Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by PaulaO on November 7, 2012 at 4:55pm

Breed is not the important factor. Desire to work and the ability to distinct smells is. I'm betting a Beagle would be a great DAD. Their brain is in their nose, the poor things. Jack Russell and similar small "earth/dig" dogs. And any mix breed who has a nose drive.

Permalink Reply by meee on November 7, 2012 at 5:01pm

Hi Paula,

I didn't think of beagles- we had a beagle when I was growing up- she was great- but they need a lot of territory to roam to be really happy. I would love a border collie too, but they have similar types of needs... a jack russel may be a possibility. I have to figure out if my two cats will even accept a dog also. I am going to check for other nose breed dogs. Thanks for that Idea! There is someone in my area who does DAD training also- I will try to consult with him.

Permalink Reply by meee on November 7, 2012 at 5:01pm

I would really like to get a shelter dog also if possible.

Permalink Reply by Jennifer on November 7, 2012 at 5:05pm

Here is a Chinese Crested: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=512035735272&set=o.18881...

Permalink Reply by meee on November 7, 2012 at 5:18pm

Thanks Jennifer- is he your dog? He is gorgeous! What a cutie pie...

Permalink Reply by HilaryF on November 7, 2012 at 6:10pm

I don't think breed is all that important. My DAD is a golden retriever/lab mix, but I have seen many other types of dogs. (I work with Early Alert Canines, and because we use career-change dogs from other service dog organizations, most of our dogs are labs, goldens, or crosses.) What is important is the dogs nose, it's desire to work and please you, and whether the dog has the skills and aptitude required for public access. I wish you luck!

Permalink Reply by meee on November 8, 2012 at 9:41pm

Thanks Hillary,

I hope this will work for me maybe- I will have to do some more research on how to train a dog also.

Permalink Reply by Marfem on November 7, 2012 at 6:20pm

I have a multi-task trained SD and one of his tasks is blood sugar alert. He is a Standard Poodle. There are a number of smaller DADs, but what`s important is the temperament of the dog. I would try and look for a easily trainable breed that`s smaller in size, but a jack Russell or Beagle would not be at the top half of that list. Both are extremely independent and a Beagle`s need to sniff everything would not be good manners for a SD. If you can find a scent imprinted puppy as a DAD prospect you`re ahead of the challenge of training.

Permalink Reply by PaulaO on November 7, 2012 at 7:31pm

Friend of mine had a Beagle as her SD. The dog would do anything for a treat. But if she knew Elena didn't have a treat, she wouldn't do it. Was never able to be off leash.

Jack Russells are hyper hyper dogs but they love to work.

I'm not a fan of small dogs. My SD is a Rottweiler! LOL

Permalink Reply by meee on November 8, 2012 at 9:45pm

our beagle would do tricks for food too...omg- don't think my cats would like a rottweiler...lol

Permalink Reply by PaulaO on November 12, 2012 at 10:24am

It is actually funny to watch Jo (my retired Rottie SD) get backed up by our cats. They pick on her a lot but really love her. It is her they go to and rub against or curl up next to. Mike, the Rottie mix trainee, doesn't care much for cats but won't chase them or run from them. He just doesn't seem to understand them. But, really, I don't either!

Permalink Reply by meee on November 14, 2012 at 4:05pm

that's good they all get along! our cat used to rule our beagle for the most part.

I don't think my current cats will ever accept a large dog though and they are my first babies so their needs have to come first in any future members of the family decisions- I also don't think I can handle anything larger than a border collie and they need to be on a farm to be truly happy, plus they need too much activity.

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