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BPO General Forum => General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws => : Kelly89084 June 04, 2006, 02:13:43 PM

: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 04, 2006, 02:13:43 PM
Hubby says our next dog has to be low energy.  I'm thinking of working with a rescue group possibly.  Are Pyrs considered low energy?  :D Also, hubby says it doesn't need to be a protective breed because he spends more time protecting it (Holly is a big baby) than it does him.  lol  My personal preference is a white dog but I'm not stuck on it.

Ok, low maintentence, low energy dog that has an independant personality, preferably low alpha types that listen to and are good with kids and don't have doggie odor. Oh! and quiet too!  Hubby doesn't like excessive barking.  Barking at the dog or an intruder is ok though.  A dog that doesn't need another dog would be nice as well.

Is there even such a dog out there?   ???
: Re: Need help again
: Saint and Mal mom June 04, 2006, 02:23:07 PM
How about a Kuvasz? I've read from several of my dog books that they are in need of a medium amount of exercise, very trainable, protective, and a very loyal and spirited personality. I've never had one, so I can't tell you about them from experience. That's just my recommendation . Good luck in choosing the right dog for you!
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 04, 2006, 02:30:02 PM
How about a Dane.

I like the looks of dane but they are far too clingy.  I need something less needy.   ;)
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 04, 2006, 02:34:57 PM
How about a Kuvasz? I've read from several of my dog books that they are in need of a medium amount of exercise, very trainable, protective, and a very loyal and spirited personality. I've never had one, so I can't tell you about them from experience. That's just my recommendation . Good luck in choosing the right dog for you!

I just checked them and they need a good deal of exercise daily.  Too bad, they're good looking dogs.  ;)
: Re: Need help again
: Saint and Mal mom June 04, 2006, 02:40:58 PM
Greyhounds! What about them? There are plenty of them available that are retired racers! They need one walk a day as far as exercise is concerned, they love to be inside, are great with kids and other dogs, though they don't need dog company necessarily. They don't bark very much at all, and love to be lap dogs and couch potatoes. They come in all colors and personalities. Sound any better?
: Re: Need help again
: Yaz June 04, 2006, 03:09:56 PM

Ok, low maintentence, low energy dog that has an independant personality, preferably low alpha types that listen to and are good with kids and don't have doggie odor. Oh! and quiet too!  Hubby doesn't like excessive barking.  Barking at the dog or an intruder is ok though.  A dog that doesn't need another dog would be nice as well.

Is there even such a dog out there?   ???

That is funny - your list is very similar to our list when we were deciding on a breed. We needed a dog that was calm in the house even as a puppy, and did not need to have an hour exercise daily - would be happy with less, but still enjoy the odd hike.
We needed a dog that was excellent with very young children (we had three under three), had a low prey drive and very tolerant to friends and neighbours dropping in. 
We needed a dog that was QUIET, not barking for the sake of it. The kind of dog, who, if he did bark, we would pay attention because he was not one to enjoy the sound of his own voice.
I needed a dog that was happy to be with me, but not on me. A dog that was content to lie by itself, happy to be petted but not competing with the three young children for attention.
And, the last requirement was to have this dog be big and handsome.

After spending a month doing endless research, visiting various breeders and going through breed after breed, we came up with our perfect fit - the Saint Bernard. He is our second Saint and fits our bill perfectly. Drool and shedding are small prices to pay for a big, calm, quiet dog we can trust with our kids and friends children, who also has no alpha issues and is very obedient to boot.
: Re: Need help again
: newflvr June 04, 2006, 03:27:39 PM
How about a black Newf???  They are low energy, adore kids, sweet tempered with just about anybody and are usually quiet....excep t when there is something new that needs to be shown to you!
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 04, 2006, 04:19:01 PM
How about a black Newf???  They are low energy, adore kids, sweet tempered with just about anybody and are usually quiet....excep t when there is something new that needs to be shown to you!

hhhmmmmm  Well maybe if you sent Cowboy here I could get a better idea about those Newfs.  ;)
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 04, 2006, 04:20:39 PM
Greyhounds! What about them? There are plenty of them available that are retired racers! They need one walk a day as far as exercise is concerned, they love to be inside, are great with kids and other dogs, though they don't need dog company necessarily. They don't bark very much at all, and love to be lap dogs and couch potatoes. They come in all colors and personalities. Sound any better?

