The Pet Thread

[iamshack]

Shack, let me also add that I'm home during the day. So someone is almost home all the time. What should be the pattern here? Leave her in the main room for parts to hang out? Put in the cage for small periods of time? Otherwise I feel like again, she'll follow around and never stop. Plus, we've made the bedroom a "no dog zone" and so that's where we can get away and she can't pee on the carpet, etc. I just don't know what the plan of attack should be as far as activity.

 

We also tried to play with her a bit last night to make her tired, but she usually just comes up and tries sleeping near us, doesn't really play a ton. So that was a failure.

Ok, so when you're home, where is the dog? Is she running around the condo, or is she in her crate, locked in a different room?

 

When she pees, does she seem to go to the same area, or does she go in all different areas? Again, I'd try to clean up some of her urine and then place that paper towel in the area where you want her to go...on the puppy pads. I know it seems like she'll never get it, and honestly, some never do, but 95% of them will after a few weeks. You just have to be patient.

 

As Illinilaw mentioned, exercise is your key tool in moderating the dog's behavior. But the first few weeks can be tough, because you're got to be careful until she is vaccinated, but meanwhile try to socialize her as much as possible.

 

I'd make every effort you can to play with her and introduce her to new things. You don't have to sensory overload her (walk her down Michigan Ave for her first walk), but she's going to be a dog that lives in the City and so she must get accustomed to it. As Illinilaw also did, introduce her to as many of your friends as possible. Take her down into the lobby of your building. If you have friends with children, invite them over. If you have family members with pets, bring her to their place.

 

Honestly, I can't advise you enough to read the book I mentioned earlier. It addresses all of your questions and more.

[iamshack]

I believe we are looking at dozens and dozens of generations. (Although I'm not certain the number of generations makes that big of a difference) Plus we would also have to examine the evolution of processed dog foods as a suitable food for dogs. I suspect that we will find that a wild diet is better, I'm just not certain by how much. Looking at a wild dog who has a wild diet and a wild environment. We assume we can improve the dog's life by switching it to a domestic environment. On the surface it makes sense and based on my belief that a dog does not have a very complex psyche, one I believe could be true. The dog grows up in an environment and does not have the capacity to understand the concept of wild or any other life.

 

As far as quality of life, I am looking at what is "natural" for a wild animal. Shack is preaching a "wild" diet while keeping the dog in a distinctly non wild environment. I find that a very interesting contrast. This whole concepts of humans keeping pets is fascinating to me and I am looking into what research has been done to understand why we do that. Of course there are all the symbiotic reasons that are usually mentioned, and the various psychological reasons.

Tex...it's not just a wild diet...it's a diet their bodies are biologically evolved to live on. From their teeth, to the enzymes present in their mouths, to their stomachs and their intestines and really their entire gastrointestinal systems...they simply aren't well-suited for a diet of heat-pressed rendered fat and cheap grain. They don't digest it well and will overeat because of the lack of quality nutrients in the food. This leads to obesity and all sorts of skin allergies. It also causes problems with their gastrointestinal systems as they are designed to eat large meals once a day or less and not multiple smaller meals a day (as humans are).

 

I'm not saying you have to send your dog out into the wild and expect it to kill prey for its meals (however idea this might be), but by feeding raw meat and bones, at least occasionally, and feeding them once a day and fasting them for a day once in a while will make for a much healthier dog.

 

As for keeping your dog in a non-wild environment, allowing your dog plenty of exercise and socialization with other dogs goes a LONG way in making your dog happy. It doesn't mean you have to kick your dog outside when it rains.

[IlliniKrush]

Is she fully vaccinated yet? My guess is no, since she is only 8 weeks old. Have you gotten her into the vet yet?

 

If she's not fully vaccinated yet, I'd take her for walks, but just not the most common routes where people walk their dogs. You don't want her to pick up Parvo or something. Another option is to put her in your backpack or a duffel bag and walk around the City so she can get accustomed to the sights and sounds. This will protect her from picking anything up before she is vaccinated.

