Let's Talk Dogs!!

[cherryblossom]

I want to get a dog for my family. When the ex lived with us, he didn't want a dog, even though the kids did. Now that he's remarried and his new wife likes dogs, he got one right away. Isn't that how it usually works? sigh. :rolleyes:

Anyway, for those of you who have dogs, what is/are the breeds and what do you like about that/those breeds? Does your dog have a certain personality that you like? A charming temperament? Does he do tricks?

I'm looking for a dog that's family friendly and is suitable to be around children, of course. I have allergies, so a lot of dogs won't work for me/us, but I would like to hear about your breed just in case I can tolerate it. Because of my allergies, I'm leaning toward the Poodles and Poodle mixes, and also considering a Puli, Komondor, and Chinese Crested (hairless).

I'd love to hear what you have and why you like it?

No cat stories, please. I can't stand and am extremely allergic to cats.

[Theo!]

Can't go wrong with a lab. Smart, friendly, and lovable.

[cherryblossom]

Thanks, Theo. I will keep that in mind. I'm sure a pure bred Lab wouldn't work for me, (because of the shedding) but a "Labradoodle" (Poodle-Labradour mix) might work just fine.:)

[Theo!]

My parents used to have a lab-german shepherd mix. She was beautiful...the gold/white/brown coat of a shepherd with the face and demeanor of a lab. The sweetest, most gentle dog I've ever known.

I wish I knew what breeds my own mutt is. She's friendly and has a ton of energy even now that she's 11, but she remains a mystery to me.

[OneMoreTry]

We have two dogs - a Border Collie and a Beagle. Talk about extremes in personality! The Border Collie is incredibly intelligent, but a more serious dog. While incredibly loyal and loving with us, she is unsure of others, especially kids. When we have company over, especially when kids are involved, we tend to put her in our bedroom, away from the company. The Beagle is not so smart, but has an incredibly funny and charming way about her. She, too, is very loving and affectionate and truly appreciates being around as many people as she can be.

Good luck choosing the right pet for you! :)

[Legal Editor]

We have a Standard Poodle. They do not shed, are very smart, very trainable and very good with children. They are warm and friendly dogs. I would be glad to discuss this with you further but would highly recommend a Poodle especially the Standard which is not high strung or tempermental like some of the smaller breeds.

Legal Editor

[Tuffy]

I had a lab but she died a few years ago. Wonderful dog she was the sweetest dog in the world. Growing up we had Irish Setters, lovely dogs but very little brains.

My co supervisor has had his lab at work a few days. She is a brand new therapy dog and he is getting her ready to go out to work on a regular basis. I want a lab but the puppy stage is so long with them.

As for allergies, I've heard some terrier breeds are very good for people with allergies and they are very smart dogs.

[poolman]

I owned Collies, Labs, mixed mutts and now have the Golden Retriever. I love him to death, he is a super gentle well behaved dog but he does shed a lot. Clogs up my vacuum all the time.

Your right Tuffy, Labs are great dogs but they stay puppies forever and can chew the foundation from under ones home.

The best option is to foster a dog from a rescue so you have some time to get to know them and then adopt if it seems to work.

[Theo!]

My parents have had two labs, and in both cases they rescued the dogs from the animal shelter when they were 1-2 years old. You get a completely housebroken dog who's well beyond teething, with the added bonus of giving a good home to a dog who desperately needs one!

[moogg]

Golden retriever

[ghead1]

I have 2 dogs. One is a border collie and Corgi cross. She's smarter than I am. The other is most likely a terrier and cow dog (probably McNabb and Corgi) cross. He's not that bright, but he does whatever the other dog does :-)

I'm not a real fan of small dogs, but we recently found a home for a stray we thought was a Jack Russell and Dachsund cross... beyond cute, but a handful.

A Lhasa Apso might be a good choice for allergies... they have a different type of coat, don't shed much. My folks have one and he's a cute little bugger. Their previous one was ornery, if you go the small dog route, raise them like a big dog and you'll have a better pet for kids.

[cherryblossom]

We have a Standard Poodle. They do not shed, are very smart, very trainable and very good with children. They are warm and friendly dogs. I would be glad to discuss this with you further but would highly recommend a Poodle especially the Standard which is not high strung or tempermental like some of the smaller breeds.

Legal Editor

Legal Ed, thanks for sharing. And thanks for pointing out that the standard is a more appealing type. I was wondering about this, as I noticed there are three different types.

What does the care of Poodles consist of? I understand they need their teeth scaled. Are we talking once a year? or sooner? What does grooming consist of? Does your family do it yourselves or have someone else take care of this? Do Poodles prefer to live indoors all the time?

I recently looked at Poodles on a dog breed information site. I saw one that was bi-colored (white and grey). I must say the coat color looked very appealing. :)

[steamy]

Don't get a bearded collie! :O) They are the most adorable, exuberant, overly lovable, family oriented, furry clowns on this planet. The herd EVERYTHING that moves by [B]barking loudly[B] and run till they drop. And they shed and shed and shed.....

It takes a very special dog to have a person like me!

Ditto on the Standard poodles in a puppy cut not a foo foo.

