Hi all,
My girlfriend and I are contemplating rescuing a dog from the local shelter. We've decided that we're ready to commit wholeheartedly to the dog but we don't really know what's involved. We know all the obvious stuff like walking it once or twice a day, but what about the finer details such as costs, maintenance and other things to look out for?
Any assistance is most appreciated!
Edit: You guys have been amazing! Thank you to all for the great info.
That's a good start.
Things like the bed, food bowls, water bowls are one off purchases.
You might need to buy a new leash and collar a coupe of times in the first year (they grow pretty quickly).
Same with a kennel if you want to have it sleep outside
Vet fees are about $250 a year assuming you don't need to make any emergency visits (get pet insurance!!!)
Don't forget to factor in what happens if you go away for a week or something (do your friends like dogs? - will they puppy sit?)
Make sure your house is 100% fenced.
Owning a dog is fantastic but it is for life(most dogs 10-15 years)
Definitely desex your dog council registration is cheaper and having a litter of puppies is a lot of work.
What sort of dog were you thinking? I'm happy to answer any specific questions
Thanks knick007, we totally understand that a dog is forever and we're really looking forward to it.
We were thinking of getting an Australian cattle dog cross labrador retriever puppy. We might get two of them (siblings) so that they can keep each other company whilst my girlfriend and I are at work.
Do you know how big these dogs will grow to be?
I should have mentioned in the description that we live in an apartment. It's a large apartment with an outside courtyard so we're hopeful that the dog(s) will have plenty of room to move about. We'll most likely move into a house in the next 12-24 months.
make sure your strata allows pets
also
that breed requires a lot of exercise
Well I know a lab gets to be fairly big not sure about an Australian cattle dog but I found this http://www.designermixes.org/breed_info/468/american_lattle.…
If you get 2 they'll play most of the day and keep themselves entertained so that is definitely a plus of getting 2 dogs.
They grow from a baby which you can happily let sleep on your lap and in your bed to rather large (30KG+) in about 3-4 months and are pretty much fully grown by 10 months.
Be aware that 2 = double of everything so 2x beds, 2 x food bowls, 2x leads, etc etc they can probably share a water bowl.
Then there is training which is a lot of work, can be quite frustrating but both the lab and the Australian cattle dog are smart and should be easy to train.
Moving into a house would be a good idea sooner rather than later.
Be aware that getting 2 doesn't always mean they'll get along or entertain each other. I have 2 and they pretty much ignore each other, but when one gets riled up (they sometimes bark at people outside) the other joins in. So it's twice the hassle!
It's also twice the cost, twice the training
I'm confused Shamdog you said initially you are looking to rescue a shelter dog but now you are particular about the breed you want.
I think when rescuing you can't be too fussy about what breed you want as it's more of a lottery unless you are willing to wait.
Look for a small, medium or large dog and then go to a shelter or even look online and find one that suits.
@treeman: I've been scouring pet rescue websites and came across two cattle dog/labrador cross pups. I agree with you and I guess we'll let the dog choose us.
I have one cattle cross lab (and one cattle cross kelpie) rescue.
He's a pretty big boy, about 2.5 feet tall and 27kgs. Very loyal, smart but a bit clumsy (thanks to the Lab methinks).
As others have said, being the same age is not necessarily a good thing. It means they will both go through the same stages of life simultaneously which can cause some aggression during puberty etc.
If you are getting two dogs at the same time and age you will definitely want two different sexes (the female will be the dominate leader 80%+ of the time). Or be prepared for much more complicated training, and the possibility of severe fighting for position at various stages of life.
We rescued our female cross Kelpie at 6 months old, and the cross lab as a 6 week old pup about 6 months later (male as above).
@Abaddon: Didn't even think about this, thanks! In your opinion would the cattle cross lab/kelpie be alright in an apartment?
