Taking care of dogs

[DrPizza]

OP: If you have toothbrushes in the bathroom, I'll bet that the amount of fecal material that's contaminated the brush via pooping in the toilet and flushing the toilet is at a greater concentration than it is on the couch due to Rover.

 

[KeithTalent]

Yeah, sounds like you should not have a dog OP. Nothing wrong with it, they are just not for some people.

But man, I have been looking at dogs a lot recently. I need one that will run with me though. I love all dogs (all animals really), even the little ones, but I need one that can keep up with me. So many awesome dogs that need good homes out there.

KT

 

[nickbits]

As someone else said above, not everyone should have a dog. My wife's family, pretty much the whole family, hates animals. Personally, I think they're a bunch of freaks, but that's their preference. Having two dogs, a fat cat, and two rabbits keeps them away from our place, so it's all win.

I'm a "dog person." I have a lot of affinity for them, and love having them around. They're a pain sometimes, but not as much as my kids.

I used to consider myself a cat person and I have one cat. However since getting the dog, I would say I don't like animals at all.

And yes, at least it is less work than kids (which I am not having either).

 

[Markbnj]

Yeah, sounds like you should not have a dog OP. Nothing wrong with it, they are just not for some people.

But man, I have been looking at dogs a lot recently. I need one that will run with me though. I love all dogs (all animals really), even the little ones, but I need one that can keep up with me. So many awesome dogs that need good homes out there.

KT

It's true. We got our lab as a rescue from Noah's Arc, and he's been the best dog I've ever owned. And I think pretty much any dog will be overjoyed to run with you, even the little ones.

 

[nickbits]

OP: If you have toothbrushes in the bathroom, I'll bet that the amount of fecal material that's contaminated the brush via pooping in the toilet and flushing the toilet is at a greater concentration than it is on the couch due to Rover.

Ha.. My wife keeps hers in the drawer for this reason. Personally I'm not that concerned.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I'm a dog person...not much of a cat person.

Of course, the truth is....just like children, once you warm up to an animal...you bathe them, etc....you get over the germaphobe stuff. I had a fuzzy dog for years. I had to occasionally take scissors and trim fur from around his back side. It wasn't exactly something I wanted to do, but if I didn't do it, I'd ultimately have other problems.

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility and typically lasts the life of the pet. Don't take the decision to get a dog lightly, but also know that after a while, they often become part of the family... Walking a dog and caring for it can also relieve stress and help your overall health.

 

[KeithTalent]

It's true. We got our lab as a rescue from Noah's Arc, and he's been the best dog I've ever owned. And I think pretty much any dog will be overjoyed to run with you, even the little ones.

Yeah, but some of them are not suited for it. Buddy of mine almost accidentally killed his French Bulldog by just taking it on a long walk in the Summer.

KT

 

[pontifex]

then don't let the dog on the couch or bed...simple as fucking that...

 

[Markbnj]

Yeah, but some of them are not suited for it. Buddy of mine almost accidentally killed his French Bulldog by just taking it on a long walk in the Summer.

KT

Or with the little ones you could just sort of stumble and step on it.

 

[KeithTalent]

Or with the little ones you could just sort of stumble and step on it.

Heh, yes, there is always that.

KT

 

[Perknose]

OP, don't get a dog. You're not a dog person. You'd be unhappy, the dog would be unhappy.

Pretty much this, plus your wife will end up being unhappy with you.

Your life will unfold like in that TV commercial (I forget for what. Does it really matter?):

You'll become so unhappy that you'll go to a dive bar in a shady part of town, just to get away from Mr. Poopy and to drown your sorrows in alcohol. Blind drunk on house chardonnay (you're obviously new to this sort of thing), you'll start loudly ragging on dogs.

Buford, the dimwitted but dog loving body builder sitting next to, will object. He'll cold clock you one to make his point. He's never been big on diplomacy.

Enraged by landing on the flem-encrusted bar floor, you'll arise and, snapping the stem off your wine glass, you'll repeatedly stab poor Buford in his facial, chestial, and gonadial areas until dead.

At your trial, your attorney, a secret dog lover, will tank your defense and you'll be given the chair.

