Getting my first dog. Advice? Help?

[EvilHamsterOnCrack]

Around christmas-time I will be getting my first dog. I'm looking for any kind of "dog 101" resources that'll really explain to me what it is to be a dog owner. How to train, when to feed (and how many times), when to exercise, how to teach to play games and know his name, etc... I've always wanted a dog, but my mom has a phobia or something and would NEVER let us have one. Now that I'm moved out and have a bit of money that I don't mind spending, I'm gonna get one. I know it will be a pretty big lifestyle shift, but I really don't mind it, and I think it'll add some structure to my life.

Really though, I'm worried I don't know enough of the doggy-basics to make him be a really good dog. Anything else I need to consider? Any resources I can look at? I'm serious about this, so don't be nice, be truthful.

[ZipperJJ]

What breed have you decided on?
How big is your home?
Will you be getting a new puppy or a young dog or an adult dog?
Do you have a fenced-in-yard or will you be walking the dog?
How much will the dog be alone during the day?

Keeping/housing/raising a dog is one topic, and the first topic you need to plan out when you get a dog. Training is secondary to that. First tell us about the dog and the living and exercising situation.

[otternell]

one thing I have found as a good part of housebreaking, is to feed the dog its meal, then take it for a walk (or outside in the yard, whatever) so that it gets used to going and "conducting business".

We had a dog that wouldn't pee when he went outside, but as soon as you brought him in, he would. So we took out a glass of water, and dribbled it on the ground thinking that maybe the sound would give him a hint, and it actually worked! He peed and we praised him up one side and down the other - you would have thought he just tap danced or did a somersault! But that pretty much ended that housebreaking problem.

Dogs generally (each breed is different so YMMV) like exercise, so be prepared to take the dog for walks.

If its a small dog, don't let it get into bad habits just cause its small. I have a min pin and that dog is a terror because we didn't do a good job correcting annoying habits when he was a pup.

Don't let your dog get used to the idea of biting people as play time. That's a hard habit to break once its started.

I have heard clicker training is effective - and a cheap way to approximate it is a few coins in a can with the lid taped on. When doggie is naughty, shake the can and say "no!". the noise from the can should be startling enough to help stop whatever action is the problem.

Most importantly love your dog and have fun playing!

Seriously though - get a book from the library. or check out a website, this is a pretty big topic, and on a MB, even this one, you will get lots of advice. Hell there will be people telling me I'm all wrong probably!

[ReticulatingSplines]

The one thing I'd say is don't succumb to the temptation to anthropomorphize the dog's behavior. I know they're very smart and very human-like sometimes, but it doesn't do the dog any good. I once had a friend who insisted that his dog had ripped up his curtains as revenge for scolding it about something, which obscured the real issue--the dog was bored while he was out. I also know people who won't crate their dogs because they insist it's "cruel," but dogs are different than adult humans. Humans also "crate" even their own babies anyway, but I digress. Evaluate its behavior from a dog perspective and not a human one.

[Hanna]

Originally Posted by otternell

I have heard clicker training is effective - and a cheap way to approximate it is a few coins in a can with the lid taped on. When doggie is naughty, shake the can and say "no!". the noise from the can should be startling enough to help stop whatever action is the problem.

I've done clicker training with my puppy, and coins in a can is actually the complete opposite of what you are trying to accomplish with a clicker.

A clicker is used to reinforce positive behavior- i.e. reward the behavior you want the dog to continue doing. So when you ask for a sit and the dog sits, you click and feed a treat. When you ask for a sit and he doesn't, no click, no treats. If a dog is naughty, that means he isn't being closely supervised.

My suggestions: Get a dog who is older and already trained, and then attend a brush up class to train you.

[otternell]

Originally Posted by Hanna

I've done clicker training with my puppy, and coins in a can is actually the complete opposite of what you are trying to accomplish with a clicker.

A clicker is used to reinforce positive behavior- i.e. reward the behavior you want the dog to continue doing. So when you ask for a sit and the dog sits, you click and feed a treat. When you ask for a sit and he doesn't, no click, no treats. If a dog is naughty, that means he isn't being closely supervised.

thanks for the clarification!

