Husband wants to get a dog for the family...

sheltiemom

Welcome to the forum...I think you're on the right track looking for an adult dog and not a puppy. Many people work full time and have dogs and I think that's fine...I think it would be very difficult to housebreak a puppy while working full time just because of the frequency that they need to be taken out, but I think you've already realized that.

Looking at shelter dogs around the 1 year mark, you are still going to have some housebreaking to do, it'll be easier than a puppy and maybe just a refresher course, but you might also end up with a dog that was never housebroken in it's previous home, so be prepared for that. Also puppy stuff like chewing will still be going on...most dogs are 2 or 3 before they settle down and get out of that puppy stage. I highly recommend training classes, and with your child, bird, and other small animals I also recommend crate training or at least several baby gates.

Ok, so the dog you like, Carly...I'm just going to go ahead and say personally if you like her, I think you should go ahead and get her. Aussies are high energy breeds typically and very smart, but you are looking at a shelter dog that is possibly an aussie mix...she may be high energy, or may not. Just be prepared if she is...I have a mini aussie, 22 lbs, who is very high energy, but it is pretty easy to occupy her playing ball in the house. She also loves training and running with other dogs. Also be prepared for possible nipping, mine gets nippy when the kids rough house with her, and if they run she will chase them and bite them on the butt, not hard, but still, something to think about. There is no way to say though if Carly would have any of those issues, just ask a bunch of questions of the shelter staff.

Let us know what you decide.

Buggzter

I don't think Tony cares what I've found out here - he wants Carly!!! LOL!!! BUT, I am asking him to wait to see how she is with Becca first before a decision is made. Then we also have to get everything together for her to come home. If she's still there by the time we're set, we'll get her. (won't get *everything* as we'll make sure the kennel and certain size-items are good fits, as if we don't get Carly we don't want to waste money)

Tony misses his old dog, and he's gone quite awhile without a dog. Poor guy.

Thracian

It sounds like I got the wrong impression about how much time you'd be away. As long as you are willing to give the dog time and exercise, I'm sure you'll be fine.

I don't have any resources to recommend, just something to keep in mind. Dogs respond differently to the shelter environment. Some get hyper and barky and settle down a bit when they are in a home. Others become shy and reserved in the shelter and open up once they get home.

My first dog, Cupid, was a real sweetheart in the shelter. He seemed calm and very mellow. Also shy and uncomfortable, so I resolved to bring him home. Turns out he was having physical issues which had an impact on his energy level in the shelter. He became much more comfortable once I brought him home. My calm and mellow dog is a very active fetch-a-holic. Don't get me wrong--he's still a sweetheart, and I wouldn't trade him for the most calm and mellow dog. I'm just saying you should expect to see some change in personality. It's not usually about finding the boundaries but is instead seeing a dog's true personality come out.

Another thought: if you're concerned about herding, you could bring a friend of your daughter's along with you to see how she does with more than one child around.

Hope it works out for you. Good luck!

My Dog Bishop

It sounds like you guys are going to be bringing home Carly!

I adopted a two year old Aussie mix from a rescue. I have no idea what he is mixed with, but he is completely mellow at home. I work long days Mon-Thurs, and though I live in a house, I don't have a doggie door yet (the gate won't always stay shut). I let him out three times a day: in the morning, when I get home from work, and before I go to bed.

I take him to the dog park everyday, and let him run around and play for about an hour or so. When I take him hiking, we're hiking for 3-7 hours. That does him in for the rest of the weekend. LOL

Anyhow, of course it's going to depend on the dog, but I think time-wise for working and exercising your dog, you'll do just fine.

My dog tries to herd me sometimes. I think it is hilarious! I just stand there and stare at him, though.

Buggzter

Tony DOES want to bring home Carly, but it'll be about 5-6 days before we could get things set to have her here at home, and she may be gone by then. Plus we'll see if Becca and Carly gets along. I think Becca knows SOMETHING is up, but she doesn't really pay attention to "adult" conversations so she doesn't know much.

