Ash

It's ultimately your choice, but a puppy is a just like having a baby. You'll need to teach it to potty train right away, at least witha kid you have some time. But I can understand the need for a puppy wanting to grow up withyou family, it would become a part of the family I agree with the others you could find older dogs, say around 1 year, already potty trained and already has a good temperment. And already fixed and virtually TONS less expensive. Also, I want to add: You may want to consider going for a bigger dog then a pom. Since they are so small they may not take well to children playing with them/tugging on them.

I know what you mean. I only get to see Smokie for 2-4 days out of the month. And when I start grabbing for my bags- he knows, He will come stand in front of me sometimes so I think he thinks that i won't leave. I go in the car and cry usually lol.

I love Animal Cops- especially Houston. As far as I know pitbulls have the strongest bite of any other breed. I think they waited a week becuase they thought they would catch them in the 'act' then, and it would make the investigation easier. They just have to be safe before they adopt any dogs out. Any respectable organization would do the same, especially something as big as aspca. I know the food agression sucks sometimes and can be the killer (I mean that literally) but they have to make sure the dog is infact adoptable by the normal person. I'd get grumpy if somebody went after my food too. . You know-- this is the test I know Smokie would pass with flying colors. I don't think he'd pass the startled one (he gets scared easy) and he is agressive around other dogs.

Nope. He doesn't pay any attention to anything on TV.

Smokie will take absoultely anything except pickles.. He HATES pickles.

The point I'm trying to make is that I reversed the roles of your statement. Ah forget it-- It's pointless. Dont have much time for that one. "Thus, having a wild pet for novelty is not evil either. " Evil yes, maybe cruel and unjustifiable to me and some others yes.

[quote name='Seijun'][quote]If you were blind, would you need a guide dog? They make our lives easier, so in my book, they are essential....[/quote] You could use a walking cane though. You don't [i]need[/i] a dog. You are right though, they make our lives easier. But easier does not equal needed. Food and water is needed. Dogs are a want. Getting something to make your life easier is no different than saying you got it because it is more novel. But wait, haven't you guys already said that pets for novelty is evil? ~Seij[/quote] I agree with you that they aren't essential. They make our lives easier at times, yes. They said WILD or EXOTIC pets aren't acceptable in their opinions, not domestic or tame animals. There is a difference.

I can't tell by looking at pictures if an animal is happy or not. I think in order for it have it's true hapiness, it should be in it's true home. And no a responsible wolf owner would not own just one. But somepeople see it as that. Easy why they don't all run back to the wild? because they don't know how to survive. They've beome dependant on humans for food so naturally they think of humans as a pack provider/food source. I bet if somebody captured a wild wolf the poor thing would be tormetended by being a pet. I understand the difference between bad ownership and good ownership. I just don't see the need to privately own a wolf. I think having wild animals for your enjoyment is purely selfish. That is not a good reason, at all. I can see rescueing if you have a lot of room for the animal to thrive, sorta. But for enjoyment reasons, I just find that really wrong. Michele, why would you accept someone having a wolf before a tiger? Just wondeirng. Domestic animals aren't essential to survival, that's easy. Dogs have been tamed for thousands of years. I don't want my children to grow up where a neighbor is walking their tiger on a leash down the street, the same as a wolf. It's more acceptable to own domestic animals because they are just that--- domestic. They probably didn't want to be domesicated either but we took it upon ourselves to 'create' pets. While I look at my beautiful dog, and how much he enjoys indoor life I can't help but think in the wild he'd thrive. He'd most defiently be an alpha male and have a mate, and some pups to carry on his traits.

