[QUOTE=wendy;7796889]
an electronic alarm system?
even a low-activity dog requires exercise, training, and work. Someone deliberately setting out to look for a low-activity dog just because they want an alarm system needs… an alarm system.[/QUOTE]
LOTS of assumptions here.
If I was ready I’d go look, but with dh about to enter the hospital again I just cannot adopt a pet at this time. Though the need for comfort from a dog or cat is fierce in me right now.
[QUOTE=SGray;7797253]
yes indeed
when I went there hoping to adopt her I told the very chatty volunteer about the problem with the listing and was poo-poo’d
but seriously - adopt a ‘retriever’, throw a tennis ball - have the ASD look at you with a ‘what are talking about dude? you want me to what?’
are you sure you don’t want to go meet her? she’s got it all: short hair, beyond puppyhood, easy for her to step up into RV, and would easily and willingly take out anyone that bothered you[/QUOTE]
awww suz
you can come get some lovin’ from my Frankie (GPyr) - she loves to give hugs
This makes me so sad…a recent widow at my exercise class got a Shibu Innu
(sp) which, while not the most suitable dog in theory, has turned out to be a wonderful dog for her. She has been a life-saver for my friend and she
cannot imagine life without her as she makes the adjustment.
So, I hope the dog idea is not an ‘if’ but a goal. I also like the bully idea - although terriers are not for everyone. However, every breed has its typical and its atypical members. My greyhound was cat-proof and biddable, although they say that is not the norm.
A mature dog would be ideal for you, then you can get a measure of its behaviour and temperament.
I am sorry about your DH!
I saw you mentioned labs. We have a Lab/ Weim cross and she meets your criteria now that she is older. She LOVES going camping in our camper and is happy to hang out all day long under my feet when I work from home. She also will bark when anyone approaches the front door. That said she is a terrible shedder so I would consider a poodle for that alone in a small space.
ETA- we got our dog through this program- and it is a GREAT way to get a mature well trained dog. I cannot say enough about them. As our dog gets older - we definitely would go this route again if we were to get another dog. Great for dogs and great for people.
https://www.coloradoci.com/serviceproviders/puppy/index.html
I’ll second the Doberman suggestion. My Doberman, even as a young dog, was very laid back and a couch potato. He looked intimidating, but there wasn’t a mean bone in his body.
My Catahoula also fits your description, but who knows if all Catahoulas are as laid back as mine.
if you decide you’d like a Dobie and are still in the Houston area when you are ready, my friend is heavily involved with Houston Area Doberman Rescue and can find you a suitable match
Nobody is going to mess with a lady walking with a Doberman on a dark night,
even if he is a softie.
The prison training site sounds like a good place. Do they ship dogs? Have a friend looking for dog just like the OP needs, and the local people seem hard to deal with, yet she would be a ten candidate for a dog.
I just saw ths thread today so I figured I’d put in my two cents. I have a dobe that is quite laid back. He is always up for a walk, or run but he is usually more than happy to just lay around and sleep. As one of the other posters said, no one will bother anyone walking a dobe and especially one with cropped ears and a docked tail. He looks quite mean but is one of the kindest dogs you’ll ever meet and doesn’t mess with my cat. Funny story, my cat is actually declawed up front (I didn’t do it, I adopted him that way) and will whack my dobe across the face if he gets too goofy and my dobe will wince and go away as if they cat really did hurt him rolls eyes.
If it were me I’d get a 4 or 5 year old shelter dog with a chill temperament and a big bark.
Getting a puppy in this case is a total gamble- there’s no way it’ll be a couch potato for at least a year or two, and even after that every breed has its anomalies. And an intentional cross? Who knows what traits the pup’d inherit from the parents?
OP not ready now
For those just joining in, sounds like OP is not ready to launch now. Maybe she’ll post this again when she’s really ready.
This sort of thing can be annoying, since one takes time and consideration to provide a thoughtful reply. This circumstance warrants a pass. Suz probably needs a break from reality and dreaming up a potential new furry friend is fun!
[QUOTE=suz;7797331]
If I was ready I’d go look, but with dh about to enter the hospital again I just cannot adopt a pet at this time. Though the need for comfort from a dog or cat is fierce in me right now.[/QUOTE]
Best wishes to you and your husband.
I haven’t read this entire thread – but wanted to just throw this out – I see SOOOO many pitties at shelters/rescues who need a home. Most of them are so sweet and gentle, yet look fierce. They are very cuddley and laid back, especially one of the grown ones. Just a consideration!
PennyG
[QUOTE=Kyzteke;7796687]
Also, a word of caution. It seems you are going through a very tough time with quite an emotional roller coaster. Yes, it’s nice to have a dog for protection, but they ARE a life-long commitment (or they should be), so take your time before deciding.
In fact, if you can find a rescue or shelter that will let you foster, that might be the best plan till your mind & heart are alittle more settled about the future. Best of luck![/QUOTE]
Yes, OP - I am so sorry about your husband.