In dealing with herding, how would I teach a dog to NOT herd the family? How would that training come about? Becca is not allowed to run in the house, so that would help with any dog but especially a herder.

I also found out that a friend's daughter just adopted a 20-pound mutt and DNA tested it, finding out it's (from most to least) doberman, collie, boxer, and Chi!!! Big-dog attitude of a Dob, energy of a collie, playfullness and friendliness of a boxer, and LOOKS LIKE A GIANT CHI!!!!! LOL!!! He's CUTE though. Aubrey has had all sorts of dogs, from Great Danes to Boston Terriers (hers was just put down a few months ago from old age problems with his bowls). She is also going to help with any assistance we need in basic training and care issues, which is awesome. And since she knows Becca, she has suggestions for how to have Becca deal with whatever dog we get so the dog doesn't push her around... I also am thinking about getting into obedience classes at the start of the year with the dog so as we can learn how to handle him/her the best.

Although I'd love to bring Carly home, I do think she'd be a challenge for me as a first-time dog owner. But then, Tony has had lots of prior experience (it's just been about 5 years now) and we have many friends to help. Plus she could easily be gone from the shelter by the time we're ready to bring her home... Thus, I'm not gonna keep my hopes up too high. I tried to not do so, but I've fallen in love with that beautiful face and pleasing attitude. Though she'll be different at home, I want to BE her home. *sigh* but I'll always find another dog to fall in love with later if that happens to be the case.

Thanks for all the help everyone, I really appreciate it. I'm looking at toys from a few suggestions, and some books suggested as well. And reading alot of the stickies here and links from the stickies... I now just have to figure out which FOOD to get too, for Carly and then what I would get for a smaller toy dog... *sigh* Lots to do yet.

Puppy & Dog Forums

 

Dog_Shrink

You really can't train the herding instinct out of a herding dog like an aussie cattle or shepherd dog. All you can hope to do is replace the nipping that they use to drive with a more socially accptable behavior. That training would all depend on how this pup showed it's herding instinct. Running would be a prey drive reaction and not a herding reaction. herding would be more like the daughter was in a part of the yard and the dog wasn't comfortable with that so she would "drive" your daughter to another part of the yard as if she were a sheep so that she could keep a better eye on her. (watch Babe). I have worked with several aussies over my 17 year career and it's always the same thing... how do I get my aussie to stop nipping at my kids. I don't usually recommend Aussies with smaller kids. it seems that as the kids age the desire to herd them lessens. What is your zip code?? Or a listing of the dog you're looking at. Does the shelter have a web site? what breeds was dogbreeinfo suggesting for you?

Lastly I know you keep saying that you dont have a lot of expereince but Tony does... that will only help you so far. You work opposite shifts so you have to know how to deal with the dog or she'll never respect you. You are doing a good job at eeducating yourself so far and I think just take your time and don't jump on the first dog you see if you don't honestly feel ready and educated enough to be alone with it. Tony isn't going to always be able to prepare you for everything the dog might throw at you until it happens... You need to be able to control this dog as much as Tony does or you're going to be unhappy. Classes for you and the dog and your daughter would be an AWESOME idea so that you can learn form some one that is not your husband and develop your own technique, you can have the time to bond with the dog yourself and to learn together, plus helping your daughter to learn how to deal with the dog and that will help elevate her status in the dog's eye and hopefully avoid any potential issues that might arise after the honeymoon period.

Buggzter

Ok, Becca knows not to run in the house, but what about outside play time? I know you can't get a herding dog not to herd, but how would you suggest redirecting that so Becca is not herded? Is there a way to redirect that behavior when we are in a dog park or the appartment's dog run so as we could get Carly to stop? Would you suggest telling her right when she starts herding those she shouldn't that we command her to lay down, then treat as she behaved? Or is there another redirection for herding? I want to have her help clean up her toys each day, and maybe even help becca clean up hers later on, as well as working on lots of training, obedience, and tricks now, agility later or therapy-type work depending on what she likes doing. But would any of this help her not herd becca? I don't know if she even WILL, though it's likely there will be times of it.

