DogPaddle

I went on a canoe trip in Algonquin (big wilderness park) with a guy who bred and mushed Alaskan Malamutes. He takes his dogs, a couple at a time, everywhere including to work sometimes. I'm sure you can imagine how tricky it would be to put two Mals in a canoe :o so that was not really a long term option. John has done this before and the dogs run along the shore, easily keeping pace with the canoe, they will also swim across small lakes (perhaps no more than 150 ft) if we need to portage out etc. The dogs loved it, most of the time they were right in sight, wet to their bellies running right at the waters edge. Sometimes they needed to cut into the underbrush to travel more easily and then they would periodically pop out to spot us and continue on. At one such time Suzy was spotting from a clear outcrop, looking very alert and regal and another passing canoeist mistook her for a [color=blue]wolf[/color]. It's so rare to see wolves and she was so excited we didn't have the heart to correct her.

Maybe start by checking out: [url]http://neorescue.org/index.php[/url] this is by them: IS THE NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU? Owning a Neapolitan mastiff can be the beginning of a wonderful relationship with years of happiness or it can be the beginning of overwhelming responsibility for which you may not be prepared. Neapolitan mastiffs are loving, slobbery, gentle giants. They are among the giants of the dog world, and can range in size from 24 - 31 inches at the shoulder with a weight from 140 to 180 pounds (although some are both taller and heavier). Once they are over their major growing stage, they will eat between 3-6 cups of food twice a day. There are several items you should consider when determining if you are ready to become a Neapolitan mastiff owner. Careful and honest consideration will help to ensure yourself, your family, and your Neo the future you all deserve. Read the following paragraphs carefully to help determine if the Neo is the right dog for you. For future research you might want to read some of the following publications. Dr. Allen's "The Official Book of the Neapolitan Mastiff", "The Ultimate Breed of Mastiff" by Douglas Oliff, and the "Project Breed Directory." Neapolitan mastiffs are wonderful companions. They are not dogs that should be left outside chained to a doghouse or left alone in a fenced yard. They are loving companions who need a lot of human companionship to be properly socialized, trained, and owned. If your house is too small for a very large dog, then a Neapolitan is not the right dog for you. We have found serious behavior problems in Neapolitan Mastiffs that were excluded from the family and relegated to the backyard with only occasional human contact. Neapolitans slobber, some more than others, but they all do after they eat or drink. Are you willing and prepared to wash your walls, ceilings etc. after the slobber flies when they shake their heads? Slobber rags must always be handy in strategic locations! Neapolitan mastiffs will snore and sometimes you think a train is going through the house. Are you a light sleeper, or one that needs quiet to sleep? If so, you might consider another breed. Neapolitan mastiffs are not attack dogs. These dogs will guard their house, but they protect their family by their mere presence. Their size, look and bark will scare away the bravest of burglars. If you open the door and let someone in the house, the Neapolitan Mastiff should accept that person. Neapolitan Mastiffs are generally good with children, but a giant, clumsy, yet excitable dog is not a good combination for smaller children (up to age 10). Neapolitan mastiffs can be territorial dogs. They will protect their yard, house, car and family from people or other dogs. They want it to be known that this is their yard, their car. They can be very good around other dogs and cats, as long as they have been raised with them. They can have a high Alpha drive, so if you already have an adult male dog, for example you should consider a female Neo and vice versa. An adult male Neapolitan can go through 40 - 70 pounds of food a month. That's roughly $35-70 a month in food alone. Because of their size, a Neapolitan will cost you more at the Vet's office too. You can expect to spend approximately $200-$500 per year at the Vet's office (and sometimes more, depending on age, medical condition, and luck!) A vehicle large enough to transport your Neapolitan is also a good idea. Obedience training can also be important when owning a Neo. After all, do you want to be pulled down the street, when your 160-pound male wants to chase a squirrel? The training must not be based on punishment or negative reinforcement. Classes are usually available through our local Human Society, Exercising a Neapolitan is not as difficult as those of the sporting breeds who seem to have endless energy. A Neapolitan is happy to go on 2 walks a day of about 20 - 30 minutes each. Some love to hike and swim, but they are not the best jogging companions. They should not be asked to jog, as it can be very difficult on their joints. Walks can be around the neighborhood, or you can go on hikes in the forest, swims in the local lake, or chasing a soccer ball. A couch may be his/her favorite spot, but exercise will help them live longer! Research carefully and if this breed is right for you look into rescue first if possible. Good Luck!

