Best dog breed for the 'outdoors'? (For new dog owner too)

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

You can download Ian Dunbars books for free, I believe they are just titled "before" and "after you get your new puppy" and they cover a lot of the basics for training and socializing.


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Thanks! I'll look into it!

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Originally Posted by HVani

Treats are more rewarding than pets for most dogs. You want to use something your dogs loves as a reward during training. You need to really motivate them.

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Gotcha. When do you wean them off treats and when (or if) do you stop giving treats in general?

And what can be used for treats? I was told that small bits of cheese can be given and also the treats you buy at the stores, but everyone says not to give more than a few. However, when I watch a a video, like this one, they give quite a bit more than a few. How many should I give per session? Is there any specific brand you can recommend?

Once they really get the command you can start backing off on the treats. For training treats you want something pretty small that doesn't need to be chewed. When I'm going to be training I mix bits of hot dog, freeze dried liver and kibble. I like using a mix since I can either save the really good stuff for really good behavior or rotate them so the dog never knows which he will get next which can make him work harder.

For brand I use a lot of single ingredient freeze dried treats. Ex liver, chicken,turkey. My current dog has a pancreas condition and can't handle most treats so I try to stick to limited ingredients.
For other dogs usually the stinkier the better lol. I'm a big fan of Zukes treats.

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Originally Posted by HVani

Once they really get the command you can start backing off on the treats. For training treats you want something pretty small that doesn't need to be chewed. When I'm going to be training I mix bits of hot dog, freeze dried liver and kibble. I like using a mix since I can either save the really good stuff for really good behavior or rotate them so the dog never knows which he will get next which can make him work harder.

For brand I use a lot of single ingredient freeze dried treats. Ex liver, chicken,turkey. My current dog has a pancreas condition and can't handle most treats so I try to stick to limited ingredients.
For other dogs usually the stinkier the better lol. I'm a big fan of Zukes treats.

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Gotcha. I'll try using cutting up those items!
I've heard of Zukes! But I also heard by friend complaining about them since they sold out to Purina and now she says it isn't properly sourced (?).

Also, I know puppies require a 'puppy food' but when is it okay to start mixing in adult food into the mix? Will it cause runny stool? Or is it okay to ask the breeder to mix it in so that when it comes to me it'll be easier to do so? How do you do it?

When Purina bought out Zukes, it was said they would still be made in the US, not sure if that is still the case.

Lots of other options out there, lots of dogs like Charlie Bears. There are also a nice line of soft treats out by Wellness. Fruitables are also good.

I would feed puppy food for at least a year. For larger breeds some recommend 18 months. Then you start slowly mixing in adult food with each meal. Depends on how he stomachs it for how fast you go. But I would say after a week and a half to two weeks your dog should be on their new food.

I love this site for dog food. I aim to feed my dogs food that fall in the 5-4 star range. I use grain free due my one of my dogs having health issues. ALso consider a raw diet. I just plain don't have the time to feed raw but it can be a really good diet for some dogs.

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Originally Posted by HVani

When Purina bought out Zukes, it was said they would still be made in the US, not sure if that is still the case.

Lots of other options out there, lots of dogs like Charlie Bears. There are also a nice line of soft treats out by Wellness. Fruitables are also good.

I would feed puppy food for at least a year. For larger breeds some recommend 18 months. Then you start slowly mixing in adult food with each meal. Depends on how he stomachs it for how fast you go. But I would say after a week and a half to two weeks your dog should be on their new food.

I love this site for dog food. I aim to feed my dogs food that fall in the 5-4 star range. I use grain free due my one of my dogs having health issues. ALso consider a raw diet. I just plain don't have the time to feed raw but it can be a really good diet for some dogs.

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Is Purina that bad? I always see it on advertisements and I always thought it was pretty good.

Thanks, I'll look into those! And if I go the more hotdog way, I know to cut it up in really small pieces, but you should never feed more than 1/4 of the hotdog in total right?

And thanks again, I'll look into it! I wanted to do a raw diet, I still would, but heard it's a quite a bit more expensive aha

Most of the heavily advertised dogs foods are actually crap. Purina uses animal by products, corn and other questionable ingredients. They make a food called Beneful that has been linked to many sick dogs and some deaths.
I feed my girls Taste of the Wild. I also really like Earthborn. There are many other good brands out there that are not eukanuba, purina, pedigree and other sub standard dog foods.

I'll be the first to admit I'm a dog food snob.

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Originally Posted by HVani

Most of the heavily advertised dogs foods are actually crap. Purina uses animal by products, corn and other questionable ingredients. They make a food called Beneful that has been linked to many sick dogs and some deaths.
I feed my girls Taste of the Wild. I also really like Earthborn. There are many other good brands out there that are not eukanuba, purina, pedigree and other sub standard dog foods.

