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| Dog People
Posted: 6/25/2007 12:45:45 PM | as always, my heart goes out to you. your dr is right... the feelings may become less prominent but you will always have them.
regarding what you wrote.... I guess they ARE very true to their breed!!
PS If your AE won't come when called then just holler BYE and walk away, don't look back, they'll come roaring after you. If you keep calling them, they know that you are still there so they won't come. Another owner taught me that and it NEVER failed.
that just happened yesterday!! within seconds he was 10 houses down the block, ripping through their lawns (and you know how fast they can go!) and i was calling, calling, calling.... finally, as you said.... i just turned around and started walking home. before i know it, i feel him whoosh past my legs back to the house.
a real problem is his leaping at other dogs if they get near me. i can't get him to relax. granted, we haven't been to obedience classes yet and he had NO BOUNDARIES when i got him.... or attention except for being hit, as far as I can tell. But, if another dog is on a walk, he lunges forth and i CANNOT get him to relax. he is soooooooooooo protective.
any ideas? | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 6/25/2007 1:30:26 PM | PS If your AE won't come when called then just holler BYE and walk away, don't look back, they'll come roaring after you.
That is too funny! My Riley doesn't respond to COME (Rottweiler, also a strong-willed and independent breed, and not for everyone). Nevertheless, he is very loyal and doesn't like to let me get out of his sight. When he refuses to come, I holler BYE! and just start walking, and sure enough he comes running.
Getting him inside is often another situation. Very often, when he decides to plant himself. it requires peanut butter to get him inside.
Between the expense of food and training and treats, the loss of freedom to travel, having to clean up poop, and so on, if I had recognized all of this before adopting him, there is no way that I would have ever gotten a dog, or at least not a dog this big. However, we were in love at first sight, and I would not trade this decision for the world, no matter the costs and the sacrifices.
The way that I have raised him makes trainers cringe and violates books, but he is a great and kind-hearted, friendly dog, just not by the book.
Riley is a bit over two, and he sleeps with me, which is really great in the winter.
When I woke up today, he was using my feet and ankles as pillows, which is just fine by me, but the experts say that this elevates his rank in the pack.
I might have destroyed his dogness in this capacity, but he follows me from room to room, and the neighbors all like him.
It is funny to watch True Dog People. When we interact, we start talking about dog food and treats, just the same as parents do with their kids. Even though I am one of them, it amuses me.
Yesterday, I picked up a sweet tabby cat that was being threatened by a dog. A person from the neighborhood recognized her, so I carried her home. That is the one thing I love about where I live, is that in my pocket we are a community, and there are so many animal people in this pocket.
In hindsight, the "gentleman" that exposed me to the world of dogs a number of years ago, never scooped up during his dog's walks. He carried a drool towel for the dog, but left the debris for others. How can you just leave the poop, because that is one of the responsibilities of being a dog owner? | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 6/25/2007 2:43:00 PM | I have this (what i think is) hilari0us method of dealing with poop.....
i always bring my boyfriend along for walks with me and my dog.... THEN, when Buddy takes a little dump, I tell my bf he is on "Doodie Duty", cuz I'M the one holding the leash, HE should be the one picking up the poop!
it has worked VERY well thus far. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 6/25/2007 5:43:37 PM | Well I changed Simba from a collar to a harness and that pretty well got the pulling stopped. When he is getting anxious talk to him, firmly but friendly, say things like "it's okay", "be NICE", introduce him to the other dog and person, keep the leash real short in any kind of situation where another person or another dog is near and then socialize them while talking constantly. AE learn REAL fast. Basic, say what you mean and mean what you say. You'll have to come up for consequences but they must be applied immediately. In my case it was always a talking to BUT lots of encouragement.
