Adopting an older working dog - thoughts, experiences please?

[mark22]

I think it is important to get a type of dog that fits your lifestyle and environment no good having a malamute in a tropical climate and no good having a working breed if you dont have the time or inclination to train and excercise it.
Personally had few mutts one relavent one was a blue heeler, great dog and would have another but not a set and forget dog they need socialising with people and other mutts, proper training and plenty of excercise.

There is some great advice here in other posts however, not a fan of having a "Trail dog" seen a couple of silly things, dogs will run till they die.
On a side note this podcast might be of interest to some.
www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/conversations/7946116

 

[T.3]

Good on you for wanting to get a older dog, giving them a comfortable life in their later years is a really commendable thing to do.

 

[hellmansam]

I grew up with a Whippet/Border Collie cross that was an awesome dog. Smart, fun and not as hyper as a BC can be.

 

[KellysBikeaus]

We have 2 dane cross's they sleep indoors live inside when we are home and were adpoted from pounds.

One thing is the effect they have on your possessions like hair scratch marks etc.

Kelpies etc do a truck load of ks on the farm, aunties does 40k a day. They will most likely get destructive. Working dogs also nip they wont bite but they are traines to nip by most to keep the animals honest.

What you want to do is a great thing how ever a 2 or 3 year old would be great not a pup but not to full on.

Best of luck

 

[Shredden]

I'm going to look at a Border Collie tomorrow, she's 7 and apparently very good natured. Was surrendered to the RSPCA because she nipped a 2 year old child (whilst unsupervised). Will let you know how I go.

 

[pink poodle]

You'll be drowning in dog fur before you know it.

 

[MasterOfReality]

I had a Border Collie that passed away after a stroke at 16. He was hard work when young, turned into the laziest indoor dog after 10 years of age. When he passed he was deaf and had very bad arthritis. Could hardly walk. We were thinking of putting him down prior to him passing.

Not a hugely expensive dog to look after. They are pretty tough.

 

[Shredden]

So I adopted "Missy" this morning. She is a very gentle 8 year old border collie cross. So far she seems perfect. Gets along with other dogs, took her for a walk and now she's chilling on her bed. She got the idea not to go on my bed etc already after only about 5 tries! Happy to let me brush her, and has good manners generally. Haven't heard a single bark out of her. Just a cute grunt every time she lies down.

She was given up to the Lost Dogs home because she was "running away" constantly. She is very fat (23.5kg) and has some horrible matting on her legs and behind the ears so I suspect she might have just been left in a yard with very little exercise or attention. She was timid at first but even after a couple of hours has relaxed a lot around me and the GF. Thanks for the advice guys, you all rule.

 

[Lazmo]

Great, you’ll look after each other.

 

[Oddjob]

I can see why it was love at first sight.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

 

[pink poodle]

The goats of Victoria will not be safe with you two on the prowl!

 

[Dales Cannon]

So I adopted "Missy" this morning. She is a very gentle 8 year old border collie cross. So far she seems perfect. Gets along with other dogs, took her for a walk and now she's chilling on her bed. She got the idea not to go on my bed etc already after only about 5 tries! Happy to let me brush her, and has good manners generally. Haven't heard a single bark out of her. Just a cute grunt every time she lies down.

She was given up to the Lost Dogs home because she was "running away" constantly. She is very fat (23.5kg) and has some horrible matting on her legs and behind the ears so I suspect she might have just been left in a yard with very little exercise or attention. She was timid at first but even after a couple of hours has relaxed a lot around me and the GF. Thanks for the advice guys, you all rule.

Good man, run, or walk, her back to fitness.

 

[Ultra Lord]

@Shredden
Do the dog and yourself a favour and cut the matted fur away, it’s alot less painful than trying to brush it out.

Nobody likes a crying pooch come brush time.


Shes beautiful, good job guy

 

[born-again-biker]

That's awesome mate - she's beautiful. Good on ya.

 

[wesdadude]

My sister's dog is Missy, short for mischievous. Yours looks absolutely beautiful.

 

[Shredden]

10char

 

[Ultra Lord]

That first shot is fantastic!

 

[Oddjob]

That looks like a happy dog.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

 

[LPG]

I love how both photos show the same happy face.