Seeking opinions from RFDers before we get our new dog

[Punisher]

Huskies and Akitas are very strong willed breads that require a lot of exercise and a strong hand when training. Something that young children are unlikely to provide. I would go with a more docile easy-going breed for the kids. Having said that, I have seen far too many aggressive labs around so firm and solid training is a requirement for ANY breed you choose if you want to have a dog with fewer issues.

[carolina girl]

Sure, getting a pet from a shelter might be cheaper but don't choose a shelter dog just because it is cheaper to buy. You should do your research to know what you can expect to pay for the dog each year. The initial cost of acquiring a dog is small compared to the amount you will pay for things like food, vaccines, veterinary care, grooming, boarding, etc. over the life of the dog.

I was not trying to sway the OP by a cheap initial cost. I believe strongly in rescuing dogs. Way too many backyard breeders and puppy mills operating in Ontario. Do you what is best for you, OP. I was just suggesting that rescued dogs are a bargain compared to the high cost of pups initially. Buying a purebred dog from a reputable breeder is easily $2000 plus. Many of these backyard breeders are charging $500 plus and they have not even taken the pups to the vet. Just my thoughts.

[jackie999]

My opinion, for what it's worth...support a breeder. My mini schnauzers came from a breeder and cost just under $1000. If you can't afford that then get a rescue. I've seen people pay more for one of those xxx/poo mutts.
I make my own raw food once a month and freeze in meal size patties. I asked in my schnauzer forum for help on raw feeding then spent time on dogaware.com. For convienience I feed kibble for breakfast - but I chose a brand that I think is good (orijen).

[jackie999]

As for cooking a homemade meal, as long as you know what you're doing, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Just make sure you do actually know what you're doing. An unbalanced diet can kill a dog fairly quickly.

I'd have to disagree with that statement. I don't think I've ever seen a case of a homemade diet, or table scraps for that matter, killing a dog. I have, however, read stories about recalls and deaths from kibble.
Not to insult you, but statements like that always seem to me to be the propaganda that pet food companies spew ..to scare people into buying their 'so called' premium food.

And to put another myth to rest - my two get raw chicken necks for snacks (and keeps their teeth clean). The only time I had a choking issue was when my oldest dog choked on a few pieces of kibble

[Shaner]

I'd have to disagree with that statement. I don't think I've ever seen a case of a homemade diet, or table scraps for that matter, killing a dog. I have, however, read stories about recalls and deaths from kibble.
Not to insult you, but statements like that always seem to me to be the propaganda that pet food companies spew ..to scare people into buying their 'so called' premium food.

And to put another myth to rest - my two get raw chicken necks for snacks (and keeps their teeth clean). The only time I had a choking issue was when my oldest dog choked on a few pieces of kibble

If you read more of my posts, you'd see I'm all for a raw diet. I think it's the best thing people can do for their dogs. Home cooked meals are great too. What is important though is knowing what you're doing. Malnutrition can kill, and that's not an opinion, that's a fact. When providing a raw diet or home cooked diet, it's important for the diet to be balanced. The dog needs to get a certain amount of protein, fat, calcium, etc. When not enough of one of those things is provided, the dog can get very sick, very quickly.

There are many cases of raw diets making dogs sick because the person decided to switch their dog over without knowing what they were doing. I'm on a German Shepherd forum and there's been many posts on this site talking about dogs getting very ill after the person switched to a raw diet without doing their homework on what exactly to feed. The vet I currently use is a huge fan of raw diets, but he told me he worries that it's becoming so popular, that people are going to switch their dogs to raw without knowing how to create a balanced diet. In many cases it will just result in the dog losing too much weight or gaining too much weight, but in some cases, it can cause the dog to get quite ill.

I'm all for a raw or home cooked diet though and I do not spread fear or push people towards kibble. Read some of my past posts, I highly recommend a raw diet.

[mzamy]

my husband wants a Pit bull, as he thinks they're cuter, or a Doberman. I don't want any problems if you know what I mean, so I'm a little against the Pit bull.

I have 2 dogs, and an almost 19 month old. One is a Male, Presa Canario/PitBull, ~100lbs, and a Female, 1y/o Alapaha blue blood bulldog, ~55lbs. Both get along amazing with my son, and any other children they are around. The male is good with other dogs, my bulldog, not so much with other females.

