Where to get a puppy?

[Freddy F]

You mentioned boxer...lovely and endearing dog but if you are looking for an affectionate or intuitive dog, I'd skip a boxer.
To me, the smarter a dog is, the better a pet it will make. I had a purebred Border Collie and it was like having another person in the family. Also had a female black Lab, she was divine. Had many others, not worthy of mention.
And I would definitely not get a beagle...these are just my opinions, YMMV.

 

[FullMotoJacket]

So somebody took the pet to work?

Ocam's Razor. Simpler to take the dog to work than dog proof the house in the morning.

 

[FullMotoJacket]

This critter was walking the streets. She took a liking to the menu I offered.
Lap cat by day......street walking killer by night:

View attachment 49059

 

[oioioi]

(didn't read all the previous posts)

Get a soft coated wheaten terrier.
Great breed. Very gentle with kids.
Doesn't shed.
Max 35 lbs.
Come by if you want to see it and interact with it .

 

[Evoex]

You get that with a lot of dogs, not just breeds.

I have a Siberian Husky - the third I've had over the years - this is the only one I have ever know not to be an escape artist. My past Huskies have learned to open doors, open windows and remove window screens, dig under fences, climb over fences, one even learned how to prepare himself to blast through the shock of an invisible fence.

I used to be all dog, and really had no time for cats. After having a few of each, our future will be cats only.

Dogs are like perpetual 2 year olds children - they need constant attention, you clean up after them all the time and they are completely dependent on you. They can be completely house trained and behave like angles then suddenly tear up a sofa just for fun. You can't leave them alone for too long. Cats on the other hand will look after themselves. Once they are house trained, you don't need to worry about cats going berserk and tearing the place up. As long as they have access to food & water they are good. I had one that would disappear into the woods at our cottage for weeks at a time.

yep.

we would own a dog but we travel far too much for it to be fair to the pet. we currently have a cat, super low maintenance; have the mother in law come by every other day we are on vacation to spend an hour with him tops. Done deal.

5 years old this august.

Then


Now

 

[jc100]

We travel a lot too…we also have someone we trust to housesit and look after the critters! We use kennels when we have no other real choice.

 

[Baggsy]

Dad's dog. She's a rescue mutt from a reserve, eats squirrels and digs under the fence. They told him she was seven when he got her. She was probably two. Might be seven now. High energy and likes to run at the dog park. Pulled him down a couple of times chasing squirrels. He's 86. Nice friendly dog if you can handle the energy.

 

[hdsomeday]

I have a beagle. She was a 'rescue' as in I got her from a co-worker with cancer that was going in for treatment and couldnt find anyone to look after her for whatever time it took. He brought her into work everyday in a her crate for a month hoping someone would take her before he had to put her in a shelter (last resort). Nobody wanted her as she is moody. One minute she loves playing and the next she is 'leave me the %^&$ alone and dont touch my toys'. She also doesnt like being sneaked up on, especially when sleeping. You can pet her on the head and shoulders but anywhere else gets a warning growl. I took her on his last day at work as a 'foster' until he got back home. He didnt.

My wife wasnt pleased (I didnt tell her, just showed up with her). I am a dog person, had one all my life when I was a kid. She is a cat person. She had 4 cats at the time (I say 'she' because she kept adopting and fostering them and the cats hated me but I put up with them, and them with me I guess). This dog loved those cats, she would do the beagle howl and dance and play. Well, try to play. 3 of the cats were cats and hated her. She got many swats and scrapes but she always went back for more, part of the game I guess. The last cat had no interest what so ever. Didnt shy away, didnt swat, just gave the f-off look and went about its business. This was confusing to the dog, lol. My wife and I had the back and forth arguements about the dog...'its your dog, you look after it'...'keep it way from the cats'.....'she just wants to play with them'....etc.

Anyways, wife finally came around. She understands now why people like dogs after being greeted every time she enters the house as if she has been gone for months, even though she went from the back door to the front. There is a joke about locking your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car. Which one will be happy to see you when you open it? It has been 4 years now. The dog hasnt changed, other then she has stopped digging escape tunnels under the fences. I dont know if she just got older or the chicken wire dug down 6" and up the fence 12" helped.

She is not a lap dog. She does not liked to be hugged. She has not been around young kids but I wouldnt ever let her be alone with them. I have had many dogs and she is the first that didnt liked to be hugged. But its great to be greeted at the door with a dance and a smile. Cats dont do that. Hell, even wife has never done that.

I doubt she is a poster child for all beagles. Abused perhaps, no idea. Oh, and yes, she does shed. badly sometimes. She does love going for a walk but at her pace. Very slowly while she sniffs anything and everything. Then at almost a run until she hits the next scent. Then back 15 feet, then left 15 feet, then right 15 feet, then another short run. Animals in her yard are not allowed (squirrels, birds, racoons, skunks (sprayed 3 times). They are barked at and chased. Animals (including other dogs) are ignored completely any where else.

I would not recommend a beagle, only based on my experience. I would also never trade her for anything else.

