Trying to choose a breed, help please

[tesslynn]

I have another question would you guys recommend a wire or plastic crate? It would be for some travel like bringing the dog home, going to vet etc. and mainly for at home as a place for the dog to rest without being disturbed. And if a crate says it suits a 60 lb dog will it be okay or do I need to compare specific measurements of the dog to the crate?

Sorry for all the questions but thank you so much for all the help!

That's a big dog...my 1st was 40 lbs, she was considered big. I have had the plastic type and the wire type. I prefer the wire type for the ability to collapse it. I liked the visibility factor of the wire one better, but just my preference. Both did the job...Use the lb guide as a guide only. Best to measure your pet because I got a crate that said 40 lbs, and both my pups now are smaller and that one wasn't really accommodating. So I returned it for a different brand...manufactures don't seem to have a standard is what I noticed.

 

[Cara Sandler]

I prefer the wire crates because I feel like they circulate air better.

 

[MissyGallant]

The play pen I used was the kind that is more of thing with four walls that fold that you can buy in the baby department of Walmart, Target or that sort of place.

Annabelle is in a wire crate, but we need to change it because she hates it and bites at the bars. Clara and Tara are in plastic.

 

[trini]

Does this go for adults to? If so is there pens for adult dogs versus puppies or are they all the same? <<<<< We are very excited and I just want to make sure everything is perfect and safe and make the transition go as smoothly as possible.

Most adult dogs can be left without being in a pen or crated...although a few are chewers all their life. I would ask the rescue whether or not the dog you are considering is a chewer...at nine years old I really doubt this will be an issue. Typically the chewing of everything is a puppy or very young dog issue.

Hope this potential adoption works out for you...will you get a chance to meet this "not so little " sheltie mix before you make a decision?

Trini

 

[Amanda317]

That's a big dog...my 1st was 40 lbs, she was considered big. I have had the plastic type and the wire type. I prefer the wire type for the ability to collapse it. I liked the visibility factor of the wire one better, but just my preference. Both did the job...Use the lb guide as a guide only. Best to measure your pet because I got a crate that said 40 lbs, and both my pups now are smaller and that one wasn't really accommodating. So I returned it for a different brand...manufactures don't seem to have a standard is what I noticed.

Alright thank you I will ask the rescue volunteer I have been in contact with and see what she says. That certainly seems to be a common issue among many things (at least for me, shoes, clothes etc. haha).

 

[Amanda317]

Most adult dogs can be left without being in a pen or crated...although a few are chewers all their life. I would ask the rescue whether or not the dog you are considering is a chewer...at nine years old I really doubt this will be an issue. Typically the chewing of everything is a puppy or very young dog issue.

Hope this potential adoption works out for you...will you get a chance to meet this "not so little " sheltie mix before you make a decision?

Trini

Oh okay, I'm still rather new to all this I've done research but it's still a bit confusing. The dog we had when I was child wasn't crated though she did have a plastic crate that she could sleep and my dad used it for taking her to the vet but my husband's dogs don't have crates at all and when I did more research it seemed like a common thing that was recommended.

Luckily the rescue is okay with the time it will take to finish the fence so I have some time to get my ducks in a better row haha. Anyways I will be sure to ask if she is a chewer to be on the safe side. So when the dog is an adult how do you travel with them if they aren't in a crate? Do they just sit in the car? I feel like this shouldn't need to be asked but I just want to be sure.

Once they have done the home check and gone over the adoption terms with us and all is good we will get to meet her and decide if we want to go through with the adoption. They seem confident that she would be a good match for our family so I'm excited. I don't know if I'm allowed to post a picture of her but if I am I can try to post one! She is very cute and I hope everything works out.

I'm a little nervous about it all to though while I can't wait to have a dog of our own I have had bad experiences with dogs in the past so I get a little tense around dogs I don't know. It usually isn't so bad if I know the dog is nice and have time to get used to each other. I worry a little about not like being brushed and getting nippy/growling, though from what I've read that wouldn't come from a well behaved dog or would at least be noted. I plan to ask about these kinds of things to its just all fairly new to me but I'm sure a month or so in I won't think anything of this stuff and it will all be normal like that's how it's always been.

Sorry for the long post haha I just have so many things running through my head!

 

[Amanda317]

Update on some things. So I have sent pictures of our home to them and inquired about the crate issue, their response was quite helpful. The foster parents say she is crate trained for transport and does well at home when alone, very well controlled. Also they will give us a crate that they have for her if we adopt her, it's a plastic one.

So that's awesome and we are very thankful for it. They answered so many questions in one little paragraph. I was also informed when inquiring about children's toys being around that it probably won't be an issue and she isn't destructive, so that's great to know to.

 

[chuck.brubaker]

the right dog

As someone who grew up with a Sheltie, I can tell you they are great family dogs, and great with kids. I got my first Sheltie when I was 8, my sister was 4, and my brother was 2. She was wonderful with us, and loved playing with us.

So a couple points on your concerns-

Companionship- A Sheltie will definitely fit the bill on this. They love their people, and they love being around them. Mine have never been lap dogs, but they definitely like to be near me and follow me around the house constantly.

