Thread: Should I get a dog.

Hello, I was after some advice please.

I think I want a dog. I would like something I can train to indicate deer and I'm a Tauranga SAR member so I might want to have a go at using it for that too.

I had my heart set on a Vizsla but I have talked to a few breeders and they all agree that since I work full time and am single, (so no-one's home during the day), that a Viszla is not the breed for me.

So my questions are...

Should I get a dog since I'm at work all day?

And, if so, what's breed would you recommend? I am a novice trainer but other than work have heaps of time to spend with it.

Do you have time for a dog ? Running, training, cleaning out kennel / run , all burn time especially in the winter, get home it's wet cold and shitty..want to take the hound for a run / clean shit out of a compound?

Do you have a secure area for said dog..are you looking at traveling in the next 5 years? Can you afford good tucker , immunisation, rego, vet bills , etc

Food for thought.

Dogs are bloody fantastic, loyal trusting and hard working. But you have to do you part to!

Yep. I have considered all that & there's no problems there. It's only the being at home during work days that concerns me & what breed would suit.

ours are left at home for 8 hrs a day no worries.
but if you have to ask on a forum if the times right then maybe it isn't.

@kawhia, the question is more of 'what breed would suit me'. If a Vizsla isn't suitable then what else would experienced hunters/dog owners recommend?

Labrador or heading dog seems to be the never fail option.
if ya hearts set on a vizsla find a breeder that breeds for a normal vizsla temp, stay away from breeders that have lines that require 24hr care.

Dogs are a big commitment, if it were me and I have a viszla and a lab i would go for a heading dog

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Most people who own dogs are at work if not for some of the day then all day...and being totally obvious, just make sure that your dog is absolutely secure in its run, motel or whatever you confine it in.. @Ricochet, if you want and/or would like a Vizsla go for it...

No.

get 2

I've always found three better than two when it comes to hierarchy. Two is a bad number. One or three

Originally Posted by rossi.45

get 2

No..................... we got 2 pups (as SWMBO was determined they not be lonely when we weren't home). NEVER EVER AGAIN

It has taken a long time for ME to be top dog. in their pack and caused many many many issuses. Now that they are 7 peace is reining in the house but the first two years were a battle.

When the time comes for replacement I will be looking for an older dog that perhaps didn't quite make the grade for trialing which can have a good life with me doing some hunting of many things, some sleeping on the couch and generally being my "best mate" and keeping me company on the hill

Dogs are a commitment that is for sure but being dogless is something I could not be

PS the local council will not let us have more than 2 dogs in town, pity they cant do the same rule for those with children!!

Originally Posted by Pointer

I've always found three better than two when it comes to hierarchy. Two is a bad number. One or three

Even numbers works better, terriers and bull breeds particularly. More so if you have tower builders in the pack.

A standard working day will not affect the animal. Hard pressed to beat a Lab but, they are heavy breathers and are noisier in the bush.

So what's the out come @Ricochet, got a mutt yet? Or sussed a breed you like?
I got a busy job, two balls out young snot gobblers and a missus. All wanting a piece of my arse. I got a pup this year for hunting, best thing I've done in ages. I still find plenty of time for training, walking hound. Took a while for him to settle in but has adapted to family life really well. He's a hit with everyone except my missus cousin- dog took an instant like to her chickens, didn't lay for a week or so after dog tried to eat one.
I would say suss out a good breader or blood line that hunts. You want one with natural ability other wise it will be a battle.