good golf course dog Cancel The title field is required!

1. Jennings Dustin T

   
   11/21/2012 10:11 AM

   I'm looking into getting a dog. I want one that would be great to take to work with me everyday on the golf course and also great house dog too. recommendations?

   
   
   
   
2. Border Ricky H

   
   11/21/2012 10:11 AM

   I would suggest an English Shepherd. They are very similar to a Border Collie or an Aussie. The difference being they have and "off" switch. What I mean by that is after they are about 2 years old (puppy energy gone) they will happily lay around the house and be calm but, when it comes time to work they will have at it until the job is done. I have had two, my first I just had to have put down in September she was 17 so be prepared for the potential commitment. They are great with kids, friendly to strangers, and easy to train with good technique. Do a Google search lots of good info about the breed. Most breeders will not sell to you if only going to be a pet these dogs live to work. If there is a negative about this breed it is the fact that people will only know you as "the guy with dog", the twice a year shedding and regular brushing to keep a coat nice. Wow I miss that damn dog.
   Rick Border
   Oglebay Resort
   Wheeling, WV

   
   
   
   
3. Andy Scott

   

   0 posts
   
   11/21/2012 10:11 AM

   Labs are the best dogs, for work and for a family

   
   
   
   
4. Brent Venenga

   

   0 posts
   
   11/21/2012 11:11 AM

   My yellow lab is 13 and slowing down but still gives me the look when I don't take him to the course anymore. He can still find a pheasant a mile away though. He still loves the course also.

   
   
   
   
5. Clay Putnam

   

   33 posts
   
   11/21/2012 1:11 PM

   Golden Retriever. Hands down the absolute best dog we have ever had in the family.

   
   
   
   
6. Larry Allan

   

   0 posts
   
   11/21/2012 1:11 PM

   I have two Golden Doodles. Great friendly dogs. Seem to take care of the geese. But very likely the most stubborn dog on the planet. When you call them, they just look at you, and go about their business

   
   
   
   
7. Steve Nelson

   

   0 posts
   
   11/21/2012 3:11 PM

   Those English Shepherds look like Aussies with tails. Personally, I think tails are a problem on med-high energy dogs, they tend to knock over things like beers on the coffe table, and that would definitely not make them man's best friend. On our 3rd Aussie, two of which are still alive and the youngest is about 7 months. All have been great with the family, but the herding instinct is strong so expect some body checks and the occasional nip when the kids are running wild. (The kids don't seem to mind, in fact they like it but visiting kids can get scared) Easy to train and extremely loyal. Not nearly as crazy as Border Collies. Hair can be an issue- no matter what anyone tells you, never give them a buzz cut- trust me.

   
   
   
   
8. Ronald Conard

   

   4 posts
   
   11/21/2012 4:11 PM

   Try a pit bull. I hear they are good for golfers and geese. I don't have one. Something about owning a dog that can kick my arse if it wants to.

   
   
   
   
9. Steven Huffstutler

   

   11 posts
   
   11/21/2012 5:11 PM

   I have an English Setter that goes to work with me every day. They are wonderful dogs for the golf course and the ladies love them.

   
   
   
   
10. James Smith

    

    113 posts
    
    11/23/2012 9:11 AM

    I advise you not to get caught up in the breed thing, what makes a great dog is the time put into it's training. yes some breeds are better then others for different task but I recommend that you look at the requirements of the breed you are looking at. Long hair dogs need a lot more upkeep and sheds a lot more, where as short hair dogs are easier to clean and have less shedding (not true of all short hair breeds) You have high energy dogs and low energy dogs, I know the german short hair pointers need a lot of exercise to burn off their energy to where a Rhodesian Ridgeback does not need to burn off as much enenrgy but has a very high endurance level (I had one that could run my five miles of cartpath with no trouble).
    
    I recently had to say goodbye to the last of my three Rhodesian Ridgebacks which all loved the golf course and while I still border a rescued Ridgeback that has seizures who could care less about the course I had to get a new addition to my family. I chose a Blue Great Dane female puppy because of their low need of exercise and their great demeanor and they prefer to stay indoors when left home alone.
    
