So Im trying to do a trip this summer across the US, but i want a companion. I have one friend Id take, but hes not interested, so Im going to adopt a dog from the local shelter to companion with me. I dont know too much about dogs, so does anyone have an idea of a good traveling dog? Im sure ill get a mixed breed, but knowing doesnt hurt. What type of dogs are not too big, but can still protect? Maybe something that doesnt shed? (dog hair sticks to fucking everything) I plan on making this dog my best friend, hahahaha.
Really any dog can be a good traveling dog. I traveled throughout the east coast on a road trip with just my mastiff and I. We had a van with back seats removed though. LOL. Just make sure the dog is comfortable on a leash before you head out. A day or two of leash training will help if not. Just get the dog used to the car and it will be all good. As for a breed by breed basis. All dogs who are connected on an emotional level will try to defend their owners in danger. All dogs regardless of breed that accept a human as part of their pack will defend their pack members to the death. Unless they are affected by emotional or physical issues that prevent them from acting like a normal canine. In answer to your question some dog breeds that have a propensity to protect and are not too big. Big is relative to the person though so hopefully my candidates of breeds aren't too large. First are the usuals; pitbull, american bulldog, belgian malinois, rottweiler. I wouldn't recommend any of these however, for an inexperienced dog owner it is asking for trouble. There are a few surprising ones I'd like to list as well; any type of spaniel except for the toy variety even though they still have that spaniel tenacity. Australian Shepherd, West Highland White Terrier and any terrier for that matter, any type of Schnauzer. Biggest things are though, these dog breeds that are commonly used as guard dogs are for the most part extremely intelligent and independent minded. They take an assertive strong leader, that is also calm and kind and just. Any weakness they perceive and they will rule your life and generally be too trigger happy. Ultimately I would recommend some type of Terrier or Spaniel mix. They are usually small and they have pin point hearing. They will alert you to any danger, but really have no threat in attack terms which is what you want. They are courageous little dogs too, a lot of the times more so than bigger dogs. Terriers and Spaniels can be nightmares to train though, so be smart. The breeds that have been bred in the past as attack dogs and guard dogs are really tough to work with and require someone very experienced in working with dogs. IE German Shepherds, Pitbulls, Belgian Malinois, Rottweiler, American Bulldog. A lot of people underesttimate this and go out and get a pitbull or GSD and the dog turns to be aggressive due to a poor environment. Then we end up contributing with the massive amount of Pitbulls and other dogs that are in shelters that end up getting euthanized because their owners weren't cut out for owning one. Not to mention the untrue and unneeded bad rep the dogs get as a result. And as for dogs that don't shed, good luck. Unless you get a mexican hairless dog, all dogs shed a little. Some shed a lot less but require a lot of grooming and brushing to maintain its coat. My mastiff has super short hair, but I am amazed by the copious quantity of hair everywhere. Rivaling even my super longhaired Cousin It Bernese Mountain Dog. It is a great thing you are doing adopting a dog, there are so many that need homes. And remember when you get a dog, it is for life. You make that commitment to care for them for the rest of their life when they change hands to yours. And in return you will receive an unending amount of love, true unconditional love. A friend in the truest sense of the word. That will stick with you through thick and thin. Good luck finding a dog and good luck to you in your travels!
You're looking for a dog to be your companion for the summer. I'd recommend not. Unless you are looking for a companion for 10-15 years. On the road, the dog won't be there to protect you. You will be there to protect the dog. Protect it from walking in front of cars, protect it from eating the wrong stuff, protect it from scaring or scarring the locals. You might want to rethink things.
I have a Beagle that absolutely loves to travel in cars and sleeps tons and tons when driving around, but he was also raised from a pup riding in a car. If you want just a short term travel companion a dog may not be the best bet, it's more of a long term investment :2thumbsup:
I do plan on bonding and training with the dog, and its not just for the summer trip. Itd be a dog id come to grow with, and share an interpersonal connection with. The purpose is for a companion in general, not just a dog for the trip. Hed be around alot longer afterwards, and would be on many a more trips! And last time i checked, dogs are domesticated animals that can be trained, so any behavioral or habitual problems can be tuned with raising the animal.
I'd recommend getting a german shepherd. They're not usually quite as aggressive as pitbulls or rottweilers, but they're fierce enough for you to feel safe. And once you establish a bond with one, that's a dog that will fight to the death for you. I've had a couple different types of dogs, but never the type of bond that I've had with german shepherds, one was my best friend growing up. Also they're very smart, not too big, and many are short-haired. I feel like they'd be able to adapt well to traveling as long as you treat one right and make sure s/he gets exercise. Also, an australian shepherd would probably do well. They're a bit smaller so probably not so much on the protection aspect, but very loving dogs. Honestly though, if you're going to the shelter you might not get to pick and choose. Mutts and mixes of all types can make good dogs, it just depends on the specific dog. Just try and find one you feel good with, of the size and age you want.
Ive been looking into shelters, weve got one over here that strictly puts them down. Its 21 bucks to get one and there is no questions asked, so more then likely ill be rescuing one. And older seems to be te ticket too.
I wish you well. But you may not know how much care a dog needs. I've been with Spike for a long time, but I'd hesitate about bringing him on the road for a summer. Travel time is doubled (increased number and length of stops) Being within 6 ft of the dog for 4 months. Good luck.
Well, my humble, most sincere advice, the key here is if you get a hounder from an animal shelter (the best place), breed is quite irrelevant, simply gaze into their eyes, for they will choose you, it really not being the other way around! I so wish you luck and good fortune on and during your travels!
Breed is not very relevant for this case. He plans on taking this dog on many long trips, and some breeds just aren't suited for that. All breeds have different needs and some would be hard to meet on the road. You don't want to take a hyper breed on trips like that. You could get half way across the Country and become overwhelmed. Some breeds need a lot of exercise EVERY DAY, or else you would experience behavioral issues. It wouldn't be fair to keep a super hyperactive retriever coupes up in a car all day. Of course even within a breed there will be differences in personalities, but generally speaking they will be pretty close. It would be best to do some research, and choose a breed whose needs closely match what you are capable of offering. That way you and your dog will be most happy with each other.
Pick a short haired, 20 to 30 pound mutt. Not to big to be with in the car and the short hair won't be so much of a nuisance. Like Toby said, look at each dog, they'll tell you.
Some docile kind of breed like a pug might do good, maybe (i'm not an expert, though. i've only been a dog owner for 5 years so far). But I know that our social group i'm joining has a pug and supposely it's cool with anyone walking him, from what I hear. Soo it might also take to traveling well? I dunno, i'd have to research the pug temporment a bit more...
I am wondering about your progress in finding a forever friend/companion shelter dog. Did you find one? Lots of good advice above. I would second that it is your responsibility to protect the dog. Make sure that you keep the dog on leash when getting out of the car. Please remember to not leave the dog alone in the car in the heat. Even in spring weather the car can get overheated and kill the dog. Good luck on finding your forever friend.