[quote name='Seijun']Ash: If you already have set opinions, why the heck are you trying to write a paper on this subject and looking for the opinions of others? Going into any controversial paper, you must have an open mind and equally explore both sides of the issue. [quote] And I don't see any real need to own a wolfdog? I mean dogs have been domesticated, why breed with a wolf? Why have a wild animal as a pet? . . . They said for a companion animal, well that's what a domestic dogs for. [/quote] Because people friggin' like them!! GAAHHHH!!!!! *bangs head into wall.* Different people like different pets. Domestics just don't fulfill every "companion/pet" desire that some of us have! You all are right. Domestics and wild animals are different. THAT'S THE POINT! Wild animals are different, that's why some of us like them more! [quote]They are robbing that animal of their true nature, and especially to take a species that was endagered as a pet is purely wrong. [/quote] It's the private wild animal owner that has actually saved some species from extinction. Zoos can only breed so many animals. Imagine the genetic pool that can be donated by animals bred by private owners! The Peregrine falcon and several other falcon species were saved due to the private breeding efforts of falconers (people who OWN these birds for PRIVATE novelty—yup, the big, bad, private owner). [quote]There can be all types of government standards to own a pet but how can you tell your wolf is happy? What about it's pack instincts, what about it's potential mate (if it's the alpha)? What about the thrill of the chase, and being a pack provider? It's robbing them of their nature and an injustice to society. [/quote] Can't. I just said regs were a start, not a solution. It is up to the owner to keep the animal happy. How do we tell our animals are happy? The same way you tell your domestic pets are happy. Pack instincts and potential mates are all possible and expected with captive pet wolves owned by responsible persons. Thrill of the chase is a myth. They hunt to survive. It is a risky, potentially deadly activity. It is not "fun and games" for a wolf to hunt. It is life or death. Why do you think wolves sometimes resort to hunting domestic animals? Because it is easier. If they all chased for fun, then we wouldn't ever see wolves get in trouble for hunting livestock or scavenging for human food at parks. In captivity, hunting is replaced by easy, free meals, and endless hours of playtime with pack mates and toys. [quote]and being a pack provider?[/quote] They can still do that in captivity. Being the pack provider is not something an alpha sits around dreaming about. It is instinct and comes with being alpha regardless of the environment. In captivity, they can still protect and lead the pack, and govern who gets food when. They are still the provider. [quote]It's robbing them of their nature [/quote] They are still wolves in captivity. They still have wolf instincts that they still express. It's not like we are forcing them to NOT be wolves. [quote]People release wolves when they get to be too much, and wolf dogs. They think because they have a wild nature they can survive in the wild when they werent taught the structure of pack behaivor, and they are giving truely wild wolves a bad name. [/quote] This is also a myth. Most people don't try to release their wolves/wolfdogs into the wild. [quote]"Like I said, people own them because they like them. This can be PROVEN. How do you PROVE that all wild animal pets "belong" in the wild?" That has to be one of the most ridiculous things i've ever heard, sorry. Because they come from the wild, and that's where they thrive.[/quote] They also can thrive in captivity. Bang. Thus, the statement about there thriving in the wild has been rendered non-supportive of the idea that they only belong in the wild. Now, there is one very big problem with the statement "belongs in the wild." Look up "belong." It means to own, as in property. Saying wild animals "belong" in the wild means literally that the animal "is the property of the wild." Why is this a problem? There are no rules written anywhere that say wild wolves belong to the wild. Wolves are not the "property" of the wild, especially since the "wild" has no constitutional or legal rights like people do. "Belonging" in the wild is an idea thought up by people, and is based entirely off of spiritualistic views that wild animals are somehow connected to nature. I will discuss this later. [quote]"No, actually, you only listed a reason why IRRESPONSIBLE people shouldn't have wild animals. My neighbor chains her boxer. Should people not be allowed to have boxers as pets because some people mistreat theirs? " I put my dog outside on a chain to while he goes to the bathroom. Theres laws requiring it in my parents neighborhood, and I wouldn't call that bad pet ownership. [/quote] I'm referring to a chain as permanent containment. Biggest problem here? You all are thinking of wild animals in humanistic ways and thinking of them as if they were taken from the wild and "forced" to live in captivity. -Animals are not humans. They cannot sit around and dream of being wild. They do not miss the wild. They do not care about the wild. They live in captivity and enjoy it. End of story. -Wild animal pets are bred in captivity. They never knew the wild, and do not miss it. -In the world of science, there is no spirituality in animals, no "one with nature" idea. Animals are governed by instinct. Instincts can function equally well in both wild and captive situations, thus wild animals are able to function equally well in either wild or captive situations (based on what they were born and raised in). Having a wild animal in captivity "damages their inner self" no more than does keeping a beagle from chasing rabbits in the woods. Ok, deep breath everyone. Now step back, and read. [u]Wild animal "pets" can live happy and fulfilled lives in responsible private hands.[/u] This is FACT. It can be easily proven using numerous examples. Now, because this statement is true, how can anyone here tell me that it is wrong for private owners to keep wild animals as pets if the animals do not suffer? I want you guys to actually support your views using facts this time. For example, if you found out that keeping a wild animal in captivity caused a chemical change that cut the animal's lifespan in half, that would be a supporting fact against responsible private ownership. An example of something that is NOT a supportive fact is the statement "wild animals belong in the wild." This is not a fact because it is an opinion that can only be supported by other opinions, not other facts. Got it? In order to debate properly, you must use facts. Debating using opinions is as pointless as debating the interpretations of the Bible. The other big argument you guys seem insitant in sticking to is that many wild animals have bad homes. FACT: We do not know how many wild animals are in good homes vs bad homes. Therefore, you can’t say their ownership is wrong because “more end up in bad situations than good.” ~Seij[/quote] I am writting my paper on what I think the government should do to regulate/stop private ownership of wolves. And I do plan on explopring the other side of the issues. Infact I've been in contact with people who work with wolves, and they are willing to help me explore private ownership of wolves. Because liking a wild animal, doesn't give you the right to privately own them, and take their natural rights away. About you and your wolf-dog, I don't see a problem with it you take good care of yours, but you must realise MANY people don't. My boyfriends coworker and he was a very bad owner, kept it in a cage and stopped taking care of it, it got to be too much, and the poor thing died. I don't really consider birds to be on the same level as 'bigger' wildlife animal owners. I mean I don't consider birds as potentially dangerous as say wolves, tigers, or bears. Yes, I'm aware of wolves hunting domestic animals. They tore apart a St. Benard on somebody's porch back home last summer. They can't still be a pack provider if they are they are the only wolf. That's what I meant. What kind of solitary life is that for an animal that is so social? Listen you can justify it all you want but taking an animals true home away is cruel. Sure animals could probabl have some sort of hapiness as pets, but honestly their true home is in the wild, where there true hapiness does lie.