[Hello Again]

Originally Posted by otternell

thanks for the clarification!

And a proper clicker costs like 3/$1 at Petsmart - your "cheaper alternative" is probably more expensive, after you figure in the soda.

The most important animal handling advice I can give is BE CONSISTENT. Don't reward the dog one time, then turn around and punish him for the same thing. This = crazy dog.

For example, you can't praise the dog for jumping up on you, then punish him for jumping up on guests. If you don't want the dog jumping up on people, you have to correct and eliminate the jumping-up behavior, even if you personally kind of like it, and even if the jump-on person kind of likes it. A lot of people *don't* like it and find it scary. You can't train 99.9% of dogs to interact with people on a case by case basis like that.

[araminty]

I agree with ZipperJJ - we need to know a bit more about your situation before we can offer meaningful advice.

Having said that, here's some advice

Find your local off-leash dog park, and just go and visit. Tag along with a friend and their dog if you feel awkward in going solo. See what the other dogs and owners are like, and read the posted park rules, so when you bring your own dog you'll be properly prepared. I think most dogs benefit from the socialization and excercise they get at dog parks - and it's just fun, for dog and owner.

[Surly Chick]

I used the pennies in a can to train one dog and it was a disaster. He was forever afraid of any unexpected noise after it. It may be personality dependant so YMMV. My current dog is a holy terror and nothing worked. I had some slight success with reward based training but nothing to brag about. He's just a stubborn brat. But I love him anyway!

[EvilHamsterOnCrack]

What breed have you decided on?
Looking for a mutt, medium sized, probably something with some lab in it. Right now, I'm in talks with the owner of an 8mo old Beagle/Lab mix. Assuming she can't find someone to adopt it by Christmas (when I'm getting my puppy, I want to have a few solid weeks to dedicate to it where I'm not in classes at all), I'm really considering getting it.

How big is your home?
I live in a fraternity house. 20 rooms, lots of hallways and big public rooms. After a while I'd be comfortable with it roaming (we've had lots of dogs live with their owners in the past and they've been allowed to run around, people aren't stupid enough to let them out of the house and everyone enjoys the company of a dog). However, my actual room (where the crate will be and the dog will spend a good amount of time) is fairly small, which is why despite the fact that I like big dogs more, I'm getting a medium sized dog. I move out in about a year or so.

Will you be getting a new puppy or a young dog or an adult dog?
Looking for a dog around ~1 year old. Still young enough to grow up with, but past the initial puppy stage. I don't think I'm expert enough about dogs to raise a puppy from the few weeks/months stage.


Do you have a fenced-in-yard or will you be walking the dog?
Walking. We have a good bit of green space on campus for me to take him to, as well as a dog park down the road. Do not have a fenced-in-yard at all, unfortunately. I completely understand that a dog needs its exercise, and I'll take him out multiple times a day for walks and play-time, not including fetch in the long hallways and all the running around he'll get in the house.

How much will the dog be alone during the day?
After a while, not much. Only when I'm at class, so a few hours a day. By summer-time, I'll be working 9-5, but there'll be people around to take him out (I'll make sure of that!), and also by that time, hopefully he will be comfortable enough with the house to be able to be outside of my room by himself. If he's not, obviously I won't let him, but earlier dogs in the house were completely ok on their own around the house. Regardless, I will be taking him out before work and when I get back, so I think it should be fine.


How are those answers? Am I too naive about this? Am I missing things? Please, be critical, I truly understand that this is a living creature that I will be responsible for, and I don't want to do it wrong.

[Munch]

Originally Posted by EvilHamsterOnCrack

I move out in about a year or so.

So what sort of dog are you planning on getting in about a year or so?

(Seriously - I can't in good conscience recommend someone get a dog while living in a frat house. I don't know you, your frat brothers, the environment, etc. - but I'd say hold off a year.)

[EvilHamsterOnCrack]

Originally Posted by Munch

So what sort of dog are you planning on getting in about a year or so?

(Seriously - I can't in good conscience recommend someone get a dog while living in a frat house. I don't know you, your frat brothers, the environment, etc. - but I'd say hold off a year.)

