Irish Red Setters - Getting one......AAAHHH

[critter crazy]

Irish Setters are energetic, intelligent, affectionate, high-spirited, and full of energy. They have no guarding instincts, get along with other animals, and are good with children. Irish Setters are responsive yet sensitive. This breed can be giddy and high strung, while some are more reserved. It is very lovable and impulsive. Some are difficult to train, probably because of their independent spirit, but given firm handling and plenty of exercise, these dogs can be a joy to own. Irish Setters are extremely swift, with an excellent sense of smell and are hardy over any terrain and in any climate. The Irish Setter is used for all types of hunting. It even works well on wetlands. Train this breed firmly at an early age to prevent development of bad habits, as this breed tends to pick up bad habits quickly. It is important to train for good house manners. These dogs are said to be easily housebroken. Both field lines and show lines make good pets, though the field lines are generally smaller with shorter coats and a much higher activity requirement.

[Queen of Poop]

My only experience with one was as a child. My uncle had one named Kelly. He was very high strung, a real "wild child". I recall that he was alot of fun but got wound up really easily. He also loved having a shower and having his teeth brushed.

[jackmilliesmom]

Great so I am getting a human child in a dog's body wwwhhhhooooppppeee what a treat oh god it is true whoever invented men did so as a bad joke (sorry guys but it is true)

[borzoimom]

With a man, I doubt you can change his mind- however- maybe once he realizes this tosses out calm home arrivals- and the need to exercise the puppy and the work involved- either he will say " I can do this," or " uh maybe later.."
And keep in mind- this constant activity level is the main reason I do not have shepherds anymore. Do I still drool over a great looking shepherd? YOU BETTER BELIEVE! Do I love to talk about shepherds?? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT! Would I own one again- I hate to tell you.. no..

[jackmilliesmom]

I can see everybody's point here but I know this is not going to work out (I can feel a row coming on at home but....) because it will be all left to me and I have to work during the day our terriers have a nice size home but put a setter or similar size dog into the mix - not a good idea would love to just say no but maybe when he reads this post it might put him off the idea and if he wants I have no problem with him getting another terrier but please not a bigger dog it will not work

[borzoimom]

Well put it on the back burner for now. After all- I wanted a Borzoi for years, but we always had smaller dogs, or cats in the house. At some point, a breed becomes right in circumstance and timing..

[jackmilliesmom]

yeah will talk to him tonight - the more I think the more negatives are popping into my head so will talk to him about it tonight

[applesmom]

If hubby is the sort who would rather be taking long walks and spending quality time outside with his dog than sitting in front of the TV--this could be a match made in heaven.

If the dog is going to be left to his own devices or treated simply as a typical small or medium size house pet--there's rocky days ahead. A pointing breed dog must have mental and physical exercise to be happy. They need a job to do even if it's just taking the master for long walks!

As far as your little dogs go, he'll be just fine with them, though they may get trampled a time or two until they learn not to get under his feet when he's excited.

The biggest obstacle in the beginning could be lack of supervision while you're both at work. A setter can't be kept in a crate all day and neither can they be trusted not to get themselves into all sorts of mischief if not well supervised.

Many of the pointing breed dogs don't seem to "get it" until they're about 4 years old. Until then they'll often surprise you with their puppy like antics.

If provided with the proper supervision, exercise and training--they can be a joy to live with! If not,

[jackmilliesmom]

Yep thats what I am afraid of John is fine but discipline wise and with the work he does it is hard to get plenty of time for him to do anything with them apart from play with them in the yard/garden but even at that he is out at work all day and so am I. Jack and Millie know what to do and are well protected in our garden but I would not trust a setter especially a pup - Jack and Millie can go on jobs with John and be calm and quite even though they are still puppies kinda but know what is ok and what is not thanks to my training though.

But a setter where I have no real time to spend at the moment with work, studies and more work and trying to have a normal life not a runner. By the way he has read this thread and I got a phone call - "Maybe you are right Pooh Bear we should not get one now, maybe later"

You see we do know best.... lol

[borzoimom]

Jo- just put it on the back burner for now. Big dogs do have different needs- especially as puppies. As you know- I didnt get Zubin until I retired and home all day- even then I broke my leg the day after and it made chaos trying to cover those 10 weeks. Thank God for family and friends- .. Alot of body, but a puppy mentality takes alot of work..
I looked into a sporting breed a few months back if you remember. My husband has been in love with the GSP since he saw his first at a show.. We came real close- but the female we were going to adopt had a medical problem we were worried might be transfered to Galina ( who was supposed to be coming into heat.. uh huh...).. Weeks later at a canvas show, we were next to a van full of GSP's- he got to see first hand all things being said on their energy levels and how would that really fit in not just with our lifestyle- but also the other dogs..