Nika
puppy
Posts: 19
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Post by Nika on Sept 3, 2004 20:13:49 GMT -5
Hi all, I'm glad to have found this forum; lots of friendly, sound advice! I don't have a dog yet, but am in the research stage, and am hoping to get a rescue/shelter dog sometime after October. This will be my first dog of my own, though we had an older English springer, then after that a cocker for 11 years while I was in highschool and college.
So far I'm leaning towards a standard poodle if I can find one in rescue. Otherwise, I've been drawn to the larger (40-60 lb range) terrier mixes I've seen on petfinder.
As far as other critters, I have a 4 year old paint mare, who's boarded out, and two unique barn kitties who've been with me for about four years.
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Post by Brooke on Sept 3, 2004 20:33:34 GMT -5
Hey there Nika... Welcome to the board! ;D Very glad to have you here! Let us know if you have any questions. Don't be shy... we don't bite...... hard. I'M JUST KIDDING! These guys are great... this bunch is one of a kind and in my opinion they are the best you'll find on the web...and their all in one spot. Hope to hear more about you
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Post by Aussienot on Sept 3, 2004 21:27:51 GMT -5
Hello, and welcome to the board. It's good to hear you are leaning toward a rescue dog. If you're not set on any particular breed, my advice would be to make a list now of the traits and personality that are really important to you.
For example, you might list traits like
Confidence Good with other animals A companion dog Low in prey drive
Anything and everything else that seems important to you and your lifestyle. Then decide about sex, size and coat care. Be realistic about what kind of dog suits you best.
Having a list of the kind of dog that you are looking for will help you ward off the emotion selections. It's really easy to fall in love with every set of big brown eyes you see - We all do it! Don't chose a dog just because he needs you; chose a dog that will be a lifetime companion and needs you.
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Nika
puppy
Posts: 19
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Post by Nika on Sept 3, 2004 22:26:10 GMT -5
Thank you both for the welcome! I did look through a few dog forums, and thought this one was the best. ;D Aussie, that's good advice for choosing a breed and pretty much the process I've been through. I've known a few standard poodles, and was impressed by their intelligence and general behavior, foremost. The list of traits I made up is approximately this: - Medium-large size
- Not prone to be an incessant barker
- Intelligent and trainable.
- Friendly or at least non-aggressive towards cats.
- On the mellower side, but still into walks, fetching, maybe frisbee and should learn to go off-leash (I have a dream of trail riding with my dog).
- Won't increase my homeowner's insurance (e.g. no pitbulls, rotts, etc) and not a liability.
- Not too climate-sensitive, since I'm currently in a warm climate but looking to move somewhere it snows over the next couple years.
So, mainly the things that most people want in a companion dog. I work full time, but don't travel too much, and have time to devote to a dog, or at least have the dog with me while I'm doing things around the house evenings and weekends. I'm still open-minded about breeds, and am entertaining any suggestions.
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Post by Laura on Sept 3, 2004 23:08:28 GMT -5
Well, I guess a Sibe's out of the running then, oh well, three out of seven ain't bad . Welcome to the board Nika !
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Post by amyjo on Sept 4, 2004 9:39:37 GMT -5
Sounds like EASTON!!!!!!!! ;D
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Post by Nicole on Sept 4, 2004 10:48:32 GMT -5
Welcome Nika! A poodle seems to fit your description perfectly if you don't mind high grooming needs. On the other hand, so does Easton!!
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Nika
puppy
Posts: 19
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Post by Nika on Sept 4, 2004 15:18:40 GMT -5
Thanks Amyjo and Nicole, but who's Easton? I don't really mind grooming, I've done lots of horse clipping and a little dog clipping, and already own a pair of Oster A5's, though I don't think I'd attempt a lion cut!
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HazelNutMeg
Trained
We Make a Hell of a Team!
Posts: 335
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Post by HazelNutMeg on Sept 4, 2004 15:41:18 GMT -5
Welcome to the board!! ;D Are you looking for small, medium, or large, or anywhere in between dog? ;D Size wise a poodle would probably be best too since they range in size If you're looking for a small dog I'd think Cavalier's would be good too... I've been doing a bit of research on them lately because my mom wants one eventually (probably when Coal and I are out of the house and Cavaliers seem to be a really good family dog with a good temperment. And I have to agree with Brooke! Reality is by far the best place I've found! Everyone here is so nice and when debates break out they are handled very maturly!
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Post by Brooke on Sept 4, 2004 16:12:04 GMT -5
Thank you Shara! ;D
Easton is Amyjo's new foster that she got last week. She just posted a thread about him. The "how could they" thread.
He's not a poodle or a terrier but sounds like he hit the other things on the nose. There is a couple threads about him in General Discussion. There's even a picture around there somewhere I think.
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Nika
puppy
Posts: 19
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Post by Nika on Sept 4, 2004 16:45:20 GMT -5
Aww, I like Aussies too, but I don't suppose he's anywhere near central or SoCal? Goodonya' AmyJo for fostering a rescue!
When we first got our springer when I was 11 or so, she cowered and yelped when she thought a hand was being raised to hit her (like when I went to throw a ball), but overcame it very quickly. I hope Easton is able to do the same.
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Post by sibemom on Sept 4, 2004 18:43:56 GMT -5
Welcome to the board Let's see you own a horse that is great Now about the dog, I think a standard size poodle would be a great dog. It would meet everything you posted, otherwise I would go with a Lab The stable I use to train for had the most wonderful lab as their trail dog. Hey we here in Wisconsin get snow and there are 4 of us from the board that live here. Think about ;D Again welcome.
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Nika
puppy
Posts: 19
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Post by Nika on Sept 4, 2004 21:58:40 GMT -5
Right about now, snow sounds wonderful! I've been here for a little over a year now, and as close as I can tell, our seasons are: Hot and Smoggy, Nondescript, Tule Fog, then back to Nondescript. Thank Dog we're almost out of the Hot and Smoggy for the year... I'm curious, what kind of training do you do? I'm doing western pleasure and trail with my mare, but don't have the big bucks it takes to show, so I'm looking for a new home for her.
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Post by sibemom on Sept 5, 2004 2:43:46 GMT -5
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Post by ripley on Sept 5, 2004 3:47:01 GMT -5
Nika, your mare is gorgeous. Welcome to the forums! Sibemom - those little falabellas (SP) could live in the HOUSE if you wanted them to. Edit: See? That dog can't possibly be bigger than your husky dude.
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