Seijun I don't think that anybody's said that wildanimals arent as loved by their owners as any other pets? I guess i'm a bit prejudice, while they might enjoy their life in captivity their true home is in the wild. And people are doing an injustice of robbing them of that. I'm sorry I just don't agree with your ways. I know that wolves and dogs are actually the same species but theres a big difference between being domestic. And I don't see any real need to own a wolfdog? I mean dogs have been domesticated, why breed with a wolf? Why have a wild animal as a pet? I remember a while back pming somebody asking them about wolf-dogs because I haven't heard much about them and was truely curious. They said for a companion animal, well that's what a domestic dogs for. I also was not recruiting any information off this site, just wanted to get a general idea of people's feelings. I'm glad that I see somebody's opposing views. I think wild animals should stay wild period. People own them mostly for purely dumb reasons, 'they want to be closer to the wild', or 'they think they look cool'. They are robbing that animal of their true nature, and especially to take a species that was endagered as a pet is purely wrong. There can be all types of government standards to own a pet but how can you tell your wolf is happy? What about it's pack instincts, what about it's potential mate (if it's the alpha)? What about the thrill of the chase, and being a pack provider? It's robbing them of their nature and an injustice to society. People release wolves when they get to be too much, and wolf dogs. They think because they have a wild nature they can survive in the wild when they werent taught the structure of pack behaivor, and they are giving truely wild wolves a bad name. My point of view is private ownership of wolves is wrong, if it's not studied for scientific research (I support wolf sanctuarys). Some quotes "Like I said, people own them because they like them. This can be PROVEN. How do you PROVE that all wild animal pets "belong" in the wild?" That has to be one of the most ridiculous things i've ever heard, sorry. Because they come from the wild, and that's where they thrive. "No, actually, you only listed a reason why IRRESPONSIBLE people shouldn't have wild animals. My neighbor chains her boxer. Should people not be allowed to have boxers as pets because some people mistreat theirs? " I put my dog outside on a chain to while he goes to the bathroom. Theres laws requiring it in my parents neighborhood, and I wouldn't call that bad pet ownership. That's all I have time to reply too right now, I have a test to study for. Thanks for the links S.

I'm doing a research paper for my government class at school, and one of my main focuses is on private ownership of wolves. Another point is wolf-dogs, but that's another debate, maybe. How do you feel about people owning wolves? What kind of regulations do you think the government should put on private owneship of wolves? Somebody I know online has an acquintance that owns wolves because 'he likes them'. She makes it sounds like he's very knowlegeable about wolves and only sells a select few and makes sure they are good providers for their wolves. He justifies his ownership of wolves becasue he's native american. I'm 1/4 native american, grew up on a reservation and went to a tribal school and never had a need for owning a wolf? I'd love to get any opinions I can on this :)

I did a search and this is the most common thing that pops up. [url]http://www.petplace.com/articles/artShow.asp?artID=4037[/url] I hope it's not that. .. I know it's Sunday but is there any vets open? I'd defiently call! Any chance it could have gotten into anything toxic?

Hi Guys. Thankyou so much for your replies. Thanks. Smoke was just feeling under the weather that day. He's fine. My brother went home for the weekend and he perked up a bit. I think he's a bit lonely though with my brother and I both moved hours away and my mom returning to work after medical leave since Febraury. I feel so bad for my poor boy. I'm trying to make it home to spend next weekend with him. Not looking so possible though unfortunately. I think he was just lonely or maybe had a bellyache.

