[sillylilykitty]

What if someones just wants a pet. Not a hunting dog. You all say its good to buy from a reputable breeder who competes in the line of work that breed is supposed to be in. Well what if someone wants a GSD as a pet and not a police dog, a Pointer but they dont hunt, a collie but they dont have livestock. If your interested in a working dog, but dont want to work, does that mean you shouldnt get that dog?

Should they just get a pound dog, or can you get a GSD, pointer or collie without having it to work.

[lovemygreys]

People who breed to dogs to participate in a given sport or dog activity can still produce "pet quality" pups. Not every pup produced is going to be exceptionally skilled at a given area of work and they can make fine "just pets." Every greyhound born is not a racing star. Every golden born is not cut out to be an assistance dog. At the end of the day, each dog is an individual.

But, someone who is breeding FOR field work is most likely going to be producing pups with pretty consistent temperaments and physical ability to perform the given job. They can't just be dogs who stand there and look like they are supposed to work, their bodies function as well.

I think, if someone is wants to own a breed they can successfully own it and not participate in whatever that breed's "job" is as long as they are committed to finding appropriate alternative outlets to meet that dog's activity level.

[sillylilykitty]

Ok that makes sense. I needed to ask since the only breeder you should buy from should be a reputable breeder. But if a reputable breeder breeds for dual dogs it seems like they would only sell to people who participate in the dogs line of work. Or that what I have heard.

[SunSiberians]

I think the best thing to do would is just to start talking with breeders and telling them the kind of dog you want and explaining your lifestyle. I think they would be able to help you the best and determine what dog would work for you and if they have one.

[OC_Spirit]

Yup you dont necessarily have to do the work that the dog was bred for, but all dogs need something to do. For example, American Pit Bull Terriers were bred for dogfighting but of course that is illegal so we shouldnt say that everyone who owns pits should fight them, BUT they do need an appropriate activity to keep their minds and bodies busy. Weight pulling and search and rescue, along with many other dog activities that are out there are fantactic outlets for this desire to work.

If/when I breed a litter I will only sell/place to working homes. If somebody is lookin for "just a pet" to lay on the couch all day then they can look somewhere else as that is not what I will be breeding for. If the pup doesnt look like he could do well in whatever it is that I am striving to breed for then I will place him with somebody that will give him a job that I feel would be appropriate for. For example, lets say I bred a litter of Siberian Huskies, they would be bred for racing. Lets say all the pups are showing a lot of promise except for one puppy who regardless of being healthy, just has no interest in keeping up with the others, but really loves people and adores visiting with people, then I would sell/place all the pups with mushers but that one puppy I would place with somebody who would do therapy work with him. Make sense?

[sillylilykitty]

OC_Spirit yes I understand, and that is what I am talking about. So should people who love working dogs but cant do that work not get a working dog? Not meaning a dog that is working but a dog from the working/sporting/herding group (AKC).

[RubesMom]

Some good advice has been given. I think if you want a working dog, go ahead and get one, as long as you keep in mind what his 'job' is and even if you don't work him at that job, give him something to do, even if it's just long walks or playing fetch. Sitting around on the sofa all day will not be satisfying for a dog who is meant to work. Teach him to get your paper in the morning, or whatever, just give him some way to work his mind and some outlet for physical activity. It could be anything, really, as long as your dog enjoys it!

[sillylilykitty]

So its ok to get a working dog that doesnt do its work, as long as there is something to replace that work.

So agility and/or obedience work is enough then. Thats good because I would never be able to hunt or herd, but I would love to get into agility and already have gotten into obedience.

[SunSiberians]

Originally Posted by sillylilykitty

So its ok to get a working dog that doesnt do its work, as long as there is something to replace that work.

So agility and/or obedience work is enough then. Thats good because I would never be able to hunt or herd, but I would love to get into agility and already have gotten into obedience.

Oh most definately! Even long walks twice a day would suffice, esp if there was a place they could run free.

[RubesMom]

Originally Posted by sillylilykitty

So its ok to get a working dog that doesnt do its work, as long as there is something to replace that work.

I don't think the dog would really know that it wasn't doing its work; it just wants something to do! Dogs need exercise and routines. Give them regular exercise and they should be pretty happy!

[OC_Spirit]

Originally Posted by sillylilykitty

So its ok to get a working dog that doesnt do its work, as long as there is something to replace that work.

So agility and/or obedience work is enough then. Thats good because I would never be able to hunt or herd, but I would love to get into agility and already have gotten into obedience.

Exactly! That was what I was trying to say but may not have worded it properly...
IMO though, walks are not enough because though they may tire the body they dont do much for the mind and still doesnt give that sence of the dog having a job. HOWEVER, if you get a doggy backpack and strap it on to the dog with some weights in it, then the dog feels like the walk has a purpose and he is fulfilling a job. Plus it gives him more of a work out than just walking

[SunSiberians]

Originally Posted by OC_Spirit

Exactly! That was what I was trying to say but may not have worded it properly...
IMO though, walks are not enough because though they may tire the body they dont do much for the mind and still doesnt give that sence of the dog having a job. HOWEVER, if you get a doggy backpack and strap it on to the dog with some weights in it, then the dog feels like the walk has a purpose and he is fulfilling a job. Plus it gives him more of a work out than just walking

Yes, definately a backpack is an awesome investment - plus you don't have to carry your own water or poop bags!

[Tankstar]

Offcourse you can still have a working dog that isnt doing the job it was supposed to do. I have a collie and he has no complaints just being a family pet. He is my hiking, swimming, camping companion. His job is to come out with me hike and have as much fun as possible.

