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My girlfriend has been dropping hints about getting a labrador for a long time, ive decided im going to try to get one sorted as a christmas present - anybody have any advice on picking a dog?

A few people i have spoke to have said this is a bad time to buy a dog as they can be farmed for christmas.

She has had dogs her whole life and knows a lot about caring for them and that side of things, but I have never had to actually buy a pet and it is proving difficult enough to find a breeder.  What price should I be expecting to pay?

Any advice more than welcome...  Thanks!

A bitch will cost you more money than a dog, and generally if you want to get her fixed, its more expensive and a more invasive surgery than getting a dog neutered. Labs are great dogs, but they are really really high energy. Ive two golden retrievers myself, before that my first dog was a springer spaniel. If youve got a good fenced yard a lab will do well, but it'll still need alot of walking, or play time where it can really tire itself out. If it doesnt get this you run the risk of it developing all sorts of interesting behaviour that might be funny at the start, but can turn into real problems later on.
Most good breeders will make sure the dog is right for you, and that you can give it what it needs before letting you leave with it. Ive a cousin breeds chocolate labs in tyrone, If you are interested PM me and Ill get you his details (if he has any pups).

Sorry, things I forgot to suggest about picking a dog:

1. Meet the parents, and maybe the grandparents. Make sure they arent neurotic, or dont have any hip/elbow joint problems (big trouble with bigger breed dogs)
2. Ask how many times the bitch has been bred in the last year. Many breeders over breed their dogs for profit, but its obviously not a great idea.
3. Pick one that will compliment you and your wifes personality.
4. Try and get a guarantee of health, to where if the puppy gets sick, or develops some major health issue in the first 6 months/year, the breeder will guarantee you a pup from the next litter.
5. Get two of them, it makes it easier on you and on them when you arent around! The trouble and fun my two boys get into just cracks me up. ;)

Id also suggest the local shelters, a rescue dog will be the most grateful unconditional loving friend you and your girl might ever have.

Quote from: Puckoon on October 25, 2007, 05:29:43 PM

Id also suggest the local shelters, a rescue dog will be the most grateful unconditional loving friend you and your girl might ever have.

I agree , rescue a dog, you wont believe the satifaction you get from rescuing an animal.

Our yard should be fine, has a good high fence the whole way round. The girlfriend had a couple of labs growing up and seemed to get really attached to them alright.  

So do you know how it works then with trying to arrange one for christmas?  Will the breeder hold on to the pup until it gets close to christmas or would I have to lift it and try to keep it with family.  Dont like that second option as it couldnt be to nice for the pup moving about like that.

Thanks Puckoon, will pm ya now...

not sure where you are in the country pearses but there is a very reputable lab man in Tandragee - Keith Matthews who could get you a good lab.  His contact details are under www.copperbirch.net  (http://www.copperbirch.net) He specialises in gun dogs but knows all the right things to look for in a domestic pet.

Typically you need to watch for Hip, Elbow and Eye scores on parents and grandparents of anything you buy.  Check the breeds and make sure its not great one side and terrible on the other side.

Labs are a great dog, full of energy and very protective and loyal.  Look into it and make sure your house or yard is prepared for the dog and you yourself have the time to train it.

Seriously give Matthews a look, he will only introduce you to good stock.

Iceman, I got my dog in Tandragee, though not from him. Instead I got a wee Cairn Terrier.

I went up to see the all the pups and to see the pup's parents and grandparents. I then picked a pup that best suited my personality. She's a mad wee thing!  :D

Make sure you get the documentation on the dog.

QuoteInstead I got a wee Cairn Terrier.

Greatest animal in the world.


:(

Quote from: pintsofguinness on October 25, 2007, 11:42:57 PM

QuoteInstead I got a wee Cairn Terrier.

Greatest animal in the world.


:(

Why the sad face?

Had one for about 13 years, before he got sick and died in my arms  :(

She's looks class, mine wasn't that lively, 20 minutes of going mad was followed by seveal hours of rest.  He was on the lazy side, a bit like me! 
He was about 10 when he tried it on with a german shepard, the bitch wasn't having any of it and nearly killed him, ruptured his bladder and all this, several hundreds of euro later he was almost back to his best but was never the same.  It probably shaved a few years of his life.  He took a stroke or something one day,  couldnt walk or drink and I thought I'd have to get him put down but he fought back and came good, did well for a few weeks but then he started having a few funny turns and he died during one a couple of days later.
Nightmare

Don't think I'd get another dog. 

Quote from: ziggysego on October 25, 2007, 11:49:19 PM


Had an English Springer Spaniel when I was a young cub, but unfortunately she was knocked out on the road and killed when I was in hospital in England. Was heart broken, they are like members of the family.



[

Have a 14 year old springer at home in Ireland, shes well on now. Dad reckons she might not make it through to the summer. Great dogs. Dogs are just great in general. So much happiness out of them, and they only want to ever do the right thing and please you. I wish they let dogs into stormont.

Quote from: Puckoon on October 26, 2007, 12:11:13 AM
Have a 14 year old springer at home in Ireland, shes well on now. Dad reckons she might not make it through to the summer. Great dogs. Dogs are just great in general. So much happiness out of them, and they only want to ever do the right thing and please you. I wish they let dogs into stormont.

You're right there Puckoon. I had her back in the day when I could walk, albeit it, not too good. She would welcome everyone by jumping up on them and placing her two paws on their chest. Very friendly. Instinctively she knew, without anyone telling her, that she couldn't do that will me. Instead, she would walk over to beside me and then let me rest on her. If I wanted to move, she would follow me, providing support if I needed it.

Intelligent breed of dog.

Chesapeake Bay retriever. Need to be out shooting every day to keep the fecker happy though...

Donagh,
Dog must have been gutted when peace broke out in the wee six.
Oh that kind of shooting, ok...

QuoteId also suggest the local shelters, a rescue dog will be the most grateful unconditional loving friend you and your girl might ever have.

Have 2 rescue dogs, wouldn't change them for the world, one is the oddest looking you'll ever see, a cross between a corgi and a labrador.....short legs, long body and a massive head  :D

Last week I seen a cross between some type of big dog and a wire terrier.It was big like a lab but had a terriers head stuck on top of it.Still, a very nice natured creature according to the way he was acting.
I have a golden retreiver,she was sterilised at 7 months and it was expensive though worth it so keep it in mind.Any dog not used for breeding should be fixed, male and female.I worked one time in the dspca in dublin for a few days on their weelend event tent (lights) and seen the sad affect of letting dogs breed uncontrolled.
A rescued animal is something really worthwhile and when I have room I will add one to the gang.My dog is afraid of the neighbours cat, both are the same age and the cat scratched her when they were both small, she never forgot and will always walk well around the cat now.My brother inlaw has a stray that arrived in his yard last year, it had been treated badly and dumped.It would not leave and he started giving him a bit of food, today the dog is very happy and protects the new baby in the house like a prized possession when visitors arrive, very calmly nudges them away from the pram.

Our family in Ireland had a Jack Russell for nearly 17 years.  It survived being run over by the neighbour (accidentally I might add) and poisoned.  It finally keeled over and there was much weeping at the event. 

I don't know if it is a yarn but I once read you should look at the roof of the mouth of the dog.  If it is black it is the sign of a healthy animal.

In Ireland, and the UK, Jack Russells are still not recognised as a breed I believe, and as such are pretty cheap.  However, here in dumbfcuk Oz, clowns pay upwards of $A500 (over £200) for what is basicaly a mongrel.  Ah they do amuse me, my (new) fellow Aussies.

Aerlik,
a jack russell is indeed a well known breed and a real one can cost a bit as can any purebred animal.Sounds like you are not enjoying australia too much.Is it summer there yet?

Mannix since when did the Jack Russell become an official breed as stipulated by the Kennel Club?  I read somewhere the Reverend Jack Russell was in the midst of fine tuning the breed when he passed away, thus meaning the animal was not officially recognised.

Aus. is grand.  Helping pay the mortgage.

Aerlik, i will not argue with you.I always believed they were a well recognised breed.We had one as kids until a P and T van took care of him.I lived in ny and seen lots of jrterriers in apartments and houses and the owners would relish telling me how they were purebred so I assumed they were onto something.Still, they are a nice little dog even if a little feisty.
Is there much money to be made with when the exchange rate is taken into account in aus?  How long are you there and will you be staying?

We'll not talk about the exchange rate.  Very sore point.  Been here 6 years and now (drum roll from Evil Genius...) a citizen as of last Wednesday.

Congratulations.Sorry to hear about the exchange rate.
G'day tucker.

near 2 pages in, and i cant believe no-one has said to ask gerard Cavlan................

ASK GERARD CAVLAN  :)

One of our dogs was a dalmation. The dumbest dog I ever had, well compared to the collies.
But I haven't had a braver dog. He would stand his ground chest out and never bow to vastly superior forces.

In summer time we regularily had a posse exercising what they though was their right to cross our yard, 5m from our front door.
The collie would just run in circles barking, the horses wouldn't take a blind bit of notice but when the 9 month old dalmation went out he would stand right in front blocking the way and barking like thunder claps, force the horses away and create mayhem.
They stopped coming after that.

Main Street, wasn't the Dalmation originally bred to act as a guard dog for horse carriages, being tethered to the back of the buggy?  They have great stamina.

Dont know about the breeding, they have a huge chest so maybe thats where the stamina comes from, they also have large paws.
They would also stop the bullit meant for you.

We have a yorkie and a puggle. The puggle is a rescued animal and is absolutely brilliant. When we took him they told us he wouldnt shed, they lied the bastards, serves me right for not doing me homework.

my better half is on to me about getting a dog as well, we live in the country so I'd be looking for a good guard dog thats also has a  good temperament with kids any ideas lads.

I hate f><King dogs!!!!!!!

Quote from: the Deel Rover on October 27, 2007, 09:41:46 AM
my better half is on to me about getting a dog as well, we live in the country so I'd be looking for a good guard dog thats also has a  good temperament with kids any ideas lads.

Border Collie, very smart (mind readers).
Protective, will sniff an intruder from a long distance, make a lot of noise but wont eat them and won't eat your kids either.

thanks for that main street

Quote from: Main Street on October 27, 2007, 01:21:10 PM

Quote from: the Deel Rover on October 27, 2007, 09:41:46 AM
my better half is on to me about getting a dog as well, we live in the country so I'd be looking for a good guard dog thats also has a  good temperament with kids any ideas lads.

Border Collie, very smart (mind readers).
Protective, will sniff an intruder from a long distance, make a lot of noise but wont eat them and won't eat your kids either.

Border collies are a good dog, but have the tendancy to be crazy, they need alot of work to keep them sane. If it wasnt for the fact that my better half hadnt ever had a dog before, Id have gone for a german shepherd. Quite possibly the most loyal, protective guard dog breed there is. No intruder will even think about bettering one, and when you see them with your kids, its quite amazing how gentle they actually are. Any dog thats trained well will not hurt you or your family. I know families with Rottweilers, dobermans and german shepherds all with little kids. The trick is in treating the dog right and not creating any issues with it. On the other hand, you have what Ive got, the golden retriever. This dog will bark like crazy at anyone that comes near, but when they get real close to the dogs, they'll wag their tails and take the intruder right to where Ive hidden the money.

QuoteQuite possibly the most loyal, protective guard dog breed there is. No intruder will even think about bettering one, and when you see them with your kids, its quite amazing how gentle they actually are. Any dog thats trained well will not hurt you or your family.

My family have two German Shepards - all the things you say but I wouldn't trust them with children. 

Whats a saint Bernard like, i have no fear of Dogs except once when i had to leave something off at a friends house i didn't realise he had bought a dog. I went around the back next thing this big mother of a dog started walking towards me barking like fcuk i just got into my car and left there was no way he was letting me in, however the next day i went back and my friend was there he was as playfull as anything.

Interesting pints, each to their own I guess.

Quote from: pintsofguinness on October 27, 2007, 03:14:09 PM

QuoteQuite possibly the most loyal, protective guard dog breed there is. No intruder will even think about bettering one, and when you see them with your kids, its quite amazing how gentle they actually are. Any dog thats trained well will not hurt you or your family.

My family have two German Shepherds - all the things you say but I wouldn't trust them with children. 

I guess theres two trains of thought. This was discussed before on here somewhere, and I recall O'Neill saying that dogs were meant to be outside all the time (rather poor paraphrasing there). Shepherds really want to be part of the family, alot of shepherd owners when I lived in Ireland (infact a lot of bigger dog breed owners) leave their dogs outside ALL THE TIME. I think thats fine if thats what you want, but you dont get the best of your animal, infact sometimes it creates issues like aggression, constant barking and whining and trouble with the dogs. An outside dog doesnt get any pack leadership, because its alone alot of the time. Protecting its own turf.
In any situation where Id be in charge of a shepherd, Id trust it as much as I would trust any other dog.  I mean a quick google will tell you a horror story about a german shepherd biting a kid. But im sure theres one about labs, collies, golden retrievers. Guess it all depends on the dog, and the individual/familly that owns it.
I think they key point is that dogs require training. If you dont mould them into your way of thinking, how can you shape their behaviour. Take any trained police dog, you can bet the house on it its not going to bite ANYONE without a command to do so.

Quote from: the Deel Rover on October 27, 2007, 03:36:57 PM
Whats a saint Bernard like, i have no fear of Dogs except once when i had to leave something off at a friends house i didn't realise he had bought a dog. I went around the back next thing this big mother of a dog started walking towards me barking like fcuk i just got into my car and left there was no way he was letting me in, however the next day i went back and my friend was there he was as playfull as anything.

My neighbours got two. They are the same age as my pups (8 months) and already they weigh a combined 210lbs. This guy has had them all his life, they are very friendly, but like any dog, will bark at intruders. Slobber alot, eat alot, shit alot, die relatively early.

QuoteI guess theres two trains of thought. This was discussed before on here somewhere, and I recall O'Neill saying that dogs were meant to be outside all the time (rather poor paraphrasing there). Shepherds really want to be part of the family, alot of shepherd owners when I lived in Ireland (infact a lot of bigger dog breed owners) leave their dogs outside ALL THE TIME. I think thats fine if thats what you want, but you dont get the best of your animal, infact sometimes it creates issues like aggression, constant barking and whining and trouble with the dogs. An outside dog doesnt get any pack leadership, because its alone alot of the time. Protecting its own turf.
In any situation where Id be in charge of a shepherd, Id trust it as much as I would trust any other dog.  I mean a quick google will tell you a horror story about a german shepherd biting a kid. But im sure theres one about labs, collies, golden retrievers. Guess it all depends on the dog, and the individual/familly that owns it.

Well ours would be guard dogs but they're treated like pets, they wouldn't be outside all the time (I don't agree with that anyway) and they've people around most of the time.  Very friendly and very playful with ourselves but if a stranger comes about they have a very different side and I've no doubt they would attack to protect any of us or anything belonging to us.  That's not a role they were ever trained in it came naturally for them.  If you've children about, particuarly young children, they can pull at the dog or be rough, I wouldn't be confident of a German Shepard not reacting. 

QuoteWhats a saint Bernard like,

No, a nuisance.  Couldn't touch them without having to change your clothes and giving them about three washes to get rid of the slabbers and the hair.

looks like i won't be going for a st Bernard

Quote from: pintsofguinness on October 27, 2007, 04:09:19 PM

QuoteWhats a saint Bernard like,

No, a nuisance.  Couldn't touch them without having to change your clothes and giving them about three washes to get rid of the slabbers and the hair.

So this thread IS about the talent in renshaws then? :D

Quote from: Puckoon on October 27, 2007, 04:38:55 PM

Quote from: pintsofguinness on October 27, 2007, 04:09:19 PM

QuoteWhats a saint Bernard like,

No, a nuisance.  Couldn't touch them without having to change your clothes and giving them about three washes to get rid of the slabbers and the hair.

So this thread IS about the talent in renshaws then? :D

sounds like a classy joint puckoon :D

I haven't come across a more gracefull and elegant dog around children than a collie.
But whatever you get the children will love it. The kids should also be taught in how to take care of a dog, exercise, the obedience and rewarding, feeding and cleaning.
If you have a girl then there are clumsy thick slobbery dogs I wouldn't go near, the dog should have some cute factor.

For protection it depends on what you need. If I'm outside, the dog will let me know if the phone is ringing or the pot is boiling over. I like to have the dog to let me know when there is a car turning in our road.
Also the dog should be able to tell the difference between cars, even in stormy weather, if its one of our cars, or a friends, or strangers  (serious danger alert) or just the post. It would seriously piss me off if the dog barked at everything that moved into our zone. A good dog remembers.
I don't want an agressive dog around my house, I just want a dog to let me know loud and clear when there is a stranger and then I'll welcome the stranger.

Has anyone else noticed the dog behaviour website advertisment beneath the page?

Quote from: Sandy Hill on October 27, 2007, 01:20:13 PM
I hate f><King dogs!!!!!!!

Takes all sorts. I love them.

I was bitten by a jack russell when I was 4. I dont remember it, but I remember being petrified of all dogs (my cousins all had dogs) until I was about 14 and we brought home our first family pet.
Some people keep dangerous breeds for status, no doubt. I dont know that Id put a greyhound in that class though. Just because a dog is a certain breed though, doesnt mean it should be feared. I really like bigger breeds. Hope someday to own one of most of them, except for the bull terriers. Not a terrier fan.

Quote from: hardstation on October 27, 2007, 07:31:55 PM
Got chased by a greyhound when I was about 10. Pure dunged the togs. It took me a while to get over my fear. I still hate those bastarding 'hard man' dogs. Why do people even keep them as pets?

theyre nuthin compared to the female supporters of some clubs in northe derry - thed eat u alive :D

Quote from: stew on October 27, 2007, 07:09:41 PM

Quote from: Sandy Hill on October 27, 2007, 01:20:13 PM
I hate f><King dogs!!!!!!!

Takes all sorts. I love them.

Try pigs they are much cleaner, but you can always try the old reliable , sheep

Quote from: hardstation on October 27, 2007, 07:46:33 PM
Nah, I don't mind greyhounds now. That was the only time that I have seen one out on it's own. It broke out of a neighbour's garden. It's those bull something or other. They are owned by fat, tatooed skin heads.
About a year ago this fecker came running at me barking like fcuk and was about to ate the shite out of me. It's woman owner shouted, "He'll not touch you". Like fcuk missus and I hit it a kick. "Don't kick him" she shouts. The fecker came back for more and received another boot in the mouth. She was disgusted and started giving off to me. I told her politely that if her dog has another go at me I am going to kick her. Stupid aul bitch!

Theres feck all eating in you hardstation!