Do not discount a pitbull automatically because of their breed/bad reputation, but you have to be prepared that you may end up with a dog aggressive animal and you will unable to take him/her around other dogs. Don't automatically assume that a golden retriever or lab would be best for your family, because actually the most aggressive dog i've ever had in my life was a lab.

Eventhough your kids are off for the summer, they have not had a dog before, so maybe an older dog (6mos+) may be a better idea. Most are (hopefully) housetrained by then, and not as into the destruction stage, ime.

I'm probably in the minority on here, since both of our dogs have come from Kijiji, but had no issues with either. Research the breed above all, and don't choose one that absolutely needs a firm hand, structure, lots of training and experienced owners (dobe, husky, akita)

[upsydaisy]

While it is true you can socialize and mould a puppy, each breed of dog was created with a purpose. CKC has groups for sporting, working etc. Keep this in mind when choosing a breed. People confuse aggression with protectiveness. If you go with a Doberman, Akita etc they may be well socialized and fantastic with your family but what happens when your kids bring friends over and the kids start rough housing? Those breed of dogs are more likely to react in protection mode towards strangers. Same applies to pitbulls, they were bred to fight dogs so while they will probably love your family, what if your kids' friends bring a dog over? Personally I love the big dogs like Doberman, Akita but they do send a message to neighbors and you might find people with biases reacting when they see your dog.

I feed raw and kibble. If we didn't have kids and had more space, time, money we'd do home cooked meals for the dog but it is more work.

Nothing wrong with buying a purebred from a registered breeder. We did exactly this as we wanted predictability in what we're getting.

[upsydaisy]

I'd have to disagree with that statement. I don't think I've ever seen a case of a homemade diet, or table scraps for that matter, killing a dog. I have, however, read stories about recalls and deaths from kibble.
Not to insult you, but statements like that always seem to me to be the propaganda that pet food companies spew ..to scare people into buying their 'so called' premium food.

And to put another myth to rest - my two get raw chicken necks for snacks (and keeps their teeth clean). The only time I had a choking issue was when my oldest dog choked on a few pieces of kibble

You don't hear it reported in the news because homemade diets have a limited reach, usually just your own dog. How many people buy kibble? While kibblle may not be the best at least most have minimal certification by AAFCO, not so with Raw. Too many people jumping in without research. It's not rocket science but it's not as easy as dropping a steak on the ground with leftover mashed potatoes. I always advise newcomers to stick with commercially prepared raw diets first.

[Invader Gir]

Personally i think if you want a kid friendly dog, you go with a Golden Retriever. I grew up with a White German Shepherd and actually had 3 of them at separate times and were a lovely dog. First was one was huge and a protector, 2nd was a suck and loved by everyone, 3rd was scared when he was young and was hard to introduce around people. So with that i would suggest going with a new dog and not a shelter dog. After we lost our 3rd WGS we went with a Golden Retriever and he was a damn awesome dog, which we sadly lost this past December (mouth cancer) Got him a bit younger then we should of (8 weeks and not at the 6 weeks we got him at) Other than that, he was a dog who loved anyone and everyone. We brought him everywhere in in the car, walks and dog parks and would ***** himself to anyone for a pat. Kids could stick their hands in his mouth and he would lick them and never bite. I will admit they are high energy and would be great with younger kids, but can a be a bit strong for walking. We got another Golden Retriever from a different breeder and went with an English version (more white/cream colour) He is pretty much a carbon copy of our first one personality wise, a bit easier to walk right now (still a bit young) and loves to play/walk. Again he is full of energy and very much likes playing with the kids at the dog parks or us in the backyard. Another great thing about these 2 dogs. THEY LOVE FIREWORKS and THUNDERSTORMS, which the WGS didn't like at all. They would either run downstairs or hide behind my mom for protection. These GR just seem to be fascinated by them and will watch them in the backyard or through the windows. I watched Band of Brothers with full surround sound, 2 loud subwoofers going on with the first GR and it didn't disturb him. Hell, he fell asleep right next to the one sub during the biggest bombing episode of the series.

Food wise we have been doing the Kibble from the store (Purina Large Breed) and will share the occasional scrap of our food with him. Some breeders might have their own brand they raise the parents on and will probably give you a bag to start off with your new puppy. We use to give him store bought cookies but we now cook our own. Simple peanut butter, flour and pumpkin puree mixture. (missing some items but are called Woofies online)

So good luck with your decision and let us know what you go with.

