[Singel]

I have always like dogs but my hubby is not a big fan of dogs (not that he hate it, if given a choice he prefer not to have one). Finally, I got him to say "Yes"........Yipeee !!!

Before I take the plunge, I guess it is important for me to know the reality of having a dog. What is expected of a dog-owner?

Could anyone tell me? :uhoh

:cheers

[jubjub]

Its a hard question to answer, depending on if you are going for a puppy or a rescue dog (that may be trained, if you are lucky).

Basic requirements, somewhere secure to sleep, decide if you want them indoors or outdoors, constant supply of fresh drinking water, food, ours costs around $10-15 per week. Excercise, twice a day, EVERY day, gets a bit boring in the rain, but has to be done!

Other considerations/costs

Vet Fees, yearly vaccinations/other ailments
Kenneling Fees if you want to go somewhere you cant take dog
Picking up poo (not pleasant, but you get used to it)
Mopping up floors if you have a puppy, oh and they will chew everything in sight as well.

Heres a list of sites we looked at to try and help us with our mutt.

http://www.wagntrain.com/BodyLanguage.htm
http://www.dogrescue.fsnet.co.uk/drn/pages/care.htm
http://www.pawsnlearn.freeserve.co.uk/traintips.htm


Basically they can be quite hard work at times, but the wag of the tail when you get home is worth it!

[Moorf]

We're new to dog ownership too, although my parents had dogs.

I, personally, find it alot more of a tie than I had imagined - we've always had cats before and they're easy-peasy. Having said that, I wouldn't be without Summer now :nice1

You need to walk your dog each day - the number of times and when you do it is totally up to you - I'm of the opinion that the dog has to fit in with YOUR life, not the other way round!

We walk Summer once in the early morning (20 mins), once early afternoon (about 45 - 1hr) and once in the evening (about 40 mins). They are her "regular" walks. Many people only walk their dogs once a day. If I am doing a full days work then she will get walked once in the morning and once at night. I, personally, wouldn't have a dog if we both worked full-time away from the home - can't see the point in a poor dog sat in the garden all day, but that's just me! At the weekend we take her on longer walks and go exploring (or should I say she takes US on walks!! She really helps us get out more!)

We feed Summer dry biscuits.... in my opinion biscuits are much better for them than the canned dog food / dog rolls (unless it's premium meat, but that works out expensive). Biscuits also mean drier and less smelly poo's! Easier to pick up too!

Remember too, that your dog will be coming with you on your trips etc - you can't always find somewhere to stay that allows dogs. And most of the motorhome companies won't allow you to rent with a dog.

Hmm, there's lots more to learn! You may need a bed, kennel, bowls, toys, grooming brushes, leashes, collar, poo-bags (although we get ours free on the sea-front here!), and blankets etc. - I'm terrible and spoil Summer :o Be prepared to have to hoover your car alot ( I don't and so it looks like I have furry seat covers!!).

Ultimately, it all depends on the breed of dog, its age, temperment etc etc. You need to take a look at your lifestyle and see what sort of dog would best fit into your pace of life - i.e. a border collie will need lots of exercise and stimulation, whereas a chiuaua may have different needs (i.e. a nice Prada bag to be carried around in (well, that would be MY excuse!!)) :D

Oh, and I'd recommend pet insurance too - vet bills can mount up and some surgery can be very expensive if your pet has an accident. It costs about $20 a month depending on the level of cover.

I am sure there is loads more.... ;)

I would ask yourself these questions before making any major decisions:

a) Are you and your family commited to looking after a dog for the next 12+ yrs - to feed, train, groom and attend to it?
b) Do you have the time and resources to care for it on a daily basis.
c) Are you settled in NZ as it's a costly business to ship a dog back to Europe.
d) Will the dog be alone for long periods? Can someone walk it during the day if it's alone? (Many behavioural problems occur because of boredom).
e) Do you intend to travel around the country alot and if so, do you have the facilities to take your dog or are you prepared to leave it in kennels etc.

