Please help!

[Whisk_Luva]

Well, lately my family have been thinking about getting a dog. If we do decide to it wont be for a little while yet but we are looking into breeds.

So my mum needs a quite relaxed dog which isnt to hyper, wont run off and walks well on a lead. (This is for certain reasons I wont go into right now)

Well we were looking into English Cocker Spaniels! They seem really good! Any info on them will be greatly appriciated (sp)

Also any other breeds that you think would be good!

Thanks!

[luvofallhorses]

Just to let you know.. spaniels are VERY hyper!

why not adopt an older golden retriever or an older mixed breed that is young and laid back at a shelter or rescue? :) they need homes, too! good luck with your search!

[Whisk_Luva]

Hmmmmmmm

The English Cocker Spaniels NEVER seem hyper... the springers do but never the cockers. We hope (if we get a dog) for it to be a shelter one but we are not sure.

[Genny]

I think collie mixes make good pets. I've never had a collie mix myself, but from what I've heard they are very intelligent and smart and very willing to please (usually ;) ) You'll have to train any dog to mind you like you want it to, but I've always heard cockers and spaniels are really hyper, but that's just what I've heard again I've never had one...

Basset Hounds are really cute dogs that aren't too hyper!! I'm not sure if you want a small/med./large dog but I have 2 maltese mix dogs and they are really sweet dogs that mind really well and they are very calm.

Maybe some body else will know of a different kind of dog you might like better?

Good Luck!
Genny

[honeybeezercattalina]

Spaniels are very hyper, its in their nature. They are very...springy. lol.

I would reccomend a West Highland White Terrier. I had one, he was such an adorable sweetheart! He didnt pull on the lead, he did as he was told and was toilet trained within days!

But we sadly had to give him up when Honey didnt like him :'[

[Whisk_Luva]

Hmmmmm I still think you are all thinking of Springers. My friends have English cocker spaniels and they are so lazy and non hyper...

Collie mixes are way to bouncy for our family.

Maltese, basset hounds and west highlands... my mum just doesnt like them :rolleyes:

You know when a dog is in a shelter for a long time... and are hard to rehome they are called 'sticky' dogs well I have a 'sticky' mum :rolleyes:

No-one suggest german shepards lol! My dad doesnt like them... (he has scars from one!!!)

Small, medium or large doesnt really matter...

[Seravieve]

If I were you.. Id just go to the shelters near you and look at the dogs they have instead of deciding on a specific breed before you go. You never know what kind of mixed breeds they'll have..

And even if you've seen one or two dogs of a certain breed.. that doesn't speak for the whole breed. Breeds get their reputations from how the majority of them act, and there are always exceptions.

And like a previous reply says.. you'll need to train your dog to your liking, regardless of the breed.

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

English Cockers aren't as energetic as a lot of spaniels, but they can still be very energetic at times. Walking politely on lead and not running off is all in training. Any dog will pull on the leash if not trained otherwise, and most dogs will run off (especially spaniels and hounds, in my experience, as their nose often gets the better of them). Your friends' Cockers might be different when you're around vs. when they're just with their family. Perhaps a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would be good? They can have a lot of health issues, so you'd have to be sure to get one from a reputable breeder, but I think they fit your needs pretty good. I'm not sure at this moment what else I'd recommend, but I'll think about it and come back. Only you and your family will really know what's best, and if you feel the English Cocker is, then I highly encourage you to spend time with some (besides your friend's) and just see for sure if they're the dog for you. :)

[luvofallhorses]

Where do you live if you don't mind saying? I can look for some dogs on petfinder for you, if you'd like. :)

[Hellow]

Try a Pug. They are very friendly, normally do good on a lead, and arent very hyper. But be careful, Pugs arent very tolerent of heat and humidity, so dont keep them outside for more than 15 minutes.

[tikeyas_mom]

My mom used to breed English Cocker Spaniels. W had three at once, one was a show dog.. And They are somwhat playfull/hyper, BUT they are very stubbhorn and hard to train.. Its like they forget what they have just been thought, I foud it took WAYYYY longer to train our cockers then it did to train our Shihtzu... I would suggest taking a look at the homless dogs at your local shelter. You might find your perfect match. No dogs are born with the natural ability to "heal" on a lead, or to never run away.. You have to spend time training a puppy/dog those things.

[Whisk_Luva]

Ok....... pugs and shihtzus my mum hates... and my dad...!!!!

