kendalyn

[quote name='Malamum']I thought they didn

This is something that has been bothering me for a while, and I finally decided I want to know what you guys think. The subject here is rescues and adoption days. I'm sure we've all been to the petstores on the weekends and seen the rescue dogs and c@ts lined up in the store or out front so people can look at them and maybe adopt them. However, to me this just seems contradictory to what rescues should be doing. Rescues are usually all about advising against impulse buying, but then they parade these dogs in front of the public and say "Please adopt these poor homeless dogs!" How would we feel if a breeder were doing this? Why is it OK for a rescue to do it? How does it NOT encourage people to impusively take pets home? I'm not really totally against the adoption days. I see the advantages and I realize it probably does let people decide on a rescue instead of a dog from a breeder. Lots of people think mutts are all mangy, smelly, wild creatures and it's nice that they get to see the better side of mutts. But for some reason, adoption days always leave a bad taste in my mouth. Anybody else feel the same? :-?

Mine will be very short. 1 lab/hound mix named Buck who will be about 3 in February. I found him in Kentucky and the vet said he was about 6 months then. 1 Hamster named Clover 1 Goldfish named Sam

Get all your dog's neutered or spayed. I don't want to hear any ifs, ands, or buts about it. You know it's not right and so do all of us. Keep your great dane mix seperated from all the other dogs and only let him in the yard on a leash, when you are with him. I would also increase the amount of exercise he is getting. After all the dogs are neutered and have calmed down, I would start slow introductions one at a time. Also, find a positive trainer, or learn about it and train all your dogs yourself.

[quote name='lkeffect']Does anyone know of any reputable pet psychics online or that you can call. We don't have a psychic anything where I live.[/quote] You're in Grand Rapids right? Karen Kittredge goes all over Michigan. She'll be in Kalamazoo in January and Febrauary. If you want her number, call the Pet Supplies Plus store on Westnedge in the Portage/Kalamazoo area. I can't tell you if she's reputable because I haven't met her yet. BUT, there was an article in our paper here about her and the people they interviewed who had seen her said she was very accurate.

hmmm.... I would get a six foot tall fence. A solid privacy type fence is better than chain link but also way more expensive. You really want to ask yourself if she is going to be trying to jump it. If she's a jumper, you'll need the privacy type for sure. I'm not sure how much you should fence in. Fence in the greatest amount you feel comfortable her having the run of while you are gone.

It's 8 dollars here for a tag. It's more if your dog isn't spayed or neutered but I'm not sure of the exact amount.

Buck is offleash whenever I let him outside throughout the day. I don't have a fence, his recall is excellent and I live on a dead end. Plus, he just goes outside to do his business and comes in. I take Buck to an outdoor preserve about once a week where he is offleash for part of the time. It's technically not allowed, so I only let him offleash there when I see no other cars in the parking lot and it's during the week in the middle of the day. I live near large areas of hunting ground and anytime it's not hunting season we go there quite frequently and he can run all he wants. I wouldn't dare let him near there during hunting season though. I'd say he gets quite a bit of offleash time. He does get daily walks on leash though.

Since you posted that picture a while back, I thought the dog belonged to you. I apologize if I was mistaken. :-) You did make this comment in regards to that setup though: [quote name='True_Pits']However I'v never been able to find a safer source then this type of set up and its what most long time breeders have used for decades thats always been a no fail way.[/quote] The only reason I asked that question was because I was confused. I knew you favored chains for tie-outs and I was surprised you were concerened about the weight of that collar. I really wanted to know how heavy the chain is.

[quote name='crazy_canine'] I mean, you should be thinking about all the stereotype you are adding to when you do this.[/quote] I suppose that depends on your point of view. So the stereotype for this collar is that if I put it on my dog it must mean I want a big tough dog, with a big tough neck that could do well in the pit? Is it [i]still[/i] adding to the stereotype if I look nothing like a thug and my dog is a perfectly well behaved therapy dog who does nothing but cuddle sick children and old people all day? Why [i]couldn't[/i] I do this and have my dog wear that collar? The point is, I could, and if I did, I would NOT be adding to any negative stereotypes. It would be a good thing even. :-) [quote name='crazy_canine']but Im sure your dog doesnt want others to loo down on its breed just because you dont care what other people think.[/quote] Now you're anthropomorphizing a little too much. Dogs don't understand the concept of peer pressure, or being accepted by the general public. They don't know what it is to be looked down upon. How many mutts have you seen be embarrased because they're not pedigreed? :)

This dog belongs to True_Pits. I'm just curious because it looks at least as heavy as that collar.

