A dog in the garden

[Than]

Weird topic and I wasn't sure in which forum to post it. 

I was wondering do people here have dogs running freely in their gardens? How much damage have your palms and other plants suffered because of your dog(s)? 

 

[Silas_Sancona]

3 minutes ago, Than said:

Weird topic and I wasn't sure in which forum to post it. 

I was wondering do people here have dogs running freely in their gardens? How much damage have your palms and other plants suffered because of your dog(s)? 

 

In the 12.5 years spent with a 22lb cat < and bird, > chaser keeping his human dad company in the yard  ..no damage,  ..to anything,  ..ever.  

No chewing on anything ..except grass.. ..ever  ..either.

[Phoenikakias]

It very much depends on the size and mentality of the dog and last but not least, whether you are its owner or not. Potentially a dog is devastating, especially during our hot summer. A dog may search for cool spot during summer, which additionally offers an extensive overview over its territory. And guess what, the coolest spots are those that are shady and get irrigated, because dogs DIG soil to reach cooler layers beyond surface. 

[Silas_Sancona]

18 minutes ago, Phoenikakias said:

It very much depends on the size and mentality of the dog and last but not least, whether you are its owner or not. Potentially a dog is devastating, especially during our hot summer. A dog may search for cool spot during summer, which additionally offers an extensive overview over its territory. And guess what, the coolest spots are those that are shady and get irrigated, because dogs DIG soil to reach cooler layers beyond surface. 

Re-phrased:  Some  dogs may dig..  Mine never did. Not even in pursuit of Gophers.. Not in CA, FL. or here in the land of the Eternal Summer Furnace...

Now the couch,  or beds w/ all the covers removed?,  ..that's a different story, lol.  Basenji aren't called " brats " by their humans for nothing.

[Phoenikakias]

34 minutes ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Re-phrased:  Some  dogs may dig..  Mine never did. Not even in pursuit of Gophers.. Not in CA, FL. or here in the land of the Eternal Summer Furnace...

Now the couch,  or beds w/ all the covers removed?,  ..that's a different story, lol.  Basenji aren't called " brats " by their humans for nothing.

There is a good reason, that all dog breeds have been categorized in to a handful of groups (e.g hunting, guarding, sheperd, labor etc). A guarding dog by drive has to find a comfortable outlook to spend much of the day. Especially when it sniffs stray cats roaming around.

[Harry’s Palms]

Our cats are indoor only , we don’t have a dog . Our neighbor has a couple of cats and occasionally they wander through the garden but don’t stay long. Sometimes their dog gets out and comes to our yard but it is a small dog and I am able to get her home where she belongs . Harry

[RichardHemsley]

Over 20 years of having dogs and no problems.  Keep them stimulated and entertained when in the garden and they will steer clear of destroying plants

 

[happypalms]

All I had to say to my dog was get out of the garden when chasing the frisbee 🥏 

[jwitt]

Had my dogs eat palm blooms, take off leaves(sometimes good), and devour ripe watermelon, pomegranates, etc.. Had one dog who even knew when apples were ripe.  

[SeanK]

I have Yorkies. No problem. Chase chipmunks and squirrels; sniff around rabbit holes in the yard.

[JLM]

I’ve had more issues with dogs chewing up and destroying potted plants. They have since grown out of it, I have also kept smaller stuff up higher compared to before as well.

[Jim in Los Altos]

I’ve had three collies (Rough Sable and Whites) over the years and the breed has got to be about the kindest and most gentle when it comes to the garden. Even as new puppies they never disturbed a single plant. They’d even avoid pooping in “their” garden and would wait ‘til their walks. I plan on getting another collie puppy or two. 
 

[Than]

Unexpected answers I must say. I was expecting dreadful stories of ruined gardens etc. 

I am considering a guard dog but a bit worried about smaller, ground cover plants. Then again a dog would keep the neighbour's 14 (yes, 14) cats away, so...

