SizzleDog

I'm just now sure how to bring up the issue with my parents. They're paying for my tuition, and they consider my education my #1 priority. The dog I'm thinking about getting is a VERY small (4.5lb, 9" at the shoulder) Toy Fox Terrier - 16 months old, female, sweet dog. The first step is to see if she and Ilsa woud get along (which I think they will). Second step is to see how my classes go next year - I need to know for sure if I can handle a second dog. Third step (and the scariest/hardest step) is convincing my parents that I can handle her. The dog is paper trained, crate trained, and obedience trained - she is being spayed and is being potty trained (no more paper training). The breeder has already agreed to take her for a semester when I have to go to Rome in a couple years. The dog only eats 1/4 Cup of food per day - she's tiny! Do you guys have any insight as to how I can break it to my parents? Those of you withmultiple dog households - how much more work is it when you add a second dog?

Where is this dog beach? Is it the one in Chicago? I really want to go to the one in Chicago, bu I don't know if I'll have time this summer.

Need pics need pics need pics! I live in Iowa, so I see a few Loteki dogs - I actually groom two littermates to Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being (the dog that won Westminister). I've always loved paps - my aunt was thinking about getting one from Diandee for awhile, but ended up adopting a mini schnauzer/corgi mix from a mentor of mine (yeah... who know a 14 year old finished champion mini schnauzer could still sire litters... he'd been declared sterile... apparently he wasn't shooting blanks!)

it's a toy fox terrier

I was bored in Chemistry... :oops: [img]http://img35.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/100_1599.jpg[/img]

Hey guys - I've decided to build a website - Corrie saw it last night, but I figured I'd share it with "the rest of the class". It's still largely unfinished, but I'm slowly working on completing it. the URL is [url]http://www.geocities.com/sizzzle_dog/index.html[/url] Is there anything else you'd like to see on the site? and here are a few photos of Ilsa... just to make this post pretty... [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5276%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B5%3A56394ot1lsi[/img] [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5276%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B5%3A5%3A97%3Aot1lsi[/img] [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5276%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B5%3A5%3C597ot1lsi[/img] [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5276%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B5%3A5%3C5%3A3ot1lsi[/img] [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5276%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B5%3A656%3B7ot1lsi[/img] (Ilsa's Daddy) [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5276%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B5%3A68986ot1lsi[/img] (back to Ilsa) [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5276%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B5%3A784%3B9ot1lsi[/img] [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5276%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B5%3A87993ot1lsi[/img] [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5276%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B5%3A8%3B4%3C2ot1lsi[/img] Okay okay okay... that's enough for now! Yeesh, I should have warned you... I love taking photos!

My breed comes in black&rust, red&rust, blue&rust, fawn&rust, and occaisonally albino (which is NOT a good thing). When choosing a dog, color should be the last thing you think about. Does your friend want a dog? Can they adequately take care of a dog?

I also disagree about the assumption that dobes aren't good with other animals. Do you guys see any disagreements in these photos? I sure don't... and most of these are dominant Dobermans! [img]http://img35.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/100_0799.jpg[/img] [img]http://img35.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/pfsig.jpg[/img] [img]http://img35.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/100_1026.jpg[/img] [img]http://img35.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/100_1034.jpg[/img] [img]http://img35.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/100_1043.jpg[/img] [img]http://img35.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/100_1479.jpg[/img] [img]http://img35.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/100_1476.jpg[/img] [img]http://img35.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/100_1486.jpg[/img]

[quote]I have to admit, I have somewhat of a foot fetish on dogs.[/quote] OMG so do I! The vet I used to work for had a Golden Retriever... what perfect little feet! The things that I immediately look at on a dog are feet (including nails - I'm anal retentive when it comes to nails), coat condition, front angulation and forechest (what can I say, I'm a dobe person), and HEADS... I've been spoiled - my breeder really knows how to breed a nice head, and I'm a sucker for facial expression.

No no no no no... don't cut the hair! I think it's great that you can keep THREE dogs in coat - the way I see it... that fantastic coat is a breed characteristic that should be taken care of and preserved - just like the rest of the dog. And no, the pet Superstores don't carry Innova (which is made by Natura Foods). If you want a good quality food that is available at PetSmart, check out BLUE. At Petco, you can find Sensible Choice and Natural Balance - both of which I like better than BLUE, but check out whichever is more convenient.

Thanks Hillside - since I'm new here, I didn't want to rain on this parade... but jilld's site has grossly inaccurate information - I would never want my dog's photos linked to a site that can be so damaging to the breeds in question.

I would try something a bit more appetizing - Innova is a very strong, rich food - it might entice her to eat. Cottage cheese can also be used but be careful - some dogs can't handle it, and get diarrhea. You may also be interested to know that Nutro has a high level of copper in it. Shih Tzus aren't prone to Copper Toxicosis (in general), but I'm still very hesitant to recommend Nutro. IMO, there are better foods out there. Nutro has almost gone the way of Iams/Euk - it used to be food food, but then it got popular and the quality decreased dramatically. BTW - is that your Shih Tzu in your avatar? If so... kudos to keeping your dog in coat!

Have you considered dremeling? I've found that dremeling works great for dogs that hate having their nails done. It's safer, it makes for a shorter and rounder nail, it looks a lot nicer... no rough edges... :D I strongly advise that you check out the instructions by DoberDawn at [url]http://www.greytalk.com/~jrosenberg/dremel/dremel.htm[/url] <-- here you can learn how to acclamate your dog to the rotary tool, proper technique, etc. This little tutorial just outlines what I do, and some techniques that I've found work well. OUR PROCEDURE First I set out my supplies so they're ready for when I do Ilsa's nails. I have the following supplies on hand: ~ rotary tool ~ treats (Ilsa gets one big cookie per foot) ~ styptic powder (I've never had to use it) ~ no loose clothing ~ Safety Goggles!!! Nail dust in the eyes hurts like heck! "They're for your own safety, Ma'am!" NOTE; goggles are for you, not your dog! [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A3584%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B%3B57%3A767ot1lsi[/img] After everything is laid out, I call Ilsa and she assumes the usual position - flopped over on her side. I've found that this is the easiest way - for you and the dog - to do the nails. [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A3584%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B%3B57%3A758ot1lsi[/img] Then I sit down behind the dog and lean over her to do the nails - I find that this calms her and keeps her from escaping - it's also a great vantage point and allows great access to all four feet. [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A3584%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B%3B57%3A756ot1lsi[/img] I hold the rotary tool like a big (and heavy) pen... like this: [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A3584%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B%3B57%3A752ot1lsi[/img] When I do each toe - I support the tow with my other hand and extend the nail a bit by pressing on the toe pad: [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A3584%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B%3B57%3A753ot1lsi[/img] Finished Product: [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A3584%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B%3B57%3A75%3Bot1lsi[/img] [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A3584%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B%3B57%3A763ot1lsi[/img] She gets her treats.... [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A3584%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B%3B57%3A764ot1lsi[/img] ...and is a happy girl! [img]http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A3584%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3C%3D39%3B%3D4%3B3%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B%3B57%3A759ot1lsi[/img]