Hikers best friend? Which is best?
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gaddylovesdogs said:
You must really be afraid of being attacked, seeing as you view guarding breeds as the only "good ones" and other breeds as "silly". 
One of the definations is "lacking seriousness"
Most labs I've seen fall right under there. They are good sweet dogs that really dont take anything seriously.
I've had Labs, among several breeds and they are extrordinarily trainable, intelligent, willing, atheletic, serious when at work, playful when at play, affectionate with most people, lovely, charming pets which bring joy into many family homes, whether they work or not, (being a pet is work), loyal, trustworthy around kids and they happen to be at the top by a long shot, for popularity for something like the past 11 years.
I fail to see from where the disrespect for them as being silly, which if taken in context implies that they are not valid, worthwhile, working dogs, which in fact they are. I would guess, it mainly comes from you. They happen to be one of THE most respected hunting dogs for upland, as well as water foul..... as being highly versatile and can do things which no other can, can handle frigid waters, which is a rare find. Did you ever see a Lab swim? Beautiful!
They are used for service dogs, seeing eye dogs, for people with a multitude of physical and mental disabilities, hearing impaired, cancer sniffing dogs, explosives, drugs, cadavers, search and rescue, therapy, tracking, retrieving and many other duties. They have an appropriate temperament and the brains to do more duties such as these than about any other breed.
That's too bad that you aren't just a little familiar with them. You're missing out on a whole world of truth and personal experience by speaking out without being informed. That's a shame that you deny youself.
I myself, among others, I'm guessing hold these dogs in high regard and have a thankful heart for their service to mankind whether as a working dog or a family pet.
I recently had to put my Lab to sleep at almost 14 years of age. I get a little emotional still and defensive of my lovely friend, Bonnie. She was a most loyal and trustworthy companion to my family...my children as they were growing up. She taught us all huge lessons in life by being the individual she was and the breed she was.
I fail to see from where the disrespect for them as being silly, which if taken in context implies that they are not valid, worthwhile, working dogs, which in fact they are. I would guess, it mainly comes from you. They happen to be one of THE most respected hunting dogs for upland, as well as water foul..... as being highly versatile and can do things which no other can, can handle frigid waters, which is a rare find. Did you ever see a Lab swim? Beautiful!
They are used for service dogs, seeing eye dogs, for people with a multitude of physical and mental disabilities, hearing impaired, cancer sniffing dogs, explosives, drugs, cadavers, search and rescue, therapy, tracking, retrieving and many other duties. They have an appropriate temperament and the brains to do more duties such as these than about any other breed.
That's too bad that you aren't just a little familiar with them. You're missing out on a whole world of truth and personal experience by speaking out without being informed. That's a shame that you deny youself.
I myself, among others, I'm guessing hold these dogs in high regard and have a thankful heart for their service to mankind whether as a working dog or a family pet.
I recently had to put my Lab to sleep at almost 14 years of age. I get a little emotional still and defensive of my lovely friend, Bonnie. She was a most loyal and trustworthy companion to my family...my children as they were growing up. She taught us all huge lessons in life by being the individual she was and the breed she was.
I like dogs with jobs. I dont like couch potatoes who do nothing but look pretty and eat food.
I like all dogs who do work, no matter the breed. I also kind of frown at dogs that dont have any real world use. ( i.e. miniature poodles, shitzu's,, etc)
Also silly was not used as a negative statement...
I like all dogs who do work, no matter the breed. I also kind of frown at dogs that dont have any real world use. ( i.e. miniature poodles, shitzu's,, etc)
Also silly was not used as a negative statement...
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Well, I read it as rude. "silly lab" sounds rude to me, a lab owner.
May isn't used to work, we don't go hunting. But just because she doesn't have a "job" doesn't mean she's not a good dog. She takes long daily walks, chases rabbits and squirrels, plays with her "sisters" and she's always there for me when I need a ball of fur to hug. Just because a dog doesn't have a "job" doesn't make them a bad dog. Breeds like bichon frises were bred to companions and lap dogs. Bichons for royalty.
I remember one time, when we were in the field with the girls, during the winter time. There is a creek right there. Well, the girls were tired after zooming around hunting for a while, and they were thirsty. We walke down by the frozen creek a little, and suddenly Mayberry walks down, breaks the ice and starts swimming in this freezing water. It was probably below zero in there.