 

Did you do research on the Shichon?

 

 

 

Shichon.net

 

Sounds like you might have an uphill battle ahead of you...

Vet is today at 2:00. When we picked her up they said she was up to date so far, I'm assuming she'll get everything else she needs today but not sure. Or maybe there are ones you don't get until further down the road?

 

Wife did the research, was also told from the people we got them from that they are pretty "chill" usually and low maintenance. So I don't know.

 

My sister has two of these dogs but they don't appear to be as clingy as IK's. They're about 1 or 1.5 now. I do know they still have major issues with potty training, to the point that they've decided to split them up in hopes they can give each more individual attention

 

IK, do you put a blanket over the crate? Or somehow make it more of a cave instead of a cage? Sometimes that can help, if they feel more protected. Otherwise I think you're just gonna have to deal with it for a few years until all the puppy is out of him/her.

I could put a blanket over the crate if that will help, absolutely.

 

Ok, so when you're home, where is the dog? Is she running around the condo, or is she in her crate, locked in a different room?

 

When she pees, does she seem to go to the same area, or does she go in all different areas? Again, I'd try to clean up some of her urine and then place that paper towel in the area where you want her to go...on the puppy pads. I know it seems like she'll never get it, and honestly, some never do, but 95% of them will after a few weeks. You just have to be patient.

 

As Illinilaw mentioned, exercise is your key tool in moderating the dog's behavior. But the first few weeks can be tough, because you're got to be careful until she is vaccinated, but meanwhile try to socialize her as much as possible.

 

I'd make every effort you can to play with her and introduce her to new things. You don't have to sensory overload her (walk her down Michigan Ave for her first walk), but she's going to be a dog that lives in the City and so she must get accustomed to it. As Illinilaw also did, introduce her to as many of your friends as possible. Take her down into the lobby of your building. If you have friends with children, invite them over. If you have family members with pets, bring her to their place.

 

Honestly, I can't advise you enough to read the book I mentioned earlier. It addresses all of your questions and more.

Well shack that's the thing, the dog can be anywhere you think she should be. This is the first full day home. So nothing's really been established yet. Should i leave it roam? Cage it certain times? Certain times let it roam with me in the same room, other times leave her be in the other room and close the door? Am I doing the right thing to "ignore if yappy" and everything?

 

She seems to go randomly - but I am starting to move paper towels on to the pads in hopes it attracts her for next time.

 

I'm going to grab that book based on your rec. I also try to get her out more to the lobby, etc.

[IlliniKrush]

Also shack re: puppy pads. Should we be trying to have her exclusively do this? Or mainly have it try to be outside and praise if she goes? A little of both?

 

I just don't want to get in such a habit of peeing inside that she just thinks that's how it works, when really, further down the road, it needs to be all outside.

 

And the people we picked her up from rec'd one of those fake grass things since we are in a high rise. Said put it by the balcony, then eventually it can be put on the balcony, etc. Not sure what to think of those if anyone has used them.

Edited April 9, 2012 by IlliniKrush

[iamshack]

Vet is today at 2:00. When we picked her up they said she was up to date so far, I'm assuming she'll get everything else she needs today but not sure. Or maybe there are ones you don't get until further down the road?

 

Wife did the research, was also told from the people we got them from that they are pretty "chill" usually and low maintenance. So I don't know.

 

 

I could put a blanket over the crate if that will help, absolutely.

 

 

Well shack that's the thing, the dog can be anywhere you think she should be. This is the first full day home. So nothing's really been established yet. Should i leave it roam? Cage it certain times? Certain times let it roam with me in the same room, other times leave her be in the other room and close the door? Am I doing the right thing to "ignore if yappy" and everything?

 

She seems to go randomly - but I am starting to move paper towels on to the pads in hopes it attracts her for next time.

 

I'm going to grab that book based on your rec. I also try to get her out more to the lobby, etc.

It's a tough spot you're in, honestly. I don't think there are any magic answers.

