06-15-2020, 02:02 PM | #1 |
General
8562
Rep 19,982
Posts
Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
|
New puppy incoming!
After many years of wanting to, but not being prepared to make the required sacrifices myself and Mrs Tengocity have eventually bitten the bullet and bought ourselves a little puppy!
Lockdown has helped us in two regards, firstly that the things we thought we might miss doing so easily if we had a dog, we realised that we didn't miss them that much at all! Also, both of our employers have committed to substantial working from home policies beyond the current pandemic, which means most working days there should be someone at home. What's also helped is that we realised that we have two fantastic looking dog creches/doggy day car centres very near, and from a socialisation perspective it can be a good idea to have a dog in there once a week or so anyway. It's not cheap, but we've got the disposable income for it. I've always done a lot of outdoor activities, and still do a lot of walking (from rambling in the English countryside to Scottish Munros), so really wanted a dog that thrives in that environment. I've also decided that I need another hobby than cars and trackdays, and always fancied doing dog agility training. So we wanted something robust, active, and highly trainable My wife has had a GSD before, and that was her first choice, whereas I had long had a soft spot for Vislas. Other breeds we liked were Retrievers, Malinois, maybe a Doberman as an outside choice. We then had a few weeks of researching a bit more, and looking for Rescue options, however we also have cats so we need a young puppy so that we can be sure of the socialisation with them goes how we want it to, and there just wasn't anything suitable. The research also had the effect of both quite quickly agreeing that a Malinois was first choice! Like a GSD, but a not quite as chunky, and they don't have the sloping back thing going on either. But active, bright, very agile, and very trainable, if strong minded. What we also discovered quite quickly is that the whole country has gone puppy mad under lockdown and finding breeders with available litters wasn't easy. It pretty much ruled out Retrievers and Vislas, as it seems most breeders now have waiting lists for puppies. As it happens we got lucky and a Malinois breeder had a decided to sell one of the puppies she was holding back for potential show purposes, just as we got in touch. We went down to visit at the weekend, and it was love at first sight! The mother was fantastic - absolutely stunning, with a super temperament. The puppy was 4 weeks old, so we have an agonising 4 weeks to wait till we bring her home. Probably a good thing, as it gives us time to puppy proof the house and garden, get all the stuff we require, and sort out puppy socialisation classes, training classes, and we may actually get a professional trainer from the start. Anyone else got one of these by any chance? I know there are a few GSD owners on here! I'm in no doubts the next 12-18 months are going to be full on with these breed!
__________________
Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
|
06-15-2020, 02:04 PM | #2 |
General
8562
Rep 19,982
Posts
Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
|
Obligatory pics...
__________________
Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
|
Appreciate
13
Craig-SM324.50 TouringPleb4325.00 ChanceGavin27.50 gr4z1135.00 bishbosh820.00 mcoops1757.00 340ix1743.00 JD64215.00 G50888.50 F20MAW73874.50 Oreocookies29.50 SportySpice204.00 Lincoln61746.50 |
06-15-2020, 02:17 PM | #3 |
Major General
1030
Rep 6,937
Posts |
Beautiful. We also got a new puppy about 6 weeks ago although he is a lot smaller as its a Cockapoo. Wanted something small to go alongside our chocolate lab.
Good few nights of poor sleep with him needing out for the toilet but much better now. Usually up about 5.30 to 6.00 but that's pretty good as he settles about 10.30 and has never once peed or pooed his bed. Loads of fun so well worth it all |
Appreciate
1
Tengocity8562.00 |
06-15-2020, 02:48 PM | #4 |
Brigadier General
4325
Rep 4,221
Posts |
You are going to have your hands full with a Malinois! They are very full on and high energy. Also need LOTS of mental stimulation to stop them getting bored. And you will need high fences! They can jump very high! I've seen a police Malinois scale a 9ft fence! Also they have very high prey drive, so on your country walks you have to be constantly aware of what's around you as they will be after squirrels, pheasants (and peasants!) and deer. Basically if it moves they will be after it!
If you are looking to do agility that sounds ideal. They are a good size as well. I love my two GSD but at 45 and 53kg they are big dogs which starts limiting car choices! Malinois being a bit smaller don't have the same compromises. I'll look forward to the progress pictures! And take loads of pictures as they grow so quickly and the 'cute puppy' phase doesn't last long. Your are right about prices. I was looking at GSD puppies the other day (although Mr TP has very firmly said no) and the prices were ridiculous, anything from £1500-3000! Baring in mind we paid about £750-850 for our two 6 and 4 years ago. |
Appreciate
1
Tengocity8562.00 |
06-15-2020, 03:06 PM | #5 | |
General
8562
Rep 19,982
Posts
Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
|
Quote:
Now that I've started looking in to it properly I can believe the facilities there are for dogs near us. We have one dog day car place, just a mile from our house, with a pool for the dogs! 15 acres of land for them to use, and they group them by type so they can play with similar dogs. The key for us is going to be getting as much socialisation in as possible, so this will be great. Also not far is a purpose built centre for Dog Agility training. It looks immense! The fences may indeed be an issue. Most of it is 1.8 metres, but we have one section that isn't, so have the fenced coming round, so hopefully sorted before she can jump that high!