May isn't used to work, we don't go hunting. But just because she doesn't have a "job" doesn't mean she's not a good dog. She takes long daily walks, chases rabbits and squirrels, plays with her "sisters" and she's always there for me when I need a ball of fur to hug. Just because a dog doesn't have a "job" doesn't make them a bad dog. Breeds like bichon frises were bred to companions and lap dogs. Bichons for royalty.
I remember one time, when we were in the field with the girls, during the winter time. There is a creek right there. Well, the girls were tired after zooming around hunting for a while, and they were thirsty. We walke down by the frozen creek a little, and suddenly Mayberry walks down, breaks the ice and starts swimming in this freezing water. It was probably below zero in there.
Well he and I both feel that a dog who is your guardian is a loved one who can become injured. He has also told me that we doesn't want a dog that is aggressive in anyway shape or form. He is afraid of the legal ramifications.
To me, it is my job to defend the family not my pets. My dogs are silly, and I like them just like that. They do have a serious job though, they entertain me, provide me with companionship and teach my grandchildren compassion and empathy...... Silly oh yeah ...but not unimportant!
If my dog defended my stuff and got hurt I would be heart broken. If someone breaks into my house I wish my dog to go hide and stay safe. Let the burgalar steal the TV and leave my dog alive. Any serious criminal can kill a dog quickly. I can always replace my stuff but you can't replace a friend or family member....which is how I view my dogs. I have weapons at my disposal by which I defend myself and family members.
To me, it is my job to defend the family not my pets. My dogs are silly, and I like them just like that. They do have a serious job though, they entertain me, provide me with companionship and teach my grandchildren compassion and empathy...... Silly oh yeah ...but not unimportant!
If my dog defended my stuff and got hurt I would be heart broken. If someone breaks into my house I wish my dog to go hide and stay safe. Let the burgalar steal the TV and leave my dog alive. Any serious criminal can kill a dog quickly. I can always replace my stuff but you can't replace a friend or family member....which is how I view my dogs. I have weapons at my disposal by which I defend myself and family members.
Thanks Grammy.
The fact is, if one has a narrow or limited view of what usefulness is, and fails to look at the whole spectrum of life, one can call a lap dog a couch potato, silly, useless or any other adjective. But let me tell you that there are billions of people who depend on a dog to be just that, a companion. A companion fulfills peoples' psyche, their spirit, people who are depressed and lost find hope. Why else would there be therapy dogs? The same holds true for a companion dog; a poodle, (a respectable hunting dog too, btw) a Bishon, a Chihuahua and the many, many more dogs used for solely a companion dog.
You want to talk silly? I'll talk silly. My Doberman has a wonderful, correct, protective, working dogs' temperament. He's also very silly....goofy, playful, companionable. My Chihuahuas have bionic hearing and can hear something, often before my Dobe does. They are the early warning alarm. They are highly reactive and bark at things that they don't always need to worry about. Lyric, the Dobe watches and figures out what they're barking about. If he feels it's legit, he'll bark too, otherwise, he'll relax and they tend to settle down too when they see him relax. I have a real protective team going on here. LOL.
But the Chihuahuas can sit on my lap without cutting off my circulation like my Dobe does. They also eat less, easier to travel with, are great hiking company and entertain people with their circus - like antics. They're very agile and atheletic and quite sturdy.
Like I said, I had a Lab who was a companion. She didn't hunt for me, although she did for herself. (never got around to cooking up some stew with those rabbits she got) She was my companion on my horse rides and actually helped my green, nervous horse pass by scary things which the horse would refuse to go past, until she saw Bonnie go first.
But that's fine if someone wants a dog only because it can work. But it's illogical to poo poo the multitudes all over the world who choose a breed soley for companionship.
Gaddy,
That's a great story. I know...they're incredible dogs. Bonnie would roll around in the snow when it was 30 below zero here. But then I made her come inside. LOL. The Dobe and Chi's certainly have to make it quick for their potty breaks when it's that cold. I don't have to tell them to hurry up. LOL.
The fact is, if one has a narrow or limited view of what usefulness is, and fails to look at the whole spectrum of life, one can call a lap dog a couch potato, silly, useless or any other adjective. But let me tell you that there are billions of people who depend on a dog to be just that, a companion. A companion fulfills peoples' psyche, their spirit, people who are depressed and lost find hope. Why else would there be therapy dogs? The same holds true for a companion dog; a poodle, (a respectable hunting dog too, btw) a Bishon, a Chihuahua and the many, many more dogs used for solely a companion dog.