Funny you should mention those.  i really like tham and was just looking at some.  Unfortunately hubby has said no.  He wants a dog he can take places off leash and not worry about them listening when he calls.  Too many rabbits wild out here. They would have sudden hearing loss as soon as they got out of the car.  lol
: Re: Need help again
: Gypsy Jazmine June 04, 2006, 04:21:55 PM
Pyrs bark & they bark alot...If you want a dog that doesn't bark alot a Pyr is definitly not for you!...The do not bark for the sake of barking...They know what they are barking at even if we don't but it happens ALOT!...Also, they take alot of care for their grooming...I do a good job of it & still found a spot on Sammy today that had a scab because hair under his belly had twisted & matted & was pulling his skin...Pyrs are low to low moderate energy even as pups...They will gaurd their people but aren't dogs that gaurd your property per say...They are independent thinking dogs & they are not "push button" obedience based dogs because of this...The norm is to need a fenced in area & be kept on leash...The number one reason that Pyrs are turned into rescue (as told by the lady in Chicago that works in Pyr rescue I've dealt with) is because they can't be perimeter trained & people always think they will get the one that can be...Pyrs are awesome with children but do not readily welcome strangers into your home...Pyrs are not dogs that should be taken lightlylike any LGD dog...They need firm handling & someone who will dedicate alot of time to their training...The y are very sensative to anything that changes in their routine & envoirment...S o far as needing another dog...I firmly believe that both Sammy  & Pippin would be fine with just us & no other dogs...I don't want to be discouraging because I will always share my life with at least one Pyr...I don't even see the "negatives" as negatives...Th ey are just part of what a Pyr is & I love everything about them!...Good luck in your search! :)...I'll check over my dog breed encyclopedia later today or tonight when I have time & see if I can find a dog that might suit you & get back to you!
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 04, 2006, 04:22:07 PM
That is funny - your list is very similar to our list when we were deciding on a breed. We needed a dog that was calm in the house even as a puppy, and did not need to have an hour exercise daily - would be happy with less, but still enjoy the odd hike.
We needed a dog that was excellent with very young children (we had three under three), had a low prey drive and very tolerant to friends and neighbours dropping in. 
We needed a dog that was QUIET, not barking for the sake of it. The kind of dog, who, if he did bark, we would pay attention because he was not one to enjoy the sound of his own voice.
I needed a dog that was happy to be with me, but not on me. A dog that was content to lie by itself, happy to be petted but not competing with the three young children for attention.
And, the last requirement was to have this dog be big and handsome.

After spending a month doing endless research, visiting various breeders and going through breed after breed, we came up with our perfect fit - the Saint Bernard. He is our second Saint and fits our bill perfectly. Drool and shedding are small prices to pay for a big, calm, quiet dog we can trust with our kids and friends children, who also has no alpha issues and is very obedient to boot.

How much exercise do they need?  At what age do they become quiet in the house?   Well, as quiet as dogs get anyway. ;)

Same Qs for the Newfies please!

As for the Pyr, while they may be the perfect dog for me, I have a hubby to consider so until he ticks me off to the point that I kick him out, I'll have to get something that makes HIM happy too. ;D  I can't think of one bad thing about Pyrs except the barking and only for DHs sake.
: Re: Need help again
: Gypsy Jazmine June 04, 2006, 04:30:45 PM
That is funny - your list is very similar to our list when we were deciding on a breed. We needed a dog that was calm in the house even as a puppy, and did not need to have an hour exercise daily - would be happy with less, but still enjoy the odd hike.
We needed a dog that was excellent with very young children (we had three under three), had a low prey drive and very tolerant to friends and neighbours dropping in. 
We needed a dog that was QUIET, not barking for the sake of it. The kind of dog, who, if he did bark, we would pay attention because he was not one to enjoy the sound of his own voice.
I needed a dog that was happy to be with me, but not on me. A dog that was content to lie by itself, happy to be petted but not competing with the three young children for attention.
And, the last requirement was to have this dog be big and handsome.

After spending a month doing endless research, visiting various breeders and going through breed after breed, we came up with our perfect fit - the Saint Bernard. He is our second Saint and fits our bill perfectly. Drool and shedding are small prices to pay for a big, calm, quiet dog we can trust with our kids and friends children, who also has no alpha issues and is very obedient to boot.