[JC69]

You can get puppies from shelters too. We have two. Don't get hung up on a breed, if you get puppies from a shelter they need homes and you're (hopefully) providing them with a great one for life. It's down to you as to what kind of dog they will become. Put in the effort and you'll have a loving companion for many years.

Anyone thinking of buying a dog from a breeder should look at this documentary first "One nation under dog". Realise that there are pure breeds in shelters too that need saving. All our pets came from shelters and we've had a purebred beagle, two purebred siamese and a couple of mixes. All of them are (have been) great pets and I would never get a pet from anywhere else.

[upsydaisy]

You can get puppies from shelters too. We have two. Don't get hung up on a breed, if you get puppies from a shelter they need homes and you're (hopefully) providing them with a great one for life. It's down to you as to what kind of dog they will become. Put in the effort and you'll have a loving companion for many years.

Anyone thinking of buying a dog from a breeder should look at this documentary first "One nation under dog". Realise that there are pure breeds in shelters too that need saving. All our pets came from shelters and we've had a purebred beagle, two purebred siamese and a couple of mixes. All of them are (have been) great pets and I would never get a pet from anywhere else.

That show is an eye opener. I should clarify that one should buy from a reputable respected breeder who is a member in good standing of local and national breed clubs. This means there is peer monitoring and easy to research that breeder. We had to sign a long contract that states our dogs will always go back to the breeder for rehoming, this is a contractual obligation. A good breeder should interrogate you in person like a child adoption agency and always take the dog back no questions asked. If breeding was done like this there wouldn't be so many dogs in shelters.

[amz155]

You can get puppies from shelters too. We have two. Don't get hung up on a breed, if you get puppies from a shelter they need homes and you're (hopefully) providing them with a great one for life. It's down to you as to what kind of dog they will become. Put in the effort and you'll have a loving companion for many years.

Anyone thinking of buying a dog from a breeder should look at this documentary first "One nation under dog". Realise that there are pure breeds in shelters too that need saving. All our pets came from shelters and we've had a purebred beagle, two purebred siamese and a couple of mixes. All of them are (have been) great pets and I would never get a pet from anywhere else.

If you want to be a responsible pet owner, you should DEFINITELY research the breed before you get it.

[MrsPotato]

I have a doberman and I have to be honest, he's a lot of work and $$$.
In food alone, he costs an average of $90/mth.
He eats raw. You won't want to feed a dog raw in a home with young children. Bacteria from the dogs mouth (licking etc) can easily be transferred... Keep researching!


He required at least 4 hours of physical and metal exercise daily until he chilled out a bit at the age of 4.

IMHO I think your nuts to add a dog to your busy life.

[jferreir]

I'm all for rescue dogs, but with young children in the household, predictability should be a high priority. Personally, I would recommend an adolescent or adult dog, as they will already be trained (time), vaccinated/fixed (money), and their personality and various dispositions will already be known (peace of mind). You can find many gentle, loving dogs in shelters or rescues that would make excellent family pets. On the other hand, I do understand the desire for a brand new puppy. You can still get a puppy from a rescue or shelter, but you'll want to be informed on the breed/mix so you know what to expect. I'd have to agree with the Golden Retriever and Lab suggestions; these breeds are eager to please, easy to train, and are very gentle with children. If you decide to purchase from a breeder, please do your homework and be sure to get a health guarantee. Both of these breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia, which can become quite costly to treat.

Whatever path you take, please remind your children to take an active role in the dog's life. I've seen so many dogs neglected after the puppy euphoria wears off, and it's really a heartbreaking sight. You should only get a family pet if you're prepared and willing to take care of it yourself. Never assume that children will do all the work, because they are still learning what it means to be responsible themselves. Good luck!

[nyik]

I went in for a few interviews when we adopted from the SPCA. The interviews are meant for the would-be owners to get to know the dog, and see how interactions with the dog are like.

If you could get a few interviews (1 hr each) and see how the dog behaves with your family, that would be the best way to look into potential behavioural issues.

Depending on how old the puppy is, there may not be that many issues.

Whichever way you guys go (breeder vs shelter), as many of the previous posters have voiced, make sure the entire family is involved with the dog's life. We do not need another forsaken addition to the shelter.

GL, and enjoy your new family member!