Great Dog For First Dog Owners

[patrickoll]

Hi all,

My girlfriend and thinking of getting a dog and we are unsure what is a 'good' dog for first dog owners. I understand that different dogs are best suited for different people.

We have a massive back yard and consider ourselves as active people that would easily be able to walk the dog much more than once a week, but we also want one that is low maintenance and have a good temperament.

We are also planning on training our dog so a quick learner would be great too :-)

[Zug Zug]

Are there any breeds that you like the look of?

I know this sounds a bit shallow, but some people like bully type breeds, other people like fluffy breeds, others like dogs that look like farm dogs, etc.

That will help us narrow it down. There are breeds in each of those categories that could be a good choice for first timers.

If you have a big yard and are fairly active - does that also mean you'd prefer a larger or medium sized, more active dog?

Just a few thoughts to help get the ball rolling:

- flat coated retriever (if you like mid-large sized, friendly sporty dogs)

- Australian Shepherd (if you like a farm-type looking dog, and like to train your dog to do tricks)

- Hungarian Viszla (if you like a mid-large sized, sporty lean looking dog - they are very nice to train and the girls in particular a favourite at obedience clubs)

- Whippet (if you like an athletic, lean and sweet-natured dog that is less boisterous)

All of these breeds would need daily exercise, not weekly.

Also - do you have any allergies? If so, that can be a really important issue when choosing breeds (and is the reason I have a standard poodle - also a smart and active breed, but certainly NOT low maintenance)

Edited November 19, 2012 by Zug Zug

[persephone]

:) Great idea..doing your research ..

These questions may help you decide ....

is a daily walk possible?

Can you do daily training sessions (short)?

Will dog be sleeping indoors?

Are you renting?

Do you have secure fences?

Are there dogs next door?

Are you willing to pay to have your dog professionally groomed every 6 weeks?

Any allergies?

[ann21]

I may be wrong, but I think just about any breed needs at least a daily walk. If not for exercise then for mental stimulation. The dogs don't have the Internet or tv like we do, so imagine being indoors for more than 24 hrs. I think I would go abit loopy if it were me ;).

[tdierikx]

My dogs would rather a drive around the block than a walk... lazy buggers!

As for the suggestions of a good first time dog... how about a retired Greyhound?

T.

[Aphra]

I'd suggest you look for a slightly older dog (say 2+), small to medium-size, with an easy going temperament and moderate exercise needs. Breed isn't really as important as the right temperament, but if there is a breed which you really like, look for an older one who needs a home. If you want a purebred dog, breed rescue for that breed is a great way to go. If you're not fussed about breed, then a nice, well-tempered mutt who has been in foster care would be a good choice.

Look for a dog who is really social with other dogs, has a bit of basic training and enjoys people. If you're active and want to have some fun with training a mellow older Kelpie can be heaps of fun. The right temperament is more important than breed, but you might be better off avoiding breeds which are more challenging to own such as the northern breeds or livestock guardian types.

We wrote a bit of a blog post to guide people into where to look for a new pet, but there's a little advice on choosing one as well: http://www.headingforhome.asn.au/an-agreeable-friend/

Good luck with your first dog, it's such a lovely thing to become a dog owner. :-)

[mixeduppup]

If you want a puppy get a puppy, but get from a reputable breeder that will match you and give you ongoing support. I can't really suggest a breed without knowing more.

[dancinbcs]

If you have never had a dog before then an older trained dog is a better option than a puppy unless you are prepared to ask almost daily questions of the breeder about how to raise a puppy. It can be done but most people get it wrong and the dog is the one show suffers. The breed listing here on DOL have a section in each breed for older dogs and these are usually failed or retired show dogs, so most are well trained and socialised. Just make sure you get one that is housetrained. The options for which breed are much greater if you get an adult because you will already know exactly what the dog is like in temperament and attitude.

A few things to keep in mind is that most breeds have been bred with a purpose and retain the instincts that has been bred into them. Herding breeds chase things that move, sighthounds also chase, scenthounds will follow a scent for miles if they get out. Sledding dogs tend to run and keep running if they get out, terriers dig and were mostly bred to kill smaller animals. Gundog breeds are easily distracted by birds and small animals and guard breeds need to have an owner who can control what they guard. There are some purely companion breeds among the smaller ones as well.

So you need to decide how much energy you want the dog to have, how much you want to groom it, how big is the space you have for it and how much you can afford in food and vets bills, etc. The bigger the dog the bigger the cost to keep it.

[Maddy]

My dogs would rather a drive around the block than a walk... lazy buggers!

As for the suggestions of a good first time dog... how about a retired Greyhound?

T.

That's what ours prefer, too :p

There's been a few "walks" that have ended with me staggering slowly towards home, trying to carry a 30+kg dog because he's le tired and doesn't want to walk anymore.

Trips in the car though.. best thing ever.

[huski]

None of my dogs are lazy but I rarely walk them. I do lots of other things to make sure they are mentally and physically stimulated - walks wouldn't tire the pup out anyway!

[HazyWal]

My dogs would rather a drive around the block than a walk... lazy buggers!

