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| Dog People
Posted: 4/2/2007 6:49:00 PM | Not to single out men here, but you have no idea how many MEN have told me that my dog "will turn on me" so I have to be prepared to give him one good beating in order for him to respect me.
That's just odd. I've never had a dominance problem with a dog, mainly because I have thumbs, and they allow me to hold treats. "Do what I say or no treat!!!" No one should underestimate the power of the dog biscuit!!! I bet I could conquer a village with some good-sized pups, a bit of time, and a good supply of biscuits. Well, I could as long as no one else had any treats . . . | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/2/2007 7:03:47 PM | summer teeth,
Your son (I assume) in the picture is just adoreable. I find it refreshing to find a man that does not endorse the beating of dogs! The ones of this mentality though, say you only have to give them one really good beating, so they know who is boss. Just my opinion, but I think this is a really sad mentality, and I wonder if it carries over to their human relationships? | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/2/2007 7:22:48 PM | Why, thank you--or, more to the point, Bailey thanks you. (Nope, she's a female, the first female dog I've taken in.) Beating a dog is a poor way to get one's loyalty. A dog should want to please you just because he or she feels loved, not frightened.
I have struck her once on her backside, but when a dog runs after a rabbit across a road, you yell, "Heel" and she doesn't, and then she almost gets hit by a car . . .  I'm sure it didn't help the situation at all, but I was upset. I don't think she cared. She was still thinking about the rabbit, the silly ADD dog.
So where's a pic of your Rottie? You shouldn't have to dominate a Rottie. I've met Rotties who were more relaxed and pleasant than labs, and--if they had it their way--most Rotties would be lap dogs. It just depends on how you raise them and play with them. Dogs, generally, won't turn on anyone as long as they are treated well. If you beat them, then there's a better chance that a dog will turn on someone. Beating makes for an ill-tempered dog, just as it would a two-legs (human). | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/3/2007 12:53:10 AM | To Robin, yes, you are correct. My daughter died 9 years go, it will be ten on May 27th, it almost killed me. I had to shut down and work to distract my heart. I lost a parrot, so sad, I cried and cried, I have lost dogs, I missed them, I cried and turned my heart to a homeless pup or dog to heal the pain, I wont ever forget my animals, I consider them my children in that I care for them, would do anything for them and love them for who they are.
When a child dies, it is physical, emotional, and can litterally kill the mother. I went to a support group and each week heard of another Mommy that couldnt see living without their child. Many drank, drugged or willed themselves to death. Others became herion addicts, prostitutes or recluse. Some strong women found a way to deal with it. I feel that I am a very strong woman having survived the death of Melody, my friends that have children dont understand why I dont want to be involved with their childrens activities, ( birthdays and such), I dont do halloween, for some reason it gets me.
If, I did not have my dog, his love, his independance, warmth, funny behavior, enthusiasm for life, I too may have gone the way of the others.
I keep remembering that many have it so far worse than I, that losing a child is just something that happens in the hell that they live. We in N.America are so lucky to be able to have a roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes to keep us warm or cool, water to drink, and plenty of extras only dreamed of by others.
Animal people are used to showing love, it is a knee jerk reaction, affectionate, happy and healthy (puppy must go for a walk!) Socializing is so much easier when you can see someone that is willing to care for one of God's creatures, they earn their way with love and affection, dont ask for much at all, just a bit of food, water, a walk , a treat and a few toys... it is so worth it!
Club member since age 6
BL | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/3/2007 4:56:34 AM | I've always been on the side of love over force. My dad taught me that and how to deal with animals. Years ago I had a friend whose mother raised pedigree grade Lapso Apso dogs. A couple of them had even won in dog shows. Anyway they used to bark up a storm at me any time I would visit my friend at his house. Oneday they were outside out back so I did something that shocked my friend. He verbally scolded me for doing this. I went out there, found a clean piece of green grass, and layed down. They all surrounded me and climbed all over me. I think his mother was shocked, too. She looked at me differently after that, in a good way. After I did that they never barked excessively at me again.
All they wanted was to be seen as equals. Eye to eye, literally and figuratively. It changed my friends mind about scolding me over it, too, I'll bet. We never talked about it.
Lately I have been renting the Dog Whisperer DVDs. Cesar is a great character! He is dead on about dogs, they read your energy. If you can control your own energy the dog will mimick that.
