The search For a new Dog

[mcsurveyer1361]

Well the family has asked me to get a second dog for a while now and so I have given in and the landlord has given the thumbs up as well. I currently have a chocolate lab but I have always liked German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. But trying to find one of these for a price that is less then a pretty decent gun is all but impossible. Does anyone have any leads or friends with puppies for sale that are not too expensive?

[Zundfolge]

Just keep in mind that with most pure-bred dogs, you really do get what you pay for (and with GSDs that goes double and with Malinois that goes quadruple ... they have a high enough incidence of epilepsy and cancer I wouldn't consider a Malinois that wasn't from a champion bloodline ... which'll set you back more like the cost of a car than a gun).

With GSDs one thing you can consider is a white one. White is not within the "breed standard" for showing and breeding so I've known several people over the years that got champion bloodline dogs for free or next to it by taking a white dog off a breeders hand (since I don't think they can even register it).

Another option is to find a German Shepherd or Malinois rescue organization. But then you're not likely to get a puppy.

[Dave_L]

I have a buddy that knows of a Vizsla pup that needs a new home. I think it's roughly 2-3 months old. The guy picked the puppy up, apparently didn't know how to take care of it and took it to the pound. The pound called the breeder because of the dog type and they're looking for a new home now. I believe they're only looking for a donation (~$100?) to the center. If you're interested, I can get some more info for you.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/vizsla.htm

[ChadAmberg]

Take a look here and see what they have:
https://www.coloradoci.com/serviceproviders/puppy/index.html?companion

[hatidua]

I see at least one mutt from the humane society a week being walked down my street that I'd adopt in a heartbeat.

[Ah Pook]

Humane society.
/thread

What is going to get along with the lab and family? Size, energy level, etc...?

I have had three different neighbors that would rescue GSD. All had problems. Most were aggressive. None would I want in my house. Not saying I don't like GSDs , just be aware.

I would not go to a breeder. My last three dogs came from the HS and all have been great animals.

[rtr]

Humane society

[cofi]

fwiw every shelter dog i have fostered has been a train wreck either physically or mentally most of them are in there for a reason

that being said im sure good ones are out there

for me id rather spend money on a good dog......your gonna have the lil guy for 10-15 years its like trying to cheap out on a tattoo

[rtr]

Characterizing shelter dogs as train wrecks is inaccurate. As a longtime shelter volunteer I'd estimate about 1% are train wrecks. The majority make great pets.

[mcsurveyer1361]

I have no problem with a GSD if it came from a shelter. My lab came from the weld county humane society and he's by far the most loyal loving dog. but with that said he way to friendly to be protective. Yet another reason I want a GSD.

[mcsurveyer1361]

well, I have talked it over with the family and decided to probably get another Lab. But this time I want to get one that is better suited for duck hunting then my current lab. If any of you guys knows of a good hunting lab in need of a good home please let me know.

[mtnhack]

Characterizing shelter dogs as train wrecks is inaccurate. As a longtime shelter volunteer I'd estimate about 1% are train wrecks. The majority make great pets.CLAP!

People think the pure breds are the shit, but many are so over-bred that all you get are problems. More often than not, they are the ones to avoid, not the mutts. (2 awesome mutt rescues here)

[Jer]

Looks like I'm late to the Humane Society party but I will add that mill dog rescues generally have pure breeds of all ages and breeds. We rescued a dog from one outside of Colorado Springs called National Mill Dog Rescue. They have most of their available dogs on the website and do a VERY service for the dogs. One of the main people just lost their home in the Black Forest fire too. I'm sure anything you can do to help them out would be appreciated.

[sellersm]

Check out Western Border Collie rescue. They do mostly borders but usually have other breeds as well. Our two borders came from them.


Sent from my fat fingers using Tapatalk

[ChadAmberg]

Not sure if this is an option for you:

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/pet/3945895793.html

[Eggysrun]

The most important thing is to find a dog that gets along with your current one. We went to Animal House in Fort Collins and checked out some dogs, had a few interact with our dog and found a good fit. I wouldn't want to spend all kinds of money for a certain breed of dog and then find out your two dogs don't get along at all

[MED]

well, I have talked it over with the family and decided to probably get another Lab. But this time I want to get one that is better suited for duck hunting then my current lab. If any of you guys knows of a good hunting lab in need of a good home please let me know.

