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rettoc625 · 01-25-2008, 02:38 PM

It's a delicate balance to add another critter to the pack. They all have to sort out their place. When you add an immature Lab brain it is more of a challenge. I agree that you do need to teach Jasper that you are the leader of the pack and there are some behaviors that just won't be allowed, chasing Alki and the cats. The cats can usually establish the rule for themselves, but Alki is a special needs dog and may not have the patience or the physical ability to tell off a Lab.

It's good to work with a behaviorist, it sounds like you have some ground rules working for you. I primarily use positive reinforcement with my knuckle heads, but there are times when I could not ignore the behavior I didn't like. It is just too much fun to chase a cat! So I have squirt bottles filled with water scattered around the house and campsite. It worked wonders to teach my guys what not to do. I don't use them as much now, but only need to pick the bottle up.

My blonde golden came to us with some stress related baggage, like mounting my older golden and digging holes to China in the yard. For those behaviors I use a remote training collar. We attached the zapper to the regular invisible fence collar and can give a warning or a correction, as the case may warrant, from a distance and the correction is not associated with me.

Because Jasper and the dalmation are more evenly sized, I would let them out together - with supervision. Alki may need to be protected in an xpen or taken out separately. I would also spend more time outside alone with the new pup. He needs much more exercise, frisbee tossing or tennis balls, and he needs to establish a unique bond with you.

Don't give up! Maybe Jasper needs more than just basic obedience classes. You might consider some other high energy activities with him, like frisbee tossing classes, just to help him burn off energy. I bet he has not lived with anyone long enough in his short life that was willing to take the time to teach him manners and house rules.

My young blonde had three homes before we adopted him at 12 months old. He is such a wise guy and very fresh!! It is a challenge to help him remember the rules. We got my older guy as a little puppy, he had the advantage of puppy kindergarten, and it shows in his behavior.

Keep working with the behaviorist.

Mary

2airishuman · 01-25-2008, 03:02 PM

here's another resource for ya stef...

my regular local vet happens to be a pretty well known veterinary behaviorist...

he is the author of several books, and many articles on pet behavior problems.

and has been specializing in this area, since before it was trendy...

his bio is online and many of his interviews...

here's a short intro to him...

An Interview with Dr. Wayne L. Hunthausen - Veterinary Medicine

i happen to agree with his view of the tv dog guy...

also one of his books just happens to be available in almost full text online as a review...

Handbook of Behavior Problems

cheers
2air'

**Stefrobrts** · 01-25-2008, 04:52 PM

Well, we've discussed it quite a bit today, and decided he's going back. He's a real challenge, and everytime I think we're starting to make some progress he surprises me by doing something I wasn't expecting. Chasing Alki this morning twice in a row was the last straw. Obviously the correction for the first incident didn't sink in. I can't have a dog that is constantly in my hand or in his box, and the barking wailing tantrums he throws in his box are pretty disturbing in their own right. Plus we just can't take the risk that he will hurt Alki or the cats. We've been lucky so far, but he is big and fast and impulsive, and we only have to drop our guard for a moment for someone to get hurt. The potential is there. It just seems like we're playing with fire. So I contacted the rescue and told them we'd like to bring him back. At least by going back to the rescue he can find a home that will fit him better.

juel · 01-25-2008, 05:09 PM

I know this was a hard choice for you, but you do have to think of your beloved Alki and her health. Have you thought about a precious "little beastie"? I never had a small dog before, having shown Standard Poodles (50 to 70 pounds). However, I'm so in love with these little Poms I can't believe it. They are active, but can't do much damage to anyone or anything.

**Stefrobrts** · 01-25-2008, 05:33 PM

I think our next dog will be a puppy from a reputable breeder. That way we can start right from the beginning. I would love another Eskimo, but that's only because Alki has been so great. There's the possibility another eskimo would have a hard time living up to her

My husband has always wanted a german shepherd, but I thought a lab would be an easier fit into the family, I've heard GSDs are even more difficult. After this, I'm thinking either one is more work than we are prepared to do!

All the labs I've ever known just lived for praise, but Jasper really isn't like that at all. I think you have such a learning curve to get past when a dog hasn't been conditioned from puppyhood to look to a human for direction. Because of that I don't think we'll try another rescue dog.

overlander63 · 01-25-2008, 05:49 PM

We've been considering a chiweenie for whenever we are ready for a new dog. They are small, and I had no trouble training Daisy, my sister-in-law's 4 legged kid. In 8 weeks, I had trained her to know to go out, to ask to go out, sit, stay, walk on a leash, come when called, and most importantly, to stop whatever she was doing when ordered.

**azflycaster** · 01-25-2008, 05:54 PM

It's too bad it did not work out. The safety of your other family members has to come first. You did the right thing. I am glad it is a rescue organization. I am sure they will find the right match.

overlander63 · 01-25-2008, 06:05 PM

Here's Daisy @ 16 weeks:
(Daisy is the one with black hair)

**Stefrobrts** · 01-25-2008, 06:19 PM

Daisy's adorable

I don't think I could have a dog quite that small! I'd be afraid it would get lost in the couch cushions!

overlander63 · 01-25-2008, 06:35 PM

She currently weighs in at about 9 pounds. She's very cute, and thinks she is a much bigger dog.

cameront120 · 01-25-2008, 07:24 PM

I'm sorry it didn't work out. The rescue will be able to place him in a suitable home. Probably one with no small animals.