[Than]

12 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Re-phrased:  Some  dogs may dig..  Mine never did. Not even in pursuit of Gophers.. Not in CA, FL. or here in the land of the Eternal Summer Furnace...

Now the couch,  or beds w/ all the covers removed?,  ..that's a different story, lol.  Basenji aren't called " brats " by their humans for nothing.

Does your Basenji bark? 

[MJSanDiego]

Male dogs mark their territory by lifting their legs and urinating on stuff including palms and tree trunks

[Jim in Los Altos]

30 minutes ago, MJSanDiego said:

Male dogs mark their territory by lifting their legs and urinating on stuff including palms and tree trunks

My three collies (two males, one female) never ever urinated on any plants or trees. They chose, on their own, gravel areas at the far corners of the backyard.  

[Phoenikakias]

15 minutes ago, MJSanDiego said:

Male dogs mark their territory by lifting their legs and urinating on stuff including palms and tree trunks

Depending on each individual, in same way can behave also female dogs. Normally only the limits of their territory are regularly 'affected'.  I use rabbit cages around some palms to this purpose.

[Josue Diaz]

I have one large husky, and while he has destroyed SOME plants, I've managed to find work-arounds. He has a certain area where he likes to dig, so I've left that for him, and whenever I plant something new, I block/protect it with bamboo stakes or rocks to keep him from accidentally trampling over it. 

[Silas_Sancona]

4 minutes ago, Than said:

Does your Basenji bark? 

 Because the Larynx is positioned differently in the breed, compared to how it sits in a majority of modern dog breeds ( Basenji are one of the Pariahal / basal dog breeds ),   Basenji are incapable of barking  ..Pure bred Basenji at least.  That said, they make up for not being able to bark by the occasional chortle,  yowl/ howl,  and/or a variety of ..sometimes errie... sounding sounds.

Individually, some hardly " speak " at all. 

Aside from the occasional howl in the dead of night ..3 times, in 12 and 1/2 years,  and an occasional, low pitched and hollow sounding " hwoof " when startled by something, nothing i'd tried would convince mine to speak ..Not training, treats, ..nothing..

Flip the coin and yes, others can be much more vocal, though i've yet to hear of an individual Basenji that " talked too much " ..so to say.   Compared to the yappy dogs a neighbor has / had???   my dog was a silent saint.

Neighbor's dogs? ..a cat passing through the alley / loud car passing by was enough to get them barking ..for hours, at all hours..  Which i agree can get annoying really fast.  Not a fan of people who allow their dogs to bark w/ out good reason to in the first place.




*** For the curious, I should mention a few things regarding the breed.. ***


1: There is a ton of miss information out on the " net " regarding them. 

Some " sources " will suggest that they are extremely difficult to train,  Can be very reserved w/ people,  ..and/ or that they are stupid... ..Yes, i saw this mentioned somewhere in some laughable articles awhile back..

All three things are exceptionally untrue or blown wayyy out of proportion.. 

Yes, it is true that as a breed, Basenji are more independent / aloof  ... a " think for themselves" kind of dog compared to some others,  and yes, while they and don't always have the longest attention span. < Most experts on the breed recommend that training sessions should be limited to 10min. intervals, per session >   they are just as trainable as any other dog,  though how you'd train a Basenji might be a bit different then when training /  socializing  a Cattle Dog / Heeler,  or German Shepherd..

Aloof / weary of strangers? ..somewhat true,  though that factor can depend on the individual. Mine never was.. Anyone who came to the house?, he was paws up on the window / wanted to greet them.  Come in and he was half way in your lap,  tail wagging or " fluttering " < a Basenji thing >  ..Same " open to meeting " idea approached by strangers while on a walk,  unless he just wasn't in the mood.

First Basenji i ever met stood close to their human parents when approached, but would come over for an exploratory " Are you trustworthy "  sniff or two.  Neither acted aggressively, or in an obvious distrustful " get near me and i may react badly "  manner.

