Hi all...

What a great find this forum was!

My partner and I are looking to become dog owners in about 1-2 years. I want
to take a great deal of time to learn about keeping dogs in general (I have
experience around, but have not owned, dogs, although t'other half has) and
in particular about the breeds we are most interested in. We may learn about
other breeds we like the look and sound of!

We are both big fans of labrador retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs.
Partner works from home, I'm out 8.30am-5.30pm. I run a LOT (marathons etc)
and do a lot of hill walking when I can...in general, we lead an active
lifestyle and would 'expect' the same from our dogs.

1. One dog or two? Do these breeds go together, or are there other
well-suited pairings...if left alone at some point, would two dogs keep each
other company better?

The thing that concerns me more than anything is leaving a dog alone. Unless
all dog owners work from home, surely this is has to happen on occasion. We
have committed to using all our holidays for the year we buy our dog/s to
looking after the puppies/dog and settling them in, but how long is too long
to leave a well-trained dog alone (even though in general my partner would
be home)...is it more important the quality of time spend together with your
dog...ie a run/walk/playtime for an hour in the am and an evening of
QT...weekends are different as we're both home.

I hope it is clear that I am sincere in my approach to doggy-ownerdom! I am
in touch with the KC and some breeders to see if I can gain some on-hands
experience with labs and GSDs.

That's all for now, off to work :(

WD.

Hi - welcome :)

I don't know about GSD's and Labradors - but a dalmatian would love all that running!

My only advice would be to stick with one dog to start with, I wouldn't worry about leaving him/her for up to 4 hours... but do be prepared for any destruction etc (although not all dogs chew stuff)....

Others will be along soon with more advice I'm sure

Chloe

How about a rescue dog, there are lots of adult dogs who could cope with being left at home.
Also retired greyhounds are sometimes happy to be left all day, they're couch potatoes - but also enjoy funtime too.
There are also dogs in rescues who come as a pair, who have to stay together, and it's a shame, as many people dont want to take on two at once, so they get overlooked.
Lisa
xx

Both breeds of dogs would love that amount of exercise. Although I think I'm right in saying you would have to wait until they are physically matured (about a year, I think) before you did too much exercise with them because both breeds are prone to problems with their hips.

We have a 6 month old lab and her best freind is a 6 month old german shepherd!!!!

They are both lovey dogs and I think you will have a tough job choosing between them!!

I think the other poster is right that it would be better to start with one dog until you are used to the demands on your attention that owning a dog inevitably brings.

Also there is a danger with that dogs with constant human company can become clingy so it might be wise (although I'm sure there are wiser than me with better advise out there) to get them used from an early age to spending some time on their own. otherwise when you do leave them (and everyone has to at some point) they may become destructive as both breeds but ESPECIALLY labradors are prone to chewing!!!!!!!

Good luck and feel free to ask me anything about labradors.
I will try to be unbiased my little girl is so super that I might not manage it

How sensible to really think about owning a dog in advance. You're just the sort of person I'd love to buy one of my puppies if I had any. The magazine 'Your Dog' has some good articles and information in it, you may find that useful. There are loads of good books around as well. Have you thought of going to the 'Discover Dogs' at Earls Court. I don't know when it is but I'm sure someone else on this board will give you some information.
I am biased as I have labs, but I'm sure you'll decide what dog is right for you.
Good luck with your planning.
Lorna

Hi, welcome to the board. I'm also thoroughly impressed that you're planning in advance for your dogs. I remember 2 years ago, when my heart was set on buying a Dobermann & a Weinmaraner... I joined the board to ask for some advice, was thoroughly discouraged by all these miserable peeps & now, having seen both breeds living harmoniously together, I damn well wish I'd done as I pleased! (Just jesting folks :D) We've now got a dobe & a beagle instead.

I think most people will advise you start off with one dog, far easier to train & won't be led into bad habits. All the focus is on you making everything easier, but he/she may pine/chew when you're not there. Perhaps, with a GSD, you could consider a dog run outside for when you're away, to save the destruction of your furniture & any messy 'accidents' etc.

We bought two pups on the same day. Training was (& still is) a nightmare that will never end, but they're the best of buds, keep each other amused & couldn't care a jot if we have to go out for the afternoon.

I found it useful to buy a dog breeds book which looks in depth at every breed available. You can decide what you like the look of, whether the breed personality will suit, whether it gets on with other dogs, choose a suitable size, note the differences in genders, if it can live outside, how much fur it sheds etc. All the silly little details that will become big details once you've bought the dog.

Good luck, keep us updated.

Lady G

Hi all...

Thanks so very much for your replies and interest...I've taken note of the info and will put it to use...there's SO much to learn! It's really nice to read about other people bringing home their new puppies/dogs, as I know that one day relatively we'll be in the position to do that.

If anyone has any other words of wisdom, please share your thoughts. In the meantime, we'll continue to enjoy the forum.

Woofily

WD.