I can completely understand your viewpoint, but there have been numerous dogs that have come through the house and been raised in the house. They've all lived great lives, were great dogs, and had no problems. People in the house aren't dumb, and the dogs always end up very social and well loved by everybody. Considering I've seen it done at least 5 times in my house, and there is at least one dog in most of the 36 fraternities on this campus, I'm not going to take the fact that I live in a frat house to mean that I can't get a dog.

[Munch]

I didn't mean to imply the environment would be bad for the dog - but that if I lived in a dorm next door to a dog and it was a barker, I'd want to kill you in your sleep. No way would I want to subject the rest of the inhabitants to that, regardless of how well other dogs did. But again - totally your call.

As for feeding him - the instructions are right on the bag. Choose a good dogfood (higher in protein, actual animals high on the ingredients list), weigh your dog, and check the chart on the bag (they all have them).

[EvilHamsterOnCrack]

Originally Posted by Munch

I didn't mean to imply the environment would be bad for the dog - but that if I lived in a dorm next door to a dog and it was a barker, I'd want to kill you in your sleep. No way would I want to subject the rest of the inhabitants to that, regardless of how well other dogs did. But again - totally your call.

As for feeding him - the instructions are right on the bag. Choose a good dogfood (higher in protein, actual animals high on the ingredients list), weigh your dog, and check the chart on the bag (they all have them).

As far as specifics go, and I know that wasn't what you were implying, but I'm gonna reply to it anyhow, the house is buzzing with excitement about the dog, and I actually have to get everyone to sign a slip of paper to approve it, so I think it'll be fine.

Thanks for the responses!

[LVBoPeep]

On the beagle mix- make sure, in your situation, that the person is not getting rid of it because it's a barker. As a (former) vet employee, by far the most common barking complaints came from beagle owners and it's really hard to stop, especially if you won't be with them 24/7.

I wouldn't worry so much about the frat house situation so much as the fact that you are in a transitory part of your life- just make sure you will want the added problem of finding pet-friendly housing when you graduate, keep in mind if you are not in a relationship, that things may change. It does no favors to the dog if you are not in a position of life long commitment. I don't say that as a judgement- I made several animal related mistakes when I was college-age (took care of and kept for life, but if I could do it over again, would have been a little less dog crazy! Now we have 7!!) so believe me, I know about "having" to have it. Just make sure you are ready.

Get a crate, read up on crate training. Do obedience classes. Teach your dog to "go lay down" and stay there. Sounds simple, but as the owner of a 5 working border collies, that is the most important thing they learn in the house. Once they get used to the idea that they don't have to "do" something every minute of the day- of course we keep them busy with work- they learn to have an off switch and just hang out with you.

[AuntiePam]

You're already getting good advice and it sounds like your dog will be coming to a good place, so all I have to add is something I read last week that surprised me. I was googling about teething, and found a site where a vet warned against dogs playing with tennis balls. Tennis balls are really popular dog toys, but this vet said that they're not good for their teeth. He said the fuzz on the ball attracts grit/dirt, and chewing on them is like rubbing sandpaper on their teeth -- it gradually wears on the enamel.

[redtail23]

Getting an older dog is a great idea. A baby puppy as your first dog can be a disaster.

I would not bring a new dog into a frat house simply because then I would have to spend the rest of his life fighting all the bad habits that other people taught him. Eight months is still pretty young, but by the time you move out he'll have some deeply ingrained habits. Not to say that a dog can't be retrained, but it's a regal PITA. Just MHO, tho.

I wouldn't have nearly as much problem with bringing a dog I had already raised/trained into that environment - he'd already have formed the habits I wanted to live with and, at worst, I'd have to remind him of those. Again, this has to do with bringing in a *new* dog to a new environment. How many of the dogs that have lived there were *new* dogs as opposed to people bringing their dogs from home?

If you can, take the time to get to know the dog before you agree to adopt. Can you bring him home for a day or two on a test run?

