I just had a customer come through the drive thru with the teeniest little dachsund puppy, and it was the most adorable thing I've ever seen. It's his daughter's Christmas present. What a lucky little girl.
I still remember the year I got my guinea pig. He was my favorite present ever. And Chet and I have been talking about getting a dog since this summer. I may have to ask for a dog for New Year's. (We're out of town for Christmas, and the in-laws' is probably not a great place to be house training a dog.)
[ December 30, 2004, 10:15 AM: Message edited by: AvidReader ]
Posted by Miro (Member # 1178) on :
When my sister and I were little, we begged and begged for a dog. We got guinea pigs instead. I still loved them. And now I miss the ever-present smell of the cedar chips in my room. But now we have a dog. Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Hey, that happened to me too! What's up with that?
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Chet and I had been talking about getting a Boston Terrier. From the American Kennel Club:
quote: The Boston Terrier is a friendly and lively dog. The breed has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes the Boston Terrier an incomparable companion.
Boston Terriers do well in apartments so they're one of the few breeds I could justify in my place since I have no yard. Plus, they're sharp as a whip, and if I get one from the Boston Terrier Rescue of Florida, I'll be helping a dog who might otherwise have been put down. And if I'm lucky he'll already be housebroken. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*sigh* impulsiveness really does run rampant around the holidays.
(Note I'm not saying that any people posting are impulsive, this is just the 2nd "I want a puppy" thread in so many weeks.) Please take careful consideration of the kind of dog you choose realizing that you will have it for at least the next decade of your life as a member of your family, including health screenings of the parents for OFA, PRA, etc as it applies.
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Avid, I'm glad you've done your homework. Remember however that rescues can come with a variety of negative behavioral issues as well, and toy dogs as a whole are suceptible to broken limbs.
(Note: rescue is a noble purpose and I strongly support it.. but all things aren't always necessarily hunky dory for the animal otherwise they wouldn't be in rescue!)
AJ
(and that looks like an excellent rescue organization you've linked to. Beware however you may not get an animal by "New Year's" Especially with smaller dogs the waiting lists can be long if applicants are equally qualified.
AJ)
[ December 17, 2004, 03:40 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
AR, that is an EXCELLENT idea. We're loving the puppy we got a month ago, but there have definitely been times I've wished we'd gotten a rescue Boxer instead of a puppy. Lord, they're so much work! I have no idea how either one of us would raise her by ourselves... but then, with Libbey, since she's going to be a large, strong dog, there's the added sense of urgency to her training... Not only do we have to housetrain, socialize, and survive her teething and teenage phases, we also have to keep in mind that she's soon going to be a big dog that a lot of people are afraid of. So we have to ingrain those good manners pronto, before she playfully jumps on someone and knocks them over.
I think our next dog will be a rescue, although I may reconsider once Libbey matures into a wonderful adult... but rescues can often be dogs that were well-raised and well-loved, just dumped because they became teenagers at around 8 months old, or because the family moved somewhere where they couldn't have a dog, or because someone became allergic... a lot of people even give up their dogs when they become pregnant, because they're worried about the kid. Which is silly. But it means you can get an awesome, well-adjusted mature dog for cheap, and save the poor thing from euthanasia in the process. It's a great system.
[ December 17, 2004, 03:41 PM: Message edited by: Zeugma ]
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Our dog Licorice, who died in August, was a fox terrier. I don't know how fox terriers line up with bostons, but we really enjoyed him. A fox terrier was actually recommended by our vet because we had kids and not a ton of room at the time. The only con to the breed seemed to be an excessive amount of energy, which wasn't a problem for us since we had kiddos who loved to play.
We would have definately gotten another fox terrier but at the time it was a bit too painful. Our lab mix that we got from the shelter has been wonderful too. Good luck in your search; it's nice to see people doing research before deciding on a pet. Believe me, it will pay off.
space opera
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
I can't believe I missed the other puppy thread. Good point about the waiting list, AJ. But then, I'd be happy if Chet and I sat down and had a serious conversation about starting the adoption process and puppy proofing the house by New Years.
Zeug, Chet had a black lab as a kid so he was pushing for a big dog. The only big dogs that would survive an apartment are the kind that would sit on my couch and never leave room for me. The Boston was his compromise dog. (I wanted one of those toy Malteses. )
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*grin* well I'm biased. A Cardigan Corgi http://cardigancorgis.com will do fine as an apartment dog, though it depends on the line, and individual temperment, but a breeder is pretty able to tell which puppy will be the "couch potato". And they are *big* in attitude despite their small stature. And they aren't really *small* in size, running 30-40 pounds, even though most apartments won't complain about them cause they don't realize how much they weigh. I lived with my two in an apartment for a year. Especially in a warm climate where you don't have to stand in a doorway freezing while they go outside and do their business there isn't much of a problem. But in a cold winter a fenced backyard is nice for kicking them out and shutting the door and staying warm!