    I have been a dog lover all of my life but the best decision I had ever made in choosing a new family member was after my weimerimer/shepord mix passed away I took the wife to the library and studied the dog breed book to decide what was right for our home. We had chose the Ridgebacks because of one little line in the description, It said if you had diamonds at your home and wanted a breed to protect them this was the best dog for the job. That struck us as odd because of all of the other guard dog breeds out there but they were right in that the RR's do this naturally by instinct because they become one of your pack (family) and will defend their territory completely. We enjoyed 14 years of family bliss between the three we had gotten (we bought two and bred them keeping one). The only reason I changed breed is that when I lost my last one (my little shadow) It was too hard on me and I could not even consider another one at the time because it would of been like trying to replace my buddy, and I knew that I would most likely never agai enjoy that amount of closeness we shared. I will go back to them again in the future because they are great to share your life with.
    
    Sorry I got carried away, go to the library and just have a look at what is out there.

    
    
    
    
11. Scott Rose

    

    0 posts
    
    11/24/2012 5:11 AM

    I also would not get caught up in which breed is best for the golf course. Take a trip to your local animal shelters or talk to someone from a local rescue. Tell them what you do and what you are looking for and see if they could recommend one of their dogs for you. I did this about a year ago and ended up with a pitbull/bull terrier/boxer mix. Very friendly with the staff and golfers and a natural at chasing geese. As far as training goes, if this is your first dog, hire a trainer. It may be a little expensive, but if you put the effort into it, you will not be disappointed with the results. Now, if only I could get him to chase the golfers that I don't like...
    
    
    
    Scott Rose
    Assistant Superintendent
    Ballamor Golf Club
    Egg Harbor Township, NJ

    
    
    
    
12. Ronald Conard

    

    4 posts
    
    11/24/2012 9:11 AM

    Scott Rose said: I also would not get caught up in which breed is best for the golf course. Take a trip to your local animal shelters or talk to someone from a local rescue. Tell them what you do and what you are looking for and see if they could recommend one of their dogs for you. I did this about a year ago and ended up with a pitbull/bull terrier/boxer mix. Very friendly with the staff and golfers and a natural at chasing geese. As far as training goes, if this is your first dog, hire a trainer. It may be a little expensive, but if you put the effort into it, you will not be disappointed with the results. Now, if only I could get him to chase the golfers that I don't like...
    
    
    
    Scott Rose
    Assistant Superintendent
    Ballamor Golf Club
    Egg Harbor Township, NJ

    
    
    
    I agree with getting a dog from the pound. Take one off death row and you will be rewarded with a great dog for life. It's the best thing you can do.

    
    
    
    
13. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    11/24/2012 4:11 PM

    Ronald Conard, CGCS said:

    Scott Rose said: I also would not get caught up in which breed is best for the golf course. Take a trip to your local animal shelters or talk to someone from a local rescue. Tell them what you do and what you are looking for and see if they could recommend one of their dogs for you. I did this about a year ago and ended up with a pitbull/bull terrier/boxer mix. Very friendly with the staff and golfers and a natural at chasing geese. As far as training goes, if this is your first dog, hire a trainer. It may be a little expensive, but if you put the effort into it, you will not be disappointed with the results. Now, if only I could get him to chase the golfers that I don't like...
    
    
    
    Scott Rose
    Assistant Superintendent
    Ballamor Golf Club
    Egg Harbor Township, NJ

    
    
    
    I agree with getting a dog from the pound. Take one off death row and you will be rewarded with a great dog for life. It's the best thing you can do.

    
    
    
    +1

    
    
    
    
14. James Smith

    

    113 posts
    
    11/27/2012 6:11 AM

    Getting a dog from the pound is a great idea, the problem will be choosing one. There is another option very few peopl use and it is also a way to save a good best friend. It is rescue groups. almost every breed has a rescue group that tries to keep their breed from being put to death. I have a rescue Rhodesian Ridgeback that we adopted 1.5 years ago and he is great.
    This method is good if you have a specific breed you are looking for. Most of these groups has contacts at their local shelters that inform them when one comes in and from their they have foster homes where the homes know about that specific breed. These rescue groups are nation wide and most of them have Pilots with Paws volunteers that will actually bring them to your local airport. The rescue group we used out of texas must of had 15-20 RR's but she also had about 130 acres for them to roam on too.

    
    
    
    
15. Whitehead Kyle J

    
    11/27/2012 8:11 AM

    I own a Border Collie. He is excellent at controlling geese. Before I got here there were apparently 150 geese that would make the irrigation pond there home for about 5 months a year. Now, maybe two or three. He loves running in front of my gator and never lets me go past him, he occasionally tries to bite the tires to get me going in a certain direction, but other then that he is great.
    The only problem with him is he protects my office a little too much....my staff can walk past him no problem, but if your someone that doesn't come bye too often (fert. salesman) he will growl and show his teeth, a little intimidating actually.
    If you can take them around the course all day he gets the exercise that the Border Collie's require and the time you get home there burnt out and sleep most of the evening.