Only time my dog completely avoided contact w/ someone was when i tried to introduce him to an old boss of mine when i took him into work one day..

That ex- boss and i didn't always get along..   Smart four- legged being..


Stupid? ..not even close.  Would consider any animal ( or person ) who is an independent thinker / aloof as more intelligent than someone / thing  that always bends to whatever is asked,  w/out thinking it over / considering why  before responding to the request.


As someone else mentioned earlier, bad behavior,  ..ANY negative behavior  a dog exhibits, is more often a result of some action the human in the dogs life did not  instill correctly,  rather than the dog just being bad / evil / possessed.   Even the most intimidating -looking dog can be relaxed and non- aggressive if properly raised.  

Dogs are pack animals and the human / humans in their lives count as part of that pack.  Isolate a dog -from any pack-  and the response -from the dog- is likely to be troublesome  ..Bad behavior Is their way of acting out when miss treated / disrespected / ignored.


2: This is one of those dog breeds that is  NOT  a good fit for everyone,  esp. the human / humans who are always working / never home much, or not very active..   Basenji need attention ..POSITIVE attention,  esp. when younger.   Walks, outside time, mental stimulation ..on a daily basis,  are a must.

And no, they are not " outside only " dogs..  No dog should ever be an outside-only dog, esp Basenji.. ..and yes, while mine never tried, some Basenji are expert escape artists  ...so a securely fenced in yard / walking on leash, at least until well trained / older,  is a must.


I spent  3....  years  actively researching every possible detail i could find regarding the breed before my boy came home.


3: While ALL dogs are special,  Basenji are one of those breeds that amplifies that " special factor " just a little more..

  I vividly remember an encounter i'd had while on a walk / " out in the world " training secession  where the person who'd stopped to say hello mentioned how after what he and his family went through after loosing their Basenji,  they could not get another ( 12 years later, I hope he was able to change his mind ). Not because of some bad experience they had, but due to the pain of loosing the dog..

I'd might have assumed differently had i not been able to see the obvious, lingering pain on that person's face..

Not even a month after a rough 32 hours spent saying goodbye, for now at least, i hope,   the look i observed 11 years ago is as crisp and clear as is possible.



No doubt such bonds exist between other dogs  and the humans in their lives.  Had many myself through the years,  but, treated with the respect,  affection and attention they deserve,  the bond forged between a Basenji and the human / humans in their world can be one that is hard to describe, and unbreakable..  

A handsome being,  with an incredible soul.

[Than]

6 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

 Because the Larynx is positioned differently in the breed, compared to how it sits in a majority of modern dog breeds ( Basenji are one of the Pariahal / basal dog breeds ),   Basenji are incapable of barking  ..Pure bred Basenji at least.  That said, they make up for not being able to bark by the occasional chortle,  yowl/ howl,  and/or a variety of ..sometimes errie... sounding sounds.

Individually, some hardly " speak " at all. 

Aside from the occasional howl in the dead of night ..3 times, in 12 and 1/2 years,  and an occasional, low pitched and hollow sounding " hwoof " when startled by something, nothing i'd tried would convince mine to speak ..Not training, treats, ..nothing..

Flip the coin and yes, others can be much more vocal, though i've yet to hear of an individual Basenji that " talked too much " ..so to say.   Compared to the yappy dogs a neighbor has / had???   my dog was a silent saint.

Neighbor's dogs? ..a cat passing through the alley / loud car passing by was enough to get them barking ..for hours, at all hours..  Which i agree can get annoying really fast.  Not a fan of people who allow their dogs to bark w/ out good reason to in the first place.




*** For the curious, I should mention a few things regarding the breed.. ***


1: There is a ton of miss information out on the " net " regarding them. 

Some " sources " will suggest that they are extremely difficult to train,  Can be very reserved w/ people,  ..and/ or that they are stupid... ..Yes, i saw this mentioned somewhere in some laughable articles awhile back..