AJ
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
AR, if you decide to get a puppy instead of a rescue, there are a whole lot of things you have to know before you start looking for a breeder. Purebred dogs like Bostons are suceptible to a whole heck of a lot of health problems, and you need to make sure you find one that runs specific genetic tests on the parents before breeding. A few rules of thumb: never buy a purebred puppy out of the classifieds. Any breeder who cares enough to health test their dogs doesn't need cheap advertising, they have a waiting list of people who want puppies from them. Avoid "breeders" who just buy two pets and leave them intact, letting them mate whenever the bitch comes into heat. Not only do they not health test, but they also tend not to care about temperament or breed standards, meaning you could end up with an unusually ill-behaved dog that isn't really a Boston.
There's a whole list of other things to watch out for, but basically, be aware that you have a lot of homework to do. I researched dogs and boxers and puppies for a month and a half before we got Libbey, and I was still totally surprised by how exhausting it is to raise her.
Of course, I feel like it's all been worth it when I discover she's already learned to come, sit, lay down, and "leave it".... so it has it's good moments, too. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Grin, and Boxers and Bostons are both Brachycephalic which can cause problems too.
*hugs Zeguma* I'm sure you're doing a wonderful job with your big little girl!
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
While I'm not a sighthound person myself, whippets and greyhounds are also very good for apartment life, though teaching them to lunge for 5 minutes a day to run off their energy is a good thing. (just throwing out other ideas) There are some pretty big rescue organizations for those breeds in FL too.
AJ
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Thanks for all the ideas. A friend of ours has a greyhound. She's a little prima donna who sits with her paws crossed on her own little couch. Adorable.
Zeug, no matter how old I get the dog, I'm still going to call it a puppy. My mom's is over ten and dying of water on his heart, but I still call him a puppy. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
[ December 17, 2004, 04:22 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
My son wants a frog for Christmas, but I think he's going to get a rat, mouse, or hamster instead. I checked out frogs, and if you want them to live, you have to pretty much leave 'em alone. Shouldn't handle them, that is. I'm thinking my son will not really enjoy a pet he can't handle at least some. Maybe I should get him a snake. He loves creepy crawly critters. I draw the line at scorpions, tarantulas and milipedes, though. *shudder*
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
My mom always drew the line at pets that eat pets, which makes anything that eats mice against the rules. The hedgehog (which a student gave her, they were going to kill it) was almost against the rules but I spent hours saying anything you could buy at a bait shop was not a pet (meal worms).
Posted by Miro (Member # 1178) on :
quote: Zeug, no matter how old I get the dog, I'm still going to call it a puppy. My mom's is over ten and dying of water on his heart, but I still call him a puppy.
Heh. My sister has a cat, and she and her roommates call him "puppy".
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
My favorite author has a son, and Mooselet calls him "Puppy."
Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
Go for the Golden Retriever. There the only kind of dog I like, I actually a cat person.
[ December 17, 2004, 05:30 PM: Message edited by: Altáriël of Dorthonion ]
Posted by kwsni (Member # 1831) on :
AJ, dang it, now the next time I'm lunging my horse I'm gonna burst out laughing cause i'm picturing her as a greyhound.
I SO want to teach a dog to lunge.
And a bunny. I want a bunny.
Ni!
[ December 17, 2004, 07:31 PM: Message edited by: kwsni ]
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
A retired racing greyhound is one of the finest apartment dogs you can find. They are calm, hardly shed, don't smell, don't bark, sleep all day, and really need hardly any excercise. They are crate-trained and quiet, and complete affection-sponges. Plus, you will be saving a dog's life. My mom's greyhound is the Best Dog in the World.
Edit: This is really Avadaru. Russell's been on my computer.
[ December 17, 2004, 07:54 PM: Message edited by: fugu13 ]
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I was about to say, I didn't know fugu's mom had a greyhound.
Posted by RackhamsRazor (Member # 5254) on :
ahhh-I saw the I want a puppy thread and I had to reply even if it was a little late. I REALLY want a puppy...unfortunately, I have to wait till I am done with school and have a yard or a house or something (no I dont have to but I am making myself because when I get my dog I want to do it right). It still doesnt mean I dont want a puppy really really bad. I have done my research and I know the kind of dog I want (border collie) because I like their attitudes and I would really like to get into agility training or at least obedience. It's gonna be like another 6 years before I can get my dog . Still, every time I see a dog it just makes me want my puppy even more....I cant wait! Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I read that greyhounds liked to run and needed space. Posted by Avadaru (Member # 3026) on :
quote: I read that greyhounds liked to run and needed space
That's a common misconception about the breed. People usually think that because they were bred to run and race, that they need more exercise than the typical dog. A dog that has never been on the track will probably have more energy than a retired racer, but not nearly as much as say, a Lab or a Doberman or a Cocker. They are by nature very calm, laid back dogs. Most retired racers take their retirement very seriously, and will much rather sleep all day than go outside and romp around. That's why I recommend the breed as an apartment or city dog - a brief walk once or twice a day is sufficient, though it would be good if once a week or so the dog could be allowed to stretch its legs in a fenced area. They do enjoy running, but greyhounds are sprinters, and have short bursts of speed but very little stamina. Any energy they have is usually burned off in the first couple of minutes of running. My mom's greyhound doesn't even like to walk to a nearby field anymore -- the walk is enough for him, and a brief run will tire him out to the point that he will sit down and refuse to go any farther. Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Cool. I did not know that.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
As a person who has always had "mutts" (mostly cats but also a few dogs when we were children), I'm curious why so many people want a purebred dog or cat. It seems like dog people tend to care more about breeding than cat people, but that might be my misconception.
