So the wife wants a dog...

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I think this is a good experience for you and your wife. If the responsibilities of taking care of the dog are too demanding in your view then, you might want to rethink your plans to have children soon.

 

[MovingTarget]

Just tough it out with the house training. Once that is over, you really would enjoy having a dog so long as you can minimize the allergy thing.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: cpals
I do go to the allergist every two weeks so I'll see what they think.

Anyone else allergic to dogs or cats and still own one?

There are those that have a minor allergy and can tolerate pets, some just take a claritin each day and have no issues.

Being you see an actual allergist every two weeks I don't think it was a smart move. Some breeds are less 'allergen' than others. I'd talk to them first about getting any dog and then see what they recommend.

As far as feeding times and frequency it depends on a the pet, their activity level and what you are feeding. I'd run it by the vet.

 

[cpals]

We discussed it again and decided that we might give it a try. We've moved his cage into the kitchen where he'll sleep at night and keep the accidents down. So far I've been taking him out every 1-2 hours for exercise and pee/poop and no accidents the last two days. He loves chasing tennis balls and a new tug toy I just bought him.

We're giving it a two month test period as my brother-in-law said if we don't want him then we can take the dog back up to where they live and he'll take him back (we were planning on seeing them in July for a vacation spot). So if we absolutely can't handle him after two months worst we'll be out of his some money and possibly some chewed shoes... 😛

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: cpals
So if we absolutely can't handle him after two months worst we'll be out of his some money and possibly some chewed shoes... 😛

You realize a pet is not like an inflatable mattress you bought at walmart right?

 

[SonnyDaze]

Crate training works great for house breaking. The pup should be kept in there at night and anytime you leave the house or anytime the pup can't be kept under watch until it is house broken. The theory is that dogs won't pee/poop where they sleep. But make sure the crate is just big enough for the pup to stand up and turn around in. Give them too much room and they'll go in the crate.

It takes time and patience with house breaking pups but it's worth it when you watch them grow up. :thumbsup:

Originally posted by: cpals
So if we absolutely can't handle him after two months worst we'll be out of his some money and possibly some chewed shoes... 😛

I came home to find the toes chewed off a $90 pair of Merrell shoes one day. And the shoes were only 2 weeks old. Shame on me. I learned the hard way.

 

[Peelback79]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
The dog is still a puppy and should be socialized with children, everyone and everything so that they won't fear them.

A puppy should be fed 2-3 times a day and not just once. A quality pet food may help with the stools.

Buy cheap, pay in poop. High quality dog food will save you a lot of trouble.

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
read on dog behavior.
read.... they do not interpret things as people do. it is how training goes wrong. its simple things, you cannot yell at them for something they did even minutes ago, it has to be during the incident for it to register for one.
you don't spend your time staring into puppies eyes.. it ends up thinking its your boss etc.
always remember you are the leader, do not give it any other ideas. this is where people generally fail

This, lots of this.

A few to start:
When pups are young, it's best to take them outside every three hours. I see you've got a cage, you've given him just enough room to sleep in, you must've read up on dogs already. As a tip, never never never never put him his cage as punishment. You'll want him to feel safe in it. Always reinforce bed time as a positive thing. Never clean up a mess in front of him, he'll begin to think you're the maid. Now I'm rambling, there's much much more on the net you can find.

 

[tyanni]

Originally posted by: Rage187
your sister in-law doesn't want the dog anymore because one day it will snap and kill the todler.

Yeah right. American bulldogs often have issues with other dogs, especially if they aren't exposed to them early, but they aren't known for attacking people. In fact, American bulldogs are generally extremely loyal to their owners and kids.

 

[cpals]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: cpals
So if we absolutely can't handle him after two months worst we'll be out of his some money and possibly some chewed shoes... 😛

You realize a pet is not like an inflatable mattress you bought at walmart right?

Yeah, I didn't mean for it to come off sounding that way. We're definitely taking this seriously and will try our best to make this work. At least I know if for whatever reason it doesn't work out he will still have a good home to go to.

 

[melchoir]

I've got a purebred American Bulldog pup. He's 14 weeks now and 28lbs (We weigh the first day of his new-week). He's gaining 3lbs a week now. He'll end up around 120lbs gaging from his parents. He's extremely intelligent, and fearless. He's great with people and other animals.

He was pretty easy to potty train, but part of that was likely due to the breeder, lucky for us he never once crapped in the house. We got him at 8 weeks (by law) but he was never caged in and able to roam around a farm before we were able to get him. We have only one problem with him that we're working on, and that's play biting. He will bite at hands once you're engaged in play, but that's just something that we're working on with him. If you've got any questions feel free to PM me, here's a pic of him at 12 weeks.

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/2189/hero038.jpg

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: tyanni

Originally posted by: Rage187
your sister in-law doesn't want the dog anymore because one day it will snap and kill the todler.

Yeah right. American bulldogs often have issues with other dogs, especially if they aren't exposed to them early, but they aren't known for attacking people. In fact, American bulldogs are generally extremely loyal to their owners and kids.

