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A Good Breed For Someone With Anxiety?


kiwifeathers
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Aussie shepherd biggrin.gif great goofy fun temperaments, not too much brushing, they really only have a big shed a couple of times a year (correct me if I'm wrong, I've only had mine 6 months so far and he had a big shed about a month ago, now it's not so much like an avalanche), they go well with an hour (ish) twice a day to run off steam (we go for a half hour run in the morning and then feed horses where he wanders around and has a sniff, morning &/or afternoon) and are happy to loaf all day. They're smart but not difficult, you can be firm with them and they don't fall apart; they also learn quickly!

Mine doesn't bark when we have visitors, even if he's outside on the verandah (or collecting bones....) but I do know some to bark when there are visitors, seems to depend on the dog. They can be really good at looking scary until their owner is around smile.gif I really like that about them.

They're also really gorgeous biggrin.gif

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A Golden Retriever - they are finely tuned to their humans moods - there is a reason they are so often used for companion dogs. They are so perceptive.

They are big and have an have an impressive bark. Even though they are long haired they don't require a lot of grooming. They love bring brushed, which is very relaxing for dog and owner.

As adults they don't require a lot of exercise, two walks a day would do. They respond beautifully to obedience training, also good for bonding dog and owner.

Only problem is they can be rambunctious as puppies but that is a problem you would have with most puppies. So maybe some consideration should be put into getting an adult dog

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Aussie shepherd biggrin.gif great goofy fun temperaments, not too much brushing, they really only have a big shed a couple of times a year (correct me if I'm wrong, I've only had mine 6 months so far and he had a big shed about a month ago, now it's not so much like an avalanche), they go well with an hour (ish) twice a day to run off steam (we go for a half hour run in the morning and then feed horses where he wanders around and has a sniff, morning &/or afternoon) and are happy to loaf all day. They're smart but not difficult, you can be firm with them and they don't fall apart; they also learn quickly!

Mine doesn't bark when we have visitors, even if he's outside on the verandah (or collecting bones....) but I do know some to bark when there are visitors, seems to depend on the dog. They can be really good at looking scary until their owner is around smile.gif I really like that about them.

They're also really gorgeous biggrin.gif

I've found people aren't wary of Aussies. They are too "pretty", they lure people to get a closer look instead.

I wouldn't recommend one for a few other reasons either.

I too would go with Black Lab or Rottie. My yellow lab would scare the crap out of people if he barked, until they saw him with his wiggly tail.

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With Anxiety disorders; i have one,you do not want a dog that is always on the go and in your face demanding attention.This may worsen the Anxiety.

Go for a breed that is calm and friendly,comes for a pat when you want then can relax nearby keeping you company but not following you around every minute.

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Aussie shepherd biggrin.gif great goofy fun temperaments, not too much brushing, they really only have a big shed a couple of times a year (correct me if I'm wrong, I've only had mine 6 months so far and he had a big shed about a month ago, now it's not so much like an avalanche), they go well with an hour (ish) twice a day to run off steam (we go for a half hour run in the morning and then feed horses where he wanders around and has a sniff, morning &/or afternoon) and are happy to loaf all day. They're smart but not difficult, you can be firm with them and they don't fall apart; they also learn quickly!

Mine doesn't bark when we have visitors, even if he's outside on the verandah (or collecting bones....) but I do know some to bark when there are visitors, seems to depend on the dog. They can be really good at looking scary until their owner is around smile.gif I really like that about them.

They're also really gorgeous biggrin.gif

I've found people aren't wary of Aussies. They are too "pretty", they lure people to get a closer look instead.

I wouldn't recommend one for a few other reasons either.

I too would go with Black Lab or Rottie. My yellow lab would scare the crap out of people if he barked, until they saw him with his wiggly tail.

Ahh ok, I've never seen them in the city myself, but I know when they're barking when I rock up I prefer to hang back because they put on their scary barks embarrass.gif Even though I know they're just doing their big tough guard dog act, I must be a minority though :)

I have some anxiety issues too and find my Aussie makes me laugh which relaxes me. He also loves cuddles so that makes me feel better too. smile.gif

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What about a flat coated retriever? Ours isn't so calm, he can get excited at the drop of a hat but he is only 10mrhs. His parents are beautiful soft creatures. He's very in tune with his people and happy to laze around with us all day if need be. Does love being where we are so has a bed in every room. Gets excited about his walks and swimming, lots of happy wiggling and he's not a dog you can pin down and passively cuddle without being drowned in kisses. He's very good at giving a nice big warning bark, but we know he wouldn't follow through with more than an excitable tour of the house should anyone break in.

He has the black dog factor, which is the funniest thing if you meet him....

