Hi New and Stupid!
- Thread starter vivandmatt
- Start date
Well, Lokey is on a special canned food for the next week. He has some antibiotics to take three times a day and another pill to slow his bowels down. The diarrhea continued at the vets and he gave him a rectal exam and a shot and then all this other meds. I got a $126 bill. Yay. But we are home. He took his pills well and is napping now. You can tell that his privates are irritating to him, poor baby. They bathed him and he smells better!!!!
Will send pics later. Just wanted to tell you all this.
Will send pics later. Just wanted to tell you all this.
Congrats
Congrats on your new addition! I think the crating issue depends on the dog. Is he high energy? Does he run around constantly and like wandering throughout the house (on his own when not playing with you or following you)? Or is he more happy just laying there chewing a bone or toy? Wrigley is not very active unless we are playing with him or walking him--he is happy laying under our coffee table and chewing on a toy or just laying there. For him he likes his crate. Then again his crate is large dogged size and he is only 13 lbs so he has room to move around quite a bit. We have used the crate training method and have never had anything destroyed or anything pooped or peed on (since he has overcome the puppyhood stage). You can find crates at Walmart or probably your farm store too.
A good food and good shampoo will help with the smell. Dogs that eat alpo or pedigree and the like tend to be more 'doggy' smelling than a dog on Innova, Eagle Pack ect.. Your farm store may have some higher quality foods than Walmart ect. Personally Wrigley eats Eagle Pack. When I bathe Wrigley I clean his ears out (there's stuff for that), also he gets lathered up twice and brushed completely each time while the soap is on and also has to have the soap on for at least a minute or two and then rinse and repeat. He then also gets conditioned so he doesn't get dry skin and it makes his coat nice looking.
Originally we bought some generic puppy shampoo and it didn't really help with the smell--it was only when I bought the good stuff, and the ear cleaner, and the conditioner that he smells wonderful enough to rub on my face (LOL)!
Congrats again and I can't wait to see more pics!
Congrats on your new addition! I think the crating issue depends on the dog. Is he high energy? Does he run around constantly and like wandering throughout the house (on his own when not playing with you or following you)? Or is he more happy just laying there chewing a bone or toy? Wrigley is not very active unless we are playing with him or walking him--he is happy laying under our coffee table and chewing on a toy or just laying there. For him he likes his crate. Then again his crate is large dogged size and he is only 13 lbs so he has room to move around quite a bit. We have used the crate training method and have never had anything destroyed or anything pooped or peed on (since he has overcome the puppyhood stage). You can find crates at Walmart or probably your farm store too.
A good food and good shampoo will help with the smell. Dogs that eat alpo or pedigree and the like tend to be more 'doggy' smelling than a dog on Innova, Eagle Pack ect.. Your farm store may have some higher quality foods than Walmart ect. Personally Wrigley eats Eagle Pack. When I bathe Wrigley I clean his ears out (there's stuff for that), also he gets lathered up twice and brushed completely each time while the soap is on and also has to have the soap on for at least a minute or two and then rinse and repeat. He then also gets conditioned so he doesn't get dry skin and it makes his coat nice looking.
Originally we bought some generic puppy shampoo and it didn't really help with the smell--it was only when I bought the good stuff, and the ear cleaner, and the conditioner that he smells wonderful enough to rub on my face (LOL)!
Congrats again and I can't wait to see more pics!
Congratulations! And welcome to Chaz, where everyone has a very strong opinion 
You've already heard the start of the crate debate, and a contribution from the foodies. It's all valuable advice. Just don't worry too much if you do something different. It is possible and perfectly fine to go without a crate, feed Pedigree food and never go to obedience class. Whatever works for you. The important stuff you clearly already have a handle on - clean them, feed them, have them live inside with you, and take them to the vet regularly. And, of course, keep them from being a pest.
One question - the name. Lokey? I'm thinking of Loki, the god of mischief in Norse mythology. Not to be all silly, but I tend to think that people act on pretty accurate instinct when they name their dogs. Whoever named Lokey might have had a good insight into his personality. A St. Bernard mix with a sense of mischief? Your blinds might just be the first thing to go
You've already heard the start of the crate debate, and a contribution from the foodies. It's all valuable advice. Just don't worry too much if you do something different. It is possible and perfectly fine to go without a crate, feed Pedigree food and never go to obedience class. Whatever works for you. The important stuff you clearly already have a handle on - clean them, feed them, have them live inside with you, and take them to the vet regularly. And, of course, keep them from being a pest.One question - the name. Lokey? I'm thinking of Loki, the god of mischief in Norse mythology. Not to be all silly, but I tend to think that people act on pretty accurate instinct when they name their dogs. Whoever named Lokey might have had a good insight into his personality. A St. Bernard mix with a sense of mischief? Your blinds might just be the first thing to go
Congrats on adopting a dog and forgoing the puppy stage......smart move.
Especially since the dog seems to have a good temperment.
Like the others have said, the doggie odor is from being in the kennels at the shelter.....and it takes a long while for it to dissappear. And when the dog gets wet it probably will come back until he drys completely.
I would also like to repeat what some of the others have said.......
hartz is junk...not only ineffective but also not very safe. (imho)
A much better flea/tick alternative is frontline plus. (My personal favorite.)
