Gayle. Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 Aaah, thanks, I didn't see that bit. It still doesn't make him worth $2000, not as a pet anyway. But if the OP is willing to pay that, then I suppose he is worth that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StormTrooper Posted June 11, 2011 Author Share Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) thanks for all the input. Especially all the info on what to check with hips etc. And everyone's info it really helps me out alot. This is my second baby, & yep there will be two under two so it will be chaotic. I was thinking that having another dog would solve alot of problems, i.e a friend for her but it sounds like i am really going to have to be careful about a few things, such as desexing both of them & checking him out for other defects. He has won some stuff last year, apparantly they are good titles - But i take on board titel doesnt = well behaved etc. The price is a bit concerning for two reasons, firstly i want to make sure we are not being ripped off as another poster has said as money is a bit tight at the moment (my obstetricians fee is due in two weeks & its over 5k) & we only just found out about him & his cost 1 week ago - so i wasnt prepared. Secondly, even though i have a newfie, i really dont know much about how much it would cost to buy an adult dog, & part of me feels that if we were being ripped off with the money then maybe there were other things relating to the dogs health or nature etc that were also a bit dodgy considering she wants to sell him i.e are there issues we dont know about. So i sort of thought if others had any idea of what kind of cost would be involved in the exercise & if this value seemed legit then i am sure everything else is above board. I suppose I am not very trusting, even though i know the breeder is has a good record with winning dogs & our dog is wonderful - sometimes it just helps to get a bit of advise from other dog owners who might be a bit more in the know than me. We only found out about him last week so i have had a week to absorb the idea of it all. One thing is for sure, if its the right thing to do i.e his temperament is good, they get on & he is a dog i can consider safe for my kids when they get a bit older then i dont mind paying the money, getting the right dog & playmate for our dog is paramount - the last thing i want is to have issues & then find a new dog has to be rehomed. i just wanted to see what others thought about it. Our newfie is my first dog in a long time so i am a bit rusty, but learning as i go. In my ignorance, i did think show dogs would be trained but it seems i was mistaken. I dont think we want to have puppies, infact the breeder told me that we cant have puppies because she was sold as a pet & if we want to have puppies then we have to register her as a breeding dog etc. Does anyone know how much it costs to desex a male dog of this size? I have thought about rescue dogs, but the whole temperament issue comes into it & knowing how gentle this breed is (even though they are huge)puts my mind at ease a little bit. Our newfie does jump up alot, but she is totally loving with no aggression whatsoever - i was hoping because he is from the same breeder that he will be equally as loving. Does anyone know where we could find out if there are any newfie's that need to be rescued - just in case things dont work out with this dog? Either way - i really appreciate everyone taking the time to help me out - we are meeting with the breeder on monday so i just wanted to make sure i get as much info & advice before i go - i really dont want to jump in to a decision as it would only be worse for the dog. Edited June 11, 2011 by StormTrooper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budgiew Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 The Newfoundland club of New South Wales do rescue and rehome. Perhaps give them a call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 Now that you've said you have a baby on the way, I would agree with a couple of other posters - now is really not the time to be bringing another dog home, of any kind. And definitely not an undesexed dog when yours is undesexed, you will be very busy with your other children and new baby and may miss your dog coming on heat .... with the normal consequences. Having just rescued an ex showdog who has had 4 homes in his 4 short years, although the RSPCA desexed him, his new owners didn't allow him in the house. They were the ones advertising him for sale and I bought him. Housetraining is a major drama and he knows how to walk on a lead for a short while but is then all over the place. It is likely to be all too much for you in the coming months so my advice is no, it is not fair all round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karly101 Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 You mentioned that having another dog would solve problems? What are they in particular? Because getting a 2nd dog would most likely mean double the problems! You sound like you are going to have your hands full very soon and I'm not sure it would be the right time to get another dog which will require a lot of time (even adult as there is always some retraining involved) and money. Perhaps some money would be better spent getting a dog walker to come round or to provide some enrichment toys? And