We currently have a 5 yr old male Irish Setter. He is a big baby. We got him when he was 17 weeks and he was the runt so it took us a while to get him used to being able to eat when he wanted and such. He was timid. Now he is a bit nervous but our vet recently told us there is something about the gene that makes red fur in dogs that is also linked to "hyper" behavior. What makes him nervous? Hair brushes. He hates to be groomed. He does better with baths but brushing or combing makes him shake in fear. We are very gentle and calm but it is really a battle. No one has harmed him with a brush either. Going to the vet makes him shake also but that is to be expected.
We seem to have some "magic" when it comes to training our dogs....we can be outside with them in in the yard and they stay and respond well to any command. We actually have had people ask us to train their dogs.
In the house, another story. We do have a fenced backyard for him to run free alone.
Barking is also a common trait. They are very talkative and Tucker talks back if he doesn't like what is going on. He has to greet everyone loudly for a minute or so then he will calm down. He doesn't jump up on them just barks till he gets enough petting and such.
Exercise is key. They do like to run but just walking is good too. We do a minimum of 2 long walks, about 2 miles, a day and often more. DH and DS are the walkers. They both are fast walkers and can keep up with the long legs on our setter. He stops dead in his tracks to spot birds, rabbits or squirrels. Heck, he even freezes in point at basketballs in yards if it is suspicious looking. The guys allow him a couple minutes of pointing then make him move on. He also is known to walk into things like trees and sign posts cause he is paying attention to another dog or a kid across the street.
I wouldn't exactly call them dumb. The are really quite smart but think they know better. We were told it takes longer to train them because you have to convince them you mean business and this has been true for us. He has responded well to food treats but still you might have to prove your dominance until he agrees to let you be alfa. We used a training method of putting the dog's shoulders down on the floor and holding him until he stopped struggling. It is the same method the mother dog uses and pack leaders use on members. It worked well but I didn't like it much. We had golden retreivers before and they are so anxious to please you don't need to do much at all.
Our dog also has low thyroid and needs meds twice daily and we are having a hard time with allergies each summer. There are other common health problems too.
If you know in your heart either of these dogs is for you, go for it. No matter what you will have some training to do and some struggle in the beginning. Nothing is guaranteed in life. Most pets want only to be loved and to be allowed to love in return.
We seem to have some "magic" when it comes to training our dogs....we can be outside with them in in the yard and they stay and respond well to any command. We actually have had people ask us to train their dogs.
In the house, another story. We do have a fenced backyard for him to run free alone. Barking is also a common trait. They are very talkative and Tucker talks back if he doesn't like what is going on. He has to greet everyone loudly for a minute or so then he will calm down. He doesn't jump up on them just barks till he gets enough petting and such.
Exercise is key. They do like to run but just walking is good too. We do a minimum of 2 long walks, about 2 miles, a day and often more. DH and DS are the walkers. They both are fast walkers and can keep up with the long legs on our setter. He stops dead in his tracks to spot birds, rabbits or squirrels. Heck, he even freezes in point at basketballs in yards if it is suspicious looking. The guys allow him a couple minutes of pointing then make him move on. He also is known to walk into things like trees and sign posts cause he is paying attention to another dog or a kid across the street.
I wouldn't exactly call them dumb. The are really quite smart but think they know better. We were told it takes longer to train them because you have to convince them you mean business and this has been true for us. He has responded well to food treats but still you might have to prove your dominance until he agrees to let you be alfa. We used a training method of putting the dog's shoulders down on the floor and holding him until he stopped struggling. It is the same method the mother dog uses and pack leaders use on members. It worked well but I didn't like it much. We had golden retreivers before and they are so anxious to please you don't need to do much at all.
Our dog also has low thyroid and needs meds twice daily and we are having a hard time with allergies each summer. There are other common health problems too.
If you know in your heart either of these dogs is for you, go for it. No matter what you will have some training to do and some struggle in the beginning. Nothing is guaranteed in life. Most pets want only to be loved and to be allowed to love in return.