I hope that helps a little!

I'm currently watching my fence and tree come down - ohhh exciting!

Moorf

[gil]

Hi Ivy,
Your situation sounds similar to mine, only a few years behind. I have always owned dogs (one at a time though) and Steve really dislikes them due to having been bitten badly as a child. Our forays into dog ownership together have been interesting. Our first, a Sheltie called Daisy May had to be re-homed when William was born as she got really jealous and started pooing in the house (not ideal with a baby around). Our second was a black Lab puppy called Tilly. We picked her up from my brother-in-law's farm in the January, she ate the whole kitchen every night, cupboards, skirtings and all and the only way to stop her was to paint every surface with chilli sauce or English mustard. In the March, I discovered I was pregnant for the fourth time, and by July, I could no longer cope with two young children, a baby, a pup and all the walks, nappies and dog poo. So poor old Tilly was given to family who lived about 4 miles away in the real countryside, with a huge garden backing onto Caerphilly mountain.
So, by the time Franca was about 2 and a half, the timing felt right to have another one (poor long suffering Steve!). We got a rescue dog who was between 2-3 years old, a pedigree Staffordshire Bull Terrier. She has been a fantastic family dog, as she fits in with our lifestyle (agree with you there Moorf). Staffies are excellent with kids, don't need a lot of exercise and have short hair and doun't moult much.....our kind of dog!
Have a look at the new Zealand Kennel Club website for lots of information about different breeds, their history, upkeep and breed standards on http://www.nzkc.org.nz/ . They have links to breeders as well.
Good luck!
Gil

[gil]

Actually, here's one dog you SHOULDN'T get....http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/uglydog.asp
It was in the papers here yesterday, and my kids are fascinated by it!!
Gil

[stu&patsy]

gosh thats one UGLY beast!

[blue]

other considerations are if you suffer from asthma some breeds may make this worse. also you need a licence in NZ and must have a secure garden with fences that your dog cant jump.
Puppies can be very hard work too and will chew and poo need to be trained. You also need to make sure that your dog gets socialized with other dogs or you could have a problem and to make sure the dog doesnt chase as this could also be a potential problem. Reinforce good behavior and never hit a dog if he behaves badly.
My advice is to perhaps look at getting an older dog which is well socialized and trained already to start off with. Join a dog club or before you get one go along and see whats involved. also study the different breeds and ensure you get a dog that suits you as a family this is very important. Dont get one because that particular breed looks nice. Go for temperment, coat long or short does the breed need stimulation as a lot of working dogs such as collies and corgis are very inteligent and need to be constantly kept busy. Greyhounds are pretty good as a first dog they dont need much exercise a 20min walk and will curl up small and sleep they also generally have a very good temperment. Consider how much garden you have too is it large enough will you mind if a few holes appear in the lawn and a few flowers get dug up? Talk to as many people with dogs as you can to get a feel of different problems breeds etc.
Do let us know what you decide.

[Diny]

Just have to put my two penneth in here. Coming from a farming family I'm a firm believer that all animals should be kept in a field for profit. As for dogs - well if they're working dogs then OK - kept in a kennel !!!!!

May sound abit harsh but there's one thing I just don't understand, why do some people allow their dogs to take over their homes? Are these people immune to that sickening, sweet, stuck in the back of your nose, dog stink that hits you smack in the face when you walk through the door. God it's disgusting !!!!!!!

OK - so I'm doing a heap of generalising here, I have mates who own dogs and their houses are clean and fresh and not a hint of 'doggy smell' ...... but I've been to other houses that are just like a walk in kennel. Quite frankly they STINK ...... and the owners take on that digusting doggy stink too. Nothing quite as revolting as being offered a drink and a snack that comes with a side order of dog hair.

Basically ........ if you want a dog then go for it, but for your own good reputation and the comfort of any poor souls who visit, PLEASE don't allow the 'doggy stink' to take over your home. It's rank, disgusting and an indication that nowhere is clean.

