renodogmom

Names are such personal things and everyone has a different method for finding the right names. It makes sense when someone asks for suggestions of names, but when someone asks for a name with a particular characteristic, well, isn't that highly subjective?

What is 'cool' to me, may be so very boring to you.

Just speculating. I do rescue and have to come up with names for dogs. I have one Golden Retriever named Mary Queen of Scots. I named another Golden Retriever, Captain Jack Sparrow. Then there was Mary Tyler Moore.

Not just a dog you love, but a dog you are so close to communication seems psychic?

I've had 2. One was the first dog I raised from a puppy. His mother was a Siberian Husky and his dad was a fence climbing black lab. My sister and I raised the puppies and found homes for all of them

This was a VERY long time ago (I'm almost ancient) before people routinely thought about spay/neuter, and way before I became committed to learning all I can about the training and behavior of dogs.

Now I have my 8 year old Golden Gurl, who is my heart and soul. She and I have trained in Obedience and Agility and Rally. But mostly, I just enjoy being with her. I love my other Golden and my Pittie Girl, but my Golden Gurl has a special piece of my heart.

Most of the questions seem as if they are asked by 9 year olds. If this is indeed the case, I will endeavor to soften some of my harsher responses to some of the questions. Really, after having spent the better part of 12 years learning everything I can about dogs and behavior, some of the questions seem like they shouldn't have to be asked. yet they are?

Why?

I like to say shock collar training isn't worth the physical stress it puts on dogs. I would never use one, for example.

http://www.ust.is/media/ljosmyndir/dyralif/Trainin...

But, can i say there is no use for one if I haven't tried it? Not with and informed background. Just opinion.

What do you think?

Dogs are amazing creatures, more complex than humans want to believe. Yet, the whole school of thought that all behavior is about status seeking and dominance leaves out most dog behavior and raises more questions than it answers. Yet, people seem determined to believe canid behavior is simply that black and white.

http://www.4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm

Wouldn't that indicate the barest minimum level of research into a breed to determine suitability? Or am I too idealist?

For instance, people who own Rock Welders probably shouldn't be allowed to breed them. Or Docksinds? Or Chiwawas?

Perhaps the person who is interested in Besingees, shouldn't buy one?

And have you followed their progress, to see how many find homes or how many are euthanized because there are just too many dogs alive?

Have you seen the HBO special, out on video called "Shelter Dogs" by Cynthia Wade? http://www.shelterdogs.org/

I recommend you watch this before ever contemplating breeding any dog.

I'm referring to the questions about things people should have researched and should already know before they even contemplate breeding their dog. I find this level of ignorance horrifying, for the sake of the dogs.

I once made the remark that if my husband tried to make me get rid of my dogs, I'd really miss him.

Needless to say, I got into deep trouble with my in-laws for a very long time. But...someone who really loves you would never ask you to give up something you love so much.

What do you think?

I'm a Parrothead with a dog named Bob Roberts Society Dog,

and Diamond as Big as the Ritz.

At a dog training conference a German lady presented evidence of physiological damage done by shock collars. Her studies led to store shelves in parts of Europe removing shock collars from their shelves.

The So called alpha roll evolved from a supposed study done on wolves many years ago. It was thought the leader of the pack would force the subordinate wolves on their backs to show his leadership.

Nowadays, in studies done by people who earn advanced degrees studying both dogs and wolves, it has been determined that doesn't happen. The subordinate will sometimes offer submissive behavior, and the canids that do the rolling of other canids are actually just "Alpha Wannabes" or bullies.

I am a professional dog trainer and frequently encounter people who have a particular breed of dog, but then hate it when that dog acts like the dog it was bred to be. For example: Why does my Sheltie bark? (it was bred to herd by barking) Why does my terrier dig? (Duh! Terra? They were bred to go to ground and dig up rodents) Why does my Golden Retriever Steal things? (the "retrieve" in the name might be a tip off here) Why does my Beagle ignore me when he is sniffing a bunny trail? (Scent hound, he pretty much can't help himself)

So, why do people get dogs, then abuse and abandon them for doing what they were created by humans to do?