I don't know what's wrong with him, but all day he wanted to stay outside in his dog house. Which is so unlike him, my lab loves being indoors! He usually makes us wait outside with him while he goes to the bathroom or he won't go out. I know he's spoiled so I'm really concerned. My mom said he's acting really funny today. :( If you could keep him in your thoughts, that would be nice. He hasn't been throwing up or anything.. or at least just yet. The last time we couldn't get him out of his doghouse me and my brother got in a fight and he was scared of us..lol!

Coalsky- That sucks about your friend :( I'm suprised at the actions of some people too. The mother dog is a purebred chocolate lab, and I get kind of lost when it comes to that stuff, I just know that she's not of champion status like the male dog. Yes I think he did have the intent to breed him. Sad thing he also bought his brother a chocolate lab and plans on breeding on of their puppies with him when the girl puppy gets old enough :( I really wish they would of knew better or had some better education on it. With the size of these dogs I honestly think it's doubtful that a breed that big and young will make it through birth. I'm hoping for the best though. I really hope if she makes it he will get the girl fixed. FearedDogFan- I wish, I have no way how to contact him. I think my mom will tell him what I said. Hopefully he takes it to heart. mouseatthebusstop- even better if he would of waited 3 years. :(

This is terrible. He bought a champion sired Chocolate Lab. And then he bought a female (not from the same person), around the same time. So these dogs are UNDER 2 years old.. Maybe like around 1 1/2 years. Anyways the girl dog is pregnant! And these are HUGE labs. My black lab weighs around 70 lbs... and they would tower over him. My mom always talks to him so I told her how bad this actually is! I think she is far along in her pregnancy too because they are already planning on selling and keeping puppies.. I just wish they would of knew better!

Oh God, it sounds like parvo. You NEED to take her to the vet. It's a must. Whatever it is needs IMMIDIATE attention.

Oh geez. I have no idea. What's a GSD? My dog LOVES his toys.. The ones that seem to last the longest are the soft ones for some reason, lol.

Absoultely not, i'll let him RIP. Although he's the most perfect dog I've ever met, and will probably be that special one that touches my heart most. I'll get to meet other dogs throughout my lifetime which I think he would want. (Even though he doesn't like most other dogs). I read an ad saying Liz Taylor was going to clone her dead dog. I just don't think it's right.

What the heck are they? I'm sorry I'm incredibly naive, it sounds so cruel. A girl at another debate is actually debating how well they work. They seem cruel to me. She claims it doesn't hurt them. But hell if someone pinches me it hurts. Can someone please explain them to me a little bit?

I hate when people ask if they can approach Smokie. I just never know how he's going to take it. He doesn't like anybody in the yard, and he doesn't like young kids under 5. I hate bringing people new people around in the house. I'm not sure how he'll take to them, luckily, he's always fine, but I hate when they don't like dogs and I have to put him in a room by himself.

Theres a zillion skunks here, I'll send you some.. Whoever asked what they smelled like. lol. They smell horrific like the worst thing in the world. Try Getting a large spray bottle and poor mainly water in there with a little bit of vanilla extract, and spray it on the dogs. It's the best thing that has worked on my dog after the baths. If yah want.. It makes the smell go away a lot faster!

Oh man, I seriously thought a bulldog might be good, but you said 'small'. I have a black lab, and I wouldn't recommend labs for sure for your lifestyle. Mine is lazy and prefers being inside but he loves his outside play time catching the frisbee, and likes to go spend some time outside during the summer days. In the winter he won't go outside to go the bathroom unless you go outside shut the door behind you, and wait for him :lol: Anyways...What's wrong with small breeds? I want to get a King Charles Cavalier myself, and they are small dog and I've only had large dogs my whole life. I'm surely not gonna tell you to get a c@t, I hate when people tell me that. Greyhounds seem like fun companions. My friend has a husky mix dog and let me tell you the sweetest thing ever. I'd go for around 2-3 years while the puppy stage is fading or gone. Your young you should get a younger dog.

Not that I'm an expert or anything but I'd use a very mild soap, not one with so much fragrance in it. I think that would just irritate it more. I say try the oatmeal shampoo that's suppose to be really good for dry skin, so I'm thinking it would help in your case. Also I'd make sure the bath is really just barely lukewarm.

As in snacks? I don't get him so much bones anymore. I get him little peices of grilled chicken, and beef bites. When I do get bones, I get a big box from a local store. It's only a dollar, and it' a big box. It comes with beef, bacon, chicken, liver, and vegetable flavors. He even eats the veggy flavored ones!