Personally, I feel confident with Carly. At least, now I do. She listened very well to me. She listened to Tony, yes, but she went mostly to me at the shelter. I am stubborn and determined and I'm forcefull enough to usually make my strong-willed bird listen to me (that's a challenge!!! LOL!), so I feel I can handle MOST dogs that at least are willing to listen. If the dog didn't WANT to listen is where I don't know how to deal with that - which a couple of the dogs there had no interest in listening to me so I said "no" to them emphatically. While I train her, I'm going to have Becca working with her at the same time so as Carly listens to both of us - and teaching Tony too so we have the same commands, treating ways, and redirections as needed. We'll do the same for any dog we get, really. Thus Becca will be higher ranked than the dog in our home. At least, that's the present plan.

Unfortunately, Bishop does not put their animals on a website usually, if at all. They don't have a large population, but they get a lot of dogs from the kill shelters that they don't WANT to kill for whatever reason (that's what I've gathered, at least, but I'm not 100% on that), and then a bunch dropped off at the shelter too. Carly was dropped off there, had a short intake period of a few days to do vet work, microchipping, and tatooing. I think she was already spayed - if I remember correctly she had only been in the system for about 7-10 days, and as she showed no signs of needing to heal from surgery...

But her front-end stance was quite boxer-like, her facial expressions/size/looks are Aussie, and she was SOOOO sweet and listened right away to us, unlike any of the other dogs we looked at. I'd say there's about 25-30 dogs there right now, and they get a few in on Mondays and Fridays from the SPCA for adoption. If we don't get Carly for whatever reason, we'll always be able to find another dog - whether there or at another shelter. But we'll wait for the right match, time is no constraint except for wanting to get Carly NOW when we do in fact have to wait... LOL!!!

Yes, I want her - she's beautiful, sweet, she'll be great for me to "have" to train so both of us have good challenges and activity, and Becca will learn about training intelligent creatures. We also have a few people from church willing to help us with the beginning basics as needed, and Aubrey will help a LOT in finding what we need for her as well as training issues that might come up (she's 22/23 I think and has had many many dogs of all sizes with her mother's and father's families as well as now her own 20-pound dob/collie/boxer/chi mutt!!! She did DNA testing, even!)

But, the two things that will prevent us from giving Carly a home:
1) Becca and Carly do NOT get along - if that happens, she will not obviously come home with us. I sure hope they get along, but if not that's OK. It wasn't ment to be then.
2) Carly finds a home before we can bring her home. If that's the case, we'll be sad, but there will always be more dogs to adopt that will fit our home.

Thanks for your advice. Becca IS 4, although she's fairly mature for her age especially with animals. But we still might have another child, which at that point the dog will likely be kept apart from the child until the baby is old enough to respect the dog - I'm willing to do that as needed, but that will be awhile and Aubrey and Lindsay both know steps in helping dogs get used to new babies, and Aubrey has connections around our area to help with whatever snags happen, as well.

And dog matches I mostly was looking at small and toy breed dogs, mostly bringing up bishon, maltese, and mixes relating to those as I "ideally" would look for a lower-energy small dog... But although that's my thought ideal, I'd rather my family became less sedentary and a dog that needs exercise and the mental stimulation would be perfect for me as I also need much more exercise and mental stimulation which the dog would provide for ME by me providing what the dog needs. I'm always willing to do what I need to for my animals, much more than I am for myself. So even what *I* think I need, doesn't mean that's what is best for me, and the dog that WANTS me as a home that I can provide a good home for is better to me that getting a dog that doesn't want me in particular but fits my perceived ideals... I love all animals, and I wouldn't really like tiny dogs or huge dogs, but she seems just right really... Can't help it - I'm practically in love as much as Tony is with her!

have a good night everyone. Working in the morning, so I'm out for now. Cheers!


ps - what collars and leashes do you recommend for an AS/boxer mix type dog? What about smaller breeds, such as toy dogs (which I'll be more leaning towards of course if Carly doesn't work out - she's not the ideal breed-match although I'm willing to do the work). I'm looking at toys, but I see more of a concensis of hardy, learning toys out there for Carly's breed and easier toys for smaller dogs. Kennels are easier, as are dog beds... Food is debated in the forum for me to read, along with treats. And I think I'll make all her food at first be stuffed in toys and as treats with learning... And I'm going to get some interactive feeders for her so it helps her mind too (IF she's the one we bring home - I'm not getting anything breed-specific until we are bringing the dog itself home)

Buggzter

**I"M BACK!!!!**

Ok, two days of packing and cleaning left, and we *MAY* be bringing a dog home...