Puli's & komodors have issues be careful. My advice is to go to a benched dogshow which means you can go behind the scenes and see all the breeds and talk to the owners! Take a quiz on the AKC website, it is a great site to get advice. I am not pro purebred, but am anti-petshop. Make sure you go through a qualified breeder or rescues are great but the history of the dogs are not clear. Decide what you want. Getting a dog is a huge responsibility.

Darwin says pffft ^..^

[BriarRose]

I love dogs ALL dogs. I do not have a dog for most of the reasons willows hubby states. Best dog I ever had was a ****er mixed with something similar but smaller so she looked like a puppy at 18 when she died.

Standard poodles are hip right now in hip Seattle. I did once know one who ate the inside of a Cadillac. My in-laws had mini poodles and while they were cute they were the stupidest dogs I have ever met. My niece had a boxer who was gay. My nephew has labs who are sweet but too big and one is quite cowardly. My last boyfriend had a Shepard who was a sweetie and liked me better than him which he could NOT deal with. As a kid we had spaniels as hunters and collies, both great dogs.

Really all good dogs are those raised by good dog owners. It matters not what kind. One of my heroes in life is Susan Butcher a famous dog racer. Unlike most dog racers she did NOT raise her dogs to be mean working dogs. She raised them indoors as pets and members of her family. The experts said dogs raised like that could ever be winners. She was the first women to win the Iditarod Race and went on to win 4 times in a row. Her dogs raced to win because they loved it and also because they loved her. Dogs are pack/family oriented animals. A good dog is one who is a member of a family. My dad’s hunting dogs were good hunters but also slept in our beds when mom did not have a fit over it. : ) Same reason that an indoor dog is better protection than an outdoor dog.

[BriarRose]

CORRECTION! Just talked to a friend who set me straight. Libby Riddles was the first women to win the Iditarod race. She is also VEWRY well known for human treatment of dogs.

A good dog is raised not breed.

[Lindsay]

I'm owned by 4 basset hounds. They shed, slobber, they're stubborn and lay around and don't do much when they're older, but as young dogs, they're very active. They're also masters at counter surfing. They may have short legs, but those long bodies allow them to reach stuff on counters like you can't imagine! They're not the dog for the meticulous housekeeper or for someone with allergies. And, since they're scent hounds, they *must* be kept in a securely fenced yard.

I've had many different breeds in my life, and there's not another one out there that is any better with kids and familes than a basset. I am actively involved in basset rescue, so naturally I'd like to convince everyone to adopt a hound, but realistically, I know they don't suit all situations. I would like to suggest that you do adopt a dog from a breed rescue; you'll get a purebred that's been altered, vetted, vaccinated, and temperament tested. It's the best deal going!

[Lindsay]

Briar, temperament is one of the key traits responsible breeders look for when breeding for breed improvement. Good dogs are not just raised well, they are bred well, which is why it is imperative you buy from reputable breeders as opposed to back yard breeders or pet stores.

[steamy]

Lindsay, Bassets are so funny! I had a neighbor once who had this HUGE older one. The woman was elderly too and the dog would lie in the sun on the driveway and she could never get him to move. She use to come over and get me to literally drag him off so she could get her car out of the driveway.

Beardies are awful about counter surfing too, a trick we do with them is to put duct tape sticky side up on the counter and if they get up and the tape gets all stuck in their fur, they hate that. Bogey now always looks at the counter before he grabs something. But I am better trained now, I know not to leave things out!

[Lindsay]

But I am better trained now, I know not to leave things out!

Isn't that the truth? My houndies have managed to train me very well. The only real problem I have is that the c@t is in cahoots with them and will knock stuff off the counters so they can all get into things, and it's impossible to train that damned c@t!

You ought to try walking 4 of them at a time. Hubby and I walk them on tandem leads and if one or two decide they've gone far enough, they'll just lay down. There have been times when one of us has had to leave all 4 dogs with the other and go home and get the car. Ugh.

[BriarRose]

I respectfully disagree but then I suppose one has to consider what we like to think of as a good dog. The Shepard I mentioned is a good example. My boyfriend actually had two Shepards when we met. Cozzie was a good dog professionally trained who went with his wife when they divorced. Daisy was a sweetie pie, real girlie girl dog. My boyfriend was pissed because she was not like his older dog. She was a lover whose heart was broken that my nasty cat would not play with her. My boyfriend wanted a guard dog that made him look good and who obeyed well. Cozzie did all of those things. He did not eat my nasty cat but you could see he wanted to eat him. Daisy was a lover who snuck up on the sofa when we were gone. I prefer a lover and when I kept her she did not have to sneak.

I know nothing about breeders or breeding. Every dog I have owned has just arrived in my life from who knows where. Aspen the ****er came from my ex’s iky uncle who found her in middle of nowhere in NM. Bobby our last Brittany came from a neighbor who moved. Cookie another ****er arrived in our yard. I am not even sure where the rest came from but I am quite sure that my dad never paid money for a dog.

George and I laugh at what we call the ‘dog as accessory’ crowd. Dogs are family members to me. I still keep Aspen’s picture on my mantle. Damn she was a good dog.

[cherryblossom]

Briar, temperament is one of the key traits responsible breeders look for when breeding for breed improvement. Good dogs are not just raised well, they are bred well, which is why it is imperative you buy from reputable breeders as opposed to back yard breeders or pet stores.