Labs are great dogs, but like any breed, they are work. It's worth it though. You couldn't ask for a better dog. Check your local breed club for a list of reputable breeders. Also, if you have questions, the breed clubs are a wealth of information. Best of luck to you.

bredlo · 01-26-2008, 10:05 AM

This is Nell, the four and a half year old greyhound we adopted from a rescue kennel last week. That was exactly one year after her final race, in which she broke her leg after 62 races in a short, three years.

From now on she'll be in a much more humane, happy environment. Her only "job" will be to lounge around, run like crazy at dog park, and just enjoy her life in suburban Chicago, as life ought to be for all dogs.

In another month or so, she'll ride with us to pick up her new '62 Globe Trotter... at which time she'll likely claim the side gaucho as her own.

**Stefrobrts** · 01-26-2008, 10:33 AM

Neat dog! I've heard retired racers make wonderful pets! Congrats!

2airishuman · 01-26-2008, 11:22 AM

congrats to u and your new friend bredlo....

glad to see someone mention the retired racers...

these are large muscular dogs that can become great companions...

they are much more impressive in person and the contrast of calm yet strong is something u must see.

they certainly could handle long walks or hikes, the goal mentioned back in post #1.

the nice thing is that NONE of these dogs are available because they were problematic or had behavioral issues...

most of them are age 3-7 when adopted so, they are way past puppy-hoodlum stage...

they do need a fenced area for ANY off leash activity and some folks just don't like using a leash.

and they have so little body fat, that a sweater or coat is needed for cold wet climates...

many are very throughly temperament tested and listed as 'cat tolerant' or 'small dog tolerant' or not.

usually they end up in families without lots of other pets, but really are among the most socialized of all rescue dogs...

'regap' has a northwest chapter in oregon and their website has a nice list of available dogs....

Northwest Chapter

IF you can handle the leash requirement and get through the 'adoption' process these hounds make really good pets...

so many great dogs out there need a friend.

cheers
2air'

**Stefrobrts** · 01-26-2008, 11:28 AM

After having to give one dog back for a 'chasing problem' I don't think a greyhound would be my next choice to look into! But I have heard they are big couch potatoes around the house.

bredlo · 01-26-2008, 01:07 PM

Thanks Stef & 2Air,
After only a week, I can already see all these typical tendencies you guys are mentioning. Great, mild personality, loves walking in the morning and evenings, and in between... lots and lots of snoozing on the sofa. She's really large at 70 lbs., but so narrow that she'll have no problem moving around the galley-style layout of an Airstream.

Should be a ton of fun, and we're thrilled we went this route.

CanoeStream · 01-26-2008, 01:42 PM

Keep going with the puppy dreams Stephanie! This morning we visited a household with 6 airedales -- one due to deliver on Feb 9th. That tells you where we're going. I'll never presume a clown airedale is anything like a lab.

safari57 · 01-26-2008, 03:16 PM

Stephanie,

You guys made the right decision for you and for Jasper. He needs a home where he's the center of attention and they will find that for him. You and your "family" need a dog that fits in.

Getting another dog like Alki, while she's still part of the family, would allow it to "learn" from her while bringing it's own personality to play as well. You might enjoy that aspect. We found that after our Cricket passed the other younger cat, Smoky Bear, just came right out of his shell and is doing many of the things Cricket did and that we enjoyed. It's almost like he's working hard to fill the holes left when Cricket passed as best he can.

Whether you get a puppy or another rescue, which ever dog comes into your lives is going to be one lucky critter. Good luck with your search and keep us posted.

Barry

juel · 01-26-2008, 06:28 PM

You'll make the right decision I'm sure. Take my word for it, if you get a semi-small dog it won't get lost in the sofa. Think about a Beagle or something like a Spits. Spits are now recognized by AKC and you should be able to find a good breeder. My Imma and her brother Paden just came into my life by chance; however, I can't imagine life or the Airstream without them.

rettoc625 · 01-26-2008, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bredlo

This is Nell, the four and a half year old greyhound we adopted from a rescue kennel last week. That was exactly one year after her final race, in which she broke her leg after 62 races in a short, three years.

From now on she'll be in a much more humane, happy environment. Her only "job" will be to lounge around, run like crazy at dog park, and just enjoy her life in suburban Chicago, as life ought to be for all dogs.

In another month or so, she'll ride with us to pick up her new '62 Globe Trotter... at which time she'll likely claim the side gaucho as her own.

Nell is one lucky puppy!!!
My son and DIL have 2 retired greyhounds who earned about $500K in their short career. My DIL recently assisted in the transport of a large group of dogs from a track in Florida. They are currently fostering a third greyhound. They are cool dogs that can run FAST!!! Don't let them out of the fenced in yard!

Mary