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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tanzanite on February 26, 2006, at 16:42:26
My very first dog Merlin had to be given up to a no kill shelter because he had aggression issues that were because of the situation we had lived under prior to my marriage. My hubby and I when living in an apartment got another dog who had been abandoned as a puppy and starved. We raised him, but he grew up and was too big for me to handle and also had food aggression and bit me. I really want a companion animal. Preferably a small female dog, one with a good temperament and one I could raise who hasn't been through any trauma. Sometimes I am afraid that it is my fault that the dogs were agressive even though I had nothing to do with it. I tend to blame myself for stuff that has nothing to do with me. I just am lonely when my husband is working and when he is home because of the schedule. So, if I don't get a dog, I still would like to maybe get a guinea pig, or maybe a cat. But the problem with cats is that they don't all end up being people lovers cuz they are so individual. With my luck I'd end up with one that is conceited LOL. Anyways, I am pmsing today and feel like crying right now and am just venting. Don't mind me.
Truthfully as always
Tanzanite
Posted by wanttobhappy on February 26, 2006, at 17:18:22
In reply to Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared, posted by Tanzanite on February 26, 2006, at 16:42:26
My suggestion if you want to get a cat go to a local shelter, they will let you handle the cats and you can find out wich one is the most people loving and friendly. I have 2 cats and have to say sometimes they drive me crazy wanting attention, so it can go both ways.
Best of luck in your decision,
Laura
Posted by Deneb on February 26, 2006, at 19:57:03
In reply to Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared, posted by Tanzanite on February 26, 2006, at 16:42:26
I want a pet too. Two of my hamsters died and now I have no pets. I really want two guinea pigs. Maybe I'll try to convince my Mom somehow.
Deneb
Posted by Dinah on February 26, 2006, at 20:25:31
In reply to Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared, posted by Tanzanite on February 26, 2006, at 16:42:26
I long ago recognized that I was not alpha dog. I do better with spaniels and other nondominant dogs.
What I would suggest is that you come up with a well thought out plan. One that will not only reassure you but also reassure someone who will be entrusting one of their babies to you.
First you might want to do some reading. I recommend
"Perfect Puppy: How to Choose Your Dog by Its Behavior"
Research the particular puppy you'll be getting. Since you have a history of prior problems, instead of adopting from the pound, you might want to buy from a reputable breeder. The best of them will take a puppy back if a home doesn't work out. The very best of them will require that a puppy come back to them if a home doesn't work out. Meet the mom, and dad if possible. Ask about the temperament of the individual pups. You probably don't want the most dominant, but you don't want one so submissive you might have fear biting or submissive urinating.
Consult with a behavioral specialist, both about training for you and your puppy, and also about environmental factors that might need to be changed to have an ideal puppy home.
Puppies are an awful lot of trouble. Be prepared with a puppy proof home.
Talking with vets, trainers, breeders, etc. about what to expect, and how to head off problems, will help both you and the puppy in the long run.
Oh yes, and neuter neuter neuter. Especially males, and at a young age before they get used to leg lifting and dominance challenges.
Posted by Phillipa on February 26, 2006, at 20:59:42
In reply to Re: Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared » Tanzanite, posted by Dinah on February 26, 2006, at 20:25:31
When I lost my l7yr old lapsapoo and toy poodle of l2years I had them creamated and they are next to my bed. I now have a toy poddle Teddy is his name. He is the sweeetest dog a person could ever want. He greets all the neighbors they even love him. He only had one accident as a puppy. He sleeps on our pillow and no matter what time we wake up he has never made a mistake. He is a lover. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Gee on February 26, 2006, at 22:29:54
In reply to Re: Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared, posted by Phillipa on February 26, 2006, at 20:59:42
If you're scared, go for the guinea pig. I found them to be quite loveable. We had ours by our fridge and whenever the door would open they would squeek and ask for veggies. The last one we had, we would let her out to run around the dinning room at night. Once my dad would start the dishwasher she would come running to her cage and tell him off if he hadn't caught her and put her back before. In the summer we would let them run around our daisy garden.
When we got a puppy, the guinea pig started eating out of the dogs dish. The guinea pig was larger than our puppy. We now just have the puppy, and he has quite the personality. He yells at my mom when she's on the computer and likes his routines. He's a small dog, and perfect for us. We did a lot of looking and research before we picked a dog.
Good luck
Posted by verne on February 26, 2006, at 22:39:12
In reply to Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared, posted by Tanzanite on February 26, 2006, at 16:42:26
You don't need a dog.
You don't need to go out "there".
this whole cat-dog slave thing (let's go get a pet) makes me ill.
Please. If an animal is your salvation, at least think about it.
Posted by verne on February 27, 2006, at 9:13:13
In reply to Re: Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared, posted by verne on February 26, 2006, at 22:39:12
Sorry,
not sure what I posted last night. just now discovered this one.
I've been agitated ever since I saw "Grizzly Man". This is a very disturbing movie.
verne
Posted by verne on February 27, 2006, at 9:15:04
In reply to OOPS, more PWD, posted by verne on February 27, 2006, at 9:13:13
"Grizzly Man" directed by Herzog
Posted by Dinah on February 27, 2006, at 10:28:17
In reply to Re: Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared, posted by verne on February 26, 2006, at 22:39:12
You would have me turn my toy spaniels out into the wild to forage for themselves? Or, more likely, to make a tasty meal for someone else?
Being a pet doesn't hurt a dog. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Posted by verne on February 27, 2006, at 11:34:22
In reply to Re: Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared » verne, posted by Dinah on February 27, 2006, at 10:28:17
Dinah,
sorry about my previous post. i was drunk and being stupid.
verne
Posted by AuntieMel on February 27, 2006, at 16:56:47
In reply to Re: Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared, posted by verne on February 26, 2006, at 22:39:12
It's disgusting how much a slave my cats have made me.
Posted by Dinah on February 27, 2006, at 17:20:57
In reply to Re: Want a new dog, right again » verne, posted by AuntieMel on February 27, 2006, at 16:56:47
As I was just picking up the dog paper, I was just thinking that any observer to the scene would think that any species who picks up feces of another species must certainly be subservient to that species. :)
Posted by Tanzanite on February 28, 2006, at 1:25:09
In reply to Want a new dog, but not just yet/scared, posted by Tanzanite on February 26, 2006, at 16:42:26
Thank you everyone for your input. I think I will be thinking about this one for awhile and all the advice is greatly helpful no matter what pet I decide to get. We have quite a lot going on at the moment so I am gonna wait a little while. Thank you again so much and peace
Tanzanite
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