Lindsey, thanks for that bit of advice!:)

[cherryblossom]

Puli's & komodors have issues be careful.

Steamy, what issues do these dogs have? They caught my interest because they have such unusual coats. When the coats get long, they look exactly like "dred locks"!! Ha! How fun.:) And they come in all the basic colors. But, the downside of that is since you're not supposed to cut the coat, which when long drags down to the floor, I can see them dragging in all kinds of dirt/dust from outdoors-because my youngest son will surely have him outdoors a lot.

To everyone, researching dogs has been quite fun!:) but I have just started. I'm seriously considering either a Poodle or a mixed breed with one of the parents a Poodle. So, that means the dog could be half any other breed! That's fun. :) First and foremost, I need a dog that would be compatible with my allergies, so that's the primary factor driving my decision. Next, the dog would have to be friendly and good with children. Those are my two basic requirements. Oh, one more thing, I can do without dogs that drool excessively.

Yesterday, I looked at Australian Labradoodles (Lab and Poodle mix) and they looked adorable!:)

[willowtree]

Every dog I have owned has just arrived in my life from who knows where. Aspen the ****er came from my ex’s iky uncle who found her in middle of nowhere in NM. Bobby our last Brittany came from a neighbor who moved. Cookie another ****er arrived in our yard. I am not even sure where the rest came from but I am quite sure that my dad never paid money for a dog.

LOL.... does DOL now automatically censor? I'm assuming the **** is another word for rooster? :D

My dog Courtney was a mutt - most likely a sheltie or border collie, mixed with black lab. She was all black, but with the collie/sheltie pointed face, perked up ears, and inherent need to herd whatever/whoever whizzed past her. Less energetic than a pure-bred border collie, though, which was a good thing. Like Briar's pets, she came to me by serendipity. I guess my next dog will come to me that way as well.

[Lindsay]

Keep in mind when considering your allergies, that most of the time it's not the dog hair, but the dog dander that affects you. There are particular breeds that would suit you, but if you should get a mix, you might not get the
"hypoallergenic" benefits of the one that doesn't bother you.

I'd suggest going to a shelter and checking out what they have, spend time with different dogs, get your face close to them and see what happens. Not all dogs bother all people. But above all, please make sure the dog you get doesn't bother you before you bring it home and let it bond with a new family. Rescues of all breeds are full of dogs that have been relinquished by loving owners because someone in the home is allergic to them. It's hard on the family I'm sure, but it's even harder on the dog to be thrown into a strange situation away from his humans.

[poolman]

I must lucky that both my cat and dog are not counter surfers. I can leave a half eaten steak on the coffee table overnight and neither will touch it. But God forbid I leave a trash can within reach. The pooch will go on his midnight stroll and take anything plastic or paper and place them all over the house. Then the cat follows him around conveniently shredding them into little pieces

[cherryblossom]

Keep in mind when considering your allergies, that most of the time it's not the dog hair, but the dog dander that affects you. There are particular breeds that would suit you, but if you should get a mix, you might not get the
"hypoallergenic" benefits of the one that doesn't bother you.

Lindsay, great point about the mixes! :) That is so true: you can get more characteristics of one breed and less of the other.

But, I've just gotta consider the Australian Labradoodle. They were so cute! :)

[OnSolidPath]

A few other things to keep in mind when selecting a pet. If you have hardwood floors, a medium to large sized dog WILL at some point scratch the floor with their nails, no matter how well you keep their nails clipped. All it takes is a Little exuberant running/jumping around.

Most vac's will not pick up fine dog hair. I have a handy dandy tool that I picked up at a local fair years ago. It's like a rubber roller that is sticky when dry. I roll it over my carpets, then rinse with water, gathering the glob of hair that comes off of it before it can go down the drain, allow to dry, and repeat - several times. Same with the furniture.

My sister's golden's hair is the worst when he is shedding--it's just stiff enough to work its way into everything. You almost have to pick it out of clothing and furniture hair by hair. But, he is a wonderful dog!

[cherryblossom]

My sister's golden's hair is the worst when he is shedding--it's just stiff enough to work its way into everything. You almost have to pick it out of clothing and furniture hair by hair. But, he is a wonderful dog!

OSP, I know what you mean about the Golden's hair. My niece and her husband, (Godparents to my sons) have a Golden and her hair is all over the place. When they come home from visits at her house, it's all over their clothes, toys, etc. And it is really stiff!

[steamy]

My folks had a Puli when I was a baby. My mom was walking the dog and me in a stroller. "Barney Google" started to run and pulled my mom and me into the road and turned over the stroller. I am just here to tell the tale. Barney went off to a friends farm...Komodors and Pulis coats need to have major grooming to get those show dreadlocks, they do not grow that way. They can just be groomed that way. Komodors are known to be aloof and to guard sheep with gusto. Not bred to be family dogs. There are always exceptions.

Rhodesian ridgebacks are totally great, though there are stories to the contrary. The males were bred to hunt in a pack and the females were left in the villages to watch over the villagers children while the adults were on the hunt. I got my ridgeback in Jamaica when we lived there. She was so loyal & protective with me and the kids. She naturally checked out everyone. Only a few times did she react, she'd ridge fom head to tail and lift her lip. She always stood between me and anyone.