How much exercise do they need?  At what age do they become quiet in the house?   Well, as quiet as dogs get anyway. ;)

Same Qs for the Newfies please!

As for the Pyr, while they may be the perfect dog for me, I have a hubby to consider so until he ticks me off to the point that I kick him out, I'll have to get something that makes HIM happy too. ;D  I can't think of one bad thing about Pyrs except the barking and only for DHs sake.
I think a St. may very well work for you!...& a little FYI...In the late 1800's the St. Bernard was in danger of dying out do to weak genetics & some other factors...The smooth coated St. was crossed with Newfies & Pyrs & that's how we got the long haired St. we know today...Before that they were all smooth coated...Rough coated St.'s weren't recognized by the AKC until (I think) the 1940's...So, if you get a long haired St. you could have a little bit of all 3 dogs! ;D
: Re: Need help again
: doggylover June 04, 2006, 04:32:08 PM
Rottweiler!  The only thing is they are a little bit needy (I think all dogs are).  They are independent, and clean, low energy, never bark....they don't stink (usually..Badge r has a very bad smell but that's just him).  They are loyal and GREAT with kids and animals.  They are super smart and easy to train....!     
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 04, 2006, 04:33:46 PM
I had one before moving here.  Hubby ranks them up there with yappy dogs and dalmations.  He's a total nut (and more than a little hard to please)!
: Re: Need help again
: doggylover June 04, 2006, 04:38:50 PM
I had one before moving here.  Hubby ranks them up there with yappy dogs and dalmations.  He's a total nut (and more than a little hard to please)!
What?  Is hubby crazy?  Yappy dogs?  My dog wouldn't be 'yappy' on his worst day!
Rotts are: demanding, needy, stubborn, velcroish, loyal, stubborn, piggy, adoring...stub born.....
ROFL OK what about a mastiff?
   
: Re: Need help again
: newflvr June 04, 2006, 06:19:35 PM
hhhmmmmm  Well maybe if you sent Cowboy here I could get a better idea about those Newfs.  Wink

Oh, gosh!  As much as I'd love to share, sadly there is only ONE Cowboy!!!  He's the perfect dog except for epilepsy...and he's been seizure free FOR A YEAR!!!  YEAAA!!!

Nope, can't share that guy.  Now Chester, he COULD be loanable if I get to a borrow a little puppy that could be arriving at your house soon!  I need a fix of puppy breath!!!
: Re: Need help again
: Leah... June 04, 2006, 07:20:55 PM
sounds like you need a cat...lol
: Re: Need help again
: chaos270 June 04, 2006, 08:20:03 PM
I'd say go with either a smooth coated Saint or a black newf.  I like the smooth coats as they are easier to care for and tend to look better (the long haired Saints I know tend to look ratty no matter how often they're groomed).  Most Saints and Newfs are lazy and a walk with some mind work would wear them out.  They can be a little harder to train but are good with people.  They love their people too.  My suggestion is to try to find and spend time with breeders or people who own them near you as that's the best way to determine if either breed is right for you and your hubby.  Good luck and let us know what you decide.
: Re: Need help again
: Saint and Mal mom June 04, 2006, 08:27:34 PM
A smooth coated Saint- I would have to agree there as well. Dolly is very laid back, loveable, and only barks when barking at her irritating sister who won't share toys! She's wonderful inside the house. They are easy to train, one walk a day is fine for exercise, in fact, before age 2, long walks are discouraged. They say it may stunt proper bone growth. They settle down in the house very well. We got Dolly at 5 months old, and she's always behaved properly in the house. I can recommend some breeders in your area if you'd like as well. Let me know!
: Re: Need help again
: Leah-n-boy-os June 04, 2006, 08:36:40 PM
I don't think a Newf will work for all of your ...specificati ons either. You stated at one point that the dog can't be clingy...Newfs are *very* social and people-orientated. They're not a dog that's going to stay in the background...t hey want to be right where you are...usually trying to involve themselves in whatever you're doing. They, for the most part, (there are always exceptions to the rule) want to be with their humans whenever possible, and they love to be loved on, and give love in return.

The exercise-level depends on the dog individually. No two are alike, and if your pup comes from "energetic" lines, they'll be more active, thus requiring more time.

