OK, without googling and reading those article, can I assume more specifically you mean you despise some rescues? I would acknowledge there are going to be some bad rescues that aren't on the up and up, just like there are bad breeders, and some poorly run humane societies (I adopted my first dog from a humane society, was told the dog was 3 (perfect) found out a few years later he was actually more like 8 (wouldn't have adopted an 8 year old had I known). We had him for just three years before the old age challenges started to set in).For a sec I thought I should apologize for the word despise, acknowledge there's a percentage of excellent rescues and move past a can of worms inappropriate for the thread. Any thoughtful reply will be way tl;dr. There's much that angers me on topic. A google for hating dog rescues turns up dozens of links that cover most of my issues. The Yahoo one is a good start. I have intimate knowledge of three rescues, experience with two others, and it's mostly bad, some of that being difference of opinion. I think the process needs major regulation to weed out the scammers and idiots. Price gouging dog flippers make my list. The county and city shelters I researched yesterday re-home fixed dogs up to date with shots and vet clearance from $20-$105. Rescues usually approach 3-5 hundred and 6-700 isn't unusual. It's just one of over a dozen things that bug me.
I gave 90 pounds of food (40#s puppy chow) and $100 bucks for li'l miss no name yesterday. I could have taken her for free, but on inspection the breeders were stupid but not drug $ seeking idiots. I also took the skinniest pup who probably needed out of there soonest. I also shared the story last night and have another family going to get a pup today.
I liked the regulate mandatory spay/neuter comments above and would include new rules for backyard breeding. Ban it for most, apply serious fines to violators, regulate it for the highly qualified, and tax those pups heavily enough to slow the supply stream to a crawl. High kill shelters suck but what they do isn't on them. And puppy breath rules.
I do believe that. My sample of real life experience plus understanding through light research could be a poor representation, but I suspect the ratio of good to bad leans heavily and fundamentally bad. If it's a subject that really interests you, dig in a little. There's some serious bs going on out there. It seems more common than not. Fwiw, my sis who's volunteered at a rescue full time for two years of her retirement hates her "good" rescue, failed to reform it, agrees with most of my concerns, has a long list of ideas to improve things, but has stepped away because it's all so messed up despite being one of the best in San Diego County. She can really rant on the topic. Smart lady who loves dogs enough to give 2 years of full time work for free and keeps three rescued seniors (two Boxers and a Pit) with medical issues in her home. The only one I know who can out rant her is a ccptd trainer who works professionally with military dogs. His most recent rescue, now deceased, was through Marley's Mutts before the guy got famous. Boy does he hate that dude/operation, but agrees it's better than most. It could be our sample but it isn't like we're uneducated or inexperienced.I took it to mean you thought there was something fundamentally wrong with rescues, but if you are just saying there are some less than optimal rescues, I don't think I have an issue with that claim.
You get anything yet? My wife lived in Alaska from age 9-16 and their neighbor had Great Pyrenees. My wife said they were amazing dogs that lived outside all the time. Friendly with family and friends but leery of strangers and could handle themselves with wolves. Typically around a 100 lbs. give or take.DogGuys I need you advice on breed selection. Here are my requirements:
- look menacing to scare away all the home invaders while I am gone *This is the missus’s request*
- good with kids, dogs, cats
- able to deal to Canadian weather (outside dogs with dog doors into a heated shop and heated garage though)
- won’t wander off or chase squirrels into the next county (stays on the 5 acres)
- can defend themselves against coyotes
I am about to purchase a home on 5 acres with another 40 acres of marshy public land on the west border. It’s an acreage community so there is other people around. My uncle will be one of these “neighbors” in the area and has told me there’s a problem with a growing pack of coyotes. They’ve snatched a bunch of cats and have got a couple of small dogs that gotten grabbed when they were let out to go to the bathroom. They there’s also usually a bear or two that will wander through the area every year so hopefully they are smart enough not to go after him.
I understand the whole “it’s how you raise them” but some dogs will be prone wander others will require more (extensive) training and reinforcement to behave well with other animals and/or people.
From what I’ve looked up Bullmastiff and Saint Bernard seem to be the top options. Any and all thoughts, opinions and options are greatly welcomed.
