Dog Owners: Past, Present, Future

[benamucc]

I grew up with Airedale Terriers (4), and have been wanting my own for a long time. Just over a year ago, the property owner/boss's wife where I live/work (have my own house, but technically theirs. don't ask for more details) well, she shot down the idea of me getting a dog at that time. She asked if I was opposed to cats, and I said no. She suggested that I start with a cat. I don't know why I listened, but kitty has recently matured, and is definatly part of the team.

Now you can debate all you want about cats & dogs, but here's the reason for this post. Have any of you introduced a new dog into a house with cat or cats?? If so, experiences??

Also, my girlfriend, who lives with me, is very concerned that the dog will not show her affection, because it will be "my" dog. I say that only b/c the dog would be able to be at work with me all day long about 90% of the time. Any reassurances I could give her? She's already upset that kitty doesn't show her alot of attention, and I don't want her to feel pushed away by the attention a dog demands. Especially if the dog likes me more...

Thoughts??

[thestandard]

its easier to introduce the cat to the dog's realm, cause cats are territorial - it won't be that bad dont worry.

[storzbickel]

on the attention thing bena-

i had one of my dogs for 6 years before i met my gf, who then ended up being wife. I am assuming your gf lives with you?

Dogs are smart creatures, and they will embrace those who are family, when they can sense it. So assuming all is well with you and the gf, things will be fine. My dog is very protective of me but has warmed up to my wife, and did so within a few weeks of her moving in with me. As dog lovers we all know you intelligent they are, your pup will catch on.

The only variance i can see in that is dog breed. An excessively loyal breed (i.e doberman) is still going to favor the person who it spends the bulk of his time with, but favoring does not mean disliking. So i think that maybe 8 times out of 10 the dog is gonna sit next to you on the couch, but he (she? apologies if so) will still share the love with your laday!

[SmokinMom]

If she resumes the food duties for both the dog and the cat, they will be very appreciative and love her lots. ;)

Our cat was 14 when we brought dogs into the house. The cat could easily hide and get away and do its own thing.

You should be fine.

I recommend a Great Pyrenees pup. :p

[Hick]

I recommend a Great Pyrenees pup.:stoned: :rofl:

[benamucc]

Hick...:rofl: I like the Pyrenees alot actually, and it's on the Short List. And in the mountains, a mountain dog, and shepards alike make alot of sense. However...the g/f is currently after a (small) breed. A dachshund :( which I won't go for. Medium size might have to be the compromise, and I"m not sure I could even meet that with the Airedale...

As I mentioned about work, the dog's going to need to keep up, and (work). My boss's son can't understand why his Aussy Sheppard loves following me around all day, and hates sitting in his office!!!

Anyway, thanks all. I'll let you know how it goes, and eventually (I hope) post some puppy pix.

[SmokinMom]

So there Hick!!! :p

I love my pyr. Such a gentle giant. We've thought about getting her a friend, and dont have the room for a second big dog. Perhaps a pug or boston terrier. ;)

(I have pics of my pyr in the critter thread somewhere.)

[benamucc]

Well I took an interesting (breed finder) quiz on the animal planet site yesterday. http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do
It toatally made me re-evaluate what I was really looking for. I ended up taking it twice. Not to try to get a breed that I want, but one that will fit with my lifestyle. I realize that this is one of the advantages of getting a purebred because you know what you're getting into. I'll definatly adopt, when I get a second dog (years from now) but for the time being it's starting to look like, in no particular order:

Greater Swiss mountain dog
Bernease Mountain dog
Airedale terrier
Gordon Setter
Collie (short hair)
Rottweiler
Great Pyrenese

[SmokinMom]

Oooh Collies are so pretty. And don't get huge like pyrs do. ;)

Ohhh Lassie! Come home.

:p

[storzbickel]

Well I took an interesting (breed finder) quiz on the animal planet site yesterday. http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do
It toatally made me re-evaluate what I was really looking for. I ended up taking it twice. Not to try to get a breed that I want, but one that will fit with my lifestyle.


great link bena!

i took it and i ended up getting a 91% and 90% matches on the breeds of dogs that i have. coincidence? or perhaps a reasonably accurate guage!

[benamucc]

I'd like to think it's pretty accurate, considering I grew up with Airedales, and they were like a page 2 97% match.

Saw your doggies mom. too cute. The training books I've seen say that getting a dog to tolerate hats n stuff is harder than teaching them to sit!!!

[SALTROCK]

Hello,

So Ive always been a big dog lover. didnt like small dogs to much you no typical ankle biter dogs, but we wanted a dog and our living situation couldnt handle a big dog. So my girl had a poodle when she was younger, i was like poodle no way are we getting one of those rich peoples dogs that are all shaved and have little balls of hair everywhere. But givin that we we not going to be at home a lot. We had to find a dog that was more independent that didnt mind being at home and wasnt a typical dog that is a barker. So what do you know poodles met that criteria lol. Ive learned to love the little fella. The one good thing about poodles is they dont shed and they are one of the smartest dog breeds. Im happy with his hair cut its a puppy cut not those wacked out cuts they give em.

Thanks
SALT

[SmokinMom]

Cute! I think TBG has a poodle as well.

[benamucc]

My boss used to have giant standard poodles. They loved them too. Great example of finding a breed that suits your lifestyle!! I wish more people would take this approach to dog ownership. I wouldn't have to help walk so many orphins that way. Also, when people give flack about getting a pure and not a pound puppy, I tell them where they can help me walk em...

[SALTROCK]

thanks smokinmom yeah I agree on finding a dog thate sutes the owner. My buddies girl was talking about having kids, he was like no way I'm getting you a dog. Mind you he lives in a place Now he is not allowed to have pets. What kind of dog does he get a beagle lol. Well 2 weeks later he is served with eviction papers and that forfited his deposit. Looks like jumong the gun didnt pay off huh? Thats good you walk the dogs. I should get into that. I might get attached to a dog.

Thanks
SALT

[SmokinMom]

A beagle? Man those dogs like to run. My hubby had one growing up and talked about how active they are.

I got both my pyrs thru rescue groups. One was local, and the other was in the next state. There are sooooooo many great pyrenees that need homes. I guess folks get them because they are the cutest, fluffiest white puppies they ever saw. And then those pups grow to over 100 pounds and the owners get rid of them due to size. It makes me sick. :(

[benamucc]

It's sometimes hard not to get attachted at the shelter, but thats why finding them good homes is so important. I like to look at it as caregiver position. If I were to take all of them home, they wouldn't be any better off, because I couldn't take care of them. If I lend my time, and let the shelter manager spend her time finding homes, then I feel like I've done my part.

If you DO go, which I reccomend at least ONE time. Cargo pants, full of treats!!!