Advice needed (long post)

Hi all. Please feel free to move this post if it is in the wrong place.

We already have two bitches called Maya and Layda

Maya



and Layda



Both the dogs live with my parents and brother so am not prepared to pull one or both out of the situation.

The reason that I am posting this is that I have just bought my own house so am looking to get another dog to live with me. I live alone with my 4 yr old son, who is used to dogs, not in the best area and have recently started having a bit of bother from the 'rough' teenagers across the road. The protection issue is one thing but also I really miss having the company of a dog around.

I was thinking about getting a dog anyway but this has made me even more determined.

I was thinking of a GSD. I work 4 days a week. Two of the days the dog will go to my parents with my son and the other two dogs and my brother will take them out on their walks and the other two days my mum has said that she will come over and let the dog out for a wee etc. I am home all day on a Wednesday and also all weekend and if I go to visit my parents the dog will be coming with me.

I have quite a bit of ground outside my house suitable for exercising a puppy or young dog until the spring where there is a big field where dogs are exercised. Obviously, won't want to go there alone with a puppy when the nights are really dark but in the spring it will be fine with the lighter nights.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a breed of dog that I may not have considered? I am thinking GSD but it is a large dog that I am looking for.

Also, do you think that a puppy is best or a young dog? I was thinking of a dog upto about 6months old.

Any help would be appreciated. I have only ever had Border Collies.

Hello Ambo welcome to Dogweb

I am guessing the two dogs above are bitches? Were you thinking of getting a bitch or a dog ..not too sure how the other two will react to having another bitch with them for long periods, some would be fine others would not... also are they speyed ?

If you get a puppy you will need to be at home to do the initial training, if you get an older dog you would also need some time at home to settle it in, is that possible? As to the breed I would do a lot of research into the breeds before deciding..go to The Kennel Club website and look at 'Breeds' 'discover dogs section' and when you have a rough idea of a breed go to the individual breed club website and read up on them in detail

I am not sure a GSD would be right for you if it is going to spend a lot of time alone, they are active intelligent dogs who need a lot of stimulation...are you looking for a large dog or can it be small, long or short coated?

Thanks for the reply. The two dogs that we have at the moment are bitches and have not been spayed yet.

I am not opposed to having a bitch or a dog. I have already spoken to my vet who has said that if I do get a 'dog' the he will be able to interact with the bitches until he is about 5 months and then he will have to be kept apart until he is castrated at 6 months.

There will only be two times during the week where the dog will be left alone in the house and my mum will be coming over to let them out and give them a run around in the garden. They will also have a run in the morning before I go to work and then when I come home at night.

Our other two are actually very good with other dogs so hopefully that won't be too much of a problem and when my brother takes them out they get a really good run.

I am not bothered by a short haired or long haired. Either one will be fine.

just to let you know shibby has some male gsd x puppy that will be looking for their forever homes if you are interested.

Ahhh Shibby. I have already been given her name by Zoundz on the rat forum so will pm her.

By the way, I also have 9 rats and 2 rabbits

well you fit in here then....lol

Thanks Leo

I have pm's Shibby so will just have to wait and see what she says.

Will let you know.

hiya ambo, have pm'ed you

Ambo - it's a terrible shame that the Lab that we were bringing over for you is unlikely to work out with James etc - as I know you would be perfect - ut I wouldn't want to risk anything awful happening. I think one of Shibby's pups should be quite good - as I believe they aren't likely to be too big and will be very well socialised and brought up!

xx

Thanks Zoundz

It is a shame that it probably wouldn't work out but like I have said, it is quite a risk not knowing any of his background etc.

James is good with dogs as he has been around them all his life but he can still sometimes get a little rough with them, like kids do. The girls we have already just take it but if he is a little tempremental and not sure of kids then we may have a problem.

I would hate to take a dog on like this only to rehome him again.