@Shamdog:
no these are working dog breeds that can run non stop all day they have an amazing level of energy and they are smart dogs so they need stimulation id suspect your apartment would be torn to peices
@Shamdog: An apartment?? Where would the dogs be during the day?
I wouldn't recommend a dog if you live in an apartment for numerous reasons (exercise, poo, smell, exploration, hair to name a few). Unless they are a little lapdog like a poodle.
@andymatter: I'd install a dog door/flap for them to play around outside (ground floor apartment with a courtyard approx 4m x 2m. The apartment itself is quite roomy and not a shoebox. We might have to consider a smaller dog though…
Do not get two dogs, let alone puppies if you have no idea what goes into owning a dog. People think that it will be "nice so they have company" when they have no idea that a dog is fine by itself if you train it to be, and if you get two you're gonna ask for twice the separation anxiety trouble if you have no idea what you're doing. They will be A LOT of work… To be honest, I think a lot of people shouldn't own dogs, and they underestimate what is needed. They will test your resolve as puppies when they whine and whine.
Despite what everyone else has said here, any dog can live in an apartment provided you actually engage the dog. I'd recommend reading this Before You Get Your Puppy and After You Get Your Puppy. They are written by Dr. Ian Dunbar a renowned animal behaviouralist educated at the University College of London and is a vet as well.
When I say engage your dog I am talking doing more than just sticking a leash on him and walking him around the block, you need to play games with the dog, stimulate the dog and this is ultimately how you train it. I can leave my two dogs in my house and they would not destroy anything. I leave my study open because it seems to be their favourite place, full of books and cables and computers, and it's all carpeted…no dramas. I put in a lot of work when they were puppies. I also ensure I live a life where I don't just leave my dogs alone everyday 5x a week. So assess if you actually have the means to cater for a dog. If I go interstate, my dogs come with me.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, socialise the dog at puppy school and let everyone including kids come meet it as a puppy, once this window closes, you're gonna be in for a bad time otherwise.
@Shamdog:
no way, these aren't the dogs for an apartment I hate to say.
they maybe small and cute now they are babies but they soon wont be and will outgrow an apartment very soon.
Please look for a different size puppy, the pound with help guide you.
@Shamdog: cattledogs run around farms. :-) bored energetic dogs will ruin your home.
Also local dog parks if you can, socilise them early. Pet insurance is good as well. Pre existing conditions apply so if they are young with no pre existing condition, will apply until they are old.
Get smaller dogs and my 2c around 6 months old onwards. That way they can hold their toilet Business the whole night until you bring them out next morning.
My cute doggy now 2 years old has been crate trained but when she was 8 weeks old a nightmare to toilet train. We had to use puppy pads inside our home because we were both working at day and at night I had to wake up once at midnight to toilet her outside. We didn't have any flaps because I didn't want anything going in plus we had no fence. 6 months onward she can hold it quite well.
@docholliday: really good info doc, thanks heaps. We have a lot to consider and to be truthful, my girlfriend and I both work M-F and sometimes long hours and the last thing we want is for the puppy to feel neglected.
Good to hear. Working dogs require experienced owners otherwise they will walk all over you. In many ways they are more intelligent than humans (yes I am serious). I would suggest waiting until you have a home. I have had dogs all my life and grew up with working dogs. The type of dog you get will be determined by your environment and lifestyle. If you are both working that will limit the breeds you should consider to less active and probably less intelligent breeds. Dogs really need a good sized back yard and time with their masters. Breeds like Labradors can eat you out of house and home. Breeds like Chihuahuas are small enough for apartments but very noisy and irritating to neighbours. Terriers can be intelligent (especially a pure Foxie) but can also be noisy. I don't have experience with the smaller, less intelligent breeds as I don't have the lifestyle or patience. I suggest you only get one dog at a time. I have had a number at one time, but find I am able to give more to them when I have fewer and I have a relatively large area compared to most. In your situation I suggest you avoid most Kelpies, even with a large back yard. They like a good run (yes run) at least twice a day. Expect to put your dog/s first and work your lifestyle around them. They deserve that from their families. If you think of them in the same way you would a child that needs your attention - they come first - you can't go wrong.
