Sanvean

He's an incredible control freak. I wish someone would start another Maltese forum.

Yes, I should have added that you need to exercise caution when choosing a trainer. Some old-fashioned trainers use forceful methods that don't work well and can even make matters worse. Here's a site with some tips: [url]http://www.inch.com/~dogs/tips.html[/url]

Health issues were another issue for me. While Malts aren't prone to some of the terrible defects that other breeds are (like heart-valve probs in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels), I was worried about taking in a dog only to lose it, or spend thousands of dollars on surgery. That said, I am happy that I adopted a "retiree." Macy is only 5 and has plenty of energy left. She is well-trained and well-socialized, and we didn't have to go through any of the trying puppy behaviors :)

Three months? What did you call him in the meantime? :lol:

Just curious how everyone came up with their pets' names. Macy was "Magic" when we got her. I thought it was an OK name, but it didn't do a whole lot for me. I wanted something similar, though, so we wouldn't confuse her. I thought about "Maggie," but I knew SO many Maggies that I decided against it. I was editing the soap-era column at work (I work at a newspaper) and saw the name Macy. I didn't know any other Macys, so I went with that :) Janie and Pawnee (our kitties) came to us with their names. Nimo, my Siamese kitty's name, is "Geronimo." I think my college boyfriend came up with that one.

Or a Maltese -- you could have Maltibas!

[url]www.doggynames.com[/url] is a good site

I'm so glad that you're having the mom and dad spayed :) We can't wait to see photos of the babies!

I voted for the toys, of course, because they're tiny, cuddly and portable! :iloveyou:

It depends on what kind of puppy and where you're getting it from :)

I noticed that most of the dogs don't have conformation champions in the pedigree, but it does appear that they do field work, which I think is just as good :) (Of course, depends on what you want your puppy for!)

Many dog food companies' Web sites have feeding guides, as well.

I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but I despise cops. Ninety-five percent of them are jerks on power trips. I moved in "alternative" (goth, punk, etc.) circles in HS and college and can't tell you how many times my friends and I were harrassed because of the way we looked. Almost every cop I've ever known personally was a grown-up bully.

I agree that it probably will be hard to find a home for a dog her age. She probably will be best with you...just try to give her extra cuddles!

One of the first dogs I ever knew was a rottie/lab mix (this was probably about 20 years ago). He used to steal my hair ribbon and run off with it :) His name was Bruno, and I adored him. The vast majority of dogs do not turn aggressive for no reason. (In fact, I can't think of a single case where one has -- it's almost ALWAYS because the animal has been abused, is in acute pain, etc.) So if he is not that way now, I wouldn't be concerned about it happening later. If you have met this dog and are comfortable with him, and he has been properly tested for any aggressive tendencies, I would give him a chance! He sounds like a sweet dog.

Another thing that often happens is that class B dealers go around to these people's houses and take the kittens, puppies, etc., acting as if they want to adopt them, then sell them for research.

Vote for your favoite group above! (For more info, go to [url]http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/group.cfm[/url])

Addendum: I was curious to see what Seattle Times readers wrote in response to this column. Here's a link: [url]http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=satlets21&date=20030621&query=pit+bull[/url]

Good letter! I should also add that I have yet to hear back from the writer.

Well, I don't necessarily agree "the sooner the better' -- say, 3 or 4 months is still long before most dogs have started spraying, etc. -- but I do see why some shelters do this. A lot of the pets will never get altered otherwise.

If your dog is being aggressive, you NEED to consult a professional trainer. This is not something to mess around with.

Bentley, I'm not banned...I just got tired of half my posts not showing up. And the half that he does choose to post, he usually responds to with a snotty comment. He seems to dislike me for some reason. The discussion here is much freer (and more interesting, IMHO). Unfortunately, there aren't too many Malt people around!

Well, Yorkies are from England, so how about an English name? Here are the top boys' and girls' names from England in 2002: Boys: 1. Jack 2. Joshua 3. Thomas 4. James 5. Daniel 6. Benjamin 7. William 8. Samuel 9. Joseph 10. Oliver Girls: 1. Chloe 2. Emily 3. Jessica 4. Ellie 5. Sophie 6. Megan 7. Charlotte 8. Lucy 9. Hannah 10. Olivia For a boy, I like Benjamin and Oliver the best. For a girl, I like Ellie, Sophie and Olivia.

Mouse, that would be a cute "Funniest Home Video," wouldn't it? :) Jay went to Lowe's last night and got some wide, lightweight wood panels we're going to put over the top of the pen. Hopefully that will help! (We'll see when I go home for lunch today!) Kiwi, I'll put some wedding info in NDR shortly!

Oh, duh...my brain is on vacation today! Sorry! :oops: