Getting a dog, would this be ok?

bella

hey well i plan on adopting a small dog. most likely an adult dog. i have a alot of free time on my hands except i go to school mondays wednedsays and fridays morning im only gone for about 2-4 hours max. so would it be cruel to leave the dog in his crate for that long? how do people handle their dogs when they work and they cant trust it alone in the house? thanx in advance!
Racecars i have nothing against big dogs, they are adorable i think, its just i dont have a yard just a small tiled patio. Plus my grandmother lives with us and she has 3 spoiled cats, so leaving a bigger dog with the three cats does make me a little nervous lol.

Answer
Well done you for adopting firstly.

As to the question IMO I think the time thing is fine for an adult dog so long as the crate is big enough for him to stretch out turn round etc and has a water dish in it.

My own dogs are all adults and rescues and they basically sleep when Im not around, however when they first camehome they were crated to ensure they were safe round the other dogs and kept calm.

Can I be really nosey though and ask why a small dog? There are some big dogs out there that can be perfect for leaving up to 4 hours and will just slob on the couch all day and depending on your lifestyle could be perfect.

Edit: Fair enough Bella my breed certainly wouldnt be the one for you and the cats!

Would like to say its so refreshing to have someone on here ask good questions and do the research before getting a dog and again good on you for adopting an older dog - hope you get the right one for you x

best way to get dogs apart who are fighting?

mumsie4

If two dogs are fighting each other which is the best way to get them apart, without being bitten?

Answer
Stopping a Dog Fight

Be careful not to put your focus on learning how to break up dog fights. If you have dogs who are fighting, the fights need to be immediately stopped by management and possibly remedial training. You donât want one more fight to happen.

Punishment escalates fights and teaches the dogs nothing at all. So donât punish either dog. Hitting or even yelling while dogs are fighting (or just fussing) can escalate it. Sometimes the best thing to do is step back, stay quiet, and wait. If itâs over in 10 seconds with no injuries, thatâs a fuss, not a fight. There may be a lot of hope for remedial training.

Keep your hands off fighting dogs. Grabbing them is how people get bitten. Perhaps you are willing to take that risk for yourself in order to protect the dogs. But itâs worse for the dogs if you get bitten, too! Hereâs why:

1. You are very likely to escalate the fight and set the stage for worse fights.

2. Your injury gets the dogs in more legal trouble, as well as more disfavor with other members of your family who will play a role in deciding the dogsâ fate.

3. If you are injured, you may not be able to take care of the dogs. If itâs bad enough, you may not even be able to go to work to earn the money to feed them and pay for their medical care. Dog bites can put you in the hospital, from infection as well as damage.

Rather than using your body, separate fighting dogs with physical barriers. Different things work for different dogs. Some things to try include:

1. Water spray from a hoseâor maybe drop the hose between them.

2. Slam a door or make another noise as loud as you can. Try not to break the door.

3. Get a closed door between the dogs (good reason not to break the door when you slam it).

4. Pop open a large, automatic umbrella and get it between them.

5. Block them from each other with a folding chair or anything else you can use without getting your body between them.

6. Spray them with whatever your veterinarian recommends for the purpose.

7. Get a fence between the dogs, or get at least one of them into a crate or dog exercise pen.

8. If you know how and have help, you might need to pry the jaws of a clamped-on dog open. A sturdy wooden stick on each side may make it possible to do this without injuring the dog. In one case, the people separating the dogâs jaws from a smaller dog broke a broomstick and used the two halves.

Infection from bite wounds that can look minor is a risk. After any fight, a dog with injury needs to be checked by a veterinarian, even if injuries donât look serious.

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Seriously intimidating and aggressive dog!?

Melinda

2 weeks ago I decided to adopt a 9 month old neutered Pitbull x Whippet from my local animal shelter as he was only 4 hours away from euthanasia. I took one look at Boo and fell inlove with him. He was so sweet and got along with my 2 year old spayed Border Collie mix (also adopted from same shelter) and my 6 year old spayed Dalmatian x Rottie (adopted from same shelter). Anyway, his temperament description sounded great (eg. very loving, sweet and playful puppy..., etc.).

