Dog Calendars, Dog Breed Information, Training Aids & Everything Else

wow. i didn't know there were this mny replies. sorry for not checkin on this thread sooner.  i've read through your posts.  thanks for all the information.

i've thought about what i want a bit more and have been doing some research.  i've also started a new thread in the general discussion where it's prob more appropo.

thanks again.

Adult dogs have the advantage that you know what you are getting before you get it. All the best intentions in the world won't make a puppy with an attitude not havean attittude, and there are HOURS, DAYS and YEARS of time you have to put into a puppy before you've created a bond.

I suggest people wrtie a list of their expectations from a dog, AND BE VERY SPECIFIC. the idea is if you were making a list say for a house you wanted to live in, don't forget to include the obvious like water, electricity and phone and a driveway. Same with the dog. Don't leave anything out. What you are willing to deal with and what you are not willing to deal with. This list will help narrow down your parameters so that you can locate a dog that is best suited for YOUR life style. Pangaya

I have several types of dogs. They are all sweet and loving but of course have various personalities.

My suggestion to anyone looking for a dog that isnt accustom to picking one out is to go to where the dogs or puppies are and let the dog pick you out. If you have kids, let the dog or puppy pick them out. Even the puppies may not necessarily like the kids as the dog grows up. They all have personalities and could clash with the kids personalities.

In my job as animal control officer, i get complaints about someone moving into a neighborhood with a breed such as a german shepherd or a rottweiler or some type of breed like that. I try to educate the the public that just because a dog is a specific type of breed doesnt make them mean or anything. I do alot of dog bite reports on labs and mix breeds.

My suggestion to anyone looking for a dog especially to be around kids is to let the dog or puppy pick the kids. The dog will come up and snuggle up against you for affection. If they do this with a child, they would be more likely to love and protect that child than one that is supposedly known to be a good child's pet. This has been my experience. I hope it is helpful. Robbie  

Hey Robbie.

good to have an animal control expert to voice in!

Ev just published a column on this in our Ask a Trainer section

How to Pick Your Next Dog

its a good article

Thanks for the welcome, Chris. I checked out the article and it is a very good one. From what i have read, i competely agree with those suggestions.

I get alot of flack for the breeds that are considered to be vicious when i am at work. The only breed i tell people that was not originally bred for pet use is the chow from what all i have read about them. I dont know about the charpei. I havent had much experience with that breed but it is a chinese breed too like the chow. Now dont get me wrong, i grew up with chows and ours were very loving dogs and liked all who came in our house but most are not socialized as they should be which makes them much better pets.

I have a rottweiler who thinks she is a lap dog and is very loving with all she comes in contact with.

Just to give an example of her disposition, one day i was asked by an organization called, "The Exceptional Foundation" who works with mentally challenged kids and adults to bring one of my own dogs and do a presentation. I took my rottweiler, Libby and one of those to be in the audience was a young black girl how came running at Libby and tackled her like a football player. Libby just rolled over on her back and welcomed all the attention she could get. This lady just happened to be the daughter of one of the police officers i work with and she sees all rotts as loving dogs as they had one in the recent past.

Most all the rotts i have contact with are like this. That is why i tell folks to let the dog or puppy pick out the person or especially the child if there is one, involved in the household.