Need advice from dog lovers....
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Need advice from dog lovers....
| Sun, 01-13-2008 - 8:06pm |
I'm really considering a dog. And want some advice on how much vet bills usually run a month? $100? I really want a dog, although I know that might cause some issues if I have to go out of town, but maybe it won't be so bad if I can get an estimate from a few of you.

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Careful what you wish for. My dog is a very energetic dog, and he's 6 now. The breeder thought he'd be the perfect match for a household with two pre-teen boys, when we got him as a puppy. Sure, the first 2 years they played with the dog, but little by little, they got busy with their teen lives and he became totally my responsibility. Then D3 came along and this lively, totally birdy, would have been a great hunting dog for someone else dog, gets no attention and is a spazz when he's in the house. He scares D3 and if he'd just be a bit more lazy like his champion show dog un-neutered brother, he'd be great for us now. D3 adores him, but he's just too boisterous for her. And, out of utter boredom, he's taken up barking as a hobby.
If you want a fetch-aholic, get some kind of retriever breed. They drive you nuts with the need to fetch.
QueenBun, if my son would part with Einstein he'd be all yours
Any dog that I get would get the same name. But I think it's my right to be picky about what kind of dog fits to me and my kids. Just like if I want a guard dog, I'm not going to get a dog that won't even bark. If I am going to take the responsibility of a dog that takes a lot of love and care, I need to make sure it's exactly the kind I want.
Lazy is a very good thing - it means he probably doesn't have a tendency to become the alpha dog and be hyper and bark and chew and dig and make a huge upset. I would take it.
As far as fetch - that is something he might do in time - some dogs do, others don't - and you can teach it.
Edited to add: he might just need time to get in shape and play. One of my dogs has a quiet lazy nature and he is just a love - you can put him anywhere and he is happy - no crazy barking or making a mess. He follows me everywhere and is the most wonderful companion. He will play fetch some - we had to work on teaching him and use treats. One day he surprised us because he loves to go in the water to fetch stuff.
Edited 1/16/2008 8:50 am ET by cl-west1745
The beagle and the other dog I'm looking into. Both are 5 years old, both like cats and kids.
Cat, I think it is smart to 'interview' the dogs you're interested in.
OHHHHHH - he is so nice!!! I would take him if he is quiet! My heart melted with his eyes!!!!
Edited to add - OH - so that is two dogs - I loved the beagle!! But the other one is nice, too.
Edited 1/16/2008 9:14 am ET by cl-west1745
Of course I was excited about him, because he sounded great and he's sooo cute. To me, if I settle for a dog, it's like settling for a guy, just because he has all the great characteristics but something that I really want is missing. Omiting that will eventually make me regret the relationship or the animal. However, I can break up with a guy, not a dog. Which ever dog I choose, it will be forever. It's not going to a shelter anymore, it's not going to be locked up or given away. If I choose a dog, it'll be his/her last home forever. And yes, some dogs REFUSE to fetch. You can stand on their heads and they won't. I've heard beagles are awfully stubborn and he's already 5.
Anyhow, thank you for understanding. AND OMG! The dog pounds here are OVERWHELMED with animals. Way to many are being sent away and euthanized. Craigslist is full of listings. Very sad. The beagle was sent to a pound because he SHED too much and the Lab is being sent away because the owner said she doesn't get along with the other dog and they must be separated at all times. Doesn't look that way to me! If you look at the pics, they get along JUST FINE. It's just a lie.
You are do right thing being choosey. Keep your head about you and get what you want. It's hard to choose because there are so many and there are going to be qualities in each one of them that you like. Just like dating!!!!
Me? I want to take ALL of them !!!
I'm wondering about that laziness.
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