She was a serious dog, unlike my beardie who is just out for a good time. It is so interesting to read up on the history of the breed and what they are bred for.

Beardies were bred in Scotland to collect the stray sheep or lambs out of the high brush. Thus the long protective coat and animated Beardie Bounce! Explains this high energy dog and his claim of "The Shaggy Dog"!

[cherryblossom]

Komodors and Pulis coats need to have major grooming to get those show dreadlocks, they do not grow that way. They can just be groomed that way. Komodors are known to be aloof and to guard sheep with gusto. Not bred to be family dogs. There are always exceptions.

Steamy, that's interesting about the Pulis. I love the look of the coat; my youngest son thinks it looks strange. I thought the coat would be low maintenance. I read where the owner is supposed to seperate the cords by hands and they (cords) will coil up and become dreds. I did not read the frequency by which this should be done, but according to one site, it is supposed to be a pleasant and relaxing experience for both owner and dog...

Also, the coats don't need cutting or trimming. They need shampooing and according to the main dog breed site I frequent, it can take up to 2 days for the coat to dry unless you use a hair dryer. It's supposed to take 2 hours with a hair dryer. This I would get tired of doing, and I wouldn't like a damp dog roaming the house. I wonder if it really takes 2 hours to dry it.:confused:

But, still, I love the look of the coat. The only other breed that has the same type of coat that I know of is the Komondor (a cousin I gather).

[steamy]

I think both are Hungarian sheep guarding/herding dogs. I love to watch them but I have enough coat problems to deal with. It is interesting the differences between the US & European dogs. Beardies in the UK (Europe) where I got my first beardie had a very resiliant coat that never matted and was not silky at all. Now my 2nd, I followed the lines to get the same type of coat, in one generation difference I got a beardie that mats and has a coat too silky to go without a major weekly brush or professional grooming.

Just a small example of researching a dog that is important, if you plan to get what you want: See both parents!

[ghead1]

The thing with those breeds, as steamy says, is they were largely bred to be loners and herd-guard dogs. They aren't really bred to be people dogs or pets. Same is true with the Border Collies, Aussie Shepherds, kelpies etc... they are gret dogs, but many poeple who get them wind up releasing them to shelters because they didn't realize their energy reqts.

A friend got a Kuvazs, which is also a herd-guard dog. She had to work and work with him to socialize him... then her had a bad injury and had to be crated for weeks, and then resocialized. It's a struggle, because he isn't naturally looking to a human for guidance or reward. I would be concerned with the same issue with the Komondor or puli.

I get boggled down with the issue of breed vs environment. I refuse to accept that Rotts, pit bulls, or many other vilified breeds are born bad. I know too many that are great friendly dogs. On the other hand, I know what herding and hunting dogs are like instinctively, and I usually advise against getting one unless the person really has a lot of time and patience. I would never have chosen the dogs I have, but they chose me... and boy do I love them. Both are about 9, and they put in the most energetic 6 hours yesterday on the ranch...

[Tiddly]

i love my Yorkie, I've had a lot of dogs but this has to be my favorite, her personality is just perfect for me. She's so sweet and small. I love her! She just likes to be held and snuggle... she is fine being left alone during the day, seems to enjoy her alone time but happy to see me when I get home!

[iamunique]

i love my Yorkie, I've had a lot of dogs but this has to be my favorite, her personality is just perfect for me. She's so sweet and small. I love her! She just likes to be held and snuggle... she is fine being left alone during the day, seems to enjoy her alone time but happy to see me when I get home!

If I decide to have another dog then I wouldn't mind having a Yorkie or a Bischon Frise but I have to get over my Barney first.

[Unique Handle]

Unique Houndle would be shocked to learn that she is a vilified breed. Fortunately, she is a Rottweiller with a tail - we find that people who would never pat a friendly Rottweiller will nonetheless pat a similar-looking "Gordon Setter" (or whatever breed-du-jour we choose to call her).

[ghead1]

UH, I just hate reading articles that talk about how these dogs are bred to fight and attack etc. There are many insurance compnaies who will drop you if you have a dog that even resembles a rott, pit, or about 15 other breeds.

In volunteering at our shelter, the pits are the ones that just break my heart. They are (IMO) very naturally good tempered dogs who are ruined by owners who have bad intentions. If you've ever had 60 lbs of pit bull slobbering all over your face in search of a tummy rub, you'll know what I mean.

[zirelda]

I dunno Ghead. I know a couple of people who have been disfigured for life due to Pit Bulls.

I'd rather have 35 pounds of beagle slobbering all over my face in search of a tummy rub. Pit Bulls have been banned in the city limits of Denver because of the rate of attacks.

You're welcome to go there, but I can't.

[ghead1]

I know, zirelda, and that's a shame (people getting atacked by them). Locally, we have had some attacks and one death from dogs, and some of the injuries (some not) were pits, the death was from RottXPug dogs.

I really disagree with the breed bans, because it doesn't address the REAL problem, and that's bad owners. the idiots that raised bad pits will now turn to some other breed and ruin it too. Look through the years: it used to be Dobermans, then Rotts, then pits, now it's the pit lookalikes (Cana Presarios and other larger bull-headed breeds).