Sounds harsh I know ..... but some folks need to wake up and smell the coffee (not the dog).

Diny

[marcia]

Nothing quite as revolting as being offered a drink and a snack that comes with a side order of dog hair.


Sounds harsh I know ..... but some folks need to wake up and smell the coffee (not the dog).

Diny


You are sooooooooo funny - I was laughing my head off at this post - harsh but true.

[Moorf]

:nice1 Couldn't agree more (hopefully you'll have a friend like Diny who will tell you if it gets a big "doggy" too ;) or "catty" ewww litter trays!).. feeling ill...moving on...

I'd also say, never assume, when visiting others, that you can take your dog along - you'd be surprised how many people assume that if they're invited, so is their dog!

Woz did his own version :laugh

May sound abit harsh but there's one thing I just don't understand, why do some people allow their kids to take over their homes? Are these people immune to that sickening, sweet, stuck in the back of your nose, nappy stink that hits you smack in the face when you walk through the door. God it's disgusting !!!!!!!

OK - so I'm doing a heap of generalising here, I have mates who have kids and their houses are clean and fresh and not a hint of "nappy smell' ...... but I've been to other houses that are just like a walk in toilet. Quite frankly they STINK ...... and the owners take on that digusting baby sick stink too. Nothing quite as revolting as being offered a drink and a snack that comes with a side order of sicked up milk.

Basically ........ if you want a baby then go for it, but for your own good reputation and the comfort of any poor souls who visit, PLEASE don't allow the "nappy stink' to take over your home. It's rank, disgusting and an indication that nowhere is clean.

Sounds harsh I know ..... but some folks need to wake up and smell the coffee (not the child).

:roll

[jubjub]

Help, there will be both kid and dog versions in our house soon.....:laugh

Mind you I am very self conscious about having a smelly house, so hoover pretty much every single day, and I dont let dog have complete run of the house.

Good point though Moorf, lots of people dont like dogs, one of my best friends did not visit after we got ours she was soo scared of them, mind you if she comes out here theres no other option but meet him, and she is prepared for that (the constant wine supply will numb the nerves). We have never taken him anywhere unless someone actually asked why we had not, then he went along next time!

[Moorf]

Help, there will be both kid and dog versions in our house soon.....:laugh




:eek: Ahh, don't worry, it'll be summer soon and you can put them both on the deck! ;)

[jubjub]

Dog spends all day out there anyway if its sunny, did you know I even found a big clump of dog hair on the deck?? You would think it would blow away, need to hoover out there soon too:laugh

Ivy, dont get a hairy dog!

[Diny]

I LIKE THAT ONE !!!!!!!

I wonder ..... seeing as he was a baby once - does his version refer to his parents (aswell as all of ours of course). He he he he.

Diny

[Moorf]

No no, you see I put in the "non-generalisation" wording :p because my flack jacket is at the dry cleaners :laugh

[Moorf]

did you know I even found a big clump of dog hair on the deck??

I wonder if you can mulch a garden with dog hair :laugh :laugh - and yep, good tip, if you don't want to knit jumpers or stuff pillows then get a labradoodle (cos they don't shed at all and are (apparently) non-allergenic!!!) :nice1

[gil]

I will second the idea that per insurance is invaluable! Our Staffie, Macy, has over the last ten days developed pancreatitis, so has had 1 vet visit, 2 medicines prescribed and is due another vet visit tomorrow. So far this has cost approx £120, and she may need further investigations tomorrow.....She has not had a single day's illness in the 6 ears we've had her, and I have often thought "why are we shelling out £10 a month for insurance?" Now I know!! And I'm mighty relieved. :yes
On the thread of doggy stink, I am paranoid about it! Macy doesn't moult, but I still wash her bedding (she sleeps on a blanket in a plastic dog bed) every week, and wash her bed with Dettox antibacterial cleaner when the bedding is cleaned. Also, Dettox the food mat under her food and water bowls. They are metal, so go in the dishwasher regularly. We have found that with the pancreatitis, she smelled quite bad though. Hopefully this is going now that she's starting to seem a bit better. Will need to get carpets steam cleaned though, as she has thrown up indoors a few times :no (yuck, that's enough of that).
My sister is not allowed pets in her flat, so she has sponsored a dog at a local resuce place. She and her kids can go and visit, walk it, play with it in the specially equipped play room as often as they like, so that's a useful toe in the water.
Look forward to hearing what you decide to get Ivy,
Gil

