Dog or Not?

[papayahed]

My dog died about two years ago, since then off and on I've been thinking about getting another one. Today at lunch we started talking about dogs and it made me want to get one again. After lunch I was looking at the humane society websites... that was a mistake because every dog was cuter then the next.

I live in an apartment and I'm planning on taking classes so I'm not home alot. Other then that I would provide a good home - food, shelter, all the toys it could want. I was thinking of getting two so they could keep each other company. Would it be fair to the dog(s) that I'm not home all the time?? I suppose I could get a dog walker..

[quasimodo1]

To Papayahead: If you're floating in money, then go for the dog or dogs. In an apartment, it's rough without a couple of visits a day or a walker. I don't think it healthy for the dog to be solitary most of the time...besides they usually take it out on your furniture.

[Pensive]

Hey, why don't you get a cat, papaya? :D They say cats don't bite that hard...

[papayahed]

Hey, why don't you get a cat, papaya? :D They say cats don't bite that hard...

ummm no. No cats.

[Pensive]

ummm no. No cats.

A rabit for a pet can also be good...

[papayahed]

A rabit for a pet can also be good...

that's true.;) (Where's Bib?)

Maybe I'll just volunteer at a shelter or something.

[BlueSkyGB]

Speaking from experience....at the present time..one dog, 4 cats...
and a couple of spiny-tailed lizards...used to have a bearded dragon(another lizard)
Reptiles would be good for an apartment..small amount of care, compared to cats or dogs....

[Shalot]

It depends on your dogs' personalities I guess, and how much time and affection from you that they require and you might not figure out till after you get the dogs that their needs and your schedule don't match up, and then they'll start barking at all hours of the night or chewing the furniture and doing other things to expend their pent up energy.

Then again, if you think you can fit them in to your schedule I say go for it.

Before I got my cat, I would imagine cats skulking around on the stairway and I knew I had to get one. I had forgotten what a mess they are kind of and I was a little grossed out by all her shedding and her stupid litter box and how she managed to get little litter crusties all over the floor and how she walked around with her tail straight up in the air, proudly showing her gross butt off and then planting it right there on my chair. I was so grossed out. And then I got used to it or over it. I hope your dogs don't poo in your apartment.


(things to ponder :nod: )

[kiobe]

My friend Papaya, sorry for your loss. The only answer is to get 2.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w312/kiobe/mama_papa1-thumb.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w312/kiobe/puppies.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w312/kiobe/labrador_puppyA.jpg


*in a deep gruff voice* "Thier so good,...good puppys"!!:)

[kiz_paws]

Papayahed, if you are planning on getting a couple of dogs, it would not be a great idea to embark on it until you have some vacation time... time for you and the animals to get to know each other really well. Especially in the case of the dogs, getting to know basically what your boundaries are in behavior. Albeit, a couple of weeks is certainly not a lot of time, but it is better than just getting the animals and then trying to 'carry on' with your life. Your life will undergo a massive change with two dogs thrust into it. You will kind of tear your hair out a bit at first (trust me, if these are not house broken animals).

It is nice that you desire the company of canines, but maybe hold off till you could spend a bit more time with them, because keeping one or two dogs 'cooped up' for long periods of time could not prove to be good for either party.

I dearly love dogs (duh, what gave that away), and Kiobe, those pics are precious -- yup, dogs are good medicine, once they get fitted into our lives. There surely is adjustment for the dog and for us...

OK, that was my two cents worth, hope you don't mind my prattling away. :)

[metal134]

If you go the route of getting two dogs, I have some advice that you absolutley cannot ignore. See, I have two dogs as well and rave recently had a major problem. They have been fighting. I'm going to a trainer, but if he can't fix the problem (though, he seems optimistic), I will have to get rid of one of them. The problem stems from the fact that they are both females, both shepherds and of comporable size. What I have found about in subsequent research is that the more dogs have in common, the more likely they are to fight. I have had them together for three years and the trainer said he's surprised it tooki them this long to fight; they should have been at it from day one. So if you get two dogs, make sure they don't have much in common. Get different breeds and MOST IMPORTANTLEY, don't get two of the same sex. Males and females aren't liekly to fight with each other, so get one male and one female.