All three things are exceptionally untrue or blown wayyy out of proportion.. 

Yes, it is true that as a breed, Basenji are more independent / aloof  ... a " think for themselves" kind of dog compared to some others,  and yes, while they and don't always have the longest attention span. < Most experts on the breed recommend that training sessions should be limited to 10min. intervals, per session >   they are just as trainable as any other dog,  though how you'd train a Basenji might be a bit different then when training /  socializing  a Cattle Dog / Heeler,  or German Shepherd..

Aloof / weary of strangers? ..somewhat true,  though that factor can depend on the individual. Mine never was.. Anyone who came to the house?, he was paws up on the window / wanted to greet them.  Come in and he was half way in your lap,  tail wagging or " fluttering " < a Basenji thing >  ..Same " open to meeting " idea approached by strangers while on a walk,  unless he just wasn't in the mood.

First Basenji i ever met stood close to their human parents when approached, but would come over for an exploratory " Are you trustworthy "  sniff or two.  Neither acted aggressively, or in an obvious distrustful " get near me and i may react badly "  manner.

Only time my dog completely avoided contact w/ someone was when i tried to introduce him to an old boss of mine when i took him into work one day..

That ex- boss and i didn't always get along..   Smart four- legged being..


Stupid? ..not even close.  Would consider any animal ( or person ) who is an independent thinker / aloof as more intelligent than someone / thing  that always bends to whatever is asked,  w/out thinking it over / considering why  before responding to the request.


As someone else mentioned earlier, bad behavior,  ..ANY negative behavior  a dog exhibits, is more often a result of some action the human in the dogs life did not  instill correctly,  rather than the dog just being bad / evil / possessed.   Even the most intimidating -looking dog can be relaxed and non- aggressive if properly raised.  

Dogs are pack animals and the human / humans in their lives count as part of that pack.  Isolate a dog -from any pack-  and the response -from the dog- is likely to be troublesome  ..Bad behavior Is their way of acting out when miss treated / disrespected / ignored.


2: This is one of those dog breeds that is  NOT  a good fit for everyone,  esp. the human / humans who are always working / never home much, or not very active..   Basenji need attention ..POSITIVE attention,  esp. when younger.   Walks, outside time, mental stimulation ..on a daily basis,  are a must.

And no, they are not " outside only " dogs..  No dog should ever be an outside-only dog, esp Basenji.. ..and yes, while mine never tried, some Basenji are expert escape artists  ...so a securely fenced in yard / walking on leash, at least until well trained / older,  is a must.


I spent  3....  years  actively researching every possible detail i could find regarding the breed before my boy came home.


3: While ALL dogs are special,  Basenji are one of those breeds that amplifies that " special factor " just a little more..

  I vividly remember an encounter i'd had while on a walk / " out in the world " training secession  where the person who'd stopped to say hello mentioned how after what he and his family went through after loosing their Basenji,  they could not get another ( 12 years later, I hope he was able to change his mind ). Not because of some bad experience they had, but due to the pain of loosing the dog..

I'd might have assumed differently had i not been able to see the obvious, lingering pain on that person's face..

Not even a month after a rough 32 hours spent saying goodbye, for now at least, i hope,   the look i observed 11 years ago is as crisp and clear as is possible.



No doubt such bonds exist between other dogs  and the humans in their lives.  Had many myself through the years,  but, treated with the respect,  affection and attention they deserve,  the bond forged between a Basenji and the human / humans in their world can be one that is hard to describe, and unbreakable..  

A handsome being,  with an incredible soul.

WHAT a beautiful dog!!!!! You are so lucky. Your description is very detailed and interesting but I still have one question: Given that they don't bark, I don't assume they'd make a good guard dog, right? I mean, barking is 90% of the job when it comes to scaring off a burglar.