Good luck
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 04, 2006, 09:41:09 PM
sounds like you need a cat...lol

or to trade my hubby in for a new model.  ;)

I don't mind the dog being a part of the family.  After all, what's the point of having one otherwise.  I just don't want another Holly.  She needs to be physically touching one of us (usually me) constantly.  when I jog/run anywhere she's got the side of her face planted on my leg or is tangling her feet in mine.  It makes it hard to move.  When I sit she's got her face resting on me or is trying to crawl in my lap.  I don't mine a dog wanting attention once in a while, but it's driving me nuts to be touched constantly.  I also don't want my kids to have to compete with her for attention.  SHe tends to get jealous of them and push for even more attention for herself.  She would have physical contact with me 24/7 if I didn't put a stop to it once in a while.  I already have 2 sons and a hubby that are demanding,  I'd rather have a dog that is a friend instead of one more needy child.  Does that make sense?
: Re: Need help again
: doggylover June 04, 2006, 10:07:21 PM
Get a stuffed dog.  I'll send you a bucket of slobber and some butt smell to make it more authentic.
 ;)
: Re: Need help again
: Gypsy Jazmine June 05, 2006, 12:12:15 AM
Get a stuffed dog.  I'll send you a bucket of slobber and some butt smell to make it more authentic.
 ;)
& I'll send some puppy sized dog hair tumbleweeds...& the remainder of my fav. chair to make it almsot virtual! :D
: Re: Need help again
: doggylover June 05, 2006, 12:30:49 AM
OK I'm a bit of a drama queen so sometimes when I just shake a little, I'll type LOL, when in all honesty, it was just a lil quiver.  But right now, NO exaggeration I am crying.  Tears, actual wetness, are running down my face.  Liz, Gypsy HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HA SOB SOB SOB
 :D ;D :'(
: Re: Need help again
: Leah... June 05, 2006, 12:30:59 AM
i think i agree with whoever said Stdrd. Poodle. they can be the smartest dog in the world, or the dumbest, so be careful! i think you need to get a babysitter, make a list of your fav. breeds thus far, and go to 3 breeders of each. then pick your fav breeder of each breed (after more than one visit), visit as much as possible, and get to know the dogs as well as the family. then you can make a educated choice by knowing the dogs, not researching online. just don't come home with a puppy!!!
: Re: Need help again
: doggylover June 05, 2006, 12:34:14 AM
i think i agree with whoever said Stdrd. Poodle. they can be the smartest dog in the world, or the dumbest, so be careful! i think you need to get a babysitter, make a list of your fav. breeds thus far, and go to 3 breeders of each. then pick your fav breeder of each breed (after more than one visit), visit as much as possible, and get to know the dogs as well as the family. then you can make a educated choice by knowing the dogs, not researching online. just don't come home with a puppy!!!
And then right back to seriousness... .that just makes it funnier!!! Or as my brother would say in a serious game of scrabble, 'funner'
hahahahhahahah ahhaha
: Re: Need help again
: Gypsy Jazmine June 05, 2006, 12:35:34 AM
OK I'm a bit of a drama queen so sometimes when I just shake a little, I'll type LOL, when in all honesty, it was just a lil quiver.  But right now, NO exaggeration I am crying.  Tears, actual wetness, are running down my face.  Liz, Gypsy HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HA SOB SOB SOB
 :D ;D :'(
Welcome to my world. :-\ :) :P
: Re: Need help again
: doggylover June 05, 2006, 12:38:36 AM
ROFL why, thank you, I like your world.  LOL the other day hubby said, "what happened, you've been cracking up all the time lately...out of the blue"  I told him it was this site.  I'll be walking along and just bust up. 
 :D
: Re: Need help again
: Saint and Mal mom June 05, 2006, 09:04:18 AM
On second thought, don't get a Saint unless you're okay with this. Wood is good.
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 05, 2006, 10:48:29 AM
*sigh!*  Maybe I'll just keep Holly and teach her to be fat and lazy like her mommy. :D  Can you even teach a Dobie to do that?  As smart as she can be sometimes, I just don't think she would be able to master that one. ;)
: Re: Need help again
: newflvr June 05, 2006, 11:07:54 AM
Newfs are *very* social and people-orientated. They're not a dog that's going to stay in the background...t hey want to be right where you are...usually trying to involve themselves in whatever you're doing. They, for the most part, (there are always exceptions to the rule) want to be with their humans whenever possible, and they love to be loved on, and give love in return.



