Serious Dog Question

[The Antagonist]

I've seen plenty of well behaved JRT's. But they need activity. Huskies are not good family dogs. These are working dogs and are bred to work in cold climates. It's awful seeing these dogs in hot humid weather in the summer time. They suffer terribly and have to be kept in the air conditioning. This renders them bored shitless because they cannot get the hours a day exercise they need.

Shit, Ant... you ever run across those ignorant motherfuckers who refuse to shave their heavy-coated, cold-climate dogs 'because' (they say) 'the hair INSULATES them from the heat'


Yeah, just like wearing a nice thick down jacket in the summer time would 'insulate' a human from the heat.

I disagree. I've seen people shave long haired cats in the warm weather too.
NO NO NO NO. Their coats are designed for maximum cooling and heating if left alone and properly groomed.

My pit Daisy is so thin coated she HATES it in the heat. She can't take it. But she'll play all day in the freezing cold and she doesn't really build up a winter coat.

Shaving an animal is for those who refuse to take the time to groom them. The only dogs that should be shaved are the ones who do not shed.

I agree with that. I've never had a problem with dogs and cats. I have see them not get along at others peoples houses though.
I have the best pic of my ragdoll and my sons pitbull puppy. If I can't get it on here, I'm going to send it to Ant and let her post it for me, if she would be so kind.

I'd be happy to do that for you.

[sally]

I asked the vet about shaving my Newfoundland during the summer and he said that he wouldn't recommend it unless his coat is matted. They just shaved off a few matted spots that he had underneath by his back legs.

[SyberBitch]

Shit, Ant... you ever run across those ignorant motherfuckers who refuse to shave their heavy-coated, cold-climate dogs 'because' (they say) 'the hair INSULATES them from the heat'


Yeah, just like wearing a nice thick down jacket in the summer time would 'insulate' a human from the heat.

I disagree. I've seen people shave long haired cats in the warm weather too.
NO NO NO NO. Their coats are designed for maximum cooling and heating if left alone and properly groomed.

My pit Daisy is so thin coated she HATES it in the heat. She can't take it. But she'll play all day in the freezing cold and she doesn't really build up a winter coat.

Shaving an animal is for those who refuse to take the time to groom them. The only dogs that should be shaved are the ones who do not shed.

I'm not sure about the cats, because I've never seen a cat designed for cold climates, but the dogs I'm talking about, are dogs *designed* for cold climates, as you just stated earlier. Their coats, are made to keep them WARM, not cool them off.

I've heard the argument that the coat of 'northern dogs' helps to insulate them from the heat, but I don't buy it. I look at 'well groomed' northern breeds in hot summer weather, and they certainly don't look comfortable.

It's just my opinion though, since I've never seen any scientific evidence to support either position. It would be interesting to actually do research on the core temperature of dogs in different situations and get some statistics on the issue.

[sally]

I looked it up just because I feel bad for my Newf living here in FL. during the summer, but every site said that double coated dogs should never be shaved down for several reasons.

[SyberBitch]

I looked it up just because I feel bad for my Newf living here in FL. during the summer, but every site said that double coated dogs should never be shaved down for several reasons.

I understand that it's a common 'belief', but is it correct?

I've just based my opinion on my observations, that 'northern' breeds with shaved coats seem to be more comfortable in hot weather than northern breeds with unshaved coats.

A newfie is perfect example, since I can't recall ever seeing a newfie groomed to the point where it doesn't have a double coat. I've seen Huskies that were shed out enough so they would not need to be shaved, but several other breeds I have not.

Like I said, I would love to see some actual research on the subject.

[sally]

I would think that he would be more comfortable during the summer without all that hair, but they say it protects their skin and shaving him would ruin his coat. He only goes outside long enough to poop and take a walk in the evening during the summer so I guess it doesn't matter much anyway.

[LuMPyPussy]

So has anyone found a serious dog for Ramsey?

[SyberBitch]

So has anyone found a serious dog for Ramsey?

[D]

So has anyone found a serious dog for Ramsey?

I would say yes. Both Ant and I are of the opinion she should visit her local rescue shelter and pick one that both her and her kids like. And I would even say go for a Mutt. 99% of the time Mutts are better than Purebred dogs anyways. As a family dog I mean.

[SyberBitch]

So has anyone found a serious dog for Ramsey?