[Silas_Sancona]

44 minutes ago, Than said:

WHAT a beautiful dog!!!!! You are so lucky. Your description is very detailed and interesting but I still have one question: Given that they don't bark, I don't assume they'd make a good guard dog, right? I mean, barking is 90% of the job when it comes to scaring off a burglar.

He may not bark but he would definitely let us know if there was someone of interest around.. 

Don't be fooled by the size or a seemingly unassuming demeanor,  when he wanted to be,  he could turn into a compact sized Tasmanian Devil..   And can run as fast as lightning  ..A fuzzy, four pawed bolt of lightning..

While bath time could bring out the " i don't want to dad! " in him  ...until he got in the tub and calmed down (  Basenji aren't fond of water ),   for whatever reason,  as he got older, he absolutely despised having his nails trimmed, which is something you have to do regularly. Toenails allowed to get too long can lead to fairly serious toe and foot problems that can also effect the legs.

It was to the point that if someone who did not know him heard him responding to me approaching him w/ the nail trimmers, they'd have assumed i was dealing with a much bigger / much more aggressive animal. 

.
While many people assume -reasonably correctly-  that a bigger dog = a great guard dog ..Been around my fare share that were..  to be honest, some of the most alert ..and/ or intimidating... dogs i've even been around were smaller breeds  ..Poodles, an Aunt's Cocker Spaniel, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds ( Often called " Weener Dogs "  )  Big is good, but never  underestimate small..  Teeth are teeth,  no matter who they belong to.  

As mentioned,  my mom had Dobies  ( ..Shorthand for Doberman Pinscher ) when i was younger..  Neither  barked much or was aggressive. ( a result of proper training / socializing / attention provided  )  That said,  just the sight of either of her Dobies was enough to intimidate people. 

One managed to get out of the back yard once and proceeded to sit on the lawn of the front yard of our house, thankfully  since we lived on a very busy street.   A person who regularly passed by the house on their way to / from work stopped in their tracks as they approached the driveway / front yard that day ( Person was on the sidewalk btw )  until my mom came out front and directed the dog to get in the house  ..and then apologize to the person afterward

..Not because the dog did anything, ..she just sat in the yard and watched the person approach  ...but ..A lot of people have an -often overblown-  fear of Dobermans.    ..Not that i'd want to pass in front of one sitting on the lawn in front of someone's house either,  lol.


If ever considering a dog,  esp. if you've never had one,   hang out at a local dog park a few times and talk with owners / do your research ..   And understand that while all dog breeds may have certain things in common,  each individual dog you meet may vary in what makes each breed ..or individual dog.. special / unique..

Don't ever get a dog for just X or Y reason,  A dog  ( Or cat,  for those who love them )  is a companion and  a commitment,  not a status or fad item, something you rule over, only  pay attention to only when you feel like doing so,  and / or  toss aside when dealing with any challenges that might come along is too much / too hard to deal with ( Lamest excuse i hear when people abandon an animal ).

Treat a dog exactly like you'd want to be treated and they will give their life for the human / humans in their pack.. Unconditionally

[Than]

2 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

He may not bark but he would definitely let us know if there was someone of interest around.. 

Don't be fooled by the size or a seemingly unassuming demeanor,  when he wanted to be,  he could turn into a compact sized Tasmanian Devil..   And can run as fast as lightning  ..A fuzzy, four pawed bolt of lightning..

While bath time could bring out the " i don't want to dad! " in him  ...until he got in the tub and calmed down (  Basenji aren't fond of water ),   for whatever reason,  as he got older, he absolutely despised having his nails trimmed, which is something you have to do regularly. Toenails allowed to get too long can lead to fairly serious toe and foot problems that can also effect the legs.

It was to the point that if someone who did not know him heard him responding to me approaching him w/ the nail trimmers, they'd have assumed i was dealing with a much bigger / much more aggressive animal. 