@Shamdog:
we live in a townhouse (has a tiny back yard). we have a Bichon frise , he is now 9 years old and has been a great dog, no problems at all.
He thinks and acts like a much bigger dog so you can play and much around with him and not think he is fragile like other small dogs, which was great for our son. Looking at the dog now, he is asleep on his back with his legs in the air - sleeps like that a lot… even just lays upside down , eyes open watching you walk around.
some photos show them as big round puffs of fur but we dont groom him like that. the fur is like wool, doesn't shed which is good for our dark carpets.
If we were looking for another dog in a small home, kids or no kids we would choose one of these again. he likes going to the beach or park and my wife usually walks him every day, but he is equally happy just sleeping around at home. He's quite happy being at home all day when we are all out too.
Very clever dog too.
http://dogs.petbreeds.com/l/24/Bichon-Frise
@Shamdog: Mine love to be inside, but it depends on how often you are home and how much walking you are willing to do when you are home. They do like a bit of excercise. The cattle in them has them has ours running around the yard and herding their toys a fair bit.
But they're dogs so they also love lounging around the house sleeping.
Don't get a cattle dog, unless you are able to put the work in.
They are bred to be work dogs and are incredibly smart, don't coop it up in an apartment all day/ can get bored easily. The are high energy dogs, so are a major time commitment as well. I don't know your/ your SO's schedule but be sure to be able to give your dog time.
Your dog relies on you for everything in its life.
@rain: Yeah we will almost certainly stay away from working dogs, especially given that we haven't owned a dog before.
cattle dog + apartment- I can't think of a worse idea. Might be diluted somewhat with a cross but that's unknowable.
I can't recomend pet insurance. It really doesn't cover much when stuff actually goes wrong.
Your better off putting the premiums aside into its own account.
Thanks so much! A really comprehensive price guide.
That's extremely high.
OP said buying from a shelter - this includes:
Microchip and desexing. Buying from a shelter can be between $200-$400
Council Registration in Adelaide is under $40 not sure if it's dearer elsewhere
Yearly Vaccinations are under the $100 mark - as opening post I assume won't be getting a puppy.
Car Restraint? I assume seltbelt? Can be purchased for under $10
Bed's are up to $30 and if you keep dog inside then no need for kennel
Training can be DIY but yes your dog might need it.
About right with the Collar/leash/harness.
Grooming can be DIY again but some dogs don't need it and generally will be around $50 - $60 mark unless they are a partically large breed with a lot of hair.
Toys and Treats can be that dear yes.
Bowls under $10
My dogs food wouldn't cost anymore than $200 a year.
Doesn't have to cost a fortune.
But one thing you do have to allow for is the possible 5 to 6 grand bill if your pet gets run over or has major medical condition.
what kind of dog food costs $200 a year????
That's $3.85 a week. Can't feed a pensioner for that so definitely can't feed a dog.
I have 2 small dogs. (Terrier X)
Generally buy them pedigree. They probably have 2 large cans per week. Cans approximately $2.50 each so $5 per week. Plus dried food 3 mornings per week and the occasional treat.
Dogs very healthy btw. Vet always mentions perfect weight etc.
Most cheap dog food contains very high cereal content. Premium dog food is well worth it for their health and coat.
@treeman: well that's very cheap dog food. I've had 3 dogs out of many that couldn't eat any 'coloured' biscuits (the emergency midnight purchase). Made them vomit … every. single. time. Cheap dog food is full of crap. I wonder if there is a correlation between that and dog cancers myself.
Wow thats so expensive. You should just get a Peacelily plant like I did. Heaps low maintenance and its growing its first flower at the new place now, so proud. Whos a good plantie you are ooh you are
What does a $25,000 dog come with or do for you?!?!
its like wagu vs angus
I can sell you this dog on my lap for 25k. Will include 1kg of prime wagu
Make sure you give it no training and attention and leave for days at a time, letting it bark through the night till 3am beside people's bedroom windows. My neighbours will be releasing a guide on this as they've had years of experience.
