| Looking to get my first dog 16:54 - Jan 6 with 3159 views | JonTheJack |
Hi all,
Looking to get my first dog with the other half and thought I'd ask on here for some advice before diving in.
We're looking to give a home to this guy:
http://www.gumtree.com/p/pets/border-collie-20weeks-old-needs-new-home-asap/1041
What I want to know is if we're biting off more than we can chew for our first dog. I know these guys need a lot of stimulation, I'm not worried about that part because he will be taken out at least twice a day, sometimes even three when my parents come over to take him out aswell.
I work 8-4 and the other half works shifts, we've got the parents to come up on the afternoons where there'll be the extended time that both of us are in work, is this enough to keep him happy?
Also, how much room do these size dogs actually need. I have a smallish 3 bedroom but a large ground floor with a big living room which is connected to a conservatory which I'm tempted to let him have and move the table elsewhere.
Also, in the ad they mention that they have no papers, is this something I should be concerned about?
Thanks in advance! | | | |  |
| Looking to get my first dog on 17:25 - Jan 6 with 3117 views | Treforys_Jack |
Hi mate, good on you getting a mutt, you won't regret it. You're right about Border Collies needing a lot of attention and stimulation but a more intelligent dog you won't find. If you're not sure, go to Many tears or the dogs trust by Macarthur Glen or whatever its called, they will be more than happy to advise and recommend. One word of warning , Sylvia who runs many tears can be pretty scary. [Post edited 6 Jan 2014 17:26]
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| Looking to get my first dog on 17:26 - Jan 6 with 3118 views | Davillin |
For a first dog, a Border Collie is probably a mistake, especially in the circumstances you describe. In my opinion, a Border Collie will need lots of outdoor space and a lot of work for the dog [or "work" meaning "play"].
Papers are papers. In general, I think you need papers only if you plan to use the dog for breeding. Just an opinion. I have rescued/adopted three purebred dogs without papers. Didn't make a hill of beans difference - they were all absolute delights in every way.
Remembering that over the years I have had purebreds in Brittanys, Whippets, and a Golden, but I have found a smaller mixed breed with a laid back personality is best in a mostly-in-house environment. In addition, dogs I have "rescued" or adopted are invariably the best-mannered and loving of dogs.
I hope I don't hurt anyone's feelings, but the ad you link to was not comforting. It hints of a problem pup, possibly with someone who doesn't know how to deal with one. A problem pup is one thing, but a problem Border Collie is quite another. Sorry. | |
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| Looking to get my first dog on 17:31 - Jan 6 with 3107 views | Swanzay |
Collies are a very intelligent breed, that need plenty of exercise to keep them content, be prepared for that.
If he is unable to provide pedigree paper work, then I would question the pedigree credentials.....
Why not consider rescue dogs as well, we got our Spaniel from Many Tears 2 years ago, she will be 3 this year and has been a truly wonderful companion. There are plenty of dogs out there in need of a loving home.
http://www.manytearsrescue.org/dogslookingforhomes.php | | | |
| Looking to get my first dog on 17:35 - Jan 6 with 3100 views | Darran |
Get a Chorkie. 
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| Looking to get my first dog on 18:24 - Jan 6 with 3055 views | swansRus |
Hi,
We lost our collie cross during the summer after 12 years - and have just (2 months ago) rehomed a collie/St Bernard cross puppy from dog's trust Bridgend. - They were fantastic - gave great advice - and we had to a have a session with an dog behaviourist to prepare us for having the pup (11 weeks old) total cost was £80 including injections and spaying when old enough. You can search dogs on their website - but they don't often show puppies as they don't want adopters to just go for the cute little ones - but will bear you in mind for a puppy if you express an interest, and they think they might have something suitable.
so £180 seems a bit steep - my sister in law recently paid £60 each for two border collie pups with no papers
The socialisation period for pups is between 8 and 12 weeks - this is when bad habits are picked up - at 20 weeks (same age as mine now) a pup has found its feet (paws) and knows what it can get away with -
collies are really bright (my cross was houstrained in few days - although this meant getting up twice in the night to let her out for the first week - and then taking her out the garden every hour or so - it's a bit like having a baby in the house again) so they need a lot of stimulation - apart from exercise - they'll sleep when they're knackered - often having a crazy 15 minutes before they give in - but they don't like lying around like a retriever or a lab.