Yep!  ALL true!  And that's what makes them so great!  Stuffed dog, gold fish, getting special, special dog gifts from all over so that it FEELS like you have a dog  ;): all good options!

Let us know what you decide!  Holly will hopefully out-grow this stage and get more confident.  I know what it's like being needed by kids, needed by dog, needed by husband and having NOOOO personal space to call your own.  A gold fish would be good!!! ;D
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 05, 2006, 11:40:06 AM
Newfs are *very* social and people-orientated. They're not a dog that's going to stay in the background...t hey want to be right where you are...usually trying to involve themselves in whatever you're doing. They, for the most part, (there are always exceptions to the rule) want to be with their humans whenever possible, and they love to be loved on, and give love in return.


Yep!  ALL true!  And that's what makes them so great!  Stuffed dog, gold fish, getting special, special dog gifts from all over so that it FEELS like you have a dog  ;): all good options!

Let us know what you decide!  Holly will hopefully out-grow this stage and get more confident.  I know what it's like being needed by kids, needed by dog, needed by husband and having NOOOO personal space to call your own.  A gold fish would be good!!! ;D

Is running away from home an option?  I've been wanting to do that for months now.

I should just get a Pyr and let him run hubby out of the house.  He's the troublemaker anyway.  lol  Holly is, if possible, getting MORE clingy as time goes on.  I just think that she isn't getting all that she needs here and I feel bad for her.  I'm overwhelmed trying to take care of her and I'm sure she feels it. There's got to be a dog that is easier to care for than her AND that hubby can handle.  Ssshhhhh!  Don't tell him I said so, but I think he's a little afraid of our big paws.   ;)  I know he was scared of my Rottie in the past. ::)  Fat old lady that could hardly move but never did trust him, or he her.  I swear he seemed to think she would get a sudden burst of puppy energy and come after him when he least expected it.  lol  Funny, but sad.

Oh, and for the dog "gifts", I think I'll pass if you don't mind. ;)
: Re: Need help again
: Nicole June 05, 2006, 02:10:50 PM
Oh wow! I hope that everything goes well with Holly, but in my experience, if one dog is too much, than two dogs are TWICE TOO MUCH!
: Re: Need help again
: newflvr June 05, 2006, 02:19:42 PM
I should just get a Pyr and let him run hubby out of the house.  He's the troublemaker anyway.  lol  Holly is, if possible, getting MORE clingy as time goes on.

I think you are on to something.  I really do think that our furpals pick up on all the stress we are feeling and they do cling tighter to try to 'help'.  I don't Holly is insecure; I think she senses that you are overwhelmed and she probably feels she ought to help. 

Rehoming is one option; marriage counseling is another; therapy for just you so that you can get some help learning to juggle all the stuff you are obviously having to handle alone is a third.  Do you have any time to yourself?  Can you get out for an hour a day BY YOURSELF?  Even taking Holly out for a long ramble could improve things....the exercise helping you to feel better about things....Holl y feeling she had you all to herself for a bit...

Sorry, I'm rambling here, but I have been there.  Too many animals, too many kids, to many 'gentle requests' from dh, too many demands from the rest of the family.  I'm SOOOO glad to be the age I am....wrinkles, fat and all!!! ;)
: Re: Need help again
: dober_gurl June 05, 2006, 02:24:48 PM
Oh wow! I hope that everything goes well with Holly, but in my experience, if one dog is too much, than two dogs are TWICE TOO MUCH!

I agree!
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 05, 2006, 02:47:49 PM
Oh wow! I hope that everything goes well with Holly, but in my experience, if one dog is too much, than two dogs are TWICE TOO MUCH!

I agree!

Actually, we (I) got Holly to save her from being PTS because she's an absolute sweetheart.  I wasn't planning to keep her but found out how many issues she has and have been trying to fix them so she won't end up on death row again.  I'm having a hard time giving her up because I DO love her but need to do it anyway because I think there are better homes for her type of dog than ours.  The dog I am trying to find would be the one we keep so I'm trying to be extra picky about it.  It's hard on my son to have a dog going in and back out as it is on all of us.  If I thought Holly would be happy here just because I got a second dog, I'd do it, but I'm being honest about what I'm capable of hamdling for her sake.  I'm trying to do what is best for her.  I am considering taking a break after she finds her forever home and getting things here a little more under control as well as an SUV to haul the family around in and then jumping back in with another rescue.  I just have to find the perfect home for Holly before I can bring another dog into the family. ;)


Maybe I'm just not coming across clearly.  I tend to fumble around when I'm trying to explain something.  ???
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 05, 2006, 02:49:11 PM
I should just get a Pyr and let him run hubby out of the house.  He's the troublemaker anyway.  lol  Holly is, if possible, getting MORE clingy as time goes on.