After 13 years of futile appeals during which you've been repeatedly anally violated in prison, you will kind of welcome death.

However, the electric chair will malfunction and you'll be left like a fish in those Japanese youtube videos -- half burnt, half alive.

What I'm saying is, "Don't get a dog!"

 

[who?]

They should teach that dog to use a large cat box, not a sheet.

 

[destrekor]

Yeah, but some of them are not suited for it. Buddy of mine almost accidentally killed his French Bulldog by just taking it on a long walk in the Summer.

KT

I think the smaller, heavier breeds shouldn't really be doing it. In reality, most of the tiny breeds should stay away from running, just because of the leg span and amount of effort required.

In peak heat season, it's also best to really, really research the hell out of what you should do to make sure both you and Fido are in good health and hydrated at the end of any activity.

My parents' dog, a 40lb Aussie Shepherd and Lab mix, has a more Aussie build but Lab look to her. Which is to say, she is shorter than most labs, and not as built/wide as most Labs. She isn't svelte, she should be like 5lbs less, but you get the idea I hope.

When I ran with her, she didn't run. She trotted.
Her run speed would be my outright sprint, holy shit please don't eat me speed.
I felt ashamed by her trot. I was like, I'm not even really pushing her. lol
Then again, she did pant for a good hour afterward, perhaps slightly less.

When I took her running, I gave her an "energy treat" of some sort, kind of like an energy bar but for dogs, perhaps a half hour prior. Which, if you have your dog on a twice a day feeding schedule, depending on the timing of extra activity, it's a good idea to supplement with a little extra energy.


I'm curious to know about the "almost accidentally killed."
Did the dog like literally collapse and you could tell the dog was having some serious negative reactions? Or was it more, this dog is so damned exhausted it can't stop panting even an hour later, and won't hardly budge except to drink water?
It's just out of shape, if it's the latter. Like humans, you also have to ease into it - and doing so at peak heat also means easing into it WAY SLOWER than at other times of years.
If you, as a human, haven't ran in a year, you don't expect to go run a 5K on the hottest day of the year and expect to not collapse and/or turn it into a complete walk event a quarter mile in.

Most neighborhood walks for dogs also tend to be a slight trot for the smaller dogs, so if doing that on peak, it's best to take it easy still and make slow progress toward more activity. Even then, due to canine physiology, some dogs it is definitely not recommended to put under physical stress at peak heat except for only brief moments.

 

[Dari]

Her last dog died of a "mishap" and she thinks it's a good idea to get another one? And to your other question: Dogs are dirty no matter what you do.

Her father was washing the dog and he slipped or jumped down while he was holding him. The dog ran straight into the door and died. The family is thousands of miles away.

OP, don't get a dog. You're not a dog person. You'd be unhappy, the dog would be unhappy.

I used to have a dog, goat, chicken and other animals when I was young so it's not a problem. Somebody ate the chicken though.

 

[tHa ShIzNiT]

Her father was washing the dog and he slipped or jumped down while he was holding him. The dog ran straight into the door and died. The family is thousands of miles away.

That doesn't really make sense.

 

[Dari]

Pretty much this, plus your wife will end up being unhappy with you.

Your life will unfold like in that TV commercial (I forget for what. Does it really matter?):

You'll become so unhappy that you'll go to a dive bar in a shady part of town, just to get away from Mr. Poopy and to drown your sorrows in alcohol. Blind drunk on house chardonnay (you're obviously new to this sort of thing), you'll start loudly ragging on dogs.

Buford, the dimwitted but dog loving body builder sitting next to, will object. He'll cold clock you one to make his point. He's never been big on diplomacy.

Enraged by landing on the flem-encrusted bar floor, you'll arise and, snapping the stem off your wine glass, you'll repeatedly stab poor Buford in his facial, chestial, and gonadial areas until dead.

At your trial, your attorney, a secret dog lover, will tank your defense and you'll be given the chair.

After 13 years of futile appeals during which you've been repeatedly anally violated in prison, you will kind of welcome death.

However, the electric chair will malfunction and you'll be left like a fish in those Japanese youtube videos -- half burnt, half alive.

