cjgeraci Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 Congrats on the pup, Fini!! You will enjoy the companionship and fun for many years. If you ever decide to get another, I also echo the greyhound recommendations. We had two greyhounds and a golden retriever that lived in our house as a "pack" for about ten years until we lost all three dogs last year. Just before the holiday season, we rescued another golden retriever, and he is a sweet dog. But, my wife and I still miss greyhounds. Kind, loving dogs that are truly unique in behavior and appearance. There is a reunion of a local adopting organization this upcoming weekend, and we may just be coming back with a 'hound. Again. Again, congrats. Carl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye_Nut Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 You probably wont like my answer, but here it goes......... I wouldnt buy a dog 'just for the kids' if they are already 15-17. A dog is a long committment, and it will be around long after they're gone. They'll soon be off to college and out of your house, and you'll be an empty nester with a dog to take care of. Unless you want a dog too, I wouldnt get one. As for choosing a dog?? I think you can learn a lot about the dogs personality on the first impression. While it's true that a dog can be trained, it will still have it's personality quirks. For example, if you dont like yappy dogs, then dont buy a dog that's yapping it's head off at the store. If you dont want a hyper crazy dog, you can also spot this at the shelter/store. When I went dog shopping, I kept looking until I found the dog that had the personality traits that I was looking for. Once I brought it home, we had exactly the kind of dog we wanted and she was a good doggy for 10 years. We had to put her down last year, and now I have to admit loving being dog-free for the first time in a decade. No more arranging boarding, vet trips, SWEEPING HAIR!! Ahhh....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye_Nut Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 I have to disagree with Amy. I;m not saying she's wrong, just disagreeing. I firmly believe that 1st impressions go along way. I think when you find the right dog, you'll know it right away. I think it's a gut feeling thing, and it sounds like you followed your gut with the Shi Tzu. I think picking a dog is not something to be rushed into. This is a big decision for your family. As an owner of a 10 year old German Shepard (sitting at my feet as I type) I say take your time, you'll be glad in the long run. Jeremy Ditto.... My sentiments exactly!! When we went dog shopping, I was specifically looking for a quiet, non-biter, loving dog. It took some looking, but we finally found that dog. I had to veto my wife more than once during the process.....LOL There were a couple dogs she liked that were absolutely mad-dogs!! hahaha I think choosing the personality traits in a dog is a very important aspect of dog shopping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.4knee Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Gotta love the bath photo and the "I am sure there are laws against this" look on the pups face. I agree with Wayne entirely, you have to be consistent in your application of training and rules enforcement with a pooch, firm but not abrasive. This means everyone in the family. Since you have a new pup you have the absolute best imprinting scenario available in the man dog relationship. Congrats Gregg I am sure youll have many happy years with the little fella. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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