 

[Chris-CJ]

Be warned, in Ontario if your dog bites a trespasser, YOU are liable.

 

[jc100]

I have a beagle. She was a 'rescue' as in I got her from a co-worker with cancer that was going in for treatment and couldnt find anyone to look after her for whatever time it took. He brought her into work everyday in a her crate for a month hoping someone would take her before he had to put her in a shelter (last resort). Nobody wanted her as she is moody. One minute she loves playing and the next she is 'leave me the %^&$ alone and dont touch my toys'. She also doesnt like being sneaked up on, especially when sleeping. You can pet her on the head and shoulders but anywhere else gets a warning growl. I took her on his last day at work as a 'foster' until he got back home. He didnt.

My wife wasnt pleased (I didnt tell her, just showed up with her). I am a dog person, had one all my life when I was a kid. She is a cat person. She had 4 cats at the time (I say 'she' because she kept adopting and fostering them and the cats hated me but I put up with them, and them with me I guess). This dog loved those cats, she would do the beagle howl and dance and play. Well, try to play. 3 of the cats were cats and hated her. She got many swats and scrapes but she always went back for more, part of the game I guess. The last cat had no interest what so ever. Didnt shy away, didnt swat, just gave the f-off look and went about its business. This was confusing to the dog, lol. My wife and I had the back and forth arguements about the dog...'its your dog, you look after it'...'keep it way from the cats'.....'she just wants to play with them'....etc.

Anyways, wife finally came around. She understands now why people like dogs after being greeted every time she enters the house as if she has been gone for months, even though she went from the back door to the front. There is a joke about locking your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car. Which one will be happy to see you when you open it? It has been 4 years now. The dog hasnt changed, other then she has stopped digging escape tunnels under the fences. I dont know if she just got older or the chicken wire dug down 6" and up the fence 12" helped.

She is not a lap dog. She does not liked to be hugged. She has not been around young kids but I wouldnt ever let her be alone with them. I have had many dogs and she is the first that didnt liked to be hugged. But its great to be greeted at the door with a dance and a smile. Cats dont do that. Hell, even wife has never done that.

I doubt she is a poster child for all beagles. Abused perhaps, no idea. Oh, and yes, she does shed. badly sometimes. She does love going for a walk but at her pace. Very slowly while she sniffs anything and everything. Then at almost a run until she hits the next scent. Then back 15 feet, then left 15 feet, then right 15 feet, then another short run.

I would not recommend a beagle, only based on my experience. I would also never trade her for anything else.

You are a saint. Our rescue beagle was probably abandoned because she hated loud noises. She was moody, tolerated a very small number of other dogs, loved marmite, loved escaping, loved people and was loyal. We miss her a lot still.

 

[Mad Mike]

I have a beagle. She was a 'rescue' as in I got her from a co-worker with cancer that was going in for treatment and couldnt find anyone to look after her for whatever time it took. He brought her into work everyday in a her crate for a month hoping someone would take her before he had to put her in a shelter (last resort). Nobody wanted her as she is moody. One minute she loves playing and the next she is 'leave me the %^&$ alone and dont touch my toys'. She also doesnt like being sneaked up on, especially when sleeping. You can pet her on the head and shoulders but anywhere else gets a warning growl. I took her on his last day at work as a 'foster' until he got back home. He didnt.

My wife wasnt pleased (I didnt tell her, just showed up with her). I am a dog person, had one all my life when I was a kid. She is a cat person. She had 4 cats at the time (I say 'she' because she kept adopting and fostering them and the cats hated me but I put up with them, and them with me I guess). This dog loved those cats, she would do the beagle howl and dance and play. Well, try to play. 3 of the cats were cats and hated her. She got many swats and scrapes but she always went back for more, part of the game I guess. The last cat had no interest what so ever. Didnt shy away, didnt swat, just gave the f-off look and went about its business. This was confusing to the dog, lol. My wife and I had the back and forth arguements about the dog...'its your dog, you look after it'...'keep it way from the cats'.....'she just wants to play with them'....etc.

Anyways, wife finally came around. She understands now why people like dogs after being greeted every time she enters the house as if she has been gone for months, even though she went from the back door to the front. There is a joke about locking your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car. Which one will be happy to see you when you open it? It has been 4 years now. The dog hasnt changed, other then she has stopped digging escape tunnels under the fences. I dont know if she just got older or the chicken wire dug down 6" and up the fence 12" helped.

She is not a lap dog. She does not liked to be hugged. She has not been around young kids but I wouldnt ever let her be alone with them. I have had many dogs and she is the first that didnt liked to be hugged. But its great to be greeted at the door with a dance and a smile. Cats dont do that. Hell, even wife has never done that.

I doubt she is a poster child for all beagles. Abused perhaps, no idea. Oh, and yes, she does shed. badly sometimes. She does love going for a walk but at her pace. Very slowly while she sniffs anything and everything. Then at almost a run until she hits the next scent. Then back 15 feet, then left 15 feet, then right 15 feet, then another short run.