I'd like to have another one now but I'm in the city and without a huge yard. I think I would need a low energy sort of dog. I like the beagals and hounds, but what other low energy dogs are their out there that might suit my current living conditions? | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/3/2007 4:57:22 AM | Summer Teeth, I tried to post last night but I had past my 10 post quota. Wish they would raise that to 15!!!
I started chuckling when I read your post re holding treats out and getting good dog attitude, behavior and performance. Hope it still sounds funny this am.
That's just about the correct way to train a man. Offer him treats and he'll lay down and do anything you want him to. Just don't forget the treat!
While I understand where you ladies are coming from re loss of child, loss of pet. My ShihTzu was my heart soul and my life. Simultaneous to getting him, I had radical surgery (I was 36) and I knew there would be no children for me. We were a team, never one without the other, he's not invited, I didn't go. But that was never an issue because of his nature & character!!!! My pain was real and felt like it would kill me. Took years to stop crying everytime I thought of him. I had the guilt, I became a hermit from the world. The physical pain was real and NOTHING could console me. My world was totally affected. In my case I know that there can be no deeper pain than I felt for him, perhaps it was the same pain that you felt for your child. People around me were truly concerned and understanding and never never belittled me for my grief! Everyone loved the little munchkin. With Simba things are different. I love him, I will miss him for sure, be sad, upset BUT I will not be destroyed.
By your standards then I would die if a child dying is worse than what I experienced with Denie-Noble. So please don't shoot people down to say something you believe less than that when a human dies. I will never let another animal, nor any human being to become part of me again. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/3/2007 6:29:10 AM | betterlate,
I am sorry to learn about your loss of Melody (daughter folks, if you did not read). There are really no words, but my heart hurts for you right now, so I can only imagine how much your heart aches.
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/3/2007 12:21:23 PM | OMG Random, if you want a low energy dog don't get a beagle! The little ones are worse than bigger dogs. Apparently the great dane is the laziest dog going.
Beagles and other smaller dogs may get more running area out of a smaller yard but they are also escape artists who love to dig under fences. I had a beagle who escaped while I was putting the garbage out (gate open) and ran in front of a car. :(
I have heard of lots of adoption alernatives. Adults are definitely lower energy than puppies, and greyhounds need adopting. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/3/2007 12:58:56 PM | Random Entry,
Take a look on PetFinder.com.
Also, go to one of your local animal rescue shelters, and conduct some interviews. You just might have a love connection.
My dog has outgrown me, and I still do not have a fenced yard.
It wasn't a logical decision and it is proving to be an expensive one. The neighbors all know him, and the only time he barks is when the drug dealers try to use our yards as a cut through.
He is dog-friendly, child-friendly, people-friendly, uniform-friendly, and a heckuva lot of work and responsibility.
If you spend any time in an animal sheter, you will understand not to adopt a pet unless you are in it for the long haul.
A part of me would rather spend my disposeable income on luxurious vacations, but when I adopted him, I made a commitment. My only compensation from him is loads of loyalty and unconditional love, huge dog care bills and the responsibility of scooping up his poop. I cannot explain it, while I miss the things I have given up, I would not trade having this loveable beast in my life for anything.
They are an expense, a lifestyle modification, and a responsibility.
My dog poops larger poop than some of the smaller dogs at the park are in size.
Do some research, and conduct some interviews.
If you are inclined to adopt a critter, though, be prepared to do it for the long haul, because they really do have hearts. The job of a pet is to love its owner. The job of the pet owner is to take care of and love its pet. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/3/2007 2:20:31 PM | | I'm a dog person, but I don't have a dog yet. But I'm getting a Pug after I come back from vacation in late May....YIPPPEEEE!!! I'm very happy about that. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/4/2007 8:44:35 PM | I've always been in it for the long haul. Lately, though, I have been thinking about what pet might be best for me. Been wondering about ferrets and domesticated squirrels and all kinds of critters. One of the neatest little ones I saw was a sugar glider. Unique animal, he was on Jack Hanna's Show.
For awhile I had a neighbor whose dog would follow me on every walk. I don't think the neighbor really wanted the dog. Their kid (30 something) had gotten it and found out she was allergic so they got the dog. So eventually the dog liked me so much he started sitting on MY FRONT STEPS as if he were my own dog! He was a mellow old dog with one blue eye and one brown eye. The guy locked him in the basement when they went away for extended weekends and I think he died there, all alone.