Yeah, the pit bulls are generally owned by arseholes, and they never get them fixed, so the shelters over here are coming down with pitbull mix and pitbull dogs. They still need a home though. Maybe down the line Ill consider one. I just dont think they are that great a dog. But I could be convinced. The sister in law has a pit mixed with a lab, its like the biggest lab in the world with a head like this:

(http://www.nympho-girl.com/PresaHead.jpg)

Still though, wee feckers like this being put down is a real killer for me:

(http://www.the-proper-pitbull.com/images/waitingforadoption.jpg)

Quote from: hardstation on October 27, 2007, 07:46:33 PM
"He'll not touch you". Like fcuk missus

the most commonly told lie by dog owners
that and "the child must have provoked my dog"

Quote from: gaagaa on October 27, 2007, 07:53:48 PM

Quote from: hardstation on October 27, 2007, 07:46:33 PM
"He'll not touch you". Like fcuk missus

the most commonly told lie by dog owners
that and "the child must have provoked my dog"

Well you see that line can be true to an extent, but it shouldnt ever be used as an excuse. I was having breakfast about a month ago with Mrs Puckoon and the two boys outside a resturaunt at the tables on the patio (some places let you take animals to eat if you are sitting outside - reno is pretty dog friendly). Anyways, this woman with 2 kids came down, maybe 5-6 years old. The dogs were sleeping at my feet, and I dont know if it was being startled, or if it was the size of the toddler, but my smallest retriver gave a couple of good barks at the woman and her two kids. Then to top it all off, as I was trying to make him be quiet, the other pup (who just wants to say hello to everyone), got loose on me and ran over to say hello to one of the girls. She started screaming her head off. The dogs hadnt done anything wrong, the children hadnt done anything wrong, and Im pretty sure Mrs Puckoon or I hadnt done anything wrong. Never the less I felt so guilty about startling the children that I paid for their breakfast. I still get red thinking about it. I couldnt look at the pups the rest of the day, and they knew they'd done something wrong (even though they hadnt).

what do those words mean tram? chavvy/skangy

Quote from: hardstation on October 27, 2007, 08:08:51 PM
Synonyms of w*nk*rs Puckoon.

This is the right idea.

(http://www.crokcity.com/images/notes_Guinness_Cu.jpg)

I bet ya the dog's owner is out of the picture shouting, "He'll not touch ya".

No no, that dogs particular owner is inside entertaining and eating and drinking the bit out! One thing is right, they have the irish weather down in that picture!

Quote from: Puckoon on October 27, 2007, 08:06:03 PM
what do those words mean tram? chavvy/skangy

Think along the lines of the Belfast Spides and you'll not go far wrong.

Quote from: hardstation on October 27, 2007, 08:08:51 PM
Synonyms of w*nk*rs Puckoon.

This is the right idea.

(http://www.crokcity.com/images/notes_Guinness_Cu.jpg)

I bet ya the dog's owner is out of the picture shouting, "He'll not touch ya".

This thread is about renshaws, thats me outside it, beating the armagh beauties off with a big stick! ;)

QuoteAbout a year ago this fecker came running at me barking like fcuk and was about to ate the shite out of me. It's woman owner shouted, "He'll not touch you". Like fcuk missus and I hit it a kick. "Don't kick him" she shouts. The fecker came back for more and received another boot in the mouth. She was disgusted and started giving off to me. I told her politely that if her dog has another go at me I am going to kick her. Stupid aul bitch!

He probably wasn't going to touch you.  Dogs can sense fear and a lot of them will have great sport with you if they think you're scared.
If you lifted your boot to my dog I'd kick you round the place myself.

This boy I know was bragging a some time ago about catching the neighbours dog in his garden and stoning him back to his own house, a few days later he'd to go to the neighbours and the dog took a lump out of him - a couple of weeks after that he'd to go back and the dog took another lump out of him - how I laughed! 

Quote
Well you see that line can be true to an extent, but it shouldnt ever be used as an excuse. I was having breakfast about a month ago with Mrs Puckoon and the two boys outside a resturaunt at the tables on the patio (some places let you take animals to eat if you are sitting outside - reno is pretty dog friendly). Anyways, this woman with 2 kids came down, maybe 5-6 years old. The dogs were sleeping at my feet, and I dont know if it was being startled, or if it was the size of the toddler, but my smallest retriver gave a couple of good barks at the woman and her two kids. Then to top it all off, as I was trying to make him be quiet, the other pup (who just wants to say hello to everyone), got loose on me and ran over to say hello to one of the girls. She started screaming her head off. The dogs hadnt done anything wrong, the children hadnt done anything wrong, and Im pretty sure Mrs Puckoon or I hadnt done anything wrong. Never the less I felt so guilty about startling the children that I paid for their breakfast. I still get red thinking about it. I couldnt look at the pups the rest of the day, and they knew they'd done something wrong (even though they hadnt).

Who started screaming, the child or the mother?
I think children should be arounds animals from when they're babies.

We have two Springers at home - Kila and Fionn, absolutely fantastic dogs, real family dogs and totally child friendly, also have the "cute" factor.
Used to have Irish Red Setters, again fantastic dogs, Really intellegent, except when it came to cars!  :'(
Always remember when I was younger, the dogs used to leave dead animals (birds, mice, rabbits,etc) at the back door step!
Remember having to get rid of about half a dozen chickens remains when I was about 12 when we were down at my Grannies, was scared that if anyone seen the chickens the dog would get put down!
Ah the good old days.

Quote from: pintsofguinness on October 27, 2007, 09:41:39 PM

QuoteAbout a year ago this fecker came running at me barking like fcuk and was about to ate the shite out of me. It's woman owner shouted, "He'll not touch you". Like fcuk missus and I hit it a kick. "Don't kick him" she shouts. The fecker came back for more and received another boot in the mouth. She was disgusted and started giving off to me. I told her politely that if her dog has another go at me I am going to kick her. Stupid aul bitch!

He probably wasn't going to touch you.  Dogs can sense fear and a lot of them will have great sport with you if they think you're scared.
If you lifted your boot to my dog I'd kick you round the place myself.

This boy I know was bragging a some time ago about catching the neighbours dog in his garden and stoning him back to his own house, a few days later he'd to go to the neighbours and the dog took a lump out of him - a couple of weeks after that he'd to go back and the dog took another lump out of him - how I laughed! 

Quote
Well you see that line can be true to an extent, but it shouldnt ever be used as an excuse. I was having breakfast about a month ago with Mrs Puckoon and the two boys outside a resturaunt at the tables on the patio (some places let you take animals to eat if you are sitting outside - reno is pretty dog friendly). Anyways, this woman with 2 kids came down, maybe 5-6 years old. The dogs were sleeping at my feet, and I dont know if it was being startled, or if it was the size of the toddler, but my smallest retriver gave a couple of good barks at the woman and her two kids. Then to top it all off, as I was trying to make him be quiet, the other pup (who just wants to say hello to everyone), got loose on me and ran over to say hello to one of the girls. She started screaming her head off. The dogs hadnt done anything wrong, the children hadnt done anything wrong, and Im pretty sure Mrs Puckoon or I hadnt done anything wrong. Never the less I felt so guilty about startling the children that I paid for their breakfast. I still get red thinking about it. I couldnt look at the pups the rest of the day, and they knew they'd done something wrong (even though they hadnt).

Who started screaming, the child or the mother?
I think children should be arounds animals from when they're babies.

Pints the child started crying and trying to climb up the mother, who in turn started saying, oh shes so scared of dogs, you shouldnt have let yours go. I was mortified, it was a complete accident. The best of it was, poor Elvis was just sittin there at her feet waggin his tail.

That's why children should be around, not only dogs, but animals from when they're babies.

puckoon that's the post of the month ;D ;D ;D

Grew up with dogs all my life. Mostly "Jack Russells"...wicked wee cnuts but very loyal. Nasty to strangers.
The most intelligent animals I have ever come across are "sheepdogs"...usually border collie mixes.

I have a choc lab now. VV smart..easily trained..fantastic with children. Need loads of exercise though. Barks like fcuk at someone coming to the door and when they come in will lick them to death!! Best looking dog in the world IMHO.

(http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:avxp_CBuabZJ2M:http://clinton2.nara.gov/WH/kids/images/buddy2.jpg)

Ah Jayzus lads the bit about Renshaws and the follow up gags have left me with tears streaming down my face in fits of laughter.  Very, very funny.  

The one and only time I have been bitten by a dog was by a Border Collie belonging to the neighbours...  I was 13 at the time and 'twas a cold November day in the hoors owner's pratie field and I had just managed to fill my box (one a day) for the grand sum of £1.50, only for the tight-arsed auld git to come along and deny me 25p as it wasn't full enough for the spuds to be falling off the top.  On the way out of the field I made the mistake of going over to Ringo to say my farewells and assure him I'll never lift another spud for his owner when the hoor made a drive for me and nipped me on the knee.  The deal was sealed.

Main Street one of our Jack Russells was just as you suggested a dog should be, ie. able to distinguish between friend and foe.  He knew the sound of all the friendly cars and God help you if you tried to get into the house if he didn't recognise either your voice or your car.  They have arguably the worst eyesight in any dog breed.  (Mind you when your bred for the purpose of going down a dark hole after some smelly hoor call Rennard you don't need good eyesight.)  For a few years we would graze a few dozen sheep over the winter and to get over the lack of a Lassie or Laddie my brother decided to train the Jack Russell.  He would take the dog's favourite limegreen tennis ball with him, go to the gate, tease the dog for about a minute, get the attention of the sheep, then launch the ball with my hurl into the field towards the sheep.  The dog would tear after the ball hell for leather into the middle of the field, and unbeknownst to him the sheep would see this wee white thing bobbing over the grass towards them and they'd get curious and race towards him.  Well, Jayzus the dog nearly shat himself.  Grabbed the ball and back to the gate like blue fcuk he raced with the sheep in hot pursuit.  The brother would open the gate, the dog didn't stop and raced on towards the yard and the sheep followed.  Problem solved.  Worked everytime.

Whatever you do, stay well clear of those wee feckin Spitz dogs if you have wanes.  Vicious bastards and one of them turned on my wee lad when he was about two.  Luckily for both the dog didn't bite but I drove my boot as hard as I could into the hoor's belly it never came near either of us again.  Feckin cottonwool with fangs.  Fecker.

When it comes to intelligence Border Collies are the pick of the bunch.  I met a lad over here who had a Dingo-Collie cross.  Not only a great looking animal but by far the smartest dog I have ever seen.  I said two from two and it said nothing.

Quote from: pintsofguinness on October 28, 2007, 12:27:42 AM
That's why children should be around, not only dogs, but animals from when they're babies.

All well and good, but completely impractical for a lot of people who grow up in disadvantaged urban sprawls

Back the park is definite urban sprawl.The dogs go around in pairs in that zone.

Quote from: mannix on October 28, 2007, 09:40:28 AM
Back the park is definite urban sprawl.The dogs go around in pairs in that zone.

Touche - but nowhere near as disadvantaged as other areas. If both your parents are alcoholics/heroin addicts then getting pets isn't exactly high up on the list of priorities for the kids you don't look after properly in the first place.

Well obviously Stephenite  ::)

No,only joking.Its not that bad though I have relations that have lived there for years and they say there is a new breed of sc**bag prowling there now.
I was mad when I read about that american footballer fella,Vick, and how he killed the dogs when they were hurt or not good at fighting.I hope he pays for his sins.Some people are just cruel and should not be allowed to have animals.

Quote from: pintsofguinness on October 28, 2007, 09:57:53 AM
Well obviously Stephenite  ::)

The most sanctimonious clown on the internet reaches new levels of condescending tripe - at least you're consistent

What are you talking about? I make a reasonable statement and you come back with "but if the parent's a drug addict"  ::)  ::)

Quote from: pintsofguinness on October 28, 2007, 10:13:13 AM
What are you talking about? I make a reasonable statement and you come back with "but if the parent's a drug addict"  ::)  ::)

I used the drug addict reference in response to Mannix, but there are many, many reasons why some children cannot be introduced to animals at infancy or any other times. It's not as black and white as you seemed to infer in your original post. I was merely making that point - and you respond, to a reasonable point with a  ::) , rather than engage. A trait you consistently use

And I was pointing out that your point was obivous!
What is there to engage about?  Of course if your parents are drug addicts, drunks, struggling to put food on the table (through no fault of their own, if your a starving child in a third world country pets are not a priority! 
I would have thought that's obvious. 

Our mutt is creaking now...legs are wobbling...typical Lab problems...thinking of gettin a pup to keep him company....anyone any experience of bringing a pup into the house with an older dog already there??

Quote from: 5 Sams on May 29, 2010, 12:44:36 AM
Our mutt is creaking now...legs are wobbling...typical Lab problems...thinking of gettin a pup to keep him company....anyone any experience of bringing a pup into the house with an older dog already there??

A bullet through the head should sort him out

Quote from: 5 Sams on May 29, 2010, 12:44:36 AM
Our mutt is creaking now...legs are wobbling...typical Lab problems...thinking of gettin a pup to keep him company....anyone any experience of bringing a pup into the house with an older dog already there??

I had an 15 year old sheepdog, was on his last legs and I also had a pup alsation. They got on fine but it probably depends on the temperament of the older dog cos the pup will be biting and pulling out of him. The labs are pretty easy going so I'd say you'll be fine.

Quote from: 5 Sams on May 29, 2010, 12:44:36 AM
Our mutt is creaking now...legs are wobbling...typical Lab problems...thinking of gettin a pup to keep him company....anyone any experience of bringing a pup into the house with an older dog already there??

Sams ,
Only going on my own experience but I wouldn't do it . We had an Irish setter for 15yrs in the parents house and a better dog I have never met , when I moved out I got one of my own and when I brought the new buck round to the parents he never gave the the aul dog a minutes peace . No malice just to much energy for the aul boy . Maybe if they were under the same roof it might be different but if you are after having your dog for a lock of years maybe he needs his peace and a change to the norm might not be the best thing for him .

I agree with the last poster, we had a wee jack russell bitch for almost 12 years til the brother landed home with a Rottweiler pup. The wee girl just wasn't fit for him, the pup was, and still is a fantastic dog but just too energetic. He was only meant to stay temporaraily til the brother got the house sorted but that hasn't happened. We've since taken another pup from a pound and she's doing great with the Rotty who's now 18 months old and like a donkey. I'm sure sometimes it works but I'd be careful of an old dog and a pup together, I suppose it's about just looking at what you're dealing with at the time.

What the fcuk is going on with that pic of Ziggy on page 1?

Quote from: ONeill on May 30, 2010, 12:22:27 PM
What the fcuk is going on with that pic of Ziggy on page 1?

Just seen that - he must have changed something on his picture viewer  haha

Quote from: ONeill on May 30, 2010, 12:22:27 PM
What the fcuk is going on with that pic of Ziggy on page 1?

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK! Only just noticed that!!  :-[ :-[ :-[

Does anyone have any idea how to stop your dog from following you when you are heading off to work???
Am not keen on tying him up, as he has a tendency to get himself tangled up. 

Quote from: Alco Pup on July 14, 2010, 09:10:28 AM
Does anyone have any idea how to stop your dog from following you when you are heading off to work???
Am not keen on tying him up, as he has a tendency to get himself tangled up.

A belt of a hurl to the side of the head should sort him

Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 14, 2010, 09:11:58 AM

Quote from: Alco Pup on July 14, 2010, 09:10:28 AM
Does anyone have any idea how to stop your dog from following you when you are heading off to work???
Am not keen on tying him up, as he has a tendency to get himself tangled up.

A belt of a hurl to the side of the head should sort him

Lol, am guessing you are not a fan of dogs!  :)

let me rephrase that..

Does anyone know a way that won't result in me being arrested for cruelty to animals, that i can get my dog to stop following me when I'm heading to work?

Am thinking about getting some proper dog training classes, there's someone in Tandragee called Keith Mathews - has anyone heard of him or went to him before?

Quote from: Alco Pup on July 14, 2010, 09:36:29 AM
Am thinking about getting some proper dog training classes, there's someone in Tandragee called Keith Mathews - has anyone heard of him or went to him before?

Yes, I sent my wife to him. She still wont do what I tell her though.

Quote from: Orior on July 14, 2010, 10:36:46 AM

Quote from: Alco Pup on July 14, 2010, 09:36:29 AM
Am thinking about getting some proper dog training classes, there's someone in Tandragee called Keith Mathews - has anyone heard of him or went to him before?

Yes, I sent my wife to him. She still wont do what I tell her though.

I tried that too and it backfired completely. I've now learned how to beg.

LaoisLad is right. Takes a bit of training. Smack the dog on the nose each time s/he leaves your home. After a bit of time, depending how smart your dog is, s/he soon learn not to leave.

Quote from: ziggysego on July 14, 2010, 02:07:52 PM
LaoisLad is right. Takes a bit of training. Smack the dog on the nose each time s/he leaves your home. After a bit of time, depending how smart your dog is, s/he soon learn not to leave.

Same rules apply when dealing with bold kids

I see some logic in Ziggy's advice in regard to the Tyrone dogs, but the 4 legged variety in Tyrone should have more sense and will respond to voice commands when properly trained to do so.

Plan B.  Once your dog gets a whack from a car and lives to run on 4 legs again, then they are trained for life as regards to leaving their patch. I don't know how you could engineer this and still have a living dog, maybe a soft whack in the rear end from a nice wrap around bumper on a car traveling at 20kmph could do the trick.

Quote from: Alco Pup on July 14, 2010, 09:36:29 AM
Am thinking about getting some proper dog training classes, there's someone in Tandragee called Keith Mathews - has anyone heard of him or went to him before?

He's very good, he doesn't train the dog though he trains the owner how to interact with and train their dog, very much a holistic approach so expect to make all sorts of changes to how you treat the dog, those who think of dogs as equal members of the family may well struggle to follow the advice but then thats probably why they have a problem dog in the first place.

Quote from: Alco Pup on July 14, 2010, 09:20:33 AM

Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 14, 2010, 09:11:58 AM

Quote from: Alco Pup on July 14, 2010, 09:10:28 AM
Does anyone have any idea how to stop your dog from following you when you are heading off to work???
Am not keen on tying him up, as he has a tendency to get himself tangled up.

A belt of a hurl to the side of the head should sort him

Lol, am guessing you are not a fan of dogs!  :)

let me rephrase that..

Does anyone know a way that won't result in me being arrested for cruelty to animals, that i can get my dog to stop following me when I'm heading to work?

I don't know think you'll get him to stop following you. Same with a dog that's a the rambling type, you can't stop them.

Can you not close him off in the garden or something?

Quote from: delboy on July 14, 2010, 05:23:09 PM

Quote from: Alco Pup on July 14, 2010, 09:36:29 AM
Am thinking about getting some proper dog training classes, there's someone in Tandragee called Keith Mathews - has anyone heard of him or went to him before?

He's very good, he doesn't train the dog though he trains the owner how to interact with and train their dog, very much a holistic approach so expect to make all sorts of changes to how you treat the dog, those who think of dogs as equal members of the family may well struggle to follow the advice but then thats probably why they have a problem dog in the first place.

These type of people sicken my hole

Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 14, 2010, 06:19:30 PM

Quote from: delboy on July 14, 2010, 05:23:09 PM

Quote from: Alco Pup on July 14, 2010, 09:36:29 AM
Am thinking about getting some proper dog training classes, there's someone in Tandragee called Keith Mathews - has anyone heard of him or went to him before?

He's very good, he doesn't train the dog though he trains the owner how to interact with and train their dog, very much a holistic approach so expect to make all sorts of changes to how you treat the dog, those who think of dogs as equal members of the family may well struggle to follow the advice but then thats probably why they have a problem dog in the first place.

These type of people sicken my hole

Yeah the sort of people that kill/ruin their dog with kindness feeding it rich crap and turning it inot a v. stressed dog by letting them think they are the boss and therefore responsible for the pack/family.

Its well worth getting your dog trained.  But a bit of time is needed.  I used to bring my German Shepherd down to your man in Blueball Co. Offaly who is very good with dogs.  He lets the dog know who is boss and sometimes he seems very harsh on the dog but I suppose you have to be like that to train him.  The only thing is alot of time is required.  I went to him once a week but I had to spend 15 minutes everyday at home training him myself but not long after that 15 minutes turned into an hour a day which is a lot of time when your working and that does not include the time you spend walking/giving your dog exercise.  But maybe for obedience training the time you have to train your dog would be shorter, I was training mine to be obedient and then I was training him as a guard dog which requires alot of work.

Thanks for all the advice guys!

He knows who the boss is, but he is half lurcher! Ever seen a lurcher race a car up a country lane, the fecker is fast!