I'll be the first to admit I'm a dog food snob.

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Haha, I would be too. I want to make sure everything is perfect, as you can tell by all my weird questions haha. I'll look into those dog foods!

Would it be wrong to ask a breeder how often do they breed Chocolate labs or what their plans are in the next three years?

I see no problem with it. Something I see as a good sign of a good breeder is if they don't breed individuals too often and give their moms breaks. Many good breeders already know or have a good idea of what future pairings will be.

Take your time looking for a breeder. Labs are really popular which means some people jump into it with no thought of genetic issues and temperament. In my opinion the popularity of a breed makes it tough to find a good breeder.

Someday I want an Irish Wolfhound. They are not very common and only a handful of breeders are out there. I've still been researching to make sure when I am ready and I get a healthy, happy animal. ♥

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Originally Posted by Pampho85

Thanks!

I've noticed that some breeders don't test for EIC or Heart Health but they do have OFA and CERF certifications, should they be crossed off the list if they don't have the first two tested?

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If you're not in a huge rush just yet, I highly recommend that you get and read Pukka's Promise. It will cover a lot of what you're looking for in a lab, and it's a GREAT read as well.

I'd also recommend that you find a labrador retriever focused forum, and go there and ask for breeder referrals and tell them you're looking for field line pups. Most of them can recommend who to consider and who to steer away from (if it's anything like the golden retriever forum I'm on).

With GR's, you look for clearances on hips, elbows, heart and eyes. Not sure with labs if OFA clearances are as important on elbows as hips, since I didn't research labs when we got our Noah.

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Originally Posted by HVani

I see no problem with it. Something I see as a good sign of a good breeder is if they don't breed individuals too often and give their moms breaks. Many good breeders already know or have a good idea of what future pairings will be.

Take your time looking for a breeder. Labs are really popular which means some people jump into it with no thought of genetic issues and temperament. In my opinion the popularity of a breed makes it tough to find a good breeder.

Someday I want an Irish Wolfhound. They are not very common and only a handful of breeders are out there. I've still been researching to make sure when I am ready and I get a healthy, happy animal. ♥

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Okay thanks!

That's what I was thinking, so I checked on a lot of lab clubs, and made a pretty big list of breeders.

One of my friends really wants one of those! She saw a breeder have one for around $2,000 and slowly passed up the offer haha

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Originally Posted by rabernet

If you're not in a huge rush just yet, I highly recommend that you get and read Pukka's Promise. It will cover a lot of what you're looking for in a lab, and it's a GREAT read as well.

I'd also recommend that you find a labrador retriever focused forum, and go there and ask for breeder referrals and tell them you're looking for field line pups. Most of them can recommend who to consider and who to steer away from (if it's anything like the golden retriever forum I'm on).

With GR's, you look for clearances on hips, elbows, heart and eyes. Not sure with labs if OFA clearances are as important on elbows as hips, since I didn't research labs when we got our Noah.

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Thanks! I'll read that when I get home!

I tried looking into some forums, but they're pretty dead. I joined a dogforum so I'll be asking a fair bit of questions on there haha

I heard that GR's have a bit more clearances than Lab's, and I saw it on a few breeders where they're tested for more things (forgot what they were tho).

Sorry for double posting, but I just met two dogs while walking earlier today and they were just the best haha. One was an English Setter and the other was an Irish Red & White Setter.

I was wondering if these dogs would make good apartment dogs (Along with Brittany's)? If taken out on walks, or hikes, regularly? Could they be relatively trained and housebroken easily? Do they deal with separation anxiety fairly well?

I've met a few english setters and irish setters but I haven't really worked with them. I'm leary of some gun dogs because they can be prone to being high strung and have anxiety issues. But in my experience that's more along the lines of weimaraner and pointers.

I have worked with some britanys and the ones I have met have been bouncing off the walls full of energy and a bit neurotic.

I don't know if these have been mentioned but australian shepherds might have what you are looking for. These are very smart dogs that will follow you to the ends of the earth. Lots of stamina, sturdy and willing to please.

If you want something with a shorter coat you could try cattle dogs. They are really tough smart dogs. I find them to not be quite as willing to please and aussies but still great dogs.

I know someone mentioned a standard poodle but I have to bring them up again. Don't let the silly hair cuts fool you, these are intelligent, willing to please and overall pleasant dogs that don't shed. They were originally bred as gun dogs and water retrievers.

Lastly if you are looking into setters, I would suggest a springer spaniel. They are great dogs IF you can find one from a good breeder. Popularity has taken it's toll on this breed. Allergies seem to be the most common ailment so beware. Otherwise they are hard working dogs that love to be outdoors and with their people.