they can be possesive with their toys - unless taught when young to give them up - so be good idea to see how this pup is in this respect
also check if its protective over food - one of my relative's collies is snappy at meal times - because it had to fight its corner with other pups before she had him
- but they can be brilliant pets if trained and socialised and are long lived without many heriditary problems
on the general subject of rehoming -I worked down in Many Tear's dogs rescue centre in Cross Hands for a short time - people wanting to get rid of a dog would never say anything negative about the dog's behaviour - only after assessment did things show up - so don't give yourself a headache by taking on another person's problem - ask questions of the seller - my advice would be to talk to the Dog's trust
good luck | | | |
| Looking to get my first dog on 19:03 - Jan 6 with 3027 views | Tycoch_Tyrant |
I'll echo the words of others replying to you - collies are the most intelligent, loyal, fun loving and active dogs you can get; however, all these characteristics do have a 'dark' side - they can be possessive, hyperactive and a bit of a handful, particularly for the new dog owner. Have you considered a cross breed? My first dog was a collie x labrador and he was perfect - he had the get up and go of the collie, but equally was happy to sit and snooze when it was hammering it down outside in the winter! Collies are busy dogs… don't expect to be able to sit down and quietly watch tv of an evening!
With regards to papers, unless you want to breed/show it shouldn't make any difference. Of more importance, ask for his vaccination records so you know exactly where he is at. Also ask about worming and de-fleaing history - there are a lot of crap products out there, if it hasn't come from a vet it probably hasn't done the job. I would also ask about how he is around children - I don't know whether he would be around children, but collies can sometimes lack patience with kids and become snappy… this is obviously something you want to avoid!
I would say that if you really want a collie, don't get put off… but proceed with caution. As has been said, the seller can only have had the dog for 2 months so you have to wonder why he is trying to get rid so quickly. Even if the dog has no problems, it hints at someone who can't be bothered and therefore you should keep the costs of behavioural classes/puppy training classes in mind as it probably hasn't been done. £180 is also a bit steep - he is trying to recover the costs that he spent on the dog… rescue charities are generally far more honest! | | | |
| Looking to get my first dog on 19:12 - Jan 6 with 3006 views | swansRus |
incidentally, I've read the AD - it says it's just had second jab at 20 weeks - this is normally done at around 12 weeks - and they can't socalise with all and sundry until 2 weeks after this - | | | |
| Looking to get my first dog on 20:22 - Jan 6 with 2952 views | Whiterockin |
A bit late but still remember. A dog is for life not just for the office Christmas party. | | | |
| Looking to get my first dog on 20:33 - Jan 6 with 2935 views | jack_lord |
I know of a fantastic labrador, just turned three that loves adults and kids and also has a tendency to chew anything that is left around including shoes, remote controls, dinner mats, hats, socks indeed any piece of apparel. | |
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| Looking to get my first dog on 20:57 - Jan 6 with 2923 views | Swanzay |
Almost all dogs behavioural issues can be blamed by poor human care, give a dog the right environment, attention, walks and care and they will reward you tenfold.
Chewing carpets or furniture is a sign of frustration.
Its highly important that you walk them for at least an hour a day, do so they will reward you as only dogs can, without any damage. Plenty of chews and stimulating toy I also recommend.
If you cant give the time to walk them, I advise to just avoid the idea, dogs have needs, we have to get up around 7.00 in the morning to give her food and take her for a walk and pee or whatever she needs, 24/7, as someone said, they are for life!
But they are so rewarding, go to the Dogs trust or manytears, they have peeps who will visit your home free of charge and give you advice!
Good luck! | | | |
| Looking to get my first dog on 21:53 - Jan 6 with 2883 views | JonTheJack |
Thanks everyone, really appreciate the help and advice!
I think its a good idea for someone from a place like many tears to come and have a look at our home to see what's best suited to us.
One thing I'm not worried about is the exercise, the dog will have plenty of it! | | | |
| Looking to get my first dog on 22:02 - Jan 6 with 2875 views | jack_lord |
Our lovely lab gets two long walks a day and we have a walled garden that is half an acre big and he runs and runs. This one will run around the garden playing with us and then just run off and go flying passed with a flower pot in his mouth almost shouting catch me.
Some are just naughty :). | |
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| Looking to get my first dog on 22:25 - Jan 6 with 2861 views | jack_lord |
Moshi the husky sounds gorgeous. Another landscape gardener. | |
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| Looking to get my first dog on 00:55 - Jan 7 with 2804 views | Davillin |
One of my favourite things about PlanetSwans is the way dog lovers are always willing and ready to step up and help.
You received some excellent advice on here, Jon.
Thanks, guys!  | |
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| Looking to get my first dog on 10:52 - Jan 7 with 2722 views | Brynmill_Jack |
Huskies are feckin loons. Seriously | |
| Each time I go to Bedd - au........................ |
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| Looking to get my first dog on 11:50 - Jan 7 with 2703 views | Swanzay |
Great news, keep us posted on how it goes. They will do a home visit to check all is suitable and to give you advice and answer any questions you may have, prior to rehoming. | | | |
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