Thinking about a dog

[Amanda N]

Cali, I think you're going to be hard pressed to find a rescue agency that doesn't require a fenced in yard.  I've yet to hear of one who does.

Have you checked on petfinder.com?  That might be useful.

[Cali]

Petfinder is where I've been looking most, and that's where most of these rescue places are posting.  I found one on craigslist that I've been talking to, she sounds just like what we want, http://kansascity.craigslist.org/pet/912525771.html  so hopefully a meet goes well (it's like an hour drive, but it'll be worth it if she's the one)

[Amanda N]

Hey, she actually reminds me a bit of my inlaw's dog.  Is she part chow?

[Cali]

Not supposed to be, Border Terrier/Beagle.  She just looks like a brown beagle with shorter ears though which I like since hopefully that means that the Beagle side is more dominant than the Terrier side.

[Amanda N]

Sounds like she's had some training at least which is good.

They think my inlaw's dog is a mix between chow, lab, and german shepherd, but there's gottan be a smaller dog in there because she's only medium sized.

[Chelle]

I wish you the best of luck in your search, Cali.

As far as my experience with dogs...
I had a poodle growing up, my mom breeds them, but you said you don't want one of those.
My grandparents and most of my cousins have Yorkies, which I have helped to train, but you don't want one of those either.

Beagles: My cousin Amanda has a beagle. The only problem: Scooter is *very* possessive. When Amanda got married, the dog hated her husband. He pooped on the husband's pillow and all sorts of other things since he'd gotten used to sleeping in the bed. He's also a very high energy dog. Loves to play with everything and is a chewer. Most beagles, since they're originally hunting dogs like to run about and do need to be taken on walks and played with often.

Hm what might be another option... my friend Melinda has a corgi. They're hard to find and expensive but they're great. Frodo's great with kids, deals well with strangers, is small, is inside, and isn't high energy. He's also very smart.

Yeah towns have animal shelters, but your pickings there may be slim. If you really want something specific, you'd likely have to go with a breeder, but they usually won't be older dogs. Sometimes you can find older dogs in the paper though like when people are moving etc.

Anyway best of luck to you!

[Cali]

We got her! http://kansascity.craigslist.org/pet/912525771.html She was perfect (except she's not leash trained) so we snatched her up.  She had a great night in her crate, went right there when I told her to go to bed.  Has been playing great with the kids, stays out of the kitchen, doesn't jump on the furniture, hasn't barked or anything yet!  She about pulled my arm out of socket last night and this morning on our walks so I just picked up a harness for her which says will keep her from pulling, so I'm going to give it a try.  If it doesn't work I'll try one of those chain leashes, but those just seem kind of mean so I'd rather not.  I guess we're keeping the name Summer.  I don't really like the name, but she responds to it when she does all her tricks so I guess it's stuck.  So anyways, I'm excited, and thanks for everyone's support while I hunted about.  *hugs*

[Amanda N]

Our oldest cat is named summer.

As far as the choke chains, they aren't that mean.  They are only uncomfortable when they dog pulls on them and they tighten.  I've done a little dog training and once you get them trained, you can put them on a regular leash and save the choke chain for training.

Be careful on how you put on the choke chain.  There is a right way and a wrong way. The right way, you pull on it and it tightens, but it doesn't hold tight (unless you're constantly pulling on the leash which shouldn't be the case).  The other way, it won't loosen.  

Here's a site on how to make sure you're doing it correctly: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... 9&aid=1117

[Cali]

Thanksfor that link Amanda, if we use one I'll double check to make sure it's on right.

[Clancey]

just another suggestion Cali..

the illusion collar that Cesar Millan uses is great for pulling...just a suggestion clearly showing my bias toward Cesar's way LOL

Choke chains only work if they are corrective, otherwise you're just pulling for no reason.

You can also try a gentle leader it has a loop around their nose and that works great too!  

A harness is a great idea though!  You're doing great Cali

Im so happy you got a dog you're happy with!! CONGRATULATIONS

[Amanda N]

I agree with Clancey.  It has to be done in a corrective manner.  Otherwise there's no point.

Hey Clancey...didja get my email?

[Cali]

Okay... what's corrective?  When they only jump out every once in a while?  Because she's at a full on sprint as soon as we open the door.  I was jogging with her last night (when it was about 35 and I was FREEZING) and she was still continually pulling away.  I don't know if corrective would apply since she never has any plain old walking time.  I was thinking of riding my bike with her so I could keep up, but I'm kind of afraid she'll dart out in front of me and I don't want to hit her...  It's the one area we seem to be needing to work on.  I think she's already bonded to me a bit.  She's got the whole house to run around in and she's been curled up under my legs at the computer table for the last hour while I've been ebaying.  

Question for the vet-tech girl ;)  The dog food bag said to give her about a cup and a half of food once a day (she's about 30lbs) but she gobbled that up in less than a minute.  Is that really enough food?

[Amanda N]

Cali, this might help in regards to food:  http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... 1&aid=2612

If not, I'll do more searching.

As for corrective, basically have a leash on her with a choke collar.  If she tries to pull against you, tug back sharply and say 'stay!'.  Continue to do that until she's not jumping around.  when she obeys you, give her lots of positive praise and rubbings.  

I'm better at showing than describing. >_<

[Paula]

Congrats about your new doggie! I've seen people bike with dogs here in Finland. There some kind metal pipes where they attach the leash, so the dog runs next to the bike and won't be able to jump ahead of it. Maybe some pet store would know what I mean, I have no idea what it's called. Or biker store.

[Cali]

Would you all believe I strained the muscles on the top of my feet and up my shins walking the dog!  I think it was from that first night and morning when she was all "bat out of hell" and I was continually having having to dig my heels in.  She's alot better now, I think that harness and the side pulling has helped alot.  But boy do I hurt.  Especially going up and down stairs.  She's regressing a bit on her commands though, I think the kids have been slipping her treats, so we're going to work with her some more on that.  Otherwise, she's been great. :D