Thank you from the AR09 Dogs!

[gruntygiggles]

I was sat on the sofa last night discussing with Stretch and Saxo how exhausted the dogs have been from the weekend.

My first thank you goes to all those folks that came down our end of the field and listened when I asked you to please ignore Stig for the first few minutes.

The second thanks goes to all of you who kept throwing the balls/sticks that were being repeatedly presented to you by The Stig over the course of the weekend.

At last years AR, we had to keep Stig muzzled pretty much the whole time because, as some know, he is nervous of people, and that can make him a little aggressive. Dan and I have done A LOT of work with him and so this year, with everyone ignoring him initially, he was able to build even more trust in complete strangers and he had a brilliant weekend. Even Hollie did really well as she used to have really nasty aggression towards other dogs.The pics in the AR09 pictures thread says it all really.

So....thanks for assisting in their therapy

thanks Von Teese and Tris for giving them some play mates

and thanks everyone for keeping them running ALL weekend which has resulted in four almost comatose dogs for the past few days....lol

I think every dog there had a fab time!!!

[ophic]

I think every dog there had a fab time!!!
Kaiser and Jerry certainly enjoyed it too, and both of them slept the whole way home!

It's really nice to see a bunch of happy doggies - makes me think we're doing something right :)

[Spiderman]

And i gotta say never before have i met such a variety of dogs in once place.....that are so obident and well behaved. A true reflection of the love and care their owners give them i think.

That Stig, OMG that Stig. He is the most switched on dog i have ever met.

I am truly gutted that i didnt get a chance to have a friendly wrestl and roll about with big Kaiser tho :( And the little poodle was so cute too. I've always thought podles were unfriendly thiings but he was so sweet. Maybe his age had something to do with that tho.

Lots of doggy cuddles to them all from me. tell em i said, wooof woofwoof woo-woo-woo. They'll know what i mean :lol:

[ophic]

wooof woofwoof woo-woo-woo
you did what with a fishbowl? Kaiser is looking horrified!

[Spiderman]

:lol:

[gruntygiggles]

you did what with a fishbowl? Kaiser is looking horrified!

So are this lot.....Squirrel has gone hiding behind the curtain, Stig has come for a cuddle (no suprise there), Saffie is barking at the ceiling and Hollie jumping around like a loony (again, no suprise there)!

[gruntygiggles]

Oh, and Spidey......I think they'd all love to spend some more time with you! You've seen Stig at play.....but what you don't realise is that he's the cuddliest dog in the world as well!

[fizzwheel]

TBH I think Liz had a better time than the actual dogs did :D

[gruntygiggles]

TBH I think Liz had a better time than the actual dogs did :D

Whatever, talk to the hand until you admit you want one too!:smt081

[custard]

pichures of teh fluffeh dawgs plz.

[gruntygiggles]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3307Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3308Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3309Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3310Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3311Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3312Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3313Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3314Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3315Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3316Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3317Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3318Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3319Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3320Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3323Medium.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll318/gruntygiggles/AR09/CameraPictures3324Medium.jpg

Ophic, Abbey....got any of yours???

[Spiderman]

Oh, and Spidey......I think they'd all love to spend some more time with you! You've seen Stig at play.....but what you don't realise is that he's the cuddliest dog in the world as well!

When you and the Strechie one wanna go away on hols just let me know and i'll happily come house/doggy sitting for you guys.

Squirrel looks so cute in the 2nd photo btw, thats an ace pic.

[Stu]

pichures of teh fluffeh dawgs plz.
...and videos :shock:

[gruntygiggles]

...and videos :shock:


Uh.....no. The only video is of Stig getting bum raped (almost) by Widget and I just couldn't humiliate him further by broadcasting that! Poor little dude:smt022

[gruntygiggles]

When you and the Strechie one wanna go away on hols just let me know and i'll happily come house/doggy sitting for you guys.

Squirrel looks so cute in the 2nd photo btw, thats an ace pic.

You want to be careful making offers like that....lol

[Spiderman]

Just leave lots of soup and cookies and cakes in the fridge for me and i'm all set. I say this now as i dont have a job, however if i do get a job i'm sure you'll understand that i may not be able to do it as the commute into london might be a bit much on a daily basis, lol.

[gruntygiggles]

Just leave lots of soup and cookies and cakes in the fridge for me and i'm all set. I say this now as i dont have a job, however if i do get a job i'm sure you'll understand that i may not be able to do it as the commute into london might be a bit much on a daily basis, lol.

