On the dog vs bitch, I've only ever had dogs (other than one bitch who died from a liver complaint as a puppy).

I see the pro as being that dogs are (huge generalisation) more calm and confident whilst bitches can be more nervous (which makes them difficult to predict - a scared dog can nip).
The con is that a dog will elicit more of a response from another dog - more likely to have a fight (though mine are very chilled or playful around other dogs, staffies in particular seem to hate goldies for some reason).
No worrying about going into season is offset by the fact that a dog is more likely to wander.

I also sort of agree about "no bad dogs, just bad owners" but I have known very good owners who bring up lots of nice dogs and then just find one "evil bastard" one that will not respond to the normal inputs. However, this is a tiny minority - badly behaved dogs are almost all the responsibility of the owner.

Dogs are pack animals and need to know where they stand, Do not confuse them. They have to be below you and your family (and I'd suggest below the cat too). One simple way is to feed them last - junior dogs eat after the alpha dogs and when the alpha dogs let them. Feed them at you meal times but after you have eaten. Make them sit after you put their bowl down. Then give them permission to eat. Toys are yours, not the dog's. Play with him a lot but take the toy back at the end.

Our cats will sleep in our dog's bed and eat his food from his bowl. He just looks a little hurt but wouldn't touch them at all. He will go for the neighbours cat though.

Thanks

Now just to look for a good breeder in our area.

I have had 2 rescue dogs @ 6 month old and they have been excellent

No unscrupulous breeder making a profit and the last one had 12 happy years in our family

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Have had Springers ( Mad but fun)
And now got a cocker bitch (Cute)
All loyal and loving
There are reports of jealousy and other issues with some solid colour ( Red ) cocker's so possibly not suitable for younger kids.
Labrador's and Retrievers very cute but can get a big dog I downsized from springer dogs to cocker bitch and very happy
All I would suggest is that you please rescue a dog not pay some breeder.
All ages and types are about. CAESSR Spaniel rescue always have some needing a home have a look at the website


Good luck and enjoy your pup when you find it.

( I am nothing to do with CAESSR but was looking for a dog with them when mine came up) Mine was a blue one!

Last edited by Andy3681 on 2nd Jul 2012 3:09pm. Edited 2 times in total

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Labrador every time !

Words of caution, though. Labradors are not fat. Lazy owners make them that way. Look at both parents. Try and get a pup from a gamekeeper or similar - you'll get a better dog, not to mention cheaper.

My dog, Monty is built like a foxhound (!) and is the best companion we could ever hope for. Swiss army knife on legs !

 Where do you go after one of these . . . ?

Tired mine out!!

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Ask around rather than going to a breeder. I have found my pups from people whose pets are having a litter. I wanted a working dog and found quite by chance a very, very posh landowner (Lord and Lady, dontcha know). whose gundog was having pups. But my cocker came from a friend and the others have been recommended by owners groups.

Meet the mother, and see where the pups are being brought up. In a kitchen with children around is excellent for a pet (they will be handled frequently, have no fear of household appliances). How is the mother around you kids? Gentle and inquisitive?

most dogs show the same qualities if they are treated the right way, my Saint Bernard bitch is soft as a brush but fiercly loyal and protective, exactly the same as my brothers Airdale (maybe she is a little noisier) or my brother in laws Beagle (he is definately greedier) it makes little difference what the breed is as they have all been treated the right way, they all have their own character and a place in the home.

Flat coat retrievers - love people. 2019 D5 HSE Lux SDV6 Indus
55 D3 SE
98 MX5 1.8 RS
gone 17 older variants of FFRR

We have a Springer Spaniel bitch which we've had since a pup, and a black lab bitch which we rehomed a couple of years ago.

The spaniel is very loyal, has always been gentle with even the youngest kids who play ruff, but she is a complete to get back if she's chasing wildlife. She was very social With other dogs until we bread from her, but now she can be a little snappy to dogs that sniff for too long. My wife walks both dogs for an hour a day, so she is calm around the house. If left unwalked for a couple of days she becomes a handfull.

The lab is a much bigger dog, who leaves a carpet of smelly black hair behind her. Nothing makes her happier than rolling in a fresh fox poo, which makes me want to puke. She is also great with kids, unless they have a ball, which she will steal - although this behaviour is improving.

They are very different dogs, both great in their own ways, so get one of each:-) 
Gone - Range Rover Supercharged 2006

I had a labrador for 14 years who died last year. She was the most gentle dog you could hope for. My boys grew up with her from an early age and we never had any problems and wouldn't hesitate to get another.

we have considered getting a Leonburger or a Bernease Mountain Dog but after careful consideration, there is only one choice....a Golden Retriever. This is him last week at 4 weeks old, we collect him on 01 August from a Kennel Club Assured Breeder. If you are going to buy a puppy, dont buy from Gumtree or ebay, make sure you go via the Kennel Club to ensure the parents are hip scored and eye tested etc.

Chester....

Just what we're looking for

This is the Assured Breeder Scheme http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/assuredbreederscheme find a breeder with this certification and you know you wont go wrong. You may pay a bit more, but IMO, worth every penny.

I hope you find your new family addition soon.  Current MY2020
Gone: 1 x L405 and 2 x L322's

What about a couple of GSDs ?



 Kiel