This would (1) give you some idea of the habits already trained into the dog that you might want to consider before deciding on that dog (e.g., barking, nipping, etc.), and (2) let you see if this is a dog that would be happy in the frat environment. Training a dog is usually fairly simple (although beagles tend to be difficult), but breaking bad habits can be a real bitch.

Definitely crate train the dog. Although it can be miserable at first to train an older dog, it's absolutely terrific later when the dog has a safe den to go to whenever he wants. It also makes moving/traveling much easier - home is where his den is.

Do give some serious thought to what happens after you graduate. It can be very difficult to find pet-friendly housing in some locations. What will you do if you can't find an affordable apartment that allows dogs in the same city as your dream job? I live in a college town, and it's absolutely disgusting the number of dogs that get dumped at the end of the year by college students who suddenly realize that they don't have any way to keep it after they graduate.

[Markxxx]

The most important thing to remember is if you go up to the dog and it says "meow," it's a cat

[Jack Batty]

An excellent tip, picked up from The Dog Whisperer, regards introducing the dog to your home.

When you bring him home, don't let him run right into the house when he's all excited, or nervous. Stay outside with him, on leash, and get him into that calm/submissive state ... basically sitting and looking at you and not excited. Then lead him into the house ... don't let him lead you.

So they say, this goes a long way in the dog psyche for learning exactly who's house it is in the first place. If you let him go hog wild right out of the gate, he'll get the impression that he's in charge and you don't want that.

[BigNik]

A puppy won't work well in that environment because you're going to have too many people giving it training messages and you need consistancy above all else in training. If you're telling the dog not to drink the bong water but your roommate's OK with it, the dog is going to learn that the rule is not to drink the bong water only when you're around.

Also, be prepared for horrendous vet bills. I've had a pup for about 9 weeks now and due to a case of salmonella that keeps recurring I've had to spend over $3000 in vet bills and I think that he's getting sick again, two weeks after he finished his course of antibiotics. Sure, I'm on the upper tail of the curve, but there's a chance that you could be, too.

[Dinsdale]

I think a frat house can be a great place to have a dog. Got my first pup when I was living with the other members of my band, after which I moved to a house with 8 guys. Always someone to play with the dog, walk him, watch him, etc.

You do have to be pretty strict about commands and such. Concentrate on a couple of basic commands - sit, stay, No, drop it - whatever you choose - and work them until the dog is great at it.

One benefit of your situation is that if you get a laid back dog, it will be very comfortable around all kinds of people and all kinds of situations.

Be sure to figure out how your frat feels about damage. It is not at all unlikely that your dog will cause some - especially if you let your guard down and just figure "someone is watching the dog."

And be very carfeful during parties. You'll be astounded how many folk think it cute to feed your pup beer.

[BigNik]

Originally Posted by Dinsdale

It is not at all unlikely that your dog will cause some - especially if you let your guard down and just figure "someone is watching the dog."

"Your dog pissed on my pillow."
"No, he didn't"
"Well it's still wet and I can smell piss."
"I didn't say that your pillow didn't get pissed on."

Ah, yes. The answer to "weren't you watching the dog" is always "no". Even when someone has agreed to do so, they weren't. How the person saw the dog eat their X-Box 360 will be an eternal mystery if they weren't watching them do it, but they weren't watching the dog.

Also, you will not sufficiently puppy-proof your place. Expect damages, but make sure that electrical cable (and powered speaker cable, and phone cable, and...) is never among them. Your $300 shoes are less valuable than your $4 extension cord. Treat it thusly.

[Ike Witt]

The book The Dog Breed Bible is a very good resource.

I am personally thinking that a Brittany or a Standard Poodle will be my next dog.

In addition to the advice you have been given so far, make sure you get the dog to a groomer at its youngest possible age.

[ZipperJJ]

I'll reiterate what others have said about raising a dog around a bunch of people.

You must train the people.

Most commands are basic and everyone will know them. Sit, stay, (lie) down. But "get off the couch" needs it's own command. Most people will say "down." But "down" means "lie down" to the dog. Gotta make sure everyone knows the command is "off."