Does shed a bit, but nothing monumental.

Are prone to being 'puppies' for a very long time though, not what I'd call hyper but enthusiastic might be a better term, so guidance to start with is pretty important, but ours has an incredible drive to please and is great at obedience classes.

Also loves everyone, animals, people, kids. Also likes to say hi to people and being less common he's a good conversation starter!

Edited by Steph M
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Groenendael - Belgian Shepherd.

I have serious anxiety issues etc and Ivy is my guardian.

She's protective of the yard and house; she does guard/warning bark really well. Most people are scared of her as she's jet black and looks like a wolf but she's a teddy bear. She will happily chill out on the couch to watch a movie but the moment you are ready to do something; she's ready!

Grooming is simple, she just needs a brush once a fortnight and every couple of days during her yearly-ish shed. No trimming or shaving. Doesn't shed unless she's moulting, and then it is only when you give her a really good rub.

My partner works late at times and has worked away up north. I have felt very safe with Ivy.

Plus her character makes the most awful of days sunny.

I'm happy to chat privately too :)

I second this post.

While (mine) was initially aloof with strangers, but totally fine after introduction, I also think she would have been dependable if a threatening situation occurred. And yes, the image alone is enough to deter people, the common person was not aware of the breed, so "black wolf" was their first reaction!

I've heard dog reactivity can sometimes be a problem with the breed, but if socialised well shouldn't be an issue. Mine was very dog friendly so no problems there.

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Groenendael - Belgian Shepherd.

I have serious anxiety issues etc and Ivy is my guardian.

She's protective of the yard and house; she does guard/warning bark really well. Most people are scared of her as she's jet black and looks like a wolf but she's a teddy bear. She will happily chill out on the couch to watch a movie but the moment you are ready to do something; she's ready!

Grooming is simple, she just needs a brush once a fortnight and every couple of days during her yearly-ish shed. No trimming or shaving. Doesn't shed unless she's moulting, and then it is only when you give her a really good rub.

My partner works late at times and has worked away up north. I have felt very safe with Ivy.

Plus her character makes the most awful of days sunny.

I'm happy to chat privately too :)

I second this post.

While (mine) was initially aloof with strangers, but totally fine after introduction, I also think she would have been dependable if a threatening situation occurred. And yes, the image alone is enough to deter people, the common person was not aware of the breed, so "black wolf" was their first reaction!

I've heard dog reactivity can sometimes be a problem with the breed, but if socialised well shouldn't be an issue. Mine was very dog friendly so no problems there.

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Seriously, a well bred Rotti would definitely suit - they do shed some, but with occasional brushing that isn't all that much of an issue. The certainly shed less than a Labrador and most Shepherd types that I've come across.

If you've ever had the love of a good Rotti, you'd not ever want anything else... everyone knows what a Rotti is, and only your friends will know it's just a big friendly puppy... *grin*

T.

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A Shar Pei could suit if the right research is done into the temperament of the lines. A half hour walk twice a day would be more than enough. They generally don't shed much. They are a guard dog, loyal, independent, not overly needy, bond to one person.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel :D they do shed a little but I usually give Lacey a brush 2-3 times a week and that seems to keep it under control. She only barks when someone knocks on the door or a stray cat comes into the yard but otherwise she is happy chilling out doing whatever :)

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If she wants to meet an aussie I think I am local to you (lower South Island?) and have an aussie and a tribe of shelties. Personally would recommend she skip showing (and yes I am a show person) and perhaps think about obedience/agility /rallyo. Breed showing is not for the faint hearted

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Agree about the showing. It's lots of fun, and I know how people can be at shows but my last show left me a bit tattered, it was the first time i'd had a personal attack. Luckily i'm surrounded by real friends in the show world who ripped into him (without my knowledge) but if they hadn't been there I would have been a wreck - and I don't have diagnosed anxiety.

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Does she just want a dog that sounds loud from behind a door or one that looks a bit 'scary' as well? If she just wants loud then bassets are a very comforting breed and have a good woof that she could easily teach on command. They love nothing more that to lean against your leg or rest their chin on your knee and look soulfully in to your eyes. Also a great confidence booster because everyone smiles at you when you walk a basset LOL. With a basset she could do tracking which would be great fun or something like pets as therapy is great basset work because they do love everyone. Josie likes a good brisk walk and keeps up with the kelpie running on the beach but is happy to just cruise along slowly if that's all I feel like too. I wash her once a fortnight and brush her about once a week with a deshedder and hardly notice her shedding at all. I would recommend one from leaner more athletic lines like my girl is, not a big fan of the really droopy bassets with tonnes of skin.

They definately don't look scary though :laugh:

Edited by kelpiecuddles
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