Advice Needed :)

[Kavik]

Yes definitely think of size of car! I have the three in my sig, and just had a baby, with only normal sedan. Fitting the dogs in is 'interesting' ! We went away last weekend and left the dogs with a friend, and it was a tight squeeze. Normally I only take one dog at a time though.

[Poodle wrangler]

..............That said there is NO SUCH THING as a dog that is "totally bombproof" with children.........

Good point- something we all have to remember .

There are dogs with poor temperaments in every breed (or cross), but good breeders breed for temperament, as well as health, looks etc..

[Dogsfevr]

.".That said there is NO SUCH THING as a dog that is "totally bombproof" with children...."

Even as breeders we always say to our buyers we send home a well adjusted,socialized pup what they do with it for the next 6 months makes or breaks a pups personaility whether that be kids teasing ,being to firm & breaking its spirit or just not setting any boundries.

Pups are smart & doesnt take alot to train but it is easy to ruin

[Ahona]

Get a goldie

They're fantastic dogs, we're getting our boy on the 8th of Jan! Excellent with kids and so patient too.

[Miranda]

Get a goldie

They're fantastic dogs, we're getting our boy on the 8th of Jan! Excellent with kids and so patient too.

I'm not trying to be negative, but this is a very generalised statement. You cannot assume that all golden retrievers will be patient and excellent with children, most of them are, but the fact that a dog is a golden retriever doesn't automatically guarantee that it will be bombproof, all dogs must be supervised around children regardless of breed. I have been bitten by various dogs over the years and one of them was a golden retriever, temperaments do vary even within the same breed.

[BelgianPup]

Jojo,

fantastic that you are researching your dog so thoroughly before you get it! I'm acquiring a new puppy soon after xmas... so will pass on some advice I have recieved:

- Make a list of all the things you want your dog to do (commands etc)

- Make a list of all the expectations you have of your dog (be calm w kids, not climb on furniture etc)

- A list of what you can give the dog (exercise, grooming, training, mental stimulation etc)

I have just done the Eukanuba quiz mentioned by Redii and found it very helpful.

Also as you have probably realised by now so much of a dog's personality & behaviour is dependent on its experiences in early life. So while a golden retriever may have a greater potential and reputation as a 'good' family pet a golden that has bad experiences with kids early on and is not socialised or trained would be less desirable than a well socialised and trained pit bull. I guess the point is that your dog is what you make of it to a large extent. The RSPCA national and state websites have some great advice and info. about choosing and caring for your pet regardless of breed.

RSPCA and some breed clubs have mature dogs available for adoption - temperament accessed etc that may fit in well with your family and needs. (Some 'rescue' dogs are surrendered because owners can no longer care for them but these dogs have family experience, basic training and are house broken. Also older dogs - I think over 1yr - are cheaper than puppies at RSPCA if my memory serves me correctly.)

The best thing I've found is to keep asking questions and reading up DOL has already helped me out so much! Hope this helps

Cute golden retriever story....

My OH was about 2-3 when his sister was born. One nice sunny day OH's mum set him up outside with his paints and easel while she was busy with his little sis inside (she could see him partially through a window) Paddy their golden retriever went outside with OH to enjoy the sun. OH's mum called through the wire door 'What are you doing?' OH responded, 'Painting the dog.' Mum replied 'That's nice.' A few minutes later she came outside to admire his portrait of Paddy... only to find that OH had indeed been painting the dog - one side of Paddy was completely blue!!! Paddy calm and long suffereing as he was had simply stood in the sunshine while OH proceeded to paint him!

[aurora :)]

hmm

whereabouts do you live? :S

coz i cant recommend a breeder if i dont know..

but i have a staffy (staffordshire-bull terrier) at home, had it since i was 4 months old..

ha im 13..

so its pretty old now

just bought another one who is only 3 months so were getting it in january..

tis an xmas pressent XD

anyways

staffys are very friendly, the one i have at the moment loves cats, little kids, other dogs, pretty much everyone..

theyre friendly and energetic and i think it was easy to train

i really cant remember coz i was so young;

but everyone i know who also has staffys said they were easy to train

theyre biggish, but you can get smaller ones, or the smallest of the litter (2nd smallest is best, usually the smallest is the runt)

hope my advice helps

[aurora :)]

3 weeks**

[BrunoBella]

Hi Aurora

This is off topic but you have put your age in the post two above which is not safe on the internet. You should never tell anyone your age or where you live.

If you go back to that topic and edit it you can remove your age.

Enjoy the dolforums.

BellasPerson

[jbbb]

I grew up with cocker spaniels and they were fantastic dogs for me as a kid. They did what I wanted, didnt mind being dressed up (in bikie gear!! ), and pretty much allowed you to do anything with them. One in particular was my best friend growing up.

Congratulations on researching before you buy. And whatever you choose, make sure you check the tempraments of the parents/grandparents etc.

Good luck in your search!

[Staffyluv]

hmm

whereabouts do you live? :S

coz i cant recommend a breeder if i dont know..

but i have a staffy (staffordshire-bull terrier) at home, had it since i was 4 months old..

ha im 13..

so its pretty old now

just bought another one who is only 3 months so were getting it in january..

tis an xmas pressent XD

anyways

staffys are very friendly, the one i have at the moment loves cats, little kids, other dogs, pretty much everyone..

theyre friendly and energetic and i think it was easy to train

i really cant remember coz i was so young;

but everyone i know who also has staffys said they were easy to train

theyre biggish, but you can get smaller ones, or the smallest of the litter (2nd smallest is best, usually the smallest is the runt)

hope my advice helps

Once again, a warning that not all dogs in the one breed turn out to be 'bomb proof' around kids. Kids must ALWAYS be supervised when with dogs.

We have had two staffordshire bull terriers (we still have our second lad) and they have both been great dogs.

My sister bought a male stafford a few years ago now and had to have him PTS when he was 18 months old because his aggression just grew and grew to the point where he actually bailed her up in the backyard. She has also had 3 other staffords that have been beautiful dogs - it just goes to show, that you never know.

Some dogs are just not right, so please do your research and buy from a good breeder that does breed for temperament.

Good luck in your search

Jodie

[Swizzlestick]

Hi JoJo,

Do you like the look of sighthounds. A few people I know don't like their sleekness (if that's a word). Personally I love them. I was thinking maybe a Whippet may suit your family. Good with kids and robust. My Mum has two who were easy to train and very easygoing. I know some can be timid as well though. Would have to choose a more outgoing one. Just a suggestion.