OK, I'm seriously wondering (not trying to be a bitch), how heavy is this? [img]http://members.fortunecity.com/tbulldogs/0af1d010.jpg[/img] Because it looks pretty darn heavy. And I don't even want to start on the stereotypes of this setup...

I agree MajiesMom. I don't think the collar is that bad as long as it's not on all the time or anything. Let people think what they want. I have high heels that kill my feet which is why I only wear them on special occasions...

Has anybody ever taken their dog to a pet psychic? I made an appointment for Buck to see one in February! Her name is Karen Kittredge and she's going to be at the Pet Supplies Plus store in my town. She seems very educated. She has doctorates in Theology and Divinity. She'll talk to Buck and me for 20 minutes. I can't wait! We're really just going for fun. I can't wait to hear what Buck has to "tell" me! I hope it's not anything bad! Maybe he can tell me why and how he was dumped. Anyway, I know it's a long time from now but I'm still excited. I'll let you guys know how it turns out! :D

I'm glad Zaphod is getting used to it! Keep those cookies coming! :lol:

Your first move is to the vet. This is pretty abnormal in a 2 year old (assuming he was reliably house trained already). Make an appointment for tomorrow. Bring a urine sample with you. He needs to be seen by a doctor.

[quote name='Aroura']Kendalyn, I'm curious as to why you are concerned that I am thinking about the possibility of studding him out before I even get him? [/quote] I think this question was already answered for me by Kiwi and Newfiemom. I don't know much about showing or breeding, but they do. It sounds like they know an awful lot more about it than you as well. I think you would do well to listen to the voices of experience. Kiwi or Newfiemom would be great resources if you really want to learn how to do this the right way. Aroura, you sound like someone who just wants to breed [i]something[/i]. You were talking about breeding Lillian before you got her. Now you want a Boxer to stud out and I expect you also want to breed Diego since you are showing him. It's not a good pattern.

If you want a friend for Diego, why not a get a dog more his size? Boxer puppies are so rough, I'd be very nervous to let one play with a whippet. And it'll only get worse as the Boxer gets older. Is there a reason Monty and Cassie don't play with him? I'm also very concerned that you're thinking about breeding a [i]puppy[/i] you don't even have yet. But I suppose if you want to show him that is the point of showing... :-?

That stinks! Hopefully you can move out soon. Have you been looking for a place?

[quote name='Mutts4Me']but anyone could breed a Cocker and a Poodle and call it a "Cockapoo." That's my biggest problem with the poo/doodle mixes (and various other designer breeds), personally. There's no consistency required to call it by the money-getting name. You can't just cross two dogs and call it a Shiloh Shepherd.[/quote] Well said! :D

[quote name='DeafAussieLover']i've never had such a stubborn hard headed dog in my life.. [/quote] He may not understand that it's not OK to mark in the house. I wouldn't assume he's just being stubborn yet. More often than not, it's our fault when our dogs aren't "getting" something. :)

Shiloh Shepherds are a distinct breed. Just as Seijun said, they reproduce predictably and are different in looks and temperment from the GSD. They are wonderful dogs! I would much rather own a Shiloh than a GSD. I know somebody who has one and I know she wouldn't trade it for anything else. :)

[quote]On the other hand I would not recomend a dobermann as a dog for a "novice" dogowner, they are not the easiest breed, they can be somewhat headstrong and dominant.[/quote] Hunt_jumpfl doesn't sound like a novice owner to me. He/she said he/she has owned and trained dogs in the past. I think any breed will probably be in good hands with this person.

It kind of sounds like you want a Poodle! :lol: A poodle would fit all your categories! I'd go for a Standard Poodle because they are sooo awesome but they might be a little large for your size requirements. A mutt is always an excellent choice as well. You will have a harder time finding a non-shedding one though.

[quote name='holliejjj']My dog is housebroken.[/quote] I'm sorry to say that your dog is not housebroken if she is still using it for her toilet. :( She somehow has gotten the idea that it is not ok to potty in the house downstairs but it's ok upstairs. I would try spending more time in that area of the house and have her leashed to you at all times. Then you can see the signs of her looking for a place to go potty. That way you can take her out when she needs to go, or correct her and take her out right away. She'll get the idea. :-) She just needs more practice!