Oh that's not fair! Your dog, your poop! Don't spoil a good thing! | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 6/25/2007 7:21:26 PM | OK, I'm only adding a short note, but I'd just like to say I love dogs. We owned one from when I was 14-20. I ended up looking after her from 16-18, feeding her twice a day, and walking her twice a day, an hour each, once before school, and once after. I had a paper round too. I still don't know how I managed it all. Since then, I haven't had one, as it's only me, and I worry about keeping her at home. Also, I haven't my own home, so it's a bit difficult, but one day, I will.
She was great. I'd come home, and could hear her scrabbling at the door. I'd open the door, and she would get up on her hind legs, put each front paw on each of my shoulders (she was my height, standing up), and give me a big kiss. When we walked together, I'd talk to her, and she really understood what I was saying. No-one seemed to get that she said more with one look, than most people said with lots of words.
I've seen it with cats, too. I was staying at a friends, and I woke up. One of their cats went over to their bowl, looked up at me with longing eyes, and sounded like she said 'weeeel...', that noise that kids make when they expect to be fed.
I only wish I had been the one to get to go to obedience school. They said that it's for training owners, not dogs. Too true. Shame it didn't work on him. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 6/25/2007 11:07:46 PM | My wee red poodle pup SADIE
is sitting in my lap now
I don't know how
people can have a friend
like my Sadie...and...'not'
believe in GOD. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 6/28/2007 11:20:10 AM | okay... NEW PROBLEM
last night, while settling in to sleep at my feet, my little buddy scratched at the sheets, moved them around, nudged them with his nose, ... you know, that thing they do to get their little space ready before they lay down.
he seemed to be getting frustrated at the sheets on the bed and starting making this little grunting sound. I giggled... it was cute.
UNTIL... he lifted his leg and peed on my bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WTF??????
can ANYONE give ANY insight into this bizarre behaviour???
he does NOT pee in the house, much less on my bed, which is also where he sleeps. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/10/2007 12:58:51 PM | diamondheat,
I have not the slightest idea!
I know a lot of trainers suggest not letting them sleep in the bed with you, because it elevates their status in the pack. I have also heard urine describe as P-Mail for the other dogs, so (I am guessing) your dog was trying to elevate itself over the other person you are or might be sleeping with? Normally a do with not eliminate where they sleep, which is why crate training is considered useful.
Without knowing more, I would have to consider whether your dog was trying to send a message and trump your partner, by claiming this territory as his own thru pee?
scorpiomover,
You are wise to refrain from getting a dog if you do not have the time. Especially a large dog is costly and they are a huge responsibilty if you take your job as a dog owner seriously. I might suggest for you checking out an animal rescue, because if you can get a full grown dog rather than a puppy, it may be a lot less work for you. I experienced several chew experiences, and overall, my dog was exceptionally good as a puppy!
If you are a single dog parent and work sixteen hours a day, then I would say that you are not in a position to adopt a dog.
My dog follows me everywhere, and I have never known such love! We have doggie day care, and he has been there a few times on cluttered days for me. A tired, happy dog is a wonderful dog!
I hope if you have the lifestyle and the means that you do consider adopting a dog that you connect with. I gave up travelling, and it was a good trade, though sometimes I miss that element (but I will never board him). This dog "had me at hello" to quote from the movie, Jerry McGuire. | |
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PHK
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Joined: 12/14/2006
Msg: 209 | |
| Dog People
Posted: 7/10/2007 2:08:46 PM | So POFers, do you think this article is accurate?
From Complete Woman magazine: an article about men and what their dogs say about them. (I added the celebrities based on other websites on dogs they own / owned)
HERDING DOGS (Australian Shepherd, border collie, collie, German shepherd, Pembroke welsh corgi)
MAN'S BEST FRIEND - Herding dogs attract a guy who is skilled at training and knows to give them work that rewards their instincts. He adores this heady, goal-oriented breed - it reflects himself. Like a herding breed, this energetic guy loves a challenge and goes after what he wants.
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU (WOMEN) - Don't let his player instinct fool you. Collie and German Shepherd owners are men with classic lifestyles and values. While they may have frat-boy mentalities, that will mellow with age. If you want a traditional relationship, this man is for you.