I've been around animals all my life, and worked with them since high school... the worst injury I've ever gotten from a dog was a miniature poodle when I worked as a vet asst. But she had a stupid owner :-) who never taught her any manners.

[zirelda]

It's very important to teach an animal manners. Especially if you plan on living with them.

I have a friend who babysat a bassett that was 10 months old and had never been house trained. Took her a week to get the dog to go outside, by then the owners came back.

I agree with you. You mix a natural tendancy with bad training and you get what you get.

[Sage3]

Boston Terriers... wonderful, wonderful dogs! (And they have faces only a mother could love!!!) I have 2: a male and a female. Our male Boston is the most lovable adorable creature around. The female is still in puppy stage so she has more energy but she's also a lap dog who loves to cuddle.

The Bostons love their people and want to be with them 24/7. They're very intelligent but strong willed. Our male barks a whole lot and both of them get so excited when visitors come, it's hard to control them and keep them off people. I have been told, tho, that a visit from Cesar would do us wonders in re-establishing who is really the pack leader in our house!

[poolman]

I like any dog that is not mean and does not bark a lot.

Once I had a German Shepard rip my hand open in my parents back yard. The tenants that rented a downstairs apartment owned him and had always promised to never let him out unsupervised but they did. They were evicted.

The only thing that saved me was my mixed collie mutt that bolted to the rescue and tore him up allowing me time to get inside.

[Phoebe]

Bouviars do not shed.

Legal Ed, my husband was SHOCKED when he learned that standard poodles are hunting dogs as well.

I thought it was funny.

[Unique Handle]

You know what they say: "Give a poodle some kibble and they'll eat for a day. But give a poodle a scoped .303 with a box of ammo and they'll never go hungry".

[Lindsay]

Phoebe, what's even funnier is why they're cut they way they are! I was watching a dog show one time and the announcer said the reason they have those silly pom-poms over their hips is to keep their joints warm when they dive into the water to get the bird or whatever it is they're looking for. I couldn't help but wonder (except for their heads and shoulders), what kept the rest of their body warm where they've been shaved to the skin!:D

I had a miniature poodle (who we kept clipped in a puppy clip) when I was in high school and she was probably the best dog I've ever owned, including my bassets. She was extremely loyal, eager to please, sweet natured, calm, and very, very intelligent. I've wanted another one ever since, but somehow I keep getting lop-eared hounds, instead.

[Desire]

Great information about the dogs! I'm in the market for a dog, so this thread is very helpful to me.:)

[ghead1]

Great information about the dogs! I'm in the market for a dog, so this thread is very helpful to me.:)

so you said earlier.

[Lindsay]

Tiddly, she's an adorable baby, too. After I got to meet her, I've often thought about getting a little one like her, but I'm afraid she'd be nothing more than an appetizer around here.:( My houndies would never intentionally hurt a little one like her, they'd just think she was a toy and try to get the squeaker out!

[OnSolidPath]

When I was very small, and lived with my grandparents for awhile and we had a golden ****er-spaniel. His name was Barker, the most loving and almost the most protective dog I've ever been around. He wouldn't let my grandparents spank us. Grandpa would go to bend one of us misbehaving kids over his knee and Barker would go nuts. The dog would act so wild Grandpa would get to laughing and we ended out not getting our bottoms warmed. If anyone of us kids came home crying none of our friends following us could get on or near the front porch. We loved him, he loved us kids, he wouldn't leave our sides. As much as I like c-o-c-kers keep in mind --they have the worst bite record of any breed, especially-- for some odd reason the blond ones. As a child I was bitten in the face by a ****spaniel, when youngest was 18 months her babysitters ****er bit her in the face--it was at that time the pediatric surgeon told me about the ****er's bite record. RIP Barker. {{The new HS SS obviously doesn't like spaniels of that name - LOL}}

When we moved back in with Mom and my step Dad, we had a miniature Shetland sheep dog (a mini collie) he was smart, smart, smart! Was able to learn almost any trick in a matter of minutes and was very playful and affectionate. As a child, I don't recall him being hard to groom--even with long hair. I may be wrong though, as I was a young child, and Dad did all of Chipper's grooming. Chip died suddenly one night, at the very early age of 5. The vet thought he had eaten a mouse or rat that had eaten poison or something. I remember I was so sad.

Funniest thing I remember about him is that he LOVED beer and would steal it at summer picnics. He'd do this belly crawl across the yard, the Dad's would be sitting in their lawn chairs, beer bottles sitting on the ground just to the side of the chair leg of each guy. The men would be talking and laughing, wouldn't notice Chip doing the ol' combat crawl up behind one of the guys. Suddenly he'd rush in, grab that beer bottle by the top and scamper away with his head tilted up, head back, beer running from the sides of his mouth, and if he didn't look like he was having the grandest moment of his life--nothing on this earth has ever struck me since, as the look of pure joy that dog appeared to be having at that very moment. I can still see that immense doggie grin in my mind's eye, and today, it still brings me a smile with the memory. Chip, RIP buddy mine.