.
While many people assume -reasonably correctly-  that a bigger dog = a great guard dog ..Been around my fare share that were..  to be honest, some of the most alert ..and/ or intimidating... dogs i've even been around were smaller breeds  ..Poodles, an Aunt's Cocker Spaniel, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds ( Often called " Weener Dogs "  )  Big is good, but never  underestimate small..  Teeth are teeth,  no matter who they belong to.  

As mentioned,  my mom had Dobies  ( ..Shorthand for Doberman Pinscher ) when i was younger..  Neither  barked much or was aggressive. ( a result of proper training / socializing / attention provided  )  That said,  just the sight of either of her Dobies was enough to intimidate people. 

One managed to get out of the back yard once and proceeded to sit on the lawn of the front yard of our house, thankfully  since we lived on a very busy street.   A person who regularly passed by the house on their way to / from work stopped in their tracks as they approached the driveway / front yard that day ( Person was on the sidewalk btw )  until my mom came out front and directed the dog to get in the house  ..and then apologize to the person afterward

..Not because the dog did anything, ..she just sat in the yard and watched the person approach  ...but ..A lot of people have an -often overblown-  fear of Dobermans.    ..Not that i'd want to pass in front of one sitting on the lawn in front of someone's house either,  lol.


If ever considering a dog,  esp. if you've never had one,   hang out at a local dog park a few times and talk with owners / do your research ..   And understand that while all dog breeds may have certain things in common,  each individual dog you meet may vary in what makes each breed ..or individual dog.. special / unique..

Don't ever get a dog for just X or Y reason,  A dog  ( Or cat,  for those who love them )  is a companion and  a commitment,  not a status or fad item, something you rule over, only  pay attention to only when you feel like doing so,  and / or  toss aside when dealing with any challenges that might come along is too much / too hard to deal with ( Lamest excuse i hear when people abandon an animal ).

Treat a dog exactly like you'd want to be treated and they will give their life for the human / humans in their pack.. Unconditionally

We are going totally off topic but I just wanted to say I was considering a Basenji because barking is the one thing that would be an issue for me, given that I work from home through videocalls. And I also find it rude when people allow their dogs to bark non-stop. I believe that in the future, when/if our society is more civilised, it won't be tolerated.

However, a dog that would keep burglars out would def be a plus as we do have a problem in the area, so in this case, barking would come in handy. Just alerting me wouldn't be enough cos most burglaries happen when people are out.

I've had dogs since I was little and I have a cat now, prolly the clingiest and neediest cat in the world, so I know how much work a pet needs.. 

[SeanK]

16 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

I’ve had three collies (Rough Sable and Whites) over the years and the breed has got to be about the kindest and most gentle when it comes to the garden. Even as new puppies they never disturbed a single plant. They’d even avoid pooping in “their” garden and would wait ‘til their walks. I plan on getting another collie puppy or two. 
 

They look innocent enough to me.

😇

[Phoenikakias]

3 hours ago, Than said:

We are going totally off topic but I just wanted to say I was considering a Basenji because barking is the one thing that would be an issue for me, given that I work from home through videocalls. And I also find it rude when people allow their dogs to bark non-stop. I believe that in the future, when/if our society is more civilised, it won't be tolerated.

However, a dog that would keep burglars out would def be a plus as we do have a problem in the area, so in this case, barking would come in handy. Just alerting me wouldn't be enough cos most burglaries happen when people are out.

I've had dogs since I was little and I have a cat now, prolly the clingiest and neediest cat in the world, so I know how much work a pet needs.. 

You should consider also the option of a Cane. They do not use to bark, and if they do it is short and not loud, all the opposite to a German Shepherd. As for teeth and bite strength, I can only grin.  Usually real properties in Greece are much smaller than those in USA and a loud bark bothers neighbors accordingly.