[SleepyWitch]

I live in an apartment and I'm planning on taking classes so I'm not home alot. .

could you take them to school with you? I know some people who take their dogs to univ with them.

[formality hater]

I remember having two dogs at a time and believe me, it was not a pleasant experience.
I felt like an alien in my own house(which had turned into DOGS' LODGE:))

[Granny5]

Well, I have two dogs, one a 12 year old male that weighs about 14 pounds and one a 10 month spayed female that weighs about 55 pounds and they fight sometimes. Usually it's over who gets to eat out of what bowl or who gets the treat first. They've settled down since I got a spay bottle and spray them in the face when they start staring each other down. I really think it's all about who's the boss.

[kiobe]

If you go the route of getting two dogs, I have some advice that you absolutley cannot ignore. See, I have two dogs as well and rave recently had a major problem. They have been fighting. I'm going to a trainer, but if he can't fix the problem (though, he seems optimistic), I will have to get rid of one of them. The problem stems from the fact that they are both females, both shepherds and of comporable size. What I have found about in subsequent research is that the more dogs have in common, the more likely they are to fight. I have had them together for three years and the trainer said he's surprised it tooki them this long to fight; they should have been at it from day one. So if you get two dogs, make sure they don't have much in common. Get different breeds and MOST IMPORTANTLEY, don't get two of the same sex. Males and females aren't liekly to fight with each other, so get one male and one female.

This guy is a miracle worker. http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

[kiobe]

Well, I have two dogs, one a 12 year old male that weighs about 14 pounds and one a 10 month spayed female that weighs about 55 pounds and they fight sometimes. Usually it's over who gets to eat out of what bowl or who gets the treat first. They've settled down since I got a spay bottle and spray them in the face when they start staring each other down. I really think it's all about who's the boss.

Yep, you have to be the pack leader.

[Idril]

Get different breeds and MOST IMPORTANTLEY, don't get two of the same sex. Males and females aren't liekly to fight with each other, so get one male and one female.


I have 2 dogs, a beagle and a mixed-breed Shiba, both male and they get a long wonderfully. Of course, they're both neutered, I don't know if that makes a difference but they've gotten along since day one. And it may make a difference that we got them separately, we'd had the beagle for 2 years when the 5 year old Shiba cross came into the house but there was no struggle for dominance, they actually ate out of the same bowl on the first day. I had two bowls set up in different areas of the kitchen but apparently, that wasn't necessary.

I have a question for those who know dogs, do beagles have a tendency to be submissive? I ask because before the shiba cross, we had a cat and the cat was the king of the household, Smeagol was clearly the low man in the pecking order. We had to get rid of the cat eventually because he kept peeing everywhere and Smeagol seemed so lonely, which is why we got Dobby. The weird thing is, when Dobby came into the house, a house that Smeagol had lived in for 2 years, he again became the submissive one. He'll never eat until Dobby eats, even if Dobby isn't around, he just sits and waits for Dobby to show up and eat his fill and then he eats which is nothing short of miraculous considering he's a beagle and a fat one at that. Is it just that once submissive, always submissive or is that a trait of beagles?

[Virgil]

I have a question for those who know dogs, do beagles have a tendency to be submissive? I ask because before the shiba cross, we had a cat and the cat was the king of the household, Smeagol was clearly the low man in the pecking order. We had to get rid of the cat eventually because he kept peeing everywhere and Smeagol seemed so lonely, which is why we got Dobby. The weird thing is, when Dobby came into the house, a house that Smeagol had lived in for 2 years, he again became the submissive one. He'll never eat until Dobby eats, even if Dobby isn't around, he just sits and waits for Dobby to show up and eat his fill and then he eats which is nothing short of miraculous consider he's a beagle and a fat one at that. Is it just that once submissive, always submissive or is that a trait of beagles?

Idril, I don't know specifically about beagles, but hunting dogs in general tend to be bred for submissiveness. Remember they have to respond to commands and freely give up their kill or catch to the human alpha male.

