wimaly

Where do you find out about breed shows? I've never been to one... Should I go to one with all the breeds or breed specific shows? Reason I’m not 100% set on a breed is cause I just love dogs in general, while there are many breeds I don’t really want to own (bully ones, the ones with breathing problems, drooly ones, aloof ones) etc. I like most dogs, purebred, cross breeds, big ones, little ones. :) The breeds I've narrowed down are, I guess, more practical for my lifestyle. And I think I should be able to maintain their exercise, grooming and all other needs for over 15 years etc.

I’ve been on the lookout for a puppy for some time now (over a year) after narrowing down to a few breeds (I won’t mention which because there might be people here who know these people), I’ve researched the reputable breeders, compiled lists of ones which are closer to me and even ones who are far away who I really like ethically/looks/recommendations etc… would consider getting a dog from interstate. I’ve filled in puppy application forms/wish lists. Answered all the questions. I’ve provided details of lifestyle I can provide the dog, a bit about myself, my dog ownership history, I’ve mentioned what I like about that particular breed and breeder. I don’t think I have any of the typical deterrents: there is someone home for most of the day, have a large fenced backyard, never relinquished a dog before, looked after dogs until old age, wanting to provide many walks and obedience training, no children and financially secure. However the response has been terrible, I’ve submitted the forms online, followed up a few days later with a call or email, and then maybe a week after that. From two breeders it’s been months (2-4) before I even got a “we have litters coming up in April” type of email… I haven’t submitted these all at once, as I assume most breeders know each other. I get really set on reputable breeder and if I hear nothing back after two to three weeks then Id move on to contact another breeder. In the course of a year, I’ve ended up on waitlists twice – from breeders who picked up their phone (never a call or email from completing the puppy application form). First one had two many people on her waitlist, not enough puppies. Fair enough. Second one said that they would contact me when pregnancy confirmed, and they did not. Found out from their website that the pregnancy is confirmed, contacted him, he said I’m at the very top of the waitlist. Now puppies have been born and its been 4 or so weeks and I’ve still heard nothing. (on their website it says they will contact you when they're born) The breed(s) (I've got three breeds which in my mind are a tie) I'm after aren't rare, there are so many dogs on gumtree from BYB without genetic testing (not many in rescue). I've put in a lot of time and effort into this...any advice would be greatly appreciated! Am I doing something horribly wrong? At this point I can understand why people buy from pet shops (after all this research i'm not going to!)

I will actually be home for most of the time, whilst my family is not, so I can supervise both as much as necessary I have the whole families involvement in raising my dog as i want so hopefully it shouldnt be too much of an issue but i'll definitely try to supervise all greetings when family come home just in case! Even my sisters bouncy dog is only bouncy for short periods of time (when theres a ball or when people come home) but if no ones home he just sleeps on his bed, a couch or outside in the garden (he's not destructive in any way). Despite his energy he knows which rooms he has to ask permission to enter so I can keep them separated quite easily if i have to! I'm doing a bit of research on rewarding calming behaviours, thanks for recommending those books - will check them out! :)

Hmmmm I might move this to the oodle alternative post then - I've looked but haven't really found one particular breed that I'm 100% set on! Thanks for all your answers though! :)

I realise this is a pure breed forum and don’t want to get totally grilled! But both dogs are cross breeds (Labrador x poodles), mine will be smaller than my sisters. I'm just hoping that people have had some success with owning two different breed dogs like one small breed maybe a maltese that gets treated differently from say a standard poodle in terms of jumping on people? and access to couches...Without any jealousy/grumpiness type problems?

I’m not sure if this has been answered already, but if it has I couldn’t find it, sorry! I am currently living with my parents and sister and her very excitable 7 year old dog and am about to get a puppy who I want to be very gentle and relaxed. I had a lovely dog for many years (who has passed away now) that was calm relaxed and very gentle. When she was 6 my sister bought her dog and raised him to be very boisterous and excitable (that’s the personality that she likes in dogs). My old dog remained calm and gentle despite the bouncy dog, but she didn’t play much with him (she was a very sleepy and people based dog). Anyway sisters dog is very jumpy when people come home, often barks at people at the door, pulls on a leash and is very ball obsessed. Other than that he has a lovely personality and is super friendly! I wont be walking them together so don’t think the leash pulling will be an issue, but as he is quite playful, I’m sure he’ll love playing with the new puppy :) How can I prevent these behaviours from happening in my puppy? I love the very gentle “nanna like” dogs that sit to greet people patiently and don’t super get ruffled up over things. Is it fair to give one dog attention for jumping on guests but not the other? Could this lead to doggy jealousy? Can I desensitise one dog to the doorbell if the other is barking like crazy?