Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I think you have to be really, REALLY careful with shock collars.  A couple of people in our neighborhood have used them and it completely ruined their dogs.  In one case there was a wonderful, gigantic Mastiff who lived up the street.  They use a shock collar on him to keep him home and he completely flipped out!  I think the shock coming from a source he didn't understand caused him a lot of confusion and frustration.  Now, instead of the sweet, gentle giant who used to amble over for a hug and a sniff, there is a dog who goes absolutely crazy barking and throwing himself around.  He can't be left in the front any more because they are afraid he'll bite someone in his anxiety.  They only used the shock collar for about a month....and this was the sad result.

Please try using every other training method first and use that only as the very last option..

Of course, all of this is in my humble opinion....

When I asked about Izzy being a therapy dog yesterday, I was thinking more along the lines of working at the camp. He would then be an employee and part of the program there. If the insurance company then refused that would put them in a bad light. Better yet they shouldn't or couldn't dicate the work that is being done there. As pet he is a liablity, as a therapy dog involved in the program, he is an asset and deserves their protection also.

Just a thought.

Skippy

Great idea!  Hopefully Galaxe (Jessica) is following this thread because there are many great ideas (and support!!) for keeping Izzy right there where he belongs!!

It's just the insurance company...Izzy, from everything she said, is perfect!!

Oh, Nicole, I'm sooooo happy for you!  I can't wait to see pictures!!

Hot hot curry?  That sounds like recipe that has to go in our BPO best recipes!  I love LOVE hot curry!!!  You'd have trouble with me sneaking food off your plate!!!

Have you had her checked out by the vet?  I would think the yeasty smell might be just that...a yeast infection.  Once you know for sure that she's okay, then maybe try another brand of a premium food with a different protein source. 

She needs to smell like a sweet girly-girl so she can get lots of hugs!  Good luck!!

We're on the hug-express as well!  I'm so happy Polar has found his forever home!  I'm sure he'll settle in well once the spoiling begins!

Congrats to you all!

I would think that it would be next to impossible to have a puppy, but an adult dog (i.e., a rescue) could adapt.  You'd have to spend a lot of time in the beginning, though, developing a bond and training him/her so that the rules were clear.  A good brisk walk before work and another after work would be a really good way to handle any excess energy. 

Just my opinion, though...