Dog Advice

[n_huffhines]

My wife and I have never had a dog. We've done a lot of research and determined the perfect dog for us is the Border Terrier. The one thing I haven't done is talk to anybody who has owned a dog of this breed, so I'm hoping for some input. It's a rare dog, so if you know anything about them, that'd be useful. The closest breeder is in Arizona so we won't be able to meet our potential puppy beforehand.

[possumslayer]

Buy lots of peanut butter
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[possumslayer]

Benji?
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[n_huffhines]

Apparently Benji was a mutt, but it would appear likely that a Border Terrier was part of the equation. Benji was hairier.

[hmanvolfan]

[flyfishinvol]

Will it be an indoor dog?

[SmokeySteve]

Watch some Dog Whisperer shows. Also, see if they have a Bark Busters near you. They are a dog training company (originally Australian) that come to your house. First thing they do is train the owners about wolves, dogs and pack mentality. Very useful stuff.

The actual breed is less important except for issues like energy level, shedding and medical conditions prevalent in that breed. Training and handling dogs is similar for all breeds.

Bottom line is time. You have to put lots in to get results.

It is worth it, there's a reason they are called Man's Best Friend. Good Luck!

[n_huffhines]

Originally Posted by flyfishinvol

Will it be an indoor dog?

Yes. Only about 15 lbs when adults. We have about 2000 square feet, and we are active. From what we read, they do well indoors.

[GmanTN]

I have yet to meet a terrier that was not hyper and in need of lots of attention. My last dog was a rat terrier, great dog, smart, would hunt anything that moved but was a livewire if he was awake.

[utvolpj]

Originally Posted by nbakerld

The closest breeder is in Arizona so we won't be able to meet our potential puppy beforehand.

I honestly wouldn't worry about that much if it comes from a reputable breeder. My dad ships puppies all over and never has an issue

[YorkVol]

So first time dog owner and you are going for a very active shedding breed? And going to spend upwards of over $1000 to get it?

Did you consider getting a small long haired mixed breed from the pound as a trial? That way you aren't overly invested and can see if you even like being a dog owner. Once you go through a year with a mutt then you can get the other dog as a companion (which also helps with the energy thing).

[CopperHead_Vol]

Originally Posted by YorkVol

So first time dog owner and you are going for a very active shedding breed? And going to spend upwards of over $1000 to get it?

Did you consider getting a small long haired mixed breed from the pound as a trial? That way you aren't overly invested and can see if you even like being a dog owner. Once you go through a year with a mutt then you can get the other dog as a companion (which also helps with the energy thing).

Agreed, minimize the investment and ensure you are ready to take on a "Terrier" breed that is high energy.

[mcompton]

Originally Posted by possumslayer

Buy lots of peanut butter
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LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..or maybe I just took it the wrong way...

[kiddiedoc]

Originally Posted by YorkVol

So first time dog owner and you are going for a very active shedding breed? And going to spend upwards of over $1000 to get it?

Did you consider getting a small long haired mixed breed from the pound as a trial? That way you aren't overly invested and can see if you even like being a dog owner. Once you go through a year with a mutt then you can get the other dog as a companion (which also helps with the energy thing).

I was recently talked out of a "designer breed" by a Vet friend, and we ended up rescuing the best darned family dog I've met. She is mostly Boxer, with perhaps some Lab/Pit, as well. Didn't cost me a dime, and he even covered all of her puppy shots. It isn't uncommon for Vets to have a rescue program like this in place. Check around.

[PuntBamaPunt]

Have you considered a rescue?