We've talked to Aubrey, Sam, Audrey, Teresa, my pastor, and a few of my husband's coworkers about their experiences and what all they suggest with everything, and I think we're prepared for Carly - if not her, whatever next dog chooses us (and that's only if Carly has found a different home in the 5 days since we were at the shelter - they do NOT "hold" dogs after adoption, you must take the dog THEN, and as we have not 1) had time to go down there to get her, and 2) picked up all the things she'll need as we don't know "for sure" that she's coming home with us we don't want to get Carly-sized things and not need them)...

The two friends that I'm going to rely on most (other than forum-people) are Sam and Aubrey. Both are HUGE dog people, and Sam used to work in kennels and for an AKC kennel as well apparently. Aubrey has experience with most types of dogs and she's trained many as well, plus she's an animal-adovocate more than most animal people I know. Sam? She's got a deaf boxer and a APBT mix at home, plus usually is babysitting one or two other dogs most weeks for friends in the area that are out of town (will only babysit for one person's dog/s at a time though). I work with Sam, and Aubrey and I go to church together so this is really really good for me.

Friday Carly comes home if she's still there. First though I'm going to get a few things from my work as Friday there's a 25% discount for employees as a "flu-shot-season thankyou" from corporate... A dog bed, some toys, treats, poo bags... maybe some food if it's the same type that Carly is on now. Then stop at a store to get the few other things I'll need (harness, collar, leash, crate, food, more treats, more toys). Then, 9am, pick up Carly, sign paperwork and pay $50 for an awesome baby, take her home for a long walk or training in the dog-run, and some play time!!! Then a treat or two, and I'd have to get going to work. Tony would check on her at lunch most days, but I'd be leaving at that point, around 12:30. Tony would be back around 5:30 for about an hour, then we'd be back around 10pm - then be with her almost the entire weekend, minus a couple hours on Sunday for church and then for bowling that night...

What should I prepare for? How do I get her used to a crate if she's not crate trained? Where do you suggest I look for info on how to crate-train (I've found SOME, but I'd like to know how YOU did it). Also, which harnesses and leashes would you suggest to get for an Aussie/boxer mix? What treat brands are your dogs' favorites? What size dog BED would I need for a small boxer sized dog?

Also, I'm thinking I don't want to give her any plush toys as Becca has stuffed animals we don't want Carly stealing. How do YOU suggest negative-training be done (aka, DO NOT TOUCH, CARLY!!! that works, and sticks relatively quickly)? What is your best suggestion for training her to stop in her tracks if I don't want her doing whatever she is doing??

What are your favorite training resources outside of a trainer (which I'll turn to as well!)? I'm reading as much as I can here on the site and other sites, but I also like seeing people's personal preferences.

Oh, and what preference do people have for crates for in the home/not traveling? And how much bigger SHOULD the crate be than the dog, IYO, as I've seen 36-42" suggested for Aussies, and I'm not sure which to get right now? I think I'd err on the bigger side if I didn't have a good idea by the time I went to get it...

OK, looking for more info, as well as cheapest place to get good-quality kennel, as that's really the most expensive part of the bring-home right now. Cheers all, and more later as I know it!

mikedavid00

I would get a Bichon Frise because they don't need a large amount of excersise and you can give them lots of hair cuts.

We have a Poodle/Maltese mix and it's a great puppy. No bad odors, no shedding, no alergies, lots of cool hair styles are possible.. and they are super smart.. it almost trains itself... I would say just get a non shedding puppy like a Bichon, Maltese, Poodle, or any mix of them. I Believe I read that a Poodle is a higher energy dog though as compared to a Bichon.