[Moorf]

Aww, hope Macy gets better soon :) - time for me to return the positive vibes!

I found outsomething else today in my search for dog info... you need a special licence to have more than one dog on one property!!!

And, Ivy, you can halve your dog licence payments by taking the "responsible dog owners" test :nice1 Here is the questionnaire - I'm sure even NON-dog owners could pass the test!! I assume most councils have the same arrangement - this is Christchurch Council's questionnaire:-

http://www.ccc.govt.nz/animals/forms/RespDogOwnerStatusAppFrm.pdf

[Moorf]

After all that doggy stuff I thought I'd check what was on telly so I could go and veg for a bit on the sofa... and what's on?? The DOG WHISPERER!! :laugh :laugh

[jubjub]

I have just watched Good Dog on the Living Channel:laugh

We could collect all the dog hair and donate it to Diny to replace her tumbel dryer fluff that her mum threw out!

Ivy, heres the Manukau link for dog info, Moorf is right, you can get a reduced fee if you have a Good dog owner certificate, and if you have them neutered its cheaper too.

http://www.manukau.govt.nz/dogcontrol.htm

[stu&patsy]

I'm not a dog expert but careing for a dog is just common sence. puppies lots of work at the begining toilet training, socialising and behaviour training, grown dogs less this should have already been done. have you thought of a rescue dog?some can be hard work though if they've been mistreated.we have an English mastif cross v,large dog (male) and of a dominant nature not for the beginer. we also have a lurcher (hairy grayhound)a big softy. If you want a dog that does not shed hair you could try poodles they even come in two sizes toy and standard .Schnauzers don't shed neither does the airdale terrier and these two breeds come in two sizes. A popular breed for first timers is the labrador but i think their rather high energy lots of walks needed but very inteligent (guid dogs for the blind) have a friend whos blind he's on his second labrador dog they are just amazing. for a first dog how about a king charles spaniel
they are so cute not the reason to buy a dog i know but they are.

[jubjub]

I think we have mentioned Kenneling fees already, but its worth it if they get to stay somewhere like this.....

http://www.bunnylodge.co.nz/r_dogs.htm (http://www.bunnylodge.co.nz/r_dogs.htm)

shame there is not one up in Auckland, it looks fab.

[Singel]

WOW, that's a lot of useful information ..........fantastic ! :nice1
Thank you so much for your contributions :cheers

My initial thought will be - are we able to provide the time and TLC to the dog? :confused:

I will discuss with my hubby and will keep you update of our thoughts and decision.

:cheers

[veronica]

well I have to say that the dogs have taken over both our ski shop ( where they are a tremendous reasurance to me as I work there on my own most of the time) and the hostel. In the ski shop the potential 'doggy' odour is overpowered by ski boots and feetand on occasions people who have children with dirty nappies, something I find a bit offensive, I would have changed ours in the car before taking them into a shop. and at the hostel we have yet to have anyone complain about the dogs having the run of the place, most people taking comfort in their presence.

Each of us to our own Diny, you are entitled to your views of dogs and their place in your life, but me, having dealt with more misbehaving and antisocial children, (and adults) than dogs, have the opposite viewpoint. I just wish some parents could have the same test for 'responsible child owner' status that us dog owners have to take over here. Its the most important job in the world and the only one you are given no training for, anyone can apply!!