    
    
    
    
16. Sean Hoolehan

    

    0 posts
    
    11/27/2012 6:11 PM

    Lots of great breeds. I have a Yellow Lab who is the perfect golf course and house dog. He goes to work everyday and is just turning 5. I got him from a local couple who breed bird dogs. He is a part of our family and he sleeps on the floor next to one of our beds every night. My daughter has a Gorgi who also goes to the course when she visits, he is a awesome dog also. She was very selective picking the breeder for her Gorgi and it paid off. I think it always helps if you can see the parents of the dog, check the papers and feel comfortable. I have friends who got a great deal on a "Pure Breed" (as in both parents were papered) Chocolate Lab, except the dog is a terrible family dog that has been high maintenance for 14 years. I give them credit for hanging in there but the truth is friends and family had to change their habits when they visit for safety reasons. I never felt my kids were safe around this animal, and it had nothing to do with the training because they put in the time. Real breeding should be left to real breeders, not people trying to make a buck off their pet.
    
    Shelter dogs can be great but make sure you can have a test period with the dog at home. If you have a close friend or family member who is a experienced dog person ask them to come with you. Take your time. I had a three legged dog from a shelter who was a excellent family dog but never went to work with me. The best golf course/family dog I ever had was a Gordon Setter from a shelter.
    
    Good luck,
    Sean

    
    
    
    
17. Douglas Davis

    

    6 posts
    
    12/26/2012 11:12 AM

    English Springer Spaniel-----------Give them a look... Bird dog AND a swimmer so not only will it chase the geese to a pond it will jump in the pond and swim circles around the geese until they fly AWAY.
    
    They are smaller than a lab and very friendly, live to please. And excellant around the home and with your children.

    
    
    
    
18. Justin VanLanduit

    

    0 posts
    
    12/26/2012 11:12 AM

    I have laying under my desk right now an 8 week old Weimaraner, picked her up yesterday. Was thinking the same about a good golf course dog. I know this pup will take some work but I like the "hope" in the long run of the smarts and loyalty in this breed along with it's natural hunting instinct.

    
    
    
    
19. Polvino David L

    
    1/1/2013 4:01 PM

    I have a rescue dog, and he's great. Short hair, great with my 3 year old, and will "kill" anything that moves on the course, fish, frogs, geese, deer, goffers....etc, and I have him trained to stay out of bunkers, and to not "talk" to members. He doesn't jump, lick, or bark. Moral of this post is that it is all in how you train the dog. I am a huge fan of shock collars, just make sure it vibrates or tones, I never shock mine, just tone him when he's off in the woods, and he always comes back, has a range of 1000yds. GOOD LUCK

    
    
    
    
20. Jennings Dustin T

    
    1/8/2013 11:01 AM

    News on the dog choice...my Christmas gift was a half border collie half australian cattle dog of the Blue Heeler variety. She is 2.5 months old and we got her from a rescue shelter. Wouldn't have it any other way...shes as smart as they come and already house trained.

    
    
    
    
21. Border Ricky H

    
    1/9/2013 6:01 AM

    Great what's her name? You gotta have a good golf related name. Post some pics.

    
    
    
    
22. Jennings Dustin T

    
    1/9/2013 12:01 PM

    [/img]

    Ricky Border said: Great what's her name? You gotta have a good golf related name. Post some pics.

    
    
    
    Her name is Andie,
    
    She's a handful for sure. her herding instincts are very evident in that as I walk with her she nips at my heels as if to direct me where to go. I am currently training her to pick up sticks in my yard and stack them near the woodpile for kindling. It is amazing how smart she is even at 3 months old. Having a bit of a problem with her unintentionally biting too hard. I'm not sure if I should bring her to work just yet in fear that she will get into some dangerous chemicals or something sitting around the shop. Still some house training to do but she's getting there.

    
    
    
    
23. Border Ricky H

    
    1/9/2013 1:01 PM

    Tips: don't let her bite your hands in play make sure she has a ball or toy in her mouth when you rough house with her if she drops the ball or toy stop moving your hand. Put ball in her mouth and rough house with other hand. She will get the idea real quick. You don't want her to see people and want to play and have her mouth their hand, foot or whatever after all if she is on the golf course and around the shop her mouthing folks may scare or hurt someone. Take her in right away but try to puppy proof the place first. She needs to get used to the sounds, smells, and the people. I found the dogs are easy its the staff they all want to feed them junk then you are stuck with the mess or a sick dog. Keep her leashed retractable ones work good while on course or around shop give her a cue to come a pat on your leg a little whistle something that works for you and give her a little treat each time she comes soon you can unleash and she will not leave you side. Remember hungry pups train better and a good dog is a tired dog. Good Luck!