I would not recommend a beagle, only based on my experience. I would also never trade her for anything else.

Husky, no exactly a rescue but was a freebie from a closed down back yard kennel in St Cats.

Gentle, very friendly, doesn’t run, doesn’t dig. Catches and eats rabbits and whatever the cat drags home to share with her.

11 years old, still has the energy of a puppy, we walk her 4miles a day.

 

[jdmsteR]

This place seems to be popular and I do like their ethos:

Adoptable Dogs — Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary

Providing a home for a dog in need is an incredibly rewarding experience. Thank you for considering adoption.

www.dogtales.ca

Pre-covid times one would routinely see cars flooded along the road there, combined with the hiking trail close by

 

[Jayv]

Try the shelter first. Both the Uk and USA are seeing increases as all the lockdown pets are being left abandoned by ******* humans. The same idiots that don’t realize pets are a lifetime commitment.

 

[mimico_polak]

Wow thanks everyone for the suggestions, very awesome of GTAM to bring life experiences to each topic as always.

I've linked this post to my wife so she can read all the responses and check out some of the links and we can start looking in earnest. We're actually not too worried about post-COVID commutes again because my wife is working half days anyway (self business) and the MIL is still kicking strong with us (getting stronger since her heart attack and stent insertion) so she's home 24/7 basically anyway. So there's someone always around.

Thanks again! Will start looking at shelters, as I'm not paying 3-5k to a kijiji seller.

 

[klr_guy]

Wow thanks everyone for the suggestions, very awesome of GTAM to bring life experiences to each topic as always.

I've linked this post to my wife so she can read all the responses and check out some of the links and we can start looking in earnest. We're actually not too worried about post-COVID commutes again because my wife is working half days anyway (self business) and the MIL is still kicking strong with us (getting stronger since her heart attack and stent insertion) so she's home 24/7 basically anyway. So there's someone always around.

Thanks again! Will start looking at shelters, as I'm not paying 3-5k to a kijiji seller.

Glad you're thinking of a rescue. I'd never had a dog but wanted one - got a lovely Australian shepherd mix a decade plus ago. House trained / crate trained - only barks when 'needed' - wolves howling at the cottage / yotes here at home. A good rescue group may have fostered the dog in different homes to determine how kid/cat friendly they may be. Good luck.
I won't recommend the rescue as apparently she's turned into a loon.

 

[Jampy00]

Will start looking at shelters, as I'm not paying 3-5k to a kijiji seller.

Great to hear. Supporting backyard breeders only makes the problem worse.
Support your local rescue (or any rescue for that matter) and/or your local registered breeders.

 

[mimico_polak]

Great to hear. Supporting backyard breeders only makes the problem worse.
Support your local rescue (or any rescue for that matter) and/or your local registered breeders.

My friend just told me she found a small puppy out in bowmanville area. She said she paid 4K as there people driving to also see it.

 

[Jampy00]

It's all about breeding and raising puppies as quickly and as cheaply as possible. Then commanding maximum prices and profits.
Sadly people buy animals with emotions and typically assume a higher price means higher quality.

If you can't find a dog from a rescue or registered breeder. Just wait or put you name on "the list" Supporting people that value profits over an animals welfare is never a good idea.

Having owned many rescues and dogs from a specific breeder (Rhodesian Ridgebacks), I speak with some experience.

 

[Mad Mike]

It's all about breeding and raising puppies as quickly and as cheaply as possible. Then commanding maximum prices and profits.
Sadly people buy animals with emotions and typically assume a higher price means higher quality.

If you can't find a dog from a rescue or registered breeder. Just wait or put you name on "the list" Supporting people that value profits over an animals welfare is never a good idea.

Having owned many rescues and dogs from a specific breeder (Rhodesian Ridgebacks), I speak with some experience.

I have a SIL that buys based on style. She’s on her 3rd $4000 x-a-doodle. The first was a maniac cocker spaniel/poodle - a maniac that chased and attacked people, other dogs, furniture, (lasted 1year). Her second lab/poodle lived about 8 years, had severe exams, she had a neck bone 1/3 of her time. The current one is a sheepdog/poodle that nips at everyone. Its had $5k of dog training and still is bite-untrustworthy and has trouble socializing with other dogs.

Dont buy a designer dog.

 

[Evoex]

Just wanted to say something about cats.

My boy runs to greet me at the door everyday without fail. When I was riding the Grom and I’d bring it around back to park it in the living room (lol) he’d be at the window before I even unlocked the gate. He plays fetch, if my lap is available for longer then 10 seconds he will bury himself in it. He’s chatty (not annoying), affectionate and hasn’t trashed too much furniture. He still has occasions where he will ignore us and do his own thing for awhile.

I realize by and large many cats may not act like this. Dogs have been domesticated for far longer and are reliant on us far more then cats.

It may be obvious but discussing the personality of the cat with its owner/handler before taking ownership can go a long way to finding the right one for your family.

TLDR; Cats rule and Dogs drool. (I like dogs)