She may just need time to rest up and adjust, dogs often get very quiet, still or withdrawn when they have some serious healing to do.

We had a neighbour who had a black dog with barely any wrinkles and he said it was a pei but I am not sure. The dog was either dog agressive or fence agressive - scared my mom's poor cockapoo badly. Sweet as could be with people though, had incredible tolerance with the neighbours 3 year old.

[quote]All of A's last three litters have been singletons. Of course she's going to lose money here. B has been lucky with her last 3 litters. She's had a litter of 10, and two litters of 8. She's done everything A has, but she has more puppies to sell. With litters that size. She'd more than likely make money. Nothing wrong with that here. She's done everything right. [/quote] Agreed. Perhaps I should clarify my statement on money by saying: A good breeder doesn't breed for profit because often its not going to happen - at least if you do all the health checks, vet visists, registering, proper nutrition, emergancies and if possible spend the time and money to prove you breeding dogs quality by titling, competing etc.

Are peis prone to dog aggression?

[quote]So, you had to come up with some kind of label for those not as good as you.[/quote] I don't breed at all so I'm not sure this really applies - No breeder or BYB is a better or worse breeder than me because I don't breed. I did not come up with the BYB label. I make no apologies for my opinion as I'm sure you don't for your opinions. I didn't develop my opinion for any of the reasons you alluded to in your post, I developed my opinion because I am concerned about the quality of living of pets, the responsible breeding of pets to eliminate health and behaviour problems and because I did a bit of research. Which of these statements do you have a problem with: [quote]1. Not going to make a profit. 2. Breed rarely. 3. Are concerned with the betterment of the breed. 4. Are very selective as to who their pups go to. 5. Do all nec. health checks. 6. ARE THE PEOPLE WHO MANY OF US LOOK TO GET OUR PETS FROM. 7. Spend plenty of time with their dogs and treat them like valued members of their household and produce well socialized pups.[/quote]

I found obedience class to be an excellent and safe way of socializing Kavik. Your lucky you have a dog park with areas for large and small dogs. Best of Luck.

My [i]city[/i] vet charges between, I think as low as $35 to $95 for male desexing. (Canadian ) This does not include pre-surgery bloodwork which is optional. He is big on spay/neuter so he does it cheap, he is also an excellent vet, unfortunately he is away doing speaking engagements more and more. 1 Canadian Dollar = 0.64977 Euro 1 Euro (EUR) = 1.53902 Canadian Dollar (CAD) 1 Canadian Dollar = 1.08761 Australian Dollar 1 Australian Dollar (AUD) = 0.91945 Canadian Dollar (CAD) 1 Canadian Dollar = 0.76705 US Dollar 1 US Dollar (USD) = 1.30370 Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Good point on breeders not selling to people in apartments. I had not even considered not being able to get into obedience classes - is this a problem even in areas without BSL?

What's it mixed with? For info provided to people considering adopting a general pit type dog: [url]http://www.pbrc.net/breedinfo.html[/url] I know they are not suggested for first time dog owners. You should look into BSL or pending BSL in your area. You should carefully research the breed. You should be willing to spend plenty of time excercising it. You should take it to obedience. I have known a two responsible [i]Staffordshire Bull Terrier[/i] owners who have succesfully lived with their pups in apartments, just took a little work.

I would just like to clarify. You can be a good small scale breeder or a bad small scale breeder. Bad small scale breeders are BYBs, good small scale breeders are: 1. Not going to make a profit. 2. Breed rarely. 3. Are concerned with the betterment of the breed. 4. Are very selective as to who their pups go to. 5. Do all nec. health checks. 6. ARE THE PEOPLE WHO MANY OF US LOOK TO GET OUR PETS FROM. 7. Spend plenty of time with their dogs and treat them like valued members of their household and produce well socialized pups. I'm sure there are plenty of other qualities people can use to seperate Breeders from BYBs. As for larger scale breeders . . . I have not seen or heard of a single one who I would consider GOOD yet, so I guess I view all large scale breeders as Puppy Millers.