Is it because dogs have such a wide variety of sizes, abilities, and temperments compared to cats? So that to have any idea at all what you are getting, you have to narrow it down a lot further than just "mutt"?
It seems like all the various genetic defects from the severe inbreeding that most purebred lines have undergone would be a huge negative factor. Mutts seem to have so many fewer genetic defects! Also they seem in greater need of rescue, since they might be less desired by many people just from a standpoint of looks.
I hope it's okay for me to ask this question, because I truly don't understand this. Of course I've never chosen my animals, they always chose me. So I'm probably coming at the whole issue from a different perspective than most folks. Can anyone explain?
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
ak, I think you're pretty much right. We're all for getting dogs from shelters and rescues, and probably will next time, but this is our first dog, and there were lots of specific things we wanted. We wanted a practice kid that we could raise together, hence the puppy, and Mark wanted a Boxer, specifically, for a variety of reasons. With purebred dogs, you can be pretty sure about the kind of dog you're getting... you know about how big they'll get, how energetic they'll be, how long they'll take to mature, how they'll be around children, how they'll be around other people, how they'll do in different settings, etc. There's just a long history of personalities behind each breed that you can use to predict what your dog will be like.
With a mutt, you just really don't know. What were the parents like? Will it be more energetic, or more of a couch potato? Will it be good with kids, or agressive? How big will it get?
But yes, mutts do tend to be a lot healthier, that's just basic genetics. Human children are also healthier when their parents are from wildly different genetic backgrounds. So it's a tradeoff.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
We're looking at getting a yorkiepoo. Why? Because I hate drool and dislike shedding hair, and they always seem nicer than pure poodles. Plus they seem to enjoy car rides, which is necessary for us right now.
Eve's much less picky.
Dagonee
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Heck, why not a Labradoodle? Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Dagonee, the trick with poodles is to get a Miniature poodle, not a Toy. The Minis have IMO far better temperments than the Toys. And you *have* to get it from a good breeder. I'm always suspicious of the crosses, because very few of them are bred by breeders with any scruples whatsoever. If they haven't done at least CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) checks on their dogs you should be suspicious. Or ask them about brucellosis. If they haven't heard of it or say it isn't necessary to get checked for their stud dogs, once again be suspicious. Most of them are out to make $$$, which is why luxating patellas are becoming huge problems in small dogs. (Do you really want to spend thousands in operations later, when a few hundred dollars more in research and perhaps driving time at the outset could have preventted it?)
Actuallly frequently, in small dogs, the responsible breeders are cheaper than the puppy mills. Whatever you do, do *not* buy an animal at a pet store. Not only are pet store puppies notoriously overpriced, no matter what they try to say to you, those animals are from puppy mills because no responsible breeder will let their animals go to a pet store. They feel that part of being a "responsible breeder" is meeting the future owner and evaluating them for suitability. Generally a responsible breeder will be able to temperment match a puppy to your needs as well. They've observed the litter through out its development, and know what personality traits each puppy has!
I have a friend who got a Miniature Poodle because of allergies and has thanked me ever since for suggesting it. Minis are actually about the size of shelties. Not nearly as tiny as the Toys and a lot hardier overall, IMO. Shrinking them to Toy IMO caused a lot more health and mental problems than it is worth (once again IMO, there are plenty of happy Toy owners out there.) You can still do well with a responsible breeder but in the Toys especially you have to be very, very careful.
AJ
[ December 20, 2004, 10:35 AM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Thanks for the advice, AJ.
Eve's family had hunting dogs that stayed in outdoor kennels when she was little. I've never had a dog at all. So neither of us has much information on dogs suitable for apartment/townhouse living.
A quick search shows they like lots of attention - will they be happy if left at home alone during the day?
As we get closer to buying, I'll be online for specific help. I need to arrange for a pet-friendly apartment complex in Charlottesville first, so May is the earliest we'll do.
Dagonee
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Charlottesville is in North Carolina right? The AKC headquarters is in Raleigh. Let me think about your needs for a while. As far as the attention issues. I'd certainly reccommend crate training, because that will prevent the dog from being destructive while you are out of the house. It's safer for both them and you. As long as you give it plenty of attention while you are home it will be happy.
I *strongly* recommend "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by The Monks of New Skete as a good pre-puppy purchase book. It will give you things to think about, that you wouldn't have thought of otherwise and you'll be glad you did. (Especially since you've never had a dog as a pet before.)
AJ
[ December 20, 2004, 10:48 AM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Virginia, actually (Charlotte is North Carolina).
The dog will take two hour car trips on many weekends during the school year.
I will check out that book - probably get a copy for each of us.
Thanks!
Dagonee
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
quote: Whatever you do, do *not* buy an animal at a pet store. Not only are pet store puppies notoriously overpriced, no matter what they try to say to you, those animals are from puppy mills because no responsible breeder will let their animals go to a pet store.