then once you are settled and in the swing of things you could look into getting a rescue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budgiew Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 You mentioned that having another dog would solve problems? What are they in particular? Because getting a 2nd dog would most likely mean double the problems! You sound like you are going to have your hands full very soon and I'm not sure it would be the right time to get another dog which will require a lot of time (even adult as there is always some retraining involved) and money. Perhaps some money would be better spent getting a dog walker to come round or to provide some enrichment toys? And then once you are settled and in the swing of things you could look into getting a rescue? Yes,I agree .Wait and see how things are after the baby arrives. You can always go with rescue later.Are you worried your current dog will miss out on attention when the baby comes?Is that why you feel she needs a friend now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) Ex show dogs make wonderful pets if they have been housetrained as puppies. Many are but some aren't so it is a question that needs to be asked up front. In some breeds like Labradors, a lot of breeders have waiting lists for young adult dogs from previous owners who want the breed again but not the hassles that go with raising a puppy. With young adults up to about 3 years, there is no reason that they should be cheaper than a puppy. You are still getting a young dog with all the benefits of the training and socialisation that has gone into them. So if a puppy is $2000 I think you should expect to pay the same for a 2 year old. Many show dogs are also obedience trained as well, so don't just assume that they can only run around a show ring. However, with a second baby due and then two under two years I think you are nuts to even consider another dog at the moment. Watching two kids around one dog is going to be a lot of work. Also if your girl was sold as a pet, then she needs to be desexed. Think again about another dog in about 3 years time. I also recommend spreading out the ages of dogs, especially giant breeds that don't live very long, or you could end up losing them very close together and that is tough. Edited June 11, 2011 by dancinbcs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 So you have a 'teen' bitch who jumps a lot...is probably due to come in season ..and needs walking .. and company? ( and work to teach her to NOT jump) Unless this dog is VERY calm and well mannered with you .. with this extra information about your bitch (jumping and 'loving' ) he may be a lot of extra work .. he may also learn the jumping behaviour,and he probably has bad habits your bitch will learn . Two great gallumphing bodies doing zoomies around your yard/house .... is that something you've considered? Also - I presume newfs are like other dogs.. and get vocal when they play. Two WOOFs may not be ideal with bubs trying to sleep ;) Entire males do have different characters to bitches... and you WILL need to separate them when she starts coming in season !!! Has she been in season yet? if not .. she may well do at any time ...not sure about the breed exactly - but first season may well be 12-14 mths . A nightmare waiting to happen Why do you think your bitch needs a friend? is she not allowed as much indoors , or not walked or played with much now ? Is she being destructive or restless.. or does she just sit around looking 'bored' ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StormTrooper Posted June 11, 2011 Author Share Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) Thanks dancinbcs for the info on the cost - the breeder seems to have alot of integrity so i assumed it would be a fair price, but on the same token i wanted to hear from someone in the know just to be on the safe side. I have been a bit niave in the past with other things so that information & the other stuff you posted helps alot. Thanks persephone for all the other information - i am starting to figure out there is alot to learn. I wouldnt even know what to look out for with regard to comming on heat. the reason i say that i thought it would solve some problems is because when we bought her i had a young baby, but i planned that even though i would have restricted time with her during the day it would only be until the baby was a bit older & she was trained enough not jump etc around the baby. So i always made sure i spent at least an hour with her everyday while the baby slept. She couldnt come upstairs where our main living area is because i was told it would be bad for her bones so she should stay away from stairs for at least nine months - so long story short while she was young she couldnt really be around me all day & only had limited time with me & a walk with my husband every night. I thought this would only be temporary and then i fell pregnant again - this time she kept jumping up on me so i had to restrict playing with her during the day & she has only had my husband walking her every night for the last 4 months or so. We have taken her to obedience training but i am guessing that what she needs is me teaching her not to jump up regularly - which is hard for me at the moment due to my pregnancy. So basically, for a breed that loves to be around others i feel like i have let