PM Akyla; Noah's labs are awesome. He can tell you where he got them.

I can definitely give a few suggestions with finding a GSD. My GSD is easily a $2,000 dog that I got for a 1/3 of that She is a German imported bloodline with no health problems; and a truly instinctive herding dog, which is good, but annoying at times. When it comes to watching the kids on my property in the mountains, there isn't any other dog I would want for that. Whatever you do, be sure to get one that comes from an imported bloodline; the American bloodline is crap. You need to be careful with these; they can be great, but they can also be a menace.

[Bailey Guns]

fwiw every shelter dog i have fostered has been a train wreck either physically or mentally most of them are in there for a reason

that being said im sure good ones are out there

for me id rather spend money on a good dog......your gonna have the lil guy for 10-15 years its like trying to cheap out on a tattoo

Exactly the opposite experience. I volunteered formally (as a board member) and informally for our local shelter for over 20 years. Every single one of our current 5 dogs are rescues from various shelters. They are all fantastic dogs.

My experience has been there isn't any thing wrong with the vast majority of sheltered animals. The train wrecks, for the most part, are the people who give up their dogs (and other animals) to the shelters. Over 20 years most of the dogs I saw taken in were from selfish, stupid people who got tired of caring for them or just dumped the animals on the shelter doorstep.

[Zundfolge]

Well I know you're not thinking along these lines but I'd be remiss if I didn't toss out the English Shepherd sales pitch (basically they're cousins to Aussies only generally larger, healthier, more laid back and with a tail).

The Wikipedia page on the breed is very informative. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Shepherd They're a great breed that hasn't been ruined by AKC.

We're on our second English Shepherd, His name is Thatcher (our first one was named Murphy and he was a great dog for 15 years). Both are incredibly friendly and happy dogs that are wonderful with children and other dogs that they know well. Smart as a Border Collie without the neurosis.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q74/s720x720/600184_399628766809118_308712733_n.jpghttps://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/377533_299614873477175_1290141629_n.jpg


If you don't mind driving all the way to Westville OK (on the OK-AR border ... which I always thought made the name somewhat ironic) you could get a brother of our dog (http://www.englishshepherd.org/litter-ford-5-mo-old-pup.html) (Ours was the last dog picked from Buddy & Ginger's first litter so it would be poetic for the last dog from their last litter to come to Colorado as well).

http://www.englishshepherd.org/uploads/1/1/9/6/11964226/4171742_orig.jpg

[MED]

Exactly the opposite experience. I volunteered formally (as a board member) and informally for our local shelter for over 20 years. Every single one of our current 5 dogs are rescues from various shelters. They are all fantastic dogs.

My experience has been there isn't any thing wrong with the vast majority of sheltered animals. The train wrecks, for the most part, are the people who give up their dogs (and other animals) to the shelters. Over 20 years most of the dogs I saw taken in were from selfish, stupid people who got tired of caring for them or just dumped the animals on the shelter doorstep.

My neighbor has a couple of rescues, and they are pretty good dogs now. One of them was a little touch and go for awhile; she spent the first couple months in the corner gowling, but came around. Now that they feel safe and loved, they are both pretty lovable dogs. Like all things, it depends on the work one is willing to put into it. Same thing with a puppy; they are a lot of work!

My x-wife left her Husky with me. She is a total pain in the ass and I don't really want her, but I don't have the heart to give her up. I guess more then that, I don't want anything to happen to her.

[Mtn.man]

Yeah Duck Dog



https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmKGoW5EEIBEt1eh6ul4wH67PpTgE2_ XcvhjIDZo1DMFQB785tdQ

[soldier-of-the-apocalypse]

Check out dogo argentinos

[soldier-of-the-apocalypse]

31695
Here is what they look like I'm not sure about water fowl but they are the ultimate hunting dog for predators and hogs, and no they are not pitbuls

[generalmeow]

It was so long ago I can't remember if it was me or a family member (probably a family member as I remember so little about it), but there was an attempt made to get a shelter animal. And the hoops they wanted you to jump through to adopt an animal were BS. They'd practically, or maybe even literally, come to your house to interview you to see if you'd be good for the pet.