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Originally Posted by HVani

I've met a few english setters and irish setters but I haven't really worked with them. I'm leary of some gun dogs because they can be prone to being high strung and have anxiety issues. But in my experience that's more along the lines of weimaraner and pointers.

I have worked with some britanys and the ones I have met have been bouncing off the walls full of energy and a bit neurotic.

I don't know if these have been mentioned but australian shepherds might have what you are looking for. These are very smart dogs that will follow you to the ends of the earth. Lots of stamina, sturdy and willing to please.

If you want something with a shorter coat you could try cattle dogs. They are really tough smart dogs. I find them to not be quite as willing to please and aussies but still great dogs.

I know someone mentioned a standard poodle but I have to bring them up again. Don't let the silly hair cuts fool you, these are intelligent, willing to please and overall pleasant dogs that don't shed. They were originally bred as gun dogs and water retrievers.

Lastly if you are looking into setters, I would suggest a springer spaniel. They are great dogs IF you can find one from a good breeder. Popularity has taken it's toll on this breed. Allergies seem to be the most common ailment so beware. Otherwise they are hard working dogs that love to be outdoors and with their people.

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Gotcha, guess it was just wishful thinking haha

I actually went to a shelter and saw an Aussie and an ACD. They were wonderful and I told some of the people my plan, and they said I'd pretty much regret getting one as they need a LOT of exercise and the two in the shelter got there because the owner had to go to work everyday and came home to a ripped up couch on multiple occasions since they didn't get their share of exercise that day.

For poodles, I don't mind getting a Standard poodle, however, just the ever growing hair is what'll get me haha. I'd rather not have to deal with a haircut (which was quoted to be around $80 around where I live) and the constant brushing. But I really am considering them an option, just have to meet more.

I was looking into Welsh Spring Spaniels, however, I'd like a bit bigger dog if possible haha. But still another viable option@

Thank you so much for your reply!

Haha yeah you'll see them in shelters for similar reasons. Personally I don't think they need much more exercise than most dogs. What they need (and people often fail to give them) is mental stimulation. These dogs are smart and love to learn. Looks like you are interested in obedience classes and an aussie would thrive in that environment.

For poodles I don't mind paying for grooming considering there is no hair in my house. If you keep them trimmed they don't need any brushing.

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Originally Posted by Pampho85

Gotcha, guess it was just wishful thinking haha

I actually went to a shelter and saw an Aussie and an ACD. They were wonderful and I told some of the people my plan, and they said I'd pretty much regret getting one as they need a LOT of exercise and the two in the shelter got there because the owner had to go to work everyday and came home to a ripped up couch on multiple occasions since they didn't get their share of exercise that day.

For poodles, I don't mind getting a Standard poodle, however, just the ever growing hair is what'll get me haha. I'd rather not have to deal with a haircut (which was quoted to be around $80 around where I live) and the constant brushing. But I really am considering them an option, just have to meet more.

I was looking into Welsh Spring Spaniels, however, I'd like a bit bigger dog if possible haha. But still another viable option@

Thank you so much for your reply!

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I think that it's important to take all of this advice with a grain of salt and a bit of perspective. Minus maybe teacup poodles and some other small "for show" dogs, all breeds were originally bred for some kind of work, whether in the field, farm or otherwise. With proper guidance and training, almost any dog can be trained to function in almost any capacity. Yes dog breeds are predisposed to certain traits, but that doesn't fully dictate their abilities, personality, or how they will act as adults. I've seen pit bulls that are great retrievers, and labs that are fully uninterested in retrieving anything.

It it more depends on the dogs own unique personality, you're training methods, and how you relate to the dog. All dogs have their champion traits, as well as heir shortcomings, and a lot of the time these are unpredictable. One of the best dogs I've ever owned was a mutt from a local shelter. She was the most intelligent, trainable, loving and healthy dog I have ever had. Point is, simply pinning down the "correct" breed doesn't guarantee you anything.

I would worry more about spending time with individual dogs in person and see who you bond with.

I totally agree with the above. Some of the best dogs I have ever had have been mutts. Dogs are not machines and even getting a puppy and raising it does not guarantee it will do everything you want it to.

I somehow ended up with a pure bred through a rescue. My cairn terrier is such an amazing dog. She's smart, loyal and active. And she's freaking bullet proof. Just a tough little dog. She's the kind of dog I know I could take hiking and camping if I wanted to. But I also know that not all cairns are like her. It's all in the individual.

I also want to add if you do decide on a certain breed, consider a rescue. Rescuing an adult dog is awesome. Most times they are out of their chewing stage, fully house broken and already use to the coming and going of living in a home. Dogs are not always given up due to bad behavior. Sometimes people move or have babies and the dog is given up then. I have been rescuing for years and it's very rewarding.