/s.
Costs etc were all covered pretty well above, goodluck with it and good on you for getting a rescue dog.
Thanks lithius. We're really looking forward to it!
Fleas…….. aarrghh.
Things you need for dogs
Definitely don't want fleas. Thanks for the info!
Could say the same about my neighbour's kids.
"other things to look out for"
Dog sh!@
Animal hair everywhere. Things getting broken and damaged. Slobber on your legs. A roaming germ carrier. And this:
a starving child in Africa could have eaten that shelter dog!
Depending on if your dog has issues:
Skin issues - Up to $5000
Diabetes Ongoing - Up to $10,000
Athritius Issues - Up to $10,000
thanks trips. Would pet insurance help with these?
You'd be unlucky to get a dog with Diabetes or Skin issues.
Make sure you get pet insurance from when you get the dog. You can't get it when your dog is getting on because they won't cover you.
Arthritis issues are really only going to be an issue when your dog is more than 10 years old.
Don't let trips scare you!!!
Yeah insurance seems to be the intelligent option. Thanks again knick
@OZB Al: holy sh*t! Really? I'll have to investigate further before proceeding.
Thanks for the heads up.
@Shamdog: My family has 2 cocker spaniels who were rescues, they have pet insurance & have had no problems claiming for various issues (tick paralysis/eating things they shouldn't). However they did rescue them about 6 years ago & only got the pet insurance about 3 years ago, maybe the pet insurance terms have changed since then. Worth a call to some insurance companies to find out!
haemorrhoids - $2500
Massage - $600
I think insurance is wise. Our eight year old golden retriever caught her leg under our treadmill while going psychotic at a cat through the widow and dislocated her hip. $7500 later she has a brand new one…
Add to the above:
Commitment
Compassion
Love
Training
all of these we are more than willing to provide :)
Good to hear! A rescued dog will never forget what you have done.
I've owned dogs for a long time and I see far too many that get dogs and just "shove them out in the garden" with little contact or interaction. The dogs do not get trained, get bored and bark to the point of nuisance.
What's Involved with Owning a Dog?
Mind is blown.
For cheap treats & meds:
http://australianpettreatcompany.com.au/
https://www.budgetpetproducts.com.au/new/
We use both of these, usually cheap and quick with delivery.
As others have mentioned, pet insurance is worth it, especially as your dog ages.
If you dont mind dealing with Greencross, the healthy pets plus plan is about $440 a year, covers all vet visits, vaccinations, blood & urine tests, again as your dog gets older this starts to work out quite well. They also have a voucher/points system shared with petbarn which you might be able to manipulate ozbargain style.
It's great that you want to adopt from a shelter, awesome stuff.
Thanks for the great info bud! Is Greencross difficult to deal with?
I have healthy pet plus with Greencross. A lot of the vets there try to cross-sell and I don't like some of their recommendations/treatment options. I found one vet working with them really good and I travel to the clinic she visits for both my dogs.
I also have been using Budget Pet Products, love their service so far.
I have an older rescue dog not eligable for pet insurance. My preferred Vet happens to be a Greencross and Healthy Pets Plus really make a lot of sense. For $440 per year, all vet consultation fees are covered, includes the cost of vaccinations, free consultations at the Animal Emergency Centre (which are mighty expensive) and a bunch of other stuff.
if it's a male then it will want to hump your leg.
also they will want to shit every where.
get a cat.
it's just easier.
I don't consider myself a dog person.
My male dog who is now 7 has only ever humped one leg, once…and it was a doorknocker from an elec company claiming to be sent by the government so I was OK with it.
I dont consider you being in the correct thread.
Now scram your setting my dogs off WOOF!