Haha......good point.....mind you, the jobs that I'm looking at are all in London at the mo, so looks like I'm going to have to do it if I can't find anything decent closer to home!

[Spiderman]

in that case i have a cunning plan... you come live with me and my flatmate can go keep Stretchie company, lol.

[gruntygiggles]

in that case i have a cunning plan... you come live with me and my flatmate can go keep Stretchie company, lol.

Bargain....sorted...lol

[ophic]

Bargain....sorted...lol
Kaiser isn't happy about that idea.

[gruntygiggles]

Kaiser isn't happy about that idea.
May I ask why???

[fizzwheel]

Here's Liz's doggie pics...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0097.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0098.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0099.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0100.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0101.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0102.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0103.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0104.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0105.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0106.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0107.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0108.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0109.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0110.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0111.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0112.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0113.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0114.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0115.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0116.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0117.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0118.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/ar09%20doggies/DSC_0119.jpg

[ophic]

May I ask why???
I think lolling on your feet was supposed to imply some sort of not-running-off-with-spiderman deal ;)

[gruntygiggles]

I think lolling on your feet was supposed to imply some sort of not-running-off-with-spiderman deal ;)

Tee he he he!

[ophic]

Great pics Fizz/Liz - some real good ones, capturing Dizzy in action too!

[custard]

love it! thankyou.

[Von Teese]

Brilliant pics,

Grunty and Liz, thanks so much for looking after them for us while we were out on the ride. They had a great time.

To the stick/ball/toy throwers whose patience exceeded limits that I did not know could exist (border collies eh?)

To the attention givers, Widget sends his love (and apologises to Stig for the bum bandit scenario)

To those who gave came down to greet /take photos, thank you they loved it all.

Finally to Grunty's dogs, I would have you all in the blink of an eye, what great dogs! It was fantastic how they all got along and played together so well. Mine were whimpering to go back all the time!

Widget was particulary in love with Liz, I think if he knew her address, he would be TWOC'ing my car and off to visit.

Great time was had by all...thanks again for this wonderful opportunity to have fun!

[Wideboy]

all the dogs were so well behaved, a please to play with :D

just wish i could have one :(

[Pingu65]

Fancy Dress Dogs

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l183/pingu65/AR09%20Animals/IMG_5591_edited-1.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l183/pingu65/AR09%20Animals/IMG_5592_edited-1.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l183/pingu65/AR09%20Animals/IMG_5593_edited-1.jpg

[Von Teese]

Hehe! Great pics!

[gruntygiggles]

How cute do they look??? Maybe next year, we should just have an AR dog fancy dress show? lol

[_Stretchie_]

in that case i have a cunning plan... you come live with me and my flatmate can go keep Stretchie company, lol.

Dude.. :smt060

[Von Teese]

lol...sounds good!

Well Im out in the garden with mine at the mo, just popped in to check the time and see if Mr VT was home yet. We are having a BBQ with his parents later.
Havent ridden the horses today either....Im too tired from last night!

[gruntygiggles]

Dude.. :smt060


Uhhhh:smt094

[_Stretchie_]

Havent ridden the horses today either....Im too tired from last night!


Well done Mr T =D> ;)

Uhhhh:smt094

Uh oh...

[gruntygiggles]

Well done Mr T =D> ;)

Mrs T might take exception to that....I think you meant Mr. VT didn't you!


Uh oh...



Hmmmmmm

[Von Teese]

Or 'the horse' as he is now known as of last night!
See pics of the Bear groping him on the Soho thread! lol!

Yeah Stretchie, don't you be going starting rumours now!

[_Stretchie_]

Oops..

Sorry

[Von Teese]

lol....you're such a troublemaker Stretch!

[MrsT]

[QUOTE]Well done Mr T =D> :wink:


'Hhhmmmmmm' - lol - not to worry - an easy mistaka to maka!!
Anyway I'm more used to him being called biscuit at the mo!!!:D

Hope all you guys are well. The dogs were just fab - loved playing with them and especially enjoyed my cuddle with Squirrel on the day you left - sooooo cute!!

