We named him Toes on the part of his white paws. I don't know if he swims as we haven't taken him to a lake yet. Do lakes exist in Texas anymore?? And after more thought....I swear the wife and have been going back and forth the past two weeks....we've been on an emotional roller coaster....we decided to keep him, no matter what. I never have had a dog before and it's been a little rough of a transition...she's had one (who's still alive and at her parents). And so, we both love each so much we were willing to sacrifice for the other; she willing to give him up and me willing to live with a little more stress in my life. So the compromise is she's gonna try more to give him some more exercise, especially when I don't run with him, and give up her gym membership (which she stopped using anyways) so we have a little extra money to spend on his essentials. I'm gonna try and not sweat the small stuff and just enjoy the time we have with him. I just realized that I couldn't put my wife through this whole giving him up thing, and that he's our dog...through thick and thin. We're not perfect owners. I know he'll be lonely from time to time, especially when we're at work. But we got a good home for him, and we try our best. And when our son gets a little bigger and not so scared of him, I'm sure they'll enjoy playing together. He loves him now, just runs away when he gets near. I really do feel like I'm living the movie Marley and Me though!
I'm going to jump on the soapbox here for a moment - this is not directed at Junkyard Dawg specifically, but at all potential and current dog owners. When you adopt a dog, please remember that letting your dog loose in the backyard does NOT count as exercise. Exercise should always include a walk and (depending on the breed) some kind of play activity. The purpose of walking and playing with your dog is to engage it in a focused activity that works both its mind and body. In addition to the obvious exercise it provides walking forces your dog to follow and pay attention to you, and also serves as a substitute to a dog's natural instinct to migrate. To supplement this, you should also figure out your dog's breed characteristics (i.e. retriever, herder, terrier) and then spend some time playing breed-appropriate games with your dog. If you give your dog an adequate walk and play with it, you will definitely see a decrease in many behavior problems. A tired dog is indeed a happy and well-adjusted dog. The reason I bring this up is because I see way too many dog owners skimping on or outright skipping the walk and play time with their dogs. Then they complain that the dog is always barking, digging up stuff, chewing furniture, et cetera and et cetera. A big back yard, no matter how wonderful and inviting it may be, will not exercise your dog - you have to do that yourself. And high energy breeds will need longer walks (1 hour minimum) and more play - that's just how it is. Again, this is not directed at JunkyardDawg - but the subject of his thread lent itself to my spiel.
As someone who's had the cable guy come out three times already, yeah I have definitely realized that! I admit we don't always get out and run him, cause I don't like to run every day. But even a short walk I suppose is better than nothing. But yeah we definitely are gonna try harder to tire him out. We do play fetch with him, and he loves it. Thinking about getting him one of those Kong chew toys where you put the treat inside. Figured that would give him more constructive things to do too.
Well....I would not give him to one man I met some time ago. A pit bull breeder/owner. Let's just say he gave me some advice on how to feed my dog and make sure his coat is shiny. One of those things involved motor oil. Needless to say I didn't take his advice.
I dunno...you can definitely see the pit from certain angles. And we think there could be some hound in him too..sounds like it when he barks at least.
The Kong is definitely good for keeping a dog preoccupied while you're out. One tip I got from a trainer - mix up some peanut butter and kibble (or dog treats) and then pack it tightly into the Kong. Freeze it overnight and then give it to your dog right before you leave. That will significantly increase the amount of time it takes your dog to empty the Kong out. The above worked well for my dog Mina. I used to stick just treats in the Kong, but she quickly figured out how to get everything out in under a minute. I'd also recommend getting a Nylabone. I give Mina her Nylabone whenever I crate her, but she also gnaws at it if I'm preoccupied with other things while at home. The chewing phase will go away if you train your dog to chew the "right" things. Plus, they seem less interested in chewing as they get older.
Also, not directed at the OP, but in general I feel too many people thing dogs are entertainment or accessories in their lives. You have to remember you are bringing in a living, thinking, breathing, and loving animal that has needs and attachments too. They are pack animals and once they feel you are their family, they stick by you through thick and thin So how is that we think it sounds fun, yet we dont want to go through the work and then think we can give them away like they are objects. Emotionally that breaks them, they are smart and have emotions too. So i know its not ideal and the situation changes, btu be mindful of that before you commit to having a dog because it is a big commitment and its not all fun and games where you take em to the park, meet girls, or whatever else. Overall, if you do your part, care for them and see them as family that they see you, you can have one of the most unique and best relationships plain and simple. Please be mindful and pass this on
