Renascene Bulldog

[Bullybreedlover]

True??that's good as I don't like seeing dogs live on chains but can also understand them being on one while at work because you never know what they will get up to. But good luck on the campaign. I can truly see everyone who is a part of this community is a die hard dog lover. Cheers

Very die hard LOL

And yes, there is a lot of work in NZ improving the lives of dogs and getting them off chains. What tends to happen with chained dogs is they go on it as pups and live on till they die. That is NO life for a social animal.

Yes I can see how that is bad but my friends dogs are only on chains while at work. Not just dogs there to make the place look nice. This is all good info and by the time I'm ready to get a dog hopefully this forum will help me to be a good owner and more aware of a dog's needs.

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

I don't like seeing dogs live on chains but can also understand them being on one while at work because you never know what they will get up to.

Me neither.

My brother used to chain his dog. It was very afraid of thunderstorms - would completely freak out and bolt. And jump the fence - while still on the chain. He came home one day to see his dog hanging by her neck. Not quite dead yet but working on it.

Chains aren't the answer to keeping your dog safe. Or anyone else safe. And some dogs are also adept at getting out of their collars.

https://positively.com/articles/fatal-dog-bites-share-common-factors/

There is a movement to get more farm dogs into runs. Runs are easier to keep clean and dry and the dog is not risking neck injuries. But runs need dig proof floors and roofs, and shelter. Same as having a dog loose or chained by it's neck on the back of utes is going out of fashion. More and more there are special dog pens on the backs of utes. Or dog rides in the cabin - that's always fun if you're the extra passenger.

[Salukifan]

True??that's good as I don't like seeing dogs live on chains but can also understand them being on one while at work because you never know what they will get up to. But good luck on the campaign. I can truly see everyone who is a part of this community is a die hard dog lover. Cheers

Very die hard LOL

And yes, there is a lot of work in NZ improving the lives of dogs and getting them off chains. What tends to happen with chained dogs is they go on it as pups and live on till they die. That is NO life for a social animal.

Yes I can see how that is bad but my friends dogs are only on chains while at work. Not just dogs there to make the place look nice. This is all good info and by the time I'm ready to get a dog hopefully this forum will help me to be a good owner and more aware of a dog's needs.

On the chaining issue, you will find this website a good read. There are also plenty of formerly life chained dogs looking for homes on the adoption page - many are bully types.

Most of us work full time and raise pups. You just have to put a lot of effort into raising them when you are around and try to get someone to give them a lunchtime feed when they are little bubs

Edited March 8, 2016 by Haredown Whippets

[persephone]

;) if your mum wants a dog - maybe let her choose what will suit her abilities & living arrangements? Then there will be no pressure on your toddler - the dog will be Grandma's , which may be helpful.

if your daughter just isn't keen on most dogs - then that is her choice . :) Doesn't really sound as though she is scared, like I read originally .

If you read some of what is on this site while you are deciding.... It has lots of good info, like the following excerpt :

No matter how well chosen your dog is and how good the source, if your child is behaving in ways that stress, threaten, challenge, or tease a dog, that dog could develop issues.

Remember, a dog will react to his environment. There is no magic pill or surgery that will stop undesired behaviors. No matter what you will be told; there is no such thing as a non-biting dog. Therefore, my questions to you are: how much work are you willing to do to find the best canine match? How much work are you willing to put into your child/children to help create a harmonious relationship? Even the most tolerant dog can be pushed into a bite. The best dog for a family with children is carefully chosen, from a caring source, entering a family that is fully prepared to meet the needs of the dog and with adults willing to work to create a harmonious child-dog relationship.

[Bullybreedlover]

Maybe your daughter's perception is being influenced by the fact so many of the dogs she meets are chained up?

My son is 2 in June and he adores all dogs, they are the highlight of his day. He has been raised to see them as a family member to love, enjoy and respect. I imagine mostly seeing them chained up outside would not have encouraged him to develop the same level of interest.

