giant dog crate 700 image
LI
I'm having a devil of a time trying to find a 48" long plastic crate in Houston for my big GSD pup. All the stores I've checked carry nothing bigger than a 40 or 41" (and few do at that). I don't want a wire crate, which is the one thing they do carry in the 48" size. And online, the prices are really insane, mostly due to the shipping costs. I prefer to go with the plastic (like a Vari-Kennel 700 size) because I may end up moving out-of-state at some point, so I prefer having a potential double-usage for airline-approved travel. Plus, I also just think a plastic crate has a more cozy, sheltered feel than the metal crates, like the one which I have now and which I cover with a sheet (which he's destroyed).
Most sites I've checked online (and I've spent almost 3 days nonstop checking) have just a 40"L or 41"L crate. eBay had one Giant Vari-Kennel which (with shipping) would have been over $500. Craigslist Houston has nothing. My local Petsmart doesn't carry any plastic kennels over 40". The WalMart site doesn't carry any plastic kennels and I've even tried looking at a few feed stores in Houston, but again, nothing bigger than the 40" size.
HELP! Any suggestions and tips for places to look?
Answer
My only suggestions would be to check the local mom and pop type pet stores if you haven't already, and maybe other cities close by on Craigslist. Maybe even try and find a local Freecycle group.
My only suggestions would be to check the local mom and pop type pet stores if you haven't already, and maybe other cities close by on Craigslist. Maybe even try and find a local Freecycle group.
How much does a puppy cost?
kinsey1025
I really want a puppy, and my mom is worried about the expense. If I get a puppy that will grow into a medium sized dog (like a beagle mix) how much will it cost total to get it vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and generally taken care of? I need to know how much to save up.
Ok....so if you take out food (since my mom would get that) JUST the original vet bill...and if I got the puppy for free from a friend....You're saying like $1000?
Answer
The first couple of shopping trips are going to be $200, maybe a little more, maybe a little less. That's all set up stuff: gates, crates, bowls, brushes, beds, collar and a leash -the stuff you only really need to buy once. Then, there's toys, and new toys, treats, food, shampoo, stain and odor treatments for the accidents, and countless medications that occur on a monthly basis. Depending on your location, there are different charges for the shots and a spay/neuter, but you're looking probably into $700+ for four 7-1 vaccines, a rabies shot and the spay/neuter. Medications also depend on your dog and the area you live in. Fleas and ticks your dog will have a few times in his lifetime, if not more, as well as rashes, wounds, and illnesses you need to see a vet to treat. Some dogs end up being very easy on the vet bills, and some not so much. And, destruction damage adds up fast.
It's not all about the expense though. You will need to be there with your puppy until he is mentally ready to be left alone. Dogs are pack animals, and don't like to get left behind. So, when you go to school, and mom goes to work, who is with your puppy? It's hard to train a puppy when you're not always there. They're a lot of work in the beginning: potty training, teething, and bad habits (like wall chewing that is also expensive to repair) all have to be trained out of your puppy early.
Don't get me wrong: Puppies are wonderful. But, they are a lot of work. The number one reason dogs are given to shelters are because of behavioral issues, and the number one reason they have behavioral issues is because they didn't get the proper time dedicated to them for training when they were little. Research the breed you are thinking about, contact a local trainer to help you with training, and plan out a schedule and stick to it. Beagles love to dig, love to chase birds and they are barkers and howlers like any hound dog. You have to expect this, and not be mad at your dog when he digs under a fence, brings a bird into the house or howls in the middle of the night because that's just what he does. Match the dog with what your family needs: some dogs dig, some dogs run, some are couch potato, some are fighters, some are hunters...the list goes on. Don't get a dog on looks alone!
In a direct answer to your question: It doesn't help that I work at a pet store, and spend money I don't need to, but one paycheck (about $300 -but he's a giant breed on high quality food, so you can cut the budget back some) goes to the dog a month. I save what is left over for emergencies, like the day he got parvo. Treatment was $300 right there, for take home supplies, and if he got worse it would be something to the tune of $400 a day, for at least 4 days until he got better. Either get insurance, or save aside $2000 for basic vet expenses. Parvo blindsided us, happens overnight, and I could have easily brought it home from work without knowing, and it kills nearly every dog without treatment.
The first couple of shopping trips are going to be $200, maybe a little more, maybe a little less. That's all set up stuff: gates, crates, bowls, brushes, beds, collar and a leash -the stuff you only really need to buy once. Then, there's toys, and new toys, treats, food, shampoo, stain and odor treatments for the accidents, and countless medications that occur on a monthly basis. Depending on your location, there are different charges for the shots and a spay/neuter, but you're looking probably into $700+ for four 7-1 vaccines, a rabies shot and the spay/neuter. Medications also depend on your dog and the area you live in. Fleas and ticks your dog will have a few times in his lifetime, if not more, as well as rashes, wounds, and illnesses you need to see a vet to treat. Some dogs end up being very easy on the vet bills, and some not so much. And, destruction damage adds up fast.
It's not all about the expense though. You will need to be there with your puppy until he is mentally ready to be left alone. Dogs are pack animals, and don't like to get left behind. So, when you go to school, and mom goes to work, who is with your puppy? It's hard to train a puppy when you're not always there. They're a lot of work in the beginning: potty training, teething, and bad habits (like wall chewing that is also expensive to repair) all have to be trained out of your puppy early.
Don't get me wrong: Puppies are wonderful. But, they are a lot of work. The number one reason dogs are given to shelters are because of behavioral issues, and the number one reason they have behavioral issues is because they didn't get the proper time dedicated to them for training when they were little. Research the breed you are thinking about, contact a local trainer to help you with training, and plan out a schedule and stick to it. Beagles love to dig, love to chase birds and they are barkers and howlers like any hound dog. You have to expect this, and not be mad at your dog when he digs under a fence, brings a bird into the house or howls in the middle of the night because that's just what he does. Match the dog with what your family needs: some dogs dig, some dogs run, some are couch potato, some are fighters, some are hunters...the list goes on. Don't get a dog on looks alone!
In a direct answer to your question: It doesn't help that I work at a pet store, and spend money I don't need to, but one paycheck (about $300 -but he's a giant breed on high quality food, so you can cut the budget back some) goes to the dog a month. I save what is left over for emergencies, like the day he got parvo. Treatment was $300 right there, for take home supplies, and if he got worse it would be something to the tune of $400 a day, for at least 4 days until he got better. Either get insurance, or save aside $2000 for basic vet expenses. Parvo blindsided us, happens overnight, and I could have easily brought it home from work without knowing, and it kills nearly every dog without treatment.
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