Need some help deciding

[Richie12345]

If not a Greyhound (although in my world they ARE small dogs, lol), then maybe a retired Whippet or Italian Greyhound. They have so many of the same characteristics, just in smaller packages.

really? I always thought they were big. I have never seen one, to tell you the truth. So, nevermind, I talk to my parents about getting a greyhound!

 

[CreatureTeacher]

Greyhounds are good sized, Rickie, but Renee has Fila Brasilieros, which could give a WHALE a run for its money!! When you're used to 200 pound dogs, 60 pounds doesn't sound like a lot!

 

[Richie12345]

Richie, let your dad know that dog sizes versus their energy level can be kind of couter-intuitive. If it's an issue of not enough space, then you should absolutely go smaller. But if you're looking for less trouble, larger dogs like we've been suggesting tend to be a lot more stable and calm. At this point, I'd definitely take a few trips to the local shelter with your dad and visit the mutts. I'm very excited for you! I hope this all comes to fruition!

alright, my dad must have not known that (he isn't really a dog expert or anything ). Thank you for telling me this! It will help a lot

 

[Richie12345]

Greyhounds are good sized, Rickie, but Renee has Fila Brasilieros, which could give a WHALE a run for its money!! When you're used to 200 pound dogs, 60 pounds doesn't sound like a lot!

Oh! Well, that makes a lot of sense, now! , lol

 

[Renee750il]

ROFL! They aren't quite 200 pounders Around the neighborhood of 120-140 for the delicate little girls. Kharma's father is a 170 monster though. If you find someone breeding 200 pound Filas, you avoid them like the plague . . .

 

[Richie12345]

just a question, if I get two dogs, they wouldn't really be lonely right? I'm gone 6 hours a day, and even though my dad will be at home. Sometimes he has to leave, and he has to work and can't pay attention to the dogs. Anyways, if I get two dogs, will they still be unhappy and destructive?

 

[CreatureTeacher]

I would start with just one. If you get a stable adult, 6 hours alone every few days isn't a huge deal. You'll have to give him plenty to do while you're gone, but going from no dogs to two dogs is a HUGE leap. Lots of folks think they'll jsut amuse each other, but twice the dog is twice the work, twice the cost, twice the responsibility, and twice the trouble! You can always add another dog at a later time, once you know your dog well enough to understand how he'll react to another dog.

 

[Richie12345]

oh, ok, thanks. Yeah, I am just scared that he/she (I want a boy, but my mom wants a girl ) will be alone.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

Is she SURE she wants a girl?? Heh, well, if you do get a girl, make sure you get a nice one....I've got three girls, they can be real picky little boogies at times....

 

[Richie12345]

Is she SURE she wants a girl?? Heh, well, if you do get a girl, make sure you get a nice one....I've got three girls, they can be real picky little boogies at times....

lol, I will tell her that

 

[Richie12345]

...If it's an issue of not enough space...

... At this point, I'd definitely take a few trips to the local shelter with your dad and visit the mutts. I'm very excited for you! I hope this all comes to fruition!...

I don't believe it would be an issue of space, though I am getting a small yard. But I think it will be ok.

I would love to go, but I don't need to. I have like 1 or 2 months until we get a house and another month to get a dog. It's a long time, which kind of sucks .

Anyways, is there any dog that would be good for me? (I am just seeing any other choices. I'm not sure if my mom is to enthusiastic about getting a Greyhound.)

 

[Richie12345]

Oh, and also I heard that greyhounds dig holes. Will there be a way to train them to not dig so our yard won't get all torn up?

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

Most all dogs dig holes. Colby digs holes just for pure pleasure at times, others to hunt for mice. My lab, May, digs holes to lay in the cool dirt during the summer. You can teach a dog not to dig, but that's by teaching him WHERE to dig. Fencing off a small area, leaving an opening, where your dog CAN dig is a good idea. Whenever you find him digging outside of his "spot" say, "NO!" and redirect his behavior to the appropriate digging spot. Try burying toys are treats in his spot to make him interested.

 

[bubbatd]

You've got time to go slowly and find the right heart dog for you.. BTW, tell your Mom they don't call female dogs b*tches for nothing !!! I personally like male dogs.

 

[Richie12345]

I just don't want to be falling in holes, lol. Also, incase we sell the house, my parents wouldn't want a bunch of holes.

that's a good idea, gaddy.

 

[Richie12345]

... BTW, tell your Mom they don't call female dogs b*tches for nothing !!! I personally like male dogs.

lol, that's true. yeah, I prefer male dogs over than female. I don't know why, but when ever I picture a dog, I always picture a male one... probably because I am a boy, lol

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

My three are all females and I love them to death, they're great dogs. However, females can be a bit bossy at times.

 

[Richie12345]

I guess I should start visiting some breeders, to see which one hits my heart. I have just been telling my friends that I would get a dog, but haven't really been visiting any breeders. I should do what what creature teacher says to do, and visit my local shelter and check out some Greyhounds.


BTW I thought it was a little funny. I told my friend, Bennet, (who LOVES Australian Shepherds) that I might get a greyhound instead of a Mini Aussie. He was so surprised! He tried to convince into having me getting one (I think he just wants to play with my dog) saying "Ppl say that those dogs are hard to take care of, but really they aren't. They're actually easy... You should still get the Australian Shepherd, and not the Greyhound."

At that moment, I realized he just wants me to buy a dog he wants, so he can play with it.

 

[Richie12345]

My three are all females and I love them to death, they're great dogs. However, females can be a bit bossy at times.

Yeah, I have met female dogs that were bossy, but I thought it was just that particular breed. I have been reading about dogs, and I must say, all of these different dogs all have their unique personalities!

 

[EliNHunter]

Most all dogs dig holes. Colby digs holes just for pure pleasure at times, others to hunt for mice. My lab, May, digs holes to lay in the cool dirt during the summer. You can teach a dog not to dig, but that's by teaching him WHERE to dig. Fencing off a small area, leaving an opening, where your dog CAN dig is a good idea. Whenever you find him digging outside of his "spot" say, "NO!" and redirect his behavior to the appropriate digging spot. Try burying toys are treats in his spot to make him interested.

All dogs like to dig holes... it's just part of being a dog. My Eli used to dig holes to lay in because of the cool earth. Others dug just to dig. It's not a breed thing. You can always cover them up later.