We have been to a few shelters and rung others

Say if the cross breed was part collie, it would be bouncy etc.

King charles... my mum thinks there very yappy? Are they? Because we like the look of them and they seem ok apart from that.

We know not every dog of the same breed is going to be the same but its nice to get a rough idea.

luvofallhorses I live in wiltshire in England. Does pet finder even work in England?

By the lead thing we mean kinda... the breed is usually good on the lead, like collies are big and bouncy so they often pull but a golden retriever isnt as bouncy so wouldnt pull as much.

Thanks for your help so far! Keep it coming! :)

[Marigold2]

Hi Ellie,
I would get a book from the library that explans different breeds and how they react. Of course not every lab will be gentle and not every sheperd will be aggressive. It really depends on how they were raised and treated. If the poor dog was abused it will be more difficult to live with and train. A lot of dogs are given to shelters because the owners die or move, not becasue the dog was bad. Getting a book that explains different breeds would be my first step.
Good luck and have fun.
Another thought, perhaps a senior dog would be a better find then a puppy.
Puppies will pee in the house and will chew on the furniture, not all but most.
A dog is not perfect, it's like another child, patience is the most important thing, all dogs will make mistakes.

[Hellow]

Yes, i understant the hate thing because Pugs shead alot! But they are very cute. That dog in my siggie is a pug and my avitar.

[luvofallhorses]

I am not sure if it does. they have

British Columbia, Alberta, and Novia Scotia are any of those in England? :o

[Whisk_Luva]

Uh.... dunno lol!

I dont think is does... *Sigh*

[wolfsoul]

British Columbia, Alberta, and Novia Scotia are any of those in England? :o
Those are all in Canada. ;)

I have never found the king charles to be yappy. I've actually found them to be very quiet and sweet dogs. I've only met a few English cockers and haven't enjoyed my experience with them so far. I much prefer the American cocker. Please remember -- that just because cockers are not necessarily "hyper," does not mean that they don't need ALOT of exercise. They were originally bred to be very active and energetic dogs, and though they may not ask to go for a walk, they NEED to be walked often or they may become overweight and unhealthy or destructive.

[Genny]

I was thinking--what about a Bichon Frise? I know some people who have a few of them and they are really sweet and gentle dogs. I just love them to death!

[Whisk_Luva]

Yep! I know all about there exercing stuff! :D

My mum still seems to think that kc spaniels are yappy...

Anyone else tell me anything aobut them?

Any other good breeds?

[Whisk_Luva]

Dont even go there :p

We know of many yappy bichons

[Miss Z]

Any gundog or working breed will be quite hyper as they were bred to run or hunt! CKC spaniels are nice dogs, although all the ones I have known were prone to weight gain and had heart and breathing difficulties in their twilight years.

I too recommend rescuing, perhaps for your first dog it would be best to find yourself a nice crossbreed. They are generally longer-lived than purebreds and come in a huge variety! ;) When you see unwanted animals every week like I do and a few other people on these boards (such as Krista, I know she's a volunteer too :D ) you realise just how important rescuing is. Plus, you'll save yourself a lot of money by rescuing, pedigree pups can start from £600 and up, whereas you can get yourself a lab from a shelter for about £100.

[theterrierman]

How about an English Bulldog? They aren't much for training, but they're not huge pullers like Goldens, definitely not hyper, and don't have much of a prey drive save for cats. They're also very tolerant family pets and extremely loving. They are some fugly little dogs though.

[Miss Z]

How about an English Bulldog? They aren't much for training, but they're not huge pullers like Goldens, definitely not hyper, and don't have much of a prey drive save for cats. They're also very tolerant family pets and extremely loving. They are some fugly little dogs though.

Ah yes, just as I logged off PT yesterday I remembered bulldogs. They are very affectionate and loyal dogs with a laid-back attitude.We had one in the shelter not so long ago, he was a special needs bullie, and he was one of the sweetest and gentlest dogs I have come across to date. :)

[Whisk_Luva]

Mum Hates them. I dont know why.

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

Bichons aren't at all yappy if brought up properly and trained right. I love them. Perhaps a miniature Poodle? Very similar to Bichons I think (well, the ones I've met have been), and again, not at all yappy if raised properly.

What breeds does your family like though, aside from the English Cocker?

