Thinking about getting a dog...

My family always had a dog. When my wife and I got our first one, we went to puppy preschool (run by a local vet) to teach us how to control the dog (and treach the dog a few basics). It was the best 4 half Saturdays we have ever invested. It taught us so much about our dog, made us better dog owners, brought up a better behaved dog and increased our enjoyment so much, that I recommend it to anyone who will listen.

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Originally Posted by dullbird

If your not in a hurry, have a read on some dogs breeds! find out what sort of breed of dog suits your life style and personality....

everyone on here will tell you how great there breed of dog is which will help you to a degree but only you will really know what breed of dog is going to suit you and your day to day life:)

Dog Breeds A to Z, - Breeds that begin with A

if your really that stuck the perhaps have a look narrow a few breeds down that you like then perhaps ask peoples opinions........just a thought!

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I agree 100%. Have a look at different breeds check there websites for the pro's and cons of the breeds. X;s will be worth a look and as has been said go to animal shelters and you may know as soon as you see there puppy eyes. In saying that if you can meet the parents of the dog you can judge if they are have a good Temperament. If they don't stay away from the pup's. Hope this helps Brett

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Originally Posted by BigJon

Just remember a dog isn't for Christmas, a dog is for life.

They are a big responsibility.

If you want to travel to national parks a dog can't come along.

If you want to rent a house one day, a dog will make it very hard to find a house.

If you go away someone will have to look after it, feed it, walk it, etc.

Having said that, I have a kelpie / blue heeler cross and he is great.
Good fun to have around, although his ball / stick obssession can get tiring.
They also inspire you to excercise and I believe pet owners live longer and make better lovers :p.

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HILARIOUS:D:D:p:p

I think you should get a hairless Chihuahua... :p

If you want a cheap dog, look in rural newspapers for freebies. Be aware though that these will likely be working dog pups, and won't be vaccinated, chipped, desexed etc!

Probably cheaper in the long run, would be going to the RSPCA.


As for the breed, think about what you want. As others have said, unless you like running every day, a working dog will quickly get bored in your backyard and trash the joint. Do you want a big dog, small dog, long haired, short haired? etc etc...

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Originally Posted by V8Landy

HILARIOUS:D:D:p:p

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Which part? :angel:

Short haired is a definate, medium sized too. There is are a couple of RSPCA and BCC shelters in Brisbane which I have found on the internet - most have good photos etc. of animals up for adoption :) I would prefer a puppy, go through the training etc. When is a good time to make the change from inside puppy to outside dog? As much as I would like to have an inside dog I don't think mum & dad will agree.

Thanks for that tip Cooper ;) I need all the help I can get hahaha

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Originally Posted by Newbs-IIA

When is a good time to make the change from inside puppy to outside dog?

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outside from the start.......

I think I'll have to disagree with Weeds, for me its from about 12 weeks on that they become outside dogs. I don't ever let them stay in all the time though, mainly when its cold and after dinner so you can spend some time teaching it to sit, etc, the bonding always helps. I guess if you had a garage or a warm shed that would do the trick as well.

Also, I have found that its never to young to start training a pup, at least with the kelpies that is, I'm not to certain about the other breeds.

puppies are never to young to start....the moment they can be handled and alert enough to realise they are in different situations you have already started there training. :)

Training is not just about sit and stay.....its about real life experiences! surfaces, noises, social interaction and all other manor of things they need to experience to become a well adjust dog.

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Originally Posted by weeds

outside from the start.......

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I know what you are saying. However my brother in law got beaten up by a home invader while the dogs were locked out side. I think to fulfil their security role they need to be indoors.