Great Dane... anything a little less large with low energy level? I did mention I am in a one bedroom apartment, didn't I? I want the dog to be my pet, not the other way around!  Don't suggest an elephant next! | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/4/2007 9:08:14 PM | I miss my dog I lost him a few years ago . He was a true friend he rode with me whenever he could ,he was fearless, and apparently better looking than me LOL. When ever we were out he was a chick magnet . We had a lot of fun , shoot we even both would go outside and pee on trees LMAO (call me a redneck) But we had fun.
I haven't had the heart yet to get another but I will at some point. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/4/2007 9:53:00 PM | Random Entry,
I stand by my recommendation of PetFinder.com.
I saw a sugar glider not long ago, and they are really neat creatures.
Friends of mine recently lost a Border Collie. Medium sized dog and also a working dog. Very loyal.
I did no research to find my dog, I just fell in love with him, and like True Love it often isn't rational or reasonable.
I am thinking that for you a smaller breed might be more workable, or else a cat.
Pugs are smaller and great dogs. Llaso Aphsos are seriously loyal, but might require some trips to the groomer.
No matter what breed you get, please check into obedience training. A lot of trainers offer a discount for animals rescued from a shelter.
Random Entry, I have only a 2 BR apartment, so if you fall in love, don't discount the possibilities.
I used to have to carry him up and down the stairs, because he was afraid, and now I could probably ride him to work. Somehow, we are making it work, though.
If you are looking for any research resources I am happy to try to help.
Warmest wishes, and good luck! | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/4/2007 10:36:46 PM | I did putz around on PetFinder for a few minutes, but I have a hard time keeping an interest in the non interactive computer stuff lately unless its a priority in my life. I saved it to my favorites. I saw several Terriers there but have no idea what their energy level is. I wish I knew more about which breeds are what, especially in the energy catagory, I have nowhere near the energy I used to have. I think the proper match is probably more important this time.
But I am also a big football player looking kind of guy, I'd look pretty silly with one of those really little dogs. Unfortunately I am really allergic to cats. I am actually a little allergic to dogs, too, but I have managed through two dogs. I hear some of the poodles are less of an allergic issue. I could see a larger poodle, I heard they were war dogs at one time, quite the opposite of their overly cutesy appearance. Now is there a way to groom one so that it does not look like a hello kitty cotton ball exploded?
I did get a present of a desktop lighted fishbowl yesterday so I suppose I should fill that some time and start there. I don't even know where the nearest fish/pet store is around here.
Of course obedience training is important. I have had two dogs, I am good on training techniques but would probably be good to read up on the latest of training techniques anyway. Remember I had the German Shepherd trained to hand signals, that is one of the most advanced training, or at least it was at the time. He was never a nuisance to anyone, rarely barked except when it was important. Very well behaved all the time with one exception -- when I visited a farmer once he chased the chickens in the yard! That was quite a site! But I didn't let it last long.
I think it was his way of telling me he just felt like having chicken for dinner.
When I was a kid a neighbor had a german shorthair retriever named Arfy. Arfy was the homeliest looking female dog you ever saw. Sort of black and white but not cute patterns like the budweiser dog, just mottled everywhere ugly as can be. Later the owner asked me to take care of him when he was out of town so I used to take Arfy out for runs with my bike. That dog was built like a greyhound, just as sleek and almost as fast as one. So the dog bonded with me.
Years later when there was thunderstorms Arfy would show up at my front door, collar and a piece of broken chain trailing behind him. Arfy was used as a hunting dog and I think she had a deathly fear of the loud noises. I saw my dad do something back then he never did -- he let an animal in the house. Arfy sort of knew it was an exception, somehow, and stayed right there just inside the front door as if she was respecting my fathers will and just happy to be in a home. The entryway, and just trembled and jumped with every thunderbolt that hit. I don't know what hunting experiences were like but I can't imagine they were very positive from her reaction to the thunder. The owner had a doghouse outside but always kept the dog outside. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/4/2007 10:57:09 PM |
I could see a larger poodle...
A standard poodle can be a great pet... you don't need to do the froo-froo cut unless it's for a show. The cut was to add bouyancy for swimming- the breed was bred for hunting and can still be a good waterfowl dog, if you're into that sort of thing. Some can be high-strung and difficult so finding either a good breeder or a mix breed is important. Friends of my ex had a pair of standard poodles and they kept them combed and lightly trimmed, nothing fancy, just enough to keep knots and tangles under control.
