A Walk Without A Dog By Your Side?

[Tiercel 6,986]

This year I had to have the old terrier PTS. "Thats it" I thought no more, I am nearly 60 with a collapsed artery in my leg and find walking very difficult and painfull. So I thought." Is it worth getting another pup?" The answer for various reasons was no.

 

Well it's been about 5 months now and I feel a part of me is missing, bar for 5 years I have not been without a working dog since I was 10. We still have the wifes pot licker and as good as she is, it's just not the same. Today I went for a walk and took the pot licker as usual, but as obedient as she is there is no connection there.

 

The problem I have is, If I were to get a pup it would not have fairplay on the exercise front due to my limitations. Also the lack of rabbits in the area would mean that it's progress would be painfully slow. Yet going out for a simple walk without that working dog does nothing for me. Despite my limited walking abilities my heart says get another pup in, yet my head says no.

 

Your thoughts please?

 

TC

[TUFFTY 1,484]

Only you can answer that one mate

[scothunter 12,609]

if you think that your health wont get any worse,then go for it.like you mate,ive never been without a dog.in fact i currently applied for a job,which if i do get offered it,i would need to move away as it involves a tied house.if the dog cant go with me,then i dont think i would accept it. every dog i have ever owned i knew was a commitment,and i keep them till they pass away.they are most certainly a tie thats for sure.

[LaraCroft 863]

Not sure what to suggest about the pup - just wanted to say sorry about the terrier, and I hope your health improves to allow some more enjoyment of walking.

[Giro 2,648]

You could get a dog that mid/ later on in its carear...

 

Would not be as taxing as a pup, will know the score but welcome a few easy days. Something around the 7/8 mark..

 

Would still catch a few bits and bobs on the lamp.. Enjoy a walk and a lie by the fire..

 

JMO ..

[darbo 4,776]

As said only you could make the honest decision. But it would give you something to focus on and hopefully feel better within yourself.

[simonrocco 175]

pups can be quite a handful at times if it was me i would get one thats a bit older around the 2/3 year mark but only you can deside what to do at the end of the day atb pal

[the_stig 6,614]

You could get a dog that mid/ later on in its carear...

 

Would not be as taxing as a pup, will know the score but welcome a few easy days. Something around the 7/8 mark..

 

Would still catch a few bits and bobs on the lamp.. Enjoy a walk and a lie by the fire..

 

JMO ..

my mate was in the same sort of situation he ended up with a 5 year old beddy cross gave him and the dog a new lease of life... of all places the dog came from the rspca was left in a lay by when some travellers moved off ...

[Giro 2,648]

As long as you get a good older dog it would be plain sailing

[woz 260]

A dog will give you a reason and meaning.....the dog pounds are full of workers....it Mau take a few visits to find a dog that will fit with you but it may be a cool thing to do for a rescue and yourself......

[the_stig 6,614]

As long as you get a good older dog it would be plain sailing

my mates old uns no world beater runs the odd one loves sitters and gets the odd rat when out with the terriers ....if you just want a walking companian what about an ex track dog ...

Edited February 17, 2013 by the_stig

[Tiercel 6,986]

Thanks for the replies gents. I had not really thought about getting an older dog in.

 

I have only ever bought one older dog well she was two and although she was a good working dog we just never clicked as a team, if you know what I mean. The bond between man and dog works both ways I feel.To me a dog is not just an accessory it is a partner, so not only does the dog have to bond with me, I have to bond with the dog. I feel I have to know the dog inside out to be able to trust it.

 

The problem with getting dog from a pound and the likes is you never know the history of the dog, whereas if you raise a pup yourself you know the dog as well as you know yourself. It would not have to be a running dog, a terrier would do me just as long as it works. I have long passed the stage where I need a kill, but I still need the hunt, that is burried in my sychi so deep I do not think it will ever waun.

 

Once again many thanks gents.

 

TC

Edited February 17, 2013 by tiercel

[kruby01 114]

you could get an older dog or is there someone you trust who would take the dog out for a run when your not feeling upto it?

[TUFFTY 1,484]

Thanks for the replies gents. I had not really thought about getting an older dog in.

 

I have only ever bought one older dog well she was two and although she was a good working dog we just never clicked as a team, if you know what I mean. The bond between man and dog works both ways I feel.To me a dog is not just an accessory it is a partner, so not only does the dog have to bond with me, I have to bond with the dog. I feel I have to know the dog inside out to be able to trust it.

 

The problem with getting dog from a pound and the likes is you never know the history of the dog, whereas if you raise a pup yourself you know the dog as well as you know yourself. It would not have to be a running dog, a terrier would do me just as long as it works. I have long passed the stage where I need a kill, but I still need the hunt, that is burried in my sychi so deep I do not think it will ever waun.

 

Once again many thanks gents.

 

TC

there you go then

as i said only you could answer it

 

im sure someone will have a litter of terriers on the ground soon

[Ratreeper 441]

Thanks for the replies gents. I had not really thought about getting an older dog in.

 

I have only ever bought one older dog well she was two and although she was a good working dog we just never clicked as a team, if you know what I mean. The bond between man and dog works both ways I feel.To me a dog is not just an accessory it is a partner, so not only does the dog have to bond with me, I have to bond with the dog. I feel I have to know the dog inside out to be able to trust it.

 

The problem with getting dog from a pound and the likes is you never know the history of the dog, whereas if you raise a pup yourself you know the dog as well as you know yourself. It would not have to be a running dog, a terrier would do me just as long as it works. I have long passed the stage where I need a kill, but I still need the hunt, that is burried in my sychi so deep I do not think it will ever waun.

 

Once again many thanks gents.

 

TC

 

Why not volunteer at a local rescue and/or foster a dog? That way you can spend a lot of time with any dog that fits the bill before making a commitment and you should know if you have found a dog you can bond with pretty quickly. I understand what you mean about needing a dog you 'click' with and I would agree getting an older dog sounds the sensible option and there are a lot of great dogs needing homes. I adopted my previous and current dog and spent hours walking dozens before I found the right match for me, but when you find the right one it is obvious from the first walk. One word of warning though is that you might be surprised what dog you get, I have patiently waited to get a lurcher for years and ended up with a staffy! (lurcher in a few months though)

 

Good luck