I also like a solid white coat because it contrasts well with the dark eyes and nose. Really cute.

Here's what I mean:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zze13KH85DY

Buggzter

***DROOL***

I WOULD love a Bichon as my mentor from years back had one that I loved dearly... But, a big part of what dog we get is who's available at the shelters that fits us. At Bishop, right now there is only one small dog - a 7-year old daushund/chi mix who did NOT have any interest in either myself or my husband. There were two others we looked at more serriously - an older herding-dog looking gal who had arthritis so was not too active, and Carly at a year old who LOVED us and felt perfect. We'll wait as needed until we find the right dog. But, I hope Carly is the dog for us right now. A bishon would be good for us as a second dog, really, as Tony really really really does NOT want a high-maintenance-with-grooming dog, which most of the small dogs that would be perfect for us would actually BE. Oh well.

But, if Carly is not there, we'll look around and see if one of the other shelters in the area has a smaller dog in the types that are more ideal for our family, and see what dog matches us (we'd meet dog and see if the dog likes us and vice versa, too)... BUT... I really really really really really really really really really really really really really want to bring Carly home.

I'm stopping for a couple minutes tomorrow at the shelter to see if she's still there, and Friday will be take-home day if she's still there then (we needs just a LITTLE more money for the rest of the supplies plus adoption fee - $50 - and payday is midnight Thus/Fri). If she's not there? I'll go to work and be fairly depressed for the day or the weekend or so, and then I'll start looking for the next match for us. We'll find the right one - I'm willing to wait until we find him or her, no matter how much my heart is set on the one.

Anyhoo, I stopped at Walmart to see prices on what I still need. I found the right size kennel I THINK (36" long) for $60 USD!!! WOOT!!!! Even if it's not the sturdiest, I'll take it for the next 6 weeks until everything is totally taken care of with having all bills a month-extra paid off and some MORE savings put away in case of emergencies so as any health problems are averted... Then I get a better one if needed. I also found most of the toys I want, the leash, collar, walking-harness, car harness, treats, FOOD... good bowls... EVERYTHING I need minus the pet bed that I want that is at my work for $10. YAY!!!!!

And IF it turns out that she's gone, I can still get what I need for a dog from Walmart when we pick the dog - just stop for 15 minutes of shopping and check out (plus wait time in line) for what's needed, really, as I know where it is and all that I really want - 5 different types of treats that aren't too bad quality and price, a dozen different toys (no plus), a good collar and leash... the right size harnesses, too! YAY!!!

Ok, that's done. I need to get to bed soon as it's late and I have a long day tomorrow for work and cleaning and shopping. Heck, I have to finish cleaning my house tomorrow night, and that will take QUITE awhile as I have alot to do before the dog can come home - it's a bit messy from packing and sorting. All my clothes and my daughter's are strewn all over the living room for sorting and packing what we don't need over the next few days, and what will be donated for the church's yard sale. Can't have that out for the dog - she needs cleanliness and space!!!

What would you suggest for what is needed clean-wise for an Aussie/boxer mix, as she is? I'm a cluttered person generally, but I can adapt for what I NEED to do for my animals much much better than for just myself.

Cheers all! Going to clean a tad more before bed!

Krystie

zturtilli

Hey, you'll find that spending 10-20 minutes a day of training time with your new dog should be enough... but you'll certainly need more time for feeding, walking, etc. It's an important decision, and the last thing you'd want would be to neglect the dog... good luck!

mikedavid00

Hey I know you have your heart set on that doggy, but keep in mind that at a year old it was probably given up due to behavioural issues. I think owners will try what is reasonable in their comfort level to correct problems but if they persist give up the dog.

I just noticed that the Australian Shepherd is a herding dog. These dogs have very strong instinct to chase things. For instance if a child is in the room it may try to herd the child. It may also not get along well with other animals. They are also very high energy and need lots of outdoor excersise.

