'll be fun and devoted. We want it to stay outside, but able to come inside when it's really cold or to just hang out. We don't want a little dog like a wussy poodle or chihuahua. We are also planning on having children in the next couple years, so we want a dog that'll be good with children. I'm thinking a Golden Retriever or a Golden Lab. My wife suggested getting two from the same litter so they'll have a buddy all the time. Good idea? Thoughts on that and why type of dog should I get?

Terrible Idea to get two puppies from same litter; many reasons why. My wife is kind of an animal lover (no jokes please) and she'd endlessly lecture somebody on why to never do this.

Get used to one first and then decide if you want a second. There are a ton of fun but also a ton of work.

Not sure on breed; retriever sounds like a good fit. But why keep it outside ? It'd suck being a dog that lives outside. Just a thought

Thanks...if I get one...I"ll start with one. I don't want anyone here thinking I'm all about animal cruelty for thinking about keeping a dog outside...it's just the way everyone does things where I live out in the country. After talking to everyone and getting advice, I will not keep the dog outside, if I choose to get one. I'm really leaning toward a Golden Retriever.

Golden Retrievers are very nice dogs that are normally good with kids. Just think about being a dog living outside. It'd be like having to sleep on a couch when you know Jessica Simpson is upstairs nekkid


I have nothing against two dogs; just better to do one at a time so you are confident you are ready for #2 IMO

Haha...damn...you have to use my weakness...Jessica Simpson.

[Brando19]

$375 for TWO dogs!!!



Look at that boy and tell me he doesn't deserve to run around and play in your yard, and that you'd rather have a puppy.

My mind's not made up for sure...even with a puppy. Dang...that's some nice looking dogs. Kinda sad they have no home. I'll look into that. Thanks.

[Brando19]

If you want to keep the dog outside think about a husky, samoyed, malamute or keeshond. Something with a heavy double coat.

I had a spitz about 45 years ago. They are essentially a small version of a samoyed. look identical, but smaller. Wonderfully acrobatic dog. Without training it would jump up and walk on its hind legs when I carried his dish high. Would walk completely across the yard.

Winter coat was so dense no matter how hard you tried you could not wiggle your fingers through it to his skin. The dog refused to stay inside. We lived way north at the time, where -20 F. was common. We couldn't even get him to stay in an unheated shed, or his doghouse. He dug his way out of the shed when we tried to close him in there. After the first winter, we realized he was well-adapted no matter how cold it was. He would hollow a spot in a big snowbank, curl into a ball with his snout buried in his fur, and sleep there, no matter what the temperature was. It was where he wanted to be, and we gave him many options!

Spring time? HUGE clumps of fur all over the yard!

Haha, that's a very funny story. My parents have a dog and they keep it outside, but they have a heated shed it goes in at night...but like you said about your dog...it usually likes to lay outside instead of in the shed. Your dog must have been built for the frozen tundra if it loved the outdoors at -20 F. It usually never gets to single digits in the winter time where I live. I guess I had thought about keeping the dog outside because i live out in the country, there's not alot of traffic if he/she would happen to run away, I have a fenced in yard of about 5 acres, and it doesn't get very cold like Wisconsin.

I'm still questioning why get a dog if you plan on it living outside? I have found that dogs left to their own 'devices', will develope 'vices'.

Well, considering I was on a farm at the time, and our dogs were "working dogs" who never left our sides when we were outside from about 5:00 am to about 7:30 pm in the winter or 9:00pm in the summer, they probably got more attention from us than the house dog who lives with a family where everyone is away from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm for work or school.

A dog on a farm in the country is happy as can be. He has room to run, jump and play whenever he wants. Our dogs were never on a chain, had freedom to roam, but they never went far. They lived to help us herd cows daily during the warmer months, corner chickens who escaped their area, "announce" visitors, follow us during all our chores, chase birds and rabbits and play with our cats (they often shared the food in their dishes).

I have found many housebound dogs, especially larger breeds, to be "lifeless", sleeping all day except for their occasional walks. Our dogs were "busy" all day. They were well-behaved, with few if any vices, because they were with us all day long.

I have had dogs in the city, and I wished they had the freedom my farm dogs had. I always felt their adventurous natures were quashed. The way my "indoor" dogs played when we went to a park was the way my "outdoor" dogs played everyday, all day if they wanted.

I don't live on a farm, but my wife grew up on one. They have a Border Collie and it stays outside. It's one of the happiest dogs I've ever been around. Alot like yourself when you were younger, they have cows and the dog helps alot when herding them. She runs around all day and is absolutely free. That's the only thing I have against an indoor dog...why "lock em up" when they don't have to be? I'm not against it, but if you live on a farm like you used to...why not let the dog be free and enjoy running around outdoors? I don't know...maybe I'll think about it for a while. I never thought about having a larger dog indoors, but now I'm on the fence.

[oregonpackfan]

When I lived in Wisconsin, we had a Norweigan Elkhound. She had the thick "double coat" someone mentioned.

Elkhounds are people pleasers and great with kids. She was indoors for late afternoons, evenings, and weekends.

We did have an insulated doghouse which she only used if got colder than 20 degrees. For morning or early afternoon naps, she just curled up on a snowback and went to blissfully slept in the sunshine.

[mraynrand]

$375 for TWO dogs!!!



Look at that boy and tell me he doesn't deserve to run around and play in your yard, and that you'd rather have a puppy.

Every good dog should have a good home.