Dogs: Why? Why not? Vote now please!

[pwa]

Just be aware that they chase other dogs too. One near us tried that with our BT and she doesn't take any shoot from any dog which got me worried. Before I could get her on a lead she'd educated the whippet but fortunately didn't break their thin skin. Apparently that type of dog has thin skin which can cut easily. Most of that greyhound type running dog owners I've had discussions with maintain a very good dog first aid kit because of that.

Be aware that the chase instinct might mean a muzzle when out and possibly on a lead around other dogs.

They are a good choice for many though. I suspect you've made a great choice for you. A border terrier would simply be better though! Biased? Me? Nah!

Interesting. Thanks. Did the whippet try to bite or do you think it might have been a dummy run? It can be hard to tell with dogs because, as you know, some of their games are based on hunting and fighting with the kill omitted.

We will be training the dog to be civilised to make life easier for us when we take it out. I'm sure you do the same. I have seen whippets playing nicely with other dogs so it can happen, and we have a well frequented recreation field in front of our house so we will be raising the dog with other dogs around. I think that is the key. Familiarity. Socialising. On the lead at first, off the lead when it all looks good to do that. Some whippets, as you know, are "working dogs" rather than pets, and I wonder if that is what you encountered. I'm glad your feisty dog knew what to do.

The reading I have done suggests that whippets do have a natural tendency to want to chase small furry creatures that may include small dogs, but that this urge can be rectified with "recall" training and (in the case of small dogs) socialising. Every breed has its challenges, and this is the whippet challenge. But we know what it is, we know we have to address it, and we are willing to put the hours in to get it right.

And yes, I do know about the delicate skin issue. Having a first aid kit is a great suggestion.

[Bonefishblues]

I'll just leave them here...

[Tangled Metal]

The whippet was fortunately more of a tumbler in that it runs through the prey to take it out. BTs are surprisingly solid, too solid for a whippet to take out. However our dog didn't like being run into and sorted it out dog style. That's ac snarl, growl and snap at the whippets shoulder.

One thing I've noticed about dog owners is how many don't like dogs being dogs in certain ways. For example a dog that plays or tries to play with barking. Many owners take that as aggression. They put their dog on a lead and leave the area.

Another thing is how they haven't socialised their dog properly so it doesn't play well with other dogs. Well that's ok with some but our dog takes only so much before it will end that behaviour with noise, snarl and snap. I try to prevent it reaching that point but if it happens it doesn't cause harm it's just loud and some do not realise that it's ok because neither dog wants to harm. However some breeds or some unsocialised dogs you can't let it get that far.

I'm fortunate in that there's very few people with dogs round here who don't accept dogs harmlessly sorting their own disputes out.

Sorry for my ramble. It's things I've noticed having had a breed of dog that looks after itself dog style. Seriously it sent a bulldog running with just a snarl and growl. It is however not aggressive just loud. Opinionated but wouldn't start a fight if you like.

[Tangled Metal]

PWA

Just reread your post, missed a few points in my ramble.

It was a per you could tell because it wasn't trained. IME working dogs are usually trained better than family dogs.

Undoubtedly training and above all socialisation is very important and almost any dog can be brought up well in that way. It's good that you're using both with your new pup.

[Mick F]

I've spent months away in the RN, and the dogs always recognised me.
Longest away was six months, but it's been five months two or three times. Often a couple months too.

Going away was pert of the routine. They knew it, and they sort of expected it so it was part of everyday life.

[Mick F]

Jack died today.
19 years old, farm dog and the father of our dog Sailor.

He lost a front leg in his younger days jumping over a gate and trapped it. Vets patched him up but within a week or so, the leg was dying so it was amputated. Never stopped him rounding up the sheep and cattle, and never stopped him siring many a litter.

RIP Jack.

[Cyril Haearn]

God Bless Jack
I shall think of and pray for him next time I visit the Pet Cemetery

[Mick F]

Thanks for the sympathy.

Jack and his "bride" Jess were both elderly. Jess was 15 when she gave birth to Sailor's litter. Only three of them, born in a barn on the farm.

This is Jess with two of them hanging off her!
Sailor is the right-hand of the two.

Actually, thinking about it and looking closely, the third pup is at the rear on her other side.

[Tangled Metal]

Losing a dog is the one thing I wasn't sure about when deciding whether to get a dog. They fit into your family so well that I expect I'll miss her when it has happened. It's the way she uniquely connects with every family member. She's never the same with anyone.

[Ben@Forest]

Joe Biden has injured his foot whilst playing with his dog and is likely to require a walking boot. No news on the dog.

[Ride-sleep-repeat]

19 is a good old innings from Jack.
Farm life helped no doubt.
RIP old feller.

[kylecycler]

Joe Biden has injured his foot whilst playing with his dog and is likely to require a walking boot. No news on the dog.

Major's story:

[youtube]NDsnfF1V-ag[/youtube]

[Ben@Forest]

Major's story:

[youtube]NDsnfF1V-ag[/youtube]

If he was true to his roots he'd have got an Irish setter....

[Tangled Metal]

Plastic Paddy!

[Psamathe]

Losing a dog is the one thing I wasn't sure about when deciding whether to get a dog. They fit into your family so well that I expect I'll miss her when it has happened. It's the way she uniquely connects with every family member. She's never the same with anyone.

When I lost the last of my two a couple of years ago I was immediately Googling for Border Collie Breeders. But after a few days I realised I'd just be looking for another to get her back and that would be unfair on a new dog. so I decided to wait. Still am waiting but maybe ready now but also enjoying doing other things so not 110% sure yet and wont be getting another dog until I reach that 110% sure level and stay there for some time.

Ian