I had a pen for him in the cattle sheds which he would go into during the day and at night, but he's been turfed out as its needed for a cow which has just calved.

He's happy enough dandering about the farm himself, and he doesn't follow anyone else.  ::)

Am probably just going to have to make a new pen for him until I get to a dog training course.
He's a smart skitter (worked out how to open the latch on gate), so he should pick things up fairly quickly.  :)

I take it that you have a smart Collie?
It's no big deal for a Collie to open a door/gate, the trick is to get them to close it after them.

Nah, he isn't a collie.  He is a rescue dog, a cross between a Jack Russell and a lurcher.... seriously! How the feck did that ever happen??!

  ??? ??? ???

Okay, I kinda presumed that a Lurcher was a Collie mixed with a speed merchant.

Dog Boundary (http://www.gundogsupply.com/consys.html)

Main Street - truthfully have no idea! You could be absolutely right, have no idea what the lurcher mix was.  Some wee man stopped me in the park with him one day asking 20 questions.  He trains gun dogs and was very interested (either that or as nosy as hell).  He thought there might have been husky or lab in him.

Hardy - that is one hell of a device!  I wonder if it could be also used to stop any mates that try to leave the pub before closing time....

Quote from: Hardy on July 15, 2010, 11:33:52 AM
Dog Boundary (http://www.gundogsupply.com/consys.html)

Seen those in action, two fericous german sherperds came steaming at me they weren't long in pulling up when it came to the end of there driveway where the device was, still scary though especially as at the time i didn't know it was there.

The brother has one above in the home place (not necessarily that model - I just googled for an example). It works 100%. In practice, the dog only has to learn the boundary and the collar can be removed, though it's a good idea to put it on once in a while as a reminder.

Quote from: ziggysego on July 14, 2010, 02:07:52 PM
LaoisLad is right. Takes a bit of training. Smack the dog on the nose each time s/he leaves your home. After a bit of time, depending how smart your dog is, s/he soon learn not to leave.

Anybody who resorts to that type of behavior shouldnt be allowed to have a dog.

Quote from: Hardy on July 15, 2010, 12:29:05 PM
The brother has one above in the home place (not necessarily that model - I just googled for an example). It works 100%. In practice, the dog only has to learn the boundary and the collar can be removed, though it's a good idea to put it on once in a while as a reminder.

Im glad to say that these two boyos had the collar device attached at the time.

Had a black lab pup now for just over 2 years and his coat has started to turn brown. I know the owners of the mother and he's definitely pedigree. It happened this time last year too and goes back to black in the winter, but still has a tinge of brown in it. I'm thinking it might just be the summer coat coming through. Anyone know if that's what it is or any ideas on what could be causing this?

Quote from: Mike Tyson on June 09, 2011, 04:52:32 PM
Had a black lab pup now for just over 2 years and his coat has started to turn brown. I know the owners of the mother and he's definitely pedigree. It happened this time last year too and goes back to black in the winter, but still has a tinge of brown in it. I'm thinking it might just be the summer coat coming through. Anyone know if that's what it is or any ideas on what could be causing this?

It's when a dog spends a lot of time in direct sunlight, the coat effectively starts to bleach. Once he sheds that hair it will come back his natural colour (black) and will stay black in winter because of the lack of sunlight. Nothing to worry about, perhaps keep him out of direct sunlight during the day to reduce/stop it.

Or paint it black every summer

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 09, 2011, 05:36:08 PM
Or paint it black every summer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rJeYZkjmAk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Quote from: Alco Pup on July 14, 2010, 09:36:29 AM
Am thinking about getting some proper dog training classes, there's someone in Tandragee called Keith Mathews - has anyone heard of him or went to him before?

Just seen this now - did you ever go to Keith to get your Dog trained? I left my dog with him for 3 weeks and couldn't believe what he done with him. This was years ago before he started wearing that stupid red shirt but he definitely has a gift with dogs.

Thought I would resurrect this thread as I've been embroiled in debate about this today. What are people's views on Lennox the dog? I think it needed to be done but think that PR Wise the Council have note handled it particularly well.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/death-row-dog-lennox-destroyed-by-belfast-council-16183738.html

Quote
Lennox, the dog at the centre of an international campaign to stop a Northern Ireland council from putting him to sleep, has been destroyed.

The family pet was put down this morning after the expiry of a midnight deadline for legal appeals.

Campaigners claim to have 200,000 signatures supporting a reprieve and emotions were running high.

A Belfast City Council spokesman said: "Lennox, an illegal pit-bull terrier type, has been humanely put to sleep. This was in accordance with the Order of the County Court which was affirmed by the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal.

"Whilst there is an exemption scheme to which dogs of this type (pit-bull terrier type) may be admitted as an alternative to destruction, there were no such measures that could be applied in this case that would address the concerns relating to public safety. The Council's expert described the dog as one of the most unpredictable and dangerous dogs he had come across.

"Over the past two years, Council officials have been subjected to a sustained campaign of abuse including threats of violence and death threats. The Council has been in ongoing contact with the PSNI in relation to that.

"The Council regrets that the court action was necessary but would emphasise that the safety of the public remains its key priority."

A statement from Lennox's owners, posted on Facebook before the council announcement, said:

"Despite previous assurances otherwise, we have been denied the opportunity to say goodbye. We have also been told that we cannot collect his body and bring Len home. We have been informed however that we will receive "some" ashes in the mail."

Lennox was impounded by Belfast City Council's dog wardens in 2010.

In June, Northern Ireland's most senior judges rejected Caroline Barnes' legal bid to overturn an order for the destruction of her pet.

Ms Barnes, who is disabled, and her family insisted that Lennox was not dangerous, and while it was not clear exactly what breed he was, pit bulls and dogs like them are illegal in Northern Ireland.

Two lower courts had already ruled that the dog should be put down.

The dog was seized by Belfast City Council dog wardens in May 2010. He was assessed to be a danger to the public and subsequently ordered to be put down.

A former Metropolitan Police dog handler claimed the dog represented a danger due to his unpredictability.

Ms Barnes, 35, had accepted her pet was a pit-bull type, but claimed there had been a failure to properly consider a possible exemption scheme.

Her battle for Lennox became an international campaign to save his life. It went "viral" on social media websites and attracted tens of thousands of well-wishers.

Well-known people including boxer Lennox Lewis and Assembly First Minister Peter Robinson were among those who used Twitter to call for the dog to be spared.

Now I'm in no way a dog person so I may be biased on this but surely if there's any danger of this kind of dog being unpredictable then it needs to be put down whether it's a valued family pet or not?

I am a dog person and I agree with you.

Quote from: Hardy on July 11, 2012, 04:17:18 PM
I am a dog person and I agree with you.

Woof. Woof woof woof. Woof woof woof woof... *stops to lick balls*.... woof woof. Woof.

Quote from: Orior on July 11, 2012, 04:33:23 PM

Quote from: Hardy on July 11, 2012, 04:17:18 PM
I am a dog person and I agree with you.

Woof. Woof woof woof. Woof woof woof woof... *stops to lick balls*.... woof woof. Woof.

I'll admit it you got me to smile there!!!

Council had no choice. These dogs are illegal for good reason. While most make lovely docile family pets, if the odd one goes wrong the results can be devastating for another family's pet or a child. Saw one in action abroad last summer and his owner even took a pasteing trying to restrain him.
Feel sorry for the family but they were naive to take him on as a puppy.
We all know why they are bred but breeding pit crosses like these should be illegal.

Quote from: Orior on July 11, 2012, 04:33:23 PM

Quote from: Hardy on July 11, 2012, 04:17:18 PM
I am a dog person and I agree with you.

Woof. Woof woof woof. Woof woof woof woof... *stops to lick balls*.... woof woof. Woof.

I knew I should have clarified that. I meant I'm a dog lover.

Wait, no ...

The Belfast Tele were saying it would affect tourism.

They should leave their child in a room with that dog. I don't care if it has been placid in the past, they wouldn't do it.

The lennox situation made the Belfast city council a laughing stock, a ex police handler classified the dog as a dangerous breed even though a bitch from the same litter was not?? how that work, one was bigger than another. 5 actual dog experts said the dog didn't not show signs of been dangerous. best option was to get it relocated and save face all round!! now the bbc look like a bunch of buffoons and spiteful, spent a fortune to save face, dogs in a way are like people, some good some bad, its  a bit like a biker or punk rocker who looks scary but could be the nicest guy in the world!! no matter the breed, Akita's, rottweilers, doberman, Alsatians, are all big dogs and in the past have been involved in horrendous incidents involving children, when i see these dogs i am wary of them due to the sheer power of the animal but never scared of it! do you ban all dogs cause of 1 or 2 bad ones? I have a Labrador / Alsatian half breed,has the Alsatian face, gives it away what it is, tough looking dog, but in reality is the softest push over i ever seen, couldn't get in its kennel one night as one of your cats had took over it!! The cat now sleeps with the dog ever night, funniest thing you see!! All dogs can be dangerous and at any moment could turn on you, abit like a grumpy person having  abad day! I think the problem these days is young people walking round with Akita's, pitbull as status symbol to look tough but have no proper understanding of the care required to look after such dogs!! I love to have an Alaskan malamute, forbey been expensive they are a very powerful animal, which needs alot of attention, its not classified a dangerous dog but common sense dictated that's you couldn't let a dog like this room free!! Hell i even petted one of those wolf dogs -  looks like a tan/white wolf (the guy was in the Irish star a few yrs bck) outside Gorey in wexford, Magnificent animal but huge , powerful, and with a suspect temperant, but people were buying them even though they were dangerous as nobody had one!! So owning a dog comes with a level of responsibility and people should get a animal that's suits them and not one to look the toughest guy on the block which seems to be the in thing round where i live!!

Some of the 7,900 odd comments on the City Council's Facebook page are worth a read!

Comments include:
This is Bobby Sands all over again.
Barbarians and nazist
go to hell! i really hope u die a horrible death BCC
BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS. Now it´s war! We will never stop! Your nightmare will come true

they should have got a certain ex tyrone player to give his opinion on the type of dog it was, after all he has more experience than most in that field!!!

Forbey?

no the former owner of cannonball, an expert in the field!!!

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on July 11, 2012, 10:03:23 PM
The lennox situation made the Belfast city council a laughing stock, a ex police handler classified the dog as a dangerous breed even though a bitch from the same litter was not?? how that work, one was bigger than another. 5 actual dog experts said the dog didn't not show signs of been dangerous. best option was to get it relocated and save face all round!! now the bbc look like a bunch of buffoons and spiteful, spent a fortune to save face, dogs in a way are like people, some good some bad, its  a bit like a biker or punk rocker who looks scary but could be the nicest guy in the world!! no matter the breed, Akita's, rottweilers, doberman, Alsatians, are all big dogs and in the past have been involved in horrendous incidents involving children, when i see these dogs i am wary of them due to the sheer power of the animal but never scared of it! do you ban all dogs cause of 1 or 2 bad ones? I have a Labrador / Alsatian half breed,has the Alsatian face, gives it away what it is, tough looking dog, but in reality is the softest push over i ever seen, couldn't get in its kennel one night as one of your cats had took over it!! The cat now sleeps with the dog ever night, funniest thing you see!! All dogs can be dangerous and at any moment could turn on you, abit like a grumpy person having  abad day! I think the problem these days is young people walking round with Akita's, pitbull as status symbol to look tough but have no proper understanding of the care required to look after such dogs!! I love to have an Alaskan malamute, forbey been expensive they are a very powerful animal, which needs alot of attention, its not classified a dangerous dog but common sense dictated that's you couldn't let a dog like this room free!! Hell i even petted one of those wolf dogs -  looks like a tan/white wolf (the guy was in the Irish star a few yrs bck) outside Gorey in wexford, Magnificent animal but huge , powerful, and with a suspect temperant, but people were buying them even though they were dangerous as nobody had one!! So owning a dog comes with a level of responsibility and people should get a animal that's suits them and not one to look the toughest guy on the block which seems to be the in thing round where i live!!

You ve summed up the whole thing there I reckon.

Pit bulls are mostly good guys - and so are most of the other dogs from breeds with 'history'.

It s not an exact science. An experienced dogman can get a dog that is just unmanagable and a novice can end up with a Rott or pitbull that tries to lick you to death. Then you get the morons that encourage their dog to be real hard by abusing it and setting it on easy targets. I don t blame a local authority for erring on the side of caution. Lennox was probably a decent sort but would anybody take a chance with these dogs and have a child deformed or worse? Silly question - obviously loads of people would.  When one goes bad - they usually build up, (owners get into denial and it s always something else to blame that sets them off and of course they have a bond with the pet) they can do some damage.

I suspect that a child being maimed by a dog attack would get less attention than poor Lennox.

There are no bad dogs, but there are plenty of bad dog owners.

Quote from: Maguire01 on July 11, 2012, 10:04:38 PM
Some of the 7,900 odd comments on the City Council's Facebook page are worth a read!

Comments include:
This is Bobby Sands all over again.
Barbarians and nazist
go to hell! i really hope u die a horrible death BCC
BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS. Now it´s war! We will never stop! Your nightmare will come true

It's a f**king dog. Have people lost all perspective?!

I think there was air getting in with the folks behind the "save Lennox" campaign

Some NI politicians should be put to sleep, they are more dangerous.

Quote from: moysider on July 12, 2012, 12:20:24 AM

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on July 11, 2012, 10:03:23 PM
The lennox situation made the Belfast city council a laughing stock, a ex police handler classified the dog as a dangerous breed even though a bitch from the same litter was not?? how that work, one was bigger than another. 5 actual dog experts said the dog didn't not show signs of been dangerous. best option was to get it relocated and save face all round!! now the bbc look like a bunch of buffoons and spiteful, spent a fortune to save face, dogs in a way are like people, some good some bad, its  a bit like a biker or punk rocker who looks scary but could be the nicest guy in the world!! no matter the breed, Akita's, rottweilers, doberman, Alsatians, are all big dogs and in the past have been involved in horrendous incidents involving children, when i see these dogs i am wary of them due to the sheer power of the animal but never scared of it! do you ban all dogs cause of 1 or 2 bad ones? I have a Labrador / Alsatian half breed,has the Alsatian face, gives it away what it is, tough looking dog, but in reality is the softest push over i ever seen, couldn't get in its kennel one night as one of your cats had took over it!! The cat now sleeps with the dog ever night, funniest thing you see!! All dogs can be dangerous and at any moment could turn on you, abit like a grumpy person having  abad day! I think the problem these days is young people walking round with Akita's, pitbull as status symbol to look tough but have no proper understanding of the care required to look after such dogs!! I love to have an Alaskan malamute, forbey been expensive they are a very powerful animal, which needs alot of attention, its not classified a dangerous dog but common sense dictated that's you couldn't let a dog like this room free!! Hell i even petted one of those wolf dogs -  looks like a tan/white wolf (the guy was in the Irish star a few yrs bck) outside Gorey in wexford, Magnificent animal but huge , powerful, and with a suspect temperant, but people were buying them even though they were dangerous as nobody had one!! So owning a dog comes with a level of responsibility and people should get a animal that's suits them and not one to look the toughest guy on the block which seems to be the in thing round where i live!!

You ve summed up the whole thing there I reckon.

Pit bulls are mostly good guys - and so are most of the other dogs from breeds with 'history'.

It s not an exact science. An experienced dogman can get a dog that is just unmanagable and a novice can end up with a Rott or pitbull that tries to lick you to death. Then you get the morons that encourage their dog to be real hard by abusing it and setting it on easy targets. I don t blame a local authority for erring on the side of caution. Lennox was probably a decent sort but would anybody take a chance with these dogs and have a child deformed or worse? Silly question - obviously loads of people would.  When one goes bad - they usually build up, (owners get into denial and it s always something else to blame that sets them off and of course they have a bond with the pet) they can do some damage.

I suspect that a child being maimed by a dog attack would get less attention than poor Lennox.

Some quotes:

I work at a large trauma hospital in an inner city, in pediatrics. I can't tell you how many awful pit bull bites I've seen. The problem is that they have really strong jaws, and they bite down and don't let go. Many times it's been the family dog that's done the biting, out of the blue. I had no preconceived prejudice against these dogs, but I've just seen too many shredded kids. 

My wife is a surgeon in a major metropolitan area who regularly repairs facial trauma suffered by victims of attacks by dogs. 

Our city has a lot of dogs.  I'm sure a huge number of different breeds are represented, although I don't know their statistical distribution.  However, the kids/adults who need their faces put back together are almost exclusively pit bull attacks.  I can't even remember the last time that another breed was involved in an attack that made its way to my wife's operating room. 

Additionally, the dogs involved are usually the family pet (who everyone insists is very loving and never has done this kind of thing before), not some abused guard dog.  A recurring example is when a kid's friend is over playing, and they horse around or wrestle with one of the kids the dog is bonded to ... and the dog flips out and attacks the friend to protect its master. .

Why do they get a "bad rap?"  First and foremost is the fact that a Pit Bull is physically capable of doing more damage than most other dog breeds.  You might be able to make a Yorkie as vicious as a Pit Bull by using the same methods, but little holes in your pants cuff don't compare to have large pieces of flesh torn from your body. Pit Bulls are bred to have unusually powerful jaws and a low center of gravity that makes them extremely formidable.  This makes them potentially dangerous, even if well trained and of good temperament.  All it takes is one misunderstanding like a tickle fight between a family member and a friend and the dog is capable of a disastrous response in a matter of seconds.

Defenders of pit bulls can be just as self-delusional as are people who want to demonize every single dog of the breed.  Unfortunately some pit bulls are descended from many generations that were bred to be extremely aggressive, and those traits won't disappear just because the pups are raised in a loving and benign environment.  I had a border collie bitch who was knocked up by the dog next door, which turned out to be a fighter pit owned by a man who was deeply involved in the ruthless illegal fighting circuit.  I kept one of the resulting pups, naively believing that generations of focused breeding specifically for the purpose of killing dogs in the ring could be nullified by cuddles and squeaky toys. 

By the age of three months, that pup had completely dominated her sweet but passive mother, and by the age of six months, when she'd turned on me several times to establish her alpha status, I realized that I had a dangerous problem on my hands that was way beyond my ability to cope.  I copped out by passing her onto someone else, and there's always been a worry in the back of my mind whether any of those eight half-pit/half-border collies or their descendants ended up viciously harming someone's child.

the point is these dogs are not family pets and more suitable to houses without children, same as rottweilers and any other big dog, as for bite strength etc, u find the Akita, and huskies have a stronger bite power, there is alot of focus on the half breed type of this dog while ignoring the fact that alot of legal dogs can and have done the same damage, its down to owners, commonsense, and situation, ie have children have not, would you left you child alot with even a common labador no matter how friendly, answer no, bottom line the country got too many idiots who own dogs who may have more sense than they do as they tend to be Territorial!! my own dog likes defend its territory ie the back yard, does that make it dangerous?? think not, kinda in away a person would defend their House from intruders!!

oh nearly forgot to mention one of the most feared dogs is a russian sheepdog, fights off wolves for a living, makes  a st bernard look like a pup lol, successfully converted to a family dog these days,damn thing a monster

Quote from: Wildweasel74 on July 12, 2012, 01:18:53 AM
the point is these dogs are not family pets and more suitable to houses without children, same as rottweilers and any other big dog, as for bite strength etc, u find the Akita, and huskies have a stronger bite power, there is alot of focus on the half breed type of this dog while ignoring the fact that alot of legal dogs can and have done the same damage, its down to owners, commonsense, and situation, ie have children have not, would you left you child alot with even a common labador no matter how friendly, answer no, bottom line the country got too many idiots who own dogs who may have more sense than they do as they tend to be Territorial!! my own dog likes defend its territory ie the back yard, does that make it dangerous?? think not, kinda in away a person would defend their House from intruders!!