[Genny]

This is hard to find what kindof dog ya'll might like--your parents don't like A LOT of dogs! It might help everyone be able to help you if you know like what kind of dog you might want--like from the sporting group, toy, herding....like that kinda.... ;)

[Whisk_Luva]

We like... Golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, labradors etc. We do like lots but they would be no good for us! Like... Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers, collies etc. They dont relly like the curly haired breeds and the tough looking dogs (pit bull and bull dogs etc)

[cloverfdx]

King charles... my mum thinks there very yappy? Are they? Because we like the look of them and they seem ok apart from that.
I know quite a few Cavies and none are at all yappy, infact they are the oppersite and are very quiet, sweet dogs.

[Karen]

Remember that any dog can be different than "the breed" expectations. The Cavalier on my street is named Jasper - and he loves to (try to) chase slow-moving cars. Odd, and could be dangerous, thankfully everyone on the street knows about it, AND he's always on a leash and usually gets picked up when cars approach. I have never, however, heard him bark.

Just keep visiting the shelter - you never know who will capture all your hearts!

Certainly I'd reccomend a full-grown dog of some breed, to eliminate the troubles of puppyhood - yappiness often being one of them!

[ParNone]

By the lead thing we mean kinda... the breed is usually good on the lead, like collies are big and bouncy so they often pull but a golden retriever isnt as bouncy so wouldnt pull as much.

I'm assuming since you didn't specify Border or Beardie etc., that you're referring to Rough and Smooth Collies... the Lassie type... Which are the ones usually referred to as just Collies.

In which case, you're characterization is way off. Hyper, Bouncy or heavy pullers would in no way describe a Collie. Since they're a herding breed they do need exercise, but I have no problem tiring my 2 Collies out with 5 mins of frisbee. They pace themselves exercise wise, so they could last a long time out in the field herding or walking with you, but frenetic, hyper, bouncy.. uh no.. they won't sustain that for long. I wish they would. I'd be up for longer the 5 mins of frisbee at a time, but it just isn't to be with a Collie.

As to pulling, they're a soft breed. Any resistance and they will stop what they're doing. So they're very easy to train to heel and are not known to be heavy pullers on the leash or even in games like tug of war. Very gentile. My 20Lb terrier can beat them out in tug and they out weigh him by 60+ Lbs.

Anywho, I'm in no way recommending a Collie to you, because based on other statements you've made in the thread, they'd be way too Barky for you. But for others who may be reading the thread, I didn't want them to go away with the wrong impression of Collies, generally speaking.

If you want a quiet, laid back breed, consider a Rescue Greyhound. They're known as the fastest Couch Potato.

Par...

[K9soul]

Neither of my RB collies ever pulled. My golden, however, is another story ;).

[angelbow20]

how about a Newfie or swiss mountain dog I dont know if they are too hyper...boston terriers and bull dgos dont seem to hyper either... mix breeds are pretty good also! good luck

[Whisk_Luva]

I am generaly speaking about borders when I say hyper!

We know about the 40 mile per hour couch potatos (how they put it at our local shelter) We looked at some, but they were no good.

[luvofallhorses]

I am generaly speaking about borders when I say hyper!

We know about the 40 mile per hour couch potatos (how they put it at our local shelter) We looked at some, but they were no good.

no good? what do you mean by that? :confused:

[Whisk_Luva]

I dont know really. My mum doesnt feel confident with them. Also all the ones in the shelters tend to be abused or some big issue :(

[luvofallhorses]

I dont know really. My mum doesnt feel confident with them. Also all the ones in the shelters tend to be abused or some big issue :(

I volunteer at my local animal shelter and I work with abused dogs and ones that have "issues". it's not that hard to work with, honestly. you just have to have a lot of love to offer the dog and of course patience and the feeling that you gain the trust of a dog and are helping the dog overcome something horrible makes you feel good and even better when you find them a great home. Of course, the dog isn't going to get over it in one night, but you just have to be patient and gain the dog's trust and give the dog reassurance that nobody is going to hurt them again. IMO that wasn't a cool comment of you to say they aren't good enough. :(

[Whisk_Luva]

Its not that. When I am older I will take the abused ones in a second but this would be our FIRST dog. We just couldnt cope... my mum certainly couldnt cope.

[Genny]

There are lots of 'older' dogs that would make good pets/friends. If I were you I'd DEFINITELY just go to the shelter and get a dog there. I don't think you guys would enjoy a puppy since you don't want a dog that is hyper etc... There are millions of dog that need homes.


We know about the 40 mile per hour couch potatos (how they put it at our local shelter) We looked at some, but they were no good.