The only dogs she will actually see on a chain are the ones at home when we visit my friends In the weekends the dogs will be off the chain I think maybe she just isn't interested in dogs. My son who is 4 never had a problem with dogs and he has been brought up and raised in the same house with the same dogs on the same chains. Her cousin was the same and got use to dogs from her dad buying her a pup which was a rottweiler, but people didn't recommend my mum getting a pup as it will not help my daughters dislike/fear or what ever it is.

[Scottsmum]

Why on earth would you get a dog and then keep it on a chain?

Actually.... I think this is one of those ... jandals / thongs things here ;)

Lots of dogs seem to be chained up over here - I think it's much more common. Very broad generalization from me - but there you have it. If my neighbours dog is in the yard unsupervised she's chained. Allowed in the house when they're home but not allowed to have free run of the yard when her mum isn't home.

We bought and tried a chain for young Scott - before he decided to sing the song of his people when ever it was produced. :/

Lots and lots in this post between Snooks comments on page 3 and my reply. Um. Really simple very general observations here;

Dog culture - very different here in NZ - especially having come from Inner west Sydney. Mates in dog obedience class agree - really different culture.

lots of dogs in my local area chained within their yard. *might just be where I live*

Low fences - absolutely where I live - almost all our fences are 4 foot chain mesh - there are whole streets I don't walk down for fear of dogs jumping.

General level of fencing differnt. You know we looked to buy before we were placed in this house - not a single house had colourbond the way we do it at home. I'm sure there's at least one colourbond fence in NZ - but again - fences are different here. *Side note - one day I'll write a list - it's way deeper than chilly bins V Esky and Jandals V Thongs. :)

Thanks for the info guys, obviously I'm new to this and welcome all criticism. From what I've gathered getting a pup will not help my daughter get use to dogs, puppy's will destroy your house and shit every where and will jump up on people most importantly my daughter.Even though it has helped one of my nieces get over her fear of dogs. It also sounds to me like you have to be at home 24/7 to look after your dog which I am not as I have a job and also if it a bully breed it needs a strong leader and plenty of walking so maybe rottweilers neopolitan mastiffs, bull mastiff, American bulldogs and put bulls are different as I have friends with these breeds who also have jobs and are not what I would call a leader to their dogs but a father or friend like figure. These dogs are also mainly on chains but are good around people and good with kids and we're raised from pups around children. What I have been told in real life from people I know and from what I've seen seems alot different to the information iv received, maybe my friends are bad dog owners but their dogs seem to be very fine to me and the dogs seem as happy as any other dog I've seen. Can yous help explain this maybe they were just lucky with the dogs they got but I doubt that. Cheers

Bullybreedlover - to address your post:

A pup MAY NOT help your daughter and might make her a lot worse. Why risk her happiness and the life of a dog to "just find out". Your daughter is young - You're probably better off waiting for her to be a bit older for lots of reasons and there have been lots of other suggestions on adopting older dogs and other options made here. If it was me - I'd be giving her one to 2 years I think - 3-5 is a great age to "get your first dog" - she'll be old enough to discuss it with you, old enough to understand what's going on, old enough to "help" and to "train it: (my nieces get a real kick out of getting my dog to sit and fetch).

About certain breeds needing strong leaders - dogs kinda don't see us as their parent or friend. Even though my user name is "Scotts mum" I'm not his mum - I'm his "pack leader" (Well - that's what I try to tell myself) - and when I don't (kindly and gently) assert myself as such he walks all over and and think he rules the roost - and he's only a fox terrier. Other breeds are known for being headstrong and stubborn.

There is A LOT of knowledge on this board. When someone says "oh this breed tends to be very this / that / what ever" it pays to take note. AND if that person has made an observation which others don't agree with then - yup - they'll be told ;)

Again - regarding the chain thing - I recently moved from Australia to NZ - I was quite taken back by the difference in fencing standards and that a lot of dogs (at least around my area) are in runs or chained far more often than home - Please note that's a huge general observation. I think it's handy to have a dog who will happily chain up if needed but it would really be far more optimal to have a safe yard which is dog proof for them to enjoy.