I think you are on to something.  I really do think that our furpals pick up on all the stress we are feeling and they do cling tighter to try to 'help'.  I don't Holly is insecure; I think she senses that you are overwhelmed and she probably feels she ought to help. 

Rehoming is one option; marriage counseling is another; therapy for just you so that you can get some help learning to juggle all the stuff you are obviously having to handle alone is a third.  Do you have any time to yourself?  Can you get out for an hour a day BY YOURSELF?  Even taking Holly out for a long ramble could improve things....the exercise helping you to feel better about things....Holl y feeling she had you all to herself for a bit...

Sorry, I'm rambling here, but I have been there.  Too many animals, too many kids, to many 'gentle requests' from dh, too many demands from the rest of the family.  I'm SOOOO glad to be the age I am....wrinkles, fat and all!!! ;)

Thank you for understanding.  It really means a lot.  I think I'm getting mushy and emotional thinking of her leaving.   :'(
: Re: Need help again
: doggylover June 05, 2006, 02:52:13 PM
I had one before moving here.  Hubby ranks them up there with yappy dogs and dalmations.  He's a total nut (and more than a little hard to please)!
BTW, do you mind saying what happened with the rotty you had before? 
: Re: Need help again
: Kelly89084 June 05, 2006, 02:55:58 PM
I had one before moving here.  Hubby ranks them up there with yappy dogs and dalmations.  He's a total nut (and more than a little hard to please)!
BTW, do you mind saying what happened with the rotty you had before? 


She died.  She was really old though we don't know exactly how old because we got her from a pound where she and her pups were dumped.  Pups didn't make it.
: Re: Need help again
: doggylover June 05, 2006, 02:59:45 PM
I had one before moving here.  Hubby ranks them up there with yappy dogs and dalmations.  He's a total nut (and more than a little hard to please)!
BTW, do you mind saying what happened with the rotty you had before? 


She died.  She was really old though we don't know exactly how old because we got her from a pound where she and her pups were dumped.  Pups didn't make it.
OK, I can't really be of any help, so I'll just exit out this back door over here.....
 ???
: Re: Need help again
: dober_gurl June 05, 2006, 03:02:55 PM

Actually, we (I) got Holly to save her from being PTS because she's an absolute sweetheart.  I wasn't planning to keep her but found out how many issues she has and have been trying to fix them so she won't end up on death row again.  I'm having a hard time giving her up because I DO love her but need to do it anyway because I think there are better homes for her type of dog than ours.  The dog I am trying to find would be the one we keep so I'm trying to be extra picky about it.  It's hard on my son to have a dog going in and back out as it is on all of us.  If I thought Holly would be happy here just because I got a second dog, I'd do it, but I'm being honest about what I'm capable of hamdling for her sake.  I'm trying to do what is best for her.  I am considering taking a break after she finds her forever home and getting things here a little more under control as well as an SUV to haul the family around in and then jumping back in with another rescue.  I just have to find the perfect home for Holly before I can bring another dog into the family. ;)


Maybe I'm just not coming across clearly.  I tend to fumble around when I'm trying to explain something.  ???

Ah now I understand, how about contacting a doberman rescue, they'll tell you how to work with her. Who knows better than the breed lovers themselves!
: Re: Need help again
: Kiahpyr June 05, 2006, 03:15:42 PM
Holly sounds like Kitana. She is also a very needy dog. She has to be with me at all times. It drives my hubby insane! She also has some other issues that we are working on. I feel that bringing a dog into any home is a major commiment and one should do everything to make sure the dog stays in it's home. 

I've read that you are thinking of getting a pyr. I'm advising against it! They bark a lot!!! They also get dirty and will dig huge craters! They also have a very strong personality and needs a firm hand.
: Re: Need help again
: MafiaPrincess June 05, 2006, 03:33:08 PM
So you are looking at getting a new dog.. but one that needs the attributes of a stuffed animal or pet rock..
While rehoming a dog you've adopted and cared for..