[Silas_Sancona]

8 hours ago, Than said:

We are going totally off topic but I just wanted to say I was considering a Basenji because barking is the one thing that would be an issue for me, given that I work from home through videocalls. And I also find it rude when people allow their dogs to bark non-stop. I believe that in the future, when/if our society is more civilised, it won't be tolerated.

However, a dog that would keep burglars out would def be a plus as we do have a problem in the area, so in this case, barking would come in handy. Just alerting me wouldn't be enough cos most burglaries happen when people are out.

I've had dogs since I was little and I have a cat now, prolly the clingiest and neediest cat in the world, so I know how much work a pet needs.. 

 
Keep in mind there is a distinction between a " guard " dog,  and a " watch " dog..  Both will alert if there is something unfamiliar / threatening entering their space.. 

Guard dog,  depending on the breed / how it is trained obviously,  can come with the caveat in that some can be " too " protective..

Say you're dating someone, or have friends / relatives visit who a really possessive / protective dog isn't already familiar with,  a really protective dog can assume the familiar - to you- ( ..but not them.. )  person entering the house is a threat and act suspiciously,  ..at least until they become familiar enough with this " new " member of the pack to let down their guard  ..A Basenji, Klee Kai, or Canaan Dog responding with some suspicion to a new person is a little different than the same response to a someone new from a Rottweiler, Chow Chow,  Dogo Argentino, or Pitbull.

The goal w/ either being protection,  both will provide that.  A smaller dog barking vigorously at something in the middle of the night will be more than enough of a signal to let you know something isn't right / needs to be investigated, and is usually enough to repel most would be intruders. 

  Off topic a little perhaps, but a good discussion..  Only added in the " ...if you're considering " portion to my last post,  just in case.. impossible to know what kind of experience(s) someone who lives 100's or 1,000's of miles away may or might not have w/ animals.  Is more of a blanket statement than anything specifically focused..


Fine if i'm wrong but from a very casual outsider's observation, it sounds like a mid- sized dog might be what fits, rather than a really big ..or tiny.. dog. 
 

[Jonathan]

Whether protecting pineapples, overseeing orchids, cuddling kittens, eating the last intruder, or keeping the world safe from roosters...the GSD is the best all rounder! Friendly, gentle, intelligent, and forceful in one package, if, like any breed, well trained.

This is Scout, everyone who meets her, loves her...but we've never had an unwanted visitor.

 

[James B]

I have a 16 month old German Shorthaired Pointer. Yes he has eaten leaves off palms. As hes gotten older that is beginning to happen less.  If I plant a smaller plant that I suspect he could cause damage too I will put a tomato cage around it. As palms, fruit trees, etc start getting a some size on them it doesn’t happen. Part of it was the puppy stage.

[Than]

14 hours ago, Phoenikakias said:

You should consider also the option of a Cane. They do not use to bark, and if they do it is short and not loud, all the opposite to a German Shepherd. As for teeth and bite strength, I can only grin.  Usually real properties in Greece are much smaller than those in USA and a loud bark bothers neighbors accordingly.

You mean Cane Corso? 

[Phoenikakias]

1 hour ago, Than said:

You mean Cane Corso? 

Yes, only take care not to choose one with heavy jowls to avoid excessive drooling lol.

[Than]

5 hours ago, Phoenikakias said:

Yes, only take care not to choose one with heavy jowls to avoid excessive drooling lol.

Man those dogs are just too ugly. I could never have one. I'd be scared of it 

[Phoenikakias]

Lol, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Scary, hmmm, was it not what you were searching for? A dog able to deter wannabe thieves, burglars, robbers and other flower buds of the local 'bahçe'? Anyway at least with  Cane you would not have to worry about your dog gettin eaten...

[Than]

1 hour ago, Phoenikakias said:

Lol, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Scary, hmmm, was it not what you were searching for? A dog able to deter wannabe thieves, burglars, robbers and other flower buds of the local 'bahçe'? Anyway at least with  Cane you would not have to worry about your dog gettin eaten...