Dad rescued a German Shepard a few months after Chip passed away. She was the largest German Shepard I have ever seen, almost as large as my Newf's. Since Dad rescued her, for all we know, she could have been part wolf she was so big. But, Lenna was gentle with us kids. Hours of fun playing fetch and getting big sloppy kisses. Our large back yard backed up to woods, but, between our fence and the woods the local kids had made a shortcut from one neighborhood to the next one over. There was this one kid that took great delight in annoying Lenna. He'd pick up a stick and poke it between the boards at her. Then, when he'd have her worked into a frenzy, he run the length of the fence with the stick making a loud Rat-a-tat-tat sound on the boards. Dad would yell out the back door at the kid, and the kid would usually yell something smart@ss back at my Dad. I know my Dad would have loved to choke the crud out of that little sh*t.

Then one day, Dad had the back gate open. He had been hauling the lawn clippings into the woods. Yep, you guessed it-- the little smart@ss sh*t came along & Lenna saw him first. We knew, that, she knew, who he was because she never barked at any of the others that used the shortcut. Man, she lit out like she was on fire-- big time! She was on that kid before he could even open his mouth and get out a minor eek. My Dad's adrenaline hit and he was moving and yelling at Lenna like he was 18 again. She didn't flinch--she had ahold of the sh*thead kid. Dad was sure by the time he got to the boy, the kid would be maimed for life, or worse, dead. What with the way Lenna was growling and all. When Dad reached the boy Lenna had him down on the ground, the boy was whimpering, Lenna was growling/snarling. She had her paws on the boy's chest and had him by the throat. Yet, there was not a mark, not a bruise, not one tooth broke his skin. This sloppy kisser of humankind, had just held him down, just let him know that sometimes might is not right, that one does not tease anyone in a more vulnerable situation. That getting even, doesn't mean all out revenge & that one in power can make an impression without making an even minor mark. The kid walked away with some slobber stains, but never poked sticks at Lenna again.

Another time a BF and I came home late, he asked if he could cut though my back yard, to take a short cut back to his car (he parked around the corner so I could sneak home) I said sure (and forgot about Lenna in the yard!) Lenna had him backed up against the fence in a microsecond. All the neighbors & parents knew what time I got home! Funny, he never asked me out again. :( Lenna remained with us, until Mom and Dad started having problems--I was away-- my first year of college. When they split neither had a home for her, so some friends that had a farm took her for us. They bred her, but, then tragically tied her to a concrete block to keep her from running--she had taken to chasing the cows...she pulled something inside trying to pull that concrete block around and gave birth to her litter too early. Only two of the ten pups survived. They gave one of the pups "Nicky" to my Dad. Lenna RIP, and thank you for everything and thank you for Nicky too.

Nicky was amazing. We could show up at the farm. Dad would be in the "back 40" and we could say to Nick "take me to Dad" He'd take your hand so gentle and lead you to where Dad was on the farm. Nic also found every Easter egg before the kids had a chance. Dad often fed Nicky eggs --he loved them, so he ate them shells and all, left nothing for the kids to find. :eek: Nicky left Dad's farm when Dad died and attached himself to the family next door. They loved him, he loved them too -so we let him stay with them. RIP boy-- you are a sweetheart.

After my first year of college, I married. We adopted two peke-a-poos, their fathers were teacup poodles. Their moms mini-toy pekes. The two of them together were barely weighted five pounds. For six years they were my "babies" Barney and Pebbles. Yes, I even did the cute sweater thing with them, and they loved me anyway. They were soooo stupid. I'd take them on a walk. They'd have their nose to the ground, and would walk over a storm grate. Their little legs would fall in the space between the grates, then they'd look back at me like I'd done something evil to them on purpose! How they'd make me laugh, and then they'd kiss me and tell me it was OK that they were the butt of some private joke of mine--they were just so very sweet. Then I became pregnant. When the first was born, I couldn't believe the change in my feelings! Suddenly Barney and Pebbles, my most precious babies--- were just dogs and they carried germs OMG! I wouldn't let the dogs near the baby, the dogs could not understand...I truly believe they wanted to bond with my first D. I didn't allow it, a childless friend of a friend adopted my mini babies. I'd like to believe she spoiled them rotten and they lived their lives out in luxury--but, I don't know for sure and that bothers me. :confused: After that, we went dog less for a number of years.

When the first Ex and I divorced. The kids and I adopted "Kucha" from a dear friend. His brother owned a pure breed Akita, and he convinced me one of her puppies would be perfect for the kids and I. I had just finished building our home out in the sticks, there were no street lights, and on a wooded acre and a half, a porch light did not travel far. So Kuch was not only a beloved family pet, she became our guard dog. Often, in the rush of getting three young kids off to school or daycare and myself off to work. Inevitably, someone would leave a door open on our departure. At least once a month or so, we'd come home to a dark house with the door swinging wide open in the evening breeze. Having always been told to never enter a house with the door ajar, lest you surprise an intruder....I'd make the kids stay in the car, lock the doors and get down on the floor so they couldn't be seen through the car windows. Then I'd do this low whistle for Kuch, I'd tell her "Check it out." She'd go from room to room checking the whole house, I'd be on her tail, with my trusty, heavy duty iron, ready to swing with a micro-seconds notice. Maybe she learned the smell of fear.