You missed out all of the playful and cheerful moment
boring
I have had 5 dogs over the years but will not be having another. They are too expensive given the rise in vet bills. Last year my dog had what seemed to be low sugar, rushed in for tests and a single day care. Cost $800. Vets are just too expensive. Pet insurance is about $400 per year and does not fully cover costs anyway.
The other issue is that traveling is virtually out. You will not be able to travel together with your girl friend without boarding expenses.
If you are OK with the cost and you have backyard a kelpie cross might be a good option. My dog lived for over 22 years and saw the vet only once or twice with health issues. It was cheap on those days anyway. They are a very hardy dog, loyal but need plenty of room and activity though. No way would you have such a dog in an apartment.
You can always ask your friends/family members to do dogsitting. That said, do remember dogs can act differently when they are not around their owners.
I once did a dogsitting for a puppy. He was cute and I genuinely enjoyed spending time with him. Though at night, he simply wouldn't go to sleep (I think he was missing his owners), I had to stay with him till 3am to calm him down. I am sure it was because he was fairly young though.
Travelling is not out. You can easily ask a friend or neighbour to feed and walk the dog. If necessary live in your house for a couple of weeks to make it easier.
If they have dogs themselves they'd likely be more than willing to help out. Of course you'd have to return the favour.
Most dogs love attention, and unless you both have a lot of free time the dog can get rather bored and become a problem dog. This is the problem that most people run into - they are unable to give the dog sufficient attention. Because of this, owning and looking after a dog can almost become a full time job in itself. It's not like a child where it can go off and find its own entertainment to the point where you never see the child!!
The easiest and potentially best fix is to get two dogs of roughly the same age. Assuming they get along (which is generally likely) they will give each other plenty of company and attention and playtime. You and your dogs can still play and have fun and generally do those kinds of things, but it'll give you a lot more free time. If you do get two, you may want to get them the same sex (or desex them). Having a bitch in head and a male dog around is a nightmare during the period she's in heat.
Of course, that means roughly double the expenses, and double the training. On the other hand, two dogs tend to be more energetic and outgoing and active, meaning more healthy, and can actually save some vet bills.
This really is the best path for the dog - give it a play mate, a friend. So, be prepared to having to own two dogs from day one.
Awesome info Live, thanks so much.
I have always had dogs and love them. I currently have a big German Shepherd, (50 kgs). A couple of weeks ago a guy walking a small white lap dog stopped by me, bent down to his dog, pointed at mine and said, "Now that's a real dog".
Apart from the financial cost a dog will restrict certain things. You have to come home to feed it, so you can't have spontaneous days away with your mates; you cannot take it on foreign holidays; you can't take it into National Parks.
Dogs can enhance your life, but be ready for some changes to your lifestyle.
It's a bit like having kids.
haha I'd love to get a german shepherd but it would go nuts living in an apartment.
We're both happy to make the commitment and you're absolutely right, it will be a huge lifestyle change.
Thanks for the info.
If you realise a german shephard is not suitable for an apartment lifestyle you must also realise it will only be worse for an Aussie Cattle dog x. Much worse. Please read more about them or you can pm me for more information on whats involved in living with them :)
Will do Traveller, thanks!
If you're thinking of getting a largish dog for an apartment you may want to have a look at greyhounds. They might not be your typical pet dogs but they are quite suitable for apartment living.
http://www.gapnsw.com.au/dogs-for-apartments/
And there are so many of them waiting to be adopted. You can get some young ones from 1-ish but I got mine when he was five, obviously he was getting old and not fast enough to make money for his previous owner so he was dumped at the pound with the other 3 greyhounds by the same owner!
Yeah it's really sad. We are looking at greyhound's and whippets too :)
Lol! Spontaneous days away. XD If you can get another friend (or pay a pet sitter) to look after them, though, no problem.