As for the suggestions of a good first time dog... how about a retired Greyhound?

T.

That's what ours prefer, too :p

There's been a few "walks" that have ended with me staggering slowly towards home, trying to carry a 30+kg dog because he's le tired and doesn't want to walk anymore.

Trips in the car though.. best thing ever.

Stan is the same. I'm always dragging him home saying "come on Stanley" and he has often tried to get in random peoples cars at the beach carpark

[megan_]

If you like easy care, littering walk a few times a week etc, then a greyhound fits the bill.

[megan_]

Pottering walk, not littering! Damn you autocorrect

[Salukifan]

I think it helps a bit to consider the character of the dog you want to live with and the lifestyle you'll lead with the dog.

Do you want a dog that's affectionate and follows you from room to room or do you want a dog that's more independent?

Do you mind a dog that's always going to need firm boundaries or do you want a 'softer' dog.

Do you want a dog that's protective or aloof with strangers or do you want a dog that thinks everyone is their friend?

Do you want a dog that's always looking for something to do or a more laid back dog?

What size dog do you want?

How house proud are you? Is hair and slobber a complete turn off?

Will this dog be allowed inside or be an 'outside only' dog?

Will you take the dog to training?

I don't think there's a "great dog" that suits all first time dog owners because owners are so different!!

Edited November 19, 2012 by Haredown Whippets

[Inevitablue]

Its so hard to give you advice without knowing your personality. OK, you might have never had a dog before but you might have bucket loads of common sense and take to dog ownership like a duck to water.

You might go and get a softer breed which then you find your too active for. I'd jump in the car and go to a couple of local dog parks in your area and just observe the dogs, look at what personalities appeal to you. Then when you know what your attracted to - a bold dog or a soft one, or one which is super switched on then head to a dog show and get chatting.

I have cattle dogs, which most people would say no way for a first timer, but if you are active, like smart dogs and are happy to put in some training they might suit you to a tee. Just like with any breed research who you want to buy your dog from.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Inevitablue

[Pretty Miss Emma]

I don't have a breed recommendation but I will second the idea of getting an older dog first.

My first dog was only a few years ago, she was 9 years old when I got her. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time together (3.5 years only ) but she was a brilliant introduction to life with a dog. She was trained, she was beautiful and she taught me a lot about the breed - so much so that she got me addicted and now I have 2 young ones!! I found it really good to experience life with a dog before having to deal with life with a puppy - so much more of a handful!!!

I have to say I'd love to be in a situation to also add a GAP greyhound to my family but that would be a while off - I'll just try to talk some of my friends/family in to that so I can get a fix!!

[ann21]

None of my dogs are lazy but I rarely walk them. I do lots of other things to make sure they are mentally and physically stimulated - walks wouldn't tire the pup out anyway!

Heh okay I stand corrected! :)

[Sares]

I don't have a breed recommendation but I will second the idea of getting an older dog first.

My first dog was only a few years ago, she was 9 years old when I got her. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time together (3.5 years only ) but she was a brilliant introduction to life with a dog. She was trained, she was beautiful and she taught me a lot about the breed - so much so that she got me addicted and now I have 2 young ones!! I found it really good to experience life with a dog before having to deal with life with a puppy - so much more of a handful!!!I have to say I'd love to be in a situation to also add a GAP greyhound to my family but that would be a while off - I'll just try to talk some of my friends/family in to that so I can get a fix!!

Agreed, an older dog would be easier and an fabulous introduction to life with a dog. Plus you would be giving an older dog a second chance.

Also, puppies are HARD WORK! I have a very stubborn Frenchie going through adolecense at the moment.. She is like having a teenage daughter that likes to make as much mess as possible! Even with her daily walks! But in saying that, they are very smart and low on activity level.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Sares

[Dame Aussie]

My dogs would rather a drive around the block than a walk... lazy buggers!

As for the suggestions of a good first time dog... how about a retired Greyhound?

T.

That's what ours prefer, too :p

There's been a few "walks" that have ended with me staggering slowly towards home, trying to carry a 30+kg dog because he's le tired and doesn't want to walk anymore.

Trips in the car though.. best thing ever.

Stan is the same. I'm always dragging him home saying "come on Stanley" and he has often tried to get in random peoples cars at the beach carpark

:laugh: :laugh:

[dezzyno.1]

I had never had a dog before and then 3 1/2 years ago Dezzy came into our lives....he was 18 months old and had been obedience trained....I now have three dogs and love them all.....I feel that if I had of had a puppy things would have been a lot different with not knowing on what to do....I joined our local obedience club and have not looked back....we do obedience and have just started rally-o....in winter we also do tracking and Dezzy and I have gained our tracking dog excellent.....one more track and we get tracking champion.....I would recommend getting an older dog and making sure you go to your local dog club for training....when I first started at the dog club Dezzy knew what to do but I didn't and I learnt a lot.....We went from group 1 to group 4 (which is all offlead work) in less than 12 months cause as the instructors said Dezzy knows what to do but I didn't and I had to learn.....also if you have questions re: health, feeding etc dogz online is the best place to ask these questions as everyone is very helpful :)