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(10-19-2016 08:09 PM)The T-Shirt Wrote:  I'm rescuing a pup this weekend. Australian Kelpie mix. First time dog/puppy owner, any tips or fun puppy stories?

Read and learn about the bred or breed/mix of your pup so you understand breed behavioral tendencies, health issues, and grooming tips that might be specific to their breed. For example...Jack's need lots of attention and exercise. Chow's are more solitary and tend to be one or 2 person dogs. Chows have issues with hip dysplasia and thyroid problems.

Feed your pup dog food whose first ingredient is meat. Avoid fillers.

Start brushing the dog's teeth as a pup so it gets used to it.
Same with brushing, start now.

Like a baby, try and get the pup on a regular schedule for pottying, walk, sleep. If you intend to kennel train, start now with a kennel appropriately sized for the pup.

If the dog is newly weaned, a ticking clock wrapped in blanket where you want the dog to sleep can be comforting (reminds of mother).

Find a great vet that you like and that really cares about animal welfare. Take a good look around the facility when you visit. Is it clean? Are the caregivers caring? Ask for references from family, friends or here if you need references. If you travel and will need to board your dog, find a vet that offers boarding. It's great peace of mind leaving your dog with the vet that provides it regular care.

Most of all love your dog unconditionally.
You will get all of the love that you give back in spades.

My dogs have made me a better person because they have shown me what unconditional love means. : )

^^Great stuff^^

Really agree with the advice about the breed. Will help understand how the dog is wired and what "jobs" it was bred to do.

The Australian herder types tend to be super intelligent and need more physical and mental play and work on a daily basis than most dogs.

The upside being your pooch will likely love to engage with you with enthusiasm and learn very quickly. You may be shocked at how many things he can learn and do once he understands what you want.

The challenge being they have a ton of physical and mental energy to expend each day. They are happiest when they are doing things for you and the more the better. Aussie Herders are happy work/playaholics - but they can start to exhibit negative behaviors if they don't have tasks and engagement to expel that energy, intelligence and enthusiasm.

(10-19-2016 08:09 PM)The T-Shirt Wrote:  I'm rescuing a pup this weekend. Australian Kelpie mix. First time dog/puppy owner, any tips or fun puppy stories?

Here's mine:



How could you refuse that face anything!...I admit...I often have trouble.

BTW...how do you shrink an image in a post?

Thanks!

(10-20-2016 04:23 PM)Not Duane Wrote:  

(10-19-2016 08:09 PM)The T-Shirt Wrote:  I'm rescuing a pup this weekend. Australian Kelpie mix. First time dog/puppy owner, any tips or fun puppy stories?

Here's mine:



How could you refuse that face anything!...I admit...I often have trouble.

BTW...how do you shrink an image in a post?

Thanks!

Couldn't refuse that face either. Good looking dog.

We've had a couple of dogs but one special one we took in as a stray. He was very old when we found him (vet guessed between 10-13) and had just the sweetest disposition.

We had no idea of his background (nor his real name) but wherever he came from we know they grilled...
the first time we grilled after we took him in, he walked right over and stood like a guard next to the grill licking his chops …
he got some : ) …
to this day, when we grill, we raise a glass and toast to the memory of the "Guardian of the Grill."

He passed two summer ago from very old age (13-16) which for his breed was very old. I hope someday, when I crossover, God willing, he'll be there waiting for me. After all, heaven would suck if we didn't have the company of our furrbabies in the after life.

PM me if you have questions about the breed or food or training. I can help with all. This is my wife's and mine business now.

Another heartbreaking story:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/...d-10001944

These service dogs are a special breed and the efforts to reunite them with those with whom they have served are outstanding programs:

https://www.americanhumane.org/initiativ...fications/

http://www.newsmax.com/US/Sam-Wettstein-...id/586755/

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3692236763001...show-clips

Dog takes a bullet for his partner:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hero-police-...r-sheriff/