FWIW Mel Gibson
HOUND DOGS (Afghan hound, basset hound, beagle, bloodhound, dachshund)
MAN'S BEST FRIEND - A man who owns a hound dog may be more laid back than a herding dog man. A Type A guy (i.e. fast order cook, journalist) savors this cool dog because when he comes home from work he's dog-tired and doesn't need his pet bouncing around saying "I need to play."
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU - If your guy is the kind who likes the underdog appearance of a hound, he's going to be super sweet and sympathetic. Sex with a dog owner who has his hound for its instincts is going to be out of the box and all about going deeper into sexuality.
FWIW Wayne Gretzky
NON-SPORTING DOGS (Bulldog, poodle, chow chow, Dalmatian, Chinese shar-pei)
MAN'S BEST FRIEND - Dalmations and poodles are dogs with distinctive personalities. They like what they like when they like it - and so do their owners. Men who go for the non-sporting dog are saying to the world, "We march to a different drummer." His dog symbolizes his uniqueness.
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU - If you are special and like going against the grain, the non-sporting dog man will make a commitment to you quicker than you can say, "Down boy." But forget about being on top in bed. These guys are dominant, and they want to be in charge.
FWIW George Clooney,****Clark, Rock Hudson, Michael J. Fox
SPORTING DOGS (Brittany, Irish setter, German shorthaired pointer, golden retriever)
MAN'S BEST FRIEND - The sporting dog is a great companion for the outdoor athlete. This guy will never want for friends with this type of dog. They are the ones who will wash his face and kiss his ears and clean his soul. He is a year-round good sport with a smile on his face.
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU - He wants a girlfriend or a wife who is not just intelligent but socially aware and able to multitask. Also, if you're searching for an active sex life, this is the dog man.
FWIW Christy Turlington
TERRIERS (Boston terrier, cairn terrier, jack Russell terrier, Yorkshire terrier, Scottish terrier)
MAN'S BEST FRIEND - A dog that is scrappy, bold, imaginative will be a man's best friend. Think of the Cairn as "Toto" in "The Wizard of Oz" and "Eddie" in Frasier." A high-energy pet who will not be skittish during a ball game is great. Terriers, a confident canine clown, will inject laughter into his life during the best and worst of times.
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU - This is the guy who doesn't mind chaos and noise, so if you like things calm, this isn't the guy for you. However, if you like lots of friends and family around - and children - then you'll have a great time. And in bed, he'll be vocal about what he likes and doesn't like.
FWIW President Bush, Shirley Temple, Ivana Trump, Joan Rivers
TOY DOGS (Chihuahua, Chinese crested, maltese, Pomeranian, pug)
MAN'S BEST FRIEND - He is an indoor hermit, with one hand on the remote control and the other in a bag of doggie treats. Funny-faced dogs like the pug and Chinese Crested have a quirky appearance. Everybody will notice him. His dog will be a great icebreaker.
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU - This kind of guy is unique, self-sufficient and he'll want to be with someone equally unique and understanding of problems as obstacles - not road blocks. In bed, anything goes - but don't expect things to get too down and dirty.
WORKING DOGS (Akita, boxer, Doberman, rottweiler, Siberian husky)
MAN'S BEST FRIEND - An indoor/outdoor worker adores the working dog because it is compatible with his lifestyle. The image of the working dog is power. Both dog and man will attract female attention. He's got these great-looking dogs because he cares about how he looks.
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU - Yes, the working dog man will care about how you look in and out of the bedroom, too. Sex will be something he'll want regularly; he'll want the kind of sex he can feel good about. In bed you may hear him bark "Work it" but his stamina will make up for his harsh commands.
FWIW John Elway | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/10/2007 5:21:00 PM | Well, as a fellow dog lover, I felt the urge to throw in my two cents. I was horribly worried about my German Shepherd for the last month or so, as she became unusually lethargic and started to gain weight..just wasn't being herself. So I took her to the vet and discovered that she had a very slow heart beat (after doing an ekg). My vet presented me with two options, one being to euthanize her, as she would only deteriorate rapidly over the next month or so, or to have a pacemaker put in. She's 12, and I never would have considered the pacemaker, until I gave it some serious thought..she has no hip problems, no arthritis, no senality issues..so several thousand later I am now the proud owner of a dog with a pacemaker!