Good man Mr Wild Weasel. Between us all on the board here we will find you a fullstop...period. Joking aside you make some good points....somewhere in there :( :(...I have two docile, well trained, family friendly, beautiful lovable labs...would I leave them alone with children??? I would in my hole....take no chances...bottom line.

as mentioned by another poster on here i don't do full stops, don't believe in them lol, i try to do it all in one sentence, you should try to make out my texts now that's a real challenge!
as above not a fullstop in sight to now..

Quote from: Aerlik on October 28, 2007, 03:06:07 AM
Ah Jayzus lads the bit about Renshaws and the follow up gags have left me with tears streaming down my face in fits of laughter.  Very, very funny. 

The one and only time I have been bitten by a dog was by a Border Collie belonging to the neighbours...  I was 13 at the time and 'twas a cold November day in the hoors owner's pratie field and I had just managed to fill my box (one a day) for the grand sum of £1.50, only for the tight-arsed auld git to come along and deny me 25p as it wasn't full enough for the spuds to be falling off the top.  On the way out of the field I made the mistake of going over to Ringo to say my farewells and assure him I'll never lift another spud for his owner when the hoor made a drive for me and nipped me on the knee.  The deal was sealed.

Main Street one of our Jack Russells was just as you suggested a dog should be, ie. able to distinguish between friend and foe.  He knew the sound of all the friendly cars and God help you if you tried to get into the house if he didn't recognise either your voice or your car.  They have arguably the worst eyesight in any dog breed.  (Mind you when your bred for the purpose of going down a dark hole after some smelly hoor call Rennard you don't need good eyesight.)  For a few years we would graze a few dozen sheep over the winter and to get over the lack of a Lassie or Laddie my brother decided to train the Jack Russell.  He would take the dog's favourite limegreen tennis ball with him, go to the gate, tease the dog for about a minute, get the attention of the sheep, then launch the ball with my hurl into the field towards the sheep.  The dog would tear after the ball hell for leather into the middle of the field, and unbeknownst to him the sheep would see this wee white thing bobbing over the grass towards them and they'd get curious and race towards him.  Well, Jayzus the dog nearly shat himself.  Grabbed the ball and back to the gate like blue fcuk he raced with the sheep in hot pursuit.  The brother would open the gate, the dog didn't stop and raced on towards the yard and the sheep followed.  Problem solved.  Worked everytime.

Whatever you do, stay well clear of those wee feckin Spitz dogs if you have wanes.  Vicious b**tards and one of them turned on my wee lad when he was about two.  Luckily for both the dog didn't bite but I drove my boot as hard as I could into the hoor's belly it never came near either of us again.  Feckin cottonwool with fangs.  Fecker.

When it comes to intelligence Border Collies are the pick of the bunch.  I met a lad over here who had a Dingo-Collie cross.  Not only a great looking animal but by far the smartest dog I have ever seen.  I said two from two and it said nothing.

The border collie's intelligence and willingness to work led to it replace many of the larger herding dogs in Ireland.

http://gsbisco.mysite.syr.edu/irish/irish.htm

I remember one these larger dogs at my Grandfathers farm many moons ago but I haven't seen any since then. His dog was used primarily to help shift cattle. Would be really interesting if any of these dogs still exist.

I'm thinking of getting a dog next year, was thinking of going down of middle sized dog, but thinking of the child, something small for her to play with. It will be an outside dog as i dont believe in dogs bring kept in the house, Any suggestions?

My sister and her family got a mini schnauzer pup a couple of months ago. It is def a house dog, but the kids just love her. She's so excited but I haven't heard her bark yet.
She goes to puppy school once a wk and the dog crooner comes around every couple of weeks...treated better than me!
Def a great dog for kids but not an outdoor dog at all.

Edit: not a dog crooner, a dog groomer.  I am laughing here at the thought of someone like the horse whisperer coming out to sing to the dog!

Ny dog didn't bark when he was a puppy so don't be concerned about that, it will bark when it is older

Depends on the type of dog. Our last dog (a type of Collie) was good barker from the time we had her (9 weeks old), born to bark. She could sniff a stranger from a radius of 500m and let rip. I quite liked that characteristic, she would never jump and snap at a stranger once they got close, she was much too elegant for that. She could also spot a tiny dog way off in the background on a TV  program, and go ape.
We got a new puppy last September,  a handsome Pointer. The puppy was supposed to take after her  Collie /Border Collie mother but it very quickly transpired that she's a 100% Pointer, after her father. She does not have that territorial instinct. She comes and growls a bit when it's feeding time or she wants her walk.
The Collie was a cinch to train, she would be insulted if you thought she hadn't already copped on. Our Pointer however has a memory reset every night, every new day carries no memory of what she professed to know the day before.

Anyone know anything or know anyone who has a Beagle?

Quote from: Onion Bag on November 18, 2012, 01:23:17 PM
Anyone know anything or know anyone who has a Beagle?

I know a couple of things. Where do you want to start?

Beagles can howl like the devil. Gabriel hurl has a beagle pup currently.

Yeah – myself and the girlfriend got a beagle back in August – he's 4 and a half months old now. We've had no real problems with him at all – bar the usual puppy problems i.e chewing furniture, electrical cords etc.. We did take him to puppy school for a good few weeks as well.

He hasn't started howling too much yet. He has howled but that's because he's playing with other dogs. He's an excellent dog though – doesn't need a great deal of exercise – and when you do go out for walks he sniffs everything – although that's kind of expected.

Here's Smeagol

(http://i46.tinypic.com/11wf4lx.jpg)

That's an impressive looking ear flap.

Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on November 19, 2012, 04:08:22 PM
Yeah – myself and the girlfriend got a beagle back in August – he's 4 and a half months old now. We've had no real problems with him at all – bar the usual puppy problems i.e chewing furniture, electrical cords etc.. We did take him to puppy school for a good few weeks as well.

He hasn't started howling too much yet. He has howled but that's because he's playing with other dogs. He's an excellent dog though – doesn't need a great deal of exercise – and when you do go out for walks he sniffs everything – although that's kind of expected.

Here's Smeagol

Is he pedigree? how much would you expect to pay for a pup? i can tell you there will be no chewing furniture or cables coz he will be outside

(http://i46.tinypic.com/11wf4lx.jpg)

I think you'll do well to keep a beagle outside - unless you have a well prepared run for it. They are very energetic - and known for their love of exploring (see "taking off"). Maybe I've just been around some very spoiled ones, but if it wants to be near you and you have the poor thing outside - you'll hear some noise.

We, sorry I paid $400 for him. We still had to pay for all his shots and stuff after that – which was about another $500.
He's a pure bred alright. We went to meet his parents and everything before we decided on which of the puppies we wanted.

We have ours inside because we live in a condo building - but he gets a good 90 minutes to two hours walk every day.

a beagle is a hunting dog, are you going to use him to hunt? or whats the purpose of having him outside or at all?

An outside family pet, not going to use him to hunt

was thinking because they are primarily a working dog they would be obedient

I bred and kept Harrier Hounds for the best part of my life. The beagle is in the same family and is a good dog but they are made to hunt.
If you want an obedient dog I would be looking at other breeds. No dog will be obedient unless you train it and some dogs are made to be trained more than others, Beagles would not top that list I think. They are made to run forever and need exercise. They are also naturally loud and howl.
If you want a small obedient dog go for a terrier or terrier mix or female boxer.
If you want an obedient medium sized dog go for a boxer or female Rotty or dobe.
If you want a larger obedient breed go for a shepherd, rotty or dobe....

but I'll stress again they will only be as obedient as much as you are at training them....

Do people who keep their dogs indoors teach them to use toilet paper?

QuoteDo people who keep their dogs indoors teach them to use toilet paper?

That's a crap joke.

Serious answer - he does have a pee pad that he goes on during the day when we aren't at home. Sure there's the odd accident here and there - but he's still a puppy.

Her'es what we use - http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13193272&f=PAD%2FpsNotAvailInCA%2FNo

With regards to his #2's he's good at not doing it in the house.

Thank god for wooden floors.

I think our puppy/young dog has a second bladder for the overspill.
In the morning time when she's let out, she'll do a full pee, followed 2 or 3 minute later by a second full pee.

Quote from: The Iceman on November 19, 2012, 05:28:31 PM
I bred and kept Harrier Hounds for the best part of my life. The beagle is in the same family and is a good dog but they are made to hunt.
If you want an obedient dog I would be looking at other breeds. No dog will be obedient unless you train it and some dogs are made to be trained more than others, Beagles would not top that list I think. They are made to run forever and need exercise. They are also naturally loud and howl.
If you want a small obedient dog go for a terrier or terrier mix or female boxer.
If you want an obedient medium sized dog go for a boxer or female Rotty or dobe.
If you want a larger obedient breed go for a shepherd, rotty or dobe....

but I'll stress again they will only be as obedient as much as you are at training them....

you serious iceman? im looking for a dog for the child, wouldnt feel comfortable at all with one of these running round the house

(http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images23/BoxerMahoganyRedFawnColoredPurebredMidasAdult.JPG)

(http://cdn.pedigreedatabase.com/dogbreeds/rottweiler.jpg)

(http://www.dobermansource.com/astorcitone.jpg)

if any dog is brought into a family as a pup and trained right you will have no bother but any right trained dog will have no bother accepting a new baby into the pack
(http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/Koljambus/Koljambus0908/Koljambus090800008/5339922-little-baby-and-big-black-doberman-together.jpg)

Quote from: The Iceman on November 19, 2012, 10:24:46 PM
if any dog is brought into a family as a pup and trained right you will have no bother but any right trained dog will have no bother accepting a new baby into the pack
(http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/Koljambus/Koljambus0908/Koljambus090800008/5339922-little-baby-and-big-black-doberman-together.jpg)

My mate has a right big dog and two small kids, the only thing you have to watch out for the amount of abuse the kids will give the poor dog, they torture it!

Dont give a f**k lads, no matter how well a dog is trained and socialises with the family, they could have an off day like me or you can and lash out, 
they would make light work of an adult never mind a child,

You think a beagle on an "off day" wouldn't make light work of a child?
Most dogs would.

No harm me old china but I don't think you are a dog person or really want the responsibility of having one. All dogs are only as good as their masters. Get a cat and watch out I'm not driving through the Nab someday with an air rifle out the window ;)

Quote from: The Iceman on November 20, 2012, 02:20:04 PM
You think a beagle on an "off day" wouldn't make light work of a child?
Most dogs would.

No harm me old china but I don't think you are a dog person or really want the responsibility of having one. All dogs are only as good as their masters. Get a cat and watch out I'm not driving through the Nab someday with an air rifle out the window ;)

Bullshit they are animals and can turn in a heartbeat.

I disagree. I believe given the right training, care and attention they will not turn in a heartbeat on its owner or the immediate family/pack.
It would maybe turn on someone it perceived to be threatening the family...but thats a completely different scenario..

Quote from: The Iceman on November 20, 2012, 03:08:16 PM
I disagree. I believe given the right training, care and attention they will not turn in a heartbeat on its owner or the immediate family/pack.
It would maybe turn on someone it perceived to be threatening the family...but thats a completely different scenario..

You believe!!!  Get a grip man they are animals, dangerous animals and should be nowhere near children or toddlers.  Would your belief get you through the days if God forbid something happened to a loved one because your belief turned out to be horseshit!

Quote from: The Iceman on November 20, 2012, 02:20:04 PM
You think a beagle on an "off day" wouldn't make light work of a child?
Most dogs would.

No harm me old china but I don't think you are a dog person or really want the responsibility of having one. All dogs are only as good as their masters. Get a cat and watch out I'm not driving through the Nab someday with an air rifle out the window ;)

No harm me old china, but I grew up with dogs round the house so know all about the responsibility of looking after and caring for them. there would be some difference in getting a beagle, Labrador, springer etc. off a child than a Doberman or Rottweiler.

Quote from: Cold tea on November 20, 2012, 03:19:19 PM

Quote from: The Iceman on November 20, 2012, 03:08:16 PM
I disagree. I believe given the right training, care and attention they will not turn in a heartbeat on its owner or the immediate family/pack.
It would maybe turn on someone it perceived to be threatening the family...but thats a completely different scenario..

You believe!!!  Get a grip man they are animals, dangerous animals and should be nowhere near children or toddlers.  Would your belief get you through the days if God forbid something happened to a loved one because your belief turned out to be horseshit!

They are dogs, like any other dog. Stop going over the top. I have experience with the breeds and I have no problems having them around my kids. My faith in God has got nothing to do with the topic. I have faith in myself and my own ability to train a dog that it wouldn't harm my family. If you live your life fearful like that of animals then good luck to you.

Doesn't matter what dog you have and what size it is you'll always have to supervise it when it's around childer. I'd advise a Labrador.

So you wouldn't be going for a Rottweiler, Doberman, or bulldog?

Hold on, we're pulling Bulldogs into it now?

Quote from: Onion Bag on November 20, 2012, 09:02:21 PM
So you wouldn't be going for a Rottweiler, Doberman, or bulldog?

it doesn't matter what dog you get, whatever way you train it/treat it will influence its behaviour. That said some dogs are bred because of certain traits and there is always a chance that these traits may come out. But if you treat a rottweiler like a big jessie and not as a guard dog then it will get on like a big jessie.

labs have a brilliant temperament and would make a good dog for children to grow up with IMO.

I really enjoy the working breeds, especially the ones I have listed.I think they have the smarts, they are very trainable and because the breed itself (especially the Dobe) is so young, its much easier to get good pedigrees with good lines and less sickness or hereditary traits.
I have a good friend who trains and breeds Lab's as gun dogs. He sells his pups for over 2 grand a piece. He has a good line and has worked hard for it. Many of the domestic pet Lab lines have bad hips and elbows, Some have bad eyes. There has been a weakening and diluting of the breed over the years that the Labs you see walking around the Mall are a far cry from the breed standard because of these puppy farms, back yard breeders and idiots breeding good pedigrees to bad ones. (rant over :) )

Onion bag a good Irish Fox Terrier might be an option for you, hardy enough to be outside, protective, good with kids and very smart. Also low maintenance.
For something a bit bigger I would really consider a Boxer bitch. Much smaller, very playful but still protective of the family and very trainable. though they like the home comforts too and could be easily spoiled. also need much more exercise.

Quote from: The Iceman on November 20, 2012, 07:05:01 PM

Quote from: Cold tea on November 20, 2012, 03:19:19 PM

Quote from: The Iceman on November 20, 2012, 03:08:16 PM
I disagree. I believe given the right training, care and attention they will not turn in a heartbeat on its owner or the immediate family/pack.
It would maybe turn on someone it perceived to be threatening the family...but thats a completely different scenario..

You believe!!!  Get a grip man they are animals, dangerous animals and should be nowhere near children or toddlers.  Would your belief get you through the days if God forbid something happened to a loved one because your belief turned out to be horseshit!

They are dogs, like any other dog. Stop going over the top. I have experience with the breeds and I have no problems having them around my kids. My faith in God has got nothing to do with the topic. I have faith in myself and my own ability to train a dog that it wouldn't harm my family. If you live your life fearful like that of animals then good luck to you.

Firstly I never mentioned your belief in God.  As for your faith in your ability to train a dog, fair play to you, I have had dogs all my life albeit small dogs and even they have the capability of turning when then feel provoked or threatened.  Large dogs should not be allowed in the family home and no dog should be allowed to be left alone with any child or toddler, why would you take the risk - they are animals capable of turning at any time.

See a young boy in england was mauled to death yesterday by the family dog. 

Quote from: bridgegael on November 21, 2012, 08:03:40 AM
See a young boy in england was mauled to death yesterday by the family dog.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-20422725 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-20422725)


Absolutely heart-breaking, no doubt according to some on here the dog wasn't properly trained; such horseshit makes my blood boil. 

Kids are mauled by people everyday all over the world, sometimes their own family - people get angry and turn at the slightest thing - I don't think you should leave your child in a room alone with anything less than 2-3 adults....

cold tea why can't I have my opinions on dogs and you have yours. I don't know why you get so upset about my trust in my dogs. I don't leave them in a room with your kids, I make the choice for my family and you make the choice for yours.

Is this not a discussion board?  I think your total belief and trust in dogs especially in relation to kids and young children is misguided – dogs are animals with all the instincts of animals and no matter how much training you give them they can turn, I am sure there are parents crying about this all over the country after their child / kid has been attacked saying how it was "out of character of the dog".  Wow newsflash, dog behaves like an animal!!

I think the point remains that a well trained, well socialised dog is less likely to round on someone (especially a child) than say a poorly trained animal with social issues who sees two children horseplaying and decides to protect its own pact.

It's all in the context, and I think neither one of you can make a claim one way or the other with certainty.

My point is why take the chance, especially with these larger dogs, it's your child we are talking about, people do everything to protect them but then let a big fecking dog in the house thinking it wouldn't harm a fly!!

I feel that way about motorcycles. But I have friends who love them and have been around them since they were young.

Everyone has their comfort level with certain things. I've had my child around dogs since she was born and she's happy as a clam and very understanding of animals. The only thing I have to watch for is strange dogs, she thinks every dog is as friendly as the ones she grew up with.

Now, I'm not letting her on a f-ing motorcycle.

Quote from: Cold tea on November 21, 2012, 03:37:05 PM
My point is why take the chance, especially with these larger dogs, it's your child we are talking about, people do everything to protect them but then let a big fecking dog in the house thinking it wouldn't harm a fly!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-20422725

A week-old boy has died after being bitten by his family's pet dog in Shropshire.

Harry Harper died in hospital after emergency crews were called to what is believed to be his grandparents' house in Ketley on Tuesday morning.

West Mercia Police said the incident appeared to be "a tragic accident" and the Jack Russell had been destroyed.

A statement from Harry's family said there were "no words to describe the loss we have suffered".

They said they were "absolutely devastated" and asked to be "left in peace to grieve and deal with our loss".

Emergency crews were called to a semi-detached house, thought to belong to Harry's grandparents Gordon and Teresa Bell, in Woodside Road just before 08:00 GMT.

The baby was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford but died soon after, police said.

Det Ch Insp Neil Jamieson said: "The dog in question was a family pet, a Jack Russell, and this animal has been put down.

Police said the family involved were "devastated by their loss"
"Our investigation is ongoing but it appears that the baby died as a result of a dog bite.

"A post-mortem will be taking place to establish the exact cause of this baby's death but at this stage it does appear to be a tragic accident."

He said the family involved "are devastated by their loss" and that "all our thoughts are with the family of the baby at this extremely sad time".

Neighbour Ingrid Finch said: "It's just horror - shock and horror really.

"I feel desperately sorry for everybody concerned and everyone else... We are quite a tight-knit community and everybody knows everybody else and we've all lived here a long time.

"We are absolutely horrified."

One bite from a Jack Russell killed the child. Very sad.

I was walking my dog this morning at 7am, equipped with my doggie bag for the unmentionable.

After a while my dog pulled up and started doing her business in front of a driveway gate. Suddenly a man jumped out and shouted at me and my mutt to get away and do it somewhere else.

I was shocked at his rudeness and nastiness, but just ignored him, cleaned up the mess and then moved on. If I had seen the man I would have dragged my dog on, but I didn't see him and it was too late. I am also well aware of the dangers of dog fouling never mind the fines.

In the same circumstance, what would you have done?

I'd have done the same as him.