[Tara Sage]

I hope you don't think my house smells of dog and child, what a combination after the above discriptions. Ha Ha.

[selchie]

I don't think these thoughts have been mentioned yet. Apologies if I am redundant.

Be aware that dogs are social animals, and should be treated as though they are part of the pack/family. Even working dogs living in kennels should have some sort of solid social structure & company. We have had so many neighbors who get a dog, get bored with it, and leave it outside and unattended most of the time. The poor things are so lonely and bored, and probably can't figure out why they have been exiled from the pack. Behavior & noise problems ensue.

Get obedience training - for yourself & family. Learn how to train your dog, and be consistent. Animals can be so good at training your behavior if you let them, but don't let them!

Be cautious about getting purebred dogs. If you absolutely must get a certain breed, do your homework on them. So many have physical problems due to inbreeding, and they may have breed-specific behaviors which might not suit your needs.

Good luck.

BTW, that ugly dog posted above looked more like a rat demon! Very scary.

[veronica]

good post selchie

[Singel]

Many thanks :nice1 for your thoughts and sharing.

Gil, I still can't get over the pic of that ugly dog (feel a bit sorry).
:cheers

[gil]

I know, it does look a rather sorry state! have you seen what Chinese Crested Dogs are supposed to look like? Quite honestly, the normal ones aren't much better! (No offence to any Chinese Cresteds on this forum)
Gil

[foolsgold99]

For a first time dog owner, I'd advise getting an older dog that's already been trained. Makes life so much easier.

Go to the dog home, and have a look, our dog was an orhpan after his last owner died.
He pretty much got to our house, took about 1 day to get his bearings, worked out he was going to live here, that we were going to feed him and be nice to him. Training effort required zero. Tbh, we think he trained us into doing things his way.

[Singel]

Tbh, we think he trained us into doing things his way.
.................I wonder what? ;)

Thanks for your sharing, foolsgold99 :cheers

[gil]

Thank you for all your good wishes to Macy. Just to let you know, she is now home from the vet, all better and bouncy and having cost the grand total of £450......am waiting for the insurance claim form to arrive!! Now to steam clean the crapets........(I was just going to fix the spelling there, and thought better of it, cos that's what they are at the moment!)
Gil

[Moorf]

Good news :nice1 (re Macy, not the crapets!) :D

[bob_the_engineer]

Moorfs post was funny, made me laugh

“but some folks need to wake up and smell the coffee (not the child).” :laugh

I read some really good advice in this thread particularly the points about not smacking a dog, the fact that they are social animals and knowing the breed before you decide to get it.

We have 2 German Shepherds (and a cat). I’ve been around this particular breed since I was 5 or 6 and I think they are a wonderful dog. If you want to know about them just ask I’d be more than happy to share my experience of them.

Bob

[Mildred]

Beware of the emotional tie with dogs. Don't take this the wrong way, but I found it harder to get over the death of my beloved dog than that of my parents.

I think with a human bereavement there is lots of support. When a dog dies or any other pet for that matter people expect you to pull yourself together. I have had Rottweillers since being a teenager in the days when you just didn't see them in the UK. They have always been part of the family. As far as I'm concerned if people don't like dogs then don't turn up at my house as I've no intention of locking them away. It's like me turning up at someone's house who smokes and then complaining about it. I must admit I do sometimes wonder if my house smells of dogs but would prefer this smell than coming home and finding my house had been burgled (although Mary, my Rottie, would lick them to death). Anyway isn't that what incense sticks are for!!!!

I would ditto the pet insurance being important. Our present dog will be a year old at the end of October. So far she has had the same cruciate ligament repaired twice (£1,300 vets bill), been spayed as the neighbour's white alsation decided he would make a good father (£130) and needs a final operation on the leg when she is a year old which will be another £650 as long as there are no complications. Thank goodness I took out pet insurance straight away as I only had to pay £85 excess for the leg ops. Even the one due in December is considered part of the initial treatment so I won't have to pay this again.