What I'm saying is, "Don't get a dog!"

Thanks for the laugh. I had a dog when I was a child. My father refused to "fix" him. So he was fucking all day every day. Whenever he got stuck we would put salt on his penis to separate him from the bitch.

 

[KeithTalent]

I think the smaller, heavier breeds shouldn't really be doing it. In reality, most of the tiny breeds should stay away from running, just because of the leg span and amount of effort required.

In peak heat season, it's also best to really, really research the hell out of what you should do to make sure both you and Fido are in good health and hydrated at the end of any activity.

My parents' dog, a 40lb Aussie Shepherd and Lab mix, has a more Aussie build but Lab look to her. Which is to say, she is shorter than most labs, and not as built/wide as most Labs. She isn't svelte, she should be like 5lbs less, but you get the idea I hope.

When I ran with her, she didn't run. She trotted.
Her run speed would be my outright sprint, holy shit please don't eat me speed.
I felt ashamed by her trot. I was like, I'm not even really pushing her. lol
Then again, she did pant for a good hour afterward, perhaps slightly less.

When I took her running, I gave her an "energy treat" of some sort, kind of like an energy bar but for dogs, perhaps a half hour prior. Which, if you have your dog on a twice a day feeding schedule, depending on the timing of extra activity, it's a good idea to supplement with a little extra energy.


I'm curious to know about the "almost accidentally killed."
Did the dog like literally collapse and you could tell the dog was having some serious negative reactions? Or was it more, this dog is so damned exhausted it can't stop panting even an hour later, and won't hardly budge except to drink water?
It's just out of shape, if it's the latter. Like humans, you also have to ease into it - and doing so at peak heat also means easing into it WAY SLOWER than at other times of years.
If you, as a human, haven't ran in a year, you don't expect to go run a 5K on the hottest day of the year and expect to not collapse and/or turn it into a complete walk event a quarter mile in.

Most neighborhood walks for dogs also tend to be a slight trot for the smaller dogs, so if doing that on peak, it's best to take it easy still and make slow progress toward more activity. Even then, due to canine physiology, some dogs it is definitely not recommended to put under physical stress at peak heat except for only brief moments.

Yeah, that's why I said I specifically wanted a dog that could run with me. I'm not the fastest guy on the planet, but I go out three times a week for around 5-10 miles each time and in the Summer specifically it could be taxing on one of those smaller breeds. Also don't wan too big of a dog since it could be bad for their hips. It's a fine line!

My friend was just walking with his Frenchie, not running, but it was hot out. After a period of time the doggie just stopped walking and sat down breathing very heavily and looking kind of spaced out and exhausted. He ended up having to pick him up and carry him home. Poor guy.

KT

 

[DrPizza]

It's hard to have a stressful day, walk into the house, and have dogs there, yelping in excitement as if they haven't seen you in a week, without them helping to make your day a lot better. When I get home in another 5 minutes, or 30 minutes, or hour, or whenever 5 minutes after my wife (carpool) picks me up, two of the dogs will be waiting at the fence for me to come over and rub behind their ears, and when I walk in the house, the other two dogs will have their big ball & frisbee waiting, which they'll pick up about 30 seconds after jumping all over me with excitement to see me again. Then, it's to the back yard, where I throw the frisbee as many times as I want & have it returned to me over and over by a dog who thinks I'm the greatest living thing on Earth.

 

[destrekor]

Yeah, that's why I said I specifically wanted a dog that could run with me. I'm not the fastest guy on the planet, but I go out three times a week for around 5-10 miles each time and in the Summer specifically it could be taxing on one of those smaller breeds. Also don't wan too big of a dog since it could be bad for their hips. It's a fine line!

My friend was just walking with his Frenchie, not running, but it was hot out. After a period of time the doggie just stopped walking and sat down breathing very heavily and looking kind of spaced out and exhausted. He ended up having to pick him up and carry him home. Poor guy.

KT

Yeah poor pooch. Combination of overall health/fitness level, possibly food and hydration as well.
They seem to be a common breed to be overweight and out of shape, so it's possible with some work that dog could be better prepared for a more exhausting outing and come out fine.


Aussie shepherds, I think aussie cattle dogs, german shepherds, most types of Retrievers (including Labs). The Flat Coat Retriever stands in mind as one that absolutely LOVES exercise, but the other breeds I mentioned do as well. Flat Coats, like all somewhat larger (but not massive, obviously not approaching Mastiff or similar either) pooches, they can have hip dysplasia but you'll generally get a large portion of their eager, active life to celebrate with vigorous activity.

I obviously glossed over the great majority of breeds, and of course, was very generic.

Here's some good breakdowns for different approaches to running:
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/breed-apart
Here's a quote for the above, which relates to the french bulldog story quite aptly:
"Some breeds, such as huskies and greyhounds, were bred to run, and most working dogs are naturally suited to running. By contrast, squishy-nosed dogs, such as pugs and bulldogs, don't make good distance athletes, because they're prone to overheating. That's not to say your pug can't run, but he probably shouldn't join you for a late-summer 15-miler."

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/dogs/The-10-Best-Dogs-for-Runners.html#

Surprising, but not really considering I haven't ever interacted with these breeds, but it seems the Weimaraner and Vizsla are some of the best fits for running, temperament, and hot weather (short, low/no maintenance coats).
All around work dogs like herders are also terrific, and while Runner's World doesn't recognize them, the second link does recognize Aussie Shepherds.

I know a Short-Haired Pointer, and it's energy, work ethic, and LOVE for walking sells the idea it would be a great running companion as well.

In short - I think you won't need to worry TOO much about picking breeds - there are many that are fully capable, unless you have certain extremes (like, you enjoy marathons (hell no), ultras, can run <6 minute miles for 5+ miles, etc).

If you can take in/adopt/rescue a shelter mutt/mongrel pup that they feel confident should be just about the right size (between 40-80lbs, I reckon) and probably has certain breeds dominant, that's still a great option (best option for some dog lovers - hell, I love purebreds but I grew up with mutts).

 

[destrekor]

It's hard to have a stressful day, walk into the house, and have dogs there, yelping in excitement as if they haven't seen you in a week, without them helping to make your day a lot better. When I get home in another 5 minutes, or 30 minutes, or hour, or whenever 5 minutes after my wife (carpool) picks me up, two of the dogs will be waiting at the fence for me to come over and rub behind their ears, and when I walk in the house, the other two dogs will have their big ball & frisbee waiting, which they'll pick up about 30 seconds after jumping all over me with excitement to see me again. Then, it's to the back yard, where I throw the frisbee as many times as I want & have it returned to me over and over by a dog who thinks I'm the greatest living thing on Earth.

Best.Reward.Evar.

Had that when I was still at my folks' house with their aussie shepherd/lab mix. Springy little one, jump chest high constantly and would essentially maul you with love and tongue.

Dogs have their own special challenges/frustrations/costs, but it's entirely worth it in the end if you care to invest some positive attention time with them. You barely have to do that to have the pooch treat you like king of the world, but of course ignoring them and giving only negative attention will only foul the dog's attitude, which is poison for a family dog.

Some dogs will challenge authority (like my parents' pooch), but that pup was born on a farm of some family, and taken home the first day/week it was possible (as in, when it was the right time. I think we got her at 8 or 10 weeks). Her litter mates, mom, and us are the only things in life she's ever known.
Rescue dogs from the shelter, on the other hand, have had mixed experiences in life. Maybe it was born and given to the shelter right away, but they usually have been in the kennels for too long and will simply bend over backwards to please a human who cares. Even more so for any pups, especially any adult dogs, who were in abusive/neglectful homes. Those dogs will depress you with how much they will attempt to be good for you, and will have the most depressing look if they do get in trouble with you.

 

[KeithTalent]

Yeah poor pooch. Combination of overall health/fitness level, possibly food and hydration as well.
They seem to be a common breed to be overweight and out of shape, so it's possible with some work that dog could be better prepared for a more exhausting outing and come out fine.