She's like a puppy again, it's amazing. She loves to go for walks with me and my mom now, and energetically romps in the backyard at mom's with my cats Ebony and Ben.\
So there, at least, is one success story about older dogs. So don't lose faith. Sometimes things really do work out.
To all you fellow dog lovers..hear hear! You make the world a better place :) | |
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dwr
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Joined: 11/23/2006
Msg: 211 | |
| Dog People
Posted: 7/10/2007 10:16:43 PM | jr52052
if you were to compare my neighbors kids with my 3 dogs youd see a wonderful depiction of animal vs human and how repect for those around them in the human-animal is far lacking compared to our four legged children. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/10/2007 10:51:17 PM | PHK,
I did not plan my doggie adoption, but we fell in love with each other at first sight, and it seems that it was meant to be.
Regarding dogs' breeds reflecting their owners, the jury is still out for me.
I took a POF compatability test, and found very little accurate in the final assessment.
I do not think I am power hungry, but I am very independent and loyal, so in those respects, the Rottweiler is a good reflection of me. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/11/2007 2:25:39 PM | THANK GOODNESS I have been trying to post what I thought was a spiffy answer for the suddenly doggy wetting problem! I was being controlled by the 2 in 10 rule and haven't been able to post and I've been chumping on the bit!!!!! So I will try to recall what I was so impatient to tell you.
1. Your dog suggests you change your sheets occassionally!
2. Somebody or thing had a wet dream in that area.
3. Of course the obvious you are being marked as owned! or
4. There may be a bladder infection.
Sorry doesn't sound funny but I'm having trouble remembering it now.
post script. He could have been digging to China (2 of mine should to do the scratching and the turning ad nauseum) and then got pissed off (sorry no pun intended)
It is strange for a dog to fowl his area. Has he done it again? Hope not! Have you tried a search on the internet? I know its not funny but I'm still giggling. Simba did that to a dog a few times and I can just feel your horror and disbelief at the onset!. Actually what Nocturnal had to say about companionship competition sounds very familiar for some reason. I think I read somewhere where small dogs get attached in this manner more frequently than larger breeds. Now if your two legged friend ever lifts his leg you better get another room for yourself! You'd be a marked woman with animals fighting over her!!!!!
Just checking in: Goldie my foster dog is turning out to be quite the little boss. She has pretty well made this her home me thinks and I do love her, I'm just tough on any good feelings right now. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/11/2007 9:34:57 PM | I have been trying to catch up on all the posts, but wasn't able to make it all the way through. Daizee and Bullie, I am so sorry to hear about your losses. Both your stories made me cry.
NP, you have the best heart. The dogs at the shelter are so lucky to have you on their side. I have a Rottenweiler that just turned 5 on Monday. When we first got her, she had been living at the breeder's, in an outside dog run with her siblings. When she got to our house she was fascinated by the golden's tail. She just couldn't leave it alone! Kept trying to chew it off! LOL...
I have had many dogs over the years, but my favorites were the pit bull and damatian. Both given to us. In fact, the golden was our last rescue. The rotten was the first dog we actually purchased. NP, I think that the only thing that you have said that I might disagree with was about pits being able to hold and chew at the same time. I think that might require lateral jaw movement, and I am not sure that dogs can do that.
Anyway, Daizee, I feel sorry for the 3 pits too. When dogs are in their 'pack' they act a whole lot differently, and let 3 pits loose at the same time, and you have an accident waiting to happen. I hope all turns out well for you. They are aggresive dogs in packs, and that owner had no business having them where they could get loose. When our pit was 13, I kept trying to schedule the vet to euthanize her, because it really was time, but when I finally got him nailed down on when he would be in the office, the day before she went outside and curled up in her favorite spot and passed away at home.