"Let me get this straight: you would rather kill the animal than give it to me without a body cavity search?" "Yes".

I have no problem taking a shelter pet, and I feel terrible for them. But I'm not going to deal with the shelter people. I'm turned off for life.

I want to go on the record in saying that if I'm ever in prison, getting ready to be put to sleep, I'll let anyone take me out of there, even if there's a 1% chance they're an axe murderer.

[Jer]

It was so long ago I can't remember if it was me or a family member (probably a family member as I remember so little about it), but there was an attempt made to get a shelter animal. And the hoops they wanted you to jump through to adopt an animal were BS. They'd practically, or maybe even literally, come to your house to interview you to see if you'd be good for the pet.

"Let me get this straight: you would rather kill the animal than give it to me without a body cavity search?" "Yes".

I have no problem taking a shelter pet, and I feel terrible for them. But I'm not going to deal with the shelter people. I'm turned off for life.

I want to go on the record in saying that if I'm ever in prison, getting ready to be put to sleep, I'll let anyone take me out of there, even if there's a 1% chance they're an axe murderer.

If you say what they saw you would understand. Some dogs are better off put down then to be in the situations they're in. Letting you take them when they don't know you from Adam they have no choice but to assume the worst and in that case, yes, they are better put down. Any reputable breeder will require an application and a home visit and approval before you adopt. Anyone who doesn't is most likely a puppy mill and you're just helping to perpetuate that cycle. They don't care about the dogs, only the money and they barely do enough to keep them alive and only care for them as a commodity. It's not the axe murder you need to worry about as that's the least of your concerns. If you cared about dogs you would actually appreciate this approach rather than bad mouth it.

[Zundfolge]

The way I look at it is this; if you just want "a dog" go get a shelter dog (but don't give me this pretentious hipster "we rescued it" BS unless you pulled it out of a burning building or something). If you know exactly what you want in a dog then find the breed that works best for you, research the breed and breeders and buy a pure bred dog from a reputable breeder.

I am getting sick of this holier than thou moralizing from people with "rescue" dogs ... just more critical theory of Marxism bullshit designed to make their choice of purchase (and yes, you're buying the damn dog from the shelter) into some sign of greater morality ... like buying a Prius (amazing how often arrogant "rescue" dog owners and Prius owners are the same people :p ).

But like Jer says, any reputable breeder is going to have you fill out an application at least (most don't home visit, but most do interview you).


If you cared about dogs you would actually appreciate this approach rather than bad mouth it.

I wouldn't go that far. There's a lot of "dog nazis" out there that are more interested in lording their superior morality over you than actually placing the dog in a good home. We had this issue with a Rescue organization my mother in law got a dog from. After all the condescending interviews where we flat out asked if my MIL passed away would they take the dog back and we were told "of course" and when she died they treated us like we were horrible people that were one step above people that dump dogs in the country to fend for themselves. Basically telling us that nobody would adopt an elderly chihuahua (even though she had already adopted said elderly chihuahua) and we were dooming the dog to death ... of course the dog was placed in a wonderful new home within a couple weeks.


Anyway, while I understand why many rescue organizations and breeders place these hoops there for you to jump through, the way many of these people treat would-be adopters doesn't help.

Side note ... everyone should now go re-watch Christopher Guest's Best in Show.

[Mtn.man]

Si says get a poodle, great bird dog.

[sellersm]

Western Border Collie rescue does home visits & a thorough application process & a good meet-n-greet to make sure it's a good fit for all involved... http://www.wybcrescue.org/

[Jer]

It's a pretty simple concept: Dogs are domesticated animals. They aren't fit to survive on their own in the wild because WE created them to serve our own selfish desires for companionship. Now through our own irresponsibility as a species there are WAY more dogs than homes looking for dogs and as such to continue to intentionally breed dogs when there are already too many is irresponsible. Rewarding those who breed by paying for puppies is just as irresponsible. This isn't holier than thou thinking it's fact. Suggesting people adopt from a shelter is solid advice and belittle someone who would suggest such responsible action is idiotic and without ground. Your one bad experience doesn't represent an entire community of rescues.