A small aside -- our local PetSmart opens up space for showing Humane Society dogs and cats. Of course, they tend to be mutts. But I was willing to buy our cat there because they refuse to sell bred dogs and cats (which would be kitty or puppy mills, certainly).
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I like the idea of a mutt, both for dogs and cats. But the hair thing is pretty serious for me.
Don't worry, we'll by from an AJ-approved breeder or rescue a puppy from the pound. I'm leery on that for a first puppy, since having the support of a caring breeder would probably be a very good thing.
Dagonee
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Grin Sara I'm all for *adopting* and that is one of the good things Petsmart does do, even if they've got a lot of fairly unethical corporate business practices. (Ask Lead.)
However with Dags as a first time dog owner, I'm glad he can see a supportive breeder would be a wonderful thing.
AJ
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Just wanted to say my vet has a rescued retired racing greyhound who hangs out and greets us when we go in - he's the best dog!
I don't have a dog currently - got rid of my last puppy when I realized I was being a terrible dog owner. He went back home to live with the family he came from. With everything going on with the kids and the hectic schedules we have, I just wasn't home enough to properly train and care for the dog.
I now have a no more pets rule. We're just too wrapped up in our kids and our own schedules, and any pet that came in would be neglected, I fear.
Well, we do have fish - do they count? Saltwater aquarium keeping is my husband's hobby. We have two clown fish and a damsel right now, and about to add some more fishies. We just finished the long process of getting a new tank acclimatized, or whatever you call it.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
I love dogs, but I won't get one until I've got a relatively large place of my own, since I want big dogs. I love Labradors (yellow, naturally), and I've always been enamoured of Huskies. But again, not yet. Definitely not yet. Though I do have my first three dog names picked out: (in order of appearance) Cerberus, Frodo, and Odysseus.
Toy dogs are silly. They're so little - how are you supposed to cuddle or play fetch with frisbees or avoid stepping on them?
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
I did register some guilt for the purchase. We don't buy other things at PetSmart, but we do occasionally stop in to see what new products are out.
*hangs head
I like to say "Hi" to the kitties. Gussie very unethically stole my heart and had a perfect history to be a companion to an older male cat. (Had been rescued with an older male buddy, very friendly, other cat had already been adopted.)
[ December 20, 2004, 02:37 PM: Message edited by: Sara Sasse ]
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Ah, that's what I meant to do today! We've got this awesome local pet store here (several, actually) that we really want to support, but they don't carry the yogurt drops that we use for training treats. I keep meaning to see if they'll stock them, so we don't have to go to Petsmart. Libbey doesn't like it much there, anyhow. Which she expressed by peeing on their floor. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Sara, it all depends on what you wish to feel guilty about. And life is too short to feel responsible for all the ills of the world. I do shop at Petsmart occasionally as I do at Walmart. Don't beat yourself up about it. Jake has a particular kind of squeaky ball that is his favorite, that can *only* be found at Petsmart, and even then not all the time. And they offer a lot of services like vaccinations at very reasonable prices, that make it more affordable for people to own pets. So it isn't the end of the world.
AJ
[ December 20, 2004, 02:42 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
I like to support local small businesses more. There are plenty of them here in Madison.
*feels a little less guilty, but not much
I will do penance later.
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
quote: Jake has a particular kind of squeaky ball that is his favorite, that can *only* be found at Petsmart, and even then not all the time.
What? You mean that Jake likes to play with a squeaky ball?
Jake is hands-down the sweetest dog I've ever known, and I've known quite a few.
[ December 20, 2004, 02:50 PM: Message edited by: Sara Sasse ]
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
My boyfriend's up to something. He just stopped by to say the store's over it's hours and he and the crew are having to cut some time. Then he said he had somewhere he had to be.
"Oh, where are you going?"
"I have to go get something," he said wearing his I'm-up-to-something grin.
"Christmas shopping?"
"Something like that."
So it's obviously something for me. But it sounds like something he's not trying to keep secret. Could it be a puppy?
On the one hand, I'd love to have a dog. The dog would have to go for a walk every evening and I'd be forced to get off my lazy butt and get some exercise. On the other, I've had the plants in because of the weather and the house is trashed. Not to mention we'd have no idea if it would be housetrained and we're going to his dad's for the weekend. Great idea, lousy timing.
Bets, anyone?
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Hmmmm!
It seems to me like surprising someone with a puppy, especially around the holidays, is a lot like coming home with a truck full of lumber and saying, "Surprise, honey! We're going to add an addition to the house!" Sure, taking on a major home construction project can be a lot of fun, especially for people who are prepared for it, but it's also a lot of hard work.
We've had our puppy for a little over a month now, and honestly, I'm probably taking the responsibility of raising her a little too seriously. I am hugely invested in shaping her into the kind of adult I want to have, so practically every decision I make carries a lot of consequences, at least in my head.
Still, though, even if you don't really care if the adult is well-behaved or not, raising a puppy is a lot of work. Our lives have completely revolved around Libbey since the minute we picked her up. We slept very little the first week as she was getting used to her crate, we make approximately 25 to 30 trips outside every day for her to go pee (though this has been tapering off as she ages), we come home from work twice a day to let her out of her crate and play for an hour, and our entire evening is spent playing with and exercising her. There is very little time to even eat a meal, let alone go out and run errands or have some non-dog-related fun. When we're home and she's out of the crate, at least one of us must be watching her At All Times, or she'll pee on the floor, chew on electrical wires, push open doors to rooms she's not allowed in, or otherwise act like a crazy puppy.