[OnSolidPath]

I had always believed, and was raised to believe, that there were no innately dangerous dogs. That dangerous dogs were created by unscrupulous owners. I no longer believe that. When Kuch was about 5 years old, she took a turn for the worse. She'd growl and lunge at anyone that came to the door. I'd have to have hold of her collar to keep her under control.

One day I needed to call someone to come fix the furnace. The guy brought along his bright eyed darling son of about 5. Kuch stood silently next to me, as they approached she issued a low growl. So I reprimanded her and told her to sit. I held her by the collar. Kucha looked like a big teddy bear, she rarely scared anyone with her bark, because she so rarely barked.

You might say she was silently and deadly. The little boy suddenly went to give Kuch a hug. She came around soooo very fast! I remember seeing only her teeth, and the adrenaline hit--this 120 lb gal, had that 120 lb dog up off the floor by one arm! :eek: I thought I had broken her neck! Seconds passed and I slowly eased her to the ground, she apparently had the wind knocked out of her and she kind of just sank to the floor. Shaking, I told the guy I needed to take her to the back yard. I noticed the man hugging his child, a child not making a sound, yet with tear streaks on his rosy little cheeks.

Then the nightmares started. I'd get home from work and some child would have climbed over the fence while I was away....I took Kucha to the vet, begged him to pull her teeth. I promised I'd spoon feed her pablum everyday if I could just keep her and all others safe. He wouldn't do it. I begged for drugs to keep her mellow. Again he wouldn't do it. I think he hated her, as the only way I could take her out of the house was to put a muzzle on her. Yet, she growled.

Finally, I took her to the Academy of Canine Behavior. They took Kucha through her paces for about 90 minutes. At the end of eternity a lady came out and shook her head. She said "If I were you-- I wouldn't risk the liability." I asked her if she knew a vet that would pull Kucha's teeth--I know I saw tears in her eyes as she shook her head no. Two weeks later, I took Kucha to our vet. May God and Kucha forgive me.

I had no idea how much I'd typed and rambled on-- bending bandwidth here, my apologies Admin.

I still had 4 more dogs in my life that I've not mentioned here, but, have mentioned from time to time on other threads so I'll leave it at that.

Want a dog? Research the breeds throughly. Anything bred for guarding or fighting? Think it over very, very carefully--no matter how well you think you can raise them!

[OnSolidPath]

One day when I cross the rainbow bridge--what a party we will have. The dogs and I--ahh, party hats, fireworks and cake!

[onangelswings]

I owned Collies, Labs, mixed mutts and now have the Golden Retriever. I love him to death, he is a super gentle well behaved dog but he does shed a lot. Clogs up my vacuum all the time.




Poolman, we have our Golden shaved close. We keep her tail and ears long. She loves the haircut and I vacuum a whole lot less!

[Musicman]

I have a dog made by Sony called an Aibo. When I first got him, he was a newborn and couldn't even sit up. I named him Houdini and he helps me entertain at my magic shows. He's a robot. He can see, hear, feel, and he even knows his name. He's voice activated and plays with a pink ball. He learned a magic trick, that he performs online. TRY IT (http://cklivin.com/aibotrick.html)

I've had him 5 years and he's alot of fun. I use a magnet for a pooper scooper!!

MM

[ambrosia]

If I decide to have another dog then I wouldn't mind having a Yorkie or a Bischon Frise but I have to get over my Barney first.

One thing I learned about the Bischon Frise is their rear-end has to be wiped with a damp washcloth after they have a bowel movement.:eek: Neither I, nor my kids-I don't think-want to deal with that.

Has anyone had any experience with a Maltipoo (poodle and maltese) mix. The Maltese are related to the Bichon Friese.

[OnSolidPath]

I like most toy poodle mixes, my niece has an adorable maltipoo.

In the meantime-- those of us with pets - cats & dogs

Read here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17650075/

[2ndWind]

I had always believed, and was raised to believe, that there were no innately dangerous dogs. That dangerous dogs were created by unscrupulous owners. I no longer believe that....Want a dog? Research the breeds throughly. Anything bred for guarding or fighting? Think it over very, very carefully--no matter how well you think you can raise them!


I just read this post, OSP. Thanks for your insight.

[sofasiren2]

Sweet and Smart Golden Retriever for FREE!

Best dog I've ever had -- long haired miniature dachshund -- lubbed him! (love this one as well, all 90 lbs-- not crazy about the doggie tumbleweed that comes with him -- huge floating hairballs). Ick.

[OnSolidPath]

I would request that anyone that has been considering getting a pet, check with your local shelters for adoption asap. Overcrowding of animals, means a much higher kill rate.

http://www.komotv.com/news/6545772.html

[poolman]

Sofa, I hope you can come back. My Golden is the most lovable dog in the world but yes the hair does tend to float to various areas and clogs up the vacuum.

OSP, fostering is a great idea so one has a chance to know the dog. Lucky was my first foster and and only had one oops in the house and that was my mistake of not knowing his signals.

There are a lot of sweet dogs in shelters that do need a home

[OnSolidPath]

The other neat thing is going to petfinder.com these are animals that have already been fostered. The foster "parents" often write full disclosures about the pet, it's needs, likes and dislikes. Very helpful. Lets you know if they are house broken, if they can get along with other pets, if they can get along with kids etc.