I am actually more of a cat person now, but I still love the dogs....And a certain B&G macaw that I know. :) and I have and always will be a horse person...  | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/12/2007 5:01:18 AM | Well "my" 3 pit bulls (as I call them) certainly acted like a pack BUT they were household pets that the owner had been training for a year to jump up straight 10 ft and strip bark off trees. They were trained for attacking and I suspect the owner had been sicing them on the squirrels and racoons in that copse of trees. Can't see in there in summer but can clearly see in the winter.
Yes I feel somewhat bad for the pits BUT they are now killers and are considered so dangerous that they have no human contact while in "jail". The shelter has an automatic gate between their cages and their run. I feel bad for the dogs BECAUSE it is the owner who did this, he created these dogs. I feel VERY STRONGLY that this guy goes to jail. Surprisingly I have no hate for either the 3 dogs or the owner. I feel GREAT ANGER towards the owner because he created this whole situation. Meanwhile he is going around our rather large apt complex putting the blame on me and is in total denial and still maintains that there was only 2. TRUST me there were 3 pit bulls all attacking me and my dog. I REALLY believed I was going to die and that is the problem I am dealing emotionally with now. The horror of the situation visits me frequently and I can go from being happy to being overcome with sadness and fear in less than a second.
The cruelty in the situation is that the dogs will be under lock and key for 6 mths BEFORE they will be euthanized. He can't beat the charges with our new laws AND I hate that they are gaged only to die. BUT at least their death will be without torture as mine suffered. The city's trial date is set for Nov 2/07. I don't know when my law suit will make it to court.
IDEALLY I would like to see the owner totally isolated in a cage with an automatic door to a run for 6 months BUT I doubt he'd get any smarter.
Last week when I was bringing Goldie back from her walk 2 pit bulls with their owners were walking towards me. I froze, pulled Goldie in tight, had my pepper spray ready and as I say I froze with tears running down my face. One looped away from me on one side but the other walked right beside me stopping and laughing at me. I don't know if I've ever felt that fearful before. The mentality of so many pit bull owners is the problem.
I sign myself off as the 3 pit bull lady!
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/12/2007 6:04:06 AM | Equestrianne,
I love your heart! The info on the chew thing came from one of our Kennels (Dog Warden) officers, so I was just repeating it. I suppose I should have checked for fact before passing it on. Ten lashes with a wet noodle!
Daizee, the mentality of the people who raise vicious dogs is always the problem, but then the dogs become the problem. Then, a wonderful person like you is the victim, along with your dog. I have contempt for ignorant people! | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/12/2007 10:25:58 AM | I watch The Dog Whisperer every chance I get, and he is amazing with dogs. Anytime you get 2 or more dogs together, that is indeed a pack, and they will go into pack mentality. If the alpha is the human walking their dogs (big if, IF the dogs consider them alpha) then you are ok, because the alpha (human) will not let them attack. If they are loose, then they are exactly like wild dogs in their mentality. When the alpha of the pack says go, they go...So it all depends on who is the alpha in the group.
You will usually have fewer troubles with the loose less aggressive breeds, but any owner who has aggressive breeds that does not keep them under their alpha control at all times truly should be locked up, because they are like loaded guns when running loose.
So many people that have dogs allow the dogs to see the human and dog partnership as equals, and it can't be that way. The human has to be seen by the dog as alpha no matter what the situation...
Daizee, I am soooooo sorry for your troubles. I wish there was something that I could say to help you, but words just seem so.... I don't know.... {{{{{Big Hugs}}}}} I hope you and Goldie have a wonderful week. :) | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/13/2007 7:44:41 PM | | I love my ACD's (blue heeler). They are the best dog's I have ever had I don't own these two they are members of my family. Give them a task and they are happy happy happy. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/13/2007 8:50:24 PM | | PHK, post 209: What about guys who have total mutts? I haven't read the whole thread, but whenever people talk about dogs the majority seem to have favourite breeds. We always had a houseful of dogs (and cats) when I was growing up, but they all out-and-out mongrels. Part shepherd/part lab/bart beagle/part husky/part Chihuahua for all I know. Just basic dogs. They really can't be beat. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/16/2007 8:10:19 AM | Re: my dog peed on my bed... with ME in it!!