__________________
Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-15-2020, 03:07 PM | #6 |
Lieutenant
684
Rep 589
Posts |
3 weeks to wait and we get little Stanley a Border Terrier.
It's been a very painful process getting over the loss of Burt, but you are never really ready for a puppy just like kids, you have to just go for it. Enjoy and hide your favourite shoes, in fact everything you value is in play |
Appreciate
5
|
06-15-2020, 03:12 PM | #7 | |
General
8562
Rep 19,982
Posts
Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
|
Quote:
__________________
Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-15-2020, 03:17 PM | #8 |
Banned
2308
Rep 5,101
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-15-2020, 03:24 PM | #10 |
Lieutenant Colonel
1283
Rep 1,912
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-15-2020, 03:35 PM | #12 |
General
8562
Rep 19,982
Posts
Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
|
Yes, fantastic looking! I'd known of them for a while, but Mrs Tengocity hadn't, but as they're quite similar to a GSD it didn't take too much for her to fall for them too.
__________________
Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-15-2020, 03:36 PM | #13 |
General
8562
Rep 19,982
Posts
Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
|
Yeah, unless I need to get a SUV
__________________
Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
|
Appreciate
1
teaston10990.50 |
06-15-2020, 03:47 PM | #14 |
Lieutenant
684
Rep 589
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-15-2020, 04:06 PM | #16 |
Brigadier General
4325
Rep 4,221
Posts |
You'll be fine with a F31. I could get both of mine in the back, it was just very tight for both of them and too small for long journeys. For one dog you'll be fine. When we went away we put the dogs in the boot and everything else on the backseat.
|
Appreciate
1
Tengocity8562.00 |
06-15-2020, 04:28 PM | #17 |
Brigadier General
2278
Rep 4,923
Posts |
Gah not helping! Lovely dog.
I have finally got on board with getting a dog again and we have been looking for a while as well. Obviously all of the UK has had the same idea albeit a couple of months earlier so puppy prices are extortionate and no way are we paying 3k for a dog that is normally 1k. We have been trawling rehoming charities but you have to get lucky as dogs go so quickly. Speaking to a few people they all think that there will be a massive influx of unwanted dogs soon. People are going back to work and realise a dog does actually need looking after and company during the day when. Shame but bound to happen. |
Appreciate
1
Tengocity8562.00 |
06-15-2020, 04:37 PM | #19 | |
General
8562
Rep 19,982
Posts
Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
|
Quote:
__________________
Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-16-2020, 03:21 AM | #21 |
Major
605
Rep 1,449
Posts |
My wife has a dog walking and sitting business so I've seen lots of dogs of all different shapes and sizes in the house over the years.
Any visiting dogs have the same rules as our own dog and we've always made sure any visitors will get on with our dog first, usually having them for a day beforehand. The thing that always comes through is that well exercised and socialised dogs are the nicest. My wife has had a few clients who do not regularly walk their dog thinking that throwing a ball down the garden for them to retrieve a few times a day is enough. It isn't. These are the dogs with behaviourial issues, insecurities and more likely to chew or dig. A well exercised dog has less spare energy but is also more content and consequently a nicer pet So whatever dog you get please make sure you put the time in, especially when they're young Training is important and doesn't ever really stop. Our dog is 9 this year and I still make her wait for her food, sit and lie on command, that sort of thing. The message that you are in charge and not the dog has to be continually reinforced. It's a great experience for the dog to go to a sitter if they also have other dogs as this will help with socialising them, many dogs my wife sits drag their owners up our drive to the front door, so keen are they to get to see our dog. She charges £20/day so for people working full time wanting sitting every day that can be £400 a month so not cheap But a well trained and socialised dog is a great thing and very rewarding, they become part of the family and have to be treated as such |
Appreciate
4
|
06-16-2020, 04:10 AM | #22 | |
General
8562
Rep 19,982
Posts
Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
|
Quote:
I have to admit that for a long time I thought that having to take your day to a dog daycare place or use a walker meant you probably shouldn't have one, but used sensibly I realise that it's actually a genuine benefit and addition to a dogs overall welfare. The ones we have on our doorstep are beyond anything I had imagined quite frankly. I'm on holiday this week and my main task is dog prep, so need to make a list of everything we need to buy, book the puppy socialisation classes, but also speak to some trainers, as we want to do everything we can right from the start.
__________________
Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
|
|
Appreciate
1
F20MAW73874.50 |
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|