 

I'd cordon off a small area near where you are working and allow her to play in that area where you can keep an eye on her. Take her out to the balcony every few hours and see if you can get her to go. If not, just keep putting those paper towels in the place you want her to go. After a while, you can put her in her crate for a few hours, and do what Jenks said - put a blanket over it and make it dark - this should make her feel more secure. I know it's tough to ignore her cries, but the fact is you're not going to spend every waking minute with her, and so she'll have to get accustomed to that. The issue is breaking her of this habit in a productive way that works towards improving her behavior and making things easier for you in the long run.

 

Remember, this is an 8-week old puppy. She is going to cry, do stupid s***, pee and poop wherever she pleases at times, demand your attention in the most inopportune times, etc. This is all part of being a puppy owner. That being said, she WILL get accustomed to her new life after a few weeks...so you just have to refrain from throwing her off your balcony until then.

[iamshack]

Also shack re: puppy pads. Should we be trying to have her exclusively do this? Or mainly have it try to be outside and praise if she goes? A little of both?

 

I just don't want to get in such a habit of peeing inside that she just thinks that's how it works, when really, further down the road, it needs to be all outside.

 

And the people we picked her up from rec'd one of those fake grass things since we are in a high rise. Said put it by the balcony, then eventually it can be put on the balcony, etc. Not sure what to think of those if anyone has used them.

I think the key is to get them to understand the concept of going in a certain place, and then adjusting that place to be where you want her to go. Often times, the easiest thing is to get them started on the puppy pads, because they are scented in such a way that most dogs instinctively understand to go there. However, not all do...in fact, many dogs just chew them up. So if she is not getting the puppy pads, then you can try to move them outside (if it is windy you can weight them down with rocks or something) or just eschew them entirely. If you are trying to get her to go out on the balcony, place something with her urine on it out there to try and get her to make the association. Keep at it...it may take some time, but she'll get it eventually.

 

Then when you take her on walks, make sure you praise her if she goes...eventually she'll realize it is ok to go outside and begin to make a habit out of it. At first, I find, you just have to keep taking them out enough times to where whether it happens just by chance or not, they go enough that you can praise them and eventually they realize it is ok to go there.

[TaylorStSox]

Ok, honestly, the pup is just very young and it sounds like you've taken her to a very different environment than where she came.

 

Please, please, please, do not follow this two-week shutdown bologna. You need to do exactly the opposite. You are in a prime socialization period for the dog. You need to be introducing her to as many people as you can. As soon as she is fully vaccinated, you get her to a dog park. If you have friends with small children, INVITE THEM OVER. Take the dog in the car once a day or so.

 

Your dog will adjust to your environment, you just need to have some patience. But trust me, the answer is not keeping them in your house for two weeks, or keeping them on a leash all the time in your home, or refusing to allow them to interact with other living things for fear of overstimulation.

 

The best book on the market, one I cannot recommend enough, is "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend," by the Monks of New Skete. The book is over 30 years old, but is recognized as a classic training manual for dogs and owners. Another great book (very similar, but maybe more focused on your particular issues) is "The Art of Raising a Puppy," by the same authors.

 

There couldn't be a worse way to socialize your dog than to take it to a dog park. Socialization is about introducing your dog with rules. Dog parks are a madhouse. There's fights, disease, and idiot dogs with no manners. The average dog owner has no idea what they're doing with their dogs. Socialization is about introducing your dog to stimuli in a controlled manner. I wouldn't take any dog to any dog park, ever, unless I hated it so much I wanted it to fail.

 

The 2 week shutdown is about giving your dog time to adjust and understand parameters.

 

If you really want to get your dog socialized, take it to obedient classes.

[TaylorStSox]

An 8 week old puppy shouldn't even be leaving the house. It's just off the teet. Please, don't take an 8 week old pup to a dog park.