Hey Y'all! Thanks for your input!
I was THINKING that my little guy was trying to show dominance ... but couldn't figure out if it was over ME, the SHEETS, or my Boyfriend!! My boyfriend WAS screwing around with the sheets... every time Buddy nudged them out of the way with his nose, my bf would nudge them back so Buds would have to do the work all over again. So, my thinking was that he was like, "f#ck with me, will ya? Then HERE!" But, he pretty much IDOLIZES my bf! so, i'm not sure... since then, he has not been sleeping in my bed. he stays in the living room and me and the dog get the bed. just kidding!!!
seriously folks... :-P
Since the incident, my little buds has not been allowed on the bed cuz, as noct.princess said, trainers suggest u do not do so... BUT, it breaks my heart to hear his little whimpers... and see his little face staring at me thru the baby gate at my bedroom door. (i keep the door open so i can still hear what he's up to, as he will eat ANYTHING!) One of the nice things about having a dog though is having them curl up at your feet!! so, i do'nt know how long this will last. Really, I think he and I have to go for some intensive training. He had some behavioral issues when i got him and i need to learn how to help HIM learn. Also, as daiz said... he's an American Eskimo so, he's the boss unless i put my foot down... DAILY. So... i'm gonna be lookin into some specialists in my area.
I have a NEW problem with him: Grazing. I know it is normal and natural for dogs to eat SOME grass because their natural "kill" would have had vegetation in their stomachs and, therefore, their doggie ancestors would have been consuming grass and berries, etc. BUT, this isn't SOME grass. I'm talkin' FEASTING on grass. My little guy has been going outside and INHAAAALING it. He puked up a HUGE pile of grass last nite and next time he was outside, went for more! I don't want to end up with a Bulemic dog! So.... do i put more veggies in his food bowl? what?? | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/17/2007 4:46:26 AM | Simba ate only specific types of grass and leaves. Sometimes he did heave but lots of time he didn't. He seemed to like his 'salad' but didn't like romaine! I had forgotten he was AE diamond and YES you have to constantly be the pack leader and in control, that's why it was so important for me to let him run. He loved running.
Of course you know that my heart is breaking here hearing him whimper at the kiddies gate. Simba rare rare came on the bed BUT I think that is because when I got him I had a water bed and he didn't like the movement. When he was sleeping HE DID NOT LIKE ANY MOVEMENT. He's was downright mean about it. But he became a cuddler.
Goldie has turned really bossy but cute. She seems happy.
Equestrianne THANKS FOR THE HUGS, I certainly need them and rarely get them.
DON'T GIVE YOUR DOG ONIONS, THEY ARE LETHAL TO THEIR GI SYSTEMS! | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/17/2007 9:06:47 AM | | dawn1114....Aren't all guys mutts? LOL... (I am just kidding) Not that I don't love mutts... In fact, one of my best dogs was a mutt....Or maybe nowadays he would be considered a designer dog and I woulda had to pay through the nose for him. Sounds like your dog is worth a fortune with all that running in his blood. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/19/2007 9:38:37 AM | Well, we’re finally going to obedience classes. I was holding out for a spot in my preferred doggie school but it hasn’t worked out thus far and, after a couple of brushes with death last nite when he got away from me and ran about the neighbourhood, I decided to just get into any class I could! So, the Winnipeg Humane Society had ONE space left for their class that starts this Saturday so we are going!! Thank goodness! I need to learn how to be the “alpha dog” and take back the position of “the Boss”. I did an online evaluation recently regarding my dog’s behavior and we failed… miserably.
He was completely untrained when I got him, but for housetraining.