I see this time and again on many forums.  Makes me kinda ill since you'd figure people on a pet forum wouldn't rehome.  But you also find chronic rehomers and hoarders there too.

If you rehome the dobe, I really don't think it's right that you look for another one.
: Re: Need help again
: dober_gurl June 05, 2006, 03:41:48 PM
I too have to agree with Liz. I also looked back on your posts and saw that you never mentioned getting Holly as a foster, but instead as a new member of your family. Dobermans are clingy/hyper/nosy/playful/loving/protective when NEED BE/aloof/and so much more. It's what I love about dobermans and what has drawn me toward them for life. It's very rare to find a dobie like Maggie who is for the most part quiet(hardly ever hear the dober whine at home). Maggie is still very clingy to me, ask anyone that I've been with with her. Holly needs something done with her maybe Agility or trick training
(IE: spin, nod your head, something of a challenge) or flyball. You don't have to show, all these can be trained in your backyard. Maggie learned Agility in my backyard and so did my min pin, Roxie. Remember to research before you get the breed. Dobermans do need a home with experienced people IMO. She's probably better off in a better home with experienced dobie people or someone that knows of a dog's high drive. I'll help you if you want, I sent you a PM. Be careful with your next dog, it's not always the breed that you can count on, but the dog itself. If your going to get a rescue, I'd suggest another adult but one with a background you can read and the foster parents can explain to you in detail about how the dog's lifestyle and energy level is.
: Re: Need help again
: Gypsy Jazmine June 05, 2006, 05:03:22 PM
I thought you were keeping Holly too...I don't get it but I'm not going to judge because I am not there to fully understand...R osie was an absolute nightmare...We pulled her from a shelter for Kuvasz rescue...She snarfed at my daughter, ate my recliner, ate into my drywall, & was just spooky...With the help of a behaivoralist, alot of deep breaths & counting to 10, & alot of time & understanding she is the best behaved dog I have...Why not just work on Holly? :)
: Re: Need help again
: Nicole June 05, 2006, 05:04:53 PM
*whisper*...pssst...hey, Chelle...its Holly....*whisper*

 ;)
: Re: Need help again
: Gypsy Jazmine June 05, 2006, 05:08:58 PM
*whisper*...pssst...hey, Chelle...its Holly....*whisper*

 ;)
oops...I just woke up from a nap & I usually can't even remember my kids & critters names then...lol...I fixed it...I should have added edited because I am a moron! :D
: Re: Need help again
: doggylover June 05, 2006, 08:35:00 PM
OK I would like to state my philosophical position on this issue because I think it is important, for the welfare of dogs, to stand up for what is minimum standards for their care. 
This is not specifically intended to address what should be done with Holly...I am not there and I don't know all the pertinant facts. 
I think we as dog lovers have limited options regarding the issue of keeping/letting our dogs go, morally.  With each option, as I see them, I will include an example.
 
Option A:  The dog is wonderful but you are unable to keep it so you have no choice but to rehome. 
Example: You lost your job and are homeless.  The homeless shelter won't let you bring the dog. 
Example:  Your new husband is terribly allergic to the wonderful dog, and he will DIE if you keep the dog.
You find a wonderful new home.

Option B:  The dog is so disturbed that you can't, with the help of k9 pharmaceutical s and/or professional behaviorist rehabilitate the dog.  The dog is not rehabilitatabl e and you have tried everything available.  In this case, you go to the vet with the dog and cuddle the dog and love him/her up while it is humanely euthenized. 
Example:  The dog is rolling in it's own feces out of abject terror at things that don't exist, pacing, and biting if people try to get near it...barbituat es didn't help.  The behaviorist and vet both say the poor dog is not helpable.  It is cruel to allow the dog to suffer.  You hold that dog and cuddle it as best you can, and put it to sleep. 
Option C:  You have a decent dog that has some behavioral problems and it is a pain in the arse. 
Example:  All of our dogs from time to time.  You rehome the dog if you can't stand living with the dog, then you don't get another dog until you have significantly changed your circumstances and you have 0 doubt that you can be more tolerant of normal dog behavior.
Option D:  Fostering.  You get the dog, as a foster.  You only take problem dogs if you are qualified to rehabilitate dogs who have issues.  You rehab the dog if possible, and if NOT possible...you do one of the other options. 
This is of course totally my opinion and not intended to reflect the beliefs of the board or of anyone on the board.