Watto Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 (edited) Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum. I love dogs but have not had one since I was a kid (and neither has my husband). So now that we have decided to get a dog (eventually it may be dogs but we'll just get one to begin with), I've become quite obsessed with different breeds etc. I have a couple of questions which I hope you might be able to answer. I realise it comes down partly to individual personalities but the breed itself must play a fairly large role. Anyway, this is the context. We both work from home and the dog will be allowed inside with us during the day and will also sleep inside at night. I'm looking for a loving companion as well as hoping to find a breed I can run 5-10 km a day with when it's old enough (followed by a run in the off leash area at Lilydale Lake or Warrandyte river). In the evening it will get another walk with both of us, maybe 30 minutes or so. I've already looked up a great obedience club near us (Croydon) as both the dog and we will need training! I'd very much hope to continue beyond basic training as I can see how happy well trained dogs are and, to be honest, I'd really like to 'make amends' for having extremely untrained dogs in the family when I was a kid. Fencing: We live on an acre property with lots of lawn and large trees so it would obviously be great if the dog can have access to that but it's not going to be easy at all to fence it all securely (eg the long front fence is a 1 m plus picket fence with a wooden gate which has quite a considerable gap under it and we have seven sets of neighbours, only 3 of which share what I would call secure fencing with us). My question is, is it feasible to think we could have a situation where the dog is with us while we are outside (gardening, playing with it etc) and it will be happy to stay close and not try to escape? And then keep it indoors or in a much smaller area when we are away from home? I'm quite worried because all rescue dogs for instance require 'secure fencing'. Wildlife: As we haven't had any other pets, we love our wild birds, especially our king parrots, magpies etc. I have been looking at Tenterfield terriers as a possible option as they seem pretty interesting little characters - is it at all possible to train this breed to not attack/kill the birds or is that too much to ask? We are thinking of a low to moderate shedding medium (to small) size dog. Any suggestions as to which breeds might fit in well with the lifestyle mentioned above would be highly welcome. I was really keen on Australian shepherds but think that they require even more exercise than I can give and my lack of experience as a trainer might be a problem. Also, I think they shed A LOT of hair? We are thinking of getting a purebred puppy or possibly a young-ish adult rescue dog (mostly mixed breeds). One other thing is that having seven sets of neighbours we don't want to add to the neighbourhood barking problem so a breed which is not notorious for barking would be preferable. Anyway, if anyone has any advice for me, it would be much appreciated. Thanks. Edited June 16, 2015 by Watto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 I would be organising a safely fenced area before you start looking for a dog. Just fence an area immediately behind or adjacent to the house where a dog can be kept when it is not indoors or being directly supervised by you. Make sure that there is some adequate shelter in that area ( a sturdy kennel will do.) I have a friend who breeds both Tenterfields and show poultry. With training these little dogs can be taught to ignore birds - it just takes a bit of supervision when they are young. The same applies to most of the small working terriers - most can be trained to ignore birds but the prey drive for small furred animals is a bit stronger. You are unlikely to have much trouble with barking if the dog is spending most of its time with you, as you will be able to keep on top of it and not let it become a habit. May I suggest that you have a look at Australian Terriers? A great little dog and fairly bombproof for a first time dog owner. Very robust and sturdy and will happily keep up with you on a 5 km run when adult. Great little characters! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 First of, all dogs require secure fencing. You would need to build a secure dog run at the very least to contain your dog whenever you want it outside and you're not with it. I would look to your fencing first then consider a dog. A terrier would be off in a flash, as would lots of other breeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watto Posted June 17, 2015 Author Share Posted June 17, 2015 Thanks for the tips and advice RuralPug and Rebanne. I'll definitely make sure that we have a secure outside area before going down the path of getting a dog. As far as the whole garden goes, I've just been around the perimeter and things are not quite as bad as I feared. Half of it is sturdy 6ft plus fencing. The rest is 1-1.5 metres so depending on the breed we decide on would need to be replaced or heightened. Australian Terriers are lovely ... my sister had one (which strangely enough she named after me!