dear god.
not the pet photos again.

The "big dogs" that I have had throughout my life (that I have NOT killed, OPA!) have been one Irish Setter--great dog went nuts and attacked my mom--and two golden retrievers--one after the other. The first one was allergic to fleas--an awful experience if you're a dog. He, however, was one of the most amazing family dogs I have ever known. If you have kids they are WONDERFUL dogs. The first one we had would let little kids literally ride on his back and just dealt with it. He loved it.

The next one we have, my current GR, is really really stupid. But, he is the best companion. Whoever said that they thrive on attention is 100% correct. But, I don't view that as a negative. That's something I want in a dog. I don't want some dog to be aloof and think he's better than me. This dog would do ANYTHING for us. They're the kinds of dogs that would do amazing things in cases of emergency.

The shedding has not been that bad, at least compared to other dogs.

The only thing I would caution is that any time you get a pure bred animal, they come with the possibility of a handful of inbred genetic malfuctions--like the hip thing. Hwoever, if they are pure bred, you can look at the papers of their family line and look to see if any have ahd that issue. If not, then it is likely that the one you will get won't either. For all intents and purposes, they are relatively easy to train as well.

The first one we had got his nuts cut off. The current one is constantly looking for poon. There have been occassional moments of leg-humping. But, you just give him a smack and he is set straight. He is kind of relentless right now though. They say that he'll calm down after the next couple years. He's only three.

Here's my buddy, Judah:

we had a grown irish setter for about a week until it ran through the sliding screen door out onto the patio and off into the world.
never saw it again.

nor do i...but thought that anyone looking into the breed should know everything they are getting into. some people find this annoying and would rather have a husky or some other independent-type breed.

Yeah, Busty's dog is still barely in the puppy phase, but she's still an incredible dog. Get a Gentle Lead leash, and be very consistant in the training, and you're set.

Oh man. that is so sad, yet awfully funny at the same time. Is there a video that goes along with that?



My current pup will sit next to you and just lean his whole body into your legs. You actually get a workout trying to stand up straight because he just goes limp into your side(no gross beastiality jokes please). It's really nice, if you like that sort of thing. I always say to people, why can't I find a woman that loves me as much as my dog?

Sweet, I appreciate all the feedback. Still looking into the whole thing.

I've never owned a big dog before (grew up with beagles), so this is kind of intimidating. Only because I have a brand new house which I'm not sure I want to have a dog this size as an indoor pet. I've got a HUGE back yard, but feel like I would be mistreating the dog if I were to keep it outside the majority of the time.

Although more than likely it would end up being inside after we got attached more, this is still the biggest deterrant. What are your thoughts on the inside vs. outside issue and how should this affect my decision?

Suck it.

umm...these would be the pre-video days of yore.
as kids, we didn't really care because the dog was so nutty we were all a little firghtened of it.
my dad was always getting "deals" on stufff: suits, clothing, tvs, liquor and yes, dogs.
we never knew what he was going to come home with next.

Man. My dog LOVES being outside. He likes to come in every now and again but will always seek the doorknob with his nose to let us know he wants to go outside. We live in the country so he goes of for hours at a time. He likes to stay the night indoors for sure, but any big dog thrives on being able to run around in the open yard. I don't think it is mistreating them at all. Maybe if you locked them in a doghouse outside yeah, but if you have a fence around your big yard or live way out in the country then it shouldn't be a problem.

But maybe Juice wants to train the dog to do more than lick the peanut butter.

The inside vs. outside issue all depends on personality of the dog. My lab (cousin to Goldens, and from what I understand similar in many ways) is very clingy. She will always be in the same room I or my girlfriend is in, and will bark if I leave her in the backyard by herself.

So, I think inside vs. outside is something you'd have to play by ear after getting a dog. My impression is that retrievers, because they crave attention and love, tend to like to be with people most of the time.

I have a feeling if I was taking advice from OPA! I'd be getting the dog based on the size of his "lipstick".

most definitely. unless you're near a body of water...then all bets are off!

So if you had a choice between a golden retreiver or a german shepherd...which would you choose? Is one "superior" to the other?

Collies and Shelties rule.

Now that's just nasty. And so not funny.

I got nothing but plutonic, straight, heterosexual, non-ghey man love for you, baby.

As long as it's plutonic.

Still asking...

Golden Retriever all the way. I'm not too crazy about the German Shepherd's demeanor.

Goldens over Germans...

Germans tend to be aloof, and mouthy.

Crate train, you'll be glad you had a house dog.