Agreed. When I read his post this morning my first thought was LGDs, livestock guardian dogs. GPs are good ones, but there's several, Anatolian, Akbash, Maremma, Kangal. I think one or the other is reasonably simple to find in Canada.Beef Ravioli said:You get anything yet? My wife lived in Alaska from age 9-16 and their neighbor had Great Pyrenees. My wife said they were amazing dogs that lived outside all the time. Friendly with family and friends but leery of strangers and could handle themselves with wolves. Typically around a 100 lbs. give or take.
Yup can't argue all my bad.I want to let it go because this thrrad is about about awesome dogs but anti-rescue nonsense from a guy who has a designer puppy from a backyard breeder trying to create dire wolves is just too ridiculous.
Not a dog expert but from the few folks I have known that had St Bernard’s, they all have had serious health problems. We considered Newfies years ago. Talked to a breeder and he told me that you cannot keep them out of water, great with kids and super friendly but I am not sure how aggressive they would be towards predators? You also mentioned Rhodesian Ridgeback. They are sight hounds and will chase anything they see and won’t quit till they catch it. They are very cool dogs but don’t get along with other dogs. They are very unique animals.@dschuler @Beef Ravioli @Chaos Commish
Thanks for the suggestions. Haven’t gotten a dog(s) yet. I get possession on March 15th and then have a month of renovations I want to get done first because I don’t know how often there will be times when nobody is around. So I have some time to dig into the different options and breeders.
The cold is less of an issue because they will have a garage (and hopefully a shop by next winter). And also Canada isn’t quite as cold as some people think. The only larger breed that I’ve seen consistently dislike winter and snow is Doberman’s. But the bigger issue is coyotes. My place is 30 minutes outside of Edmonton and I already know has a problem but even in the city a 110 pound dog was killed by coyotes.
The price and availability of a few of these breeds makes them difficult to acquire. I’m mostly just learning about the different breeds still though. I’m definitely open to all breeds but whoever started the thread talking about the Ridgeback dog has me a little hesitant to dive into some breeds. I believe that any dog can be a good dog but it’s there’s definitely a lot more work/attention that is needed for some breeds.
With the LGD dogs, a lot of what I’ve read they have a problem with older dogs (hence being good at protection from wolves and coyotes). However, I will continue to look into all these breeds. I understand that I’m trying to work a Catch-22 problem with a dog that’s good with other dogs but can deal with problem canines, coyotes. That’s kind of why I am leaning towards a larger breed that hopefully will just look like too much for coyotes to mess with. I’m also not opposed to a mixed breed.
The current front runners Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Mastiff (unknown which type), Newfoundland and Leonberger. ***Edit: Any short hair mastiff types (ie; English) would be a mix. Currently looking at St. Bernard and English Mastiff mix.*** However, all options are still on the table. The Great Pryenees could be on this list but they don’t seem to be as easy to come by as the Saint Bernard and the Newfoundland and a few I have found are already working dogs that the breeders are requesting that they go to a farm.
Not a dog expert but from the few folks I have known that had St Bernard’s, they all have had serious health problems. We considered Newfies years ago. Talked to a breeder and he told me that you cannot keep them out of water, great with kids and super friendly but I am not sure how aggressive they would be towards predators? You also mentioned Rhodesian Ridgeback. They are sight hounds and will chase anything they see and won’t quit till they catch it. They are very cool dogs but don’t get along with other dogs. They are very unique animals.
Good luck on your choice!
I only mentioned it because in that thread the original poster said they said the dog was more aggressive than any other breed they’d had despite the fact that it had been raised the same way as other dogs. I was just using it as an example of the impact of characteristics/features of individual breeds and why I am looking past certain breeds. I have zero intentions of getting a Ridgeback for the reasons you both mentioned.My neighbor had a Rhodesian Ridgeback and since she travelled a lot and I worked from home a lot, I wound up taking care of the dog about half the time for a couple of years while they lived here. They are awesome dogs, but they aren't that aggressive towards other animals (at least the dog I know wasn't). I am sure they can be trained to be more protective, though, and I know they have it in them to be a decent guard dog. She was great with kids and was overall very gentle although wasn't always aware of her strength. They also absolutely hate cold weather. During the winter here (NYC), she couldn't wait to get back inside, and on particularly cold days would drag me back inside as soon as she was done doing her thing.
