Opinions are like ass holes- every one has one. I have found this to be incredibly true in raising my canine child. Use positive reinforcement, use negative reinforcement, choke collar, no choke collar, gentle leader, regular leash, this type of food, more freedom, less freedom, crate them, let them run wild, it goes on for days. I can't wait to have children and hear even more opinions I don't value.
Fiance and I rescued Stella about two months ago. She is incredibly cute, and definitely a 5 month old hyper puppy. We are told she is a golden retriever/chocolate lab mix, but who can be sure in adopting. I was told today she looks like an aussie. Irrelevant I suppose. In the time we've had this little girl, I've learned a lot. I'm not trying to tell you how to raise yours because I really hate that shit. Here is just a recording of what I've learned so far:
1. If it fits, it ships is the saying. I'd say if it fits, she's swallowing it. The things this nugget will put in her mouth is ridiculous. Stella recently suffered from putting something wrong in her mouth- she ended up with diarrhea for almost a week. If you don't have a vet plan, good luck with those bills.
2. Take it, leave it, and drop it are the greatest commands to teach a dog. Putting my fingers in her mouth quickly got old, disgusting, and sometimes painful if she decided to bite down with those glorious razor puppy teeth. They say these commands can save your dog's life. Today it saved a lizard's life. Yes, Stella caught a lizard. I'm still shivering thinking about it. I immediately screamed and jumped. My fearless little girl was incredibly pleased with herself. I definitely wasn't sticking my hand any where in this situation. For some reason, my proud pup actually listened when I shrieked "DROP IT!" You're welcome lizard. Stay off the sidewalk in the future or scurry away sooner pal.
3. While planning my wedding, I have received plenty of unsolicited marriage advice. Here are the only good ones:
a) Be a lady, except in the bedroom. Act like a prostitute- my grandmother
b) Get a great tax professional.- most every person I've met
c) Bite the bullet. Pay for a maid to come twice a month.- every working mom
Here's my advice: get a great trainer for your dog.
4. I have a little more patience than I thought. Zach has a little less than I thought.
5. There are dogs who don't get along with other dogs. I normally just call those "cats" but whatever. You would think if that is the case, people wouldn't bring these dogs out. You would be wrong because people are ridiculously unintelligent. I have been told on walks, in PetSmart, and at a dog park to "keep your puppy away. My dog doesn't get along with other dogs." If you know me, I'm not much for filters and would really like to tell these people to go off themselves. Why are you bringing a dog to a place with other dogs you clown? I decide to not say anything because I'm afraid these dogs might also be trained to eat small children, which I closely resemble.
Note: "Dogs might have been in abusive situations so they don't trust other dogs" will be the argument to this. While that is absolutely heart breaking, you as an owner shouldn't force them to be in social situations and try to tell other dogs to stay away as if it's their fault. You stay away. Siberia is looking for residents.
6. There are people who have cats and walk them on leashes. These people need to admit they want a dog.
7. Smaller dogs in general are less behaved. I don't know if owners think because they can manhandle their little creature they never need to train it or what. These little shits are always so loud, so jumpy, so bitey, so obnoxious. If bigger dogs acted like small dogs act, they would be put down. Train your small dog. They tend to be the anti social "my dog doesn't get along with other dogs" people as well. Two chihuahuas wanted to eat Stella on our walk tonight. Also, if you are a small dog person, feel free to just admit you are really a cat person. Get a cat. And if you're a chihuahua person, you're really just a rodent person. Look into hamsters or rats.
8. I could never have a boy dog. Every time they pee I get the heebie jeebies.
9. I'm not ready for a human child.
I'm sure this dog will have plenty more lessons for me, but for today, I'm sure this is plenty.
