View Full Version : One "lump" or two?
Having a bit of space, and living in the country I have always fancied a dog.
So there was I minding my own business when a fried confronted me with these cute little beasties.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5588/14980598249_3c2b42a663_d.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3848/14980667400_1c8655be7c_d.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3868/14980745020_7fb5493f1b_d.jpg
He is giving them away (which is rare in France!).
How much more trouble are two dogs than one?
They are both male, and both seem to have a really calm temperament, as does their mother.
They will mainly live outside so that they have the freedom of the garden when I am at work. There is about 2 acres in total, with woodland and grass, so they should be able to have fun.
I am sorely tempted to take both, but I only have experience of owning one dog when I was younger, when my parents footed the bills.
Advice greatly appreciated, as I realise this is a 10 to 15 year commitment, and not one to be taken lightly!
Wakefield Turntables
07-09-2014, 14:51
Get both. You won't regret it and they can keep each other company. It looks like they already love each other. :goodluck:
There are pros and cons:
How long will they be left on their own? This could be a huge issue for them if they are used to human company and being part of a 'pack'. There may also be an issue for them psychologically if they are suddenly dumped outdoors for long periods of time. Depending on their psyche they may regard being kept outdoors as a punishment if they are used to being indoors. These are issues worth considering ;)
Gordon Steadman
07-09-2014, 15:17
Without wishing to teach granny to suck eggs..... I assume they won't be able to get out of the garden when you are at work. We have notices every day that dogs are loose. The French round here just get the shotgun out if any dogs start worrying livestock.
Our Marie insists that all dogs should be on a lead when out walking. We have had to put double barriers across our land to make sure dogs can't get to our ducks and chickens. We lost a few before we did that. We know it was dogs and not foxes as I came very close to giving one a few pellets as it ran off with one in its mouth. I find it difficult to actually do the deed though so the finger twitched but didn't pull the trigger.
The only time dogs are let loose, in theory, is when Le Chase is in progress. We all know to guard our pets and livestock at those times.
I would hate anyone to lose a much loved pet because they were able to escape.
They currently live outdoors ;) but a very valid point.
If they're left outside, they'll be happier together.
Spaniel/Jack Russel cross? I suppose in modern parlance that would be a Cockerjack or a Jackspring or something...
Nice looking dogs though!
Ninanina
07-09-2014, 20:53
Kevin you must get both of the doggies...
They are certainly a bit Spaniel looking and something else which I can't quite work out, maybe even Dalmatian, whatever both those dogs have a wonderful temperament... and if I am wrong on the Dalmation front the Spaniel bit is good enough for these dogs to be VERY friendly and VERY focused on their owner... they look absolutely lovely and mustn't be split up...bless their little cotton socks.... :D
Dogs really love their own company so 2 dogs is the way to go ... :D
Go for it....the dogs will love you for it..........
Stratmangler
07-09-2014, 21:18
Doggies!!!
FFS :rolleyes:
Doggies!!!
FFS :rolleyes:
I know. 'Bow-Wows' is the correct term as any fule kno.
Stratmangler
07-09-2014, 21:30
On a more serious note Kevin, do not take these pups because they're cute!
Take them on if you're prepared for a lot of hard work. Yes, there'll be moments of fun, but fundamentally it'll be hard work.
How secure is your 2 acre property?
Probably not secure enough to contain those two!
If you can't properly secure the dogs then you'll be obliged to lock them up - they won't be thought kindly of if they're causing a nuisance.
walpurgis
07-09-2014, 21:34
I know. 'Bow-Wows' is the correct term as any fule kno.
On this forum 'Woofers' would be more appropriate. :D
Ninanina
07-09-2014, 21:46
Na I still think doggies.... sorry... :D
And for the record::: The Online Dictionary.Com definition is as follows:
"doggy1
[daw-gee, dog-ee]
Word Origin
noun, plural doggies.
a little dog or a puppy.
a pet term for any dog.
Also, doggie"
So I think your "FFS" Chris is totally unfounded... thanks .... ;)
Stratmangler
07-09-2014, 21:56
So I think your "FFS" Chris is totally unfounded... thanks .... ;)
Think what you want - unsupervised dogs are a fucking nuisance!
And wrapping it up in anthropromorphic bullshit baby terms doesn't change the fact.
