jdigs 0 Posted June 19, 2004 Okay my brothers and sisters of STF.net..I have been pondering getting a dog for some time now..everyone I know is telling me it's not a good idea but I'm not so sure and have been doing research. I spent the later part of my childhood with a dog and loved him, so far I am leaning towards the Labrador Retriever. Do any of you have a Lab? or care to share your thoughts on getting your own dog and the problems that come with it? I'd love to hear all about it, Thx. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WEAREBORG4102 0 Posted June 19, 2004 I advise not getting a dog if anybody in your house is allergic to clear that up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
removed 0 Posted June 19, 2004 I don't have a Lab, but I do have a Golden Retriever. Now these are nice dogs. The same size as labs, but they are long-haired dogs, so they are softer and cuter. Lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
=-=SmOkEd=-= 0 Posted June 19, 2004 i dont have a dog but my dad breeds chow chow...and there great....i would say get a dog you've had experince when you was younger with dog's so why not, you know the responsabiltys when i get a dog i want..... #1 a house...and not an appartment #2 a big garden(depending what dog i get) #3 my dog will live out side...there animals and can handle it perfectly..just gotta get um used to it.....i say this coz i know ppl and there dogs have taken over... sad sight but true Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Phaserman 0 Posted June 19, 2004 My dad has a Chow. Bear is her name. Wonderful dog. if you think you are up to the challenge of having a dog, get one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeanway 0 Posted June 19, 2004 (edited) Had a couple of (I'm trying to say a bad word but can't)z-Tzus when I was a kid but unfortunatley they went overboard and they were gone. But anyway, they were just the best little dogs. But since they are small, you should get 2, a male and a female. You should ONLY get a dog because you really want one, they are alot of work but very good company. I loved them very much. OK, can you believe that?? They censored the dog breed! S H E E T Z T S U, is THAT ok? Edited June 19, 2004 by Jeanway Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
A l t e r E g o 9 Posted June 19, 2004 (edited) They censored the dog breed! WE did nothing of the sort; the softwear did. We have a cat. Edited June 20, 2004 by Alterego Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeanway 0 Posted June 19, 2004 (edited) Sorry, AE, I knew it was the program that did it, I didn't mean you. I said They meaning the system, or program, Sorry. I should have just spelled it out this way to begin with. 'S H I T Z T Z U', LET'S SEE IF THAT WORKS. Edited June 19, 2004 by Jeanway Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrekkieMage 0 Posted June 19, 2004 I have two dogs, so here is my advice: Dogs are wonderful loyal friends, if you are willing to have them they are great. Here are the ups and downs of them: 1. Make sure you aren't allergic to them. 2. Make sure you've got the space. 3. Make sure you've got the right age. Depending on how much of a challenge you want, there are three basic ages and pre trained dogs...Pound dog (I've got two, they're very apprecietive), breeded puppy (challenging) or a breeded and partially trained one or two year old dog (these are generally easier if it's the first time you've owned your own dog) 4. Size. If you want a lab, make sure you've got lot's of space, they can be energetic and need exersise. They should also be walked a lot. Dogs can also be much like children. They want attention and love and need a bit of dicipline. When we got our second dog, she was trouble But a year of patience has helped and she's much better behaved. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odo 0 Posted June 19, 2004 I would love to get a dog when i was younger and at home we had a Norwegian Elkhound. He was so cool. He was regestaired King Thor of Ruby Hills. Live in A Apartment now Have a cat but love her just as much maybe more just wish she would not sleep on my head Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueCrystal 0 Posted June 20, 2004 (edited) As a Doggie *mother* I would say get a dog but remember they depend on you as a child would a parent and if your not ready for that responsibility volunteer at the local non-kill animal shelter. I adore my little doggie son. He's going to be 6 on his birthday on 13 September. (I'm planning his birthday party for the family and he may have a little party at doggie daycare.) When we found out that I'm sterile, I was heartbroken and my husband when out and brought me home our little Travis Spencer. I guess I'm one of those people that allows the love of a gentle little hairy creature to take my heartstrings. Crystal Edited June 20, 2004 by BlueCrystal Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Q stole my bike 0 Posted June 20, 2004 As a Doggie *mother* I would say get a dog but remember they depend on you as a child would a parent That's so true. Dogs are like children(a lot of them think they ARE children). They need a lot of attention, so if you have any doubts over whether you have enough time and money, go with Crystal's advice and volunteer at a shelter. If you still want a furry friend of your own, but don't have the time for a dog, then I suggest a cat, they can be just as loving as dogs(even if they do act very differently) but they don't demand as much attention. IMO: I think that since you want a lab you really should have a backyard of some type. They're big dogs and need space to play. If you don't have a backyard, then you could always get a different breed that's smaller or calmer. Personally, I've heard that greyhounds are (ironically) pretty laid back, and they're a good size too. If you don't mind little dogs, Havanesse are like teeny labs (personallity-wise) but they're rare and ridiculously expensive, but hey. sounds like a good little dog if you've got tons of money to burn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odie 0 Posted June 20, 2004 I am so happy that I got a dog 2 years ago. Astro has been a joy in my life. I can't wait until I'm back to Japan and bail him out of the kennel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites