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What breed of dog would be the most compatible for me and my family?

I live with my parents and my dad is talking about gettting a dog. We have 2 cats- one is almost 14 and the other one is 7 years old. Dad's cat passed away in February of this year and he's been talking about getting a dog ever since. Dad talks about getting a Lab or a border collie, but I don't think either one of those dog breeds would be the most compatible with our 2 cats. Mom's 7 year old cat is very territorial of the back porch and attacks any animal that comes on or near it and my 14 year old cat runs whenever an animal comes in the house. Mom's alllergic to dog hair, so we can't have a longhaired breed dog. What kind of dog gets along well with cats, because Dad's starting to get serious about getting a dog?

I think you are absolutely right! Border Collies are high-intensity, high-drive working dogs. They require a LOT of exercise, and preferably a job to do or they can be insane to live with. We're talking at least two thirty minute STRENUOUS runs every day, not a casual 3 mph walk around the block. Many Border Collies end up in the pound because people can't deal with their herding instincts, car chasing and odd behavior (like guarding pots and pans!)

Labs can be very powerful and playful, and could easily hurt a cat without even meaning to. Plus they shed terribly and aren't good for people with allergies. I'm surprised your mom could tolerate cats if she really is allergic to dog hair - usually it's the other way around. Your mom should spend at least a few hours at the breeder's home to see if it bothers her.

With cats, you definitely shouldn't get a terrier!

I'd suggest going with an English Cocker Spaniel (NOT the American Cocker!) or an English Springer Spaniel or a Welsh Springer Spaniel or a Portugese Water dog or a Curly Coated Retriever or an Irish Water Spaniel. (Maybe even a Havanese or a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - but I don't know any personally. You'd have to go to dog shows and check them out.) These are somewhat rare breeds - check out www.ack.org for breeders. The PWD, CCR and IWS look a bit like Standard poodles, but they're not as high energy. They're easy to train and don't shed much at all. The IWS and the PWD tend to be on the shy side, so make sure you get her out and socialize her while she's young. And because they don't shed, they're going to need more grooming than the average dog.

BEFORE you get a puppy, I'd also suggest reading some really good books on training. Try not to do it randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also! These are some of my favorites:
What All Good Dogs Should Know - Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan

Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.

Mar 31, 2024 | 45 | dog

Talking dogs

This is not actually my video. Someone sent it to me by email. I don't know who the real owner is (send me a msg if you are the owner) I just like it so much that I wanted to share it with others. …

Duration : 0:1:20

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Mar 31, 2024 | 25 | dog

How can i control my dog when he sees another dog?

I walk my dog alot. And hes a big dog. And hes good on a leash. I can handle him really good. But i get scared when he sees another dog. He doesnt bark at all. But the other dogs bark at him. Making my dog run. He rips the leash out of my hands and runs toward the dogs. But he never hurts the dogs. But the dogs always hurt him. How do i control him so me and my dog dont get hurt?

First off, get a air compreser thing like a blow horn with out the horn. spray it in his face. eventually, he won't chase them because he knows he will get punished. Hope this helped. Use a retractable leash. That way you can control him and it is plastic so it won't rip out of your hands as much.

Mar 31, 2024 | 13 | dog

How do Cats and Dogs know which is cat food and which is dog food?

I have 2 cats and three dogs. One night, I ran out of cat food (the dry type) and my cats were hungry. So since I had dog food only and the shops were closed, I gave them dog kibbles. They're more or less of the same shape and size and are made of the same ingredients - chicken. My cats took a nibble and refused the rest of the bowl, preferring to go hungry than eat dog food. The next day, i got them a fresh pack of made-for-cats kibbles and they immediately dived in and ate up. How come my cats knew what I gave them wasn't cat food?

I also know of dogs that won't eat cat food for the long run (not mine though, cos they're pigs and will eat anything).

It would be good if a pet food manufacturer can answer this question. Is there some special ingredient you put in cat and dog food that makes cats and dogs know which kibbles is who's? Also, nowadays, dogs are eating fish too - like salmon. You can't say it's the ingredient. How come they know the difference?

They know, especially dogs. If you leave the cat food bowl on the floor the dog will go after it before it goes for the dog food. Cat food is higher quality ingredients than dog food, and dogs know this because after they try cat food they think it tastes better. Cats usually won't eat the dog food if it is on the floor because of the same reasons. They know the cat food tastes better as well. Here is a solution to keep the dog from eating the cat's food. Put the cat food bowl up on the counter top where the dog can't reach it. Only the cat can jump up there, and the cat won't go near the dogs food bowl on the floor.

Mar 31, 2024 | 9 | dog