Choosing a Dog - Koolie?
Oct 3rd 2009, 10:34 am
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 534
Choosing a Dog - Koolie?
Does anybody have any advice/comments on choosing a dog, please?
We are moving out to the country and want a dog (or two) to:
OH has some experience with dogs; I am a beginner.
Breed
The internet seems to be telling us that AusCattleDogs and Kelpies won't be right for us as they are very nippy with children and strangers, and must be worked daily otherwise destructive behaviour will result.
On the other hand, Koolies seem to get a good review as far as children are concerned, will bark at strangers but not bite them if the owner is welcoming, and the general info seems to say that while they love to work, they are equally happy to play and exercise instead.
History
We did have an idea that we would get a puppy, to ensure it didn't have any bad history and behaviour. But several websites have pointed out that training an intelligent working breed can be a tricky business - if you don't get it right you are in for a world of trouble. Given our relative inexperience, this worries me. And one Koolie site says that 'rescue Koolies' are actually very easy to settle - they are such people-pleasing dogs that with a bit of love and praise they fit right in......
So - what do you all think?
We are moving out to the country and want a dog (or two) to:
- help us with a few goats and chickens
- act as a guard dog (or at least as an alarm)
- be a family dog and companion for our boy - almost 3yrs old
OH has some experience with dogs; I am a beginner.
Breed
The internet seems to be telling us that AusCattleDogs and Kelpies won't be right for us as they are very nippy with children and strangers, and must be worked daily otherwise destructive behaviour will result.
On the other hand, Koolies seem to get a good review as far as children are concerned, will bark at strangers but not bite them if the owner is welcoming, and the general info seems to say that while they love to work, they are equally happy to play and exercise instead.
History
We did have an idea that we would get a puppy, to ensure it didn't have any bad history and behaviour. But several websites have pointed out that training an intelligent working breed can be a tricky business - if you don't get it right you are in for a world of trouble. Given our relative inexperience, this worries me. And one Koolie site says that 'rescue Koolies' are actually very easy to settle - they are such people-pleasing dogs that with a bit of love and praise they fit right in......
So - what do you all think?
Oct 3rd 2009, 11:00 am
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Location: NSW
Posts: 402
Re: Choosing a Dog - Koolie?
Does anybody have any advice/comments on choosing a dog, please?
We are moving out to the country and want a dog (or two) to:
OH has some experience with dogs; I am a beginner.
Breed
The internet seems to be telling us that AusCattleDogs and Kelpies won't be right for us as they are very nippy with children and strangers, and must be worked daily otherwise destructive behaviour will result.
On the other hand, Koolies seem to get a good review as far as children are concerned, will bark at strangers but not bite them if the owner is welcoming, and the general info seems to say that while they love to work, they are equally happy to play and exercise instead.
History
We did have an idea that we would get a puppy, to ensure it didn't have any bad history and behaviour. But several websites have pointed out that training an intelligent working breed can be a tricky business - if you don't get it right you are in for a world of trouble. Given our relative inexperience, this worries me. And one Koolie site says that 'rescue Koolies' are actually very easy to settle - they are such people-pleasing dogs that with a bit of love and praise they fit right in......
So - what do you all think?
We are moving out to the country and want a dog (or two) to:
- help us with a few goats and chickens
- act as a guard dog (or at least as an alarm)
- be a family dog and companion for our boy - almost 3yrs old
OH has some experience with dogs; I am a beginner.
Breed
The internet seems to be telling us that AusCattleDogs and Kelpies won't be right for us as they are very nippy with children and strangers, and must be worked daily otherwise destructive behaviour will result.
On the other hand, Koolies seem to get a good review as far as children are concerned, will bark at strangers but not bite them if the owner is welcoming, and the general info seems to say that while they love to work, they are equally happy to play and exercise instead.
History
We did have an idea that we would get a puppy, to ensure it didn't have any bad history and behaviour. But several websites have pointed out that training an intelligent working breed can be a tricky business - if you don't get it right you are in for a world of trouble. Given our relative inexperience, this worries me. And one Koolie site says that 'rescue Koolies' are actually very easy to settle - they are such people-pleasing dogs that with a bit of love and praise they fit right in......
So - what do you all think?
Contact the Oz Kennel Club and they will give you details of club secretaries for the breed/s you are interested in, ring Secretary and speak to them about the breeds, they may also have a local show on where you can meet a good amount of the breed/s you are interested in and chat to the owners as well.
Whether you decide on a puppy or rescue is something you can discuss with the secretary as well, some of the breed clubs will run their own rescue schemes as well, they will also be able to advise you of members that have puppies.
At least then you can make an 'informed' decision on the right dog for you and your family for the next 15 years - it's a big commitment and one that should be researched all to often enough thought isn't given, which is why many dogs are in rescues in the first place.
Oct 3rd 2009, 11:14 am
#3
mmmmmm duff
Joined: May 2006
Location: Maudsland, Gold Coast, QLD
Posts: 1,629
Re: Choosing a Dog - Koolie?
Any dog can nip the children and strangers.
Oct 3rd 2009, 12:06 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Location: Perth
Posts: 838
Re: Choosing a Dog - Koolie?
I would agree with that.
Heelers can be nippy but Kelpies very seldom.
If you are going to very rural situation you don't want a dog that wants to chase livestock. ie Border Collie or Kelpie or Koolie unless you plan to leave it tied up or build a dog run - neither of which the dog will enjoy.
I would be thinking of something like a labrador , their tail wagging can get vicious so beware.