I would say yes. Both Ant and I are of the opinion she should visit her local rescue shelter and pick one that both her and her kids like. And I would even say go for a Mutt. 99% of the time Mutts are better than Purebred dogs anyways. As a family dog I mean.

I, of course, disagree with them completely!!



(no, I've already said I think it's the best idea as well)

[username]

Meh. Breed doesn't necessarily matter.
Go to the shelter and find a slightly older dog that is friendly...fuck the breed. Or wait till you find a tiny friendly dog or a medium friendly dog...whatever you want. It's temperament not breed IMO.

When we adopted our dog (she was 3+ at the time) she was THE only dog at the shelter labeled as kid friendly and God, she's lived up to that, lol. My kids mack on her regularly and she's never snapped at them. She's a lab mix. I love her. sniffles.

[SyberBitch]

Meh. Breed doesn't necessarily matter.
Go to the shelter and find a slightly older dog that is friendly...fuck the breed. Or wait till you find a tiny friendly dog or a medium friendly dog...whatever you want. It's temperament not breed IMO.

When we adopted our dog (she was 3+ at the time) she was THE only dog at the shelter labeled as kid friendly and God, she's lived up to that, lol. My kids mack on her regularly and she's never snapped at them. She's a lab mix. I love her. sniffles.

That's sweet, User.

As the others have said, a mix is probably best. You will want to look at several dogs you like, preferably something at least a year old (preferably older), spend some time with it...

I *would* make a suggestion that if you spend time with a prospective dog in the play area, or whatever they have, don't spend the time 'playing'. Go in quiet, see if you can ask the dog to be respectful of you (and the kids). Don't just assume that if the dog is acting all nuts, it's only doing it because it's excited and it's at the shelter. **BUY A CRATE** (appropriate size for the age/size of the dog). Enroll in obedience class ASAP and take the class seriously.

I'm sure Ant has more ideas for you as well.

Good luck, Ramsey.

[ramseycat]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I wanted to go to the shelter from the start but the boys were saying they wanted this kind or that kind. The main reason we haven't gotten a dog yet is because we are gone all day. I feel awful for keeping a dog all cooped up in the house and alone all day. At least thge cats have each other to play with.

We are going to wait until Spring to hit the shelter. I can take some time off and then the kids will be out of school soon after.

Lumpy? Kiss my tight white ass.

[The Antagonist]

You can find tons of pure breeds at the shelter too. Just go look. Once you get the kids there they'll be excited for any dog they see. If you're dead set on a breed, try the specific breed rescues.

Also try these sites:

www.petfinder.com
http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm <-- that's the rescue link for specific breed rescues through the AKC

[The Antagonist]

As promised - a little late but here none the less - is FAHQTOO's picture.

[attachment=881] Poor little puppy! What is it, like 9 weeks old?

[username]

That dog is stinking cute. The cat scares me.

[SyberBitch]

As promised - a little late but here none the less - is FAHQTOO's picture.

Poor little puppy! What is it, like 9 weeks old?

omg.... that's so cute... the cat is like 'don't even THINK about it', Pipsqueak!

[IMaDick]

Keep in mind that if you get a puppy, they go through stages, chewing on shit and stuff like that, being alone is tough for them and they take a couple of years to mature to where they can deal with solitude.

if you get an older dog you inherit the baggage and you never know what they will do until they climate to the environment if they ever do.

springer spaniels are great dogs ,mid sized, easy to train and very family oriented and kid and other animal friendly if they are brought up to be.

[FAHQTOO]

As promised - a little late but here none the less - is FAHQTOO's picture.

Poor little puppy! What is it, like 9 weeks old?

omg.... that's so cute... the cat is like 'don't even THINK about it', Pipsqueak!

That's my Ragdoll Sammy. He is basically good for nothing. Just an extra pillow or a shoulder to cry on when you don't want to interact with humans. He is quite the conversation piece though. The puppy is my son's dog. I think he was 9 weeks old at the time. That pic is almost 3 years old but the dog is still afraid of the cats when my son brings her around. The dog could most likely make supper out of Sammy now, but I know my other tom cat would shred her to pieces if she felt threatened by her.

[FAHQTOO]

Thanks for posting the pic. Ant. The cat was already declawed, so the puppy was in no danger of being scratched.

Disclaimer: I am not the one who got the cat declawed and had no knowledge until it was too late.