Stig is just beautiful and Rich enjoyed playing fetch with him - bought back lots of childhood memories I feel!!

xxx

[gruntygiggles]

[QUOTE]Well done Mr T =D> :wink:


'Hhhmmmmmm' - lol - not to worry - an easy mistaka to maka!!
Anyway I'm more used to him being called biscuit at the mo!!!:D

Hope all you guys are well. The dogs were just fab - loved playing with them and especially enjoyed my cuddle with Squirrel on the day you left - sooooo cute!!

Stig is just beautiful and Rich enjoyed playing fetch with him - bought back lots of childhood memories I feel!!

xxx

Hello you. Maybe it's time you guys get a dog if you like them so much!!! ;)

[RichT]

Tis on the plan - bigger place first.

[gruntygiggles]

Tis on the plan - bigger place first.


Ah yes, I remember you saying now. You'll soon forget what it was like not having one. Make the most of your freedom while you still can!!!

[Von Teese]

Too right

[MrsT]

Oh yes we do want a friendly companion - its just the space at the mo!!! Plan for next year though!

[Von Teese]

Get a greyhound then, they are unbelievably lazy..contrary to popular belief!

[MrsT]

nah - its just that we have no outside space at mo - in a flat and wanna have a garden for it to run around in - we r thinking more husky or malamute at mo. Any advice on breeds?

[Von Teese]

Husky or Malamute....eek do you know what you are getting yourself into there..
They are hard work, pack dogs, can be very destructive, need lots of exercise and company.

Speak to Samnooshka she is the best person on that one.

If you do consider other breeds, it depends on:
-What size you want
-Long/short haired
-If you have a lot of time to exercise/train it/if you are away at work for long hours etc.
- What look appeals to you
-If you are just going to get one dog or two or more

etc...

Also depends on whether you are going to rescue or get a breed dog, adult or puppy.

[MrsT]

wow - lots to think about - I hadn't realised how much hard work they are - not sure how much Rich knows about that - will have to ask him.
We will be working so needs to be a dog which is happy to stay alone for a while, we would ideally like one that is a large dog, one thats not too smelly, we may get a rescue dog.
My friend has two boxers which are lovely dogs - do you recommend these?
I also very much like labradoors and spaniels - and collies
There are so many to choose from!!
Any advice is great to have - thanks x

Also probably only get one to start with!!

[gruntygiggles]

wow - lots to think about - I hadn't realised how much hard work they are - not sure how much Rich knows about that - will have to ask him.
We will be working so needs to be a dog which is happy to stay alone for a while, we would ideally like one that is a large dog, one thats not too smelly, we may get a rescue dog.
My friend has two boxers which are lovely dogs - do you recommend these?
I also very much like labradoors and spaniels - and collies
There are so many to choose from!!
Any advice is great to have - thanks x

Also probably only get one to start with!!

Did I send you a PM yesterday? I can't remember...lol. Probably a long one knowing me....lol.

Boxers are lovely dogs but daft as hell.......I think you have to get a breed you both love and the best way to learn about different breeds and their requirements/suitability is to call the different breed associations and ask for advice.

Collies are amazing and incredibly easy to train, so I'd automatically say to get a collie, but they are very demanding in terms of exercise and need for mental stimulation.

Just go with your heart and be honest about how much time you can give up for walks and training. Other than that......just enjoy thinking about it and seeing as many dogs as you can between now and getting teh new house. You'll hear good and bad things about all breeds, but look at Squirrel, most people think Jack Russels are yappy little bug*ers that bite all the time.......Squirrel is the biggest little cuddle monster there is....lol

[Von Teese]

Boxers are lovely dogs but daft as hell.......I think you have to get a breed you both love and the best way to learn about different breeds and their requirements/suitability is to call the different breed associations and ask for advice.

Collies are amazing and incredibly easy to train, so I'd automatically say to get a collie, but they are very demanding in terms of exercise and need for mental stimulation.

l

+1 Boxers are MENTAL, every single one Ive met has left me exhausted afterwards and when I was doing dog behaviour they were one of our most common 'customers'.

Collies = Lots of energy, need masses of training but good if you start out as you intend to go on.

Rescue dogs come with their own set of issues....can be trying but rewarding as long as you dont end up with an extremely difficult one, but then any rescue rehoming something difficult usually looks for homes where the owners are very experienced or at home all day.

Labs and retrievers are nice friendly dogs, usually good with other pets and children.

I would recommend 'The dog listener' and the 'Practical dog listener' to anyone , Jan Fennell is one of the best dog behaviourists ever, she thinks like a dog and that's what its all about. Read her books some bits seem whacky but they work.