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaCC Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 (edited) Regarding Aussie Shepherds, the amount of daily exercise you suggested would be great for an aussie, although you may find you end up just making a super fit dog. So you would also want to do some daily training as well for mental stimulation. So yes think if you can handle their wiley ways there, they can be the kind of dog that is smarter than you. I would actually call them a moderate shedder generally throughout the year, but they do shed heavily once or twice a year when they change coat. Birds: I know some Aussies will chase and even herd birds, but mine lets birds eat from his bowl... Oh barking, mine doesn't alert bark, or bark for no reason, but he will "talk" to me, say during training if I stop and he wants to keep working. It's quite good, my neighbours (normal suburban block) often comment that they wouldn't know I have a dog if they didn't see me walking him as he is so quiet. I do think he would bark, or find something fun to do though if he was bored, I run/train him daily. They may be larger then what you are looking for too, and they would probably escape without good fencing. As others have said, fencing is the main focus. Edited June 17, 2015 by LisaCC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 (edited) That amount of exercise would be fine for my Aussie Shepherd. Agree with Lisa they mainly have two coat drops a year but unless you get a non shedding dog there will be hair around. re fencing, I would fence in a dog yard within the property, an Aussie (or any dog really) would easily be out with fences under 6ft or through gaps. My girl snapped a bird right out of the air at 4 months and broke its neck, really depends on the individual but they can have a pretty strong prey drive. Mine loves to chase. She isn't a barker, but she will alert bark occasionally or at thunder/fireworks. Edited June 17, 2015 by Dame Aussie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Yep, my Aussie Shep would be fine with that exercise too (it's more than she gets with me ) but as the others have said they need some mental stimulation/training/work too as they are clever and curious so will find their own interesting things to do if you don't do it for them. Shedding agree, fencing agree - mine has never escaped standard 5' timber fencing though she probably could if she wanted, she jumps to look over the top sometimes. Mine doesn't have much of a prey or a herding drive, although she does enjoy a bit of a chase after birds and other animals sometimes - she's not very committed to it tho and I think it comes from her "wants to know what everything is and what it's doing and if it could be her friend" drive :laugh: I suspect I could bring out her drive with training if I wanted to but she suits me as she is for now. She does have a loud bark and will alert bark at unusual or exciting things (visitors approaching etc) but she's mainly set off by my other dogs and is quieter when she's on her own (she's the police for my smaller dogs so if they bark at something they look at her until she checks it out for them and tells me about it). As far as companionship goes, she's brilliant for that and is my little support person in life :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverStar-Aura Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Thanks for the tips and advice RuralPug and Rebanne. I'll definitely make sure that we have a secure outside area before going down the path of getting a dog. As far as the whole garden goes, I've just been around the perimeter and things are not quite as bad as I feared. Half of it is sturdy 6ft plus fencing. The rest is 1-1.5 metres so depending on the breed we decide on would need to be replaced or heightened. Australian Terriers are lovely ... my sister had one (which strangely enough she named after me!) If you're going to look into Aussies (terrier) you will definitely need a much higher and secure fence. All the Aussies my family have owned have been able to spring the height of a 6ft fence easily and if we hadn't got on top of it, they would've scaled it for sure. They are fantastic, robust, little dogs with a whole lot of attitude but I would be worried about your native wildlife. Kirah is a fantastic bird and vermin hunter: she's killed mice, lizards and multiple birds (luckily she's only managed to get Indian Mynas but also one native wattle bird ). Their prey drive is strong and it's hard to teach them that certain birds are fair game (pests like the Indian Myna) but that the natives are off limits. They love the outdoors and Kirah loves to spend her day fossicking and snuffling around our back garden -- I'm not sure why, but all my Aussies have done it. I think they just like to stick their noses into things!! Aussies are also very inquisitive and like to help their humans out and just love to be around people in general -- basically they like being involved. They're good watchdogs but in my experience, as soon as an "intruder" heads down your driveway it's all about "ooh boy, a friend". Poochie (the Aussie in my signature) would've licked a thief to death and then helped them get away with the TV and riches!! :laugh: I believe Aussies are a hidden gem in the dog world -- but they're my heart breed and I couldn't imagine life without one, or two, or three ... Possibly ten!! They're generally quite a healthy breed too with very little in the way of genetic issues -- luxating patellas are the only major not-so-common issue I can think of. The very best thing about them though is their size: 6 to 10 kilos depending on lines, which means they're good lap dog and cuddle size!!! :D Just remember not to be fooled by their small size, they have a personality as large as any German Shep or Dobeman!