I want a new dog but..

[MountKecske]

I want to get a St. Bernard, not from a breeder from a family who has St. Bernards and about to have babies. It well because he'll be 100-120 kilos as an adult I'll have to take him on walks both in the morning and the evening, it's impossible my mom can handle that. It's all arranged and when they stop breastfeeding we'll get the baby but I feel so irresponsible because there's no way my mom can take care of him on her own after I ctb. We already have two cats but well they're easier to take care of, I don't want my dog to be given to someone else after I die, and I'm sure my mom will try her best before looking for a family to adopt him.. I just feel so selfish..

 

[Someonewhotypes]

You can try to train the new puppy so that he's gonna behave well. Like teaching no leash pulling for example. The more training, the easier to handle I guess. (I'm not a dog owner though)

 

[MountKecske]

You can try to train the new puppy so that he's gonna behave well. Like teaching no leash pulling for example. The more training, the easier to handle I guess. (I'm not a dog owner though)

I hope that's possible but I'm horrible at discipline . My pets just do whatever they want. ‍

 

[Someonewhotypes]

but you mentioned the pets you have are cats. I haven't seen many trained cats. But dogs are different, and why not enjoy the company of a potential best friend. You never know, the dog could make you feel better and you might even change your mind about cbt. And also the puppy could turn out obedient and stay with your family. So many possibilities. As long as you're gonna love him, you shouldn't feel guilty cause you don't know what's gonna happen in the future.

 

[MountKecske]

I has a dog for 16 years, a cocker spaniel we had no rules for him, he lived entirely without boundaries, doing whatever he pleases, the only words he knew was his name and "come here", and he was the a really good boy and wouldn't do anything to upset us(at least on purpose) I have a split on my lip that left a permanent mark but I cherish it now, a forever keepsake from him <3
Thank you, you made me feel much better about this, and that's what I'm hoping as well, he might encourage me to hold on to life more :)

 

[loopylou]

What breed would your mum choose? If your going to get a dog then leave it to your mum then maybe revise the breed to suit her? Any breed can provide you company. If your mum can't cope with a very large dog she could end up re homing it and that's not fair :(

 

[Weary Soul]

Heya MountKecske,

I have had dogs all my life - both big dogs (including 3 Rottweilers) and ankle bitters.

Most of the concerns with big dog ownership can be worked around if there are sufficient finances to help with the things that an owner cannot do (or creative work-arounds).

Before I go any further, one thing I will say is that I would not recommend getting a large-breed dog without going into this knowing that adequate training and socialization is absolutely essential for big dogs. Not because they are vicious - but because they are big.

My Rottie weighs as much if not more than I do, but she, unlike me, is ~120 lbs of just about pure muscle. This is A LOT of dog. I would say this for most big dogs, but especially those in the working class - which includes St. Bernards. The working breeds are smart and learn very, very fast. My pup has also learned outside of her training just by watching me as well as my response to her actions. It is amazing to me how smart she is. Also, IME, they actually love training - to them it is not a chore/forced obedience but rather something that has been bred into their bones and they love it from what I have seen.

As much as you might want this pup, I would not recommend getting it if training and socialization are not possible and can not be consistently maintained. However, if money is available, then this might not be a problem - you can hire a trainer to teach you and your mom how to train the pup (and continue to reinforce that training as the pup grows older). You can also do online research to learn how to work with this particular breed - there is a lot of information out there that can help. If you have not trained a dog before - especially a large breed dog, I would go with a real life trainer and supplement this with online research. Also keep your mom in the loop on commands and the dog in the loop on who is boss - humans first then the dog. : )

The owner of the puppy's mother might also be able to help out/give you some ideas/suggestions on training and other information on the breed.

Other things - like walking? This can be gotten around as well - with appropriate and very good leash training, your mom should be able to walk the dog no problem. If my dog wanted to, she could lunge away from me in a heartbeat because of her power, but she doesn't. If your mom cannot walk the dog for some other reason, there are other options:

• Someone can be hired to walk the dog;
• A friend/associate of your mom's who likes to walk for exercise can take the dog with them on their walks (some really enjoy walking dogs without the other things associated with dog ownership);
• Making sure the pup has access to a fenced yard - you can put in a fence if you live with your mom or make sure finances are avialble for your mom to put one in if needed. Also, some people rent out their private back yards to people where their dog can run free. There are also electronic fences - but some debate the humanity of those.