Aussie shepherds, I think aussie cattle dogs, german shepherds, most types of Retrievers (including Labs). The Flat Coat Retriever stands in mind as one that absolutely LOVES exercise, but the other breeds I mentioned do as well. Flat Coats, like all somewhat larger (but not massive, obviously not approaching Mastiff or similar either) pooches, they can have hip dysplasia but you'll generally get a large portion of their eager, active life to celebrate with vigorous activity.

I obviously glossed over the great majority of breeds, and of course, was very generic.

Here's some good breakdowns for different approaches to running:
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/breed-apart
Here's a quote for the above, which relates to the french bulldog story quite aptly:
"Some breeds, such as huskies and greyhounds, were bred to run, and most working dogs are naturally suited to running. By contrast, squishy-nosed dogs, such as pugs and bulldogs, don't make good distance athletes, because they're prone to overheating. That's not to say your pug can't run, but he probably shouldn't join you for a late-summer 15-miler."

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/dogs/The-10-Best-Dogs-for-Runners.html#

Surprising, but not really considering I haven't ever interacted with these breeds, but it seems the Weimaraner and Vizsla are some of the best fits for running, temperament, and hot weather (short, low/no maintenance coats).
All around work dogs like herders are also terrific, and while Runner's World doesn't recognize them, the second link does recognize Aussie Shepherds.

I know a Short-Haired Pointer, and it's energy, work ethic, and LOVE for walking sells the idea it would be a great running companion as well.

In short - I think you won't need to worry TOO much about picking breeds - there are many that are fully capable, unless you have certain extremes (like, you enjoy marathons (hell no), ultras, can run <6 minute miles for 5+ miles, etc).

If you can take in/adopt/rescue a shelter mutt/mongrel pup that they feel confident should be just about the right size (between 40-80lbs, I reckon) and probably has certain breeds dominant, that's still a great option (best option for some dog lovers - hell, I love purebreds but I grew up with mutts).

Yeah I would LOVE to get a Vizsla, but they don't really show up at shelters all that often from what I've seen. Beautiful and friendly dogs. Love them.

Thanks for the links though, I can at least keep the notes in my head as I look around.

KT

 

[blackdogdeek]

Yeah those pocket pooch breeds are mostly a pain in the ass. And it seems like a lot of people go that route these days. I feel like they think a "little" dog will be less trouble. Nothing could be more wrong.

We got a cockapoo because our allergist recommended a smaller breed to avoid my daughter having issues with the dander. The poodle half also helps with those same issues. He's about 15 lbs at about 1.5 years old so he won't get much bigger than this.

I have a lab who weighs in at 115, and a poodle/retriever cross that weighs in at 60, and they're both a lot less trouble than my neighbors' ankle-biters.

Labradoodle/golden doodle? We were originally looking at one of those but ended up with the cockapoo. He's a good size for the girls who are 7 and 10.

 

[blackdogdeek]

It's hard to have a stressful day, walk into the house, and have dogs there, yelping in excitement as if they haven't seen you in a week, without them helping to make your day a lot better. When I get home in another 5 minutes, or 30 minutes, or hour, or whenever 5 minutes after my wife (carpool) picks me up, two of the dogs will be waiting at the fence for me to come over and rub behind their ears, and when I walk in the house, the other two dogs will have their big ball & frisbee waiting, which they'll pick up about 30 seconds after jumping all over me with excitement to see me again. Then, it's to the back yard, where I throw the frisbee as many times as I want & have it returned to me over and over by a dog who thinks I'm the greatest living thing on Earth.

This.

It doesn't matter if I've been at work all day or I've only been gone for an hour. If anyone even says the word "Daddy" the dog will start barking and jumping at the door expecting me to walk in. Once I do, he'll alternately jump as high as he can or crouch down so I can scratch his back and then he'll run off and find his blue ball and run to the back door. If I don't follow him right away he'll come running back to me, get my attention and then run back to the back door. He'll do this until I open the back door and go outside with him and throw his ball or chase him while he holds the ball in his mouth. Then after some good running around in the yard, I'll sit on the bench, he'll grab his bully stick and then jump on my lap and I'll hold onto one end of the stick while he chews the other end and pet his back with the other hand.