Boxers are fine though.

Look at this video regarding the Australian Shepherd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut09MXG7cyg

Also keep in mind that the dog might have behavioral problems that you will inherit and since the dog is grown and has been given up and it will be harder to teach this dog new behaviors because you didn't get him early enough as a puppy.

If I really wanted an adopted dog with great temperment and not get a puppy, I would play it safe and adopt a greyhound or whippet. They have their own rescue's and foster homes and you can ask for a specific temperment that suits you. There's many to chose from, have had shots, been fixed, fed good food, etc. Usually the foster parents will be able to descibe the personalities so it makes chosing that much more easy.

With the shelter, you honestly won't know what you are getting. All we know is that someone(s) gave up this 1 year old dog. They must have had a reason.

But don't mind me.. I'm a worry wart so always plan for the worst

Buggzter

Don't worry, I'm an optomist, so we meet in the middle.

I'm planning on teaching Becca RIGHT AWAY this weekend as I teach Carly (IF she comes home) so as Becca will know how to give Carly commands - including to stop and to sit/lay down. Hopefully we will quickly get those instilled in Carly so as she stops and lays down immediately with a certain command. That way if Carly starts doing anything with Becca, Becca can tell her to stop. I'm also making sure Becca and Carly get along before Carly comes home on Friday - thus why also Becca will be going with me on Friday before the papers are signed, to see the first stuff.

Also, two friends (Sam and Aubrey) both have had dogs of all sizes, as well as herding dogs before. Sam also has a deaf boxer right now, and both are willing to work with us to help train Carly as needed (though we'll be doing most of course).

For your reassurance, Carly was taken to Bishop because her family faced forclosure and a move, and would have to live with family and could not take care of her in that home anymore (shelter worker knows the family - they live in a 4-bedroom appartment with sibling's full family, so 7 people living there with 3 cats and a bunny). She's housebroken, good with kids according to the worker, and she was GREAT with us from the first moment we saw her. So we're hoping, and our hearts ARE set.

BUT we're willing to be disappointed for the sake of Becca and for the sake of Carly's best interest if 1) she found a good home already, or 2) she and Becca don't mix.

I will be also giving Carly a job - learning TONS of tricks, obedience, and likely later various obsticle courses that I make up later this year if I get the chance to reduce my hours at work (MAYBE, if Tony's job keeps getting better as it looks to be). If not, we'll figure out new things for her to learn always. I'm good at coming up with that sort of thing. Maybe even dog-dressage if I can! THAT would be fun!

Anyways, I need to get going. have a good night all, and I'll report more tomorrow. Maybe I'll be less OCD and be able to write less... LOL!!!

Krystie

ladyshadowhollyjc

That may be true but it isn't always true. From most of the homeless dogs I've dealt with, most were not dumped because of their behavior. People make up lame excuses, they move, they have babies, they lose jobs, things happen... it's not always because of behavior issues.


Aussies are great dogs. If she really is an Aussie-Boxer mix, she will be super high energy and very smart. I don't know much about Boxers really, but I do know about Aussies. Mental exercise is key. No one likes a bored Aussie (or any bored dog for that matter). I'd try and find an obedience class to take with her (if you aren't already planning on doing so).

It's late I can't think of much more to say haha!

But I really can sense your enthusiasm! I'm very excited for you and I hope things work out with Carly. If sounds like you would be a great home for her from what I've read.

Keechak

In all honisty I have met two Boxer Aussie mixes in my life and If may shock you to see me say, they were fabulous dogs! The Boxer seems to take off any "edge" the Aussie may have and the two I met loved to play and were very energetic but they lacked the herding instinct, which IMO is great for a family.

sadd3j

Haha, after reading this thread, it's gotten quite exciting and I really hope you guys manage to get Carly and that it works out for you. Keep us updated

mikedavid00

Yes the kids and moving are the two most common excuses. Around here it's leaving the country and they need to give dog away.

Where I disagree with most dog lovers is they usually place all the blame on the owners 100%.