He will eat ANYTHING!! Coins are a particular favorite, as is anything metal: rings, hairpins, razor blades… This dog scares the crap outta me on a regular basis! I need to replace any waste-paper baskets with something he can’t get into, as I have come home to find ripped up napkins and tissues all over the floor. Q-tips are also big fun.
Jumping on people’s laps when they are sitting on the couch has been eliminated but jumping ON the furniture has not. He usually waits to be invited but not ALWAYS.
Begging stopped… then has mildly started again. This will be easy enough to fix.
Walking on the leash got to be really good…. Until other people started walking him and all training was lost. He’s a puller again, although he was never TOTALLY rid of the habit.
He’s a guard dog. It’s in his breed. However, his “warning bark” I read about is actually several increasingly annoying barks. When we are in the yard, he barks at everyone that walks by, lunges at every dog (there’s one in almost every house in our neighborhood), or any little thing blowing in the wind.
He needs to learn how to greet people nicely. He is not nice at the door, barking incessantly and darting to and fro. It’s very difficult to get him to stop moving and my commands of “sit” and “stay” often go unheard. Sometimes, if I do reach for him to hold onto him, his little mouth is quickly around my hand – something I blame on my boyfriend for playing “the claw” with him(even tho i contstantly told him not to), letting him bite his hand during rough play. Now that my boyfriend is recovering from surgery, rough play has stopped and I hope that will help eliminate this hand-biting thing. I want him to be able to play with my little niece when she comes over, not bite her hand off! When he greets someone he likes, as with many dogs, he jumps up and puts his front paws on them, straining to get to their face to give kisses. As many times as I tell those who come to my home that you must stand silent and ignore him to get him to stop, the more “frequent” visitors (lets face it, it’s my boyfriend) just let him jump up cuz it’s so nice to feel so loved.
He’s good with “tricks”… when he wants something. Otherwise, commands may be ignored if he doesn’t see a treat in your hand.
Really, he’s a little terror. … And it’s partly my fault….. partly the fault of his original owners… but not his fault. He’s just being a dog. His original owners CLEARLY did not give him the stimulation he needs. When I got him, he was hell on 4 furry white legs! He has become much better but still has several behavioral issues. Up until now, so many of the things he does have been hard to control because, no matter what he does, he’s so ridiculously cute! But, I have to be strong and take back control cuz this little cutie is ruling my life and that just isn’t right. It is MY job to teach him how to be a better little friend so we can both be safe and happy.
So… with that huge list of things to fix, we embark on a new chapter in our relationship – mutual respect and understanding….. Hopefully. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/19/2007 12:40:33 PM | I have to say, after reading all of your posts, that I am probably the most doggie of all doggie people on here, lol.
Not only do I have 4 very large dogs : 3 German Shepherd/Rhodesian Ridgebacks (3years old, from the same litter) and a White Shepherd/Yellow Lab (15 years old) but I also own a dog daycare/boarding facility (no kennel environment, meaning the dogs are never put in kennels unless the owners ask them to be and provide their own kennel) and I am also a certified dog trainer as well. I love dogs and always have, but not only do I love dogs, I love all animals as well. I used to have cats but I had to give my last one away because one of my shep/ridgebacks (Bunny) tried to eat him a number of times, as well as the chickens I used to have, so the chickens and the cat went to good homes where they were safe. I also had rabbits and hamsters, and fish, but dogs cost a lot of money so when the others passed away I decided not to get any more because I couldn't afford to look after them.
I always wanted to work with animals and thought that I wanted to be a veterinarian but when I vollunteered at a vet's office I decided that wasn't the job for me. It was too sad dealing with all those sick, injured or dieing dogs. There were a few that were brought in cause the owners said they snapped at their kids so they had to be put down. (later, after the one dog was put down I found out that the kids had been tormenting the dog and it finally got tired of it and snapped as if to say "back off" not in a way to hurt the kids... I was soooooo sad.)