It's pretty much any breed in the Terrier class. Almost all were bred to be killers of some purpose (rodents, game, people, etc)...Jack Russell Terriers are very popular here do to the equestrian activities we have constantly. It's not rare you hear about how their cute little dog mangled a German Shepherd or Rottie that they encountered (usually at a gathering when both or one is off leash).

I recommend anyone begin taking their dogs to a dog park as soon as it's vaccinations are complete.

If anyone is interested in getting on of the many 'pit bulls' keep in mind this may limit your house/apartment hunting in the future. Many are put up to rescue or simply euthanized because the owner can't move with the dog.

 

[Sea Moose]

OMFG

I just saw the picture of that puppy in the cage. Firstly, how you feel if I stick your stupid kid in a cage that small? Not cool!

You need to get the dog into a routine for toilet time. Also remember that its in a new strange environment, its master has dumped it on your doorstep, so it is scared and confused. It doesnt have a toilet routine embedded. Same as kids, do you dump the kid out the door if you cant get it toilet trained? Seriously if you cant handle a puppy i would reconsider having kids.

People who are cruel to animals should have their nuts placed in a blender.

As far as dogs being good with kids, my rotty raised our kitten so i suppose it would cope with a snotty child.

 

[Red Irish]

Sort Derail:

Can someone explain the difference between the Pitbull, the American Stafforshire Bullterrier and the American Bulldog?

 

[Sea Moose]

you need one of those stupid designer dogs that dont have fur, rather they have "hair" My mates kid gets allergies from normal breeds so my mate had to get a labradoodle.

It is the dumbest animal i have ever come across.

 

[Sea Moose]

i am so pissed about that dog in the cage pic

 

[Sea Moose]

Animal creulty is wrong!

 

[melchoir]

Originally posted by: Red Irish
Sort Derail:

Can someone explain the difference between the Pitbull, the American Stafforshire Bullterrier and the American Bulldog?

"Pitbull" is a name that people just apply to dogs that have the "pit" look.

The actual breeds are
American Pit Bull Terrier (same dog as below)
American Staffordshire Terrier (same dog as above)
Staffordshire Terrier

I won't say that the American Bulldog would be classified as a pitbull to anyone who remotely has an idea what they're talking about as they're very different dogs. The American Bulldogs do not have any terrier in them, and are significantly larger dogs. Their heads are also shaped very differently.

American Staff. was a "name" given to the traditional APBT dogs so that they could be recognized under the AKC. The AKC didn't want to have anything to do with the APBT or dog fighting in general so they wouldn't allow the APBT to be recognized. Some people will say that the AmStaff is the "show" breed while the APBT is the "working" breed. The reality is that they're one in the same.

Good info for how AmStaff came to be

Regular Staffordshire Terriers are the smallest dogs of the bunch.
Height: 14 - 16 inches
Weight: 24 - 38 lbs.

American Staffordshire Info:
Height: Dogs 17-19 inches (43-48cm)
Bitches 16-18 inches (41-46cm)
Weight: 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg)

American Pit Bull Terrier Info:
Height: 18 - 22 inches
Weight: 30 - 60 lbs.

American Bulldog Info:
Height: Males: 22 - 27 inches; Females: 20 - 25 inches.
Weight: Male: 75 - 125 lbs.; Female: 60 - 100 lbs.

 

[Red Irish]

Originally posted by: melchoir

Originally posted by: Red Irish
Sort Derail:

Can someone explain the difference between the Pitbull, the American Stafforshire Bullterrier and the American Bulldog?

"Pitbull" is a name that people just apply to dogs that have the "pit" look.

The actual breeds are
American Pit Bull Terrier (same dog as below)
American Staffordshire Terrier (same dog as above)
Staffordshire Terrier

I won't say that the American Bulldog would be classified as a pitbull to anyone who remotely has an idea what they're talking about as they're very different dogs. The American Bulldogs do not have any terrier in them, and are significantly larger dogs. Their heads are also shaped very differently.

American Staff. was a "name" given to the traditional APBT dogs so that they could be recognized under the AKC. The AKC didn't want to have anything to do with the APBT or dog fighting in general so they wouldn't allow the APBT to be recognized. Some people will say that the AmStaff is the "show" breed while the APBT is the "working" breed. The reality is that they're one in the same.

Good info for how AmStaff came to be

Regular Staffordshire Terriers are the smallest dogs of the bunch.
Height: 14 - 16 inches
Weight: 24 - 38 lbs.

American Staffordshire Info:
Height: Dogs 17-19 inches (43-48cm)
Bitches 16-18 inches (41-46cm)
Weight: 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg)

American Pit Bull Terrier Info:
Height: 18 - 22 inches
Weight: 30 - 60 lbs.

American Bulldog Info:
Height: Males: 22 - 27 inches; Females: 20 - 25 inches.
Weight: Male: 75 - 125 lbs.; Female: 60 - 100 lbs.

I know and love the English Staffies, I just needed clarification on the three American terms, thanks a lot.

 

[skillyho]

It took about 3 weeks to get our Labrador Retriever house-trained....not a huge deal, it just required consistency and a watchful eye. That was the toughest part of the process for my wife and I. Ever since then, things have gotten much easier.