So. It's a lot of work. If your bf does come home with a puppy, don't be too discouraged by this... Puppies are still a whole lot of fun, and remember that my puppy is from a particularly active breed. You'll have a great time with it. Just don't try to fool yourself into thinking that life post-puppy will be anywhere near as carefree and relaxing as life pre-puppy, at least not for about a year.
Good luck! Maybe he's just getting you a ring or something. Those are pretty easy to take care of. Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
A ring.
Chet and I have been dating for eight years now, since my sophomore year of high school. We've been living together for two years now, and the subject never even comes up anymore.
A ring. I'd settle for a conversation about what we expect a marriage to be like. Or that we intend to get around to it some day.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Oooh. Well, after three years I had an oops. Ciara apparently was in "silent" heat for most of last week, even though you normally count from the first drip of discharge.
So I let them out in the cold for 5 minutes to potty and when I call them in they are "doing the deed" Now in dog breeding a "tie" occurs where they can be stuck together for up to an hour. To attempt to separate them can damage one or both of them. So they were stuck together and I had to get Steve to help me carry them into the house. Jake's breeder isn't upset with me because she knows I've been as careful as I can be, and she's had an oops or two herself. So anyway we may have puppies in 63 days, around February 23. I was planning on breeding them eventually, but I wasn't exactly thinking *now*.
AJ
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
*pictures AJ and Steve carrying stuck together dogs in the house*
space opera
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Apparently with breeds with longer legs and shorter bodies it is possible to get them both walking in the same direction at the same time while they are tied. Just doesn't work with Corgis! they can shift around a bit, but going up the step would have been impossible.
AJ
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
I'm sorry, AJ. I bet THAT won't make the Christmas newsletter!
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Ok, time to go home and find out. The girls at work are all hoping it's a puppy. (Everyone's first thought was a ring, though. o_O)
Wish me luck. I'm still fighting with Sprint so I don't have internet at home. I'll let you know tomorrow.
~Carrie
Posted by kwsni (Member # 1831) on :
::half tempted to ask to buy one of the puppies if Ciara DOES have puppies::
::probably shouldn't::
I will never ever EVER buy ANYONE a pet as a gift. Just because you get along with them fine, the recipient may not, or might be looking for something other than what you gave them. It's like giving somebody a kid for christmas.
I'll gladly buy people loud obnoxious toys for thier pets, though.
An aside to AJ: How does the vaccination thing at petsmart work? I'd be leery of anyone but a vet or myself giving any animal I own a vaccination.
Ni!
[ December 23, 2004, 08:50 PM: Message edited by: kwsni ]
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
Yeah, giving a pet as a gift can be a big problem. When the last parakeet I owned died I was absolutely devastated because I had accidentally prolonged the bird's pain. I threw away the cage and announced that I was never having a parakeet again. Even so a friend bought me a new bird and a new cage and surprised me with it a month later. I couldn't stand having it in the room with me. The petstore wouldn't give the money back but he finally did agree to take the bird and cage back so I gave the friend $30 and lied that the petstore gave it back to me.
I'm still picturing those two dogs being carried in tied together. That can go on for an HOUR?
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
kwisni, if you want one I'd be delighted. While I'd like a bit of money to recoup expenses I'd rather see it go to a good home. We could work something out. I paid for Jake over time at a discounted rate on the honor system cause Jacque knew I was a starving college student, so the least I can do is offer that same opportunity to someone else.
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Oh and as for the vaccinations at petsmart, they either hire a vet to come in for a weekend a month, or they have a vet in an animal hospital attached to their store.
AJ
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
I was right!
Yesterday morning, a random dog owner decided to leave their puppy tied up in a duffle bag on the front lawn of a guy Chet works with. The guy has three dogs, including one that's paralyzed, so the random puppy abandoner figured he'd be taken care of.
So since we'd been wanting a dog and the coworker doesn't really have room for another dog, Chet went to take a look. And fell in love.
Brain (like in Inspector Gadget) is some kind of Jack Russell, maybe with some fox terrier in him. A much more active dog than we'd have chosen on purpose, Brain's actually very good at entertaining himself. We got him some little puppy sized tennis balls (mint flavored for his breath) and he throws it for himself. He liked going out and walking around, but it was really too cold to have him out very long.
We won't know how old he is til we get him to the vet. He knew what the puppy food was so he'd been weaned, but we had to soak it in some water so he could chew it. I was so proud of Chet, he got organic food for Brain. He's not a little puppy; he's maybe a foot and a half long. He really likes to curl up with us on the couch and lay his head on our legs.
He was a bit bristly, but I gave him a bath and he has a soft coat now. He ate a lot yesterday, but he slowed down this morning. The random dog leaver had some dog food in the duffle for him, but if he had trouble with the puppy chow, I doubt he could chew much of it. Monday we'll call the vet our friends go to and get Brain his shots, find out when he needs to get neutered, and, best of all, get him his flea drops.
