DOG OWNERZ - breeds

[StrwbrryFldsFrvr]

hey i was wanting to buy a dog for a longgg time, but nva really got to it. Now i wanan get one and i really love the siberian husky and i have been reading alot bout it. Alot of sites say its not recomended for first time owners ( this is gonna my first dog). So i was wondering if any1 own a siberian and would offer some advice. If anyone has some other breed recomenations lemme kno, i like energetic, loyal, and friendly with childen types.

Get an Akita, they look like huskies crossed with german shepherds and they're smart and fun as hell...

[stinkyattic]

Akitas are amazing animals but not for an inexperienced owner... of all dog breeds, they are one of the worst when it comes to going feral if they aren't constantly being socialized.
Remember an akita is a hunting dog, and not a flusher or pointer, it was bred to KILL its prey. I've known one that was good with kids, but personally would never trust one around children.
My friend had an akita from rescue who she was working wiht for 2 years and still having serious behavioural problems... it all ended when her akita killed AND ATE the neighbor's kick-me dog. She was ordered to have the animal destroyed or adopt it to another county.
Just a heads up.

[StrwbrryFldsFrvr]

Akitas are amazing animals but not for an inexperienced owner... of all dog breeds, they are one of the worst when it comes to going feral if they aren't constantly being socialized.
Remember an akita is a hunting dog, and not a flusher or pointer, it was bred to KILL its prey. I've known one that was good with kids, but personally would never trust one around children.
My friend had an akita from rescue who she was working wiht for 2 years and still having serious behavioural problems... it all ended when her akita killed AND ATE the neighbor's kick-me dog. She was ordered to have the animal destroyed or adopt it to another county.
Just a heads up.

Yeah, mine attacked a neighbors poodle as well.. Just out of instinct I guess, didn't have any other behavioral problems.

Had to end up giving it to the Rescue.

But yeah, Like I said... Amazing breed. I have a Shih Tzu now, and they're the cutest (I said it) little dogs in the world. The way they manipulate their paws/bodies is too funny.

[killerzland]

ahahah nicee, yea i checked the shelters arround my areas today, they had a couple bully types, but they were arroud 4 years or so. i was kinda looking for somthign younger. i dont kno why, i guess since its my first dog i want it to be special and raise it from childhood. lol

i also saw some sibarians but the shelter person was telling me that they dont learn unless they want to . so house training them as a puppy, or teaching them fech (since they have so much energy) can be a problem .. but then again, she said she never owned one, adn is just giveing advice from what she has herd from others

[stinkyattic]

ahahah nicee, yea i checked the shelters arround my areas today, they had a couple bully types, but they were arroud 4 years or so. i was kinda looking for somthign younger. i dont kno why, i guess since its my first dog i want it to be special and raise it from childhood. lol

Mine was 3 when I got her... didn't have to housebreak her... didn't have to teach her any basics... she already knew hand signals... an older, already trained dog will make your life easier!!!

[jrs212]

I have a 2 year old female Siberian Husky, she is a playful, friendly dog that would not hurt anyone. If I have a burglar, they'll have to play with her to get in.lol She is hyper, and when outside will run and run and run. I live in the country so she has plenty of room. If you have yours in the house be prepared to play. She does not like being ignored. This is not my first dog by far and nort my last, but no more Huskies. She's a character. We have had a test of wills from day one and I do believe she is finally getting me trained them way she wants.[attachment=o129096]

[invoke]

I too have a boxer. Mine is a reddish brown very similar to the one posted. They are so adorable. It's actually the second boxer I've had. One thing I can say about them is, watch what you leave laying around. My first one walked right up to my plate of pizza sitting on the coffee table and snagged it right up for herself. Hah, you can't stay mad though. They also seem to love tearing up garbage and plants. One thing I love about them is they have are extremely smart and very sociable, and also very attentive (usually), their mood usually depends on yours. They can tell if you are sad or happy, when I've had my dog around when I've cried she nudges her head inbetween my arms and rests her big heavy head on my lap.

I would not recommend getting a boxer if you don't have a big backyard, they really need room to run and explore. They make excellent hikers, always interested to smell the next tree. Also extremely friendly, neither of mine have ever bitten anyone on purpose, although they are very energentic and playful, and have accidently scratched me with their paws. Neither of mine have also never had a problem with cats, infact they are sometimes scared when the cats hiss. But humans, that's another deal. Both have been extrememly protective. Overall great dogs, but they need quite the amount of attention. Once you step out that door they will be howling and howling for you to come back.

BTW, other boxer owners, do your dogs get those little black stubs on their fur? Mine has 2 of them but my dad says a lot of boxers get them. It worries me because sometimes they bleed quite a bit. Also, with all the dog food recall, what are some good brands I can switch to? Thanks, sorry for the long message.:thumbsup:

[stinkyattic]

I too have a boxer.... One thing I love about them is they have are extremely smart and very sociable, and also very attentive (usually), their mood usually depends on yours. They can tell if you are sad or happy, when I've had my dog around when I've cried she nudges her head inbetween my arms and rests her big heavy head on my lap.

Yup mine does that too. And forget yelling at her, she literally goes off and sits in a corner and stares back over her shoulder at you like, AWWWW, my feelings are so hurt. A Boxer sulking is one of the most pathetic yet funny sights there is!

... and have accidently scratched me with their paws.

lol yeah Tess punches me for attention all the time and NAILED me with her claws yesterday.

BTW, other boxer owners, do your dogs get those little black stubs on their fur? Mine has 2 of them but my dad says a lot of boxers get them. It worries me because sometimes they bleed quite a bit.

Mine gets cysts between her toes pretty often. The vet says they are a food allergy, and they get really bad when my stupid friends feed her people food, even though I have told them a million times she's allergic to a lot of the ingredients in it.

Also, with all the dog food recall, what are some good brands I can switch to? Thanks, sorry for the long message.:

Boxers are known for their sensitive digestive systems and having food allergies.
I feed mine Iams Lamb and Rice, which is much better for them than dog foods with wheat gluten in them. Taht recall was just wet food BTW. And dry food is better for dogs because of the decreased risk of tooth decay.
As a treat, or when her skin is acting up, I give her canned mackerel. She goes NUTS for it and her coat starts to look really glossy.

[invoke]

Yeah when she's guilty she lowers her head low to the ground and stares at you. It's so sad. Attick IM me on AIM if you have it: Cxorey, I should be on tonight sometime.

[stinkyattic]

I don't have IM at all sorry!