After realizing the being a vet wasn't for me I decided to volunteer at the SPCA but I was getting way too attached to the dogs and cats there and was sad to see them go cause we never really knew what happend with them afterwards. (I fell in love with these 2 pitt bulls that were in the shelter. Everyone that worked there was a little scared of them and would open their pen just enough to throw food in and shut the gate again quickly. On day I had finished all the cleaning that I had to do and I decided I was going to play with some dogs. Without even thinking about it I walked over to their pen, put the back of my hand against the fence, told them they were very pretty little girls (they were sisters) and I opened the gate and walked in. They both jumped up on me and started licking me from head to toe, I think they were just happy to have some love and attention. I ended up taking them into the field 3 times a day to play with them cause no other staff member would even set foot in their pen cause they barked, growled and showed their teeth to anyone who walked past. If I wasn't living with my mom and her now ex boyfriend who was terrified of pitties I would have taken them home that day. Instead I had to watch them get addopted out to different homes. That was really hard cause these 2 had been together since birth and they were 4 years old.
That was when I decided dog daycare was the way to go, I still get to work with dogs but in a happy environment. We play all day long, at the end of the day I clean them up and take them home and I know that I will see them again soon.
My dogs love the daycare thing. People are always nervous of them though cause they are big. Jake Rucci (aka: Jerk Rucci) is the biggest at about 110lbs, then Oscar (the 15 year old) at aprox 90lbs, Shaunassi (aka: monkey pants) at 89lbs and Jillie (aka: Bunny) at about 79lbs. They seem viscous when new people come to the house because they are doing their job, protecting the house and yard, but really they are the biggest, floppiest puppies you will ever meet in your life, unless you try to hurt me or my mom, then I don't know. All I know is Shaunassi put her mouth around my ex boyfriend's arm and growled because he tried to put his arm around me when we were watching a movie...
These monsters of mine live in my house, Jake, Jill and Oscar sleep outside because that's where they want to be, and Shaunassi sleeps on my bed because that's where she wants to be. They do eat a crap load of food though. I go through a 16kg bag a week feeding these guys (aprox 5cps a day each) and soon I'll have to deal with the bill of puting the old guy to sleep, but it's all worth it in the end. My dogs are my children (since I can't stand the 2 legged variety) so I will do whatever I have to to keep them safe, happy, and healthy.
AND I ALWAYS PICK UP AFTER ALL 4 OF THEM, PLUS SOME OTHERS!
my car is always full of plastic baggies. | |
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| Dog People
Posted: 7/19/2007 1:04:30 PM |
I have a NEW problem with him: Grazing. I know it is normal and natural for dogs to eat SOME grass because their natural "kill" would have had vegetation in their stomachs and, therefore, their doggie ancestors would have been consuming grass and berries, etc. BUT, this isn't SOME grass. I'm talkin' FEASTING on grass. My little guy has been going outside and INHAAAALING it. He puked up a HUGE pile of grass last nite and next time he was outside, went for more! I don't want to end up with a Bulemic dog! So.... do i put more veggies in his food bowl? what??
Dogs usually eat grass when they are having a hard time digesting something, or if they are feeling ill. Just like humans get flu symptoms, dogs do too, and instead of taking anti-nausiants like we do, they try to get rid of whatever is bugging their tummy. My dogs does this quite often, whenever I give her a new treat. She has a very sinsitive stomach and lots of foods give her an upset tummy so she eats grass to get rid of it. I giv her new treats all the time though, in moderation, to see what she can and cannot have, maybe you should think about doing the same thing. Give your dog the usual treats he eats and see how he reacts. Then once a week give him something new and see how he reacts to that... He could have very well gotten into something without you knowing (you did say he will eat anything) and it could be bothering him. He will eventually get rid of it and stop the grass eating.
Dogs also eat a lot of grass if they have eaten their food too quickly and are experiencing indigestion. If he doesn't stop eating the grass in a few days consult your vet, but otherwise he'll do what he needs to to feel better and then he will stop.
I hope this helps you diamondheart | |
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