What do you mean 'no good.' Dogs are like people. No one is any better than anybody else. Everyone is different and has different opinions, but we're all equal and that's how dogs are. They're are different kinds, but they still have a heart that loves unconditionally. ;)

[crow_noir]

What about a three legged dog? I heard that there is a rescue some where in Europe that takes in only dogs with less than four legs. There was an article last year talking about how these unfortunate pups are less likely to be adopted in Europe than in other animal loving countries. The way of thinking being that they are "broken." That's far from the truth and for many of them that is their only issue.

I had a three legged cat and let me tell you... she was the fastest cat i've even known.

I tried looking the rescue up online, but i have no idea what it's called and had no luck.

(Edit: after i had no luck trying to find that particular one then i searched the following.) I typed "Wiltshire dog rescue" into GoodSearch and came up with a lot of rescues. You could try contacting a few and let them know the situation. I'm sure they could help your family find the right dog.


I dont know really. My mum doesnt feel confident with them. Also all the ones in the shelters tend to be abused or some big issue

[Whisk_Luva]

We have contacted some shelters. One of them was so rude us! We dont think we will be going there again. The others were really nice though alot of them were very small and didnt have the type of dog we were looking for...

A 3 legged pet makes no difference to us. They are no different to other pets.

Genny I ssaid earlier in the post about greyhounds:

I dont know really. My mum doesnt feel confident with them. Also all the ones in the shelters tend to be abused or some big issue

[luvofallhorses]

why do you keep on saying that? :confused: they need love, too and it's not their fault they were abused or have "issues". even if you got a dog from a breeder, which I think you shouldn't and adopt one from a shelter or rescue that dog will have some kind of "issue" too. would you be willing to work with that dog, too?

[Whisk_Luva]

I know but my last comment about that says:

Its not that. When I am older I will take the abused ones in a second but this would be our FIRST dog. We just couldnt cope... my mum certainly couldnt cope.


We are not planning for a dog from a breeder. We know every dog will have issues but not as big also the dogs state that they need experienced owners- not good for first dog owner like us. That is why, so in some ways we cant even help not taking abused ones. Also you dont really know my mums past that well. She could NOT cope.

[-Pickle-]

look, some of you people are MISSING THE POINT. Whisk_luva is my best friend in life, i have been to her house, met her family etc..
at the moment, she can't take in an abused dog or a dog with issues because it is their first dog and they would'nt know how to take care of a dog with a troubled past!
for the first few years i had my RB friend Blue, we could barely touch him because he was so badly beaten- ellies (whisk_luva) family can't take in a dog with a problem, her mum couldn't cope because of a heath issue!
Ellies family knows that abused dogs need love too, but they couldn't cope as first time dog owners, and they wouldn't know how to give the necessary attention and special care needed to a troubled dog.

[Whisk_Luva]

Thank you Jade!

So do you understand why we cant get an abused dog now?

[Miss Z]

Just to clear up on the abused dog part...

At my shelter at least, the dogs are categorised in a traffic system; green, amber and red. The green ones are the gentlest and best suited to families, the reds need more experienced and patient owners, and the ambers are somewhere in between.

It won't be exactly the same system for all UK shelters, but I can guarantee that ALL rescue dogs' personalities and traits will be different. If you explain to the RSPCA workers that it will be your first dog and you are looking for a calm, gentle dog, then they will be more than happy to point you in the direction of one. Remember, the RSPCA is just as concerned about the dog's well-being as they are yours, if they think a dog isn't suitable for you, then they will advise you not to rehome it!

Good luck with your decision.

[luvofallhorses]

well maybe you can adopt a puppy so you don't have to "deal" with issues/abused dogs but let me tell you this. Each dog has "issues" like food aggression, seperation anxiety, destructive behavior, etc. It seems like you want a dog that is "perfect" in every way and the reality is if you get a dog that dog will have some kind of problem you will have to deal with and learn to live with and cope with.

I am not trying to be mean, I am just stating my opinion. :)

[Whisk_Luva]

Did I say we wanted a perfect dog? No I didnt. We have seen lots of dogs we like and could cope with but right now it is the wrong time! I posted the thread so know what breeds to look into and which ones would be good and stuff so we can find a good shelter... maybe even one which specialises in a certain breed.
You do not know my mums past so dont tell me we are looking for a 'perfect' dog, just one which my mum could handle. It is better to get a dog we can handle then getting one and having to take it back to the shelter! We are not looking for a puppy. We are simply looking for a dog in a shelter... with some sort of write up like this:
TJ came into the centre as his owners were unable to give him the attention he needs.
Due to lack of exercise he is slightly overweight. With time and more exercise he will become a more active dog who will enjoy playing and interacting with his owners.