Why?My wife and i are seriously thinking about getting a dog for the first time in my life and then I started reading on this page. No joke I think you've changed my mind to not wanting a dog again
Sorry to hear. Losing a dog sucks a lot.Dogs are awesome, but it sucks when they get old or sick. I had my first dog pass away 3 months ago and it's been terrible. He had a condition where his spinal fluid was leaking because his skull was too small. As he got older, he lost feeling and strength in his legs. I quit a high paying job that took up 60-80 hours a week to take care of him this past year. From out of the blue, he got a brain tumor and within 2 weeks I had to put him down because of terrible seizures. It's been like losing a close member of the family.
I look forward to adopting another dog, but I still have 2 elderly dogs left with health issues. I could see them passing in the next year.
At least 2 of my 3 dogs were purebreeds that we bought. The one that passed away was a purebred, but he had been abandoned and we adopted him. I'll get shelter dogs next time when these 2 pass away. For now, I want to give them the attention they deserve before I bring in another dog. Although when they get old sucks, I wouldn't trade the experience of owning a dog for anything.
Your dogs are lucky to have you.Dogs are awesome, but it sucks when they get old or sick. I had my first dog pass away 3 months ago and it's been terrible. He had a condition where his spinal fluid was leaking because his skull was too small. As he got older, he lost feeling and strength in his legs. I quit a high paying job that took up 60-80 hours a week to take care of him this past year. From out of the blue, he got a brain tumor and within 2 weeks I had to put him down because of terrible seizures. It's been like losing a close member of the family.
I look forward to adopting another dog, but I still have 2 elderly dogs left with health issues. I could see them passing in the next year.
At least 2 of my 3 dogs were purebreeds that we bought. The one that passed away was a purebred, but he had been abandoned and we adopted him. I'll get shelter dogs next time when these 2 pass away. For now, I want to give them the attention they deserve before I bring in another dog. Although when they get old sucks, I wouldn't trade the experience of owning a dog for anything.
Thank you. It was my first time losing a pet, so definitely something that hit me hard. Plus I had become his caretaker with all of his issues related to his condition.Sorry to hear. Losing a dog sucks a lot.
More cheese balls for youMy wife and i are seriously thinking about getting a dog for the first time in my life and then I started reading on this page. No joke I think you've changed my mind to not wanting a dog again
Not enough likes. K-9s taking down stupid criminals is one of the best simple pleasures in this world.
Play-by-play was just about as good as the pooch doing the needful.
treat her with respect and really listen to her when she's upset. and don't be a #### to her to keep making her cry.We adopted a 8 month only maltipoo this weekend. Hi, I'm Sprite.
As you can see, she has some tear staining under her eyes. We can buy a bottle of eye wash stuff to clean it, but was wondering how to prevent her from getting the discoloration in the future.
Does anyone have experience with home concoctions that we can make to clean that area, instead of the store bought products?
It is losing a member of the family.Dogs are awesome, but it sucks when they get old or sick. I had my first dog pass away 3 months ago and it's been terrible. He had a condition where his spinal fluid was leaking because his skull was too small. As he got older, he lost feeling and strength in his legs. I quit a high paying job that took up 60-80 hours a week to take care of him this past year. From out of the blue, he got a brain tumor and within 2 weeks I had to put him down because of terrible seizures. It's been like losing a close member of the family.
I look forward to adopting another dog, but I still have 2 elderly dogs left with health issues. I could see them passing in the next year.
At least 2 of my 3 dogs were purebreeds that we bought. The one that passed away was a purebred, but he had been abandoned and we adopted him. I'll get shelter dogs next time when these 2 pass away. For now, I want to give them the attention they deserve before I bring in another dog. Although when they get old sucks, I wouldn't trade the experience of owning a dog for anything.
I was raised in a household that always had one or two dogs. I think two is better and easier than one. At 56 I've been without a dog for a total of maybe 10 years. Those were good years. Some lifestyles shouldn't include a pet as demanding as a dog. I know NYRage's experience is what gave you second thoughts. End of life can be the worst part of dog ownership. When my Lab mix passed I took her to be cremated then bawled my eyes out so hard at a red light that I missed it turning green. It sucks. However the good far outweighs the bad in most cases. If you two were real serious, consider fostering. Having a pooch to take care of short term is the best way to find out if it's good or bad long term idea, and you make space for another dog to have a chance. .02My wife and i are seriously thinking about getting a dog for the first time in my life and then I started reading on this page. No joke I think you've changed my mind to not wanting a dog again
Funny Huskies on youtube are a reason I focused on getting one. I'm a single parent empty nester and I needed someone who talks back.