About that bolded part - Fine is totally subjective. You'll see a lot of strong opinions here - from very passionate people we all have different opinions of what "fine" is - for the most part.

As an example - We've lived in our suburb for 3 months now and I know on my street we have at least 15 dogs - my own included. Almost all of them are large dogs (doberman puppy, huntaway pup, akita looking thing, 2 staff cross things, a husky, the two fattest rotties I've ever seen 4 small and fluffies and something that looks like a clumber spaniel) our street is in an odd spot where you can only walk one way in and out so I take the same walk at least once a day (I go for a drive other days when I get bored).

Other than the dobe puppy who's out for a walk most days, and the akita looking dog who gets taken somewhere for car rides every so often NONE of the dogs (appear) to be are regularly walked and I'm home all day most days and walk my own, as I said at least once a day around home - sometimes twice).

So to the other owners - leaving the dogs in the yard is obviously fine - to me it's not.

anyhow - looks like the thread has given you lots of things to think about :)

Edited March 8, 2016 by Scottsmum

[Bullybreedlover]

Why on earth would you get a dog and then keep it on a chain?

Because if your dog gets off your property the man from the pound will get it and then you will have to pay to get it back again so why not have it on a chain???

Why not have proper fencing and treat your dog like a family member, unless of course you having working dogs on a rural property?

What's the difference between a working dog and a pet dog?

Working dogs on rural properties have a job to do and aren't usually expected to live in close quarters with children or see strange dogs on a regular basis, such as on walks or at the park, and often don't need to be socialised in the way that suburban dogs are. They spend all day working and are mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day so would mostly sleep in the evening, so being chained during that time would be less of an issue. It's also much harder to fence a rural property to prevent escapes unless you make it a normal yard sized enclosure within the property and you may need the dogs to be able to see the surrounds and bark when there is a threat to livestock on the property, so that may not be feasible. A pet dog's life pretty much revolves around it's people and a working dog's life revolves around working.

Yes we do a lot of work for farmers and those poor dogs will bark all day if they could, stuck in their cage. They seem to listen very well and are very skilled at what they do. They are actually quite amazing I have also seen farmers with children who own their own dogs and seem pretty good with the kids and work.

[Bullybreedlover]

Why on earth would you get a dog and then keep it on a chain?

Because if your dog gets off your property the man from the pound will get it and then you will have to pay to get it back again so why not have it on a chain???

Why not have proper fencing and treat your dog like a family member, unless of course you having working dogs on a rural property?

What's the difference between a working dog and a pet dog?

Working dogs on rural properties have a job to do and aren't usually expected to live in close quarters with children or see strange dogs on a regular basis, such as on walks or at the park, and often don't need to be socialised in the way that suburban dogs are. They spend all day working and are mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day so would mostly sleep in the evening, so being chained during that time would be less of an issue. It's also much harder to fence a rural property to prevent escapes unless you make it a normal yard sized enclosure within the property and you may need the dogs to be able to see the surrounds and bark when there is a threat to livestock on the property, so that may not be feasible. A pet dog's life pretty much revolves around it's people and a working dog's life revolves around working.

Yes we do a lot of work for farmers and those poor dogs will bark all day if they could, stuck in their cage. They seem to listen very well and are very skilled at what they do. They are actually quite amazing I have also seen farmers with children who own their own dogs and seem pretty good with the kids and work.

[Bullybreedlover]

6 foot colour bond fencing contains most dogs safely.

I'd put a dog in a run before I'd put it on a chain.

[Bullybreedlover]

I know I said chain and I'm not to sure what kind of situation every has jumped to but the dogs we have here are on a chain which is attached to some thick wire which will be about 20metres long running down the side of our section with plenty of trees for shade a bowl of fresh water and a kennel with a blanket in it and they get fed. Would this be still classed as bad ownership?

[Bullybreedlover]

;) if your mum wants a dog - maybe let her choose what will suit her abilities & living arrangements? Then there will be no pressure on your toddler - the dog will be Grandma's , which may be helpful.

if your daughter just isn't keen on most dogs - then that is her choice . :) Doesn't really sound as though she is scared, like I read originally .