Make sure everyone knows whether or not the dog is allowed on the furniture. If he's allowed on your bed that's cool. If other guys don't want him on their beds you probably need to make a "no furniture at all" rule. Doggy won't know a bed from a couch, but he'll know your bed.

Also, in the multi-person houses I've been in, people aren't good about keeping their stuff locked in their room, or making sure they don't leave food around. Gotta train the people to know that if they leave something around the dog most likely will get it. My dog likes shoes and paper, especially mail. She also chewed on my mom's dining room chairs. Yes, you have to train that out of the dog but it will be a group effort.

My dog knows the command "leave it," which we worked on in her school. None of my friends know this command. If she goes after something they have, they just sort of say "eep!" or "no!" or "Dolly!" That doesn't work too well. Once I tell them she knows "leave it!" and to say "leave it!" everything works out better.

Another thought about the crate...while that will eventually become his space that he goes to for feeling safe, sometimes he'll want a safe place where he can see all the action. If the crate is in your room but most of the socializing goes on in another room, make sure he has a bed there too so he always has somewhere to go to during parties but can still see everything.

Also don't forget that frat houses have turnover so just because there were dogs there before doesn't mean the new guys will know how to be with a dog. I'll say it again - train the people

[StGermain]

I have a standard poodle. They're great dogs, but a lot of coat care. I also have a doberman. They're all-around wonderful. Smart without being border collie-driven, very trainable, calm and devoted. Minimal coat care. Personally, if I was goiong to create a designer breed, I'd probably do a standard poodle and dobe cross. I just got a giant schnauzer puppy, and so far she's almost perfect.

But no dog is perfect, and it's important to recognize there'll be problems and accept that you'll have to deal with them. I would recommend an adult dog, because they have already grown out of the teething and will be housebroken. Even though you want a dog now, I think it would be better to wait until you're in a permanent living situation. As others have said, it's often hard to rent an apartment that will accept pets. What'll you do then? Unless you have a plan, I wouldn't do it.

StG

[Merneith]

Beagles can be hard to live with. Oh, they look all cute & innocent but don't believe it. I know we have some beagle fans on the board - and they do have their charms. But they're a whole lot of dog for such a little package. For a first time owner, I'd make sure the puppy was more laidback-lab than bossy-beagle.

Poodles are terrific dogs, and they bring a lot to the crossbreeds, like labradoodles and cockapoos. Labs are the classic 'starter' dog. They're a great choice but young labs will have more energy than you might expect.

My advice:
let him sleep with you and share the last bite of your meals with him (because family sleeps together and shares its food).
Consistency and routine are the keys to training.
Never be too busy to rub his belly.
If he's not already, get him fixed asap.
Stay on top of his flea & heartworm meds (whatever your vet recommends).
Also, get your vet to teach you how to trim his nails

Also, and not to be a downer but because this is part of being a good pet owner:
When the day comes for him to leave you, kiss him and do the right thing.

Come back and tell us all about it once you get your dog!

[Dinsdale]

Originally Posted by Ike Witt

I am personally thinking that a Brittany or a Standard Poodle will be my next dog.

I'm a big fan of Standard Poodles, but they are quite different from Brittanies in many respects. Every Brit I've known needs TONS of exercise. I'd only recommend them to someone who hunted, had a really big yard, and intended on spending a lot of time working it. And several Brits I've known (including the one I owned) really only seemed to care for the owner when being worked. Not consistently affectionate at-home pets.

[EvilHamsterOnCrack]

Thanks for the replies! This is exactly what I'm looking for... There's a lot to cover and respond to here so I'll try to get to it all.

@LVBoPeep: I certainly hope he's not a crazy barker. His adoption ad said he was 95% house trained, and the description said: "Chewing is now minimal, as is barking. He's still a little jumpy when he greets, but has finally started to calm down some and not be on "Puppy Freakout" mode ALL the time. He is a PUPPY tho, so he does still act like one. If you're wanting a nice, chill dog - he's not there yet. " I will try to schedule an opportunity to meet him before I adopt for sure, and I don't really even have my heart set on this dog in particular, he's just one that happened to stand out for me.