[Virgil]

My dog died about two years ago, since then off and on I've been thinking about getting another one. Today at lunch we started talking about dogs and it made me want to get one again. After lunch I was looking at the humane society websites... that was a mistake because every dog was cuter then the next.

I live in an apartment and I'm planning on taking classes so I'm not home alot. Other then that I would provide a good home - food, shelter, all the toys it could want. I was thinking of getting two so they could keep each other company. Would it be fair to the dog(s) that I'm not home all the time?? I suppose I could get a dog walker..

I don't think you need two dogs Papaya. They will feed off each other and can cause all sorts of havoc when you're not home. I don't know if this was mentioned yet, but you're best bet is to get an older dog who doesn't need as much exercise. An early morning walk and an evening walk will do. But you have to spend some time with him at some point. Oh, and definitely get him neutered.

[Shalot]

I have a question for those who know dogs, do beagles have a tendency to be submissive? I ask because before the shiba cross, we had a cat and the cat was the king of the household, Smeagol was clearly the low man in the pecking order. We had to get rid of the cat eventually because he kept peeing everywhere and Smeagol seemed so lonely, which is why we got Dobby. The weird thing is, when Dobby came into the house, a house that Smeagol had lived in for 2 years, he again became the submissive one. He'll never eat until Dobby eats, even if Dobby isn't around, he just sits and waits for Dobby to show up and eat his fill and then he eats which is nothing short of miraculous consider he's a beagle and a fat one at that. Is it just that once submissive, always submissive or is that a trait of beagles?


I don't know dogs really but my parents had a beagle and it seemed to be submissive. They got a puppy (some kind of lab mix) and it "bossed" the beagle around. Of course, the beagle did take that other dog's snout in her mouth gently as kind of a warning, but she didn't have a tendency to fight with that dog. If there was a ever a scuffle it was the lab/mix who instigated it and both were female. Also, the cat was not afraid of that beagle at all. In fact, the cat would go under the buffett and paw at the beagle's tail. And the beagle and the cat would sometimes curl up together. Maybe beagle's are submissive.

My only complaint with the beagle is that it stays up all night barking. Had to dogsit and I ended bringing her inside so she would shut up. And she got really fat too.

[Sancho]

I can´t imagine life without critters. They keep me sane...somewhat. I have 2 dogs, 2 cats and several more free-spirited souls that sort of come and go as they please.

Aside from the ones that just show up and declare residency, I´ve always gone to the shelter to see who could make a connection with me. I haven´t wound up with a Kujo yet.

Lotsa dogs readily adapt to apartment life and, I think, the more the merrier. I´d hate for the little guy to get lonely while you´re away.

[Idril]

I don't know dogs really but my parents had a beagle and it seemed to be submissive. They got a puppy (some kind of lab mix) and it "bossed" the beagle around. Of course, the beagle did take that other dog's snout in her mouth gently as kind of a warning, but she didn't have a tendency to fight with that dog. If there was a ever a scuffle it was the lab/mix who instigated it and both were female. Also, the cat was not afraid of that beagle at all. In fact, the cat would go under the buffett and paw at the beagle's tail. And the beagle and the cat would sometimes curl up together. Maybe beagle's are submissive.

My only complaint with the beagle is that it stays up all night barking. Had to dogsit and I ended bringing her inside so she would shut up. And she got really fat too.

I had a beagle growing up as well but he didn't interact much with other dogs so I have no idea if he was submissive or not. He did, however, always get along with the constant string of cats we had during his 14 years of life. The poor dog just seemed to repel other dogs though, they never wanted anything to do with him and he was always so anxious to play. My best friend's dog, Odie, would tolerate him but you could tell his heart wasn't in it, I swear you could see that dog's eyes roll whenever he saw Mashooka running up to him. :lol:

And Shalot, I have a rule in our house that our beagle can not be outside past 10:00pm because it seems like all he does after that is howl. He can be relatively quiet all day but one evening hits, he never shuts up. :rolleyes:

Papayahed, I think if you really want a dog, do your research and find which breeds are more likely to do well with solitude, there are such breeds. And if you decide to go with two, unless you want two puppies, I think I would get one and then while visiting the pound for the second one, bring the first one along. We always brought Smeagol with us when we were scouting the Humane Society for a second dog, just to make sure they wouldn't rip each other's throats.