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Originally Posted by HVani

Haha yeah you'll see them in shelters for similar reasons. Personally I don't think they need much more exercise than most dogs. What they need (and people often fail to give them) is mental stimulation. These dogs are smart and love to learn. Looks like you are interested in obedience classes and an aussie would thrive in that environment.

For poodles I don't mind paying for grooming considering there is no hair in my house. If you keep them trimmed they don't need any brushing.

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Gotcha! What other kind of mental stimulation would be good for them?


How often do you trim them?

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Originally Posted by JoshSloane

I think that it's important to take all of this advice with a grain of salt and a bit of perspective. Minus maybe teacup poodles and some other small "for show" dogs, all breeds were originally bred for some kind of work, whether in the field, farm or otherwise. With proper guidance and training, almost any dog can be trained to function in almost any capacity. Yes dog breeds are predisposed to certain traits, but that doesn't fully dictate their abilities, personality, or how they will act as adults. I've seen pit bulls that are great retrievers, and labs that are fully uninterested in retrieving anything.

It it more depends on the dogs own unique personality, you're training methods, and how you relate to the dog. All dogs have their champion traits, as well as heir shortcomings, and a lot of the time these are unpredictable. One of the best dogs I've ever owned was a mutt from a local shelter. She was the most intelligent, trainable, loving and healthy dog I have ever had. Point is, simply pinning down the "correct" breed doesn't guarantee you anything.

I would worry more about spending time with individual dogs in person and see who you bond with.

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Gotcha! That's what I was trying to get at before on another forum, however they shut me off saying that dogs are the 'slaves' to their traits so to speak. And right now I've been visiting friends and the shelter to look for a dog that would better suite me as a person and that I would enjoy having.

Thanks for the post!

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Originally Posted by HVani

I totally agree with the above. Some of the best dogs I have ever had have been mutts. Dogs are not machines and even getting a puppy and raising it does not guarantee it will do everything you want it to.

I somehow ended up with a pure bred through a rescue. My cairn terrier is such an amazing dog. She's smart, loyal and active. And she's freaking bullet proof. Just a tough little dog. She's the kind of dog I know I could take hiking and camping if I wanted to. But I also know that not all cairns are like her. It's all in the individual.

I also want to add if you do decide on a certain breed, consider a rescue. Rescuing an adult dog is awesome. Most times they are out of their chewing stage, fully house broken and already use to the coming and going of living in a home. Dogs are not always given up due to bad behavior. Sometimes people move or have babies and the dog is given up then. I have been rescuing for years and it's very rewarding.

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Oh I didn't mean it to sound like they would be machines, sorry. I do understand they're living animals, and they're not slaves. And when you teach a dog something, it's more like you having to 'ask' them, not command them so to speak.

My only point with rescuing is that I'd love to do it in the future. However, in the beginning, I want myself and my family to be exposed to a smaller dog that grows up. We've never owned a dog before and my mom is getting over her fear of them so I don't want to jump into getting a big one right away.

But I'll definitely rescue some when I get older! That's what I plan on doing in retirement haha

I'm not saying you think of them as machines ♥

The best trained dog in the world will still make mistakes or do something he shouldn't. They are animals after all.

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Originally Posted by HVani

I'm not saying you think of them as machines ♥

The best trained dog in the world will still make mistakes or do something he shouldn't. They are animals after all.

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Haha sorry, I tend to apologize a bit too much

Yup, I wouldn't believe anyone if they say never made a mistake, so I def. don't hold that over dogs.

Would you say getting a puppy (of any breed) for a first dog is a bad choice when compared to getting a little bit older dog?

The reason I'm asking is because people have been telling me to get from a rescue, which I wouldn't mind doing at all, however some others are saying that I could end up with more vet bills than I bargained for because of this. They say that it's better to go to a reputable breeder since the parents are certified, health checked and well mannered, so there isn't a too high of a likelihood, compared with a rescue, for things to go sour.

I'm pretty bias. All my dogs I've had, since I moved out from my parents, have been rescues. Many of which were special needs but I knew that going into it. In many cases your mixed breeds are healthier than pure bred.
Rescues usually have dogs looked at by a vet before they are adopted out. Any good rescue will let you know of any health issues. Having a puppy from a good breeder does not guarantee that there won't be health issues. Sometimes the odds are just against them.
Just find a dog you really like and one that works for you. Once you adopt you can have your vet check him out. Most of the time he'll be just fine.
I tend to end up with the sick ones no one wants. There are way fewer sick dogs out there than healthy, active mutts.

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