Dog Advice

#1
n_huffhines

n_huffhines

I want for you what you want for immigrants
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#1
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.

BorderTerrierOscarSophie.jpg
 
#4
#4
Apparently Benji was a mutt, but it would appear likely that a Border Terrier was part of the equation. Benji was hairier.
 
#7
#7
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!
 
#9
#9
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.
 
#10
#10
nbakerld said:
The closest breeder is in Arizona so we won't be able to meet our potential puppy beforehand.
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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
 
#11
#11
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).
 
#12
#12
YorkVol said:
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).
Click to expand...

Agreed, minimize the investment and ensure you are ready to take on a "Terrier" breed that is high energy.
 
#14
#14
YorkVol said:
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).
Click to expand...

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.
 
#18
#18
I wouldn't start out with a terrier.. I hope he doesn't get anxious when you leave.. Tear the house to hell... I have some hounds, coon dogs, but my best dog ever, and without a doubt the smartest is my red heeler, also called Australian cattle dog... It descends from the Indian wolf and dingo, 95 percent of breeds come from the European wolf, which may explain the heelers intelligence and other notable qualities
 
#21
#21
YorkVol said:
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).
Click to expand...

Supposedly they don't shed much, and the prices we are seeing are about half that (so probably $700-800 with shipping). Are you familiar with this breed?

My family had a dog, and so did my wife's family, but we haven't been sole caretakers.
 
#22
#22
PuntBamaPunt said:
Have you considered a rescue?
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I like the idea of rescuing, but I don't like the idea of adopting damaged goods. The only 3 people I know who rescued ended up with crap dogs. One has seizures where she throws up and craps everywhere (like seriously, all over the walls, etc.), another is the worst behaved dog I've ever seen, the other was so stupid it didn't even know its name and ran away every chance.
 
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#24
#24
nbakerld said:
I like the idea of rescuing, but I don't like the idea of adopting damaged goods. The only 3 people I know who rescued ended up with crap dogs. One has seizures where she throws up and craps everywhere (like seriously, all over the walls, etc.), another is the worst behaved dog I've ever seen, the other was so stupid it didn't even know its name and ran away every chance.
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I can put you in touch with my Vet friend who will get you a great family dog (as he did for me). Most rescues are not "damaged goods," but simply mixed breeds that won't sell and people can't take care of. We got Mazzy when she was about 8 weeks old and she has been nothing but loving and healthy from day 1. You could tell that she had never been abused or neglected.

If you are interested, let me know. He will take care of shots, spay/neuter, and guarantee that if it doesn't work out, he/she won't end up in a pound.
 
#25
#25
nbakerld said:
Supposedly they don't shed much, and the prices we are seeing are about half that (so probably $700-800 with shipping). Are you familiar with this breed?

My family had a dog, and so did my wife's family, but we haven't been sole caretakers.
Click to expand...

Of course, we are all familiar...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgqtDkKfQ_U&feature=related[/youtube]

Wired hair dogs have to shed a certain amount since their hair only grows to a certain length, but I suspect that since they are small their shedding is nominal and hard to notice.

We bred Golden Doodles for a while so we looked at the various issues with a variety of breeds. My understanding (from a few years back) is you'll want to reinforce your fence as Border Terriers are diggers from their days hunting rats and foxes. They need exercise and lots of it. Set yourself up as the Alpha Male so they don't get to anxious about who is in charge and make sure you spend the time training them every day.

Good that you have some experience, I was concerned you could be jumping into something that you weren't ready for...have fun.
 
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