her down. I want to be with her during the day & i will be able to once the baby is born - but then i wont have as much time with two babies - so i feel i owe it to her to get her a friend so she has some company during the daytime. Our house is a bit strange, i.e it is on a hill & you walk directly in to the upstairs living area & then downstairs we have a whole other living area that leads onto the backyard. So the dog doesnt come inside during the day (due to her jumping all over me when she is near me) so she stays outside during the day & then when my husband gets home he walks her & spends a bit of time with her. he sees her in the morning as well, but only for a little while. If we had two dogs they would both be outside during the day most days, but my ultimate goal is to have them inside more & more. I dont know what else to do, i feel responsible because i bought her knowing they love company - but it has turned out that she seems lonely in the daytime & i want to fix that if i can. I thought that if she had a friend she would be occupied during the day & then they could both have walks at night & then soon i'll be able to spend time playing with them during the day...........i just feel like i have let her down. i know i have asked alot of questions, but i am going to ask one more; considering that she is alone during the day until my husband comes home from work, & it will remain this way for the next 2 & a half months at least - is it fair on her to have her alone for such a long period (6am to 7pm). Once i have this baby then i can try to have much more contact with her during the day - but my time will still be restricted. if i can get the jumping under control she can be upstairs with me alot more. The alternative is to have her spend more time outside, but with a friend. Edited June 11, 2011 by StormTrooper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animal House Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 You need to spend time training her not to jump. Before you even think of getting another dog, because she will be even more riled up and excited with another dog to chase/play with. With another dog around, it will make it very hard to train her and you may well have 2 misbehaving giant breeds. Please reconsider getting another dog right now, and put some training into this one. Or pay for a behaviorist to come and show you how to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budgiew Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) Is there a way you can put up a safety gate so she can come inside and be near you and see you but be separate from the babies and not under foot.If you are not going to breed her;consider desexing.Her hormones may already be changing in the lead up to her heat.When she is on heat,she will smell and you won't want her in the house.All the dogs in the area will dig,climb,and scale the fence to get to her.Are you prepared for that. Edited June 11, 2011 by budgiew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 the money you want to outlay for a 'friend' will provide a behaviourist/trainer to show you how to calm her down/.entertain her/have her indoors as part of your family ...then you will only have ONE dog to walk/get vet treatment for /train/feed/board /towel dry/groom........ I'm afraid I agree with Caz... Please reconsider getting another dog right now, and put some training into this one. Or pay for a behaviorist to come and show you how to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baby Dragon Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) I really recommend K9 Pro www.k9pro.com.au if you decide to look for a behaviourist. Edited June 11, 2011 by Baby Dragon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ons Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 I agree with Persephone and Caz - wait a bit until your babies are older. I would think that there will always be an older newfie or other dog looking for a home. Your breeder may even run on some pups and decide that when they are a bit older that they aren't show quality and looking for pet homes for them. Persephone's idea of getting a professional in to train was good. Consider a dog walker to walk the dog during the day as well. Getting another dog will not guarantee that the two dogs will get on and play together. My main priority at the moment would be to try and reduce the 13 hours a day that your dog spends alone, although some dogs spend 100% of time stuck in a backyard with no attention. It seems your dog is now older enough to walk up the stairs, what is stopping you buying a x large crate and having the dog inside in the crate at times during the day. Your dog will be then with the family but not in the way. also although with two babies it can be difficult, can you plan some outside activities so you are outside with the dog for part of the day. Can you teach the dog to walk beside the pram whilst you go for a walk with your littlies in the pram? Some professional trainign in this respect would be good. I would be concentrating on enriching the life of the dog that you have now rather than getting another dog at this stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 Ons beat me to it. I was also just about to suggest a crate in the house for her so she can be near you without knocking you or the toddler over. Once the baby is born it would be handy to have her crated near you for part of the day so when the babies are asleep you can take her out of the crate and do a few minutes training several times a day. You are much more likely to find the time if she is near you than if you have to go downstairs and outside. Then when the babies need your undivided attention, you could put her outside for a while. She doesn't need another dog, she needs you and some training. