The time has come- I "got" a dog (pics added)

[n2horns]

Real hunting dogs are pomeranians, kidding I vote for a lab.

[mbiewer]

 

If you're in the east valley I got my dog Hank from Cooper's chance (http://www.cooperschance.org/adopt.html) At the time they had a heavy population of pointers. I think they had more than listed.

 

Anyways, I've seen both ends of the spectrum now. Before i found hank, they brang one dog out to the house. He wouldn't let me near him, and when i did he was very defensive. There was another GSP that ran around the yard with her tail between her legs. so then we went to meet hank.

 

Hank was a rescue, that the family didn't realize what it meant to be owned by a pointer. Wasn't sure what was characteristics of him, breed, or situation till after talking to other pointer owners.

 

Hank is protective. I have a corner house that backs up to a main street (one neighbor). The house is under constant attack, according to Hank. But at the same time, my 7 yr old nephew can try to ride him like a horse. my 4 yr old neice can run circles around the house with a single kernel of popcorn with the poor dog in tow. (Wasn't home for it, ) or heard stories of my neice using him as a landing pad jumping from the top of the chair on to him. With little more than a groan.

 

Never owend a "purchased dog". My aunt in Connecticut trains goldens, and does amazing things with her dogs. Are you looking for a pet, or a "hunting tool"? There's lots of good animals out there, some just need the right environment to undo the misdoings of bad owners.

[Mocha1545]

All good choices suggested. I'm with mbiewer and vote GSP (no offense to the lab guys here). They can't tail whip you to death and are GREAT with kids. They will hunt all day long and then be your best friend watching tv on the sofa. They are high energy though and need to run. Got my latest from Cavalry on this site. Good luck and post pics when you get it.

[tjhunt2]

Whatever you decide make sure you bring them up knowing coueswhitetail.com.

 

TJ

[CouesPursuit]

lol great posts above ^ and if a hunting dog is something you decide, consider what type of hunting you prefer, and more importantly, are more suited to properly train for. Yes many breeds can do both but consider if you would ever get into the extremes i.e. cold weather water retrieving and/or hot desert/upland hunting.

 

If your not going to hunt him/her get a rescue mutt! And post pictures whatever you decide, 99% of the time great dog owners have great dogs!

[ready2hunt]

This is why I LOVE this site!

 

Thanks for all the great responses guys!! It going to "mainly" a family dog. I worked with Belgium Malinois in the past but when my wife saw what they are capable of she put the ax to that idea.

 

My wife and I plan to take it to a training school that trains the dog WITH me and my kids. Its cheaper and I like the idea of my kids being involved. I hope to eventually train it to shed hunt.

 

I had a lab/chow mix growing up.....best friend I had until I met my wife He loved chasing cars though and that's how he met his demise. RIP- TUFF

 

I will defiantly post up some pics when we come to a decision. Keep the suggestions coming.

[Mocha1545]

When you are ready to train call Rob at Lose the Leash training. He comes to the house and works with all of you (480)818-4899. Highly recommend him.

 

[mbiewer]

Cooper's asked to come take a look at the house, and wanted a 2 week trial with the dog being there before the adoption took place.

 

We noticed Hank had a funny run. when he got overly tired, or ran a lot (or combination of both), he would flail out with his hind leg. Asked the group about a hip injury and got ___________ (crickets). So I told the lady we were just curious, and still wanted to keep him_________ (crickets again). So whatever.

 

As with any dog, the younger they are the easier to train. We picked hank up at 2 yrs old. Lots of life left in him.... but the "new car, err new dog smell" was gone. He was house trained, crate trained, a pretty good boy when he wanted to be and never had any issues. My delusions of making him into a full time hunting companion was too though. he doesn't like loud noises, is afraid of guns (he'll leave the room when I get to that portion of the trip packing), but still has his curiosities (like once when I seen him locked and pointed at some ants in the front yard).

 

He's a good boy in the end, used to take him running back when I had time for that. His longest distance with me was 9 miles. without any problems other than any insect or bug that caught his attention. Im sure that with more time on my part I could have got him in the field and trained him.

 

good luck choosing your new family member

[n8toyota07]

I know a guy with akc yellow lab pups call or text me I will give you his number. (480) 688-eightone 39

[Tres]

If you are just looking for just a family pet get a rescue.

 

If you want a gundog get a Brittany they are good family dogs too. If you decide on a brittany let me know. I will point you in the right direction

 

 

 

Labs would be another good choice

[ready2hunt]

So as life would have it, we went through "paws for the cause" and adopted a dog!

 

After some elbows and persistence got to take this little gem home. She is a 9 week boxer/hound mix. They are not sure what type of hound though. Any guesses? Although I don't have a picture she was already bringing me my antler- it was a match made in heaven. Thanks for all the advices and offers guys.

[tjhunt2]

Congratulations on the new addition. She's a cutie for sure. Thanks for sharing. Now the chewing begins. It's just part of owning a puppy.

 

TJ

[goinhuntn]

I have a pound pup He is a heeler austrailan shepherd mix he is 5 yrs old & he has been one of the best dogs I have ever owned. Pound pups make great dogs. I disagree with the backyard dog comment my dog comes in the house in the summer when its hot, but stays out in the winter. He doesn't like being in the house he loves to roam the yard even in the summer, but I don't let him out in the heat.

[Tres]

Cute dog. Enjoy her.

[lucky2hunt]

Awe congrats on the pup, she's gorgeous! Now.... the fun begins!