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Thread: New Puppy?

  1. #21
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    for a 6 week program you can use a foster dog. I cannot imagine a rescue that wouldn't want a foster using a foster dog for a 6 week training course (assuming training is positive based on not alpha/dominance based) and then putting the dog up for adoption.

    definately look into that option. I would be curious if they absolutely require a puppy (baby). You can do more training and learn more with a slightly older dog.

    Remember puppies are expensive. You have the purchase price (if you go breeder, depending where you are and the breed $1000+) plus three sets of shots which add up very fast and that's if all goes well. then neuter/spay. A rescue dog can still be young (and not crazy) and be 300 (or less!) fully vetted.

    Two years is a LONG time. I would absolutely NOT get a dog now because of a course you want to take in two years.

  2. #22
    Best Friend Retriever Polly Pipkin's Avatar
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    Totally agree - focus on your grades, your interests, what do you want to take in college and Hammer.

    There are a lot of dog training courses, and for me the flag goes up when they want you to have a puppy for a 6 week course. Ask a lot of questions, think about your relationship with Hammer, work with him and use this time to get to know yourself and your dog. That will make you a better dog trainer, in my opinion.
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  3. #23
    House Broken roro's Avatar
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    My older pup Mozzie is a reactive dog. We completed reactive dog training, reeled in his behavior, and neutered him before we brought in our second. I agree with everyone above on waiting. It sound like Hammer needs lots of love and support to become a well mannered/socialized dog.

  4. #24
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    I would definitely find out about the course that wants you to bring in a pup for training. Maybe talk to that person and find out if there is a rescue they feel could work with you with a pup. What an opportunity it would be for you to help place a dog. Win-win. Plus you don't have to put anything out of pocket, which is good as you are still in school. You are young, there will be time when you get a chance to enjoy that 2 dog experience yourself.

    Yep buying a pup from a breeder is an expense. But also a rescue, though they say is a lot cheaper, don't really take into mind all the costs that come in. Though they might be vetted, there are still expenses involved. Our 125 rescue dog turned into close to $400 when it call came down to it. Plus not getting the full story on the rescue, turned into a very expensive nightmare, with my husband being hurt. So before rescuing, look at all the other charges as well. And get the FULL story of the rescue. And on the rescuers. Though well-meaning, some just are looking to place the dog, and not really looking at the info you gave them on what you feel would be the best fit.

    KAZ

  5. #25
    House Broken HammerLover's Avatar
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    We have normally always had 2 dogs, that's why it's so strange for me. But our last two (Beagle: Tuffy, Black Lab:Whizzard) we got when I was young and they past the year we got Hammer of old age. Before that I guess my family had 3 dogs, 2 brit spaniels and a golden retriever. So it's strange for all of us but also cheaper. :\ My brother has been talking about getting his own puppy for awhile to train for hunting even though Hammer can hunt. But Ham is my hunting dog > I let my dad and brother borrow him like once a year xD He comes with me the rest of the time. I realized how hard it's going to be for me to leave Hammer when I go to school and I don't want to get attached to another pup and have 2x the heart break. Hammer is my best friend. We got lucky choosing Ham. I could imagine a different personality in him. He is just so happy almost all of the time! His tail always wags even when he is sore after a lot of swimming. These last 3 1/2 years with him have been the best and I hope to be able to have him for 10 more ♥
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  6. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by HammerLover View Post
    We have normally always had 2 dogs, that's why it's so strange for me. But our last two (Beagle: Tuffy, Black Lab:Whizzard) we got when I was young and they past the year we got Hammer of old age. Before that I guess my family had 3 dogs, 2 brit spaniels and a golden retriever. So it's strange for all of us but also cheaper. :\ My brother has been talking about getting his own puppy for awhile to train for hunting even though Hammer can hunt. But Ham is my hunting dog > I let my dad and brother borrow him like once a year xD He comes with me the rest of the time. I realized how hard it's going to be for me to leave Hammer when I go to school and I don't want to get attached to another pup and have 2x the heart break. Hammer is my best friend. We got lucky choosing Ham. I could imagine a different personality in him. He is just so happy almost all of the time! His tail always wags even when he is sore after a lot of swimming. These last 3 1/2 years with him have been the best and I hope to be able to have him for 10 more ♥
    Well, sounds like you already had that 2 or make it 3 dog experience. Lucky you. Always had one at a time, but looking forward to experience a 2 dog home.

    You truly have a lovely connection with Hammer. And sweet that you share him with your Dad and brother, giving Ham a treat too with going hunting. Shame you can't bring Ham with you to school. Hope you figure out what you can do for school regarding another pup. Definitely going to be tough for you, leaving Hammer as well.

    KAZ

  7. #27
    House Broken HammerLover's Avatar
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    Its hard to even board him for a week or so even while i work at the same kennel. He is my security blanket i guess. I have always been paranoid of everything bad happening. Well, until we brought home Ham Burger. Having two dogs seems like normal here. Only having one that isnt a fan of my brother makes him feel left out. Haha. Hammer is going to spend a week or so in training soon and they are going to train not only him but us on how to correct Hammer and his fear aggression. Free of charge as they are family friends and i work ffor them LOL
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  8. #28
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    Quote Originally Posted by HammerLover View Post
    Its hard to even board him for a week or so even while i work at the same kennel. He is my security blanket i guess. I have always been paranoid of everything bad happening. Well, until we brought home Ham Burger. Having two dogs seems like normal here. Only having one that isnt a fan of my brother makes him feel left out. Haha. Hammer is going to spend a week or so in training soon and they are going to train not only him but us on how to correct Hammer and his fear aggression. Free of charge as they are family friends and i work ffor them LOL
    Sounds like you and Hammer will be in good hands and with a new way of dealing with Hammer, as a group, things will work out just fine. Wishing you and Hammer all the luck. Maybe knowing that others are watching him, as you think Hammer should, your anxiety of things going bad will ease. Understand how you feel.

    KAZ

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  10. #29
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by HammerLover View Post
    ...Hammer is going to spend a week or so in training soon and they are going to train not only him but us on how to correct Hammer and his fear aggression. Free of charge as they are family friends and i work ffor them LOL
    Do you know for sure what kind of training they will use to address the fear? what are they going to do in a week exactly?
    when you say a week of training, do you mean he will stay with them? I would be very very careful about sending a dog that is fearful to boardign/training and be SUPER paranoid about the METHODS used. You have to be SUPER careful with fear as you can make it worse really fast. Avoid any punishments or corrections and use slow positive associations. This takes TIME so I am not sure what they hope to do in a week?

    I know you trust them and they may be the most WONDERUL people but please please please be careful. Make sure they already have experience and training on how to handle fears and that they use a good positive desentisation process. Ask lots of questions. Fear is NOT something you "fix" or even see major improvements in a week.

  11. #30
    House Broken HammerLover's Avatar
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    Neil and Rachel have trained for over 25 years, they have trained many dogs with the same aggression. Hammer has been boarded there before multiple times. They plan to use the distraction method with him. They are only testing it out during the week to see if we will be able to continue with it on our own. We will be trained on how to use the method and what to do if something bad happens. Hammer's fear aggression was caught early on so I guess it won't be as hard to correct but will still be difficult. Don't worry, I wouldn't let them train Hammer if I didn't like what they planned on doing.Thank you so much for the concern!
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