Immobilization
Thank god puppy class is on Saturday. After riding 8 rides at King's Dominion on Sunday, I can't really move very well now. For anyone who hates crowds but loves a good roller coaster (or 8), Mother's Day is an excellent time to go. Our longest wait was about 5 minutes for the Italian Job Turbo Coaster.
Anyways, this past Saturday was another "Hell Saturday" at puppy class. Everything went very smoothly, with the help of Lloyd's friend Mickey (I hope I spelled that right!).
We have one family in class that has a dog that is just not "fitting in". The family and dog can't seem to find the right chemistry. The dog is a chocolate lab puppy, a very very active and intelligent breed. Mixed with young kids, the activity (i.e. hyperness) increases. They don't have a fenced yard for play.
People - please please do your research before deciding on a breed and dog. Yes, Labradors are wonderful companions and very trainable, but they are sporting dogs. They are meant to hunt and run and swim. Just because they are popular and great all-around dogs does not mean you should own one.
I'm a big Lab fan myself. I love them and their goofy playfulness. But when I started to think about getting a dog, a Lab didn't even come into my mind. I spent at least a year researching breeds for temperment, activity level and intelligence to find a good condo dog. I finally settled on a pug, as that breed had the most "pros". That's not to say there aren't any "cons". There will always be something that is of concern when chosing a breed (in Franklin's case, the pug doesn't tolerate heat and humidity well, because of their smashed noses. We get around that by doing our outdoor activities early in the morning and keep the activities mellow the rest of the day).
The puppy class family now faces a tough choice, filled with heartbreak, especially for the young kids. They would probably have a wonderful life with an older, more mellow breed. In fact, we have a Bernese Mountain Dog in class that is the picture of calm.
To research breeds, visit the AKC, UKC (the UKC has a much stricter anti-puppy mill policy than the AKC) and read lots of books. I have The Dog Bible. After narrowing your choices to a few breeds, visit your local shelter or breed rescue organization. We have an excellent Labrador Rescue here in the DC area, as well as rescues for many other breeds.
I'll admit that Franklin is not a rescue dog, but after waiting for over a year for the right small dog to come into one of the shelters, I decided to go to a breeder. My personal belief is that you should try your best to find a rescue first, and then try a good breeder after exhausting those possibilities. Just because and a breeder has AKC next to his or her name, does not mean they are a good, reputable breeder. For an example of one of the best breeders of any breed, look at Rainmaker Ranch - check out their breeding practices and how open and communicative they are about their dogs. More on choosing a breeder to come...
10 comments:
What breed doesn't shed, bark, or poop? That's the kind I want. Oh, it shouldn't smell like dog either. Okay, it can poop, but it has to be able to learn to use and flush the toilet.
Well, I don't think you want a weiner dog, then!! I think they shed.
Maybe a breeder can come up with a Weinerdoodle!
Unless this can be done through artificial insemination, what you suggest is obscene.
Get a cat. ;-)
Yes, because there are never owners unprepared for cats...no declawed cats, no cats in shelters, no cats on the streets...it's all good in cat land! ;)
Great point on what a critical decision it is to: 1.) decide whether to adopt a dog, and, 2.) what type of dog to adopt.
Naturally, I am high on Rainmaker Ranch. Our chocolate female Labradoodle, Higbee, is now 4 months old and a joy--mellow, smart, responsive, eager to learn, sweet. She has great Therapy Dog potential.
Not saying there aren't issues with cat adoptions, but dearest cupcake said the criteria were "doesn't shed, bark or poop". Get a litterbox trained Rex - they're hairless, don't bark, and the poop is nicely contained. :-)Besides, you know I can't resist winding you up. ;-)
Cupcake...how about a hairless kitty up in the frozen north?
(just teasing ya Jean!)
There are hairless dogs in Peru... their skin is hot to the touch, and they're supposed to have mystical and healing powers. I could knit it sweaters for the winter, but I'm pretty sure they poop.
If the boyfriend & I are even in a position to get a dog, we will check back with you for advice.
Cupcake needs a robot dog, with a "mute" button & an on/off switch.
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