O.T. what kind of dog do I need

We got one when I was about 14 and had her for about 12 to 14 years. She was a mix not the best cattle dog but the best companion animal I have ever known. It was almost like old yellar when we had to have her put down.

JM2CW

JT

They also have herding instincts second only to their protective qualities.

You do not teach to protective, it is in their bloodline.

If you have unexpected guests showing up all the time than this animal is not for you. Animal tends to only 'tolerate' guests you introduce. But the dog will always treat quests with caution.

Ever dog advertised in the paper is AKC this or that and it doesn't mean a thing - unless its coming from a REPUTABLE breeder. Otherwise its one guy having his AKC reg dog breed to his neighbor's AKC reg dog of the same breed. Not taking into account temperment or a genetic defect in the dog's family. My brothers and sisters own 6 registered "pure breeds", and 4 have genetic defects that have costed thousands of dollars in attempts to repair - usually bad hips and premature arthritis and these are in some cases less then a year old. The dogs range from Jack Russels to Labs. It doesn't happen all the time but it just doesn't seem worth the exopense to find out.

There are lots of good dogs out there but for your situation (kids and country)I feel that you can't beat an Australian Shepherd. My wife and I raised four kids (3 boys and a girl) in the country on 45 acres. We got our first Aussie in the 70's and have had seveal since. They are great family dogs and but will still look out for their "family." My wife and I still talk about how they would stick with the kids like glue when they were out playing.

One day we heard one of the kids hollering and went out to see what the ruckus was; Meg, our first Aussie wouldn't let the kids go down the driveway toward the road. She kept pushing them back toward the house and the kids were squawking about the dog kind of "looking out for them."

We buried our last Aussie about a month ago; she's up in the back yard next to her aunt and grandmother. Three big field stones mark their resting places. My wife and I weren't sure about getting another dog but with two toddler grandsons close by who like to hang out up here with us, we kind of think that another Aussie isn't too far off and would maybe be a pretty good idea.

My only bit of advice would be to get one that comes from a line with calm dispositions, family- type dogs. Some of the pure working stock Aussies can be a bit hyper.

Good luck and this is just my $.02 based on our experiences with kids, country and Aussies.

That dog was smart, when picking up the shotgun she would run to the field to flush birds, pickup the rifle and she would start tracking deer. Thought I’d fool her one day and came out of the house with a fishing pole, she went to the garden and started digging for worms.

oh my heavens i laughed hard at that one. thank you sir. mudstuck

I was with you until your dog went to the garden for worms. I know too many oldtimers who tell that story too often.

Get a poodle.

My first choice yrs. ago would be a Lab. Be prepared as they are pups for about 2 yrs. Other choice would be a Blue Heeler.

Since I live in the South a long hair dog is out for me. Around our house we raise American Bulldogs exclusively (not pit bull terriers).

They are smart (learn quick), have fun personalities and are very athletic, remind me of a good looking AQHA horse. I prefer the red saddleback dogs with with a white chest, blaze and 4 stocking feet. Not prone to any health problems that I am aware but they are prone to skin allergies while young.

I have had these dogs around my kids, neighbors etc. and NEVER had a problem. I take them camping with my BSA troop, they love to swim with the boys. These dogs love to ride in a truck, sit in your lap, lay on your feet as mine is as I type and they also like to play hide and go seek. Their facial expressions are limitless and they always appear to be smiling.

The dogs are excellent working dogs, very protective of their property and make outstanding guard dogs. The look more intimidating than they are, I do not crop the ears or tail. Others do just for looks.

IMHO it is all how you raise and socialize the animal and that goes for any animal. Raise them with love and discipline and they will be good. Treated badly they will act badly or lash out from fear. Aggressive dogs are a product of their environments, not usually their genetics. The owner is 100% responsile for the behavior of their dog.

That said my best recommendation is to take the dog to a basic obedience course and right from the get go assert yourself as the dominate force in that dogs life. It is much easier to correct inappropriate behavior and show the correct responses and behaviors to a young bulldog than to a 100 pounder, so start immediately.

I was scared off of G.Shepherds as a boy and have never trusted them since.

• American Bulldog and kid pics

Might I also add that as much as I love puppies, I hate to raise them. Some of the best dogs I've ever owned I found at the pound. Somehow they know that you rescued them from certain misery and death and return exceptional loyalty.

Get a book on obediance and follow it. She will be one of your best investments for our property. Just plan your training in advance and she will do what you want her to do.

That dog will surely raise a ruckus when a strange car or critter comes in the yard.

I gota agree with the Labs. I've had black Labs for the past 50yrs being the most friendly dogs all the time but one mean mother when needed, without any formal training.

By that I mean, Labs have a natural instinct to protect there owners and are a excellant judge of character.

Just make sure you buy young AKA pups, 5/6wks old (I like 5wk old) and that the parents had been trained to hunt. This makes training the pup easier, even tho you may not want a hunting dog. AKA is to keep people of trying to pass off non-pure blood lines or mix breeds as Labs and pups with bad hip joints.

T_Bone