So anyone considering taking on the dog be warned, they are extremely hard work as puppies, can be very expensive and can take over your life.

[veronica]

Yeah but look at all that unconditional acceptance and love you get. they don't care if your hairs a mess, your 10lb overweight or just having an ugly day. you open that door when you come home and they are soo pleased to see you.

My life has never been without pets, whether they be cats dogs hamsters rabbits or ponies and I can only say they have enriched it so much and we have a store full of memories, mostly good.

[bob_the_engineer]

Mary, my Rottie. :nice1 Like the name



Bob

[Mildred]

:nice1 Like the name



Bob

Well we did get her at Xmas. If she had been a boy she would have had a name beginning with J!!!!!

[bob_the_engineer]

:laugh

Bob

[Singel]

Thanks for all the wise advices :nice1

...............we are still comtemplating :roll :uhoh

[louron]

I know you have already had loads of advice but as someone fairly new to the world of dog ownership I thought I would share my thoughts on the matter.
I was never very keen on having a dog but OH and kids persauded me - so we got Buster (not our choice of name but the one he came with!) a 2 yr old lab/german shepherd cross, from the rescue centre although I still can't understand why he ended up there. Anyway he has a fantastic temprament, barks like mad at anyone who approaches our front door and licks them to death the minute they get through it (hope no burglars are reading this!) and is fab with the kids.
I am now converted and love having him around, however you are incredibly tied with a dog, more so in my view than with kids, its not just about when you go away on hols etc either, any trip out has to take into account how long you will be leaving doggy on its own for so even days out (to none dog type places) become difficult and spur of the moment trips impossible. So I think you are quite right to be considering it so carefully before going ahead. I would also suggest that if you do decide to go ahead you check out your local rescue centre before going to a breeder and paying a fortune.
Good luck

[selchie]

I would also suggest that if you do decide to go ahead you check out your local rescue centre before going to a breeder and paying a fortune.
I vote for hybrid vigor - yay mutts! Long ago, some friends had a dog that must have been part Corgi, black lab and other stuff. Medium-sized dog on coffee table legs. He was great: sweet, smart and didn't smell bad, either!

[blue]

I invested in a dog flap for the hounds and its one of the best things I have ever had. The garden is totally secure so they can go out when they want to for the loo. This is great if out for the day you dont have to worry about getting back to let them out.
I agree regarding pet bereavement i am still getting over the loss of my dear little Paddy just before x.mas. also still have his ashes and want to spread them on the park but just cant do it yet. I know I will have to at some point before leaving for NZ then I think should I take them with me but dont think I can and am having trouble letting go.
I was at work when the vet phoned me to say that there was no more they could do for him luckily my boss is a dog lover and after a hot drink I was aloud to go home. I went straight to the vets and they had laid his little body out under a little brodeie englais quilt he looked so peacefull but it really broke my heart. I only had him for 10 months and had rescued him from death from an Irish pound. He was a sick little dog from the start and after 3 months of tests etc found he had EPI common in german sheperds but not what you would expect to see in a little terrier X breed. The next 7 months he put on weight and did really well but decided to steal my facecloth which he had chewed. It had gone missing and I couldnt find it. In the night he started vomiting and at 6am was at the vets. They operated on him and had to make 5 incisions and he was on the table for one and a half hours. He came home on the friday and seemed to be doing well. Sunday he went downhill and back at the vets on the monday. Tuesday they opened him up again and he had perintonitis also due to the EPI he wasnt making sufficiant proteins to allow healing.
I couldnt have another little terrier again and ended up having the four cats instead. Felt that it would be wrong to get another little dog.
Paddy when I met him had no manners or knew about training and with some hard work turned out to be a fantastic little fellow.
Thats the other thing where ever you get your dog from you never know what sort of illness they could develop also dont forget about micro chipping in case he gets lost and the annual boosters.

[Singel]

Thanks for the great info :nice1

:cheers

[baboonworld]

thanks gill for the nightmares!