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 (edited) I agree that you need a securely fenced area for your dog. I live in an area not far from you, I'm on 10 acres and get wildlife, mainly foxes, rabbits and kangaroos coming up close to the house. My dogs dont get access to the whole property, they'd be off in a flash if they got the chance. I have an area around the entire house with dog proof fencing, so it's a bit like a suburban sized house and yard plonked in a big paddock. When ever I go into the paddock the dogs stay in the house yard, or if I take them out, they go on a leash. I believe you can train some dogs not to chase the birds that come into the yard. My dogs have learnt to ignore the many varieties of wild birds who come around, and I have 2 chickens that free range with them. I've also discouraged them from getting excited if they see kangaroos near the house as I dont want them trying to jump the fence to chase them, so I've trained them to pretty much ignore them, to consider them just the same as my mare, who doesn't get a second glance. The roos come up close too! This big buck was at the house yard gate! Fortunately the whippets didn't see this one, they might have got excited seeing him this close, I had to go out and shoo him away. I'd hate to think of what might have happened if he'd decided to hop over to eat the grass in my yard. Stay out! by kirislin, on Flickr foxes too, that's the same gate the 'roo was at. Serenading Mr Fox by kirislin, on Flickr Edited June 17, 2015 by Kirislin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaCC Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 (edited) Ok I update my info about my Aussie Shepherd, birds like magpies he's fine and doesn't care about, but with wildlife like in Kirislins post he would need extremely secure fencing or he would be after them in a flash. I'm sure being raised around them though, they would get more used to them, but secure fences for sure! Edited June 17, 2015 by LisaCC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Ok I update my info about my Aussie Shepherd, birds like magpies he's fine and doesn't care about, but with wildlife like in Kirislins post he would need extremely secure fencing or he would be after them in a flash. I'm sure being raised around them though, they would get more used to them, but secure fences for sure! Yes, actually, I'm extremely lucky because my whippets could easily clear my fences, any determined dog could, it just hasn't occurred to them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watto Posted June 18, 2015 Author Share Posted June 18, 2015 Wow, thanks very much, everyone. Lots of useful advice and beautiful pics :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheena Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 We are on 200 acres with a lot of wildlife. We have about 1/2 acre fenced off around the house for our two border collies. Our fence is only about one meter high, but it has a hot wire running around the top. I have never heard or seen them touch it but I imagine they must have once because they don't try to jump out to chase the wildlife or the cows. When we go for walks, the young guy goes off lead because he tends to stick pretty close & is not much of a chaser, but my girl is mostly on lead, as she will give chase & she just loves to roll in things stinky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 Why do all dogs need secure fencing? Even though my yard is fenced I never leave my dog outside when I go out, she is always in the house. Additionally generally only toilets on her walks not in the yard so that wouldn't be an issue. I understand it's necessary if you plan on leaving your dog outside unattended. But I don't think having an unfenced yard should exclude you from owning a dog depending on the situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 My dogs wouldn't be happy being inside all the time so I think the option of being able to have them outside and unsupervised even for a few minutes is important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watto Posted October 10, 2015 Author Share Posted October 10, 2015 (edited) Just an update. I've decided on a miniature poodle - we'll be getting him in about a month from a registered breeder and I'm very excited! :) I really appreciate everyone's input - turns out my husband is mildly allergic around some dogs and is not keen on dog hair inside (okay, I can't put it all on him - neither am I) so that was the deciding factor and in many other ways a miniature poodle fits the bill (from my reading I like the sound of a good mini poodle - their trainability, ability to connect with people, their athleticism etc). We're busy making the fences secure for peace of mind but he'll either be inside with us or accompanying us on various adventures or be outside when we're outside (which is often). Btw, for the Australian Shepherd lovers out there, I saw the most beautiful young one the other day when I was walking my sister's dogs - the most relaxed, friendly gorgeous dog... aahh :) p.s. for the Australian Terrier lovers who posted, I know what you are talking about - I have grown to love my sister's dog (14 months now). She is such a plucky, exuberant wonderful little creature and just loves getting her nose into everything and adores being with you. My feeling was that an Aussie Terrier wouldn't be quite as content/good indoors as a mini poodle and would be more of a threat to our wild birds. Anyway, I think being a very well socialised friendly little critter, I think she'll be a great playmate for our mini poodle along with my sister's other dog (a lovely affectionate Papillon cross). Edited October 10, 2015 by Watto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Great choice. Great dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denali Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Excellent choice :) They are great dogs. I suggest buying a set of clippers, or finding a good groomer near you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Great choice. Great dogs. Totally agree. Don't be at all surprised if your mini has some prey drive though. A good recall will be important because they may chase animals. One of mine killed birds also. They're still dogs. Not anything like a sighthound for chasing but those hunting instincts may still be there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watto Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 Excellent choice :) They are great dogs. I suggest buying a set of clippers, or finding a good groomer near you Thanks - for the first several times, he'll go to a professional. After some research/maybe doing a short course, I'll give it a go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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