I think that people do care for their pets and are willing to make a reasonable effort for them to behave, but if the breed or instinct is too strong on a particular breed, people will give up the dog and make excuses.

Moving and kids both are excuses of course as any dog can be moved or be around kids UNLESS they have problems like biting or other problems that the owner cannot resolve and thus is why they give it away and it ends back to the shelter time and time again.

There was this one sheep dog that lived in our old 23 story building. A big huge scruffy thing. It would get in the elevator with people and go NUTS barking and trying to herd the people in the elevator. He would bark and go nuts. I saw this one asian lady FREAK out and hide in the corner like she was going to die. After complaints, the poor guy couldn't use the elevator unless it was empty.

I can't blame the owner for wanting to give up the dog as he made a mistake getting that type of dog for an apartment building living when it is bred to be herding in fields.

The key is not to mess with farm herding breeds that are not bread for home conditions. If you notice there's maybe a couple of dozen 'common' breeds that you see over and over again. I have a poodle/maltese mix that I'm blessed with. He almost trains himself. We never tought him how to sit and he just does it when we tell him to sit or stay or come. He just knows. Common mix good for modern domestic situations.

I wouldn't claim that all dogs are equal and all dogs can be trained the same or have the same temperment. If you tell people that they might believe it and get these dogs when they will end up back at the shelter.

I was just saying that a 'safe' bet for getting a good temperment dog is a greyhound or whippet from a resue IMO. Even then they need their excersised in a closed fence location.

But again I'm not an optomist so my reasoning and logic is different than most people who are natural optomists

Elana55

Go for it Buggzter. One of the BEST dogs I ever had I rescued. We trained thru her lack of training issues and all was WELL.

You can watch videos on dog training and on dog breeds until it is impossible to come up for air..

..better to just get this pup you have your heart set on and keep on asking questions.. go to an obedience class and ENJOY YOUR DOG. Your first hand experience with your own dog will give you more than anything you can imagine.

Buggzter

*** Sigh***

Long story short, she found a home YESTERDAY...

So, now the personal hunt online, trying to figure out JUST WHAT DOG I WANT TO LOOK FOR!!!! lol!

Ok, so at first I was thinking smaller dog since the appartment, less exercise, usually better with kids and pets... But... I think I'm going to look into another aussie/boxer mix IF I can find one, or maybe some boxer or boxer mix. Boxer is BIGGEST dog I'd dare get, really, as I'm not a "big dog" person, so a mix with a slightly smaller dog would be GREAT. I don't want a hound, terrier, or spaniel even though they are all awesome, since I'm a small-animal person too and don't want my other babies being hunted by my dog, even if they are in their cage...

Ok, I'm just really really really disappointed that we won't get Carly. I WISH either 1) we hadn't gone to see Bishop before we were ready to bring one home, or 2) Carly wasn't there when we went... I nearly wish her adoptive family would bring her back and we could get her, but that would be really hard on her so I actually DO NOT feel that way other than a lingering bit. Heck, I'll leave a note with them saying I'm looking for that sort of dog, and if they get one in before the new year to call us to come in and meet the dog! Then, if Carly comes back we can scoop the sweetie up...

*sigh* Sad day. Anyhoo, this DOES give us more time to prepare, move, my PARENTS won't have to freak out as they are getting here 12/1 and leaving 1/1 (aka, they will have more time with us, unless we find the right dog in the meantime)...

But, if I find the "right" dog for us in the meantime, I'll break down and get him/her. I'm sad, depressed, and nearly want to wipe the 50+ training articles I have downloaded on my computer to read and study (to see all the different opinions on training ways) just in rebellion. My coworkers are all sad for us, too - especially Sam, as she knows what it's like to fall for a dog and not get to bring it home. She's the one with the deaf boxer, and is getting me in touch with the local boxer rescue to see if we can get hooked up with a good dog for our family sometime in the future.