[gruntygiggles]

I have a Jan Fennel book if you want me to send it to you.

My ex and his wife got a boxer pup a month before Dan and I got our pups. He was £800 KC registered, they've now spent over £3k in vets bills and he's crazy. Pete is not very good with dogs....he prefers to give them a hard smack or throw things at them when they are naughty, so he's going to end up with probably a fear aggressive dog in a few years......funnily enough, a bit like Stig was!

I think the most important piece of advise I can give you will be the hardest you can both carry out and that is to ignore your new dog/puppy as much as possible for the first few days. It's hard, but means they are less likely to suffer seperation anxiety and it allows them time to build their own confidence in the new surroundings. Crowding, cuddling and playing with a new dog/puppy, can actually be quite stressful for them in the early days. Save the cuddles for the evening and let the dog/puppy come to you for them. Every 3rd time it comes, turn it away so it doesn't learn it can demand your attention.

[Von Teese]

Plus Boxers have aortic stenosis, and they faint...every vets nightmare, cant use Acepromazine on them ..bah!

[MrsT]

Cheers gals - so much interesting and important info to consider - Grunty I would be very greatful if you could send the book - I will PM you with address - thanks so much - should be helpful.
My friends boxers are a little crazy but once they have said hello they calm down and really like to be cuddled in the evenings.
Collies are sounding promising!!! I agree about the Jack Russel thing - I used to think they were yappy but Squirrel is gorgeous - guess its the same with all breeds. I expect they all have bad traits and good.
I will keep you posted as to the progress.

[TazDaz]

nah - its just that we have no outside space at mo - in a flat and wanna have a garden for it to run around in - we r thinking more husky or malamute at mo. Any advice on breeds?

Springer Spaniels are damn good companions. Slightly mental but I've not had or met a dog since which had as much personality as my old Springer.

They do need walking quite regularly though as they have very high energy levels!

[gruntygiggles]

MrsT...the book will be in the post tomorrow!

[Von Teese]

Springer Spaniels are damn good companions. Slightly mental but I've not had or met a dog since which had as much personality as my old Springer.

They do need walking quite regularly though as they have very high energy levels!

+1

Springers have masses of love, devotion and energy.
Mr VT wanted one but we have our two already.
His uncle in St Albans breeds them, we went down to visit a couple of months ago...here are the 'oooh aaaaah' pics :)

http://i696.photobucket.com/albums/vv322/Art_of_The_Teese/Forum%20pics/2009_0404nightout0006.jpg

http://i696.photobucket.com/albums/vv322/Art_of_The_Teese/Forum%20pics/2009_0404nightout0012.jpg

[gruntygiggles]

Awww Jen...I want one!!!

[Spiderman]

puppies are too cute. We used to have a spniel when we were kids...until someone knicked it one day :(

[MrsT]

Grunty - Thanks - look forward to recieving the book!

Jen - Puppies are so lovely!!

Can you tell me - being a little thick - whats the difference between a springer and a cocker spaniel. I did this thing online where you answered questions and it told you what dog would suit - and one of the dogs it came up with was a Cocker spaniel.

Rich now keen on a samoyed - or an akita!! I think he like the big ones!

Hope all our furry friends are well and enjoying the sun xxx

[Von Teese]

Hmm cockers get 'the rage' , to be honest I wouldnt have one after the number of nasty ones we had at Battersea Dogs Home, and they get loads of ear problems etc too :(

[gruntygiggles]

Cockers are mental and gorgeous and problematic all at the same time!

As for Samoyeds or Akitas....Yep.....big and difficult. Both need LOADS of training, discipline and experienced handling due to their temperaments. Not the best at socialising with other dogs/children unless they have lots of socialisation through puppyhood and really effective/experienced handlers!

Gorgeous dogs though!

[Von Teese]

Ohhh yes + 1 grunty, samoyeds are beautiful but require constant training, Japanese Akitas are fighting dogs, one of the vet nurses got bitten really badly when I was there by one! (although I got bitten by quite a few collies lol, didnt put me off, nothing serious, they just get institutionalised)

[Sally]

Hmm cockers get 'the rage' , to be honest I wouldnt have one after the number of nasty ones we had at Battersea Dogs Home, and they get loads of ear problems etc too :(

My old golden cocker had to be put down, because he had 'the rage' aparantly..

