eddie123789

It's just an example, some people refer to certain breeds have certain characteristics, good / bad etc. will training get rid of the "bad" characteristics, or does the chatecteristics of the breed always show through???

Do your homework on their temperament. RRs are hounds. They aren't the kinds of dogs who will turn themselves inside out for you unless there's something in it for them. That doesn't mean they are untrainable (far from it) but they simply don't live to hang off your every wish. I imagine that for people used to working dogs like a GSD, that could become quite frustrating. I have both and actually they compliment each others personalities. I find the RR an absolute pleasure to own and will always have one, he is easy to train, yes he is very independent and can be a bit aloof with strangers but never aggressive just cant be bothered. Our boy is very loving and is always up for a pat or play with my wife and myself. If I was going to become a 1 dog family I would choose the RR. Aloof with strangers, that wouldn't be to bad. The reason I say that is that I know when I go round to friends houses who have dogs and they jump up, while I don't mind that a lot don't like it. I'd rather if a guest didn't like dogs they wouldn't be bothered by them. What would people say the ratio of a dogs temperament / personality / intelligence etc. is down to the individual dog : breed : training? If that question makes sence???? What I'm asking is if a dog breed known for been unfriendly is it possible to train them to be approachable??

And I'm happy to live with the "puppy problems", I guess it's part of the experience and bonding process, watching the dog grow and learn

Thanks he does look like a nice dog, but we are not yet ready for the dog, I'm thinking for 3-4 months time, we are in the process of moving. I was just doing research so me and my wife can descuss it, and have time to think about our choice. I also wanted a puppy because I wanted to be responsible for it and the way it is brought up. Just something about bringing my own up from a puppy that I can't really explain.....

Thank you to all the people who have actually responded to my actual question, I will do some more research into the suggested breeds. I'll defiantly look into the Rhodesian Ridgeback. And for them who have decided that somebody they don't know much about other than he has a job, shouldn't have a dog, I am aware of the responsibility of raising a dog. It's not something I take lightly.

That was my intention to take a holiday. Also for the first few month have friends and family drop in during the day.

I have had dogs in my life from birth till about the age of 19-20. I'm 26 now and think it's about time again for another. I would have thought having a routine time away from the dog would be better than working shifts, where your times are always changing. But basically I have to work and I guess all of you do to. We obviously have family who would be able to call in on the dog during the day, but is not something I can guarantee.

No, probably didn't word my original post correctly. What would the point be of getting a dog be, if when I'm at home it stays in the garage. I would be spending the majority, if not all of my time with the dog out side work and when I'm not sleeping.

Cheers ali, not even thought about 2 dogs. Could be an option.

Yes both parents worked, although us as kids would be home from school earlier. TBH we was in the uk and the garden was huge, approx 80m x 30m.

Oh, now I feel like a monster for even considering getting a dog. Do other dog owners stay home 100% of the time at home and not work? With regards the the garage, it is connected to the house, it's warm and free from drafts, it would only be in the garage during the day when un-unsupervised. This is how we have kept dogs in the past when I was young, and in my opinion they were happy dogs. It / he / she would be fully welcome in the house hence a dog that wouldn't get hair everywhere. A little amount of hair is ok. A was thinking of a German Shepard, as we have had one when I was really young, which was happy with the above situation, but I guess from your previous comments you are all going to slate me and saying it's cruel. The main issue I can remember with a GS was the hair problem. The exercise was just a rough guide, as I go for a 20-30 mins run each day. It would get as much as was required.

Could you guys please let me know what breed of puppy you think would suite our situation best? I have a breed in mind, which I will reveal once I get some of your suggestions, but this choice has come from the heart, as we used to have one when I was a young kid, and I have a minor quibble about it hence me seeking further advice. Me and my wife are recently married, not planning on having children just yet, but im certain they will come within the dogs life span, so thats important to consider. Our first dog together, but we have both had dogs in the past as children. We have a large extended family who visit weekly, so it would have to be good with Un familiar people. I want a dog that would be really obediant, and would listen to my commands, with the right training obviously. Dont want a small dog but something medium to large(ish) in size. Would prefer that it didnt shed hair everywhere, or kept to a minimum with grooming. Able to exersize it for 30mins weekdays and longer on weekends. Would live in the garage and have access to a fenced yard, occasionaly allowed in the house only with us. We both work 9-5 weekdays, so it would be left alone at these times. Also not put much research into the sex we should get, but I have always had females and the wife has always had males, and advice on that? Although I can probibly find info on here somewhere. Any suggestions would be appreciated, im hoping everybody cherps in with breed I have in mind, then my dessision is easier :-) Anymore details you think are important let me know. EDDIE