So I'm looking for a dog....

[humann_brewing]

I know they don't fit the 20-40 lbs category, but you can get more loyal and laid back and not high strung, a lab is great

 

[ChshreCat]

Responsible breeders do a great job and produce the best dogs in the world. Literally. It is a fact.

I would argue that "fact", but don't want to get into a big OT debate.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

OK. Best is a subjective word. Mutts make incredible pets and often have the best makeup for the average pet owner. I was speaking more to looks and abilities (e.g., hunting dogs).

 

[Yooper]

OK. Best is a subjective word. Mutts make incredible pets and often have the best makeup for the average pet owner. I was speaking more to looks and abilities (e.g., hunting dogs).

True. Generally, mutts don't have the neuroses that some purebreds can have. They also tend to not get some of the medical issues common in certain breeds, like hip dysplasia. I

f I had my druthers, I would have found a mixed breed. When we were looking, we were looking for a smaller dog, too. I was NOT looking for a purebred 70 pound lab! But, oh, am I glad we found him!

Good luck on your pet search. Let us know what you end up with!

 

[ChshreCat]

OK. Best is a subjective word. Mutts make incredible pets and often have the best makeup for the average pet owner. I was speaking more to looks and abilities (e.g., hunting dogs).

Best show dogs and working dogs, I'll give you that one. Best pets, I still go for mutts any day.

If I had my druthers, I would have found a mixed breed. When we were looking, we were looking for a smaller dog, too. I was NOT looking for a purebred 70 pound lab! But, oh, am I glad we found him!

That's just how it works! We weren't even looking for a dog, let alone a certain breed or type. I went to the rescue to drop off some commercials I produced for them and they offered to give me a tour. Then I'm faced with big brown eyes looking at me and I turned to mush. I didn't adopt him, he adopted me.

 

[malkore]

the cocker's I've known were all too high strung.

I would not put a Corgi on your list either. They are too much of a working breed and even if they don't chase the cats, they may drive you nuts with their 'needyness'.

We have two of the little bast...dogs.

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

You want one like the one on the right. that little bastard will tear your heart out with a wink. the Half-Beagle on the left will just crap on your carpet.

 

[DeathBrewer]

I've known quite a few people with cockers and they've never been high-strung or messy.

springers or brittanies are much better

Agreed there, however.

My family had a cock-a-poo (don't feel alone on the silly names, LGI ) and that was a great dog. A little hyper, a bit of a *****, but very easy to train, medium sized, didn't shed and was just the most intelligent and loveable dog I've ever known.

No matter what, get a mutt. A lot of purebred breeds have problems, especially if they are selling them to the general public.

 

[Homercidal]

In-laws had a cocker when I first met my wife. Not a good dog. Could be the owners fault. Lots of old-fashioned misconceptions in their training.

We've had beagles and they are great small dogs if you don't mind the fact that they will travel long distances with their nose to the ground, and they bark and everything that moves. Plus, if they catch a scent, they will not take commands. Their tracking urge takes over.

We've had a Golden and while a large dog, the size is easy to get used to when you see how loving they are and how well the bond. They love to fetch and play and get petted. Some will get huge.

We have a Yellow Lab and she is very loving and loves to fetch. Another vote for a dog that is not as small as you want, but makes up for it in personality.

I'd recommend a radio fence for your yard. It sounds like they will have plenty of room to run and a radio fence is an easy way to train them to stay in the yard (most of the time). Much more reliable than simply hoping they will remember their training when a stranger come by, or an animal is seen.

Goldens and Labs will bond with the whole family, cats included. And they love water!

 

[r3dn3ckstyl3z]

I have a golden retriever and Chocolate Lab. They are both great. I also have had 2 kids since i've gotten the dogs. The dogs are both female so they took on a maternal role when the kids were babies. There were a few times when they were able to calm the kids when me and the wife had tried everything and couldn't.

 

[BeerBudha]

if you're willing to spend the money english bulldog. i've got one and he's super laid back, sleeps about 20 hrs a day. they average about 55lbs but they're small. if you do decide on one make sure you research your breeder really good though.

 

[johnnyc]

I'll second the beagle. A little anxious as a puppy but now he's 5 and is awesome. Always happy to see you and will curl up next to you any time. Just have to keep him in a fenced yard or on a leash, no chance of walking it without one.

 

[MBasile]

I'll second the beagle. A little anxious as a puppy but now he's 5 and is awesome. Always happy to see you and will curl up next to you any time. Just have to keep him in a fenced yard or on a leash, no chance of walking it without one.

That's what people said when I got my basset, but after much training I can walk him off leash.

 

[flyangler18]

That's what people said when I got my basset, but after much training I can walk him off leash.

A word of caution there - never get too confident. All it takes is a fresh scent and he could be off like a bullet.

 

[IrregularPulse]

A word of caution there - never get too confident. All it takes is a fresh scent and he could be off like a bullet.

+1 Trained or not. Still an animal with a mind of it's own. My dogs are well respectful of the undersground fence. Put a cat in the neighbors yard. Screw the fence, says jack (Weim), I can take the hit for a cat!

 

[ChshreCat]

If you're anywhere that you might meet another dog, I'd advise against walking off leash. I know my dog is friendly and obedient, but I don't want to come around the corner and meet one that isn't without having some control over the situation.

 

[flyangler18]

+1 Trained or not. Still an animal with a mind of it's own. My dogs are well respectful of the undersground fence. Put a cat in the neighbors yard. Screw the fence, says jack (Weim), I can take the hit for a cat!

A lot of this is breed dependent, too. Scent hounds like beagles are single-minded and focused on tracking that scent; the odds are against you to call them off scent and back to you.

Hunting breeds like your Weimeraner are the same way - prey drive kicks in and off they go.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

I know a place where you can get a set of these;

Cheap!

I know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows a guy. You know?

Lemme know ASAP if you want I should set this up cause it may take a while. These units are kept somewhere in Ohio.

 

[johnnyc]

We have some chipmunks in our yard and I really don't know if anything could call him off when he's tracking one of them. I've read about using shock collars (Hear me out first!!!) I guy I know uses them on the lowest setting and only to get the dog's attention. With a beagle I'm tempted to try it. He's so single minded a little pop just to break his concentration might help. Like I say, I am NOT considering this for punishment, just to get his attention. Thoughts?

 

[flyangler18]

I wouldn't be surprised if he ignored it. Typical beagle focus.

Best way to get a beagle's attention is through his nose. Positive reinforcement and treats. Save the REALLY good treats for when you're training the recall - bits of chicken, cheese, etc.

 

[ChshreCat]

I wouldn't be surprised if he ignored it. Typical beagle focus.

Best way to get a beagle's attention is through his nose. Positive reinforcement and treats. Save the REALLY good treats for when you're training the recall - bits of chicken, cheese, etc.

I have some smoked gouda with bacon that'll probably do it.

 

[gratus fermentatio]

So, OP; did you get your dog yet, or are you still thinking/looking? I'm just curious as to how this is going to turn out. Regards, GF.