If you read some of what is on this site while you are deciding.... It has lots of good info, like the following excerpt :

No matter how well chosen your dog is and how good the source, if your child is behaving in ways that stress, threaten, challenge, or tease a dog, that dog could develop issues.

Remember, a dog will react to his environment. There is no magic pill or surgery that will stop undesired behaviors. No matter what you will be told; there is no such thing as a non-biting dog. Therefore, my questions to you are: how much work are you willing to do to find the best canine match? How much work are you willing to put into your child/children to help create a harmonious relationship? Even the most tolerant dog can be pushed into a bite. The best dog for a family with children is carefully chosen, from a caring source, entering a family that is fully prepared to meet the needs of the dog and with adults willing to work to create a harmonious child-dog relationship.

Yes I think maybe scared was a bad word to use. Maybe dislike would have been a wiser choice???

[persephone]

;) if your mum wants a dog - maybe let her choose what will suit her abilities & living arrangements? Then there will be no pressure on your toddler - the dog will be Grandma's , which may be helpful.

if your daughter just isn't keen on most dogs - then that is her choice . :) Doesn't really sound as though she is scared, like I read originally .

If you read some of what is on this site while you are deciding.... It has lots of good info, like the following excerpt :

No matter how well chosen your dog is and how good the source, if your child is behaving in ways that stress, threaten, challenge, or tease a dog, that dog could develop issues.

Remember, a dog will react to his environment. There is no magic pill or surgery that will stop undesired behaviors. No matter what you will be told; there is no such thing as a non-biting dog. Therefore, my questions to you are: how much work are you willing to do to find the best canine match? How much work are you willing to put into your child/children to help create a harmonious relationship? Even the most tolerant dog can be pushed into a bite. The best dog for a family with children is carefully chosen, from a caring source, entering a family that is fully prepared to meet the needs of the dog and with adults willing to work to create a harmonious child-dog relationship.

Yes I think maybe scared was a bad word to use. Maybe dislike would have been a wiser choice???

*nods* using the right descriptions is really helpful .

Anyhow - it's good you're doing homework ... take time , read everything on offer, go around and meet dogs .. and consider that perhaps your little girl just doesn't want a dog yet ?

[Bullybreedlover]

True??that's good as I don't like seeing dogs live on chains but can also understand them being on one while at work because you never know what they will get up to. But good luck on the campaign. I can truly see everyone who is a part of this community is a die hard dog lover. Cheers

Very die hard LOL

And yes, there is a lot of work in NZ improving the lives of dogs and getting them off chains. What tends to happen with chained dogs is they go on it as pups and live on till they die. That is NO life for a social animal.

Yes I can see how that is bad but my friends dogs are only on chains while at work. Not just dogs there to make the place look nice. This is all good info and by the time I'm ready to get a dog hopefully this forum will help me to be a good owner and more aware of a dog's needs.

I'm really glad that you're open to learning and possibly changing your views on how to keep a dog. :)

Yes I definitely am. I remember as a child my grandfather farming and I would always get upset when animals were getting hurt. I believe every living thing has feelngs and should have an equal chance to live a good life

[Bullybreedlover]

Thanks guys for all the help, before starting this forum I was determined that I was going to get a bulldog puppy for my baby, my mother and I. But i have come to realize with the help of this community that maybe my daughter isn't into dogs and just let her get use to them over time maybe and that I should let my mum choose her own dog even though I really want one and just seen the opportunity to get one. Hopefully in a couple years my living situation will be a bit better and my daughter will be older and then I can finally get the dog I really wants. Cheers and thank you, any other info on bully breeds will be good. Seems you're so helpful I will let you know what kind of dog my mother ends up going for and maybe someone will have some poiters in raising it. Thank you

[persephone]

We would love to hear what your Mum chooses - if she needs help , you know where to ask ;)

best of luck -

[karen15]

If you have a dog and work, then you need to be prepared to take them out every day (so they don't decide to go out by themselves when they're alone), play with them and just spend time with them. Mine are pretty much by my side whenever I'm home. That's their choice. At the moment the pup is doing his own thing in the backyard. No doubt he'll come in covered in mud again. Luckily he is a self cleaning white fluffy!

