Posted by Allanfan20:

Posted by Bonn1997:

Things seem a bit more peaceful now. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into my bedroom and found them sharing Chance's bed! They still don't seem to know how to play together though!





[Edited by - bonn1997 on 05-18-2009 08:49 AM]

Bonn, how do they "Fight?" Just remember what your interpretation of it is and then ask yourself what the animal kingdoms interpretation of it is.

Dogs playing are going to jump on eachother, bark, growl, nudge eachother, nibble a little, look intimidating. It may be loud and sometimes uneasy to look at, but that's how they play. It's your job to make sure it doesn't escelate into a fight. It's good to monitor their behavior like that, but let nature be nature also.

Look at this youtube video. They are 2 big boxers, but your little dogs might be displaying that same exact behavior. Just make sure it doesn't escelate. This is how dogs play though. It's nature.

It's FAR more intense than that. There's constant rather than periodic growling (and it's LOUD growling) and their bodily movements look like there's much more malicious intent. However, ever since I picked up all the dog bones and toys, things have been much more peaceful. It's basically at a point where they usually ignore each other but occasionally acknowledge each other (with some sniffing). They don't seem to actually like each other or have fun together but people knowledgeable about dogs that I've talked to said that will likely come with time. I'm willing to give it time. I just really hope that it gets to a point where they actually like each other and have fun moments together. I got Lucky hoping she'd be a good companion not only for me but for Chance also.

Posted by Bonn1997:

Posted by Allanfan20:

Posted by Bonn1997:

Things seem a bit more peaceful now. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into my bedroom and found them sharing Chance's bed! They still don't seem to know how to play together though!





[Edited by - bonn1997 on 05-18-2009 08:49 AM]

Bonn, how do they "Fight?" Just remember what your interpretation of it is and then ask yourself what the animal kingdoms interpretation of it is.

Dogs playing are going to jump on eachother, bark, growl, nudge eachother, nibble a little, look intimidating. It may be loud and sometimes uneasy to look at, but that's how they play. It's your job to make sure it doesn't escelate into a fight. It's good to monitor their behavior like that, but let nature be nature also.

Look at this youtube video. They are 2 big boxers, but your little dogs might be displaying that same exact behavior. Just make sure it doesn't escelate. This is how dogs play though. It's nature.

It's FAR more intense than that. There's constant rather than periodic growling (and it's LOUD growling) and their bodily movements look like there's much more malicious intent. However, ever since I picked up all the dog bones and toys, things have been much more peaceful. It's basically at a point where they usually ignore each other but occasionally acknowledge each other (with some sniffing). They don't seem to actually like each other or have fun together but people knowledgeable about dogs that I've talked to said that will likely come with time. I'm willing to give it time. I just really hope that it gets to a point where they actually like each other and have fun moments together. I got Lucky hoping she'd be a good companion not only for me but for Chance also.

Maybe your new friend Mike Vik can come over and hang.

Things are getting better. Lucky is usually very affectionate with me, although every once in a while she's still fearful. It seems like if I move my hand too quickly to pet her, it startles her.

What made me really happy though was that she and Chance played with each other yesterday! It was just for about a minute but it's a nice start. I was sitting next to Chance and Lucky turned around and decided to start Licking Chance's face. Then Chance (playfully) nibbled on Lucky's paws. Then they each laid down next to each other. I made sure I gave lots of verbal reinforcement the whole time. It was sweet! I think they'll like each other if I give it time.

Why are you up so early? I am because I'm like a pathetic old person who goes to bed around 10 and wakes up around 5 every day by choice.

Posted by Bonn1997:

Posted by GKFv2:

BTW let me ask you, don't those dogs shed a lot? I have a carpet and don't have the time to vacuum massive amounts of hair if I ever do get a Jack Russell Terrier. My brother has the same breed(energetic but so cute and friendly) and it sheds buckets. Not think hairs but thin of course.

They shed a fair amount--not huge but a decent amount. I don't mind having a little fur around the house. You can get something called a Furminator, which I've heard removes virtually all of the dogs loose fur. If I wanted there to be virtually no fur around the house, I could spend about 15 min a day vacuuming the major areas and I think that would be fine. There are some very low shedding dogs, though, if that's a concern for you. Wheaten Terriers are a bit bigger but are extremely affectionate and playful and shed very, very little. Dachshunds don't shed much. Any dog is going to have some imperfections, though.

Probably the best thing to do actually is to go to different shelters/humane societies and interact with a bunch of dogs. If you're concerned about shedding, grab a clump of fur and gently pull and see how much fur comes off. You'll quickly see a big difference with each dog and learn which ones shed a little, a moderate amount, and a lot. This would work better than going by only the website info on breeds because there's a lot of variability within each breed. (E.g., some dachshunds shed much more than other Dachshunds.) This won't work for very short-haired dogs like Pugs and Beagles but will work for medium and long length coats. If you don't mind my asking, what is it about shedding that bothers you? I ask because I initially thought that I'd absolutely hate having fur all over the house and the carpet and my clothes. However, Chance is a seasonal shedder. She sheds A LOT for about 3 weeks twice a year but otherwise is a low shedder. And it doesn't bother me at all when she sheds seasonally. Yeah, there's some fur on my clothes but I don't really care about it. Not everyone's the same though. It might bother you but there are plenty of low shedding dogs available.

Lifetime has some excellent programming, and the Dog Whisperer is just divine for your purpose these days!!!!!

Isn't cable just the best!

Hey, how are you going to travel? Your in Alabama, right? So will you kennel the dogs or just drive to NY to see family?

Were you concerned about Chance feeling lonely so you got her an friend?

are you concerned that instead of a dog being not loyal to its master to whom it wants to please and get attention from, be more distracted with its new companion?

Getting a dog a companion is a humane act. But they are not human.

Posted by orangeblobman:

Posted by Nalod:

are you concerned that instead of a dog being not loyal to its master to whom it wants to please and get attention from, be more distracted with its new companion?

Getting a dog a companion is a humane act. But they are not human.

you're looking too much into it. they're dogs, they're animals...they obey humans and that's just how it is. bonn, just let them know what's up.

Yeah, and I'm more concerned with the opposite at this point: that they will have very little interest in (rather than too much devotion to) each other. As long as we have good, fun times together I'm happy with these little girls in my life, though.

One more:



[Edited by - bonn1997 on 05-19-2009 3:12 PM]

Posted by orangeblobman:

Posted by Nalod:

are you concerned that instead of a dog being not loyal to its master to whom it wants to please and get attention from, be more distracted with its new companion?

Getting a dog a companion is a humane act. But they are not human.

you're looking too much into it. they're dogs, they're animals...they obey humans and that's just how it is. bonn, just let them know what's up.

Exactly, they are not humans. They wont obey Bonn for crap if he doesn't asert himself with them. Bonn, even think of watching the Dog Whisperer or reading his first book? It's legit stuff. Very general, but it shouldn't be Rocket Science, as other people expect it to be.