I'd love to get a rottie or another shepard, but unless the doc gives the OK, I'm not planning on any long-term commitments like adding pets to the family or buying milk in gallons. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/4/2007 11:48:14 PM | Random_Entry, you mentioned that you like hounds. Have you thought about a basset hound? They don't need a whole lot of exercise, but if you have the time, they certainly will play. They are calm, friendly--they even love strangers--and they don't need much grooming. The only downside is that they don't like to be left alone. Even though they don't like to be left alone--more so than other dogs--they don't care what kind of company they have. (If you get a kitten at the same time, then both will grow up and keep each other company while you're at work. And then you can have the pleasure of having both a cat and a dog.) A basset might be a good option. I plan on sharing my home with one someday. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/5/2007 5:47:33 AM | | I consider myself a "dog-person". Although I don't have a dog, I grew up with one. So I get along fine with dogs and can always make friends with them. And I still keep my dog's picture on the wall too. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/5/2007 6:50:57 AM | I had no more joy in life than watching my dogs grow and have babies of their own.
I stayed up one night.....Knowing that my female (Maggie) was pregnant and after she built a nest in a stack of papers i had in my closet, i was told it was going too happen soon.
Eventually i fell asleep only to be awoken by a licking sound.
I turned on the light and Maggie had her first puppy.
Unfortunately it was dead. Luckily for me i have a Vet as a customer and i called him even though it was 4 am.
He told me it was normal for the mother to lose her first baby, but i had to take away the dead puppy ASAP.
I did and she was upset, but soon after had another puppy and then another.
It was a special moment in my life and i really miss having my dogs.
I wish i could train a dog to use the toilet, cause if i could i would so have another or even a couple more.
That or have a GF/Wife so somebody could look after her/him or them when i wasn't home.
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/5/2007 9:08:27 AM | Random Entry,
Someone else beat me to it: Dogs really are a chick magnet. They are also great for a single gal to meet guys, because they do not have to come up with a dopey pick up phrase.
Also, dogs are said to be a reflection of their owners, so if you meet someone with a total A$$hole of a dog, well that might be a subtle red flag.
Just because you are a big football player type of guy doesn't mean you cannot adopt a smaller dog. Maybe getting a Tea Cup Poodle and putting a pink ribbon in her hair and carrying her around in a Paris Hilton purse is not for you, but there is some medium ground.
And, imagine, chicks coming up to you with the pick up line, "Your dog is soooo cute!" It is a conversation starter, and gets your foot in the door anyway. DISCLAIMER: I do not recommend getting a dog just to pick up chicks!
Miniature Pincshers are really neat dogs. They resemble Dobermans and Rotts, but they only weigh about 5 lbs. That might be a cool option.
One man was walking a Greyhound that was retired from racing. A lot of them have rough lives and this one was blessed to have an owner that really loved him. I guess they are 50 lbs. or so.
My size assessment skills are not so good, because most dogs look small next to my horse of a dog.
Another thing to ask yourself is how do you want to train your dog?
We began with crate training and blah-blah, and I did reading and learned that was his den and blah-blah, but he hated it! I relented when I considered that if he was to protect our home, how could he do it locked inside of the crate?
When I have had a bad day, it is nice to come home to this unconditional love, even if the only reason he loves me is because I feed him and give him treats. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/5/2007 9:33:12 AM | http://www.drsfostersmith.com/
Random Entry,
The above pet care suplly company regularly provides miniprofiles of various breeds in their catologues and also on their online sites. This may be a helpful resource? | |
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asild
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Joined: 3/30/2007
Msg: 46 | |
| Dog People
Posted: 4/5/2007 9:41:52 AM | Hola to all! I'm a cult-member as well, so I had to venture over here to be with others of my kind. 
Pictures of my critters are in my profile (Valley Bulldog, Boxer X, Lhasa Apso and 2 cats). I'm a big advocate of non-punitive obedience training, dog sports, rescue and spay/neuter. I fostered in the recent past for Boxer Rescue Atlantic Canada, and for Border Collie Rescue (although my friend knows I'll never do that again.... BCs are too crazy for me, lol!).
Has anyone here experienced any concerns over the recent pet food recalls? Thank goodness, the food I feed doesn't come from that plant. I have to wonder why the heck they were importing wheat from China in the first place! Doesn't North America have enough resources to provide it here at home, where pesticide use, etc., is more strictly monitored? (and our pet food doesn't need to contain wheat gluten in the first place).