Obedience training is really important, especially when you have kids. They need to be able to control the dog to some extent too. I have very specific things I train into my dogs. I will not accept people, food or toy possessiveness. A recipe for disaster if a child takes a bone or toy off a protective dog. My staffy was gorgeous and would always offer visiting dogs some of his bones :) Staffies have a reputation for holding on when they grab something. Not good if your dog gets into a brawl (mine never brawled). So my guy learnt to hold as well as having a cue to release. He used to love holding onto his rope and being twirled around. Fun game. Staffies are vocal players. I didn't want a grown dog growling when it played (that's just inviting viciousness accusations) so if he growled I stopped playing. He soon stopped growling.

As I said I love the breeds you've mentioned. But they can inflict major damage so you have to be dedicated to putting the hours and hours into them to make them good canine citizens. To me it is unacceptable to say I have to run around after the kids, so the dog will stay in the yard as it can amuse itself. Generally dogs left to their own devices are destructive and / or barkers and / or escape artists.

To keep your dog happy and content while you aren't with them, I walk them for an hour or a bit longer first thing in the morning. The staffy used to do 15-20 mins frisbee after his morning walk. Then they get a fresh bone every day to chew during the day plus toys plus problem solving treat toys to stimulate their minds. Exercising them in the morning helps tire them out a bit so they sleep while I'm not there. Weekends are even more fun than week day puppy park. Weekends are for exploring, going to the creek or beach, having doggie fun.

The staffy didn't have 6 foot fences. Most of his when younger were under five foot. He didn't escape as he had his exercising and socialising needs met daily. Actually, that's a fib. His first unsupervised outside time at three or four months, I went to check on him after a couple of minutes and couldn't find him. Ran out to the footpath a saw him across the road, smack in the middle of a school football comp, having a wonderful time. After retrieving him I discovered the bottom of the diamond wire fence hadn't been attached to the rail. So that was fixed immediately.

[Christina]

The choice of a bully breed is mine and am starting to feel a bit selfish and may need to look a chiuawawa or something.

A Chihuahua is not a good choice for a 2 year old & most breeders would not sell you one. They are so small & fragile a 2 year old tripping over it or falling on it could kill it. They are also not the best bomb proof temperament, lovely as many are, for a small & nervous child. Think it through very carefully.

Many 2 year olds are uncomfortable around dogs & its not a full blown fear. When my 2 year old granddaughter is here I have to put my dogs out & have just one quiet one in. They get giggly, silly or scared if the dog gets silly.

If you wait until your child is about 5 & at that age where you can train both dog & child how to interact it will be so much easier for all 3 of you.

A pup cannot obey & understand all that is required in behaviour, interaction & reasoning & neither can a 2 year old. It sounds like she is just too young not fearful.

[Guest crazydoglady99]

Hey Bully breed lover..

I just popped in to say 'good on you' for being so receptive to new info. Not everyone takes advice so readily!

Good luck with whatever you & your mum decide on ;)

I have 3 kiddoes - ranging from 0 to 8years and my suggestion is to wait till they are around 5yrs old - but that's just my 2 cents :)

[Mjosa]

My great grand daughter who is three has always been a bit timid with the Frenchies as when they get excited, I think to her, they sound like they are not aproachable, different story with my eight year old Italian Greyhound, Tosca is quiet and usually is an ornament on the couch, Ivy has always loved her and whenever she comes over for a visit the first thing she asks for is where is Tosca, the two of them are either on the couch or just walking around the garden, just lovely to see, so Frenchies are put in their crates when she is over for a visit.

[Bullybreedlover]

6 foot colour bond fencing contains most dogs safely.

I'd put a dog in a run before I'd put it on a chain.

I have just had a look at the runs and they look like the dog is in prison, I think maybe people mis interpreted what I meant by a dog on on a chain. I feel that at least the dog isn't looking out of his cage feeling like he's alone. At least these dogs on chains can have a run around and enter their kennels if need be.