Wow perfect Turkish spelling! Haha. True it would do all that but I want to like my own dog you know haha. When I see photos of Cane Corsos my face makes a spontaneous grimace like eeewww

[Phoenikakias]

16 minutes ago, Than said:

Wow perfect Turkish spelling! Haha. True it would do all that but I want to like my own dog you know haha. When I see photos of Cane Corsos my face makes a spontaneous grimace like eeewww

I should have gotten you acquainted with Centurio, when you visited my home, so that you could gain a personal impression on this breed. Perhaps next time...

[Phoenikakias]

Think of the bright side, you can play also basket ball with a Cane😜

[Silas_Sancona]

3 hours ago, Than said:

Man those dogs are just too ugly. I could never have one. I'd be scared of it 

Don't know  about " ugly "  Even Chinese Crested ( Dog ) have loyal fans,  but  ike Pitbulls, Canes are concerning enough  -to enough people-  that they're often placed on " restricted breed " lists in numerous parts of the U.S.  In others, an owner may be required  to carry extra liability insurance.

[Phoenikakias]

19 minutes ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Don't know  about " ugly "  Even Chinese Crested ( Dog ) have loyal fans,  but  ike Pitbulls, Canes are concerning enough  -to enough people-  that they're often placed on " restricted breed " lists in numerous parts of the U.S.  In others, an owner may be required  to carry extra liability insurance.

On the other hand US citizens are still permitted to have guns and even use them against intruders, while in Europe citizens are almost defenceless.  Perhaps such breeds are the only protection at home, while at same time illegal guns (and I do not mean only pistols but mainly military assault rifles AK) are available in the black market like candies. 

[Than]

1 hour ago, Phoenikakias said:

Think of the bright side, you can play also basket ball with a Cane😜

Oh you have one??? Hahaha, sorry, did I say "ugly"? I meant to write "snuggly", it was a typo! 

[Silas_Sancona]

19 minutes ago, Phoenikakias said:

On the other hand US citizens are still permitted to have guns and even use them against intruders, while in Europe citizens are almost defenceless.  Perhaps such breeds are the only protection at home, while at same time illegal guns (and I do not mean only pistols but mainly military assault rifles AK) are available in the black market like candies. 

Is,  what it is.. 

No such thing as being completely defense-less.

Simple as that..





 

[sonoranfans]

My dog is a well exercised 100lb AKC labrador retriever.  So easy to train that he only made one mistake of ripping off a palm leaf.  He just destroys dead leaves, crownshafts and leaf bases, they are chew toys.   Live palms/leaves he learned very quickly are not on the menu.  He ripped one live leaf about 2 1/2 years ago and that was the last one.  The dog definitely listens and learns.  He keeps small animals out of the yard so seedlings dont get chewed.   He also protects the house and can make some serious noise if he sees anyone in the yard or at the front door.  He is no cane corso, but he is territorial, an aggressive deterrent and a major distraction for any intruder. 

[peachy]

Over my life I have had Great Danes, Mastiffs and St Bernards, all massive dogs, who as puppies got bored and chewed plants. As adults they could accidently crush a small plant too. I learnt quickly to keep them from being bored and to put wire barriers around small plants.  My last big dog was a bloodhound, who ate plants, shoes, couches and buildings until I figured out how to divert his attention elsewhere. Currently I have a houseful of Pekingese and Chihuahuas and there has only been one incident with a plant in many years and that was only a puppy carrying a plant around that had fallen out of the pot. My Ragdoll cats used to chew all my palms until I started leaving pots of cat grass inside and outside of the house, which they found far more palatable to chew than tough palm leaves. Nobody comes near my fences or gate without my little dogs alerting me to their presence. It's the noise that deters burglars not the size of the dog. A dog is a living being, not a tool. You might be better buying an alarm system for your house and fence lines. If you are not prepared to have a dog as part of your family, being involved in your activities and lifestyle, please don't get one.

Peachy