Exercise- If you go through a rescue, they will make sure you are paired with a dog that fits your family and needs. If you only have time for a walk once a day and are really looking for a dog that lays around most of the day, but will play with you and the kids every once in a while, it's possible to get paired with a dog that will do that.

Barking- Again, a rescue, they will be able to tell you how barky the dog will be. And it might just have to be the dog takes a "nap" in his/her crate while baby naps. Seriously though, some Shelties are just barkly little things and react to things like people walking outside. My current Sheltie barely makes a peep inside. It's a different story when we're playing.

Things you should consider-
Grooming. Shelties have long, beautiful coats. It requires brushing once a week, at minimum. If you end up with a dog with not as much coat, you might be able to get away with longer stretches between. But if you get one with a big fluffy coat, brushing is essential. It keeps away mats, it's good hygiene, and it will reduce the amount of hair floating around your house. With two small children, if you don't think you're going to have time or energy to commit to brushing at least once a week, it might not be the breed for you.
Retired show dogs. If you want an older dog, not a puppy, you can see if breeders have show dogs that are looking for retirement homes. Retired show dogs usually have great temperaments and are somewhat calm. They need to be that way for the ring. And retired dogs aren't always really old. Sometimes they can be as young as 5 or 6. It just depends. Breeders will also know if the dog will be a good fit for your family because at that point, they've spent a lot of time with them!

Just to show you how different Shelties can be. Our previous Sheltie Connor was reserved and barked at everyone. Our new Baby Prince is outgoing, he loves everyone. Loves our grand babies and hardly ever barks. Potty trained in 7 days and is generally any bodies dog.

 

[trini]

Update on some things. So I have sent pictures of our home to them and inquired about the crate issue, their response was quite helpful. The foster parents say she is crate trained for transport and does well at home when alone, very well controlled. Also they will give us a crate that they have for her if we adopt her, it's a plastic one.

So that's awesome and we are very thankful for it. They answered so many questions in one little paragraph. I was also informed when inquiring about children's toys being around that it probably won't be an issue and she isn't destructive, so that's great to know to.

This sounds like you are working with a really reliable rescue and they are being very open in their communications with you...that is great! It also sounds like this dog may be a really easy dog to live with. Do you know if she has had small children around her and is comfortable with their noise and sudden movements?

Car travel can be crate or doggie seat belt...a loose dog is not only a distraction but also can get seriously hurt in even a fender bender accident as they become "projectiles' when not confined. I personally prefer a crate for travel and it is wonderful that they will provide you with the crate she already uses...she will feel more comfortable in a crate she knows and already has her smell on it. You might also ask if they would be willing to let you have the bed she sleeps on if she has a special bed...and offering to pay them to replace it would be a nice gesture because rescues are always in need of funds for their fosters (adoption fees often don't cover all their costs). The more things she knows and feels comfortable with that can come home with her, the easier it will be for her to quickly feel at home when she gets to your house.

I am so sorry you have gone through some bad experiences with dogs in the past...try and put those behind you when you meet this new doggie as dogs are usually very sensitive to human's emotional reaction to them even when we might try to hide that reaction. She will be nervous if she senses fear in you. She sounds like a good solid dog with a good temperament and unless there are issues the rescue is not mentioning I suspect she will be a wonderful addition to your family.

Trini

 

[Amanda317]

This sounds like you are working with a really reliable rescue and they are being very open in their communications with you...that is great! It also sounds like this dog may be a really easy dog to live with. Do you know if she has had small children around her and is comfortable with their noise and sudden movements?

Car travel can be crate or doggie seat belt...a loose dog is not only a distraction but also can get seriously hurt in even a fender bender accident as they become "projectiles' when not confined. I personally prefer a crate for travel and it is wonderful that they will provide you with the crate she already uses...she will feel more comfortable in a crate she knows and already has her smell on it. You might also ask if they would be willing to let you have the bed she sleeps on if she has a special bed...and offering to pay them to replace it would be a nice gesture because rescues are always in need of funds for their fosters (adoption fees often don't cover all their costs). The more things she knows and feels comfortable with that can come home with her, the easier it will be for her to quickly feel at home when she gets to your house.

I am so sorry you have gone through some bad experiences with dogs in the past...try and put those behind you when you meet this new doggie as dogs are usually very sensitive to human's emotional reaction to them even when we might try to hide that reaction. She will be nervous if she senses fear in you. She sounds like a good solid dog with a good temperament and unless there are issues the rescue is not mentioning I suspect she will be a wonderful addition to your family.

Trini

Yes they seem like a wonderful rescue and have been very open and kind with me and vice versa, I am confident the match will be good. I have not asked specifically about her history with children but in her profile it says she loves to play with children and they know we have young children so I would think they'd take that into consideration but I can ask to.

That's what I was worried about with travel but seen as she is already crate trained and uses one for travel hopefully it won't be an issue. I was thinking about doing that but for a favorite toy, I didn't think of her bed that's a good idea I think I will ask. I want her to feel as comfortable as possible.

I will try not to have any fear, I know they can sense it and I don't want to make her afraid of me. I think she will be a good addition as well and don't think the rescue would hold back any information. Things are progressing well we have looked over the contract today so I think it's just a matter of finishing the fence inspection and meeting her, I can't wait.