And for the record::: The Online Dictionary.Com definition is as follows:
[;)
The what now?! Sorry Bev we have to stick to some standards here. If it is not in the unabridged OED then it is not English ;)
It might be I don't know.
I still prefer Bow Wows.
Ninanina
07-09-2014, 22:04
Thanks for the aggressive response Chris but I don't think that helps Kevins question/post at all does it ? or am I missing something ? ;)
walpurgis
07-09-2014, 22:10
Think what you want - unsupervised dogs are a fucking nuisance!
And wrapping it up in anthropromorphic bullshit baby terms doesn't change the fact.
I don't think Kevin was suggesting the dogs should run free. I'm assuming his land is secure, although if he's not going to be around for longish periods, perhaps a moderately sized fenced 'paddock' with shelter and water/ food etc. and possibly access to the house may be worth considering.
Stratmangler
07-09-2014, 22:31
Thanks for the aggressive response Chris but I don't think that helps Kevins question/post at all does it ? or am I missing something ? ;)
You really do have the rose coloured specs on, don't you?
What do you not understand about my anthropromorphism comments?
The dogs will not "love him more for for being kept together"! That's utter bullshit!
That's the kind of bollocks that "dog lovers" come out with!
And yes, just in case you're missing my point, I am being derogatory towards "dog lovers".
More often than not "dog lovers" let their mutts rule the roost.
They do not behave like the pack leaders their neurotic shitbags want them to be.
Then there are people who live with dogs - they do not live in a fluffy world of doggies.
Dogs are pack animals, and the only thing they understand is status within the pack.
They will certainly sort out who is boss between them, and trust me, one of them will become the dominant one between two of them.
The last thing they need is someone who does not behave like a pack leader - fail to be pack leader and they will rule you!
My point about unsupervised dogs is very salient.
If they're not secure and they get out and cause a nuisance they'll be shot - the French are a lot less sentimental than we are in this country, and rightly so!
And rabies is a threat in France, so that's justification for shooting them in itself.
This is the last time I'm going to respond to your comments - it's becoming as tedious one of your cable threads!
Ninanina
07-09-2014, 22:33
Chris maybe you've just had a bad day a ??
And not only am I a dog lover I am an animal lover period... if that offends you then so be it .... :eek:
Chris you are making some very sensible points but there is no need to have a go at Bev like that.
Ninanina
07-09-2014, 22:45
Chris you are making some very sensible points but there is no need to have a go at Bev like that.
Thanks Martin.... I thought it was just me ...:doh:
walpurgis
07-09-2014, 22:45
I agree Martin.
Ninanina
07-09-2014, 23:17
Until a few years ago I was the very lucky person to own a most gorgeous Whippet... named Aisha (Aishy to her friends!) and the thought of her being the 'pack leader' is the most laughable thing that I can think of...myself and my partner certainly weren't either.. so I just can't imagine who held that 'title'.. I have absolutely no idea
However she WAS the most loving companion one could ever have owned and myself and my partner, Colin, could not have wished for a better 'mate' to have ever had... a totally sweet soul... and sadly missed ... :(:(
Colin is only just thinking about getting another sight hound of some description, that's Greyhounds, Whippets, Lurchers, Saluki's, Italian Greyhounds and other's
Sight hounds are just the most gentle of souls you could ever know, there is not a nasty bone in their bodies... I love them to bits.... and you can chastise me as much as you like it won't change my thoughts, and why should it a ?? ;)
walpurgis
07-09-2014, 23:40
Yeah, I've got a lovely sight hound. He's a big 75 pound Lurcher and a quiet softy.
I think he'd been badly treated before he reached me (rescued dog). As most Hounds seem to be, he's very affectionate. When I got him, I think he was initially trying for reassurance after not being treated well, he was jumpy and all skin and bone, with ribs and backbone sticking out, poor old sod. He only weighed about 50 pounds then. But now he's got used to being treated well, he's relaxed and happy, generally does as he's told and as smart a pooch as I've come across. Doesn't make much noise unless he hears people outside the house or the doorbell, good guard dog. The whole family adore him. Mind you though, I do tend to wake up in the morning with a big paw or a wet nose in my face, after he's clambered on the bed at night and plonked himself next to me.