Brain is offically the greatest Christmas present ever.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Aw, sweet!
Companion animals that nap all over the owner/master/slave are the best!
The first cat I got as an adult was Tellulah, a short haired peach colored kitty at about 4 or 5 weeks old - abandoned at the SPCA. One night, I woke up in the middle of the night. I was sleeping on my side, and I tried getting up, but I couldn't move my head. It just felt so . . . heavy. Tried again, and man, it just wouldn't move! I tried again, and plop! There goes Tellulah, falling off my head. Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Sounds like a great cat, squid.
Brain was a lot less fun last night when I was trying to go to bed. I'd been napping on the couch for about thirty minutes with the dog when I got a call and woke up. I got ready for bed and put the dog in his crate like Chet and Dre told me to, before they went to the bar and left me along with the new puppy. Who likes Chet better.
So the dog's in the crate, and I'm in bed with the door closed when he starts whining. And whining. For thirty minutes. So I get up and put on some James Taylor, cause if James can't calm a dog down, I don't know what can. And I sat up with him for a bit trying to let him get used to the cage. Didn't work.
So when he was somewhat calm, I went ahead and let him out. He was so wound up from wanting out, he was bouncing off the walls for about an hour. So I dozed on the couch while he played. I took him out again and just left him in the living room. I figured Chet would be home in a couple hours and he could put the dog up then.
So Chet came home, took the dog out, and put him in his crate. A few minutes later, he let Brain out, too. So Brain slept on the couch curled up with one of Chet's shoes. He didn't eat it or chew on it; he just wanted something that smelled like Chet. Around five thirty I got up to check on him. He'd piddled a little on the floor by our bedroom door, so he'd probably tried to wake us up. He slept in my lap while I watched Little Women. It was a tiring night, but a good morning.
He's in his crate now with the Animal Planet on. Hopefully, he'll have been good. We get out early today, so he'll only have to be alone half the day.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
So now I'm a squid. What'll it be next week? Calamari? Cuttlefish? Hiya, I'm cuttlefish.
Thanks for the new nickname, AvisCarRental. Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Sounds like you did a great job of not letting him out of the crate when he was whining! Even if you only do it once, you'll be stuck with a whining, angry dog whenever you put him in the crate. It took us a week to get to the point where Libbey would fall asleep in her crate quietly, and it was a long, long week. What worked for us was bringing her crate into the bedroom at night, and taking turns sleeping on the floor next to it when she was really upset. We never spoke or acknowledged her, though. Generally she howled and cried and barked for about 20 minutes before giving up, and it got shorter and shorter every night. Finally we moved her back out to the living room, and she's doing great.
Crate training for daytime crating is harder, since the puppy generally isn't asleep the whole time. There are a lot of methods you can use to make them like the crate, and to decrease separation anxiety (which can lead to all sorts of unpleasant things). Let me know if you want lots of advice from someone who was in your shoes a month ago.
Oh, and fyi, it sounds like he's pretty close to 8 weeks old, which means his bladder can only stand about 3 hours at a time. He won't want to pee in his crate, if it's small enough that he would have to sleep in the pee, but after 3 hours he won't be able to help it. You really don't want to let him pee in there, it'll start a bad precedent.
Goooood luck! Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Oh, quid, I am so sorry.
Zeug, thanks for the advice. Three hours should be doable if Chet stays up til 2 like normal and I get up a bit early at 5. It's only an hour early for me and I go to bed around 10, so no biggie.
At what age should he be able to hold it all night?
Oh, and any tips for helping him be sociable with a poodle and a black lab? He's a lot smaller than Ebony, the lab, so I'm a little worried.
Posted by Book (Member # 5500) on :
On a totally different note, we just purchased sweaters for our two dachshunds. However, their legs seem to be too small and they tend to work their ways out of the sweaters.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Brain sounds adorable. As I mentioned, our dog Licorice was a fox terrier, and while his energy level was very high, we loved being his owners. One thing that worked very well for him was lots and lots of fetch. Usually about 30 minutes of it was enough to bring his energy level down a bit. Have fun with your puppy!
space opera
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*yay!!* congrats on the new puppy!
AJ
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
AvidReader, I didn't add the that I should have, cuz I actually laughed at being called squid. Although I have called other people squid before, but only stupid men who couldn't figure things out. I no longer have squid in my life. Happily. Anyway, I'll let ya have yer name back now. Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Hey AR! Actually, he'll be able to hold it through the night a lot sooner. Their metabolisms slow down at night, just like ours, so as long as he's fast asleep, 3 hours is pretty flexible. It's really during the day, when he's more awake, that you have to worry about it. We took Libbey out every 3 hours for the first two weeks, and by the end of it she was looking really pissed that we'd woken her up. Then we forgot to set the alarm, and didn't take her out for 5 hours. She was fine, so now (at 3 months old) we take her out once during the night, and could probably let her sleep all the way through it. My only concern is her waking me up early if we do.
Here's a crate training tip for the day: Never make the crate a negative experience... if you need to give him a time out for being too bite-y or something, put him in the (puppyproofed) bathroom or something for a minute, not the crate. Hide treats in there occasionally for him to discover, and give him treats for going in. When you take him out, be very nonchalant about it, because coming out of the crate shouldn't be a reward.