 

 

[iamshack]

There couldn't be a worse way to socialize your dog than to take it to a dog park. Socialization is about introducing your dog with rules. Dog parks are a madhouse. There's fights, disease, and idiot dogs with no manners. The average dog owner has no idea what they're doing with their dogs. Socialization is about introducing your dog to stimuli in a controlled manner. I wouldn't take any dog to any dog park, ever, unless I hated it so much I wanted it to fail.

 

The 2 week shutdown is about giving your dog time to adjust and understand parameters.

 

If you really want to get your dog socialized, take it to obedient classes.

Dog parks are indeed controversial. Apparently, you've had bad experiences with them. Depends on the dog park, depends on the owners at your dog park, depends on what you do as an owner at the dog park.

 

I did research prior to taking my dog to the park. I took him to the largest one I could find, which has multiple areas sectioned off for dogs of different sizes. I take him there only at certain times and avoid certain dogs and owners if I have seen them behave poorly.

 

That being said, my dogs have had wonderful experiences at the dog park and get much needed exercise. They learn how to deal with dogs of all different temperaments and dogs of all ages. They learn how to behave off of a leash. They are able to stretch their legs in a long run that would not be possible in any other environment.

 

After an hour or 90 minutes at the park, they are satisfied, healthier in mind and body, and tired.

 

Let me just say that I have Great Danes. My 15 month old is 36 inches at the shoulder and is all legs. He needs a place to run free. Obedience class or me walking him doesn't really accomplish that.

[Brian]

An 8 week old puppy shouldn't even be leaving the house. It's just off the teet. Please, don't take an 8 week old pup to a dog park.

 

I didn't take my dog to a dog park until he was a few months old. Probably not until he had all his shots. You never know the behavior of some dogs there. Some owners just take their dogs there and not watch them. My dog is only 35 lbs full grown and other big dogs will try and intimidate him and the owners don't care or discipline their dogs. Or pick up after them even with signs all over that say to do so. The park even provides bags.

[TaylorStSox]

Dog parks are indeed controversial. Apparently, you've had bad experiences with them. Depends on the dog park, depends on the owners at your dog park, depends on what you do as an owner at the dog park.

 

I did research prior to taking my dog to the park. I took him to the largest one I could find, which has multiple areas sectioned off for dogs of different sizes. I take him there only at certain times and avoid certain dogs and owners if I have seen them behave poorly.

 

That being said, my dogs have had wonderful experiences at the dog park and get much needed exercise. They learn how to deal with dogs of all different temperaments and dogs of all ages. They learn how to behave off of a leash. They are able to stretch their legs in a long run that would not be possible in any other environment.

 

After an hour or 90 minutes at the park, they are satisfied, healthier in mind and body, and tired.

 

Let me just say that I have Great Danes. My 15 month old is 36 inches at the shoulder and is all legs. He needs a place to run free. Obedience class or me walking him doesn't really accomplish that.

That's fine for an adult dog. It's your risk. I wouldn't take a pup to a dog park though. They're just too uncontrolled. People don't understand dogs or their body language. They are disease ridden as well.

 

It sounds like the dog is having some trouble adjusting to it's new environment, which is normal. That's why I would suggest the 2 week shutdown. You don't have to follow it to a T, but it's important for the dog to get accustomed to it's new home. That's the point. When the pup's about 10 or 12 weeks, I'd get into a puppy class and go from there. I would stay away from the Petsmart type of classes as well. Do some research and find a trainer that you're comfortable with.

[iamshack]

An 8 week old puppy shouldn't even be leaving the house. It's just off the teet. Please, don't take an 8 week old pup to a dog park.

The dog will most likely not be fully vaccinated til she is 10-12 weeks, so she shouldn't go there until then.

 

After that, with proper supervision, it's fine. Don't take her into the area where the large breed dogs are. Take her into an area where there are other toy breeds or small breeds.

 

There is no substitution for correct socialization. Weeks 8-16 are really important in a puppy's life...this is an absolute key period in her development. Some of the things you do at this age will affect her for the rest of her life.

 

Quarantining her for 2 weeks at this point in her development is probably not the best idea.