The first few days were tough. He didn't get along with Daisy (BC mix) or Jill (Dal x) and he hid in his crate for the first 2 days STRAIGHT. I have a feeling he may have "snapped".

2 weeks later and after properly introducing him to my pack of dogs, he snarls at them, barks every minute, leaps and dominates them etc. and has even tried to aggressively bite my 13 year old cousin. I took him to my vet and they recommeded an at-home dog trainer who did no good. Boo hated him at first sight and (more to come)...
and growled at the trainer throughout the $70, 1 1/2 hour training session. Half way through the session, Boo snapped and attempted to bite the trainer (he was muzzled). I decided not to allow the trainer to come back. The adoption place had told me that he needed thorough socialization with people as he had been abused, negletced etc. at his old home. I have found this near impossible! I take him for walks and as he looks so much like a Pit, nobody wants to be around him. My family was strongly against me getting a Pitbull mix as my grandfather had been attacked by one over 12 years ago so they won't come over to see him.

It's so difficult with Boo. I don't know what to do. Has ANYBODY got any helpful suggestions? I have considered euthanasia but I'm the one that SAVED him from euthanasia - I don't want to have to put my pretty boy down. Boo is fine with me and is quite happy to sleep at the end of my bed or snuggle on the couch. I feel like I'm neglecting my other dogs for him!
I am willing to spend as much money (within reason) it takes to help Boo. I am up for almost any HUMANE (eg. NO shock collars, NO abuse etc.) ways to train and socialize him.

He KIND OF gets along with my sisters' 5 1/2 year old Labrador but will still snarl at him.

Answer
I hope you have lots of time on your hands and the energy to stay on this dog 24/7 because for awhile that's what you're going to need to do
This dog was not properly introduced to your other dogs or he'd not have hidden in his crate for 2 days and he'd not be acting this way now.So start over.
Hopefully this dog knows how to sit and stay.If not teach him immediately without your girls around.Whenever they're together you'll need to be close-by to play referree.When you catch him so much as thinking about lunging at your other dogs you need to grab him and sit him down until he's calm.You'll know a second before he does it by watching him.He'll stop and stare first then the ears will go back.When you notice him looking at the other dog redirect his attention immediately by saying his name and telling him to sit.Grab hold of his neck if necessary and force him on his side while you hold him.Make him lay there until he calms down.You'll see it happening his breathing will slow.Then you need to call the other dogs in and hopefully they'll smell him.Make him stay in that position while you're holding him.stroke him occasionally and talk to him softly as well as the other dogs.When you let him up if he tries again put him back in the position holding his neck.
When you introduced them your girls should have been sitting and very calm.You should have made him sit until you noticed he was in a calm state before you allowed them to check each other out.He's calm when he's looking around and his breathing is slow rather than focusing on the other dogs.
When someone comes to your home you put the dog in another room before you open the door.Then you explain the dogs problems and that your visitors are not to look directly at him,try to touch him or speak to him.Let him come to them and check them out first.They are to sit in a chair and act naturally.No sudden movements or yelling.Then let the dog out he may snarl but he'll go smell the visitor and seeing no threat walk away.But he'll stay close and watch every movement.The use of a leash is most helpful here.
This dog is a x of 2 breeds that need a whole lot of exercise and mental stimulation.Take him for a good 3 mile off leash romp.If you can't trust him to come when called then you need to attach at least a 25 ft.rope to him and let him roam without going too far.This is also helpful at the dog park when other dogs are present.When you see anyone on walks and you notice him go into stalk mode make him sit and keep his attention focused on you.Get him a prong collar and don't be afraid to give it a good jerk whenever you notice his attentions gone elsewhere.He's not getting hurt by the collar.
3 good walks or off-leash runs a day will calm him down quickly.A tired dog won't try to bite or dominate.Don't foolishly think that whatever exercise he gets in your yard will be enough.
Good luck.I'd invest in a good training manual if I were you.You're going to need to keep this dog active and entertained and not be afraid to dole out the discipline before he has a chance to act on his impulses.He's the only male and a young cocky one at that so it'll be natural for him to try to dominate your females.Don't let him.It's up to you to establish rank.You're the pack leader not him.
It's going to be awhile before you can trust this dog around your other ones so try to keep them seperated when you cannot supervise.And don't worry about his feelings when you seperate them.He needs a little alone time.Put him in a room with a kong stuffed with peanut butter and he'll have a ball all by himself while your other dogs get some much needed attention.

