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My BF sent me this so he had me reply from his account.
I volunteer at the local Humane Society in Austin, TX and have grown up with dogs all my life (mostly larger breeds). The fact that you are asking questions and taking your time already shows care and responsibility.
From what I can tell these are your main concerns.
Leaving him at home from 9-5: Especially when bringing a new dog home you don't really want to leave them unattended. Have you thought about crating him while you're away? It's not a punishment and gives them their own space in the house. Give him a few toys and food puzzles (kongs, etc) to keep him entertained throughout the day. Expect a lot of energy after being crated all day. The crate also keeps them from having accidents all over the house if they are a younger dog or are not house trained. As time goes on you can let him into a bigger area that is restricted with a baby gate and eventually let him have the run of the house. You can also look into a dog walker. My younger sister did it as a teenager for a couple who had demanding schedules because they were doctors. It gives the dog a chance to meet and trust new people and some exercise throughout the day.
Whining: Dogs whine for various reasons and I'm assuming the last family brought it back because of a separation anxiety type whining. This is usually blown way out of proportion. It probably just needed more attention or a lot more exercise. Another good thing is to not pay attention to the whining. When he stops praise him, if he starts again turn your back. A lot of dog training is just being consistent. The couple across the hall from my apartment had a yappy terrier that would whine when they were away (usually 15+ hours) they never took him outside for walks except to potty (3-5 min) and didn't play with him inside. If they had just exercised him more he wouldn't have whined so much.
One main thing with bringing a dog home is having the right expectations (a puppy can't hold it for 10 hours, a dog won't learn sit after just telling him once) if you have the right mind set not much can go wrong. Does the shelter you are looking at have counseling? Ours does especially for first time owners that need more information.
Just a last point I really want to stress. Exercise exercise exercise. An exercised dog is a happy dog. You would be surprised at the behavior problems that can be fixed just by taking a dog outside more often.
Hope this helps. Do you have any other concerns?
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On December 09 2010 13:51 itzme_petey wrote:![[image loading]](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs403.ash2/68158_10100408257151270_7963906_66585643_857955_n.jpg) This dog is a female that's 2 years old. Still a small breed, though not a puppy. People at the shelter tell me she is well tempered and mellow. I'm still leaning towards the first dog (Oz) however, I do not want to make any impulsive decisions.
What kind of dog is this?? Just make sure you get a breed you can manage... Weimeraners/Dalmations/etc are super hyper, athletic dogs that need tons of walking and exercise. Smaller dogs require less work. This should be your main concern due to your work hours.
Longer haired dogs sometimes require regular grooming. They also shed a ton more. Find that out too before you buy.
Temperment, you can get a good feel for that by walking the dog outside the shelter. They'll let you do that I'm sure.
Age is important too. Yes, an older dog will probably be more calm. But if it's got any bad behavior (chewing shit, whining, etc), those things are going to be very hard to get out of its system. At six months old, you can change that pretty quick
Good job going to a shelter though, that's always awesome for everyone if you can find a good dog.
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Thanks for replying. I actually just graduated from UT and moved from Austin, Tx to Texarkana. I recently spoke with the past owner of the first dog posted. He is actually from 1-2 years old, not the 6months I initially thought. However, the past owner told me that the dog has a severe case of separation anxiety. With training I know the dog can overcome the bad behavior, however, I do not have extensive time to train him. Plus, his whining is going to get me kicked out of my apartment complex.
Therefore, I chosen to adopt the 2nd dog posted. She is 2 years old and is described as well tempered and well adjusted. I will be paying the adoption/neutering fee this friday. The dog is a Finnish Spitz and my only concern is outdoor play during winter months. It will get down to like 30 degrees outside and I am not sure I can take her for 30 minute walks when its that cold outside. I understand how important exercise is to the Spitz breed since they are hunter dogs. Is there anything I can do to exercise a dog inside when it is too cold outside?
Here are the supplies I plan to buy:
1. Crate
2. Lease & Collar
3. Dog food
4. Dog bowl (for food/water)
5. Doggie gate to block off areas of my apartment
6. Dog shampoo
7. Dog bed??
What else would I need to keep my dog happy and healthy?
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Some sort of toy, if you don't get one it is likely to improvise a toy out of your shoes.
Edit: And as for dog bed, you can probably just use an old towel or something, dogs are not particularly picky. (except my dog, my sister got it an expensive bed thing but whenever I'm home she just uses my coat instead.  )
Edit2: As for toys, get something sturdy that is actually made to be a dog toy. Getting a stuffed animal will #1 last about a week and #2 could end up choking the dog with its bead eyes or stuffing or something. (also dogs go fucking balls out crazy for things that squeak when you bite them)
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So i got the dog but he is always wheezing. The people at the shelter say its just a kennel cough. Plus I just gave the dog a bath but it still smells. Is that normal? Do I need to give him Pantene pro v or some good smelling shampoo? Plus the dog wont eat any treats i give him. Does this mean he doesnt like treats or is scared of his new home?
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remember that dogs cost money you need to pick up the poop from your place they need to be trained where to pee and they bark its not all bubblegum and rainbows some days it will wake you up early and chew on your wires so you may be coming back home to a place where your wires are chewed on poop and pee on the floor and your dog running around while you try to pick it up.
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It may take the dog some time to acclimate to his new surroundings.
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Try getting another brand, but what lemon said. The wheezing, i'm not sure... pounds aren't exactly filled with smart people. All dogs smell. Wash him again if it's bad, but it will always be there a bit
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3861 Posts
1) Take him to a vet and get him his shots and treat him for the kennel cough ASAP.
2) Wash him. Remember dogs have a different Ph Balance than humans, so getting the right kind of shampoo might be best. Wash him a few times, lather on the shampoo and you can even find dog perfume to keep his coat from smelling. His face area though - heh, that's another story. ^^
3) As for beds, something soft and cushiony is fine - they dont care as long as it's comfortable.
4) In the winter you can take him out but you can also exercise his mind by teaching him tricks. That takes out some energy - at least for my dog.
Good luck!!
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EPT