As far as my living situation, It's fairly likely I'll get a good job after graduation (I have one now), and finding pet friendly housing here in Atlanta shouldn't be bad at all. Definitely something to consider as far as moving though, as I did want to try to find a tech job in california, and finding pet-friendly housing over there might be difficult. I would rather have a dog though, to be honest.

I definitely want to crate train it. How hard is it crate training an older (~1 year old) dog vs. a puppy. I just feel bad if its not used to the crate to suddenly be sticking it in there. I will do it anyhow probably, but I'm just wondering what additional considerations (if any) there are.

@AuntiePam: And tennis balls get really soggy and gross. Good to know.

@redtail: 2 of those dogs were "new" dogs. They were both pretty friendly, and one was extremely well trained (the other one's owner was too lazy to properly train it, so hes the sweetest dog ever but barely listened. I saw him the other day, his owner graduated almost 3 years ago, and he's much better trained). As far as the rest of the house mis-training him goes, I had planned to talk to the whole chapter about the dog, but now I know that I'll take it a step further and point out exactly what commands I want to teach it (off vs. down, etc.) I will stress that its very important that the dog gets trained and isnt a fuckup. I know some people will probably do things behind my back, but I think I have enough good friends in the house, I'll be around enough, and there are enough dog people around to prevent it from becoming a serious problem. I'll ask the owner about the test run, and I think I got to the rest of your post in the reply to LVBBoPeep

@Markxxx: thanks. i'll remember that.

@Jack Batty: I heard from someone that the Dog Whisperer's tactics are not the best way to train a dog? Anyone know anything about this?

@BigNik: Good to know, I'll definitely stress not giving it mixed messages about things, and of course it'll happen a little bit, but hopefully I can curb it.

Any ideas on how to puppy-proof all the cords and stuff behind the TV? Most of our stuff is hidden behind a footlocker under the entertainment system, but I'm scared he'd get back there.

@ZipperJJ: Train the people. Got it. I'll make sure to do that. So, they'll all know the commands, and what the dog is allowed/not allowed to do. I know people are going to try to feed it beer. I've talked to a lot of people and really tried to emphasize that if they see anyone trying to do that or something like it, stop them!!

@StGermain: Lots of apartments around here accept dogs. Atlanta's a really good pet city.

@Merneith: Good advice. Can't let him sleep in my bed (or any bed for that matter), considering our beds are lofted and you need to climb a ladder to get up there. Everything else sounds good and totally doable.

[EvilHamsterOnCrack]

Separate question entirely: How does riding in the car with a dog work? I assume it has to be pretty well trained before it can ride in a car without a crate? How/when can I make that determination? The reason I ask, is because the only way for me to get to the dog park is with a car. Lots of parks within walking distance, but not the official off-leash dog park.

[rhubarbarin]

Originally Posted by EvilHamsterOnCrack

Separate question entirely: How does riding in the car with a dog work? I assume it has to be pretty well trained before it can ride in a car without a crate? How/when can I make that determination? The reason I ask, is because the only way for me to get to the dog park is with a car. Lots of parks within walking distance, but not the official off-leash dog park.

In my personal experience, most dogs are just fine in the car without a crate from the get-go, no training necessary. And most rescued dogs are going to have some experience with being driven. A small minority have anxiety issues, bark hysterically, vomit, etc. When you get the dog I would take a friend with you just in case he goes nuts, load him in the car, drive around the block, and see how he does. If he has a bad reaction, you'll know you should crate him.

[Dinsdale]

Originally Posted by EvilHamsterOnCrack

Separate question entirely: How does riding in the car with a dog work? I assume it has to be pretty well trained before it can ride in a car without a crate?

Never was an issue with me and my dogs. Many folk will tell you in cars dogs should be in crates or at least secured. Plenty of good reasons for that - but I never have. A simple (tho by no means optimal) way to secure the dog is to attach a leash to the seatbelt. And be careful about opening the window all the way, as dogs have frequently been known to jump out, even while the car is moving.

The only problem I ever had was when I was a kid, the only time our dog was allowed in the car was when he was going to the vet's - which he hated. So he was terrified of the car.