I think I'm going to be gone for about a week. I need time to think, to feel what I want to do next. Tony wants to wait until my parents leave to get the dog as they would FREAK OUT (not exactly animal people nor understand animal people - they have NO idea why my brother and his wife have just two cats and a dog, let alone us with our menagerie we've had over the past years - from our tarantulas and birds and rats and GPs to the 12' burm and my screaming conure!!!)... Thus, it COULD be a present for Becca - we could go out a couple days a week to the shelters and rescues to see about finding the right dog for the family, until we find the right match for our whole family... But at the same time, I want to get one sooner as I'm really really wanting to get a dog now that I've figured out how to deal with all the issues with it. My OCD has found a slight focus, was prepared for how to deal with all the issues and how to solve problems, and now has an empty hole as there is nothing to use my preperations on yet...

So... More study, more decisions for what I want....

I think I'm going for a small to medium dog - not "toy" sized although some are OK matches, and for SURE not bigger than a smallish boxer unless it's the "perfect" dog/boxer which might still be found - willing to go with up to 70 pounds likely IF the dog is "perfectly matching" for us, which for me is mostly a feeling not just facts. I need one that's not too bad allergy-wise, though I've found out that maybe certain foods and/or shampoos can help with that? I also need one that would be OK with my daughter and bird especially, and not attack the guinea pigs through their cage nor any other animal we might get (bird flies!!!), and is not a very-high energy dog nor not too barky as we already have a bird that screams too much and don't need a dog to do the same (we're working on reducing the screaming, but as she's a Jendaya conure there's not much more we can do with her - they are just NOISY NOISY NOISY NOISY NOISY birds!!!)... And prefered not to have really-high-maintenance fur/hair such as poodles. BUT, we're willing to deal with any of those issues not being met, other than the noise I think, as long as we find a fair match to our family. I've done searches, found some good breeds.... but it's too soon for me to really think about it other than thinking about finding another boxer/ aussie mix for the family.

Really, the boxer/aussie mix seems P-E-R-F-E-C-T for my family with the energy, intelligence, sweetness, wanting to please... That's how most of the dogs I've read of from that breed are. If I had a larger area and could own a few barnyard type animals I'd get a full aussie likely, but... I don't have that and won't for a LONG time, so that's not an option as Bear was much much much more Aussie than Carly (he was 6 months old and very very very Aussie, tho some sort of mix.)....

Again, too close to the loss. Yeah, she's in a good home. It's great for her, and gives us more time to prep. But I had already decided the collar, leash, toys, food, crate, bed, treats, schedule, where she'd go in both appartments, what to do with her while my parents are here and for the nights we bowl... *sigh* Crap. What a day. Was at the shelter right at 9am today, too... And had to wait an hour before the bliss of a TOUGH day at work to kinda forget - pharmacy tech at a BUSY pharmacy giving lots and lots of flu shots and tons of Rxs with a computer system not really working the right way today - chaos, in other words, and it helped. BLEH.

Goodnight. I think I'll be ending this thread. I'll read what you put, but when I'm ready to get back on the searching-for-the-right-dog-for-my-family-horse... I'll start a new thread to be more up-to-date and people don't need to read this long thing (though I'll link back for those who WANT to read). Thanks for all the help and suggestions and links. I read everything, watched everything, went from links from where you linked me to, and got a LOT of great information that I will be able to use for the rest of my life as I will always be an animal person and likely have a dog in my life for most of it in the future.

Again, thank you.

Krystie

*sigh*

ps - I have a feeling for animals, and for me an animal feels "right" to me when it's the right match for me emotionally - the animal and I connect properly, and I can be a good owner FOR that particular animal.... Although i have certain guidelines for the animals, I know I'm willing to go outside of them for the right dog for us. If that dog is found tomorrow, it's found tomorrow. If it's next year, it's next year. I just wish it had been Carly. I think I might always wish my first dog HAD been Carly... Good luck Carly - I wish that you have the BEST life ever imagined a dog could possibly have.

Dog_Shrink

So sorry that Carly didn't work out but that's just the stars way of telling you that she wasn't the one... but if she comes back to the shelter then she was... during your searching look up a breed called a Bugle (bulldog beagle mix) everything you want with none of the BS.

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