I don't know if you're interested or not, but if you feel really exasperated about something and need a quick answer, the community I get a lot of advice from is: Boxer-Dog.org. It's for Boxer owners, but if you search the forum for, say, "potty training", you'll get a ton of results.
Good luck!
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Thanks for the advice, Zeug. Brain was much calmer when we moved the crate into the bedroom with us. The link is great, I'll have to get some tips later. For some reason, Brain doesn't like doing both kinds of business on the same trip so we've had to take him out thirty minutes apart. At 2 am, that's not cool.
We had an exhausting weekend of taking him out every couple hours. I don't know if he doesn't like holding it or if he just doesn't like sleeping in the crate, but that's how often he barks to go out.
Worst potty training mishap: he peed on me on the way home. We had taken him out before we left Chet's dad's. We took him out twenty minutes later when we stopped to see some friends. Twenty minutes later he was squirming around in the car, squatted in my lap, and peed all over my jeans. He peed twice more at the gas station where I changed. He hadn't even had dinner yet, so I don't know what his problem was.
Then when I was changing shoes, I closed the door and the trunk lid came crashing down on Chet's head. He was ok, but very frustrated. It took us an hour to get out of Citrus County. Needless to say, we were exhausted by the time we got home. And we still had to take the dog out every couple hours. Ugh. Good thing I love that dog.
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Oh man.... it'll be funny when you look back on it later.
We had our worst potty accident last night... Mark's friend came over at 11:30 and they stayed up till 4:30am. Libbey usually goes to bed before 10, so by around 12:30, even with the excitement of having Mark's friend around, she was REALLY tired and REALLY grumpy. Mark couldn't get her to relax and fall asleep, and at one point, she jumped off the couch and peed in the middle of the living room! She's never done that, not in over a month of living with us. She has accidents, sure, but always near the door, and always because we didn't get her outside fast enough. We figure she was either exhausted and didn't have any control over herself, or she was really frustrated and chose to express it that way. Ugh.
But, this morning she's back to her wonderful, joyful self, and we just can't help but love her all over. Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Oh, and you know what gets those bowels moving? Running! We used to have Libbey chase after us outside when we thought she needed to go poo. Worked like a charm. Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Wow - I've never heard of taking a puppy out to pee in the middle of the night (waking them up to do it). Do a lot of pet owners do that? With any puppies I've had they just went out before bed and waited till morning - with very few accidents. That's interesting, and must be a giant pain in the hiney.
space opera
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Well, we've never had an accident in the night, at least... and I think it might have helped her during the first week, to show her that we weren't going to leave her in there forever. She slept very fitfully that first week. Also, I think, if you're crate training, it eases your mind to know that, no, the puppy definitely does not need to go pee, so their howling and whining can be ignored. If you're not sure if they need to pee or not, it's hard to decide whether you should let them out.
But yeah, I think lots of people let them sleep through the night when they first come home. Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Apparently the two hour barking was just the amount of time Brain could stand to be away from us. Chet didn't bother with the crate last night and Brain didn't make any messes - until after I got up and took him out.
I really liked the boxer site, Zeug. The tips on getting him to not nip should be very helpful. I know he's just playing, but it still hurts.
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Good news! I won't have to give the puppy back after all.
As I explained in the Hug Thread, a guy showed up at the store yesterday looking for Sammy, the guy that gave us Brain. He said Sammy was watching his dog and he wanted him back.
The whole thing's a scam. The guy said he could tell we were attached to Brain and he'd sell us the dog, but it would be $500 since he's show quality. Complete BS. I went to the AKC's site. Jack Russell's (listed as Parson Russell Terriers) have to have a black nose. A liver nose disqualifies the dog from showing. Guess what color Brain's nose is?
As I said, the dog's dew claws were removed and his tail trimmed, so I don't mind giving the man some money for the dog. But I'm not paying show prices for a pet.
So our friend the deputy said our best bet is to have the guy come over and call the Sheriff's Department. They can get both sides of the story and mediate. I don't know if they can do anything to the guy for trying to scam us, and I don't know if they can bust Chet's coworker since he seems to be an accomplice. I'm hoping so.
Whatever happens, it'll be an interesting evening - if the guy shows up. *happy dance*
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Oh man, that suuuucks. $100 says this guy doesn't even know what a "show" puppy looks like. I bet the parents aren't even registered, much less champion show dogs, and didn't you say he looked like a mix? And if he's a foot and a half already, is it even possible that he's a JR? I mean, isn't that how big the adults are?
This guy sounds like an asshole. Abandoning the puppy, then demanding money for it... yeah, right. Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Oh, he says he gave Sammy the paperwork. How did "I left my puppy in the guy's backseat accidentally" turn into "Sammy has my pedigree paperwork"? Personally, I think Brain looks like he has some beagle in him. And something a little taller. Either that or he was never socialized and acts like a younger puppy than he really is.
I just hope I can have this bit of scum arrested. That would make me happy.
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
How are things going with Brain, AR? Any news from the scumbag?