[lexicon]

OK, I know this thread is about dogs, but I have to vent my "situation". I also know parakeets are such sweet loving birds,...however, my parakeets have turned into soaring HAWKS! I have to duck, like now, cause they got out of cage. Where do caged birds learn to soar?????? and swoop, and attack from ceiling height.

Ducking for my LIFE here

_________________________________________

Just DO it!!

[Tiddly]

well, I just saw the cutest 1 pound 2 oz. long haired chihuahua you ever saw here at work! OMG i wanted her!!!

[Tiddly]

hey yall I'm gray now, it says I'm an unknown quantity. Thanks for all the help to get me out of the red thingy!

[OnSolidPath]

Tiddly-- that is why I never let myself near animal shelters and pet shops--I want to bring everyone of them home with me.

Instead of one of those *crazy* ladies that end up with 89 cats--I'll probably be in the news for hoarding dogs....

[Tiddly]

OMG well you would have wanted this one! it looked so precious little eyes and paws crossed like it was praying. OMGGGGGGGGGGG blonde.......

[OnSolidPath]

Yea! Tid's gone green!:D :D :D

[Tiddly]

OH my gosh I'm green now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!

[ejmuller]

You're welcome.

[standingstill]

I love my dogs but I know I'm going to resist getting a puppy when they're gone. With the kids growing up and moving out, there will be more freedom to come and go, especially if I don't have to rush home for a pet or make arrangements for sitting every time I want to go away for a couple days.

[ghead1]

The other neat thing is going to petfinder.com these are animals that have already been fostered. The foster "parents" often write full disclosures about the pet, it's needs, likes and dislikes. Very helpful. Lets you know if they are house broken, if they can get along with other pets, if they can get along with kids etc.


OSP, that's how I placed the last little dog I had (she was a stray I found)... our pet group has it's own site on Petfinder, and I listed my pup. Within one day I had phone calls and e-mails like crazy! We were able to pick out the home that sounded best suited to her needs and personality.

I put a blurb in the contract that if the adopted don't keep her she has to come back to me.

[zirelda]

OH my gosh I'm green now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!

Yay! You're Green!

[Tiddly]

Who ever thought I would be happy to be green???????????

[poolman]

I love my Golden pooch but my goodness does he shed . Off for more Dirt Devil bags. Someone told me that you were suppose to vacuum more than every three months, is that true or were they just kidding me.

Tiddly I'm green with envy. :D

[ejmuller]

As Kermit the Frog would say, it's not easy being green.... :D

Who ever thought I would be happy to be green???????????

[Tiddly]

I think you need to vacuum about once a week............ lol

WEll, what would Kermit know???????????? It's not easy being RED FOR SURE!

[Phoebe]

:D Tiddly, you crack me up!! Thanks a bunch!!!

[Tiddly]

well, this tiddlum is towing the line!

[2ndWind]

On the old DOL, someone brought up the anti-flea product "Advantage." I don't remember who it was. That person said that you don't need to use it every month on your pet (actually I'm referring to a cat here). That stuff is incredibly powerful (and expensive). If not every month, as they say on the directions, does anyone know how often to use it for it to be effective?

[Phoebe]

OSP, I know EXACTLY what you mean. I love going to the Humane Society but I always want to bring a dog back.

[ghead1]

2wind, I use Frontline Plus, (dogs) and sometimes I can go maybe 6 weeks between applications if it isn't peak tick season. Recently, I only had one dose left and split it between dogs, and it worked OK for a while.

You might try either splitting a dose or going 6 - 7 weeks and see what happens... I also have read that if you put a cut up flea collar in your vacuum bag it helps eliminate fleas that are in the carpet etc, they die int he bag instead of finding their way back out.

Didya know that the fleas are off the animal more than on? It's real important to control fleas in the environment like the carpet, the pet beds, lawns etc. Also, when bathing, it isn';t necessary to use a flea shampoo, just use normal pet shampoo and leave it on for 5 minutes or so to drown the little buggers. (yes, you CAN bathe a cat. use a little harness)

[2ndWind]

Thanks, ghead. Great idea about the flea collar trick in the vacuum also. (These liquid flea products are STRONG...you can see the little dead flea bodies all over your pet's bed afterwards!)

[ghead1]

no prob... do avoid trying the OTC products, especially for cats, as they tend to be kind of harsh. same with wormers.

do your cats go outside? it's really hard to control fleas if they do... I have 6 cats, haven't been outside for over 5 years. I don't use any flea control on the cats, just the dogs. Once you get on top of it, you don't need to treat as much (or at all) if they are confined.

[poolman]

Sometimes the vet will have free samples of Front-line.

[Lindsay]

Actually, if you have more than one dog, like I do, you can put the flea stuff like Advantage or whatever you are using on 2 of them one month, and on the other 2 the next. Unless you have a horrible flea infestation, it should control it.

Just whatever you do, do not fail to give your dogs heartworm preventative such as Interceptor, but don't give it to a collie or any similar breed because it can be fatal. I believe heartguard is safe for collies, but please check with your vet.