If transportation is a problem - there are ways around this as well, but likely this would cost money if your mom does not have access to a big car to help her. Transporation is another must - the pup will need to go to the vet at a minimum.

I love puppies - but WOW they are a lot of work. If you do decide to get the pup, I would really recommend crate training (and I learned this the hard way). I was pretty opposed to crate training when I got my latest Rottie as a pup - mistake, big mistake.

If done correctly, the dogs actually learn to love the crates and it can ensure for the first couple of years that the dog (and your home) is safe when you need to go out and when you need to sleep. I really, really learned this the hard way. : )

 

[MountKecske]

What breed would your mum choose? If your going to get a dog then leave it to your mum then maybe revise the breed to suit her? Any breed can provide you company. If your mum can't cope with a very large dog she could end up re homing it and that's not fair :(

Heya MountKecske,

I have had dogs all my life - both big dogs (including 3 Rottweilers) and ankle bitters.

Most of the concerns with big dog ownership can be worked around if there are sufficient finances to help with the things that an owner cannot do (or creative work-arounds).

Before I go any further, one thing I will say is that I would not recommend getting a large-breed dog without going into this knowing that adequate training and socialization is absolutely essential for big dogs. Not because they are vicious - but because they are big.

My Rottie weighs as much if not more than I do, but she, unlike me, is ~120 lbs of just about pure muscle. This is A LOT of dog. I would say this for most big dogs, but especially those in the working class - which includes St. Bernards. The working breeds are smart and learn very, very fast. My pup has also learned outside of her training just by watching me as well as my response to her actions. It is amazing to me how smart she is. Also, IME, they actually love training - to them it is not a chore/forced obedience but rather something that has been bred into their bones and they love it from what I have seen.

As much as you might want this pup, I would not recommend getting it if training and socialization are not possible and can not be consistently maintained. However, if money is available, then this might not be a problem - you can hire a trainer to teach you and your mom how to train the pup (and continue to reinforce that training as the pup grows older). You can also do online research to learn how to work with this particular breed - there is a lot of information out there that can help. If you have not trained a dog before - especially a large breed dog, I would go with a real life trainer and supplement this with online research. Also keep your mom in the loop on commands and the dog in the loop on who is boss - humans first then the dog. : )

The owner of the puppy's mother might also be able to help out/give you some ideas/suggestions on training and other information on the breed.

Other things - like walking? This can be gotten around as well - with appropriate and very good leash training, your mom should be able to walk the dog no problem. If my dog wanted to, she could lunge away from me in a heartbeat because of her power, but she doesn't. If your mom cannot walk the dog for some other reason, there are other options:

• Someone can be hired to walk the dog;
• A friend/associate of your mom's who likes to walk for exercise can take the dog with them on their walks (some really enjoy walking dogs without the other things associated with dog ownership);
• Making sure the pup has access to a fenced yard - you can put in a fence if you live with your mom or make sure finances are avialble for your mom to put one in if needed. Also, some people rent out their private back yards to people where their dog can run free. There are also electronic fences - but some debate the humanity of those.

If transportation is a problem - there are ways around this as well, but likely this would cost money if your mom does not have access to a big car to help her. Transporation is another must - the pup will need to go to the vet at a minimum.

I love puppies - but WOW they are a lot of work. If you do decide to get the pup, I would really recommend crate training (and I learned this the hard way). I was pretty opposed to crate training when I got my latest Rottie as a pup - mistake, big mistake.