[Scanker19]

I have a Malti-poo you can have. I'll let you know the next time the wife is gone and you can come get it. //troll face//

[Zundfolge]

It's a pretty simple concept: Dogs are domesticated animals. They aren't fit to survive on their own in the wild because WE created them to serve our own selfish desires for companionship. Now through our own irresponsibility as a species there are WAY more dogs than homes looking for dogs and as such to continue to intentionally breed dogs when there are already too many is irresponsible. Rewarding those who breed by paying for puppies is just as irresponsible. This isn't holier than thou thinking it's fact. Suggesting people adopt from a shelter is solid advice and belittle someone who would suggest such responsible action is idiotic and without ground. Your one bad experience doesn't represent an entire community of rescues.

Rewarding those who breed by paying for puppies is just as irresponsible. < Self righteous "holier than thou". You buy dogs, either from a breeder or a shelter. Responsible breeders are good for dogs in general, if all we ever had was mongrels then eventually we'd end up with only one type and size of dog which would probably be something like a mid-sized terrier of moderate to low intelligence (which I don't want).

Suggesting people adopt from a shelter is solid advice and belittle someone who would suggest such responsible action is idiotic and without ground. < Not at all what I did ... all I complained about was the holier than thou attitude from those that choose shelter dogs over pure breed dogs ... which is exactly what you did.

There is good reason for both adopting a shelter dog and buying a pure breed, it depends upon our needs and wants from a dog, budget, etc. To suggest either is morally superior is sophistry (but that's what the rabid "rescue" movement has done).

Your one bad experience doesn't represent an entire community of rescues. < No, but the attitude that buying a full breed dog is somehow evil/irresponsible/bad is self righteous "holier than thou" BS that springs forth from the font of Critical Theory of Marxism (if its part of the history of the dominant culture its evil and must be "critiqued" to death), as is the notion that adopting a shelter dog is somehow a major contribution to peace/justice/good in the world and my experience with several dog and cat "rescue" organizations has ONLY reinforced my opinion (for the record we got both our cats from shelters ... I have no specific needs or wants from a cat that would require me to get a pure bred cat).


If your needs/wants/specifications for a dog are undefined then you are better served buying from a shelter (its cheaper and it is a good thing to find a home for some unwanted dog), but if you have specific needs/wants/specifications then by all means don't buy the commie "But that's Bourgeois" (because that's basically at the root of the attitudes of the "rescues are better,pure bred is evil" crowd) bullshit and don't think it makes you better than someone that buys from a breeder.

[Jer]

The difference between the two is WHERE the dogs come from. One helps perpetuate the cycle & one helps end the problem. Keeping breeds 'pure' while perpetuating genetic diseases is stupid. I can't have a conversation with someone this unreasonable.

[mtnhack]

http://www.humanesociety.org/news/magazines/2010/05-06/the_purebred_paradox.html

Putting some bs political spin on dog breeding is just that; bs. Read up.

[mcsurveyer1361]

[QUOTE=ChadAmberg;1239949]Not sure if this is an option for you:

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/pet/3945895793.html[/QUOTE

WOW im all over this. thanks I am suppose to call the owner tomorrow. Thanks a lot for this!!

[MED]

The difference between the two is WHERE the dogs come from. One helps perpetuate the cycle & one helps end the problem. Keeping breeds 'pure' while perpetuating genetic diseases is stupid. I can't have a conversation with someone this unreasonable.