Nothing worse than trying to pull your dog along when in full flow, if you had a bag to pick it up then shouldn't be an issue. Plenty of dog owners where I'm from are more embarrassed about picking up sh#t and don't have a problem standing watching then walking on!

Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on October 22, 2013, 06:45:15 PM
Nothing worse than trying to pull your dog along when in full flow, if you had a bag to pick it up then shouldn't be an issue. Plenty of dog owners where I'm from are more embarrassed about picking up sh#t and don't have a problem standing watching then walking on!

Does the house owner own the pavement in front of his house?

Quote from: Hardy on October 22, 2013, 06:40:56 PM
I'd have done the same as him.

*Orior's dog bites at Hardy's trouser leg*

Quote from: Orior on October 22, 2013, 09:25:07 PM

Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on October 22, 2013, 06:45:15 PM
Nothing worse than trying to pull your dog along when in full flow, if you had a bag to pick it up then shouldn't be an issue. Plenty of dog owners where I'm from are more embarrassed about picking up sh#t and don't have a problem standing watching then walking on!

Does the house owner own the pavement in front of his house?

No, he just doesn't like dogs sh#tting outside his house.

Quote from: Orior on October 22, 2013, 09:26:17 PM

Quote from: Hardy on October 22, 2013, 06:40:56 PM
I'd have done the same as him.

*Orior's dog bites at Hardy's trouser leg*

Hardy gives Orior's dog a kick in the arse.

Seriously, though, I would have done the same as yer man, because the last thing I would have expected would be that you'd be carrying a bag or that you had any intention of cleaning it up. That's on the basis of experience because I've never once in my life seen a dog owner clean up after their dog in this country. Maybe it's different in your part of the country.

I've also never heard of anyone ever being fined for dog fouling. This is notwithstanding the fact that the streets and footpaths of the country are decorated with dogshit.

In any case, after shouting at you, I hope I'd have had the grace to apologise when you produced the bag. And invited you in to dry off from the power hosing I had administered before I saw the bag.

POLICE IN SOUTH Wales have been forced to apologise after naming a dog poo education programme "Operation Irish".
South Wales Police told WalesOnline that it was "regrettable" if any offence had been caused by the name, which was used to educate children in the Llanedeyrn district of Cardiff. Children were being told of the dangers of not cleaning up after their pets.
A local councillor told the website that the choice of the name was "an act of Olympian stupidity".
A spokesperson for South Wales Police confirmed that the initiative by the Llanedeyrn neighbourhood police team had been named Operation Irish. However, she said that the name was not meant to cause offence.
"This is an educational operation aimed as encouraging dog owners to be responsible. Operational names are randomly assigned to policing operations for administrative purposes. They do not in any way reflect the nature of the police activity or subject matter.
"It would never be our intention to offend and it is regrettable if that is the case."

http://www.thejournal.ie/south-wales-police-forced-to-apologise-for-operation-irish-name-1135040-Oct2013/

Anyone got any ideas how on to calm down an over-excitable dog? The mrs has just text to say he's just stolen sausages from some mans BBq at the local park  ;D.


We have a 3 1/2 year old small beagle who is showing no sign of getting manners. I know hes not an ideal dog but the young lad had his heart set on one at the time and couldn't be talked around and after a good bit of research I relented as the books/internet said that although energetic they would be very rewarding pets.

Hes now an adult dog and shows no sign of "wising up" and constantly has to be checked around the house for getting himself into some kind of handling. He is walked twice most days and certainly once and gets let off the lead for 30/45 mins while on these walks and also has a playmate in next doors dog who I let into the garden to run around with him so excess energy shouldn't be a problem.  He's as strong as a horse, I wouldn't let young fella walk him on his own as he'd literally pull him out into the road if the notion took him. He seems to have no concept of cars!!! He also lacks "social skills" and runs headlong in other people/dogs when hes out which can upset people or cause fights even thought he's not got a malicious bone in his body he just thinks everyone is his friend.

There is more thought of him than of me too, the lad is away at the minute and Facetimes me every morning "to talk to the dog" ;D

Any thoughts?

Quote from: Boycey on July 25, 2014, 03:55:15 PM
Anyone got any ideas how on to calm down an over-excitable dog? The mrs has just text to say he's just stolen sausages from some mans BBq at the local park  ;D.


We have a 3 1/2 year old small beagle who is showing no sign of getting manners. I know hes not an ideal dog but the young lad had his heart set on one at the time and couldn't be talked around and after a good bit of research I relented as the books/internet said that although energetic they would be very rewarding pets.

Hes now an adult dog and shows no sign of "wising up" and constantly has to be checked around the house for getting himself into some kind of handling. He is walked twice most days and certainly once and gets let off the lead for 30/45 mins while on these walks and also has a playmate in next doors dog who I let into the garden to run around with him so excess energy shouldn't be a problem.  He's as strong as a horse, I wouldn't let young fella walk him on his own as he'd literally pull him out into the road if the notion took him. He seems to have no concept of cars!!! He also lacks "social skills" and runs headlong in other people/dogs when hes out which can upset people or cause fights even thought he's not got a malicious bone in his body he just thinks everyone is his friend.

There is more thought of him than of me too, the lad is away at the minute and Facetimes me every morning "to talk to the dog" ;D

Any thoughts?

Get a cat.

Quote from: muppet on July 25, 2014, 04:13:38 PM

Quote from: Boycey on July 25, 2014, 03:55:15 PM
Anyone got any ideas how on to calm down an over-excitable dog? The mrs has just text to say he's just stolen sausages from some mans BBq at the local park  ;D.


We have a 3 1/2 year old small beagle who is showing no sign of getting manners. I know hes not an ideal dog but the young lad had his heart set on one at the time and couldn't be talked around and after a good bit of research I relented as the books/internet said that although energetic they would be very rewarding pets.

Hes now an adult dog and shows no sign of "wising up" and constantly has to be checked around the house for getting himself into some kind of handling. He is walked twice most days and certainly once and gets let off the lead for 30/45 mins while on these walks and also has a playmate in next doors dog who I let into the garden to run around with him so excess energy shouldn't be a problem.  He's as strong as a horse, I wouldn't let young fella walk him on his own as he'd literally pull him out into the road if the notion took him. He seems to have no concept of cars!!! He also lacks "social skills" and runs headlong in other people/dogs when hes out which can upset people or cause fights even thought he's not got a malicious bone in his body he just thinks everyone is his friend.

There is more thought of him than of me too, the lad is away at the minute and Facetimes me every morning "to talk to the dog" ;D

Any thoughts?

Get a cat.

Horrible creatures

I know Beagles usually have a tendency to wander if they pick up a scent, but this boisterous nature does sound unlike the breed. Is he a pure breed? I would suggest walking him once a day but upping the off lead to at least an hour. Check his food as we'll, some foods are high energy for Working dogs. Some dogs are just balloons, worst case get him the snip although could destroy his character.

Has he had the snip?  It calms young dogs down a lot if they get the snip.  Another idea might be to get another dog,  if you have the space.  I have a big Labrador and she gets well walked but sometimes there are a few other dogs in the house with me and they entertain each other. 

Definitely check the food as well,  if it is for a working dog and he's only getting walked then there is unspent energy!!! 

(If he hasn't had the snip maybe he needs the ride as well!)

Quote from: Boycey on July 25, 2014, 04:15:24 PM

Quote from: muppet on July 25, 2014, 04:13:38 PM

Quote from: Boycey on July 25, 2014, 03:55:15 PM
Anyone got any ideas how on to calm down an over-excitable dog? The mrs has just text to say he's just stolen sausages from some mans BBq at the local park  ;D.


We have a 3 1/2 year old small beagle who is showing no sign of getting manners. I know hes not an ideal dog but the young lad had his heart set on one at the time and couldn't be talked around and after a good bit of research I relented as the books/internet said that although energetic they would be very rewarding pets.

Hes now an adult dog and shows no sign of "wising up" and constantly has to be checked around the house for getting himself into some kind of handling. He is walked twice most days and certainly once and gets let off the lead for 30/45 mins while on these walks and also has a playmate in next doors dog who I let into the garden to run around with him so excess energy shouldn't be a problem.  He's as strong as a horse, I wouldn't let young fella walk him on his own as he'd literally pull him out into the road if the notion took him. He seems to have no concept of cars!!! He also lacks "social skills" and runs headlong in other people/dogs when hes out which can upset people or cause fights even thought he's not got a malicious bone in his body he just thinks everyone is his friend.

There is more thought of him than of me too, the lad is away at the minute and Facetimes me every morning "to talk to the dog" ;D

Any thoughts?

Get a cat.

Horrible creatures

Agreed. I've a little jack russell and the neighbours cats keep jumping up on our fence to get the dogs attention then start swinging their tail down so she can nearly but not quite jump up and grab it. Then if we take her in the fecking cats eat her food.  >:(

The wife's dog arrived last week. He belonged to her parents previously. They have several dogs. He's not used to being on his own as her folks are retired and the other dogs are there.

Kept him in the kitchen the first few nights. Constant whining and banging the door for hours and bits the door frame. He stops and sleeps but if someone gets up during the night it starts again.

Put him in the shed last night and same again only the neighbours got to hear him too.

We don't want him in the bedroom as he snores and farts.

Any advice. I'm guessing just put up with it till he stops. It's like having a child I imagine.

Quote from: thejuice on September 16, 2014, 11:31:33 AM
The wife's dog arrived last week. He belonged to her parents previously. They have several dogs. He's not used to being on his own as her folks are retired and the other dogs are there.

Kept him in the kitchen the first few nights. Constant whining and banging the door for hours and bits the door frame. He stops and sleeps but if someone gets up during the night it starts again.

Put him in the shed last night and same again only the neighbours got to hear him too.

We don't want him in the bedroom as he snores and farts.

Any advice. I'm guessing just put up with it till he stops. It's like having a child I imagine.

I wouldn't keep the kids in the shed.

No wonder, ye mayo men were reared soft.

Quote from: thejuice on September 16, 2014, 11:31:33 AM
The wife's dog arrived last week. He belonged to her parents previously. They have several dogs. He's not used to being on his own as her folks are retired and the other dogs are there.

Kept him in the kitchen the first few nights. Constant whining and banging the door for hours and bits the door frame. He stops and sleeps but if someone gets up during the night it starts again.

Put him in the shed last night and same again only the neighbours got to hear him too.

We don't want him in the bedroom as he snores and farts.

Any advice. I'm guessing just put up with it till he stops. It's like having a child I imagine.

Bag. Brick. Canal.

Christ. Anyone else got a suggestion?

Quote from: thejuice on September 16, 2014, 11:54:49 AM
Christ. Anyone else got a suggestion?

(http://www.colddeadhands.us/Portals/0/Blog/ShootingDog.jpg)

Well?

ps I am a dog owner and have 3 of the little and not so little buggers so I'm only kidding!!!

Quote from: thejuice on September 16, 2014, 11:54:49 AM
Christ. Anyone else got a suggestion?

You're not going with mine then?  ;)

Thinking of getting a dog and looking for some advice

So currently in Dublin but thats probably a 2-3 year thing. House in Dublin has a large back garden, dog would be left there during the work. Would come for a run/walk with me in the evening. Looking for a dog that can run with me, preferrably off a leash at some stage but if not no panic.
Apparently a Dalmatian is a good dog for this, wont go mental during the day but can run as much as I'd like. Collies were the other option I looked at but apparently can bark a lot when they get bored.

Any comments/suggestions?

We have a labrador pup. Good as gold and would recommend one to anyone. Hasn't been a peep out of her at night since we got her in July and sleeps outside now too - didn't mind that either.

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 16, 2014, 12:05:22 PM
Thinking of getting a dog and looking for some advice

So currently in Dublin but thats probably a 2-3 year thing. House in Dublin has a large back garden, dog would be left there during the work. Would come for a run/walk with me in the evening. Looking for a dog that can run with me, preferrably off a leash at some stage but if not no panic.
Apparently a Dalmatian is a good dog for this, wont go mental during the day but can run as much as I'd like. Collies were the other option I looked at but apparently can bark a lot when they get bored.

Any comments/suggestions?

Sister had a dalmation and it was as mad as fcuk. Hyper! I would go with Tony and suggest a Lab. Great temperament, loves going for a run/walk. However if left on its own all day it WILL get bored and will dig holes in the garden, eat through fences, chew doors. We have two of them and on the rare occasion they are on their own all day there is no problem as they are good company for each other and there normally isn't too much damage. The only thing I would suggest is that if you are going to leave it on its own all day get it out for a good run or walk or even better a swim  in the morning and it should sleep most of the day.

Quote from: 5 Sams on September 16, 2014, 01:35:20 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 16, 2014, 12:05:22 PM
Thinking of getting a dog and looking for some advice

So currently in Dublin but thats probably a 2-3 year thing. House in Dublin has a large back garden, dog would be left there during the work. Would come for a run/walk with me in the evening. Looking for a dog that can run with me, preferrably off a leash at some stage but if not no panic.
Apparently a Dalmatian is a good dog for this, wont go mental during the day but can run as much as I'd like. Collies were the other option I looked at but apparently can bark a lot when they get bored.

Any comments/suggestions?

Sister had a dalmation and it was as mad as fcuk. Hyper! I would go with Tony and suggest a Lab. Great temperament, loves going for a run/walk. However if left on its own all day it WILL get bored and will dig holes in the garden, eat through fences, chew doors. We have two of them and on the rare occasion they are on their own all day there is no problem as they are good company for each other and there normally isn't too much damage. The only thing I would suggest is that if you are going to leave it on its own all day get it out for a good run or walk or even better a swim  in the morning and it should sleep most of the day.

Definitely true about the Lab,  I have a big brown bear of a choco lab and she is brilliant but she needs a lot of exercise as she is the size of a small bullock!!!  Very friendly though and will love you to death!

Quote from: thejuice on September 16, 2014, 11:31:33 AM
The wife's dog arrived last week. He belonged to her parents previously. They have several dogs. He's not used to being on his own as her folks are retired and the other dogs are there.

Kept him in the kitchen the first few nights. Constant whining and banging the door for hours and bits the door frame. He stops and sleeps but if someone gets up during the night it starts again.

Put him in the shed last night and same again only the neighbours got to hear him too.

We don't want him in the bedroom as he snores and farts.

Any advice. I'm guessing just put up with it till he stops. It's like having a child I imagine.

Get a dog cage and put it in utility room. You don't want him roaming about a big room or he ll never settle. cover the cage with blanket so its like a den. Put in a basket and a large cuddly toy for company. Maybe a hot water bottle when it gets cooler. He ll soon take ownership of this space and should be happy to retire there at night after a while.

Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on September 16, 2014, 01:43:34 PM
Definitely true about the Lab,  I have a big brown bear of a choco lab and she is brilliant but she needs a lot of exercise as she is the size of a small bullock!!!  Very friendly though and will love you to death!

(http://gifshost.com/042011/1302282209_dog-on-treadmill.gif)

Quote from: thejuice on September 16, 2014, 11:54:49 AM
Christ. Anyone else got a suggestion?

I have a suggestion on behalf of your neighbours. DON'T put him in the shed.

Is it wrong to think a dog can manage on his own during the day in a big back garden?

Looked over on boards and theres a lot of people who think dogs are people and should be treated as such. I'm a farmer, a dog is an animal, treat it well and keep it healthy but at the end of the day its a pet not the other way around

Quote from: moysider on September 16, 2014, 02:28:41 PM

Quote from: thejuice on September 16, 2014, 11:31:33 AM
The wife's dog arrived last week. He belonged to her parents previously. They have several dogs. He's not used to being on his own as her folks are retired and the other dogs are there.

Kept him in the kitchen the first few nights. Constant whining and banging the door for hours and bits the door frame. He stops and sleeps but if someone gets up during the night it starts again.

Put him in the shed last night and same again only the neighbours got to hear him too.

We don't want him in the bedroom as he snores and farts.

Any advice. I'm guessing just put up with it till he stops. It's like having a child I imagine.

Get a dog cage and put it in utility room. You don't want him roaming about a big room or he ll never settle. cover the cage with blanket so its like a den. Put in a basket and a large cuddly toy for company. Maybe a hot water bottle when it gets cooler. He ll soon take ownership of this space and should be happy to retire there at night after a while.

The cage is way to go, get a good sized one. The cage can be in a corner, covered except for the front part. You can also have the cage in an area where the dog can see whats what in the house. They just relax and are comfortable there without a compulsion to get involved in whats happening or get out of sorts.
You might have to introduce the dog to the cage in stages and reward him with treats  as he makes progress. The cage is not a place of punishment or a place where the dog should be whining in, so check out methods to introduce the dog to the cage especially a dog  like what you describe.
I've never had a dog that needed a toy for company or had anything in the cage other than a mat.
Exercise is a way to a dog's heart and exercise the arse of him, get on your bike and run the legs off him, dogs love a quiet life after a  6 or 8km gallop.
I don't feed the dog in the cage.

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 16, 2014, 12:05:22 PM
Thinking of getting a dog and looking for some advice

So currently in Dublin but thats probably a 2-3 year thing. House in Dublin has a large back garden, dog would be left there during the work. Would come for a run/walk with me in the evening. Looking for a dog that can run with me, preferrably off a leash at some stage but if not no panic.
Apparently a Dalmatian is a good dog for this, wont go mental during the day but can run as much as I'd like. Collies were the other option I looked at but apparently can bark a lot when they get bored.

Any comments/suggestions?

Boxer is a great dog for running - they were bred to run.

Quote from: The Iceman on September 18, 2014, 04:32:05 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 16, 2014, 12:05:22 PM
Thinking of getting a dog and looking for some advice

So currently in Dublin but thats probably a 2-3 year thing. House in Dublin has a large back garden, dog would be left there during the work. Would come for a run/walk with me in the evening. Looking for a dog that can run with me, preferrably off a leash at some stage but if not no panic.
Apparently a Dalmatian is a good dog for this, wont go mental during the day but can run as much as I'd like. Collies were the other option I looked at but apparently can bark a lot when they get bored.

Any comments/suggestions?

Boxer is a great dog for running - they were bred to run.

Does the back end go on them, not sure what that means, but the brother in law had a few and I noticed one missing one day and he told me that's what happened it!!!

a lot of the breeds have been watered down. Most pedigree dogs now would have bad hips and elbows or eye problems.
You have to be very selective and pay big money to get a good pedigree dog with less chance of these ailments or go for a good mutt who will be hardier than any of them.

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 18, 2014, 11:36:37 AM
Is it wrong to think a dog can manage on his own during the day in a big back garden?

Looked over on boards and theres a lot of people who think dogs are people and should be treated as such. I'm a farmer, a dog is an animal, treat it well and keep it healthy but at the end of the day its a pet not the other way around

100%. My boss is horrified that my dog sleeps outside in a kennel  ::)

The Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan is essential viewing for dog owners, most problems seem to arise when owners don't meet their need to be a dog.

Just tuned into a programme on UTV called Me and my Guide Dog looking forward to lovely stories about how mutts help humans and I saw footage of a poor mutt gettin put down. Fcuk sake lads...that's traumatic stuff for any dog owner...a wee bit of warning wouldn't have gone astray.

I'll be doing in my own as it's mad after sheep in the next field. Killed a young rabbit this evening and the wee lad was in bits. Yet another grave dug  :-\

Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 18, 2014, 05:04:45 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 18, 2014, 11:36:37 AM
Is it wrong to think a dog can manage on his own during the day in a big back garden?