No need to apologize - You sure had a rough day, glad your pups were there to make it better. :D

[quote]its bad enough at 5/6months[/quote] You've had/seen/heard of 5/6 month olds having a bad time of it with desexing? We had Zaphod done at 5 months and Tyr done at around 10 months and Zaphod had a much easier time with it than Tyr.

I couldn't find a good rescue page for the BT (strange because usually rescue sites are awsome for explaining about the breed and the needs and what makes a good home for their breed) but here is a fairly good reference: [url]http://www.redtaildesign.com/sprite/breed/[/url] Search out more and maybe email some rescue groups directly for more info.

[quote]Where do you think the dog was for past month?[/quote] Not sure, my guess would be that he was out with their family. They have a lot of family and lately have had plenty of visists from them and are beginning to have a whole slew of neices and nephews by. Maybe they are getting some support from their family in regards to their issues. So far the longest Jack has been tied out (without people out there with him) was a half hour, he also does seem much calmer. I hope this is the case and not just wishful thinking. I'll keep an eye out and if nec. contact the Jack Rescue group and have them send another brochure out, anonymously.

I think most people who go to obedience class also train at home. For me obedience class was an excellent way to socialize Kavik who was having some issues with appropriate behaviour. Going out to obedience is also fun, you get to talk to other dog owners, go out and do something with your dog etc. I have had dogs whom we did not take to obedience and just trained at home - they were all just fine. I don't think that obedience classes are nec. for all dogs - some truly benefit from it though and some few do [b]need[/b] it and as again it is fun.

[quote]truely bond to everyone in the family and even to strangers [color=red]if said stranger has a treat[/color].[/quote] :lol: Hmmm, maybe Zaphod is part Keeshond. :lol:

Before you decide to get a BC look here. [url]http://www.bcrescue.org/[/url] [url]http://www.bcrescue.org/book/index.html[/url] I'm sure there are rescue sites for any breed. Check a couple rescue sites for any breed you may be interested in. They should have plenty of info on what that specific breed requires, pay attention to any common reasons for surrender. Also once you choose a breed you will already have a good source to find a dog for adoption.

I have not done personal research, just info from our vet here, whom I trust. His preference is to spay/neuter two weeks after all shots are complete. We were placing a stray cat in a home and wanted it spayed before it went and he was willing to spay her and she was just under three months.

Some of you may remember my concerns about the Jack Russel next door - Jack. Well he had been gone for a month and I was hoping they had finally given him up to the South Western Ontario Jack Russel Rescue but he was back yesterday. On the up side he has not been tethered in the yard for long periods of time as of yet. Perhaps Psychotic Rageholic Neighbour man has had some anger counseling and has taken some doggie info to heart?

Courtnek you are doing wonderfully with Laurel! I'm sure its no surprise to anyone here that you won her over and helped her to come out of her shell.

OK Border Collies Very intelligent and eager to please, a Border Collie is highly trainable. These traits also require daily mental stimulation or your BC may become frustrated or depressed. Border Collies are also very athletic and agile dogs. They excell at agility, flyball, herding and flying disc games. Any prospective owners should strongly consider one of these activities or another activity that satisfies the BCs need to [b]work[/b] and excercise. BCs will be much happier and well adjusted if they have a "job" to do for you. Obedience is excellent for this purpose. They do require plenty of socialization as they are an intense breed. Some BCs have issues with other dogs due to the staring thing. Some BCs cannot be trusted with small children or other household pets as they may try to herd them or nip, with work some BCs will behave well with children and other pets but may always have a tendency to chase, for this reason elderly cats and very small children may not be the best housemates. BCs are very sensitive dogs and harsh corrections can be disasterouse, in fact some BCs are so sensitive and intuitive that their chagrin at not doing what you want may be enough correction for some behaviours. The only challenge with training BCs that I have encountered is "anticipation" the dog may try to anticipate what you want or cycle through other trained behaviours to see which one you want. Due to their being pack animals (dogs) and due to their sensitivity they should not be an outdoor only dog although they have excellent coats and may enjoy lots of outdoor playtime so a large secure yard is desirable.

Thanks Abker, maybe they will take them later.

They're not taking more reviews at this time. :(