More dog Questions!!!

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Parkranger

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Well we've opened pressies and I'm sat on the internet looking at dogs!
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I still can't decide what breed to go for
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So I thought that I'd write out my lifestyle and see what you guys think will fit it......you're all going to be so glad when I find one!

I had discounted JRT as I do think theyre better in a pair but I also think that exercise wise I can put the time in and it was jack being on his own during the day that was his issue.

So, I want to get this right - any ideas gratefully received!!!

- I Work from home
- Dog will get a 45 min/1 hour run in the field behind my house before I start work
- Would come to yard or have another walk in the evening (probably shorter)
- Dog will be left for 4 hours on it's own at the most, very rarely and if I do have to travel, it will stay with my parents
- would prefer something that's a bit easier to train than a JRT
- We have lots of offroad hacking so would be nice to have a dog that would be able to come out with me in the end (another reason I've discounted a JR as it would bugger off!)
- Don't mind a longhaired but it would be clipped out
- don't mind size - will have a big 4 bed house and an average garden
- Prefer something quite playful, not a lapdop as such
- I know it's silly, but I don't like nervous dogs (ie chiuahahas (sp)
- I have a toyota yaris (so that discounts a greatdane!)
- Nice to have something I could have a go at agility with (but not overly important)

Breeds I've come up with are: Cocker, greyhound, Whippet, staffie, black labrador......

Answers on a postcard!
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Your issue is that they are all, apart from the staffy, hunting breeds and if your wish is to hack out, especially with a spaniel, you are liable to have a dog that like your JRT will go "wheeeeee....smelly stuff....small furries...cheerio" and you will be on a horse and therefore stuck.

I would go for a whippet, staff, or utility breed like a mini or standard schnauzer that can be kept clipped.

I trained a staffy x and I know a few and while they are very intelligent it can be in one ear and out the other with training, although they are very food orientated.
 
my only concern with a staffie is that they can be agressive with other dogs and I could never work out why there were never many off the lead at the park near to my old house.......I also love english bull terriers but they have the same issues with other dogs...
 
Good luck taking a Cocker out on a hack with you! LOL

I know of very few Cockers who have 100% recall. It's going to be my biggest challenge with Harvey.

What about a hound? I know of a lovely Beagle, called Hugo, that often escorts us on hacks. Won't leave the horses at all. He's stunning.
 
Patches I've always loved Beagles but heard that they are a nightmare on recall and should be in packs? That's why I've not considered hounds as I don't think I'll be able to handle two pups!
 
PS - the hacking out thing is bottom of the list....I would like a dog that I can 'do' something with (ie beating or utility maybe).

So discount the hacking! ;-)
 
Well if we can discount the hacking......SPANGLES IT IS!!!

Cute and cuddly, affectionate, sociable, trainable (to a degree) and happy to walk their socks off or snuggle up on the sofa.

Nice big bark, for a little dog, so might ward off strangers to the door too.
 
Beagles are a nightmare. That is all
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TBH the staffies I know are not aggressive with other dogs?

Maybe they are not off lead because of their owners are being careful - I never let mine off in public around people and dogs because no matter what their disposition, lots of other people don't like to see a GSD hooning around off lead, so I do my best not to add to their fear or distrust.
 
If you are willing to put the time and effort in and get help when training for working etc, a Working Cocker may suit.

BUT be prepared for hard work! My Parent's have 5 well trained Working Cockers, with a pretty perfect recall etc, however they work bloody hard to make sure they train them from day one. They are all worked and trained as such, so their hunting instinct is satisfied and worked with, but they can still be little swines, and some are extra specially difficult!

Spaniels suffer with Seperation Anxiety quite badly as a breed, they are fairly clingy animals (much worse than any JRT I've met!) so you would have to put the effort in with being able to leave them alone too. I know lots that have had to be rehomed due to an inability to be left alone.

If you can offer everything you've said you can, I can't see why a Working Cocker wouldn't suit, although if your planning to work a clipped Spaniel, bear in mind they can suffer dreadfully with skin irritation, they have a coat for a reason!!

Also bear in mind, a Working Cocker especially, really will need at least an hours romp everyday, on top of training time, so not taking them out because you don't feel like it/don't feel well/can't be bothered is not an option if you like having an intact house/well behaved dog!!
 
I strongly believe that a whippet, greyhound or any other sighthound are really NOT suitable for you - you have clear thoughts on how you want your dog to behave/what you want it to do, and sighthounds are just not that sort of dog
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Thanks guys - there is no rush so I'll take my time (and probably ask more questions!)

That would worry me about separation anxiety being bad - that is why I discounted a lab as I hear that they're quite bad aswell.....it's such a minefield :-)
 
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