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08/05/2008, 22:05 Richard T Joined on 26/02/2008 Posts 92 What Dog? I know next to nothing about dogs so I am hoping to get some advice here. My son who is 25 has recently moved to France (87) to renovate a house that we have bought. The house is isolated with a large area of woodland around it. He lives alone and has been talking about getting a dog for both companionship and, to a lesser extent, to help him feel secure in the house. My question is what sort of dog would be best for him bearing in mind: - there's plenty of room for the dog to run around - my son probably wouldn't be too disciplined about training and exercise - he is likely to keep chickens at the house in due course - I have a three year old grandson who is likely to be a fairly regular visitor - my son doesn't have much money so I guess he wouldn't want a dog with a big appetite or one that might require expensive vet bills. Also are there French regulations which need to be considered? Thanks for your help. Richard T    Report

09/05/2008, 9:04 Magnolia Joined on 24/08/2007 Charente-Maritime/Charente Posts 233 Re: What Dog? Hi Richard From what you've written I would suggest that your son doesn't get a dog at all. All animals are a commitment and can be costly no matter what their size. Your son basically wants something to protect him - well, I suggest he gets himself a woman !!!!! At least a woman can fend for herself - she can feed herself if she's hungry (unlike a dog), she can go to the doctors if she's unwell (unlike a dog), she doesn't need training or exercising (unlike a dog), she won't eat your chickens (actually, that's debateable), she won't attack or bother your grandson (as long as she's not a child hater), if you get yourself a good woman her bite will be as good as a dog's and she only need visit at night when your son needs protecting! On a more serious note though, I think it would be extremely irresponsible of your son to get a dog as he will obviously expect it to behave itself (not chase the chickens or jump all over your grandchild) yet he won't be willing to put in the time and effort to train it. I see a big red flag flying here   www.adopter-levriers.com    Report

09/05/2008, 9:49 Russethouse Joined on 23/08/2004 Forum Moderator Posts 9,804 Re: What Dog? On the other hand perhaps a few positive pointers would change Richards son into a responsible dog owner, I'm sorry Magnolia but I see your post as being at variance with the familiar plea for homes for strays etc. Much as we might hope to find excellent/perfect  homes for every dog the truth is that some  would be owners need a few words of encouraging support. The dog that came to my mind was Spot, the stray that Christine Animal has, but what do I know, its a long time since I have been a dog owner and with that attitude its probably going to be even longer now. www.quimperclub.org 99    Report

09/05/2008, 18:39 sweet 17 Joined on 05/08/2006 charente maritime Posts 2,354 Re: What Dog? I can see Magnolia's point of view and, to a lesser extent, RH's.  The vital thing to remember is that the dog will be totally dependent on the OP's son for practically all its needs.  Is he able or willing to take on the responsibility of dog ownership? Only the son can answer this honestly.  I hope for the sake of the dog that he knows what he is taking on.    Report

09/05/2008, 19:13 Frenchie Joined on 31/05/2007 2 Sèvres,79 Posts 3,884 Re: What Dog? Anyway, not a lab or anything X husky, most of them would escape from a garden that is not enclosed.. Maybe a breed that is more independant, Christine might be able to give good advice , yes .. Happy    Report

09/05/2008, 19:17 Christine Animal Joined on 14/05/2005 Deux-Sèvres Posts 4,241 Re: What Dog? No, no advice on this one.  I don't know the son, where they are, if the garden is fenced and above all if he is ready for the responsibility. Sorry, my mistake, they are in the 87.   animalaidsaintaubin.monsite.orange.fr/ Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful    Report

09/05/2008, 19:19 Pads Joined on 24/05/2006 Cornwall/ Montage Noir Posts 3,187 Re: What Dog? I would ask your son how much committment h is prepared to put into a dogs care,? I currently probally spend one third of my day  feeding , walking, training, cleaning up after and general care of my dog, thats apart from when I have to take her to the vets. This is nine years down the line from her joining our house, as a puppy/ young dog, that was probally 3 years of having to spend a lot more time on the training. Another 3rd of my time is spend in just being a companion and the little time I have left , doing my own thing going to work cleaning house ect .... while she potters around the garden or sleeps. You cant just go away for a night or week end and leave the dog in the house, you cant pop back to england for a week without expensive kennels fees. Good dog food cost as well as flea and worm treatment and vets. toys and bedding  We probally spend on average over 2000 pounds each year on our dog. Has your son had pets before ? how did he look after them ? Remember a bored lonely dog will cause a lot more damage in a house than a burglar!! Try replacing a whole kitchen that a bored dog has chewed the doors off , But we all had to be first time dogs owners and I for one had a lot to learn and a whole live style to change to fit in  with my first dog.         Dirty Tom =^..^= Where ever I lay my paw thats my home    Report

09/05/2008, 21:30 Richard T Joined on 26/02/2008 Posts 92 Re: What Dog? I'm really disappointed at the negative responses I have had to a simple request for advice. Of course none of you know my son nor how responsible, comitted or otherwise he is but I laid out a number of criteria and asked what sort of dog would be likely to fit the bill. In other words how can my son start thinking about what sort of dog would be best for both him and the dog? Surely every dog owner has to start somewhere but I guess France Forum is not the place! Oh well. Richard T    Report

10/05/2008, 8:33 Magnolia Joined on 24/08/2007 Charente-Maritime/Charente Posts 233 Re: What Dog? Hi Richard Firstly, i'd like to apologise for my email reading so negatively (when I was doing it I actually thought it was quite funny) however, you must appreciate that what you wrote didn't sound too positive from a dog owners point of view. In my opinion, all dogs no matter their breed or size require alot of work, time, effort and money. Yes, your son could get a small dog that needs less food but it will still want exercise, training, attention and yearly visits to the vet. What you've experienced here is replies from existing dog owners who understand the commitment and work that go into dogs - no matter their breed. All i'm saying is that your son should maybe take a bit of time to consider whether or not he wants to commit to the work and commitment that goes with a dog.     www.adopter-levriers.com    Report

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