Tips on crate training my 2 year old golden to not panic in the dog crate once I close the door.?

jackson

I will be flying with my 2 year old golden in one month (6 hour flight) no other option. I have been crate training in preparation for this. He is not afraid to go into the crate, but when I close the gate after a couple of minutes he begins to appear to start to panic. Drooling excessively, licking on the gate, whining and barking a little and not lying down. I've been doing this for a week (minutes at first and leaving and now up to 30 minutes), but he is the same. I am not suppose to give him a sedative when he flys, but I am concerned he is going to injure himself or have a heart attack. I leave the crate in the room and the door open and he goes in and out (but never stays in long) on his own. So he is not afraid of the crate - just being locked in I guess??? I'm confused - any help would be so appreciated! Thanks.

Answer
Most dogs do this at first when they are learning... For at least a few days, take the door off. Or atleast do not close it. The dog needs to know the crate is his "safe place" and his den. When you are home from work, practice for a very long time... Lure him in with a treat.. as soon as all 4 feet are in the crate and reward, reward, reward. Be super happy and clap your hands, give the dog tons of positive attention. Keep doing this over and over... with the door not shut. During this time, do not give him treats at any other time other then during this training. After a week, start closing the door and leave him in there for just a few mintues at a time. Do the same thing.. treat lure.. when he comes out after the door is opened, reward reward reward... The dog will get it, and realize that this is a happy place.. not a scary place. Aswell mentioned above keep a Kong or other chew toys to keep the dog busy.
I used an item from the health food store called "Rescue Remedy", it is a liquid you can put in thier water and it will calm them down. My neighbor whom rescues dogs uses it all the time when she picks up a new dog. It just calms then down naturally without sedation... Try it a few times before you actually go.

Good luck I am sure with the above technique the dog will Love his crate!!

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How do I house train a dog that is used to being in a kennel outside?

dog crates 2nd hand image

moonmistre

I just got 2 labradoodles that are 1 1/2 years old. They lived in a puppy mill. They are VERY shy and skittish. How do I get them used to being inside and being loved?

Answer
A puppy is like a baby. He will relieve himself anywhere, anytime. Because a newly adopted adult dog is unfamiliar with your home, he may not understand where he should "go"! Housetraining, or teaching your dog to go outside to relieve himself, is an important lesson your dog must learn.
It is up to you, the new parent, to housetrain your new puppy or dog with patience, love and understanding.
CRATE TRAINING
In the wild, wolves live in a den or cave. It is important the entire wolf pack keep this area clean. The same idea works with your family pet. Your dogâs crate is his home, his bedroom. It is likely that your dog will not like to soil his bed. Therefore, he will wait until he is let out to do his business.
HOUSETRAINING WITH YOUR CRATE
On average, puppies can hold their bladders one hour for every month they have been alive, plus one hour. For example, if you have a three month old puppy, he can wait 3 + 1 = 4 hours. If you work longer than this, the best solution is to have someone (a neighbour, a relative, a dog walker) come in at an appropriate time to let your dog out.