Anyhoo, glad to be here!   | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/5/2007 10:51:34 AM | I'm really enjoying reading all the "cult" people postings. Its so nice to hear all these stories and acculades. It just about makes me feel 'fuzzy' but of course I mean comfortable. People tend not to voice their feelings although I do have to say when Simba finds a dog that he likes and they are playing,you can get into it with the other's companion.
Hi Random. Don't worry about getting a dog too small with you being a 'football' built person. I would definitely recommend rescuing &/or adopting. A lot of the mixed breed smaller dogs (cockapoos, etc....) tend to be non allergic and don't shed hair. Don't worry about grooming also. If you want to pay for it, that's your business BUT when I had my ShihTzu I did not like the grooming jobs he got, so I invested in good hair dressing scissors and learned to give him puppy cuts. I never liked the shaved look and he liked digging and water up to his chest too much to let it get too long. I kept his beard and ears a little longer but that was his personality. | |
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asild
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Joined: 3/30/2007
Msg: 48 | |
| Dog People
Posted: 4/5/2007 10:58:07 AM |
Don't worry about grooming also. If you want to pay for it, that's your business BUT when I had my ShihTzu I did not like the grooming jobs he got, so I invested in good hair dressing scissors and learned to give him puppy cuts. I never liked the shaved look and he liked digging and water up to his chest too much to let it get too long. I kept his beard and ears a little longer but that was his personality. and that's exactly what I do with my Lhasa, who I adopted 2.5 years ago when he was 6 years old. He had a complete meltdown the first and only time I took him to a groomer (the session from start to finish lasted 3 hours!!). I swore I would not do that to him again so now I bath and clip him myself. I also keep the beard and ears semi-long, and the tail long. Everything else gets the clippers, and his legs/feet get done as best as I can with scissors as he is a hideous baby in those areas (I suspect past trauma before I adopted him, but Lhasa's are notorious for being grooming wimps).
Lhasa's have a big dog personality otherwise (He holds his own against my 60 lb Boxer X), and all men that have met my little guy have loved his personality and attitude! | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/5/2007 3:40:33 PM | Yes, I know the breed. Quite a few years ago they were one of the "in" breeds, just recently I've seen a few. Most tend to be bigger that ShihTzu but as you say they are big on attitude and personality. I think that they may have been Imperial Tibetan dogs. Someone snuck a pair of ShihTzu's out of Tibet back in the 50's and they got so inbred that they were cross bred (controlled) with Pekingnese. 3rd generation off was declared pure ShihTzu's again. They used to lay in the wide sleeves of people in the Imperial Palaces. Not sure but Llasa's may have a parallel history as well.
 on you for adopting a maturer dog!!!!!
Re your experience with the groomer!!!! Earlier in this thread I mentionned that I went to Fla on a house & dog (3 BigonFreices) sit about 1 year after I adopted Simba and so he stayed with friends that he REALLY liked here in Toronto. They said they would take him to the groomers and I suggested that they not do that as it was not necessary (he wasn't dirty). I guess I should have spoken clearer.
They dropped him off at the groomer's and when they got home there was a hysterical message on their answering machine to come RIGHT BACK and pick him up. He got REALLY REALLY UGLY< MEAN, he gave them the works!!!!! When they phoned me long distance, I said, "oh my you shouldn't have done that, you are not going to be sued are you"?. He just went wild!!!!!! Perhaps if someone had stayed with him that he knew, he might not have been sooooooo bad. I have a heck of a time combing or brushing. He will NOT let me. With his inner and outer coats, I just pull out hands full. His coat is like a Samoyed's. I have to make it a game but he sure hates to give away any of his hair. I can clip his nails and his bum . I suspect he was hit with a brush during the 4 years of abuse he suffered. Like we've been together 7 or 8 years now and he hasn't changed.
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| Dog People
Posted: 4/5/2007 4:13:40 PM |
Dogs really are a chick magnet. They are also great for a single gal to meet guys, because they do not have to come up with a dopey pick up phrase.
That's what I always say. People sometimes have ssaid to me in the past that my car was a "chick magnet". I tell them cars aren't chick magnets, they're guy magnets (unless you have an exotic to attract gold diggers with). If you want to have a chick magnet, get a puppy. | |
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