I thought it was my fault because I used to fight with him.. Playfully..

He would be fine one minute, then just go off his rocker and go for the nearest person.. :|

[Von Teese]

My old golden cocker had to be put down, because he had 'the rage' aparantly..

I thought it was my fault because I used to fight with him.. Playfully..

He would be fine one minute, then just go off his rocker and go for the nearest person.. :|
Nope, not your fault, its common among the breed!

[gruntygiggles]

My old golden cocker had to be put down, because he had 'the rage' aparantly..

I thought it was my fault because I used to fight with him.. Playfully..

He would be fine one minute, then just go off his rocker and go for the nearest person.. :|

Not your fault at all, as VT said, is common and unfortunately, back yard breeders are not helping. Normally I steer clear of KC registered pedigrees as there are only a few breeds that they have actually kept pure. They are getting much better though and any responsible breeder will only breed from bloodlines where there is little or no history of any problems, be they physical, like hip dysplasia, or mental like "the rage" seen in Cockers.

So...if you do get a breed with known problems, go to a reputable breeder and ask for copies of the registration papers of the parent dogs. That way, you can do some independant research into the the bloodlines and be more confident your puppy has been bred from stock with the aim of breeding out the problems. Know what I mean?

If Rich likes large breed dogs, would he consider a Rottweiler. What most people forget about Rotties is that they are actually herding dogs. They were bred to herd and protect, so are like big bully collies....lol.

They are easily trained with a strict handler, are incredibly loyal and yet big and strong enough to satisfy even the giant dog lovers.

[RichT]

If Rich likes large breed dogs, would he consider a Rottweiler. What most people forget about Rotties is that they are actually herding dogs. They were bred to herd and protect, so are like big bully collies....lol.

They are easily trained with a strict handler, are incredibly loyal and yet big and strong enough to satisfy even the giant dog lovers.

I grew up with dogs inc. 2 Samoyeds (not at the same time) and a Border Collie x Boxer. Grandparents and relatives had dogs also.

I'm a firm believer that most things are in the training, attention and handling of any breed and knowing breed tendancies is a must, but working with the animal can sort out most "issues"...

I don't mind Rottie's at all - we met a really "nice but dim" lad called Brodie not so long ago. He was at the local rescue centre. Very calm dog and within 2 minutes he would sit, laydown etc for both of us. So he was very obedient. Reason given for admittence - change in circumstances. So I think he would have been perfect, although I'm not sure MrsT could handle him on her own. We'd have to spend some time with him, walk him etc to see.

[gruntygiggles]

I grew up with dogs inc. 2 Samoyeds (not at the same time) and a Border Collie x Boxer. Grandparents and relatives had dogs also.

I'm a firm believer that most things are in the training, attention and handling of any breed and knowing breed tendancies is a must, but working with the animal can sort out most "issues"...

I don't mind Rottie's at all - we met a really "nice but dim" lad called Brodie not so long ago. He was at the local rescue centre. Very calm dog and within 2 minutes he would sit, laydown etc for both of us. So he was very obedient. Reason given for admittence - change in circumstances. So I think he would have been perfect, although I'm not sure MrsT could handle him on her own. We'd have to spend some time with him, walk him etc to see.


He sounds like a hoot! Rich, you onbviously have the experience, so you're not going to have problems whatever dog you get. Sorry......I always try and advise people to be cautious as you always get inexperienced people getting dogs they can't handle and the dog ends up in a rescue. This is not you, so apologies!

I reckon, whatever breed you get and however "testing" they can be, Mrs T will find her inner task master! I used to go out and see clients and for the ones that didn't have the strong voice or assertive manner, I would get them to treat the dog like it was a child about to run in front of a car. You don't ask it nicely to come back, you bl00dy tell it and expect it to and if it doesn't you make it! I had a policewoman once that was scared to stop her dog jumping up on her. I said, "do you let people you're arresting jump all over you?" she said no and from that moment, completely changed the way she was the dog. Because she became more assertive with the dog, she was able to have more fun with it and more cuddles.

The one breed I really want is a South African Boerboel.......they are immense, powerful beasts, but really loyal and loving!

[Von Teese]

The one breed I really want is a South African Boerboel.......they are immense, powerful beasts, but really loyal and loving!