So basically I'd say just get the dog used to it - same way you ought to try to expose it to as many different people and situations as possible. Maybe have someone go with you the first couple of times, so they can drive while you take care of the dog - or vice versa. Once the dog realizes a dog park or something else fun is at the end of the ride, he'll be happy in the car.

What kind of car do you have? I ask, because IME it works best to have the dogs in the back seat. My newest car is a 62 Corvair - the rear seat flips down to create a carpeted area, and the 2 rear windws roll down so one dog can stick its head out each window, but the windows are too small for them to easily jump out. Works great! A modern hatchback or wagon could be quite similar.

Folk will tell you dogs shouldn't be allowed to stick their heads out the windows, as they could get stuff in their eyes. I guess it could happen, but never has for me, and I guess that's yet another way I'll continue to be an irresponsible dog owner.

Dogs differ in terms of how much they like the car. My previous dog loved to go in the car, just because it meant she'd be with us - even if it meant she'd be waiting for us in parking lots and such while we ran errands. Of my current 2 dogs, one really likes going for rides, and the other seems pretty ambivalent.

[EvilHamsterOnCrack]

UPDATE: I have picked out my dog and am bringing her home immediately after new years (i'll be out of town on new years and theres no reason to get a dog and then immediately leave it somewhere).

I'm getting a 2 year old Pit/Shepherd mix. Specifically, this 2 year old Pit/Shepherd mix.

I met her at the rescue shelter and she is absolutely the most loving, sweet, playful dog I've seen. She's pretty smart, already housetrained, crate trained, and slightly obedience trained (she listened to me at least tell her to sit, down, and stay). She let me rub her belly even though I'd just met her, which I thought was pretty sweet. She's 65lbs and is way stronger than that weight lets on.

[AuntiePam]

Originally Posted by EvilHamsterOnCrack

She's 65lbs and is way stronger than that weight lets on.

I think a pound of puppy equals two or three pounds of person. Our puppy is only 40 pounds and she can pull me off my feet if I'm not braced for the lunge.

Dolly looks awesome! Good kisser too!! Congratulations!

[Khadaji]

She looks like a sweety. Good luck!

[Sailboat]

Thank you for rescuing!

Dolly looks great! We have a pit mix and a full pit bull, both girls, and we really like them. They are indeed great kissers -- one pit bull bumper-sticker says "Changing opinions, one licky-face at a time!"

You've gotten lots of great advice. Two things I'll stress. First, make sure she gets a walk in the middle of the day, if you can. My wife works close to the home and comes home for lunch.

Second, there are certain considerations you ought to bear in mind because of the pit bull side of her heritage. People who see that head shape may think "pit bull" no matter what. Sometimes people respond differently to pit bulls than other dogs. Read up on the web and educate yourself for her benefit and protection.

There's a ton of pit bull sites and forums out there -- stay away from the gangsta backyard breeders, but otherwise you're best advised to look at a lot of them and make up your own mind which ones you want to bookmark.

A major consideration is possible dog aggression -- sometimes it develops as the dog matures. Socialize her around other dogs under controlled conditions (i.e., you're present and not on a cell phone) but also make SURE the frat house roomies ALL know not to leave her unsupervised with other dogs, and everyone takes door-discipline seriously. Most of the bad stories I read about dogs start with "somehow he got out." She may never develop dog aggression -- our full pit bull, Simone, is a dog-lover who rushes over to any dog in distress and starts licking him or her -- but you should keep alert to the possibility pretty much through her whole life.

The best ally any animal can have is a motivated, emotionally-involved human who wants to learn. My experiences with animals have consistently showed me that the more attention, learning, and time I spend with the animal, the more rewarding the entire relationship is for everyone concerned.

Lastly, I urge you to motivate your dog with positive leadership, as opposed to deterrence or punishment. Dogs are looking for someone to show them, to lead. Remember the post about the dog who peed outside after seeing the humans dribble water? Show, teach, reward! You will both be rewarded.

Please keep us updated!


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[ZipperJJ]

Dolly - a great name for a dog

ZipperJJ
Dolly's mommy

[Jackmannii]

Looks like a great dog - hope you'll have a good time together.