Need Advice - Page 2

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by k9sar on 28 December 2009 - 02:12

I vote for beagles..charlie brown loved his
not scary looking and easy to care for

by MaggieMae on 28 December 2009 - 03:12

Yes, I agree, that is food for thought Debi.

by tuffscuffleK9 on 28 December 2009 - 03:12

Thank you for your feedback.

Again, I am pleased with the forum and the broadness of feedback. I have picked up a couple of ideas that might just work.

I would like to address a couple of issues that were brought up because this is a relativley new field of service or as I prefer to call it ministry. We do not have lengthy medical studies or PhD board members (although those at the clinic I use whether PhD or MD all are familiar with my service dog and have been amazed as to my progress over the last 3.5 years since I aquired and began to train her).

TO: luvdemdogs: Well I guess you will just have to trust me. I am one of those who has PTSD with a personality disorder and when not on my meds I can see things as "all good" or "all bad" however, my dog is the one constant in my life. I would love to explain further. Trust me Psych Dogs like cars are not for everyone, but don't rule out one of the greatest therapy tools in the world. In a crisis I can trust my dog to verify a "bad guy" or "gun, IED blast" when I ask an individual if they heard or saw something might lie to me. But my dog is 100% accurate she never lies to me. No tranquilizer can make you rest like that.

TO: MVF: I like the use of terriers however, large breeds work better for us, so we will look into an Airedale - Thanks for your help.

To: 1doggie2 and DebiSue: My vet rescues Std. Poodles, may kill 2 birds with 1stone, get rescue poodle and grooming pkg.

To Lief: We do use Labs just not as often as GSD

MaggieMae: Locally we have health issues with Goldens

AKGeorgias mom: Belgian Tervuren- great dog, very hard to find and expensive.

THANKS EVERYONE, Tuff

by MVF on 28 December 2009 - 21:12

I think an Airedale could be a good choice. My mother who had gsd's and goldens from 1958-2000, switched begrudgingly to cairn terriers and loves them. An airedale might give you that in a bigger package.

Good luck.

by Mystere on 29 December 2009 - 01:12

TuffscuffleK9,

Kudos to you!!

I have seen the difference that dogs have made for some individuals with emotional and mental issues. I pitch in when I can with a couple of the organizations reaching out to and assisting the homeless. Many of these people have mental issues and problems. One of the things I have noticed is the surprising number who have dogs. Even when I see them on the street, their dogs are well-cared for. EVERYTHING is shared with that dog. I have yet to see one that looked malnourished, or did not have a folded blanket (or two) to lie on and a bowl of water, as their owner panhandled on the street. I have yet to see one that was not approachable and well-behaved. That dog is a connection and a life-line for them--sometimes it is the only one that matters.

My suggestion would be one of the larger Spaniels-- a Britany or Springer. They are not that large, and very "friendly-looking." I'd also suggest either a Flat-coated or Chesapeak Bay retriever (if you can stand the Chessie's coat--as much shedding as a gsd, but oily hair!!). They have not had the over-breeding problem that the Goldens have.

by VomMarischal on 29 December 2009 - 03:12

I suggest that thinking in terms of breed is a major mistake in this field. I think if you want to help someone with PTSD, you have to take that person to quite a few dogs and wait until the bell goes off. The person will know which scraggly Heinz 57 or maybe even purebred is the one for him/her. If someone chose a dog for me, it would be bound to work out poorly in the long run; who knows what that magic ingredient is for each person? You gotta (OOOOOOH, Red Sable, a grammar "mistake"!!!!!!) look for healthy and smart and medium and not OVERLY hairy, although I suppose some people who are in those shoes might even enjoy grooming.

by mobjack on 29 December 2009 - 04:12

Boxer - good choice, low maintenance, big goofballs, very kid friendly, loyal, energetic but not overly so.
Labs - excellent choice from a good breeder that health screens, OFA's and understands the lines. There is a world of difference in a well bred Lab versus the average "pet" bred Lab.
Goldens - tending toward stupidity and temperament problems along with the health problems. Good breeding is a must.
Standard Poodle - good choice. I'm with 1doggie2 on this one. Grooming can be minimal. Fancy clip jobs aren't necessary. Non threatening dogs and good for people with allergies.
GSD - same as labs and goldens. Good breeding and temperament is a must.
Airedale - could be good. Can be very pushy and domineering. Not always good with other dogs.
Beagle - good choice. Can be noisy with the yodeling but they are easy keepers.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever - I wouldn't. The oily coat is a pain and can ruin furniture. Chessies are tough hard headed dogs and not always nice. Same health problems as Labs and Goldens.
Doberman - good choice. low maintenance, very loyal "velcro" dogs. Good breeding and health screening.
Pointers might be a good choice.

I would avoid terriers and spaniels for the most part but consider the individual dog. Terriers can be problem children, very demanding and snappy. Spaniels can be hard to housebreak, airheaded and hyperactive. Grooming required with Cockers and some others.

Don't count out rescues. A good reputable rescue or two could be a great resource for you. The dogs will be vetted, have some training and you will get a good idea on temperament and any problems.

Consider mixed breeds!

JMHO

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