That said, barking can be a real issue, and sometimes you don't know about it until someone tells you. (Obviously, if that happens when you're out..) I've done daycare for some dogs who are perfectly-behaved when people are around, but I am told they get lonely otherwise. This part is hard to predict, though; every dog is different.
I would put it off until you buy a house. Even a yap yap dog in an apartment is a pain in the butt. What they do when you are not home can really annoy your neighbours.
E.g my pitt used to howl (like a wolf) when no one was home. hours on end! We had a shepard before that who used to escape from the yard, literally 6ft plus fences. Neighbours blue cattle would just bark all day. Mates Pitt and Roti would fight. etc etc. People dont realise that to a dog, you are their world and when you are gone for 8+ hours a day they worry
I also wouldnt buy a cattle dog, they get super bored in suburbia. Its hard to imagine how much energy these guys have. My brother in law has one and I kicked the ball with it for 2 hours and the bitch wanted more. She had already been walked and went to training in the morning too.
This is actually a good point - the type of dog breed can really change its behaviour. Getting a dog that's totally unsuited for your environment can cause issues.
Really good points. I have a lot of research to do before committing. Thanks for the info!
I agree with wholesaleturbos.
Shamdog Please speak with other cattle dog x owners and read a bit about them. I am sure you once you're aware of how intelligent and active these dogs are you will not consider getting one for a small property. It will be cruel to restrict such a dog to a few hundred sqm of land. I am hoping you will do your homework regarding dog breeds and their requirements before getting one. Hate those pricks who get a puppy without doing their research and abandon it when he grows up coz "they didn't know it will grow so big or active" Its heartbreaking.
Absolutely bud. We're not rushing into this at all. We'll even get a smaller dog, more suited to indoor living if necessary :)
[appalling and callous post deleted]
in case you need any more motivation for getting a rescue here are my two!!!!
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/alexxxzeidz/DSC_0361_…
They look adorable :)
I hope to get a rescue dog eventually, everyone deserves a second chance!
nice veranda!
Does the courtyard have grass/dirt or is it paved? Be prepared for the grass to disappear and holes to appear if cattle dogs are left outside while you are at work.
thankfully it's paved! I was thinking of laying some grass outside for the dog(s) to lie on…
they're absolutely beautiful! What breed?
I would strongly recommend getting small breed dogs if you live in an apartment (even with your courtyard). Even 2 small dogs will likely find this amount of space restrictive. If you both have really busy jobs and aren't home a lot during the day, then do not get puppies, but dogs around 2-3yo or more. Puppies require a LOT of time at that age - consider them to be like toddlers - they need obedience training, toilet training, etc etc.
Pet insurance is a 100% must. Research it before you get any dog, and take out a policy literally the DAY YOU BRING THEM HOME. I can't emphasise this enough. Vet care is ridiculously pricey these days (I should know - I used to be a vet).
Finally, cross breeds are generally healthier than pure breds. For this reason, I would strongly advocate getting a cross breed dog - luckily this is what is mostly found in shelters anyway.
Shelter pets are the best - for a one off cost, the initial vaccinations, desexing, microchipping are all covered. Don't forget that council registration is an annual fee separate from the once-for-life microchip fee.
Also note - having had labradors my whole life - they are pretty crazy until they are about 3yo (if not older) and need a LOT of space to run around & burn off energy. I don't believe it would be fair to them to house them in an apartment. And cattle dogs? They're bred to be running around a farm all day, so please consider how that would fit with your lifestyle.
It's wonderful you're asking all these questions before you get a dog, and I wish you all the very very best!
Copy and Paste from RSPCA
Costs of owning a dog
Dogs can live for up to 15 years, so on top of the initial costs for the first year, you may be looking at an additional $910 per year minimum for the duration of the dog's life. The final figure may be more or less, depending on the dog, breed, age, size and any illness or accidents, etc.
Upfront Costs
Product or service and approximate cost:
Total for first year: $2,350-$5,220
*Please note that all the figures above are approximate and are purely a guide to what it may cost for dog ownership.