You want to talk silly? I'll talk silly. My Doberman has a wonderful, correct, protective, working dogs' temperament. He's also very silly....goofy, playful, companionable. My Chihuahuas have bionic hearing and can hear something, often before my Dobe does. They are the early warning alarm. They are highly reactive and bark at things that they don't always need to worry about. Lyric, the Dobe watches and figures out what they're barking about. If he feels it's legit, he'll bark too, otherwise, he'll relax and they tend to settle down too when they see him relax. I have a real protective team going on here. LOL.
But the Chihuahuas can sit on my lap without cutting off my circulation like my Dobe does. They also eat less, easier to travel with, are great hiking company and entertain people with their circus - like antics. They're very agile and atheletic and quite sturdy.
Like I said, I had a Lab who was a companion. She didn't hunt for me, although she did for herself. (never got around to cooking up some stew with those rabbits she got) She was my companion on my horse rides and actually helped my green, nervous horse pass by scary things which the horse would refuse to go past, until she saw Bonnie go first.
But that's fine if someone wants a dog only because it can work. But it's illogical to poo poo the multitudes all over the world who choose a breed soley for companionship.
Gaddy,
That's a great story. I know...they're incredible dogs. Bonnie would roll around in the snow when it was 30 below zero here. But then I made her come inside. LOL. The Dobe and Chi's certainly have to make it quick for their potty breaks when it's that cold. I don't have to tell them to hurry up. LOL.
I guess all my goldens have been " silly dogs" and I loved them for it ! Silly at Christmas getting their toys from under the tree, silly for bringing home baby raccoons who lost their moms, silly for wanting to go for walks in the woods and investicate the creek, silly to want to go to the grocery, silly to visit Nursing Homes, hospitals, disabled folks, silly for loving my kids and grandkids, silly for wanting to be near me and sleep with me, silly for loving a new stuffed toys, silly for greeting their "cousins" when they come to stay etc etc etc.....yes , you're right...I do own a "silly dog" and thank the dear Lord I do !
I love your postGrammy. My sentiments exactly! What more important job is there?
Love this post too! I agree. If someone breaks into my house, even though there are gnashing teeth and vicious snarling and barking on the other side of the door, I'm ready with my .38. LOL. I won't let anyone hurt my babies.
I didn't get a Doberman for the purpose of protection. I, for one live in a virtually no crime area....a resort area in the north Idaho wilderness. I don't even lock my door when I leave. I got my Doberman for many of their wonderful traits, one main one, being SILLY! Can you believe it? Yes sireeeee....Dobermans are notoriously goofy, dorky, playful, energetic, watchful and alert, so trainable, chalk full of character and personality, brains, atheletisism, which I love to watch. My Lyric is my pride and joy.
All my dogs have been silly, my GSDs, Labs, mixes, Chihuahuas (oh boy, are they silly).
Hey....I just got an idea. I think all dogs, working or not are silly. They're always ready for a game, child like, innocent, loving, loyal. I think that's why we love them so much....most of us. They give soooooo much, just by being who they are, and I, for one, love and appreciate what my pet dogs have to give. They don't have to do more. They can just go on being silly.
Love this post too! I agree. If someone breaks into my house, even though there are gnashing teeth and vicious snarling and barking on the other side of the door, I'm ready with my .38. LOL. I won't let anyone hurt my babies.
I didn't get a Doberman for the purpose of protection. I, for one live in a virtually no crime area....a resort area in the north Idaho wilderness. I don't even lock my door when I leave. I got my Doberman for many of their wonderful traits, one main one, being SILLY! Can you believe it? Yes sireeeee....Dobermans are notoriously goofy, dorky, playful, energetic, watchful and alert, so trainable, chalk full of character and personality, brains, atheletisism, which I love to watch. My Lyric is my pride and joy.
All my dogs have been silly, my GSDs, Labs, mixes, Chihuahuas (oh boy, are they silly).
Hey....I just got an idea. I think all dogs, working or not are silly. They're always ready for a game, child like, innocent, loving, loyal. I think that's why we love them so much....most of us. They give soooooo much, just by being who they are, and I, for one, love and appreciate what my pet dogs have to give. They don't have to do more. They can just go on being silly.