Ninanina
07-09-2014, 23:45
Yeah, I've got a lovely sight hound. He's a big 75 pound Lurcher and a quiet softy.
I think he'd been badly treated before he reached me (rescued dog). As most Hounds seem to be, he's very affectionate. When I got him, I think he was initially trying for reassurance after not being treated well, he was jumpy and all skin and bone, with ribs and backbone sticking out, poor old sod. He only weighed about 50 pounds then. But now he's got used to being treated well, he's relaxed and happy, generally does as he's told and as smart a pooch as I've come across. Doesn't make much noise unless he hears people outside the house or the doorbell, good guard dog. The whole family adore him. Mind you though, I do tend to wake up in the morning with a big paw or a wet nose in my face, after he's clambered on the bed at night and plonked himself next to me.
He sounds lovely
I believe ALL sight hounds love your bed... it's their favourite thing... :D
Kevin,
Having been born in the year of the dog I feel I can speak with authority on this subject, not only that but I grew up in a family that always had dogs*. I think at her high point my mother had just over 20. It is quite right that they do require commitment and work - but 2 acres! That cuts down the work to almost nothing. People own dogs in cities and have to daily take their dogs for walks, vacuum clean every 3 hours etc. Your situation sounds ideal although you are going to have get serious with fencing but the rewards are so worth it. There are decent temporary arrangement while you sort out the fencing. One or two? Unlike having two wives they will not get jealous. I read something something the other day: Flip a coin. Heads you take the mutts, tails you don't. If it lands on tails and you feel a twang of disappointment then you know your answer!
* mainly dobermans but others, several cats (Siamese and Devon Rex), pigeons (two types), tropical fish, mice, canaries, budgies, a peacock, guinea pigs, and once a pig.
MikeMusic
08-09-2014, 08:31
These look calm and agreeable and dogs are gregarious and do keep themselves entertained.
1 dog is almost cruel as dogs are so social
1 or 2 depends on the dogs themselves and they are likely much the same as each other
If they seem that way they will probably be that way in the future. They will calm as they grow older.
Could you foster for a couple of weeks ?
We took on 2 in February and I have never seen a pair of dogs so close - ever.
We have 5 dogs in total and they fitted in fine.
Recently we also had 2 boarders with step daughter on holiday.
One of them is more grief than all of the others put together - and we saw it when we first saw him as a puppy.
You would see that instantly if these 2 were anything like
He has got better but is still the spawn of Satan.
He tees off all the other dogs with his constant mainc energy.
Me. I'd take em
As far as fencing the garden off, I just need to put in about 10m of fence to secure the area around the house.
This will give them about an acre to play in.
If I go for it, I'll probably take a week off work to let them settle in, and to build a "small" pen to keep them in overnight.
I am not short of space, and there are plenty of areas I can secure quite easily, as I would not want them causing havoc while I am away.
There is no livestock nearby, and the local farmers grow crops and vegetables.
The only reason I am contemplating this is because we have the space.
The head says no, but the heart says yes.
walpurgis
08-09-2014, 12:22
Why would you not have them indoors at night?
I would in the colder months. Probably in the garage though!
There is absolutely no need in the summer, as it stays quiet warm in the Toulouse area.
Anyway, based on advice here, and another forum, I can't give these guys enough of my time to settle in so unless they are "at risk", the answer has to be no. :(
walpurgis
08-09-2014, 17:41
I can't imagine not having my dog about indoors. He follows me everywhere and sits at my feet wherever I settle. He's great company.
I have the Mrs for that. :eyebrows:
(I hope she does not see this!) :eek:
walpurgis
09-09-2014, 16:57
I have the Mrs for that. :eyebrows:
(I hope she does not see this!) :eek:
Do you keep her on a collar and lead and put a bowl of water down for her? :D
('walkies' must be interesting)
Gordon Steadman
09-09-2014, 17:03
Do you keep her on a collar and lead and put a bowl of water down for her? :D
('walkies' must be interesting)
Well if she can do it!!
Ninanina
09-09-2014, 20:09
That's a real shame you can't have the Kevin...they do look lovely.... :(
Oldpinkman
09-09-2014, 20:48
I have the Mrs for that. :eyebrows:
(I hope she does not see this!) :eek:
What's it worth?
;)
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