:no:
I think you brought up fostering yourself, I think with all you are going through, this might be the best solution all 'round.
In terms of breed, I agree that dogs are individuals, but also that certain breeds can be known for certain behaviours and activity levels.
We have GSDs and once they reach adulthood, they are very good sleepers in the house 
- but because of their size, their loud bark, and the reputation that precedes them, they are great deterents. They are also protective and loyal.
However, on the downside, there is the hair…
Best of luck with all you are facing ahead, I am sure you will find a nice dog, who needs you too, when you are ready.
[QUOTE=suz;7794507]
What do you think makes a good cross for someone who wants a mellow low activity doggie who’ll look and sound menacing when necessary?
Any size is fine, short hair preferred and must be good with cats. Also prefer short tails and less slobber/droopy eyes too.
I don’t know much about low activity dogs so I’m stumped.[/QUOTE]
Thank you for your prayers and jingles, they do give me comfort. As does thinking about getting a dog someday.
This is my original query, and yes, I’m only thinking about it at this stage.
Our intention is for dh to beat this too, but if he does not I will foster before making a commitment. I’ve learned the hard way that life can change at a moment’s notice.
And fwiw, I’m quite aware that even low energy dogs need to be walked. duh.
Pit bulls though tend not to be big barkers especially barking at people. My biggest people barkers are a Manchester terrier X, ACD X and a 35 lb ? female, who is very mistrusting of strangers. The bullies do look intimidating though! Have to say that my bullies never meet a stranger, extremely people friendly.
I have met many outstanding pitbulls but it never occurred to me that they are a low energy breed in general.
Most of my life I’ve had working and sporting breeds, so I don’t know much about the more laid back dogs, hence my asking the question initially.
I would look for an adult dog, since you’d be able to gauge personality for a fit in your home.
My BC mix, oddly, would meet the description (except for the cat part, she can’t leave them alone!). She’s Border Collie mixed with maybe Husky, maybe Boxer, maybe something else, Lab? I don’t know. The BC is obvious in her appearance, the way she moves and she is very smart and easy to train. She’s big, though, about 75lbs. She does not have the energy level of a BC …at only 3 she loves to go on big long hikes, but she doesn’t HAVE to and will be well-behaved in the house even if she misses a walk for several days. She lies on the couch, snuggling with anyone who sits down, or my bed 90% of the time. BIG dog, BIG bark, mostly black with pointy ears. An excellent deterrent, everyone is afraid of her when she’s barking and has her hair up, even though she never follows up on her idle threats, she’s very friendly.
Mature Dobermann … NOT a puppy or young Doberman. Their high energy will drive you to distraction.
I’ve two Dobermans … 7 years and 10 months each. At five or six years, the Old man slowed down and is happiest on the couch or bed. Still active and good for long walks and fending off the puppy. The puppy is a 90 pound handful as I type.
I have a mature ACD lying at my feet on the side porch as we speak. Very laid back…just did a pack walk around the farm and trails and he shadowed me while the BC’s and lab ran circles around us both.
He is generally quiet but barks at strangers until properly introduced then is friendly though not in your lap type. He is tall and dark for an ACD and many think he is a mini-GSD or ACD cross. He is a good companion and will chase the ball to entertain you if you like but likes sitting around on the sofa just as much.
I see ACD’s on the rescue sites 5 years up that fit his description.
[QUOTE=Bicoastal;7803628]
For those just joining in, sounds like OP is not ready to launch now. Maybe she’ll post this again when she’s really ready.
This sort of thing can be annoying, since one takes time and consideration to provide a thoughtful reply. This circumstance warrants a pass. Suz probably needs a break from reality and dreaming up a potential new furry friend is fun!
Best wishes to you and your husband.[/QUOTE]
Maybe the OP needs this right now? In light of all that’s going on in her life, maybe it’s comforting to think of a new dog to love? Researching and planning before making a decision is bad, why?
Slight tangent, not at all the same but …I lost a lovely 9 year old Shepherd in early June, I have missed him each and every day. In the last 4+ months, I’ve looked at websites, emailed breeders, and talked to many other about my hopes for the next dog. It’s October and I’m just now ready to commit to another dog. The OP will commit when she’s ready, that doesn’t mean she can’t think & hope & dream.
In regards to the OP- I wholeheartedly agree with fostering or adopting an older dog. My 12 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback came to me as a foster at the age of 9 and she’s been everything you’re looking for. I also think GSD’s are great dogs, but they need activity every day, they’ll be fine laying on the couch part of the day IF you make time to walk or throw a ball as part of your daily activities, again an older dog is always a better bet. I currently have Pit Bulls living with me because my daughter spent 2 years in Aiken, SC and came back with a handful of strays. They’re all very sweet, loving, unaggressive dogs who are happy to lay around the couch, but can bark like nobody’s business when there’s something that needs barking at.
Suz - Best wishes for you as you go through this difficult time. My husband is my heart and soul & I can’t even imagine what you’re going through.
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