Let's See Your Dogs!!

So not to depress you guys, but back on 6/10 I had to let my boxer, Charlie take his final rest. He was dealing with what our first vet told us was kennel cough (he had shortness of breath and would cough on occasion. I felt like he was struggling to breath that Saturday night, so I went over to the Emergency Vet. The doctor took him in the back for an x ray. When she came out, she had tears in her eyes. I had never met this woman in my life, as it was my first time at this vet. Charlies lungs were about 85% filled with fluid, and he had 3 masses in his lungs, as well as one on his spleen. There were no options. I called my girlfriend, she came to the vet, we spent about an hour with him, and then we said goodbye. I've had other dogs as a kid, and letting them go was hard, but saying goodbye to Charlie was legitimately the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Everyone tells me "there is always that one dog", and I guess Charlie was it. I miss him everyday. I regret every time I yelled at him, or got home late from work (I always felt horrible leaving him for more than a few hours). He was really my best friend, and I'm never going to forget him. The smaller boxer is Pippen, he's 10 months old. He got to spend 6 months with Charlie.

 

Sorry, that sucks. RIP

 

its tough man. a month has passed and it still aint any easier not seeing him here or getting greeting by him at the door. still got the puppy, and i'm starting to wonder if depression is setting in for him. hes not really acting like himself. the gf already brought up getting another dog, and i'll admit i thought about it for her sake and the puppies sake. I feel like a dick for feeling this way, but I'm never gonna feel about another dog the way i felt about charlie.

 

Reading that breaks my heart man. I know I'm going to feel the same way when my current dog passes. I'm so sorry.

 

thanks man, appreciate it.

 

We put down our little dog just over a year ago and there is hardly a day that goes by that we don't think about her. Dogs are family and I know how you feel. Sorry for your loss.

 

It's never a problem considering I run stage races. I am always done before the guy behind me (Unless something catastrophic happens but if that's the case my dog slowing someone down is my last concern)

 

My Rottie likes to help collect firewood... err... Toys to fetch/chew.



For training purposes I just got this.



I know some people hate these. I'm fine with that. But, I want to use it to train my dog so I can eventually take her camping without needing to tether her to a tree the whole time. This weekend we went camping and a neighbors three dogs were allowed to run wild all over the campground and bark at everything. I refuse to be that dog owner. Ever.

My dog shows no inclination for that - other than wanting to go meet everyone. But I want to make sure she'll stop and recall right when I tell her to to protect her and others around us.

 

Taking the question of the collar out of the equation, what you would need to do is work on recall. You do that by calling the dog and rewarding that behavior. Initially, this is best done in a controlled environment-a yard or large space with a fence. Rewards can range from the usual treats up to things of higher "value" like those fancy dog sausage rolls.

Even if your dog has perfect recall, camping comes with a shit ton of things to distract or chase and perfect recall or not, those things are more than likely a much greater distraction than anything you can offer to get the dog to come back. I always keep Riley on a tie out in camp just so he doesn't wander off (he's pretty good at coming when called too).

 

E-collars are fine if properly utilized. The problem isn't the collar, it's people buying them without knowing how to use them.

This is just personal but I would never want to train my dogs with treats. Then they rely on the treats. Praise is better in my opinion. I want my dogs to want to obey and feel good about following commands. Not working for food.

My boy was professionally trained by Off Leash K9, using an e-collar, and the difference is amazing. He enjoys listening and really really enjoys his freedom.

I work with him daily, and i can take him anywhere no matter what is around and he obeys with a smile on his face.

 

She looks just like my Wiley! (who I haven't posted a photo of in awhile...) Here's one from yesterday!



Is she an Aussie or Border Collie? Rescue said Wiley is a purebred red bicolor Aussie but we really think he's border collie or a mutt combo of the two. (Our preference is that he's a mutt! ) We love him a ton either way!

 

Kylie passed away last March from Cancer we miss her everyday .

 

I'm very sorry for your loss. I will never forget our first dog, a boxer. He was a pistol at times, but I've never hurt so much as the day I had to say goodbye. On a lighter note, that last pic is meant to be framed. Awesome!

I fully agree with this. Rewards are great, but there are some things you can't duplicate. I'd rather tether, than lose my dog.

Professional training is a lot of $$ and most of us can't or won't do it. I've seen the pics, and he looks to be a great boy! But I also agree with the praise. I taught my dog to "bring it" with food, and continue with praise. And she does it with a smile also

I'll say a prayer for you and Kylie. It's the hardest thing to do, but rest easy knowing you gave her a good life.

 

Treats aren't the ultimate reward. But they help and should be used in conjunction with positive reinforcement.

 

Sorry for your lost brother. It is highly likely that Charlie's passing has sent Pippen into depression. But it will pass, as it will for you. You will never forget Charlie, but the pain will dull with time.

 

OMG! Wiley is precious! They could be litter mates! I got Molly from an Aussie rescue who pulled her from a shelter that found her on the street. So I don't know for sure what she is, except she looks Aussie/Border collie. Whatever she is, she's perfect and I love her sooo much!

 

Sorry for your loss! Lost my girl March of '16 and still to this day miss the hell outta her. I have 3 others to occupy me and keep me going. I keep an eye out for another boxer that is in need of our love and attention, as there are just to many in shelters that need someone.

This lug head takes most of my time, as he's where ever I am.

 

Found dogs are the best dogs. My Pickles was running around the gym parking lot and sat right outside my truck as I was about to leave. Opened the door and he jumped right in so I guess it was already decided I was taking him home. Looked for a week on Facebook and for flyers around town to see if anyone lost him but he was such a well behaved pitbull. Honestly, I didn't look very hard because I wanted to keep him. that was about a year ago and never looked back.

 

Wow, those are some pearly white teeth, and awesome looking boy

 

These two are inseparable.