Looked over on boards and theres a lot of people who think dogs are people and should be treated as such. I'm a farmer, a dog is an animal, treat it well and keep it healthy but at the end of the day its a pet not the other way around

100%. My boss is horrified that my dog sleeps outside in a kennel  ::)

Wouldn't view dogs as animals at all. When you see what dogs do and the effect they can have on families, kids, disabled people etc. there is no way I'd view it simply as an animal. A dog can and is an essential part of a family or it's owners life. I'd never leave a dog sleep outside the house though I do understand why others would. But for me, my house would be my dog's house just as much as it is mine.

Sorry ML,what's crate trained?

Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 18, 2014, 05:04:45 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 18, 2014, 11:36:37 AM
Is it wrong to think a dog can manage on his own during the day in a big back garden?

Looked over on boards and theres a lot of people who think dogs are people and should be treated as such. I'm a farmer, a dog is an animal, treat it well and keep it healthy but at the end of the day its a pet not the other way around

100%. My boss is horrified that my dog sleeps outside in a kennel  ::)

Would have to agree with you. We don't have any pets but I wouldn't let one in the house if we did anyway. Might let a dog as far as inside the back door but I wouldn't let a cat roam around the house.

My wife is a Veterinarian and sometimes she would bring home an abandoned kitten that someone had left into her practice to look after it for a night or two. Had to put my foot down though as I knew eventually she would want to keep one of the little fcukers.

No point in having a pet if you don't leave it in the house!

Quote from: Zulu on June 09, 2015, 11:07:34 PM
Sorry ML,what's crate trained?

Basically a dog that is used to, and comfortable in it's crate, or cage. It spends time there when the family is home, when the family is away, and at night. Our fella loves his crate, happy to go into it when we are leaving.

You essentially have to be very stubborn when they are younger, and ignore the cries and whines when they don't want to be there. You can also never use the crate as a punishment or time out - then it will have a negative aspect to it.

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/crate_training.html (http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/crate_training.html)

Dunno about this crate stuff lads. I have 2 labs they are in a big garden all day. They get out for a good run in the evening and they are in the house lying on the sofa at night. Why cage them?

Quote from: 5 Sams on June 09, 2015, 11:55:41 PM
Dunno about this crate stuff lads. I have 2 labs they are in a big garden all day. They get out for a good run in the evening and they are in the house lying on the sofa at night. Why cage them?

Is your garden totally enclosed? Mine isn't and it would take a lot to do it and the dog is mad to get away. Considering an electric collar or putting her in the pound!

Quote from: laoislad on June 09, 2015, 11:08:38 PM

Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 18, 2014, 05:04:45 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 18, 2014, 11:36:37 AM
Is it wrong to think a dog can manage on his own during the day in a big back garden?

Looked over on boards and theres a lot of people who think dogs are people and should be treated as such. I'm a farmer, a dog is an animal, treat it well and keep it healthy but at the end of the day its a pet not the other way around

100%. My boss is horrified that my dog sleeps outside in a kennel  ::)

Would have to agree with you. We don't have any pets but I wouldn't let one in the house if we did anyway. Might let a dog as far as inside the back door but I wouldn't let a cat roam around the house.

My wife is a Veterinarian and sometimes she would bring home an abandoned kitten that someone had left into her practice to look after it for a night or two. Had to put my foot down though as I knew eventually she would want to keep one of the little fcukers.

Really?! You re married to somebody that must love animals if she s a vet. Yet she is not allowed keep one at home because you don t like 'the little f**kers'! She either shouldn t be a vet or should have married somebody else! ;D ;D. Seriously though you re coming across as a bit of a bully there. 'putting the foot down' is not something I like to hear.

Garden is totally enclosed lads. Plenty of room to run about. Out in the evening for a good run or a swim. To be frank they are two spoilt bastards.

Quote from: 5 Sams on June 10, 2015, 12:18:49 AM
Garden is totally enclosed lads. Plenty of room to run about. Out in the evening for a good run or a swim. To be frank they are two spoilt b**tards.

Plus they are in Kerry 3 or 4 times a year with me...in the sea once or twice a day. So they are knackered by 4pm and I can go and drink pints in Dingle.  ;D

Quote from: Zulu on June 09, 2015, 11:10:30 PM
No point in having a pet if you don't leave it in the house!

100%.

If it is not going to be in the house don t get one. There are practical reasons for this as well which I won t go into now.

I used to breed dogs. A popular breed that parents would get for a family pet. I used to try and suss out the intentions of people ringing up and inquiring. If they were talking about a kennel in the garden or a shed out the back, I would lose them. I would say....

'I ve already got deposits on the rest of the litter but if anybody changes their mind I ll get back to you'.

If you breed dogs. there is a duty of care to make sure they don t end up outside chained to a kennel or in a run or a shed. If a dog is not going to be house trained and stay indoors, don t get a dog.

Farm dogs are different. Sheepdogs are trained for purpose and are not pets as such. They have a different function and it appears that it is not possible to have a sheepdog hang around with kids and train him to be a top class working dog as well. Kennel for him.

It s simple thing. If it can t come inside your house don t have it. Let a better home have the creature.

Not a chance, dogs and cats smell like dogs and cats. If they're inside, then the house smell like dogs and cats, not to mention hair, etc.

Outside in a good shed with a bitta straw and they're plenty happy.

Quote from: macdanger2 on June 10, 2015, 12:48:49 AM
Not a chance, dogs and cats smell like dogs and cats. If they're inside, then the house smell like dogs and cats, not to mention hair, etc.

Outside in a good shed with a bitta straw and they're plenty happy.

Nah. If you don t like the smell of a cat or dog and you don t like the hair don t have one. If people like a house that's bleached and polished to the 9s fair play to them. They may find they re kids have more problems with asthma and allergies. But that s besides the point. If you have something living ye won t have in the house, why have it?

At the minute I ve 2 dogs in the house plus a dozen newly hatched chicks in a large plastic box 6 feet away. Cant smell a thing. Yet yesterday I was in a house that had no animals in it and I nearly staggered backwards. Smell of sour milk or worse and general sloppiness about the place.

A wet Labrador will smell like a wet Labrador but a healthy dog dries off and doesn t smell. A cat that is house trained does t smell. People that do think they hum should stay away from them. People like that are doing an animal no favour keeping them. Animals in a shed may appear happy but that s part of the problem. They wag the tail and leap up. That s because they are a social animal and delighted to see you. Put a camera on them for the rest of the time and see what they do.

Why have one? Because they're enjoyable but it doesn't mean you have them living in the house. Any dog we ever had lived outside and was put in at night. When there was thunder / lightening we'd bring her inside as she was scared. Once it was done, she'd tear off back outside, didn't like being inside. Like any person or animal, whatever you're familiar with is what you like.

If you're out the farm handling any animal - sheep, cattle, horse - you wash your hands when you come in, same with dogs - why? Because they're animals and not the cleanest. Doesn't mean you bleach everything down but doesn't mean you have dinner in the slatted house either

Who loves you more, the dog or herself?

A simple test...lock both in the boot of the car for an hour.  Upon opening the boot when the hour is up, which one will be the most happy to see you?

Quote from: moysider on June 10, 2015, 12:17:09 AM

Quote from: laoislad on June 09, 2015, 11:08:38 PM

Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 18, 2014, 05:04:45 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 18, 2014, 11:36:37 AM
Is it wrong to think a dog can manage on his own during the day in a big back garden?

Looked over on boards and theres a lot of people who think dogs are people and should be treated as such. I'm a farmer, a dog is an animal, treat it well and keep it healthy but at the end of the day its a pet not the other way around

100%. My boss is horrified that my dog sleeps outside in a kennel  ::)

Would have to agree with you. We don't have any pets but I wouldn't let one in the house if we did anyway. Might let a dog as far as inside the back door but I wouldn't let a cat roam around the house.

My wife is a Veterinarian and sometimes she would bring home an abandoned kitten that someone had left into her practice to look after it for a night or two. Had to put my foot down though as I knew eventually she would want to keep one of the little fcukers.

Really?! You re married to somebody that must love animals if she s a vet. Yet she is not allowed keep one at home because you don t like 'the little f**kers'! She either shouldn t be a vet or should have married somebody else! ;D ;D. Seriously though you re coming across as a bit of a bully there. 'putting the foot down' is not something I like to hear.

Well she was more or less qualified as a Vet when I met her,I could hardly ask her to give it up for me!

Btw I never said I don't like animals. I said I don't like cats. They are evil horrible little creatures and there was no way we were having one as a pet,and I just knew eventually she would want to keep one. If you think that makes me a bully then so be it.
I'm anything but a bully FYI,but maybe my choice of words were wrong in the post.

If she wants to bring home a puppy to look after and keep she can.It would stay outside though.

Can certainly tell who the non-dog lovers are on this thread lol.

Can someone tell me what a cat brings to the table? Other than catching mice I can't see the attraction of owning one. Especially if you're a man!

Quote from: general_lee on June 10, 2015, 02:03:32 PM
Can someone tell me what a cat brings to the table?

Dead birds.

Quote from: general_lee on June 10, 2015, 02:03:32 PM
Can certainly tell who the non-dog lovers are on this thread lol.

Can someone tell me what a cat brings to the table? Other than catching mice I can't see the attraction of owning one. Especially if you're a man!

Don't need to walk a cat, cats don't bark at every thing,cheaper to feed.

I've this wee dog now over a year. She's 4 and I got her from an animal rescue centre in Tyrone - Grovehill (http://grovehillanimaltrust.org/). She's a crossbreed Jack Russell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B56LgOGIAJA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B56LgOGIAJA)

Quote from: laoislad on June 10, 2015, 08:08:39 AM

Quote from: moysider on June 10, 2015, 12:17:09 AM

Quote from: laoislad on June 09, 2015, 11:08:38 PM

Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 18, 2014, 05:04:45 PM

Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 18, 2014, 11:36:37 AM
Is it wrong to think a dog can manage on his own during the day in a big back garden?

Looked over on boards and theres a lot of people who think dogs are people and should be treated as such. I'm a farmer, a dog is an animal, treat it well and keep it healthy but at the end of the day its a pet not the other way around

100%. My boss is horrified that my dog sleeps outside in a kennel  ::)

Would have to agree with you. We don't have any pets but I wouldn't let one in the house if we did anyway. Might let a dog as far as inside the back door but I wouldn't let a cat roam around the house.

My wife is a Veterinarian and sometimes she would bring home an abandoned kitten that someone had left into her practice to look after it for a night or two. Had to put my foot down though as I knew eventually she would want to keep one of the little fcukers.

Really?! You re married to somebody that must love animals if she s a vet. Yet she is not allowed keep one at home because you don t like 'the little f**kers'! She either shouldn t be a vet or should have married somebody else! ;D ;D. Seriously though you re coming across as a bit of a bully there. 'putting the foot down' is not something I like to hear.

Well she was more or less qualified as a Vet when I met her,I could hardly ask her to give it up for me!

Btw I never said I don't like animals. I said I don't like cats. They are evil horrible little creatures and . If you think that makes me a bully then so be it.
I'm anything but a bully FYI,but maybe my choice of words were wrong in the post.

If she wants to bring home a puppy to look after and keep she can.It would stay outside though.

You obviously have strong negative opinions about cats! A lot of people love cats. It s one of those things. People that like sport don t understand people that don t and vice versa and that s fine as well.

You claim that you are not a bully but go  ' there was no way we were having one as a pet, and I just knew eventually she would want to keep one.'

And the bit about the puppy makes you more of a bully ffs.

If you were married to a librarian would you ban her from bringing books home and reading? Chill out. Let the girl have cats and dogs if she wants.

Btw, I m not being too serious but I m not sure about you?? There is no way that you should have an issue with your wife having dogs or cats in her home if she wants to do that.

Stick to yer guns LL, no pets inside!!!!  ;D

The pets inside the house thing all depends on where you were brought up.
City gimps will obviously allow them inside and treat them as part of the furniture; as they destroy it.
People with a rural background will consider all animals as lifestock; thus they stay outside.

My dogs have never been in the house.

PS Also hate cats; they are the sperm of satin

Quote from: ardal on June 11, 2015, 09:19:02 AM
The pets inside the house thing all depends on where you were brought up.
City gimps will obviously allow them inside and treat them as part of the furniture; as they destroy it.
People with a rural background will consider all animals as lifestock; thus they stay outside.

My dogs have never been in the house.

PS Also hate cats; they are the sperm of satin

+1
I'd add a bit to that in that some people see dogs/cats almost like children and treat them that way.
That is just weird.
Oh, and have you ever visited the home of someone who keeps a dog/cat in the house? The place usually stinks of animal or is covered in dog hair.
My dog lives outside, he has a kennel and his own cordoned off garden area. He only seems to get upset when the kids are playing in the remainder of the garden and he wants out to join in the craic.
Kids let him out everyone is happy and he quite happily trods back in when I call him. He used to try to come into the house, but now knows he's not allowed and doesnt try.

Dog doing good work, a cat wouldn't bother.
http://www.breakingnews.ie/world/hero-dog-jumps-between-blind-owner-and-bus-then-refuses-to-leave-her-side-680931.html

Quote from: armaghniac on June 11, 2015, 03:59:59 PM
Dog doing good work, a cat wouldn't bother.
http://www.breakingnews.ie/world/hero-dog-jumps-between-blind-owner-and-bus-then-refuses-to-leave-her-side-680931.html

Really?? ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBW5dfRoG7Q

Quote from: HiMucker on June 11, 2015, 04:11:36 PM

Quote from: armaghniac on June 11, 2015, 03:59:59 PM
Dog doing good work, a cat wouldn't bother.
http://www.breakingnews.ie/world/hero-dog-jumps-between-blind-owner-and-bus-then-refuses-to-leave-her-side-680931.html

Really?? ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBW5dfRoG7Q

really indeed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVleCjNJdOg

Quote from: tbrick18 on June 11, 2015, 02:35:13 PM

Quote from: ardal on June 11, 2015, 09:19:02 AM
The pets inside the house thing all depends on where you were brought up.
City gimps will obviously allow them inside and treat them as part of the furniture; as they destroy it.
People with a rural background will consider all animals as lifestock; thus they stay outside.

My dogs have never been in the house.

PS Also hate cats; they are the sperm of satin

+1
I'd add a bit to that in that some people see dogs/cats almost like children and treat them that way.
That is just weird.
Oh, and have you ever visited the home of someone who keeps a dog/cat in the house? The place usually stinks of animal or is covered in dog hair.
My dog lives outside, he has a kennel and his own cordoned off garden area. He only seems to get upset when the kids are playing in the remainder of the garden and he wants out to join in the craic.
Kids let him out everyone is happy and he quite happily trods back in when I call him. He used to try to come into the house, but now knows he's not allowed and doesnt try.

Really? I think it's weird to not treat them like a family member. I find it incredibly odd that people get dogs and then leave them outside all the time, sure that's just forking out money for something that needs to be feed everyday and moves around in your back garden while you watch TV! Why would you bother getting a dog if you don't interact with it on a consistent basis?

I've never found a house with a dog in it to notably smell and I'd imagine any house with kids or anyone living in it will smell to some degree anyway. As long as an owner isn't cruel to their dog I guess it's up to them whether they leave them in the house or not but I certainly wouldn't get a dog and not treat them as a family member. They're usually better company that most family members :D

Quote from: ardal on June 11, 2015, 09:19:02 AM
The pets inside the house thing all depends on where you were brought up.
City gimps will obviously allow them inside and treat them as part of the furniture; as they destroy it.
People with a rural background will consider all animals as lifestock; thus they stay outside.

My dogs have never been in the house.

PS Also hate cats; they are the sperm of satin

I ve a rural background and I wouldn t bother with a dog if it was to be outside.

When I was young my parents would discourage the farm dogs from being in the house and my mother especially would be shooing them out. But they were hardy cattle dogs and wouldn t be the cleanest from being in the fields and yards.

Funny thing is when my mother was widowed and living on her own she used to love to have one of my labs stay with her for company and often used to keep it overnight.

It's a funny old world. A few weeks back we had people foaming at the mouth, wanting to exclude selected categories of human beings from the definition of a family. Now we have people wanting to include selected categories of animals in the definition of a family.

Quote from: Hardy on June 11, 2015, 07:48:03 PM
It's a funny old world. A few weeks back we had people foaming at the mouth, wanting to exclude selected categories of human beings from the definition of a family. Now we have people wanting to include selected categories of animals in the definition of a family.

And what harm will that do?

Who said anything about harm?

Quote from: Hardy on June 11, 2015, 08:36:50 PM
Who said anything about harm?

Why mention it  then?

I can only mention things that will do harm?

OK. The black card. Mark my words.

Over to you.

Quote from: Hardy on June 11, 2015, 08:50:12 PM
I can only mention things that will do harm?

OK. The black card. Mark my words.

Over to you.

Why mention it at all on a discussion board if you don't want a response?

OK. Decision time. Do I wait for you to say something sensible or do I play the percentages and go have a conversation with the hedgehog that's just moved in to my garden?

I wonder what hedgehogs like to talk about.

Thought it was fairly easy to grasp myself but there you go.

Leave the hedgehog be they're deadly for the slugs always wanted one myself but the garden was walled in. Had to rely on birds and slug pellets, although I hear that egg shells are good too but I never got a chance to test them properly. Hedgehogs tho are supposed to be the business

Ditto on the crate, best thing I ever did for the dog, she loves it, it's her cave and especially when the general (the cat) is in one of his moods.

Quote from: Hardy on June 11, 2015, 09:11:08 PM
OK. Decision time. Do I wait for you to say something sensible or do I play the percentages and go have a conversation with the hedgehog that's just moved in to my garden?

I wonder what hedgehogs like to talk about.

Don't let it into the house.

Quote from: Hardy on June 11, 2015, 07:48:03 PM
It's a funny old world. A few weeks back we had people foaming at the mouth, wanting to exclude selected categories of human beings from the definition of a family. Now we have people wanting to include selected categories of animals in the definition of a family.

Are we talking about gay dogs now?

I just got a female Boxer there a few weeks back shes prob about 11 weeks now, shes already house trained and doing some basic commands sit and giving the paw. Cracking wee dog does alot of sleeping but I imagine that's cause of the rate shes growing at.

Before its asked I've no idea if shes gay or not though

Quote from: omaghjoe on June 11, 2015, 09:17:10 PM
Thought it was fairly easy to grasp myself but there you go.

Leave the hedgehog be they're deadly for the slugs always wanted one myself but the garden was walled in. Had to rely on birds and slug pellets, although I hear that egg shells are good too but I never got a chance to test them properly. Hedgehogs tho are supposed to be the business

eggshells work great around the veggies - dry them out on the window sill then blend them up and sprinkle around - slugs cant slither over them as they are too sharp

enjoy a dog about the house myself - been threatening to get one for a while now - been waiting until the youngest is old enough but the Mrs keeps having more

I's say that none of you lads are heading to the Yulin dog meat festival on the Solstice.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/yulin-dog-meat-festival-business-booming-as-dog-meat-festival-gets-underway-10333781.html

Woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof woof woof Grrrr woof woof

http://www.pressherald.com/2015/07/02/retired-military-dogs-find-new-purpose-in-u-s-meth-wars/ (http://www.pressherald.com/2015/07/02/retired-military-dogs-find-new-purpose-in-u-s-meth-wars/)

Translation: Why can they not let us enjoy our retirement? All I really want to do in sniff the arse of young bitches

Anybody got any experience of Staffordshire Bull Terriers? I have 3 small children and I am reading they are a great family dog? Thinking about getting a pup.

Quote from: GJL on July 09, 2015, 12:36:06 PM
Anybody got any experience of Staffordshire Bull Terriers? I have 3 small children and I am reading they are a great family dog? Thinking about getting a pup.

