Kerislc

I pay a lot less for Scout's Wysong than I did when I fed him Science Diet (yep, another one of my learning experiences). If you go to any of the websites for foods that AllAmericanPUP listed, they should have a store finder. Also, there are a lot of good threads on here about dog nutrition. It sure has enlightened me! Good luck!

[quote]Also if you're considering a Bichon, you might look into Havanese or Coton De Tuleaurs [/quote] I love the Havanese! I think they are great dogs, but good breeders are hard to find. Plan on paying up, too.

I have been getting allergy shots and guess what??? Dogs don't bother me anymore at all! We had my sister in law's dog last weekend and he didn't bother me at all. The doc says I will have to continue them forever because of my allegies with pollen and such. Anyway, that has been the only thing keeping us from getting Kasey a dog. He would like a bigger dog that he could take running, hiking, etc with him. We have been looking at the shelters and found one that we really like (I tried to find his pic on petfinder, but I can't seem to find him). We want to get an older dog that is quite calm. Scout gets nervous around big hyper dogs. What kinds of things should be consider before getting another dog? We have an 8 foot high fence around our yard and the dog would get plenty of exercise with Kasey. I want to make a really good decision and really be sure that we are ready for another dog. Any suggestions?

I think you bring up a great point. I, as well, came to this forum to learn what I could about being a good, responsible dog owner. I bought a dog that was "bred to be cute." It was stupid, irresponsible, and I am extremely embarassed about it now. I got very lucky and have a happy, healthy, wonderful dog that I want to take great care of. Next time, will I do things differently? You bet! I feel like I have learned a lot of great things on this forum and I am able to help others around me to be great owners as well. I think the fact that people have taken the time to find this forum and ask questions is great. It is more than can be said of the average dog owner. I think we must all see this as an educational forum and some are just ahead of others. I still learn something new everytime I browse the new threads because I am still in Dog Ownership 101. That does not mean that I don't care about my dog, I am just in the process of learning. I think at times we forget that it is a process.

Completely different dog (shih tzu), exact same experience. Scout refused to play with the other dogs in his puppy class. I thought he would get over it, but he never did. To this day, he will only really play with my mother in law's dog. I don't know if that is typical for Dobe's but I do know that there are come dogs that are just indifferent to other dogs. Is he friendly with people? My Scout ran around the room and played with the other owners along the perimeter :lol: .

I have a shih tzu mix and I think he got all of the best traits. He has a sturdy little body (about 11 pounds) and can handle quite a bit of wrestling with my husband. Most of the shih tzu's I have met are not real heavy barkers, mine only does when we are playing outside. Scout was potty trained by 11 weeks, though I don't think that is typical. If socialized and trained correctly they can be very good with kids. Scout and my aunts shih tzu both tolerate children like you wouldn't believe. They carry him around like a baby and he LOVES it! Mine is also very smart and learns commands very quickly. Shihtzu's can be very stubborn and aloof so be aware of that. Grooming is also something to keep in mind. I spend about 15 minutes a day, but I also keep my pup pretty long. I think they are great dogs, but can be ugly, so make sure you check out the parents. Good luck on your search!

I used to work for a chiropractor and he would give his dog adjustments sometimes. He would use the same tachnique that he used on really small children and used pressure points instead of the cracking.

Sending good thoughts and luck your way! Good luck Peanut!

I have made plenty of mistakes, but like Courtnek said, the longer you own a dog or dogs, the fewer you make. I think about all of the things I did wrong, or didn't do at all with Scout and I get embarassed. I am just glad I have everyone here at Dogo to help me so I don't make more mistakes than I have to. :D

I got mine neutered at 4 months and I am so glad I did. He has never developed any of those habits associated with an intact male dog.

I have been putting some leftover chicken, and the kong stuffers in there and then cement it all with melted cheese. Scout figured out how to get the kong treats out really easily, but it makes it very hard with all of the rest stuffed in there. He worked on it for about 3 hours last night.

Kasey does the same thing and then gets frustrated when Scout doesn't obey. I just laugh. :roll:

I will keep my fingers crossed for you!

That sounds like a fun day for your pup, minus the vet visit of course :) .

Oh, I am SO excited for you! Good luck with the search.

Good girl! That is great!

Scout had a favorite spot and unfortunatly, it was in my garden. This spring, since I am getting ready to plant it, I have had to train him to a different spot. Everytime I see him digging there I tell him no, pick him up and take him to the side of the house. Then I dig to show him it is ok. I look like a complete idiot and my husband laughs at me, but it worked.

That is a great article jweissg. I read that when I Scout started doing the same thing. My dog went through the same phase and after about 4 months is finally coming out of it. I kept up his training and we would practice his recall all the time. He was still naughty and would totally ignore me even though he knew exactly what I wanted. It is probably just a phase. Within the last few weeks Scout has started listening perfectly. I sure yours will do the same thing.

:evil:

I think I am just WAY too sensitive. It is nice to know that I can calm down a little and my dog won't hate me. :D

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

Good luck to you to ShatteringGlass! I don't have any donations yet, but I am calling a bunch of people today to guilt them into giving money :evil:

Ok, I hope this makes sense. I have been wondering for a long time. Scout rarely gets left home alone for extended periods of time. He is usually alone for about 6 hours during the day and that is it. Once in a while, Kasey and I would like to go to dinner and a movie or something and I feel so bad leaving him after he has been home all day. He has a doggie door and can go in and out as he pleases, but I still think he must get lonely. So, here is my question. Lets say I leave him for 6 hours while I am at work, then I come home for 2 hours and we go out again for 5 hours. I would never leave him home for 11 hours straight, but is it just as bad even though I spend a couple hours with him inbetween? And, by the way, how long is too long to leave your dog? I start feeling extremely guilty after about 6 hours, but does he even care? Scout has no problems with separation anxiety or anything. He just plays with his toys and sits on the back porch all day long. Even when we are at home that is what he does.

I signed Scout and I up for the Strut your Mutt walk on May 14. It benefits No More Homeless Pets in Utah. I sent out emails to my friends and family this morning to try to get them to donate. Scout and I have set a goal of $750. I copied our page at the bottem so you can track our progress with us! I am so excited! I think it will be so much fun (and a good cause too). [url]http://www.active.com/donate/strutyourmutt2005/scout[/url]

What a darling puppy! Keep taking those pictures.