I wouldn't give up the experience of having a dog for anything.I was raised in a household that always had one or two dogs. I think two is better and easier than one. At 56 I've been without a dog for a total of maybe 10 years. Those were good years. Some lifestyles shouldn't include a pet as demanding as a dog. I know NYRage's experience is what gave you second thoughts. End of life can be the worst part of dog ownership. When my Lab mix passed I took her to be cremated then bawled my eyes out so hard at a red light that I missed it turning green. It sucks. However the good far outweighs the bad in most cases. If you two were real serious, consider fostering. Having a pooch to take care of short term is the best way to find out if it's good or bad long term idea, and you make space for another dog to have a chance. .02
"Now he's fighting with officers!" - dude is trying to get his hand out of a dog's mouth while the police keep punching him.
I'm owning up with my final hypocrisy. I just sold the pup and more than tripled my money. So I support saving from high kill shelters but didn't use one. I bag on rescues and avoided them for something worse - a backyard breeder doing the designer hybrid thing - with a specific grievance for the price gouging dog flippers.I want to let it go because this thrrad is about about awesome dogs but anti-rescue nonsense from a guy who has a designer puppy from a backyard breeder trying to create dire wolves is just too ridiculous.
Rescues are good and bad, my wife and I volunteer frequently with the Golden Retriever rescue organization up here, so I was by no means coming from an unbiased place. And one of our dogs is a golden rescued from Turkey. But a lot of rescues are non-profits really wanting to help find the dogs forever homes. I know there are horror stories with rescue orgs price gauging and the like but I don't think that is the rule.I'm owning up with my final hypocrisy. I just sold the pup and more than tripled my money. So I support saving from high kill shelters but didn't use one. I bag on rescues and avoided them for something worse - a backyard breeder doing the designer hybrid thing - with a specific grievance for the price gouging dog flippers.
I didn't mind all the puppy stuff, chewing, potty training, whining, pup proofing the house, etc. I had to say no to a Vegas meet up with college friends and a trip from there to Cabo because I couldn't find anyone to watch the pup. I put the pup on Facebook and two hours later someone I know a little showed up and paid my price. This is better for the pup anyway. They already have an 8 week old pup and a couple kids.
I am no expert, but when my old dog got sick and struggled to eat, we thought about raw. I researched and discussed with my old vet who moved on to be a nutritionist at NC State Vet school. There are some benefits, but I think the risks outweigh; which are, contamination, lack of balance of nutrients, even the possibility of injesting a bone (ground) that may do damage. She actually steered me towards home cooking, which I didn't mind, since I like to cook. I shared 3 recipes with some guys here in another thread and I assume they liked it.Any have experience or opinions with the raw food diet thing?
I’ve been talking to people I work with and they swear by it. I thought they were just buying raw meat from a grocery store and giving it to their dogs. This is not the case it’s actually pre-made pucks of meat. Pucks are designed for the dogs age, size, activity levels (and maybe breed, I don’t remember). They say that the it’s actually cheaper in the end because you don’t have to buy as much.
Chemical X said:not sure if I posted this one here;
my new dog has his morning wake up routine, rolls around on his back, sneezes on me multiple times, etc. He likes to scratch his nose on the blanket, the rug and anything else he can find. Recently, he has added going into our walk in closet and walking thru low hanging clothes to rub himself. One day I thought my wife was in the closet looking for something to wear, as I heard the hangers banging around for a bit, but she was downstairs. My dog was just walking in and out of our clothes. Sometimes, while my wife is getting ready in the bathroom, she hears the hangers banging around and knows the dog is 'picking out his clothes'. We starting saying this to him and now if we say, go pick out your clothes, he goes into the closet and rattles around, lol. I pulled out a pair of pants today and they were covered in dog hair.
love the santa pictures.......the breeding tree is better than my ancestry history too.added a new girl 3 weeks ago!
https://www.petfinder.com/dog/minnie-37701505/oh/cleveland/mutts-in-a-rut-rescue-inc-oh1073/