[iamshack]

That's fine for an adult dog. It's your risk. I wouldn't take a pup to a dog park though. They're just too uncontrolled. People don't understand dogs or their body language. They are disease ridden as well.

 

It sounds like the dog is having some trouble adjusting to it's new environment, which is normal. That's why I would suggest the 2 week shutdown. You don't have to follow it to a T, but it's important for the dog to get accustomed to it's new home. That's the point. When the pup's about 10 or 12 weeks, I'd get into a puppy class and go from there. I would stay away from the Petsmart type of classes as well. Do some research and find a trainer that you're comfortable with.

The reason many dogs are aggressive is BECAUSE they were not correctly socialized as puppies. They were quarantined at home and developed fear and/or aggression, rather than learning how to deal with dogs of all different types during their development phase.

[TaylorStSox]

The dog will most likely not be fully vaccinated til she is 10-12 weeks, so she shouldn't go there until then.

 

After that, with proper supervision, it's fine. Don't take her into the area where the large breed dogs are. Take her into an area where there are other toy breeds or small breeds.

 

There is no substitution for correct socialization. Weeks 8-16 are really important in a puppy's life...this is an absolute key period in her development. Some of the things you do at this age will affect her for the rest of her life.

 

Quarantining her for 2 weeks at this point in her development is probably not the best idea.

 

Socialization isn't about getting your dog used to some free for all. It's about getting your dog used to stimuli. You socialize your dog so it doesn't act a fool when it sees other dogs and people. You socialize your dog in training classes, where there are rules. Then, once your dog is socialized, it will know how to act in a park environment. It's like taking a kid in A ball, throwing him in the majors, and expecting him to succeed.

[Jenksismyhero]

Wasn't there just some awful story about a dog being killed by another dog at a dog park (montrose beach i believe)?

 

When we lived in the city we took our boston to a dog park but kept her on the leash the majority of the time. Within 10 minutes I saw how many dumb owners there are out there. Most are there to meet girls and/or to socialize with other owners, so they completely ignored the fact that their dog was being an asshole and/or rolling in s*** and getting it on every other dog. That 10-15 min was plenty for me. Walking your dog in the city, in pretty much any neighborhood, is plenty of socialization. Especially if you walk him/her between 5-7 when owners are getting home and taking their dogs on their evening walks.

 

Not discouraging dog parks. I'm sure they can (and are) great for some. But I just had a bad experience so we never went back.

[TaylorStSox]

The first couple weeks you have a pup, you should be focusing on potty training, learning bite inhibition, some minor training and getting the dog acquainted with the family IMO.

[iamshack]

Socialization isn't about getting your dog used to some free for all. It's about getting your dog used to stimuli. You socialize your dog so it doesn't act a fool when it sees other dogs and people. You socialize your dog in training classes, where there are rules. Then, once your dog is socialized, it will know how to act in a park environment. It's like taking a kid in A ball, throwing him in the majors, and expecting him to succeed.

I've got nothing against obedience classes as a substitute, if that's your thing.

 

I also believe most obedience classes don't offer much more than you can do yourself, and they charge large sums of money to attend.

 

I've explained a few times now to control the experience at the dog park. It doesn't have to be a free-for-all. You're not throwing her to the wolves, you're taking him to play and romp with other members of her species. If you're prudent, you put her in an area of other like-sized dogs so that he doesn't get carried off by a Neo Mastiff or something.

 

Maybe it's a matter of just doing a bit of research prior to taking your dog to a park...but there are great ones out there...you just have to find the ones where the educated owners take their dogs and what time they take them there.

 

I go several times a week, there are rarely, rarely ever fights or problems. But I also don't go at night, and I don't go into the areas where there are irresponsible owners or aggressive dogs.

[TaylorStSox]

Wasn't there just some awful story about a dog being killed by another dog at a dog park (montrose beach i believe)?

