Yes I'm still obsessing! I am obsessing about dog breeds and dog names. I said before that the dog I picture in my head for me is a German Shepherd, but there are some other breeds that I love. Here are the top ten breeds I'm interested in owning. They will be in no particular order, because I don't feel like it.
1. Australian Shepherd
2. Golden Retriever
3. Shiba Inu
4. German Shepherd
5. Labrador Retriever
6. Siberian Husky
7. Border Collie
8. Weimaraner
9. Great Dane
10. Dalmatian
And now, dog names. I sincerely believe that dog names should not be overcomplicated or people names. Why? Well, I have a true story to illustrate this for you. So I was at a party with friends a while back, and one friend (we will call her LaToya for confidentiality purposes) had brought her new boyfriend (who shall be called Billy). When LaToya introduced Sancho to us, another friend simply said "I used to have a dog named Billy." Awkwardness ensued, and that is why I don't agree with giving dogs people names, especially names like "Jennifer" and "George". Anyway, here is my list of top ten names for my non-existent dog.
1. Sherlock (technically its a people name, but it doesn't count because its a very famous literary reference)
2. Merlin (see above)
3. Dodger
4. Dusty
5. Zero
6. Strider
7. Loki
Ok so there's only 7, so what? Those are the only names I really like. Thoughts? I may just do a poll on this, but I'm not sure . . . anyway, now I try to sleep. Try being the key word there, of course.
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Spotlight Presents . . .
Introducing the latest of the regular features: Breed Spotlight! In honor of one of today's Nostalgic Pups being a German Shepherd Mix, I've decided to spotlight, what else? German Shepherds!
Let me start by saying that I think GSDs are incredibly gorgeous dogs. I love that noble look they have. (note: I am aware that looks alone are not a good basis for getting a particular breed of dog.)
But, let's get to the good stuff!
German Shepherds are probably most famous for their protective and loyal natures. They are wary of strangers and extremely loyal to their owners, which is why they make excellent guard dogs. However, I have also heard of a GSD rescue who could not be placed in a home because he was so loyal to his former owner. That's an extreme case, but needless to say, GSDs need a lot of socialization. They are also very intelligent and strong, which is why there are the breed we so often see as police dogs and other service animal jobs.
As far as looks go, GSDs are very distinctive. Most recognizable are their long muzzles and giant 'bat ears' (I love those ears!). I would spend the rest of this post describing them some more, but pictures and the AKC are better at that than I am.
Let me start by saying that I think GSDs are incredibly gorgeous dogs. I love that noble look they have. (note: I am aware that looks alone are not a good basis for getting a particular breed of dog.)
But, let's get to the good stuff!
German Shepherds are probably most famous for their protective and loyal natures. They are wary of strangers and extremely loyal to their owners, which is why they make excellent guard dogs. However, I have also heard of a GSD rescue who could not be placed in a home because he was so loyal to his former owner. That's an extreme case, but needless to say, GSDs need a lot of socialization. They are also very intelligent and strong, which is why there are the breed we so often see as police dogs and other service animal jobs.
As far as looks go, GSDs are very distinctive. Most recognizable are their long muzzles and giant 'bat ears' (I love those ears!). I would spend the rest of this post describing them some more, but pictures and the AKC are better at that than I am.
PUPPIES!
BIG PUPPY!
(images from akc.org)
Is the German Shepherd the right breed for me? I don't know. It could be! I would like to actually spend some time with a GSD as part of making an informed decision. Of course I won't be ready to choose a breed for awhile yet, but I do think the German Shepherd is an excellent option!
Crates, puppies, rainbows. Heck yes.
So.
Crate training is very appealing to me. Let me proceed to tell you why: it works. There, I'm done.
No really, it does. Buddy is crate-trained and he is a very well behaved, happy dog. Heck, even the Humane Society of the United States recommends it. Now, some of you may just be thinking, exactly what is crate training, exactly? Here's the scoop!
Crate training is basically teaching a puppy to treat a crate as his own safe place. This in turn will help you show the puppy where he can and can't go in your house, as well as where he can and can't do his business. In a nutshell, crate training minimizes accidents, destructive behavior and any other trouble a puppy can get into.
My favorite page detailing the process of crate training is the Humane Society of the United States'. Check it out here.
However! Let it be known that you can't just stick a puppy in a crate for a million hours while you go run around doing whatever. A crate is not a replacement for YOU. A crate is a tool, and that only. I understand this, I just want others to understand too. I am not advocating keeping your dog locked up in a box. Dogs do not appreciate it!
Anyway, I'd like to hear from you! Did you crate train? How did it go? Was it magical? Uplifting?
Crate training is very appealing to me. Let me proceed to tell you why: it works. There, I'm done.
No really, it does. Buddy is crate-trained and he is a very well behaved, happy dog. Heck, even the Humane Society of the United States recommends it. Now, some of you may just be thinking, exactly what is crate training, exactly? Here's the scoop!
Crate training is basically teaching a puppy to treat a crate as his own safe place. This in turn will help you show the puppy where he can and can't go in your house, as well as where he can and can't do his business. In a nutshell, crate training minimizes accidents, destructive behavior and any other trouble a puppy can get into.
My favorite page detailing the process of crate training is the Humane Society of the United States'. Check it out here.
However! Let it be known that you can't just stick a puppy in a crate for a million hours while you go run around doing whatever. A crate is not a replacement for YOU. A crate is a tool, and that only. I understand this, I just want others to understand too. I am not advocating keeping your dog locked up in a box. Dogs do not appreciate it!
Anyway, I'd like to hear from you! Did you crate train? How did it go? Was it magical? Uplifting?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)