[papayahed]

My best friend's dog, Odie, would tolerate him but you could tell his heart wasn't in it, I swear you could see that dog's eyes roll whenever he saw Mashooka running up to him. :lol:



Maybe because you named him Mashooka?:D


I'm still considering the dog thing. The last apartment i lived in didn't allow pets so i never had to worry about it, this time I made the mistake of moving into a pet friendly apt.

It doesn't help that the neighbor has the cutest boxer puppy ever.

[Idril]

Maybe because you named him Mashooka?:D


:lol: :lol: You may have a point. :p I know it sounds a little dorky but it's actually a really cool name. It's Hidatsa Indian for dog and we had a calico that was named Bosheeka, which was Hidasta for cat. Brilliant, huh? :brow: We had a Hidatsa foster daughter at the time, obviously, she was instrumental in naming the animals. You have my permission to use the name should you get a new puppy. ;) :p :lol:

[byquist]

If its between restricted quarters and the gas chamber, I'm guarantee you can find two that will want to be adopted immediately.

[BibliophileTRJ]

that's true.;) (Where's Bib?)

Maybe I'll just volunteer at a shelter or something.


HERE I AM!!

I would have avoided posting in this thread if you had not specifically requested my presence.

My take on the subject:

CATS RULE; DOGS DROOL!!

********************EDIT************************** *

I do, however, very much like the idea of you volunteering at an animal shelter. That would be a great way to get your "puppy fix" AND meet lots of people in your new area....... maybe even guys...... big hearted guys that are stable enough to provide a home for a stray animal. *nudge - nudge - wink - wink*

p.s. rabbits can be very satisfying pets, too

[kiz_paws]

HERE I AM!!

I would have avoided posting in this thread if you had not specifically requested my presence.

My take on the subject:

CATS RULE; DOGS DROOL!!

LoL, and there you have it! ;)

[Pensive]

HERE I AM!!

I would have avoided posting in this thread if you had not specifically requested my presence.

My take on the subject:

CATS RULE; DOGS DROOL!!

I also like cats better. Am not too fond of pets though. If I would ever have to adopt someone, I would rather adopt a human baby(ies)! I know it's ummm difficult but seems nice to me....

[papayahed]

I'm not a fan of cats, they're creepy.

[Sweets America]

I LOVE dogs, they are so friendly and always there to tell you they love you when you feel bad. And even when you feel good, actually. Dogs love you unconditionally.
I have two dogs, a german shepherd and a spaniel, both males. They get along very well, they have never fought. I think that if one of them died, the other one could not bear the absence. It will be very difficult when that happens. I love them because they make me laugh also. They are always doing something stupid or looking at me with this special glance. I have a very strong relationship with them. I don't consider them as being inferior to me because they are dogs. I often tell them words such as 'hello', 'sorry', 'thanks', 'how are you doing?', 'I love you' because I don't feel any barrier with them concerning communication. There say no word but they surely tell me a lot. I try to give them back all the affection that they give me everyday, but most of the time I feel that they will always give more no matter how hard I try. Those are lovely creatures. They have taught me a lot about what love truly is.

[metal134]

I have 2 dogs, a beagle and a mixed-breed Shiba, both male and they get a long wonderfully. Of course, they're both neutered, I don't know if that makes a difference but they've gotten along since day one. And it may make a difference that we got them separately, we'd had the beagle for 2 years when the 5 year old Shiba cross came into the house but there was no struggle for dominance, they actually ate out of the same bowl on the first day. I had two bowls set up in different areas of the kitchen but apparently, that wasn't necessary.

My dogs got along fine for 3 1/2 years. This issue was literally an overnight thing. One day, they are fine and the next day, fighting. We've had Shawna for 9 years, since she was a pup and got Cassie 3 1/2 years ao as a stray (the vet estimated her age to be about two years old). It's the strangest thing. There was no gradual increase, it went from perfectly fine to blood on-sight instantly.