Is that not the canine equivalent of asking has anyone got any experience of renault diesels?  ;D

Quote from: theskull1 on July 09, 2015, 03:05:58 PM

Quote from: GJL on July 09, 2015, 12:36:06 PM
Anybody got any experience of Staffordshire Bull Terriers? I have 3 small children and I am reading they are a great family dog? Thinking about getting a pup.

Is that not the canine equivalent of asking has anyone got any experience of renault diesels?  ;D

Are they that bad? I'm reading they are a great family dog and great with kids?

Quote from: GJL on July 09, 2015, 03:08:22 PM

Quote from: theskull1 on July 09, 2015, 03:05:58 PM

Quote from: GJL on July 09, 2015, 12:36:06 PM
Anybody got any experience of Staffordshire Bull Terriers? I have 3 small children and I am reading they are a great family dog? Thinking about getting a pup.

Is that not the canine equivalent of asking has anyone got any experience of renault diesels?  ;D

Are they that bad? I'm reading they are a great family dog and great with kids?

Maybe not (at least according to the Daily Mail):

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2952492/Shocking-injuries-suffered-toddler-attacked-neighbour-s-Staffordshire-bull-terrier-leaving-needing-240-stitches.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2975454/Schoolboy-7-suffered-huge-wound-eye-Staffordshire-Bull-Terrier-trying-cuddle-bit-face.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1379622/Dog-attack-Staffordshire-bull-terrier-mauls-girl-7-chewing-eyelid-exposing-skull.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2568708/Owner-Staffordshire-Bull-Terrier-left-boy-5-needing-surgery-brutal-attack-admits-dog-dangerously-control.html

Quote from: GJL on July 09, 2015, 12:36:06 PM
Anybody got any experience of Staffordshire Bull Terriers? I have 3 small children and I am reading they are a great family dog? Thinking about getting a pup.

Get a Labrador...while I'm not saying you can trust all dogs I wouldn't trust a terrier of any kind....labs have a great temperament.

Bottom line is though I wouldn't leave a child alone at ANY time with ANY sort of dog.

Staffie's would be great with the family kids. Strangers -inc strange kids and other dogs- might be a different story though. The trick is that the dog needs to be really well socialised with strange people and other dogs from a young age. Easier said than done. There are classes that cater for that kind of thing but they won t be cheap.
Still trips to hospital are not cheap either. Unless you re an experienced dog owner stay away from a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Start with a Jack Russel or if you want to be 100% safe get a Labrador bitch.

Quote from: moysider on July 09, 2015, 03:29:27 PM
Staffie's would be great with the family kids. Strangers -inc strange kids and other dogs- might be a different story though. The trick is that the dog needs to be really well socialised with strange people and other dogs from a young age. Easier said than done. There are classes that cater for that kind of thing but they won t be cheap.
Still trips to hospital are not cheap either. Unless you re an experienced dog owner stay away from a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Start with a Jack Russel or if you want to be 100% safe get a Labrador bitch.

Labs are a really nice dog but I'd really like a staff. Have some experience of dogs but would like to learn more. Any links to people/companies that do these courses or info on how to self train?

Jack russells can be a sharp enough little dog!

Quote from: GJL on July 09, 2015, 03:40:52 PM

Quote from: moysider on July 09, 2015, 03:29:27 PM
Staffie's would be great with the family kids. Strangers -inc strange kids and other dogs- might be a different story though. The trick is that the dog needs to be really well socialised with strange people and other dogs from a young age. Easier said than done. There are classes that cater for that kind of thing but they won t be cheap.
Still trips to hospital are not cheap either. Unless you re an experienced dog owner stay away from a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Start with a Jack Russel or if you want to be 100% safe get a Labrador bitch.

Labs are a really nice dog but I'd really like a staff. Have some experience of dogs but would like to learn more. Any links to people/companies that do these courses or info on how to self train?

Jack russells can be a sharp enough little dog!

There are loads of these dog whispering courses about now so you could google one near you. They are obviously a big earner because people spend freely on their pets. There was a discussion today on newstalk about this. You might be able to get that online.

a Jack is a great little dog but any terrier should have a bit of spirit or it wouldn t be a terrier. But comparing a Jack to a Staffie is like comparing a flyweight to Mike Tyson. Terriers can be quick to bare their teeth but in fairness most are smart enough not to bite. But you don t wan t a friend of your kids bitten by a Staffie. Or a neighbour's pet. A JR is a rat dog while the Staff does what it says on the tin. He doesn t just nip and let go. He is bred to hold on and persist. He was bred for bull-baiting.
Another consideration is that some terriers are a nightmare to housetrain.
Anyway good luck with the Staffie and let us know how you get on.

Quote from: moysider on July 09, 2015, 10:51:38 PM

Quote from: GJL on July 09, 2015, 03:40:52 PM

Quote from: moysider on July 09, 2015, 03:29:27 PM
Staffie's would be great with the family kids. Strangers -inc strange kids and other dogs- might be a different story though. The trick is that the dog needs to be really well socialised with strange people and other dogs from a young age. Easier said than done. There are classes that cater for that kind of thing but they won t be cheap.
Still trips to hospital are not cheap either. Unless you re an experienced dog owner stay away from a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Start with a Jack Russel or if you want to be 100% safe get a Labrador bitch.

Labs are a really nice dog but I'd really like a staff. Have some experience of dogs but would like to learn more. Any links to people/companies that do these courses or info on how to self train?

Jack russells can be a sharp enough little dog!

There are loads of these dog whispering courses about now so you could google one near you. They are obviously a big earner because people spend freely on their pets. There was a discussion today on newstalk about this. You might be able to get that online.

a Jack is a great little dog but any terrier should have a bit of spirit or it wouldn t be a terrier. But comparing a Jack to a Staffie is like comparing a flyweight to Mike Tyson. Terriers can be quick to bare their teeth but in fairness most are smart enough not to bite. But you don t wan t a friend of your kids bitten by a Staffie. Or a neighbour's pet. A JR is a rat dog while the Staff does what it says on the tin. He doesn t just nip and let go. He is bred to hold on and persist. He was bred for bull-baiting.
Another consideration is that some terriers are a nightmare to housetrain.
Anyway good luck with the Staffie and let us know how you get on.

Thanks. Will do.

Don't let it into the house though GJL.

Quote from: laoislad on July 10, 2015, 05:27:42 PM
Don't let it into the house though GJL.

I have no intentions to.

Out at the dog run with my pup on Saturday and met a fella with an American Alsation easily one of the nicest most impressive dogs I ever met, absolutely huge but with a really pleasant passive temperament, and played with each different dog differently depending on size, and it was only 10 months old itself.

He was telling me they are used pretty extensively for Therapy dogs I'd say if anyone is looking a proper big dog as a companion animal to have a look at them.

Looking a family pet, I've  have finally given in and the kids are looking for a Cockapoo, would be interested in breeders who are reputable and established, this would be a must...

Any dog with cocker blood in him will be fun, friendly and very energetic. I'd strongly advise you, though, to get a fully grown dog if you can, about 3 year old, rather than a pup. A pup is a torture.

Quote from: Dougal Maguire on May 24, 2017, 12:17:39 AM
Any dog with cocker blood in him will be fun, friendly and very energetic. I'd strongly advise you, though, to get a fully grown dog if you can, about 3 year old, rather than a pup. A pup is a torture.

I fully agree but I'm not in charge lol

What age are the kids?  If you go for a pup it's worse than having a new kid. There's the hassle of toilet training, preparing secure space for him in the garden, cleaning up the poo outside, deciding where in the house he can have access to, getting up early in the morning to let him out etc.  There are also costs involved, neutering ( a must ) kennelling, grooming, etc. As regards food, go for the nuts and remember the better the food, the less cleaning up you'll have. We had a cocker and they are class, great fun but completely mad and need lots of exercise. We have a Bichon now got him when he was 15 months and still a handful. Finally Bitch is better than a dog. I know I've had cross words with you in the past, can't even remember what it was over to be honest, and nor do I care.  Good luck with the dog, whatever you decide.

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 23, 2017, 11:38:03 PM
Looking a family pet, I've  have finally given in and the kids are looking for a Cockapoo, would be interested in breeders who are reputable and established, this would be a must...

They do say choose a breeder who has paid to advertise rather than a free advert. My only advice would be, do alot of research into the breed and get insurance.

Quote from: Dougal Maguire on May 24, 2017, 12:52:48 AM
What age are the kids?  If you go for a pup it's worse than having a new kid. There's the hassle of toilet training, preparing secure space for him in the garden, cleaning up the poo outside, deciding where in the house he can have access to, getting up early in the morning to let him out etc.  There are also costs involved, neutering ( a must ) kennelling, grooming, etc. As regards food, go for the nuts and remember the better the food, the less cleaning up you'll have. We had a cocker and they are class, great fun but completely mad and need lots of exercise. We have a Bichon now got him when he was 15 months and still a handful. Finally Bitch is better than a dog. I know I've had cross words with you in the past, can't even remember what it was over to be honest, and nor do I care.  Good luck with the dog, whatever you decide.

I know I'll be left to do the walks cleaning and training !! Kids are 13 and 16 both girls which I hope will help! The sister in law has a Bicon she's on her second now, lovely dog...

At least I'll have someone who'll greet me when I get home from work!!

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 24, 2017, 01:02:37 PM

Quote from: Dougal Maguire on May 24, 2017, 12:52:48 AM
What age are the kids?  If you go for a pup it's worse than having a new kid. There's the hassle of toilet training, preparing secure space for him in the garden, cleaning up the poo outside, deciding where in the house he can have access to, getting up early in the morning to let him out etc.  There are also costs involved, neutering ( a must ) kennelling, grooming, etc. As regards food, go for the nuts and remember the better the food, the less cleaning up you'll have. We had a cocker and they are class, great fun but completely mad and need lots of exercise. We have a Bichon now got him when he was 15 months and still a handful. Finally Bitch is better than a dog. I know I've had cross words with you in the past, can't even remember what it was over to be honest, and nor do I care.  Good luck with the dog, whatever you decide.

I know I'll be left to do the walks cleaning and training !! Kids are 13 and 16 both girls which I hope will help! The sister in law has a Bicon she's on her second now, lovely dog...

At least I'll have someone who'll greet me when I get home from work!!

Ive a bichon. Got it and was promised by the daughter that she would help out as well... yeah that happened  ::)

Great dog though in fairness. great with the younger kids. sleeps a lot

Quote from: lurganblue on May 24, 2017, 02:10:22 PM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 24, 2017, 01:02:37 PM

Quote from: Dougal Maguire on May 24, 2017, 12:52:48 AM
What age are the kids?  If you go for a pup it's worse than having a new kid. There's the hassle of toilet training, preparing secure space for him in the garden, cleaning up the poo outside, deciding where in the house he can have access to, getting up early in the morning to let him out etc.  There are also costs involved, neutering ( a must ) kennelling, grooming, etc. As regards food, go for the nuts and remember the better the food, the less cleaning up you'll have. We had a cocker and they are class, great fun but completely mad and need lots of exercise. We have a Bichon now got him when he was 15 months and still a handful. Finally Bitch is better than a dog. I know I've had cross words with you in the past, can't even remember what it was over to be honest, and nor do I care.  Good luck with the dog, whatever you decide.

I know I'll be left to do the walks cleaning and training !! Kids are 13 and 16 both girls which I hope will help! The sister in law has a Bicon she's on her second now, lovely dog...

At least I'll have someone who'll greet me when I get home from work!!

Ive a bichon. Got it and was promised by the daughter that she would help out as well... yeah that happened  ::)

Great dog though in fairness. great with the younger kids. sleeps a lot

You get it locally lurganblue? the main thing is wife is allergic to the dog hair so Bicon's Cockapoo's and the like are the best for that

I love dogs....great companions and gets you out walking and exercising!! Labradors are very smart and easily trained....and they are great fun to have around you.

Down side is they eat everything when they are pups and shed LOADS of hair....you also get very attached to them and its a real kick in the balls when you lose one. Found my oldest dog under a tree in the garden this time last year. 14 years he lasted so it wasnt a bad innings for a Lab.

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 24, 2017, 02:52:28 PM

Quote from: lurganblue on May 24, 2017, 02:10:22 PM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 24, 2017, 01:02:37 PM

Quote from: Dougal Maguire on May 24, 2017, 12:52:48 AM
What age are the kids?  If you go for a pup it's worse than having a new kid. There's the hassle of toilet training, preparing secure space for him in the garden, cleaning up the poo outside, deciding where in the house he can have access to, getting up early in the morning to let him out etc.  There are also costs involved, neutering ( a must ) kennelling, grooming, etc. As regards food, go for the nuts and remember the better the food, the less cleaning up you'll have. We had a cocker and they are class, great fun but completely mad and need lots of exercise. We have a Bichon now got him when he was 15 months and still a handful. Finally Bitch is better than a dog. I know I've had cross words with you in the past, can't even remember what it was over to be honest, and nor do I care.  Good luck with the dog, whatever you decide.

I know I'll be left to do the walks cleaning and training !! Kids are 13 and 16 both girls which I hope will help! The sister in law has a Bicon she's on her second now, lovely dog...

At least I'll have someone who'll greet me when I get home from work!!

Ive a bichon. Got it and was promised by the daughter that she would help out as well... yeah that happened  ::)

Great dog though in fairness. great with the younger kids. sleeps a lot

You get it locally lurganblue? the main thing is wife is allergic to the dog hair so Bicon's Cockapoo's and the like are the best for that

Got it in Belfast from a friend of a friend. 4 year old but the family couldnt look after her anymore.  We got lucky really as all of the hard work house training had been done.  Aye, there is very little shedding with the Bichon but that does mean you have to fork out regularly for the grooming but sure.

Quote from: Thastheball on May 24, 2017, 03:11:01 PM
The problem with those dogs is the hair lost. terriers like the welsh, Airedale, wire fox, Lakeland etc do not cast hair and therefore there is little odour left in the house as the dogs hair is not falling off into the house. father had terriers and as result I have had them since the kids were born. Like all dogs never leave with a child unsupervised regardless of how well you think you know them. Did you know that a child's crying is like the squeal of an animal that is being killed and can actually increase the pack mentality in a dog, sometimes contributing to it attacking, regardless of how tame it has been in the past.

It still amazes me how little research people put into dogs before getting one. What amazes more is that they treat the dog like a person and whats worst they teach no rules nor boundaries to the dog, basically fecking the dog up, and when the dog is running amuck blame the dog as uncontrollable. I remember a work colleague who has a bull dog, strong brute, she complained of it dragging her everywhere when she walked it, pulling the arms off her. I asked her to bring the dog in and within ten minutes on the correct lead and tone of voice and correct correctional touches I had it walking on a loose lead tight bedside my leg, with me in control with a slight touch of the lead. Showed her how to do it and then practised it with her. Three weeks later she has lost control. Ah but it was the dogs fault.

I thought the airedale was notorious for shedding  - not one of the worst? maybe i'm confused about them aye
From dogtime.com:

QuoteThe Airedale Terrier is not known for extreme shedding, but he does shed certain times of the year. Regular brushing keeps the coat in good condition (once or twice a week), and periodic bathing as needed (over-bathing is not recommended, as this softens the coarse terrier coat).

Joined the dog owner club and got myself and the wife a wee boxer pup. The whole show just loves him. Any training tips and advice would be appreciated.

Train him now or you will regret forever.

Quote from: JimStynes on July 24, 2018, 04:28:43 PM
Joined the dog owner club and got myself and the wife a wee boxer pup. The whole show just loves him. Any training tips and advice would be appreciated.

Keep the sessions short and fun.  Treats immediately for any progress towards what you want him to do.  The sit command is easy, and is the basis for a lot of other commands.  Just hold a treat over his head, about where his ears are, and he'll maneuver into a sitting position to try to get it. 

There's lots of books.  This one is pretty good:  https://www.amazon.com/101-Dog-Tricks-Activities-Challenge/dp/1592533256/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1532449860&sr=8-1&keywords=dog+tricks+101&dpID=51PrGJbxGpL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch (https://www.amazon.com/101-Dog-Tricks-Activities-Challenge/dp/1592533256/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1532449860&sr=8-1&keywords=dog+tricks+101&dpID=51PrGJbxGpL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch)

Quote from: JimStynes on July 24, 2018, 04:28:43 PM
Joined the dog owner club and got myself and the wife a wee boxer pup. The whole show just loves him. Any training tips and advice would be appreciated.

Get him / her insured! A great addition to a family, couldn't imagine the house without ours tbh

Quote from: JimStynes on July 24, 2018, 04:28:43 PM
Joined the dog owner club and got myself and the wife a wee boxer pup. The whole show just loves him. Any training tips and advice would be appreciated.

Good for you! The most loveable things! Was surprised how quickly I was smitten! As said already do the training quickly.. short lead for walks, dog proofing the house is difficult so expect chewed up things till they get past their teething!

Best for me is the good solid walks, clears the head and they'll be less active in the house!

Quote from: JimStynes on July 24, 2018, 04:28:43 PM
Joined the dog owner club and got myself and the wife a wee boxer pup. The whole show just loves him. Any training tips and advice would be appreciated.

Fair play. I've a boxer staff. There a very loyal dog.We brought our dog to DSPCA for dog training.

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 24, 2018, 06:16:19 PM

Quote from: JimStynes on July 24, 2018, 04:28:43 PM
Joined the dog owner club and got myself and the wife a wee boxer pup. The whole show just loves him. Any training tips and advice would be appreciated.

Good for you! The most loveable things! Was surprised how quickly I was smitten! As said already do the training quickly.. short lead for walks, dog proofing the house is difficult so expect chewed up things till they get past their teething!

Best for me is the good solid walks, clears the head and they'll be less active in the house!

Dogs should be kept outside imo. Never understood the attraction of a house dog.

Get him neutrared. That is definitely one thing you need to do

Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 24, 2018, 07:28:26 PM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 24, 2018, 06:16:19 PM

Quote from: JimStynes on July 24, 2018, 04:28:43 PM
Joined the dog owner club and got myself and the wife a wee boxer pup. The whole show just loves him. Any training tips and advice would be appreciated.

Good for you! The most loveable things! Was surprised how quickly I was smitten! As said already do the training quickly.. short lead for walks, dog proofing the house is difficult so expect chewed up things till they get past their teething!

Best for me is the good solid walks, clears the head and they'll be less active in the house!

Dogs should be kept outside imo. Never understood the attraction of a house dog.

Temperatures were below zero a few times this year but you'd be happy to keep them outside? Sure next time it's cold you sleep outside!

Dogs are pets, I remember my old dog when I was young and my dad had the same idea, I've a different view now, being in the house is fine, unless you're one of those house proud people

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 24, 2018, 11:33:19 PM

Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 24, 2018, 07:28:26 PM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 24, 2018, 06:16:19 PM

Quote from: JimStynes on July 24, 2018, 04:28:43 PM
Joined the dog owner club and got myself and the wife a wee boxer pup. The whole show just loves him. Any training tips and advice would be appreciated.

Good for you! The most loveable things! Was surprised how quickly I was smitten! As said already do the training quickly.. short lead for walks, dog proofing the house is difficult so expect chewed up things till they get past their teething!

Best for me is the good solid walks, clears the head and they'll be less active in the house!

Dogs should be kept outside imo. Never understood the attraction of a house dog.

Temperatures were below zero a few times this year but you'd be happy to keep them outside? Sure next time it's cold you sleep outside!

Dogs are pets, I remember my old dog when I was young and my dad had the same idea, I've a different view now, being in the house is fine, unless you're one of those house proud people

There are these outdoor houses for dogs you may have heard of.

Or else keep them in the porch.

Insurance is a must JimStynes!!! 

Must get round and see him.

Anyone got any insurance recommendations?

