Which breed?

SDDogLover

SDDogLover

New member
I am buying a home.
7800 Sq ft. lot. 3 foot fence in back yard. 865 sq ft on main floor. Open staircase to basement. Nice house. Suburban type setting.

I had an accident in jan of 15. Haven't recovered fully. Can't walk great distances anymore. Might someday?
The dog will come with me during the day at work. I drive a truck locally. Ride along.
I'm leaning toward rescue. Older dog just fine. Want one birdy. Works close. Feel great providing a loving hunting home for a rescue. Won't hunt alot. Will hunt.
I had a GSP. Fantastic dog. Am afraid one of them would go nuts in this house. It's too small. Would have to replace the fence in the backyard with taller.
Would love a Spinone. Again...taller fence.
Only Cocker would have to be a pup. Their rescue fails when it comes to hunting cockers.

I'm asking for thoughts?
 
With those restrictions I can't see many hunting dogs being a good fit, especially the pointing breeds. Maybe one of the heavier boned spaniels like the Clumber or Sussex. If you can find a breeder of smaller hunting Goldens that might be another option.
I think a Cocker could drive you nuts as a pup. They can be rocket fueled little dogs.

Good luck, I hope you can find a buddy for years to come.

Tim
 
I do have to admit. In looking on the internet. The Springer Spaniel rescue has older dogs. Different stories with each. My heart goes out to each and every one of them.

I realize there is a following of Springers on here. My intent isn't to troll for talk. I just honestly thought of a doggie first thing when this house became a reality. I couldn't help it. The time with my GSP was the best in my life. Would love to rescue an older dog. Spoil it with a little hunting.

What I mean by hunting. A little training. Mainly just getting our communication on the same page. Then... I could see driving over to Pierre, or maybe somewhere else east river. Hunt for a couple hours. Then drive back. Maybe even go to a private hunt club. This for privacy and avoiding any idiots. I remember right. Clubs, ya don't have to hunt in season only, it's anytime of year. The idea isn't to do any great hunting. Just treat the doggie to some fun. Walking a field, alone, with a dog, is one of the best things I have ever done.

On the fence. I've even considered pulling everything but the poles. Then put a large pole on top. Fill with cement. I wonder if the original would have a good enough base to support? I'm kinda doubting it? We get heavy wind and storms at times. I should probably dump this idea? Just pull the existing poles and replace new foundation? Or go with the idea of an electronic fence. That is an idea. I'm not prone to shocking a dog though. I had a shock collar on my GSP. Never once shocked her. Did have to use a shock bark collar when I was at work. It worked. It was a last resort.

This dog will be mainly my buddy. It turned out that way with my GSP. If she couldn't go. I couldn't go. I'd bring her to the drive in movies. Only problem was, she would hog the popcorn. The owner of my company allows us to bring our dog's with us at work. Ride around in the truck. He does the same.

So far, the best I have seen in rescue dogs is in Springer Rescue. Yes, some of them birdy. I've had to quit looking. Hurts too much. Thinking yes on this one, and yes on that one.

Just asking for constructive thought. Keep my dreaming going while I'm getting into this house and settled.
 
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I'm pro springer... but you say you can't or don't walk much??? Maybe a hard running springer wouldn't be the dog for you for that reason. What about a Lab? Those are generally more of the slower (no I'm not dissing the labs) methodical working dogs....

A springer may also get kinda antsy riding around in a truck all day. Kudos on looking into rescue dogs bud :thumbsup:
 
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