 

When we lived in the city we took our boston to a dog park but kept her on the leash the majority of the time. Within 10 minutes I saw how many dumb owners there are out there. Most are there to meet girls and/or to socialize with other owners, so they completely ignored the fact that their dog was being an asshole and/or rolling in s*** and getting it on every other dog. That 10-15 min was plenty for me. Walking your dog in the city, in pretty much any neighborhood, is plenty of socialization. Especially if you walk him/her between 5-7 when owners are getting home and taking their dogs on their evening walks.

Not discouraging dog parks. I'm sure they can (and are) great for some. But I just had a bad experience so we never went back.

 

That's proper socialization.

 

The dog that attacked the other dog at Montrose was an Ambully. This is great example of why dog parks are stupid. Ambullie's have no business being at a dog park. They're a watered down, mixed breed, based off the American Pit Bull Terrier. Bully breeds are predisposed to dog aggression. Of course they might get into a fight. That's what they were bred for! It's like taking a retriever to the lake and hoping it doesn't swim. It's like taking a healer to a farm and asking it not to herd.

[iamshack]

Wasn't there just some awful story about a dog being killed by another dog at a dog park (montrose beach i believe)?

 

When we lived in the city we took our boston to a dog park but kept her on the leash the majority of the time. Within 10 minutes I saw how many dumb owners there are out there. Most are there to meet girls and/or to socialize with other owners, so they completely ignored the fact that their dog was being an asshole and/or rolling in s*** and getting it on every other dog. That 10-15 min was plenty for me. Walking your dog in the city, in pretty much any neighborhood, is plenty of socialization. Especially if you walk him/her between 5-7 when owners are getting home and taking their dogs on their evening walks.

 

Not discouraging dog parks. I'm sure they can (and are) great for some. But I just had a bad experience so we never went back.

I suppose it depends on the size of the dog(s) you own. I've always had giant breed dogs so I've always needed a place for them to stretch their legs. It also gets them accustomed to being off a leash, so you can take them hiking on trails, to the beach, etc.

 

However, with smaller breeds, I suppose it isn't such a big deal. That being said, it is important to get them accustomed to meeting other dogs, whether on walks, or in day care, or wherever.

 

A lot of people with smaller breeds don't worry about it though, because they don't think their dog is capable of hurting anyone or another dog. Unfortunately, it is for that very reason that many small dogs get attacked by larger dogs. They act aggressively (often times out of fear) or provoke a larger dog because they never learned how to behave around them.

[Balta1701]

I believe we are looking at dozens and dozens of generations. (Although I'm not certain the number of generations makes that big of a difference) Plus we would also have to examine the evolution of processed dog foods as a suitable food for dogs. I suspect that we will find that a wild diet is better, I'm just not certain by how much. Looking at a wild dog who has a wild diet and a wild environment. We assume we can improve the dog's life by switching it to a domestic environment. On the surface it makes sense and based on my belief that a dog does not have a very complex psyche, one I believe could be true. The dog grows up in an environment and does not have the capacity to understand the concept of wild or any other life.

 

As far as quality of life, I am looking at what is "natural" for a wild animal. Shack is preaching a "wild" diet while keeping the dog in a distinctly non wild environment. I find that a very interesting contrast. This whole concepts of humans keeping pets is fascinating to me and I am looking into what research has been done to understand why we do that. Of course there are all the symbiotic reasons that are usually mentioned, and the various psychological reasons.

I think there's a pretty clear setup for a symbiotic relationship between humans and dogs. Put the 2 together in a "Hunter/gatherer" relationship, and they're going to make each other more efficient. A dog on its own can't bring down large prey, but a human with a tool can do so. A human on its own is very weak in smell compared to a dog, so a dog can flush out prey that a human would walk right past without knowing it was there. Wild dogs and primordial humans almost certainly started interacting for some reason along those levels...they made themselves better hunters.

 

Then, over the course of thousands of years, the canis familiaris breeds evolved from more wolf-like breeds, probably lost some of the aggression, because hunters wouldn't want to deal with dogfights, attacks, etc. Some canine fossils show evidence that they were clearly killed and often eaten by man with tools, so the behavioral changes could definitely be reflected by changes in survival rates over tens of thousands of years.