(https://i.imgur.com/A6Y1fXM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/9vQruNe.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/oO24GJv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ETrTQol.jpg)

Sorry lads, biggest pictures in the world there! How do I make them smaller?

That is a lovely looking pup you've got there. Not a fan of boxers to be honest but a mate of mine has one and he raves about them.

Lovely pup! There's a young boxer that walks along the toe path where I live and he's the friendliness boxer and gets on well with all the walkers and dogs!

lovely markings good strong looking pup - read up on the history of the breed  -from what I was told they were born to run  - I had a fella I knew back in Armagh who had one and he would have his boxer follow him everywhere on the bike - I remember him saying about lifting your arm up above shoulder height or something always triggered some defensive response in his dog - but sure they're all different.
Get him trained early. K9 Ireland have a course where you give them the dog for 2-3 weeks and they send him back trained. Good deal in my opinion...

If you have the time and a bit of patience, training them yourself is fun for both of you.

Quote from: JimStynes on July 25, 2018, 02:43:54 PM
Sorry lads, biggest pictures in the world there! How do I make them smaller?

Hardy knows.

I haven't a clue, but it is a nice looking pup.
(https://i.imgur.com/oO24GJv.jpg)

He has the body of a young pup but the face looks older, an old head on a young body, he's already munching through branches.

(http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu206/Hardyarse/boxer1_zpsm1he3rqo.png) (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/Hardyarse/media/boxer1_zpsm1he3rqo.png.html)
(http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu206/Hardyarse/boxer2_zpswcp34ew0.png) (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/Hardyarse/media/boxer2_zpswcp34ew0.png.html)
(http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu206/Hardyarse/boxer3_zpsmmywh0iu.png) (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/Hardyarse/media/boxer3_zpsmmywh0iu.png.html)
(http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu206/Hardyarse/boxer4_zpsryq43szj.png) (http://s648.photobucket.com/user/Hardyarse/media/boxer4_zpsryq43szj.png.html)

Lovely dog Jim

enjoy the new pup. I have three boxers best breed about

That last picture reminds me of a corner back i used to play with, a vague interest in the ball but not enough to do anything about it...

Quote from: Lisa on July 27, 2018, 12:52:11 PM
enjoy the new pup. I have three boxers best breed about

A good breed, but the best breed?  You've never had a Border Collie then? Einstein in the body of Usain Bolt.

Quote from: Main Street on July 27, 2018, 10:34:26 PM

Quote from: Lisa on July 27, 2018, 12:52:11 PM
enjoy the new pup. I have three boxers best breed about

A good breed, but the best breed?  You've never had a Border Collie then? Einstein in the body of Usain Bolt.

I'd a dog once that had the physique of Stephen Nolan and the intellect of Sammy Wilson.

Quote from: armaghniac on July 27, 2018, 11:23:42 PM

Quote from: Main Street on July 27, 2018, 10:34:26 PM

Quote from: Lisa on July 27, 2018, 12:52:11 PM
enjoy the new pup. I have three boxers best breed about

A good breed, but the best breed?  You've never had a Border Collie then? Einstein in the body of Usain Bolt.

I'd a dog once that had the physique of Stephen Nolan and the intellect of Sammy Wilson.

Whilst I am not exaggerating in the least, I suspect you are, or else the adage applies, 'it's not the dog,  its the stupid owner' :)

Quote from: Main Street on July 28, 2018, 12:19:50 AM

Quote from: armaghniac on July 27, 2018, 11:23:42 PM

Quote from: Main Street on July 27, 2018, 10:34:26 PM

Quote from: Lisa on July 27, 2018, 12:52:11 PM
enjoy the new pup. I have three boxers best breed about

A good breed, but the best breed?  You've never had a Border Collie then? Einstein in the body of Usain Bolt.

I'd a dog once that had the physique of Stephen Nolan and the intellect of Sammy Wilson.

Whilst I am not exaggerating in the least, I suspect you are, or else the adage applies, 'it's not the dog,  its the stupid owner' :)

Well he wasn't as big as Stephen Nolan, but we didn't get him young enough or something and he was thick as a plank.
We had another Irish Water Spaniel that wasn't trained young enough and he was a complete Rulya, although as intelligent as Stephen Hawking. We eventually had to give him to a cousin on a farm in Culloville who had more space and he settled down fine in middle age, as we all do.

LOCKDOWN LETTER FROM YOUR DOG

Dear hoomans

I have noticed over the past couple of weeks you have been staying in my home for extended periods of time. It is lovely having you here but I feel I should set a few ground rules. I would appreciate it if you would follow the rules whilst you are staying with me.

1. When you do pop out you will need to take me with you.

2. You seem to be eating lots of nice goodies whilst lazing about the house. I am entitled to a share of these. I won't make a fuss I will just sit in front of you and quietly stare at you until I get my quota.

3. Don't call me for another bath, I am clean now. Just because you are bored doesn't mean I need a wash or haircut. I suggest you go clean the metal box on wheels outside again. Daddy human has done that a few times now even though it hasn't moved in weeks.

4. As you are here constantly at the moment, it is your duty to let me out as often as I require. That means that even if I have just come in and want to go out again you should let me. Sometimes I miss a spot whilst sniffing about and I need to recheck.

5. When I am asleep, leave me sleeping, this isn't a cue for the little humans to play with me. I can also sleep where I like, I don't expect to be woken so you can move me.

6. Do not shhhh me when I am barking. As you are here more, my job of protecting you has increased. I have to listen out for every little noise and inform you of it in case it's a threat.

7. Don't leave a room without me, I know how sneaky you guys can be. Just the other day I am sure I heard a crisp packet being opened upstairs and no one called me to share. So from now on I will be following you about.

8. This is a very important rule. If it lands on the floor it's MINE, if it's in my mouth it's MINE.

9. You will never pee alone again, you watch me pee so I do not understand why you shut me out and close the loo door when you pee.

10. If you do not follow these rules I will use SAD PUPPY DOG EYES TO GET WHAT I WANT !🐶

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 15, 2020, 05:52:39 PM
3. Don't call me for another bath, I am clean now. Just because you are bored doesn't mean I need a wash or haircut. I suggest you go clean the metal box on wheels outside again. Daddy human has done that a few times now even though it hasn't moved in weeks.

and some of you humans could do with a haircut too.

Dogs in your house? Jaysus you are all living like dirty pigs.

Are dogs banned from every gaelic pitch across Ireland, or is it a club decision?

Quote from: Orior on April 16, 2020, 11:19:40 AM
Are dogs banned from every gaelic pitch across Ireland, or is it a club decision?

I would imagine it's a club decision. I think a lot ban them (unless guide dogs) due to the risk of dog poo and youngsters being in contact with it and potential harm.

The local park is full of dogs running around off the leash. The dog owners routinely turn up with those ball throwing thingies. All the local enclosed parks are covered with signs that say all dogs have to kept on a lead and separately that no dogs are allowed on the marked grass pitches. Both these fairly clear rules are completely ignored. What is wrong with people? Do they not read signs, can't read signs or just think that they are above the rules?

Some parks have signs up saying things like, use leads if dogs can't be controlled, others are very specific and leads must be used.

You can't get it off a dog unless you stroke a dog that's got it on it's fur.

I never seen a dog being walked until a few years ago. Never seen a dog living indoors either.

OK magazine and celebrity TV definitely turning the country mad.

Quote from: BennyCake on April 16, 2020, 02:03:08 PM
I never seen a dog being walked until a few years ago. Never seen a dog living indoors either.

OK magazine and celebrity TV definitely turning the country mad.

During the winter months, dogs stay outside? If you've room indoors and it doesn't affect your life then no problems.

Quote from: BennyCake on April 16, 2020, 02:03:08 PM
I never seen a dog being walked until a few years ago. Never seen a dog living indoors either.

OK magazine and celebrity TV definitely turning the country mad.

A dog living indoors?

As long as I can remember have seen dogs living in houses

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 16, 2020, 01:40:38 PM
Some parks have signs up saying things like, use leads if dogs can't be controlled, others are very specific and leads must be used.

You can't get it off a dog unless you stroke a dog that's got it on it's fur.

My point is not Covid related. Signs are clear. The dog owners using the park seem incapable of following basic rules

Quote from: LCohen on April 16, 2020, 02:50:23 PM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 16, 2020, 01:40:38 PM
Some parks have signs up saying things like, use leads if dogs can't be controlled, others are very specific and leads must be used.

You can't get it off a dog unless you stroke a dog that's got it on it's fur.

My point is not Covid related. Signs are clear. The dog owners using the park seem incapable of following basic rules

Dogs off a lead is fine as long as the owners are happy that they have control of the dog and they have the bags to clean up any mess the dog may leave. Letting dogs run about out of control and not cleaning up mess gives all the responsible dog owners a bad name.

Quote from: GJL on April 16, 2020, 06:57:07 PM

Quote from: LCohen on April 16, 2020, 02:50:23 PM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 16, 2020, 01:40:38 PM
Some parks have signs up saying things like, use leads if dogs can't be controlled, others are very specific and leads must be used.

You can't get it off a dog unless you stroke a dog that's got it on it's fur.

My point is not Covid related. Signs are clear. The dog owners using the park seem incapable of following basic rules

Dogs off a lead is fine as long as the owners are happy that they have control of the dog and they have the bags to clean up any mess the dog may leave. Letting dogs run about out of control and not cleaning up mess gives all the responsible dog owners a bad name.

I'm not talking about dogs of the leash. I'm talking about dogs off the lead in parks with multiple signs that say dogs must be kept on a lead. I need hardly point out the important difference

Quote from: LCohen on April 16, 2020, 07:49:50 PM

Quote from: GJL on April 16, 2020, 06:57:07 PM

Quote from: LCohen on April 16, 2020, 02:50:23 PM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 16, 2020, 01:40:38 PM
Some parks have signs up saying things like, use leads if dogs can't be controlled, others are very specific and leads must be used.

You can't get it off a dog unless you stroke a dog that's got it on it's fur.

My point is not Covid related. Signs are clear. The dog owners using the park seem incapable of following basic rules

Dogs off a lead is fine as long as the owners are happy that they have control of the dog and they have the bags to clean up any mess the dog may leave. Letting dogs run about out of control and not cleaning up mess gives all the responsible dog owners a bad name.

I'm not talking about dogs of the leash. I'm talking about dogs off the lead in parks with multiple signs that say dogs must be kept on a lead. I need hardly point out the important difference

Try living with the likes of a boxer dog that hasn't had 2 hours sprinting under its belt a day and you may change your tune. You'll little to be be moaning at by the sounds of it

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 16, 2020, 01:40:38 PM

You can't get it off a dog unless you stroke a dog that's got it on it's fur.

;D
When GAA board wannabe quack says  this about covid ...  ... ..... .....      have a bucket of salt nearby,  as it just keeps coming.

Quote from: JoG2 on April 16, 2020, 10:17:09 PM

Quote from: LCohen on April 16, 2020, 07:49:50 PM

Quote from: GJL on April 16, 2020, 06:57:07 PM

Quote from: LCohen on April 16, 2020, 02:50:23 PM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 16, 2020, 01:40:38 PM
Some parks have signs up saying things like, use leads if dogs can't be controlled, others are very specific and leads must be used.

You can't get it off a dog unless you stroke a dog that's got it on it's fur.

My point is not Covid related. Signs are clear. The dog owners using the park seem incapable of following basic rules

Dogs off a lead is fine as long as the owners are happy that they have control of the dog and they have the bags to clean up any mess the dog may leave. Letting dogs run about out of control and not cleaning up mess gives all the responsible dog owners a bad name.

I'm not talking about dogs of the leash. I'm talking about dogs off the lead in parks with multiple signs that say dogs must be kept on a lead. I need hardly point out the important difference

Try living with the likes of a boxer dog that hasn't had 2 hours sprinting under its belt a day and you may change your tune. You'll little to be be moaning at by the sounds of it

3 issues here.

Firstly my grandson was recently attacked by a dog. Mauled would be a huge exaggeration but psychologically he is not in a great place. The park has become a nightmare now because other people can't/won't obey the rules.

Secondly I don't live with a boxer. Those that do have decided to. If they are responsible dog owners they will no doubt have assessed the dog's requirements and their ability to legally meet them before buying/breeding the dog?

Thirdly the point that the rules are clear and clearly displayed. So which category do the dog owners fall into - can't read, won't read or don't think rules apply to them?

Quote from: Main Street on April 17, 2020, 12:25:00 AM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 16, 2020, 01:40:38 PM

You can't get it off a dog unless you stroke a dog that's got it on it's fur.

;D
When GAA board wannabe quack says  this about covid ...  ... ..... .....      have a bucket of salt nearby,  as it just keeps coming.

Karen from Facebook said it, so it's true  ;)

She said:
If dogs aren't transmitting COVID-19, why did one in Hong Kong test positive?
So far, only one dog has tested positive for coronavirus. The dog had swabs taken from its nose and mouth and these samples were found to be 'weak positive'. The dog had no signs of disease and its blood samples were negative for antibodies. It's believed that the positive results were due to the dog breathing in contaminated air from the infected owner. Later tests showed that the blood sample tested negative.

As with any surface, if someone with COVID-19 touches, sneezes or coughs on a dog, the virus could temporarily contaminate them. Although we don't know how long COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, scientists think that it could range from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of surface, how warm it is and levels of humidity.

Quote from: LCohen on April 17, 2020, 06:30:36 AM

Quote from: JoG2 on April 16, 2020, 10:17:09 PM

Quote from: LCohen on April 16, 2020, 07:49:50 PM

Quote from: GJL on April 16, 2020, 06:57:07 PM

Quote from: LCohen on April 16, 2020, 02:50:23 PM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 16, 2020, 01:40:38 PM
Some parks have signs up saying things like, use leads if dogs can't be controlled, others are very specific and leads must be used.

You can't get it off a dog unless you stroke a dog that's got it on it's fur.

My point is not Covid related. Signs are clear. The dog owners using the park seem incapable of following basic rules

Dogs off a lead is fine as long as the owners are happy that they have control of the dog and they have the bags to clean up any mess the dog may leave. Letting dogs run about out of control and not cleaning up mess gives all the responsible dog owners a bad name.

I'm not talking about dogs of the leash. I'm talking about dogs off the lead in parks with multiple signs that say dogs must be kept on a lead. I need hardly point out the important difference

Try living with the likes of a boxer dog that hasn't had 2 hours sprinting under its belt a day and you may change your tune. You'll little to be be moaning at by the sounds of it

3 issues here.

Firstly my grandson was recently attacked by a dog. Mauled would be a huge exaggeration but psychologically he is not in a great place. The park has become a nightmare now because other people can't/won't obey the rules.

Secondly I don't live with a boxer. Those that do have decided to. If they are responsible dog owners they will no doubt have assessed the dog's requirements and their ability to legally meet them before buying/breeding the dog?

Thirdly the point that the rules are clear and clearly displayed. So which category do the dog owners fall into - can't read, won't read or don't think rules apply to them?

Agree 100% LCohen

A dog attacking a young kid in a public place is an intolerable situation.
The park rules are made for the reckless owners and the responsible dog owners have to suffer them.

My dog is use to a daily 8km-10km run, fortunately  I live in a rural location, I take the bicycle out and she follows me at steady 15km/h pace, with plenty of pauses. I've seen owners use a  bike specific harness in urban areas, is that not an alternative for the active dog?

Quote from: Main Street on April 19, 2020, 12:59:31 PM
A dog attacking a young kid in a public place is an intolerable situation.
The park rules are made for the reckless owners and the responsible dog owners have to suffer them.

My dog is use to a daily 8km-10km run, fortunately  I live in a rural location, I take the bicycle out and she follows me at steady 15km/h pace, with plenty of pauses. I've seen owners use a  bike specific harness in urban areas, is that not an alternative for the active dog?

There are plenty straps for running with dogs, I see plenty, if your dog has the capacity to maul a child then it should be on a lead, my two dogs couldn't maul the face off a jelly baby.

I've never taken them to a place that requires me to put a lead on them other than walking through the streets.

Wouldn't be keen to use a strap for a dog on a bike! The feckers stop to sniff and every post!

But if the wardens patrol the parks and hand out warnings it would certainly help, and the lazy dog owners who don't pick up their dogs poohs need a kicking

Possibly covered before, but why do some dog owners tie the poo-bags on hedges?

Quote from: Orior on April 19, 2020, 04:11:37 PM
Possibly covered before, but why do some dog owners tie the poo-bags on hedges?

Because they are lazy cnuts with no respect for others or the environment they live in.

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 19, 2020, 01:52:40 PM

Quote from: Main Street on April 19, 2020, 12:59:31 PM
A dog attacking a young kid in a public place is an intolerable situation.
The park rules are made for the reckless owners and the responsible dog owners have to suffer them.

My dog is use to a daily 8km-10km run, fortunately  I live in a rural location, I take the bicycle out and she follows me at steady 15km/h pace, with plenty of pauses. I've seen owners use a  bike specific harness in urban areas, is that not an alternative for the active dog?

There are plenty straps for running with dogs, I see plenty, if your dog has the capacity to maul a child then it should be on a lead, my two dogs couldn't maul the face off a jelly baby.

I've never taken them to a place that requires me to put a lead on them other than walking through the streets.

Wouldn't be keen to use a strap for a dog on a bike! The feckers stop to sniff and every post!

But if the wardens patrol the parks and hand out warnings it would certainly help, and the lazy dog owners who don't pick up their dogs poohs need a kicking

That why I wrote "with plenty of pauses"  :D  You have to allow for quality sniff time, even on a bike.

Thing is, the bike harnesss might be an alternative for a dog who needs  serious exercise.

Quote from: Main Street on April 19, 2020, 12:59:31 PM
A dog attacking a young kid in a public place is an intolerable situation.
The park rules are made for the reckless owners and the responsible dog owners have to suffer them.

I suppose my simple point is that people who don't read signs should read signs and that those who do read signs should follow them. Incredibly some people will find that a controversial position.

Going slightly further I would ask those who don't think the rules apply to them what words would they use if they were asked to publicly justify their view that the rule doesn't apply to them?

Quote from: LCohen on April 20, 2020, 10:52:11 AM

Quote from: Main Street on April 19, 2020, 12:59:31 PM
A dog attacking a young kid in a public place is an intolerable situation.
The park rules are made for the reckless owners and the responsible dog owners have to suffer them.

I suppose my simple point is that people who don't read signs should read signs and that those who do read signs should follow them. Incredibly some people will find that a controversial position.

Going slightly further I would ask those who don't think the rules apply to them what words would they use if they were asked to publicly justify their view that the rule doesn't apply to them?

It's a bit like speeding, if the sign says 30 mph then why do people go over it? Madness

Quote from: Orior on April 19, 2020, 04:11:37 PM
Possibly covered before, but why do some dog owners tie the poo-bags on hedges?

This is such a dickhead thing to do, leaving the poo lying would be better at least it could biodegrade

Quote from: MoChara on April 21, 2020, 09:45:06 AM

Quote from: Orior on April 19, 2020, 04:11:37 PM
Possibly covered before, but why do some dog owners tie the poo-bags on hedges?

This is such a dickhead thing to do, leaving the poo lying would be better at least it could biodegrade

Now this is only workable when let's say you head off to a Forrest walk with the dogs, the entrance generally fine, bins aplenty but the whole way through the trail there isn't one bin!

Now the best thing to do is just carry the shit bag till you come back 2 hours later! Or, I've done it a couple of times I place it by the path go finish your walk and pick it up on the way back.

Only works if you pick it up though, absolutely no excuse to do it in areas that have plenty bins, the worst is just leaving it at the foot of the bin WTF!