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 I wouldnt even know what to look out for with regard to comming on heat. Not sure how I missed this . PLEASE reconsider getting this male , until you are competent at understanding the girl you have and please get her speyed ..... unfortunately, being unaware of important stuff like seasons.... can lead to unwanted pregnancy and all that entails Also - if you haven't been paying attention to her..and noticing what is going on under her tail when grooming her,etc... there is a chance of you also missing signs of infections/problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StormTrooper Posted June 11, 2011 Author Share Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) my husband has noticed blood - he looks after grooming her etc, & we thought that might be part of the process but we werent sure. But apart from that i would not know any other signs to look out for. we have had a behaviourist come in a few times, but to be honest it didnt really help us that much. I might look into the one that is mentioned by baby dragon, the one we had was a waste of money & all he wanted to do was have us come to group training sessions instead of focusing on us in our home. He came here once & then every other time he asked us to come to group training instead. Our dog is well looked after by my husband, so he is pretty switched on with how she is physically, but neither of us has had an undesexed female dog before so that part of it is a bit new. She has regular check ups at the vet & we know what stuff to look out for with regard to grooming & keeping her clean etc. We have a baby gate up, but its at the top of the stairs (the only place to really put it as our upstairs area is all open plan - so its very uncomfotable for her to sit on the top stair & watch us. After reading everyones posts, i am reconsidering getting her another dog as a friend - there is obviously alot of things to consider with having two dogs that i wasnt aware of & i really appreciate everyone giving such great advice. i have taken it on board. We will have a look at the other dog & think it through - but i think the idea of having her crated here with me in the house might also be a good one - but i cant do that until i am no longer pregnant as she gets so excited she jumps all over me & i cant risk any accidents being so pregnant at the moment. I have considered a dog walker for the day & i might look into this again. Just until the baby is born & then i cant start to think about having her inside in her crate. Thanks everyone - you are all very helpful. Edited June 11, 2011 by StormTrooper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 (edited) my husband has noticed blood - he looks after grooming her etc, & we thought that might be part of the process but we werent sure. But apart from that i would not know any other signs to look out for. Not meaning to sound rude... but when exactly did he notice it ... and is there ANY time around then that she was left alone ..or ran off in a park or anything? She could have been mated without you knowing , that's my concern.... have a read here for more about 'seasons' LINK LINK Whatever person you paid to help you doesn't sound the right choice. Steve (K9 pro ) would be the best person to contact ASAP , and he will advise you . until i am no longer pregnant as she gets so excited she jumps all over me & i cant risk any accidents being so pregnant at the moment. and , yet, you are still considering adding another youngish BIG dog to the mix????? I think it would be much more benefit for your pup/dog to have her 'pack' around her, paying her attention , and sharing their life with her inside .. and MUCH more benefit for you in working at getting a well behaved and calm big fluffy who can be a companion inside with you... and a walking buddy/playmate outside . She will not be either of these if you get another dog and leave them both in your backyard ... and that would be sad. Edited June 12, 2011 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budgiew Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 (edited) When she is in heat you will see discharge of blood stained fluid,female passage-vulva-and the vulva will swell,enlarge and becomes firm.Discharge will drip down between the hind legs.There will be a strong odour.You will need to keep her secure so no other dogs can get to her.Have a chat to the vet and find out the cost of desexing.I don't know if this can be done if she is already in season.If you bring the other dog home,or take her to visit him and he is not desexed,she will very likely get pregnant Edited June 12, 2011 by budgiew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mason_Gibbs Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 (edited) Gremlins double post Edited June 12, 2011 by Mason2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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