[Balta1701]

Balta, how does selective breeding factor into this? Aren't we breeding dogs that thrive in an artificial environment? Wouldn't that speed up the evolution?

It depends on what traits we are breeding for. You can accelerate things but only so much.

 

Is "ability to digest grain based foods easily" a trait we're breeding for or is that just something impacting evolution on the outskirts? I don't think of breeders pushing dogs based on what they eat very often. There might well be some species who can process grains and processed foods better than others...but you can say that about humans too.

 

It could certainly happen but you need to be directly selecting for that trait. I feel like they are selecting for things like "Quality of coat" "Behavior" "appearance" more than diet.

[iamshack]

That's proper socialization.

 

The dog that attacked the other dog at Montrose was an Ambully. This is great example of why dog parks are stupid. Ambullie's have no business being at a dog park. They're a watered down, mixed breed, based off the American Pit Bull Terrier. Bully breeds are predisposed to dog aggression. Of course they might get into a fight. That's what they were bred for! It's like taking a retriever to the lake and hoping it doesn't swim. It's like taking a healer to a farm and asking it not to herd.

Ahh, well there was a dog attacked at one of the several hundreds of dog parks that are occupied every day by tens of millions of dogs in the United States.

 

I suppose we should avoid all dog parks now.

 

Dog parks are not without their issues. But considering how little most people exercise their dogs, how little most people allow their dogs to interact with other dogs, how little most people get outdoors themselves, the responsible and attentive owner can realize all kinds of benefits from taking their dog(s) to a dog park.

Edited April 9, 2012 by iamshack

[TaylorStSox]

Ahh, well there was a dog attacked at one of the several hundreds of dog parks that are occupied every day by tens of millions of dogs in the United States.

 

I suppose we should avoid all dog parks now.

 

Dog parks are not without their issues. But considering how little most people exercise their dogs, how little most people allow their dogs to interact with other dogs, how little most people get outdoors themselves, the responsible and attentive owner can realize all kinds of benefits from taking their dog(s) to a dog park.

If you've found this utopia of responsible owners with well trained dogs, more power to ya.

 

I agree that dogs aren't exercised enough. Taking your dog for a walk around the block isn't enough.

 

Small dogs have a lot of issues due to poor breeding. There's too many people that breed show dogs with poor health and temperment. Most breeders breed for looks and money, not for sound dogs.

[iamshack]

If you've found this utopia of responsible owners with well trained dogs, more power to ya.

 

I agree that dogs aren't exercised enough. Taking your dog for a walk around the block isn't enough.

 

Small dogs have a lot of issues due to poor breeding. There's too many people that breed show dogs with poor health and temperment. Most breeders breed for looks and money, not for sound dogs.

Well, I have a sincere belief that dogs seek canine companionship and play. Just as members of just about every other species we are aware of. IMHO, it's not enough to simply walk them around the block once in a while so they can sniff a dog as they pass by.

 

Allowing them off a leash to run and play with other dogs seems to bring a sense of contentedness that a walk around the neighborhood does not.

 

 

 

[IlliniKrush]

Actually used the pee pads a couple times today, hooray.

 

Figuring out that she wants to pee/poop in private (especially poop) so put pads away from the kitchen/couches. Did this after I found a place where she would run off and poop, that was fun to find. And really hard to get back there to clean. Starting to block areas off as she can get underneath a bookshelf that's about 3-4 inches off the ground by army crawling and go poop back there, too.

 

She apparently wore the hell out of her vocal chords because she doesn't have the power she had. It's actually kind of nice in a way, really. Is this just like with humans - just takes rest and it's not really anything to worry about? Not that I can coach her to rest, but maybe she'll realize she's straining the hell out of her voice. But just wanted to make sure this isn't anything to worry about long term, not that there's much you can do to stop a dog from whining anyway.