100 PER CENT SUPERVISION
Supervision is the key to housetraining! While you are at home, your dog must be supervised. Whether you are watching television, making dinner, on the phone or on the computer, your puppy must be watched. While it sounds like an impossible task, it isnât. Keeping the crate in a social part of the house makes it easier. Using a house lead â a small, thin lead with a little clip on it â also helps immensely. Outside, you put a lead on your dog so you can control him. If the lead is removed after returning home, control is lost. For example, when watching television, have the lead tied to a couch leg. Your dog can have his blanket and toys with him. Heâll feel safe and comfortable. The majority of accidents happen when your pup wanders off and you havenât noticed. You donât want him to sneak off into the kitchen and find a puddle a short time later. If your pup is kept from wandering, the possibility of an accident is diminished because he will not eliminate where he is sitting. 100 per cent supervision means ensuring your dog is playing with you, in his crate, outside or on his house lead.

SCHEDULING
In the morning, take your dog outside. He should urinate and possibly have a bowel movement. Spend about five to seven minutes with him and then bring him in. Do not play with him yet. Feed him breakfast, either in the crate or with the lead, and supervise it. If your pup did not have a bowel movement earlier, take him back outside about 15 minutes after he has eaten. Use the lead to keep your pup moving along while outside. Otherwise, he may start sniffing, stopping and playing to avoid the job at hand. You can say âhurry upâ and your dog will begin to associate these words with the task at hand. Praise him excessively when he has eliminated. Bring him back in the house and place him in his crate if you are going to work. Continue to supervise him with the crate or the lead if you are home. When returning after being out, go directly to the crate, let him out, praise him and put him back in. Feed him his meal, take him outside 15 minutes after he has eaten, praise him after he eliminates, and bring him back in. Continue to follow the same steps consistently.

While you are home, you should take your pup outside on a regular basis. Even if your pup is in a crate or on a house lead, he still needs the opportunity to eliminate. Also, be careful what you wish for! A pup who barks to go outside may be cute and clever now. However, you must try not to fall into the habit of leaping up every time your dog wants in or out. It is a very submissive gesture on your part. Have your pup wait a moment or two.

Setting up a schedule is also a good idea. If your pup is under four months of age, take him out for five minutes every hour on the hour. If your pup is over four months old, take him out every second hour on the hour. The schedule will help you remember when to take him out. Go out for five minutes only. It provides the opportunity to eliminate even if your pup may not need to go. Take your dog out after active play and also after napping. If an accident occurs, you may have forgotten to take him out .

FEEDING TIME
Having a puppy drink a lot of water and then placing him in his crate is much more unkind than letting him be a bit thirsty for an hour or two. Adult dogs should have access to drinking water at all times. However, this is not the case for untrained pups. Most parents will not allow their children to drink a big glass of water before going to bed. Avoid setting your pup up for failure. Restrict his water intake to three or four drinks daily and make sure you remove the water dish about three hours before bedtime. This will help your dog sleep more comfortably.

If it is a hot evening, supply your pup with a few ice cubes. They will enter your dogâs system at a slower pace. When feeding your pup, provide a high-quality food that is a good source of protein. The food must be concentrated so your puppyâs body doesnât require much of it. If you feed less, your puppy eliminates less. Food is directly related to how well puppies do in their housetraining.

EXERCISE
It is important that your pup gets a lot of exercise, especially while crate training. You can play fetch, chase or hide and seek in your home. You can call âcomeâ at the same time to provide further training. Anyway you do it, your pup needs to be able to run and play.

How do you get over a dog that's only been with you for 2 1\2 years but is so special to you?

Q. My dog bit me and I have to put him down. He bit me 4 times in the face and is 4 years old. I know we're doing the right thing but it just doesn't feel right. I am 10 years old and very upset even though we're getting a puppy soon. HELP!!!
We adopted him when he was 2 so its hard to teach an old dog new tricks be we'll put a lot of time and effort into our new puppy.

Answer
Training begins in the hands of the owner.
Its unfortunate, that your dog never had any proper training. His behavior was ignored and never stopped when he was a pup. PLEASE, unless your family is willing to become educated on proper puppy training and dislipine, DON'T get another dog! It takes a commitment from ALL family members. Raising a puppy takes a great deal of work. There is beginner obedience classes to attend, crate training, house-breaking, leash-training, and so much more!
I am truly sorry for your dog. :{

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