If done correctly, the dogs actually learn to love the crates and it can ensure for the first couple of years that the dog (and your home) is safe when you need to go out and when you need to sleep. I really, really learned this the hard way. : )

Thank you both for replying. Yes getting a smaller dog is an option, but this has already been pretty much arranged we have correspondence with the family since over a year.
While I was fostering my older cat's siblings we became well acquainted with some of our neighbours ,the ones that ended up getting the two other kittens and the ones with cats themselves, I think they'd most probably help out. Transportation is not a problem unless the dog is severely ill, in his last years I mean and has to be carried to the car. But yes, there are neighbours who would be willing to help. About training I'm not so sure because trainers cannot really be trusted in my country, as they tend to be violent. Thank you so much for your detailed response :)

 

[Weary Soul]

Violent trainers have no place near a dog - violence is not needed and does more harm than good. Dogs are born in love and taught to hate.

I am sorry that a good, experienced, and wise trainer is not an option for you. From your response, I can see you have already thought things through long term - very wise! : )

I have never trained a St. Bernard, but I have trained all 3 Rotties (the first one was trained under the guidance of another trainer). I typically use the exact same word for a command along with a hand gesture. This way, I can now command my Rottie with either verbal or hand signals. It took only 2 tries to teach her how to sit (most Rotties learn a command within 1 to 5 repititions - St. Bernards are incredibly intelligent - so I have no doubt it is similar with them).

Once she was familar with the training process it got easier and easier to train her with other commands. Treats are good to use with training when they are young - they won't require them forever (and the treats can be as simple as very small pieces of boiled chicken - the taste is enough).

Also, it is best to let the pup play and work out any excess energy before training - sometimes they (at least my latest Rottie did) bounce off the walls with energy - training comes easier when they are focused and not so highly charged.

Sorries if I am repeating things you already know or getting carried away here. Training Rotties is a love of mine - I would love to do this for a living if I could. : )

 

[Weary Soul]

Oh, forgot to mention.. one very serious warning to watch for with St. Bernard's.

The drool, St. Bs drool a huge amount - joking about the serious part, although some are freaked out by this.

My friend had one, and one time the dog put its 20 lb head on my lap. I stood up, and well, I was soaked. I actually had to change my clothes, so if you do decide to get this pup - brace for drool! : )

Another thing, St. Bernard's are protectors by nature, should something happen to you for any reason - it might just be a wonderful gift you are giving your mom if there is no one else there to help her - a 140 - 180 lb protector.

Take care MountKecske :)

 

[MountKecske]

Violent trainers have no place near a dog - violence is not needed and does more harm than good. Dogs are born in love and taught to hate.

I am sorry that a good, experienced, and wise trainer is not an option for you. From your response, I can see you have already thought things through long term - very wise! : )

I have never trained a St. Bernard, but I have trained all 3 Rotties (the first one was trained under the guidance of another trainer). I typically use the exact same word for a command along with a hand gesture. This way, I can now command my Rottie with either verbal or hand signals. It took only 2 tries to teach her how to sit (most Rotties learn a command within 1 to 5 repititions - St. Bernards are incredibly intelligent - so I have no doubt it is similar with them).

Once she was familar with the training process it got easier and easier to train her with other commands. Treats are good to use with training when they are young - they won't require them forever (and the treats can be as simple as very small pieces of boiled chicken - the taste is enough).

Also, it is best to let the pup play and work out any excess energy before training - sometimes they (at least my latest Rottie did) bounce off the walls with energy - training comes easier when they are focused and not so highly charged.

Sorries if I am repeating things you already know or getting carried away here. Training Rotties is a love of mine - I would love to do this for a living if I could. : )

Oh, forgot to mention.. one very serious warning to watch for with St. Bernard's.

The drool, St. Bs drool a huge amount - joking about the serious part, although some are freaked out by this.

My friend had one, and one time the dog put its 20 lb head on my lap. I stood up, and well, I was soaked. I actually had to change my clothes, so if you do decide to get this pup - brace for drool! : )

Another thing, St. Bernard's are protectors by nature, should something happen to you for any reason - it might just be a wonderful gift you are giving your mom if there is no one else there to help her - a 140 - 180 lb protector.

Take care MountKecske :)

Thank you so much for all the helpful tips you offered. I think I can manage to teach him to walk close by with treats. And I have seen very elderly people with dogs and how they adapt and walk at their pace. So even if they can manage it my mom will be fine probably.
Oh I know about the drool :D That's ok, I wouldn't mind.
Thank you so much again, you too take care Weary Soul :)