(only part of write up)


I mean that dog has problems but probably ones we could handle. Therefore he is not perfect.

I am looking for help, that is all!

[luvofallhorses]

You didn't say that, but honestly that's what it seems like. :( I am sorry for telling how I feel.

[Whisk_Luva]

I didnt say what????????

I mean dont be sorry you were just trying to say what you thought and i was just responding to that. :)

[luvofallhorses]

that you said you wanted a perfect dog. I apologize. :o anyways.. good luck on your search! :) I just hope you guys find the perfect dog for your family. (not sarcasm!) one that will fit into your lifestyle. :)

[Whisk_Luva]

LOL! We do to! We are looking at ex guide dogs at the mo! They also need loving homes. (also the guide dogs that never made the grade).

[Blue_Frog]

Maybe this might help a little bit?

http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do

Theres a survey thing that you can do a bunch of questions, and it can point you in the direction of some breeds that might fit into what your family is looking for. And, as said above, not -all- dogs will fit the characteristics of their breed, and there are always sweet dogs that need homes in shelters too -- keep looking, and you will find one that will fit your family :) Good Luck!

[Whisk_Luva]

Thank you so much! I wil ldo that now :D

[Genny]

I also hope you find a dog for you, your mom, family... I know there's a special dog out there for you guys :) Good Luck on your search!!

[Whisk_Luva]

That was interesting...... English cocker spaniel is 94% suited to my family... Golden retriever at 93% (there are some at higher levels but my mum doesnt like them much)

[Seravieve]

Since your mom and dad seem to have a lot of preferences and specifications for this dog that you all want.. why don't you have them do that quiz too? Have them each do it separately and see if there's a breed that scores high on all of your answers.

I'd also like to mention.. just go to the shelter and see who's available.. and quit worrying about the breed so much. Breed specifics do generally fit them but there are usually exceptions and to write a certain breed off because of 1 or 2 dogs is silly. Just go, see who's there.. see if your family likes them.. better take you mom AND dad.. since they seem to be rather picky.. and see if any one stands out.

Thats how we got our first two. Just went up and saw who was there.. and which one we liked the most.

*edit* I just finished it and at 99%.. was Boxer.. and we have lil Eli! =) Also Dalmatian at 98% and that was my first dog. So I'd say its pretty accurate...

[Whisk_Luva]

Well we have been to some shelters to look. Like I said nows the wrong time. We just want a rough idea to be honest on the breed. Just because a dog isnt a cocker spaniel or whatever doesnt mean we wont get it. All we want is a basic idea on what sort of dog to look out for.

[MyPetTherapyDogs]

Hi
I am a dog trainer, I have trained a few of these dogs all with wonderful temperaments. I think the breed may be well suited for your needs!

Here are the breed standards for the English Cocker Spaniel

http://www.akc.org/breeds/english_cocker_spaniel/
Also, try this link:

http://www.ecsca.org/rescuehome.html

As a shelter coordinator, I have to say that you just may walk into a shelter and fall in love with a dog that is just made for you too! Sometimes you just see a dog and know its the one for you!!

Rescue dogs are sooooooooo grateful!!!!!!!!!!!

The best bet is to go around and look, ask to see the dogs out of their cages and get an overview of their temperament.

Good luck to you in your search!!!
Susan

[Whisk_Luva]

Thank you so much!

So do you think English Cockers suit our family?

Also how easy is it to train a puppy because we often have puppies in our local shelters!?!

[Whisk_Luva]

I have done lots of research... its still not deffo we are getting a dog but its looking likely. Our Gardens being properly fenced next week :)

[crow_noir]

:D


I have done lots of research... its still not deffo we are getting a dog but its looking likely. Our Gardens being properly fenced next week

[luvofallhorses]

Also how easy is it to train a puppy because we often have puppies in our local shelters!?!

take the puppy to obdience classes. :) and that should help A LOT! :D good luck!

[Hellow]

What kind of dog are you getting. If you havent decided yet, look up a Bernese Mountain Dog.

[Whisk_Luva]

Ok I will look them up. It is unlikely we will get a puppy but there were some cocker spaniel puppies in our local shelter last week so its just on the off chance that happens around the time we might get a dog. :)