    
    
    
    
24. Shawn Golz

    

    0 posts
    
    1/9/2013 4:01 PM

    Dustin T Jennings said: News on the dog choice...my Christmas gift was a half border collie half australian cattle dog of the Blue Heeler variety. She is 2.5 months old and we got her from a rescue shelter. Wouldn't have it any other way...shes as smart as they come and already house trained.

    
    
    I have the same mix. He is a great dog. As stated above a tired dog is a good dog. Be prepared to run her a lot! Mine has been great with the geese and trains easily with treats or a ball. He is now 2.5 yrs old and won't let me out of his site.
    
    Shawn Golz, Superintendent
    Auglaize Golf Club/Eagle Rock Golf Club

    
    
    
    
25. Justin VanLanduit

    

    0 posts
    
    1/10/2013 4:01 PM

    Dustin,
    
    I've brought my 11 week old Weimaraner with me each day to work since we picked her up on Christmas. Fortunately we are in the winter so I don't have to worry to much about her messing with people on the course and a limited staff. She definitely gets into everything if possible, constantly getting stuff out of her mouth. Be sure to keep the staff informed on what you are trying to do with training words as well as preventing biting. All my guys know that if they crouch down to pet and she comes with her mouth open to raise their hands and act like a tree. I felt that if I plan on having her here with me each day mind as well get her used to the environment early. We've been taking walks out around the course right now and she enjoys it, tires her out quick. Been doing off and on leash and she is very good about staying within a 10' radius when off leash. Start training early, this is the time their mind is absorbing and growing. Repetition and consistency is key, we start puppy preschool tonight. Good luck on the training!
    
    Justin

    
    
    
    
26. Jennings Dustin T

    
    6/19/2013 5:06 AM

    udpate on my now 8 month old cattle dog/ border collie. She is about 45 lbs and honestly a little chunky because her grandmother keeps feeding her fattening treats when I'm not looking. She passed her puppy school obedience training recently and I am almost ready to start bringing her to work. I've been training her to pick up sticks in my yard and take them to my small brush pile. She is doing very well, Hopefully I'll post a video soon. It's incredible to see how smart she is and how easily she understands the goals of whatever tasks i give her. I don't think running geese off the course is going to be her thing, she seems frightened, or at least hesitant around most other animals, even kids. We are working on that, but my nieces and nephews (ages 1-7) are scared of her because she tries to "herd" them. She is also scared to death of my club car and doesn't like riding in it at all. I don't know if it's the noise or the fact that it's just not my truck which she is used to. Also doing some off-leash training with an e-collar. videos to come soon.

    
    
    
    
27. Justin VanLanduit

    

    0 posts
    
    6/19/2013 5:06 PM

    Dustin,
    
    Very happy to hear! It is amazing how you can mesh with the dog if you spend a great deal of time with them. It's almost that they'll do what they need to to please you. My pup Kaylor is approaching 8 months and I couldn't be happier with her response to the course. I think the early intro into her life was the best thing, once members started to come out she was accustomed to the place and they have become to love her a lot. She'll be call by them and Kaylor will hop right in the cart with them and ride down the fairway. The more time you spend out there with your dog I think the better things will become, it will view it as treat to have such a place to run. I let Kaylor go for and hour and she ready for a 2 hour nap. Anyway, great to hear on the training and progress, you'll be so happy you've spent the time with the training.
    
    Justin

    
    
    
    
28. James Smith

    

    113 posts
    
    7/5/2013 12:07 PM

    I missed out on the early initiation of my course with my newest four legged kid. Last September I had got a 2 moth old Blue Great Dane puppy and three weeks later I had to start on the renovation of our clubhouse which had me working 12-16hr a day 7 days a week for about 5 months. My little Breezy (can you tell I am an avid Saints fan) had to be raised by my wife during this time and I have been equally busy on the course since getting out of the clubhouse to teach her course etiquette. Now she is nearing 12 months old and is almost as big as my golf cart (for some reason I cannot see her riding on a seat anymore). I will eventually get her course trained and spend a lot more time out here with her.
    
    Glad you seem to be doing so well.