I dont think he looks very upset with what I "force" him to do lol.
These are from our hike yesterday. We took off for almost 4 hours. No animals for him to herd. But plenty of things to sniff.

[sillylilykitty]

Originally Posted by SunSiberians

Oh most definately! Even long walks twice a day would suffice, esp if there was a place they could run free.

Ok thats really good too! When people talk about exercise requirements they scare me a little by saying they need LOTS of exercise, I have NEVER OWNED a dog in my life never lived in the same house as a dog either, I have my own cat though. And Lily gets lots of exercise, she sometimes plays fetch for an hour while im on the computer (another reason I need a dog need to get up and exercise!).

And this summer I wont be bringing my cat outside at all for fear she could get the plague

But thanks! Now im not so discouraged about (thinking about) getting a working dog that I will not do the original work with (but substitutes!).

Originally Posted by Tankstar

Offcourse you can still have a working dog that isnt doing the job it was supposed to do. I have a collie and he has no complaints just being a family pet. He is my hiking, swimming, camping companion. His job is to come out with me hike and have as much fun as possible.

I dont think he looks very upset with what I "force" him to do lol.
These are from our hike yesterday. We took off for almost 4 hours. No animals for him to herd. But plenty of things to sniff.

Wow! That is cool, I love hiking! Maybe not so much swimming but I would definatly go just for my dog to swim!

[SunSiberians]

Originally Posted by sillylilykitty

Ok thats really good too! When people talk about exercise requirements they scare me a little by saying the need LOTS of exercise, I have NEVER OWNED a dog in my life never lived in the same house as a dog either, I have my own cat though. And Lily gets lots of exercise, she sometimes plays fetch for an hour while im on the computer (another reason I need a dog need to get up and exercise!).

And this summer I wont be bringing my cat outside at all for fear she could get the plague

But thanks! Now im not so discouraged about (thinking about) getting a working dog that I will not do the original work with (but substitutes!).

I'm glad you're not discouraged and further more I'm glad you're doing your research!

Tankstar - your dog is beautiful! What a wonderful and exciting life!

[Snowshoe]

Silly, you're doing a good job in asking questions.

I wish more puppy buyers were like you.

BTW- all dogs need some kind of stimulation/job. Not just "working" dogs, although a husky would need more exercise then a keeshond, they both need LOTS of mental stimulation (this is just an example).

Agility is a GREAT way to do many things A) bond with your dog B) exercise your dog C) mentally stimulate your dog.

Obedience is fun, too!

Don't get discouraged. You're only beginning your search. I remember when I first started out trying to figure out what I really wanted in a dog.

[sillylilykitty]

Originally Posted by Snowshoe

Silly, you're doing a good job in asking questions.

I wish more puppy buyers were like you.

BTW- all dogs need some kind of stimulation/job. Not just "working" dogs, although a husky would need more exercise then a keeshond, they both need LOTS of mental stimulation (this is just an example).

Agility is a GREAT way to do many things A) bond with your dog B) exercise your dog C) mentally stimulate your dog.

Obedience is fun, too!

Don't get discouraged. You're only beginning your search. I remember when I first started out trying to figure out what I really wanted in a dog.

Thanks Snowshoe, I wish more puppy buyers would ask more questions too. I am still trying to grasp how much work a dog is. Where I grew up dogs are just something chained in the yard or fenced in the yard (but the weather is nice). There are less people who keep the dogs in the house and even fewer who actually walk their dogs. The Shar Pei's I worked with for 4 years are outside but thats actually a good thing, my boss tried moving one inside but the dog almost chewed through the door, it loved outside (and other dogs) too much.

So im trying to figure out how to peacefully fit a dog in my life, even if it wont happen for another 1-2 years at the least.

[SunSiberians]

Originally Posted by sillylilykitty

Thanks Snowshoe, I wish more puppy buyers would ask more questions too. I am still trying to grasp how much work a dog is. Where I grew up dogs are just something chained in the yard or fenced in the yard (but the weather is nice). There are less people who keep the dogs in the house and even fewer who actually walk their dogs. The Shar Pei's I worked with for 4 years are outside but thats actually a good thing, my boss tried moving one inside but the dog almost chewed through the door, it loved outside (and other dogs) too much.

So im trying to figure out how to peacefully fit a dog in my life, even if it wont happen for another 1-2 years at the least.

They really are a huge commitment. I'm always planning my days around them. I every class I attend or job I take, is a new obsticle that I must over come to make sure my dogs get the attention they need. My vacations are always planned around my dogs, and most of the time, if I can't take them, then I'm not going. It's a sacrifice, but in my opinion, worth it.

[sillylilykitty]

Originally Posted by SunSiberians

They really are a huge commitment. I'm always planning my days around them. I every class I attend or job I take, is a new obsticle that I must over come to make sure my dogs get the attention they need. My vacations are always planned around my dogs, and most of the time, if I can't take them, then I'm not going. It's a sacrifice, but in my opinion, worth it.

Thats something I am a little worried about too, jobs. And that is exactly my take on vacations and pets. Even now with my cat, sometimes I have a little separation anxiety myself when im at school! I wish I could take her everywhere with me, and I try too. Last winter when I went home for 3 weeks I had to leave Lily, I was sad a lot but told myself to enjoy being home anyway. My parents have another Siamese cat, so Star (my parents cat) definatly helped make being away from Lily a little easier.

[poodleholic]

When selecting a dog as a companion, your lifestyle should be your guide, not necessarily what the dog was bred for. Keeping in mind, however, that just because you WANT a JRT or a Border Collie doesn't mean it's a good idea if you're a couch potato! Or, selecting a Shih Tzu because you like the looks, yet you want a dog to hike with you (now THAT would be really dumb!).