They are amazing dogs, there used to be one owned by some very wealthy friends of mine who were always having shows on their fields.
They kept a storage of tyres in an old stable because their dog, Hagar, used to bite the tyres of cars whilst they were driving across the fields to the shows and puncture them, but they loved him so much they would rather pay for replacements than spoil his fun..lol...was a bit worrying when you were driving and you felt like you had run over his head....then the 'pop'.

He was the biggest softie ever, aside from his tyre fetish!

[RichT]

He sounds like a hoot! Rich, you onbviously have the experience, so you're not going to have problems whatever dog you get. Sorry......I always try and advise people to be cautious as you always get inexperienced people getting dogs they can't handle and the dog ends up in a rescue. This is not you, so apologies!

I reckon, whatever breed you get and however "testing" they can be, Mrs T will find her inner task master! I used to go out and see clients and for the ones that didn't have the strong voice or assertive manner, I would get them to treat the dog like it was a child about to run in front of a car. You don't ask it nicely to come back, you bl00dy tell it and expect it to and if it doesn't you make it! I had a policewoman once that was scared to stop her dog jumping up on her. I said, "do you let people you're arresting jump all over you?" she said no and from that moment, completely changed the way she was the dog. Because she became more assertive with the dog, she was able to have more fun with it and more cuddles.

The one breed I really want is a South African Boerboel.......they are immense, powerful beasts, but really loyal and loving!

No need to apologise GG - I think we'll be ok so long as we're realistic going in and understand what we're getting into, i.e. breed.

First thing is a bigger place.

[rigor]

nah - its just that we have no outside space at mo - in a flat and wanna have a garden for it to run around in - we r thinking more husky or malamute at mo. Any advice on breeds?

Malamutes and Huskies are very hard work, we can only speak from the Malamute point of view as we own them, but we do have a little experience through close frineds who keep huskies.

They are a true working breed, very demanding and will take advantage of anyone who they feel are "weak" (they know how to wrap anyone around their "litte" paw). Malamutes need a lot of socialising with other breeds and you need to be careful around other dogs of the same sex as they can be same sex aggressive. Ours go to obedience classes and have both done very well, but that is only because Sam works from home and can give them the time they need to achieve their kennel club good citizens awards (Silver Level and currently training for Gold). They also get shown weekly so have got used to other breeds of dog.

They are worked in harness over winter and require training in harness several times a week, plus walking and general obedience training, they are a full time dog. They are highly prey driven and will hunt anything small and furry (squirrels being a fave with Mina!). We can not let them off the lead unless they are in enclosed spaces, we only let them off for agility, or in obedience class when they know they are working and even then they are under very close control. They are also not a one man dog, so will not bond to one person, they are stubborn, strong minded and strong in body and intelligent. Being pack orientated they do not do well to be left at home all day and without the proper stimulation they can become destructive.

Mina pulling 750lb she went on to pull just short of 1000lb but got distracted - She is now pulling this weight easily! Lucien is now also in training.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3479946915_1f2d939ec2.jpg

Mina running in harness:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/4005423994_1de10a785f.jpg

Lucien left and Mina right:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3884178242_8c516b23a3.jpg

Not to mention the mess they make - digging, chewing etc... but twice a year they shed their coat, if you think your dog moults badly... owning a husky or malamute will give you a new definition of moulting! Mina is currently losing all her summer coat ready for winter and there are white fluffy tumble weeds everywhere!!

Lupo when he started moulting (the pile of fur was just 5 minutes of brushing!):
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1261/1447530761_090f91d6df.jpg

They are however a very rewarding breed and when you get a good one from a good breeder (we waited nearly a year for Mina and went back to the same breeder for Lucien), they are loving, and work 110% and if you like a challenging dog then a malamute or husky is perfect for that, if you want an easy dog to train (in comparison) then maybe a retriever or collie type may be better for you.

[gruntygiggles]

Lupo when he started moulting (the pile of fur was just 5 minutes of brushing!):
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1261/1447530761_090f91d6df.jpg

They are however a very rewarding breed and when you get a good one from a good breeder (we waited nearly a year for Mina and went back to the same breeder for Lucien), they are loving, and work 110% and if you like a challenging dog then a malamute or husky is perfect for that, if you want an easy dog to train (in comparison) then maybe a retriever or collie type may be better for you.[/QUOTE]


Rigor, that gave me a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye :smt022

He was such a beautiful, beautiful boy. Please Say hi to Sam, Lucien and Mina from me, Stretchie and the dogs xxx