Hello, trying to pick a dog - Updated, Found my dog!

• 11-01-2009 10:23 AM

  In reply to luvmyswissy

  AgileGSD Joined on 09-16-2007 Posts 1,032 Points 65

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact  You found yourself one good looking dog! I always love the blue merle color.  One head's up - because of the breeds in his mix he should not be given a certain family of drugs including ivermectin heartworm prevention without being tested for sensitivity towards them. This is a list of potnetial problm drugs: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/drugs.aspx and this is info about the tetsing: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl/

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• 11-01-2009 11:17 AM

  In reply to ripsnorter

  jennie_c_d Joined on 09-10-2007 Southeast Georgia Posts 11,067 Points 265	Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact  What a very handsome puppy! Congratulations!!
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• 11-01-2009 2:59 PM

  In reply to ripsnorter

  Chuffy Joined on 12-17-2006 UK Posts 7,400 Points 145

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact  He is gorgeous and Lincoln/Link suits him great!  I love snappy, unusual names Just a heads up - lots of dogs are verrrrry well mannered for a week or three when they first come home.... After that, any bad habits/behaviour problems often emerge.  A lot of his manners right now probably ARE because he is a smart dog and has picked up what you want quickly.  But some of it may be because he hasn't quite found his feet yet.... you, your family, friends and property are still an unknown quantity, so he is being cautious. So, just as an example, don't give him a chance to roam, chew, pee where you don't want him to or ignore a recall - for about a month or so, and gradually ease up after that, as his "true" personality begins to come through.  Then you will be able to see where he really IS well-mannered, and which bits need a little bit of work, without losing ground because he has had a chance to practise unwanted behaviours. "Give a man a fire and he is warm for a day, but set fire to him and he is warm for the rest of his life." - Pratchett, "Jingo"

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• 11-01-2009 8:06 PM

  In reply to Chuffy

  ripsnorter Joined on 10-25-2009 Posts 11 Points 0

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact Thanks for the advice Agile about the drugs. I think he's a great looking dog too :) Hardly the reason why I chose him, I tried not to pay too much attention to how he looks when I was choosing, but now that I have him home I really think he's great looking :) And thanks Chuffy for the advice. I'm actually finding that now is the harder time, since he isn't completely comfortable. I'm hesitant about everything, since I'm not sure how much is good behavior right now, and how much is his personality. I've let him off the leash only a few times outside, for very short periods of time, and under controlled circumstances. So I'm not leaving him alone much at all, and doing a lot of testing, training, etc. He's also not 100% on coming when called, or even his name yet. It's been years since I trained a dog at all, and I'm devouring as much knowledge as I can get on the subject. I'm actually looking forward to about a month from now, when he's settled into his routine, his personality has settled, and we've all settled into a routine together.

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• 11-02-2009 11:17 AM

  In reply to ripsnorter

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 11,723 Points 1,020

  Re: Hello, trying to pick a dog Reply Contact You can train a really good recall, but you should start while he is on leash or long line.  If you go to www.cleanrun.com, you can buy a copy of Leslie Nelson's "Really Reliable Recall" DVD.  I find that if you start right from the get go with her method, before the dog gets the idea that "come" is optional, it's really easy.  If I can do it with a hound, you should for sure be able to get a great recall on a herder.  Looking at your dog, though, I'm guessing there's some Catahoula, maybe ACD, but also some terrier.  Regardless, he's a really cute dog - love the tail (which is what reminded me of ACD).  Good luck with him. P.S. I do know what a "farm dog" is, but that doesn't mean I think they should sleep outdoors - except the livestock guardians.  If the dog can't come in, a warm barn will do, as will a very well constructed dog house, but herders in general are not as happy away from you as they are near you. Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 20 1/2 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog In memory of Mike, please become an organ donor today. "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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