Not all dogs that are bred are bred poorly with genetic defects. In fact some are bred so well, they have no health problems at all like my GSD. Some dogs are bred for very specific reasons namely working dogs such as herding or hunting dogs. These dogs have very specific jobs that have two parts. First, they are instinctive. My GSD scored extremely high on instinctive herding skills when she was young before training. The second part is training that needs to take place early in their puppy years. My GSD will follow any command from her handler (me), but she will work on her own as well, and I have no problem with her watching my kids on my property; the main reason I have her. My sister and brother-in-law used an Australian Blue Shepherd on their ranch for a specific reason. Not all dogs can do all jobs; and some can't do anything but be a cuddle pet. My GSD would make a horrible hunting dog. So, to say it is not responsible for people to want to bred these working dogs for specific reasons is kinda unreasonable. Now, people that breed dogs poorly piss me off as well. If you are going to do it, do it right. Now, if a family is just looking for a house pet to love on, there are plenty of those at the shelter.

[MED]

[QUOTE=ChadAmberg;1239949]Not sure if this is an option for you:

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/pet/3945895793.html[/QUOTE

WOW im all over this. thanks I am suppose to call the owner tomorrow. Thanks a lot for this!!

If I wasn't transitioning from my divorce, I would have called today; sounds like a good one!

[Jer]

Not all dogs that are bred are bred poorly with genetic defects. In fact some are bred so well, they have no health problems at all like my GSD. Some dogs are bred for very specific reasons namely working dogs such as herding or hunting dogs. These dogs have very specific jobs that have two parts. First, they are instinctive. My GSD scored extremely high on instinctive herding skills when she was young before training. The second part is training that needs to take place early in their puppy years. My GSD will follow any command from her handler (me), but she will work on her own as well, and I have no problem with her watching my kids on my property; the main reason I have her. My sister and brother-in-law used an Australian Blue Shepherd on their ranch for a specific reason. Not all dogs can do all jobs; and some can't do anything but be a cuddle pet. My GSD would make a horrible hunting dog. So, to say it is not responsible for people to want to bred these working dogs for specific reasons is kinda unreasonable. Now, people that breed dogs poorly piss me off as well. If you are going to do it, do it right. Now, if a family is just looking for a house pet to love on, there are plenty of those at the shelter.

Try reading what I said carefully. Slow down if you need to because there's a VERY important word in there that you seem to have missed. Here, I'll even make the important word bold so you can't miss it.


The difference between the two is WHERE the dogs come from. One helps perpetuate the cycle & one helps end the problem. Keeping breeds 'pure' while perpetuating genetic diseases is stupid. I can't have a conversation with someone this unreasonable.

In other words, there are breeders that will perpetuate the lines regardless of genetic defect that exists. In that statement that is clearly who I'm am taking exception with and it's not a blanket statement to all breeders. Now, just because they breed healthy dogs doesn't mean this world needs more dogs when there are millions that are already here that are w/o homes. On top of that, you can tell me about solid genetics all you want but the scientific fact remains that mutts have stronger genetics and are prone to fewer genetic anomalies. When you cross breed you get a healthier dog that lives longer and when this happens over generations you end up with a stronger species. There's a lot of reasons to not condone breeding dogs but don't take my word for it. Go to a dog shelter and see how many dogs need homes.

[ChadAmberg]

[QUOTE=ChadAmberg;1239949]Not sure if this is an option for you:

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/pet/3945895793.html[/QUOTE

WOW im all over this. thanks I am suppose to call the owner tomorrow. Thanks a lot for this!!

Glad I could help, and I really hope it works out. I'm a big fan of giving the older guys just as much home as the pups.

A buddy of mine in NC has lots of acreage near a bridge that seems to be a favored dumping spot for dogs. He's probably got a dozen now that just showed up scared and hungry over the last couple years. Honestly, I wish I could do the same.

[UncleDave]

Now, just because they breed healthy dogs doesn't mean this world needs more dogs when there are millions that are already here that are w/o homes. On top of that, you can tell me about solid genetics all you want but the scientific fact remains that mutts have stronger genetics and are prone to fewer genetic anomalies. When you cross breed you get a healthier dog that lives longer and when this happens over generations you end up with a stronger species. There's a lot of reasons to not condone breeding dogs but don't take my word for it. Go to a dog shelter and see how many dogs need homes.