 

[zCypher]

Cute pooch 😀

 

[IGBT]

large dogs are a litigation hazard. check with your insurance co. for risk advisement and potential loss of coverage/inhanced premiums if you choose to assume the risk of a large dog.

 

[cpals]

Originally posted by: Sea Moose
OMFG

I just saw the picture of that puppy in the cage. Firstly, how you feel if I stick your stupid kid in a cage that small? Not cool!

You need to get the dog into a routine for toilet time. Also remember that its in a new strange environment, its master has dumped it on your doorstep, so it is scared and confused. It doesnt have a toilet routine embedded. Same as kids, do you dump the kid out the door if you cant get it toilet trained? Seriously if you cant handle a puppy i would reconsider having kids.

People who are cruel to animals should have their nuts placed in a blender.

As far as dogs being good with kids, my rotty raised our kitten so i suppose it would cope with a snotty child.

Wow seriously... time to chill a little. First, I don't have any 'stupid kids' yet, but thanks for the comment. Secondly, while I have moved his cage inside and put a towel in it for him the divider has stayed the same size so he's still in a cage 'that small.' And from what I read for crate training the cage should be just big enough for him to lay in while we're not around - and it is.

Anyways, updated pic of the dog living the high life now.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: melchoir

Originally posted by: Red Irish
Sort Derail:

Can someone explain the difference between the Pitbull, the American Stafforshire Bullterrier and the American Bulldog?

"Pitbull" is a name that people just apply to dogs that have the "pit" look.

The actual breeds are
American Pit Bull Terrier (same dog as below)
American Staffordshire Terrier (same dog as above)
Staffordshire Terrier

I won't say that the American Bulldog would be classified as a pitbull to anyone who remotely has an idea what they're talking about as they're very different dogs. The American Bulldogs do not have any terrier in them, and are significantly larger dogs. Their heads are also shaped very differently.

American Staff. was a "name" given to the traditional APBT dogs so that they could be recognized under the AKC. The AKC didn't want to have anything to do with the APBT or dog fighting in general so they wouldn't allow the APBT to be recognized. Some people will say that the AmStaff is the "show" breed while the APBT is the "working" breed. The reality is that they're one in the same.

Good info for how AmStaff came to be

Regular Staffordshire Terriers are the smallest dogs of the bunch.
Height: 14 - 16 inches
Weight: 24 - 38 lbs.

American Staffordshire Info:
Height: Dogs 17-19 inches (43-48cm)
Bitches 16-18 inches (41-46cm)
Weight: 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg)

American Pit Bull Terrier Info:
Height: 18 - 22 inches
Weight: 30 - 60 lbs.

American Bulldog Info:
Height: Males: 22 - 27 inches; Females: 20 - 25 inches.
Weight: Male: 75 - 125 lbs.; Female: 60 - 100 lbs.

While the American Bulldog is classified outside the terrier's as a Working Class dog, I do believe it's origins had terrier crosses.

 

[melchoir]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: melchoir

Originally posted by: Red Irish
Sort Derail:

Can someone explain the difference between the Pitbull, the American Stafforshire Bullterrier and the American Bulldog?

"Pitbull" is a name that people just apply to dogs that have the "pit" look.

The actual breeds are
American Pit Bull Terrier (same dog as below)
American Staffordshire Terrier (same dog as above)
Staffordshire Terrier

I won't say that the American Bulldog would be classified as a pitbull to anyone who remotely has an idea what they're talking about as they're very different dogs. The American Bulldogs do not have any terrier in them, and are significantly larger dogs. Their heads are also shaped very differently.

American Staff. was a "name" given to the traditional APBT dogs so that they could be recognized under the AKC. The AKC didn't want to have anything to do with the APBT or dog fighting in general so they wouldn't allow the APBT to be recognized. Some people will say that the AmStaff is the "show" breed while the APBT is the "working" breed. The reality is that they're one in the same.

Good info for how AmStaff came to be

Regular Staffordshire Terriers are the smallest dogs of the bunch.
Height: 14 - 16 inches
Weight: 24 - 38 lbs.

American Staffordshire Info:
Height: Dogs 17-19 inches (43-48cm)
Bitches 16-18 inches (41-46cm)
Weight: 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg)

American Pit Bull Terrier Info:
Height: 18 - 22 inches
Weight: 30 - 60 lbs.

American Bulldog Info:
Height: Males: 22 - 27 inches; Females: 20 - 25 inches.
Weight: Male: 75 - 125 lbs.; Female: 60 - 100 lbs.

While the American Bulldog is classified outside the terrier's as a Working Class dog, I do believe it's origins had terrier crosses.

I would be willing to dig deeper, but from what I understand the American Bulldog has no terrier at all in him. But ABs were bred with terriers to produce "pit bulls".

 

[Ns1]

re: pooping all over the ground

You NEED to crate train him. Read up on it, leave the dog in the same room you are (ideally, but depending on your allergy situation...). The dog won't want to defecate in the area he sleeps in, so he'll bark until you let him out to do his business.

The dog will generally be able to hold it for (his age in months + 1) hours.