And do you have any pictures of Brain? Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Unfortunately, the original owner was not in on the scam. Sammy has yet to show up at work. The owner is planning on pressing charges after he gets his outstanding court fees paid.
Turns out the owner had recently gotten out of jail. He had his dog and personal papers with him. I forget where he was going to, but he stopped in Tally to stay with a friend for the night. He didn't know where the guy lived, so he was going to meet him at the club, a convenient landmark.
It was cold and the owner doesn't drive, so when he got talking to Sammy, he asked if he could put his stuff down in his car. Then Sammy drove off with all of it. I don't know if it was identity theft since the guy had his birth certificate with him or if Sammy just wanted to see what he could get. Either way, we're not real amused with Sammy.
We could tell Brain knew the guy from the way he reacted to seeing him. He had copies of his paperwork from the pet store. And I could tell Brain liked the guy. That was what convinced me. So Brain (I don't care, I'm not calling him Studley) went home with the guy. I just hope he'll have a big yard to run around in.
I feel kind of bad for the guy; I still think he got ripped off. His receipt (which could have been altered, it was a photocopy) said he paid almost $900 for a full blooded Jack Russell. The dog's four months old, a foot and a half long, and eight inches at the shoulder. Jack Russells are supposed to max out at fourteen inches. Maybe the breed grows quickly to start and slows down, but that just doesn't sound right to me.
On the bright side, at least we'll be ready for the next dog. Next time, I want one a bit calmer. And older. And calmer. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*hugs* Wow that is tough! *hugs*
AJ
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Awww! That must have been heartbreaking.
Gosh, at least it all happened relatively quickly. What the heck was that Sammy guy thinking??
I hope you're not too upset... and I think you're right about using this as a valuable experience for when you "really" get a dog.
Sheesh. Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Thanks AJ and Zeug.
Now that it doesn't hurt as much, I like to think of it as Brain getting puppy sat by people who really appreciated him.
As for Sammy, Chet doesn't think he can do anything to him at work since this was a personal matter. Why delivering stolen goods to your manager doesn't count as a business problem, I'm not sure. Needless to say, loss prevention at the store will keep a close eye on him if he comes back.
On the bright side, I now have a great story about my boyfriend giving me a stolen dog for Christmas. That's worth some unpleasantness.
[ December 30, 2004, 11:10 AM: Message edited by: AvidReader ]
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
quote:Now that it doesn't hurt as much, I like to think of it as Brain getting puppy sat by people who really appreciated him.
It sounds like he's going back to someone who really appreciates him, too, even if a bit cluelessly. Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
All this talk of little apartment-friendly breeds and nobody has mentioned chinese cresteds.
We have two chinese crested powderpuffs. They are the sweetest dogs anywhere. They do not need any exercise beyond what they get walking around an apartment. They have hair, not fur, so they do not shed. If you are looking for a little apartment-friendly dog and you have not looked into Chinese Cresteds, your homework is incomplete. Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
Okay, you made me burst out laughing.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Posted by Scythrop (Member # 5731) on :
'evil' dogs indeed Iccy! They look as though they'd lick you to death. Even in that photo
AR - sorry to hear about your pup. They really do worm their way into your life, don't they? It sounds like you're thinking about it the right way, though.
When you're looking for a new one, I can recommend getting a more housebroken dog - saves a *lot* of hasstle. We adopted Callie from the SPCA when she was about five months old. (She'd been abandoned and the ranger found her wandering the streets with a noose tied around her neck - it was so tight he had to cut it off her
She was pretty much housebroken, though, which might have been because she was a little older. We only had one accident on the first night home, when she was still all confused and dopey from her spaying anaesthetic.
And she *loved* us to bits for rescuing her and giving her a home. And sadly, in the next couple of months, there's going to be a lot of post christmas puppies about that age looking for homes. Imogen and I will certainly be finding another one. In fact we went out looking at the shelters yesterday - no luck though, so we'll go back in a week or so.
cheers tony
Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :
I'm sorry about the puppy. Good luck with the next one.
Posted by Yozhik (Member # 89) on :
I'm sorry about the pup too.
When you do get another dog, I second the earlier recommendation of the Monks of New Skete's books.
We got a Lab pup who was eight weeks old. We used the housebreaking technique recommended by the monks: watch the puppy constantly, and whenever it starts to pee, roll it over (it will stop peeing so as not to mess on itself) and bark "No!", then hustle it outside. Praise profusely when puppy pees outside. Have a code word that the pup learns to associate with "time to eliminate." There is more, but I forget the rest.
Anyway, the pup was housebroken at nine weeks.
[ December 31, 2004, 07:26 AM: Message edited by: Yozhik ]
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I just finished the "Art of Raising a Puppy" by the MoNS.
It's convinced me of two things:
1.) I really, really want a dog. 2.) We can't really handle one right now.
Dagonee
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Thanks for your sympathy Sara, Icky, Dag, Scy, whiskeysunrise, and Yozhik.
Icky, those dogs are adorable.
Scy, great advice. We'll have to check the pound in the next week or two.
Yozhik, where were you last week when I needed you? I'll have to try that when we get our next dog.
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. Still, every time I see a dog it just makes me want my puppy even more....I cant wait! ![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
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