Jer, I'm not trying to throw gas on the fire here but your argument is fundamentally flawed. You use the example of millions of dogs that need homes as a reason that anyone that wants a dog should get a shelter animal. Ok, if everyone did that, and there were no more breeders very soon there would be no more domesticated dogs. Why you may ask? Shelter dogs are all neutered or spayed. That by definition negates your argument that cross breeding makes a stronger dog, since these dogs cannot be bred. I have had rescue dogs in the past that were good dogs, but all of them had issues we had to work around. As a side I have been training obedience and schutzhund for 25 years. I have bred dogs, mostly GSDs and Rottweilers and was very selective in my lines and the families I placed my pups in. Shelter dogs can be great animals, purebreds can be great animals, but what you get is directly related to the work you are willing to put in. Giving a loving home to a shelter animal in inherently no more noble than giving a loving home to a purebred puppy or dog. This is an obviously emotional issue for you, but you cannot vilify those who choose a different, ethical option.

[Jer]

Jer, I'm not trying to throw gas on the fire here but your argument is fundamentally flawed. You use the example of millions of dogs that need homes as a reason that anyone that wants a dog should get a shelter animal. Ok, if everyone did that, and there were no more breeders very soon there would be no more domesticated dogs. Why you may ask? Shelter dogs are all neutered or spayed. That by definition negates your argument that cross breeding makes a stronger dog, since these dogs cannot be bred. I have had rescue dogs in the past that were good dogs, but all of them had issues we had to work around. As a side I have been training obedience and schutzhund for 25 years. I have bred dogs, mostly GSDs and Rottweilers and was very selective in my lines and the families I placed my pups in. Shelter dogs can be great animals, purebreds can be great animals, but what you get is directly related to the work you are willing to put in. Giving a loving home to a shelter animal in inherently no more noble than giving a loving home to a purebred puppy or dog. This is an obviously emotional issue for you, but you cannot vilify those who choose a different, ethical option.

No more dogs. ROFL!

Seriously, I can't have this conversation with someone so unreasonable. I love how you glossed over the fact that you bread dogs. Your lack of grasp with reality as it pertains to this topic makes perfect sense now. It doesn't change the facts however.

[spyder]

Find a "rescue" for a great pure bred dog, at an affordable price. Sometimes you have to search CL, but can find a great dog there. As others have said, if you get a pure bred, well, you get what you pay for....

If you want a damn good, and easily trainable dog, get a Doberman. They are not naturally mean in any way, and have to be trained to be like that. They are the next dog on our list as soon as we move to Texas at the end of the month. The public opinion of them as a "mean" dog is completely skewed by the media, and movies. They can be trained to do pretty much anything though, and amazingly great guard dogs is one of the best things to train them for. Of the 3 major lists of dog breeds, and intelligence testing, 1 list has them as the sixth smartest dog, and the other two list them as the smartest of all dogs. I am getting an all natural Doberman, no cropped ears, and long tail.

Also, last time I checked, there were quite a few people looking to sell their papered (purebred) Dobermans of CL for $300 and under.

[spyder]

In other words, there are breeders that will perpetuate the lines regardless of genetic defect that exists.
Also, pay attention to the dogs natural traits... A few breeders have been known to swap one of its "pure" dogs when it unexpectedly dies, for another that may, or may not be pure. This happened with a friend, and their Rottweiler that they bought... It was as dumb as a doornail, and they couldn't figure out why. The coloring of the dog was almost perfect, and the size was out of norm, but the breeder said it was an American Rottie, and was papered, so, how could he argue? Anyway, he had it blood tested, and it came back negative or whatever (mixed blood), and they ended up getting their money back after threatening to sue with proof of the lie, and from what he said, got their AKC or whatever label pulled (they were no longer a registered breeder, and could not get papers anymore). I guess it's not uncommon for shit like that to happen.... So, beware that also. Buying an older pup from someone (5 to 8 mos) is not a bad thing, and almost recommended as you can get a good idea of the dog, and how it acts already.

[Monky]

I vote a vicious bear choker. He only looks like he's sleeping. He's just straining so hard to choke his eyes are clinched..

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/21/6e7ezypa.jpg

It's your decision what you want to get. See what fits well with you and the family. Do you have time for a puppy? Patience? Or would you be better off with a dog that's a bit older and more mellow?




Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.