You don't have to purchase it from your vet either, you can order it on line according to your dogs weight. It is usually much cheaper. My latest favorite online place is.... EntirelyPets.com . If you spend a certain amount shipping is free.
Crate training is a great "tool"........ If the dog needs it. If it were me I would wait a week or two, and see how the dog does. You could also use a small room such as a bathroom or a laundry room to confine him if he is wrecking your house. Just make sure there is nothing he can get into within his reach. Like put the trash can up... Remove hanging towels, Flip the shower curtain over the rod so he can't reach it, Put the lid down on the toilet.....etc.
As for housebreaking.... don't get overwhelmed yet. Lol Since he is having Diarrehea and now on medicine it might get worse before it gets better. Just take him out very often when you are home.....Like every hour, so he gets the hang of it. The last thing you should do before going to sleep is take him out. And it also should be the first thing you do in the morning.....I mean as soon as your feet hit the floor, take him out.
I did use crate training for housebreaking issues with two of my three dogs.
Charlie only used his crate until he was five months old.
Shiloh needed hers until she was a year.
And I usually only used them at night.
Rocket has not been crated at all.
To answer your question..... It is definately not crazy to want to keep your big dog indoors....It is a great thing to actually make him a part of your family.... and with determination and help from us , I am sure you can succeed in doing just that.
I have succeeded in helping my dogs become polite, four legged members of our family. (Well Shiloh has some dog agression issues, which causes more work and responsibility for me, but she is still a great house dog.)
And I have a 95# Lab, a 65# Lab, and a 70# German Shepherd.
Charlie and Rocket are in the house most of the time....they do go outside when the want, but come right back in when they want. Rocket has even learned to open our back door she started scratching the door knob, but has progressed to actually grabbing it with her two front paws and turning it.:yikes: So now if I want her to stay outside, like when my son has his bird out, then I have to make sure the door is locked.
Shiloh has the run of the basement, and her own kennel space outside...and we also alternate being upstairs. Charlie and Rocket are always together though.
And obedience classes (with the right teacher) would be a great idea......Although my Labs have never been to one, and they turned out just fine. But I have been reading and practicing with dogs all my life.
Rocket was already trained when we got her.
About food.... Mordy's site which someone already listed is outstanding.
There is a page on there about "things to avoid" in dog food. Just print it out and compare the list to the ingredients in the food your feeding.
And someone else posted some great foods....
I just cannot afford to feed my 3 large dogs this food and I can't find it near me anyway.
So I feed Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice. It is not the best food, but it is better than anything you can buy at walmart or the grocery stores.
If you have a Costco Store near you, that would be a reasonable food to consider. My dogs do great on it, and it is inexpensive. But the only place that sells it is costcos.
I wish you the best of luck.....stay determined to succeed!
And keep asking questions, I am sure someone here knows an answer.....Lol
Man, I wish I had internet when I got my first dog........31 years ago.:yikes:
Especially since the dog seems to have a good temperment.
Like the others have said, the doggie odor is from being in the kennels at the shelter.....and it takes a long while for it to dissappear. And when the dog gets wet it probably will come back until he drys completely.
I would also like to repeat what some of the others have said.......
hartz is junk...not only ineffective but also not very safe. (imho)
A much better flea/tick alternative is frontline plus. (My personal favorite.)
You don't have to purchase it from your vet either, you can order it on line according to your dogs weight. It is usually much cheaper. My latest favorite online place is.... EntirelyPets.com . If you spend a certain amount shipping is free.
Crate training is a great "tool"........ If the dog needs it. If it were me I would wait a week or two, and see how the dog does. You could also use a small room such as a bathroom or a laundry room to confine him if he is wrecking your house. Just make sure there is nothing he can get into within his reach. Like put the trash can up... Remove hanging towels, Flip the shower curtain over the rod so he can't reach it, Put the lid down on the toilet.....etc.
As for housebreaking.... don't get overwhelmed yet. Lol Since he is having Diarrehea and now on medicine it might get worse before it gets better. Just take him out very often when you are home.....Like every hour, so he gets the hang of it. The last thing you should do before going to sleep is take him out. And it also should be the first thing you do in the morning.....I mean as soon as your feet hit the floor, take him out.
I did use crate training for housebreaking issues with two of my three dogs.
Charlie only used his crate until he was five months old.
Shiloh needed hers until she was a year.
And I usually only used them at night.
Rocket has not been crated at all.
To answer your question..... It is definately not crazy to want to keep your big dog indoors....It is a great thing to actually make him a part of your family.... and with determination and help from us
, I am sure you can succeed in doing just that.I have succeeded in helping my dogs become polite, four legged members of our family. (Well Shiloh has some dog agression issues, which causes more work and responsibility for me, but she is still a great house dog.)
And I have a 95# Lab, a 65# Lab, and a 70# German Shepherd.
Charlie and Rocket are in the house most of the time....they do go outside when the want, but come right back in when they want. Rocket has even learned to open our back door she started scratching the door knob, but has progressed to actually grabbing it with her two front paws and turning it.:yikes: So now if I want her to stay outside, like when my son has his bird out, then I have to make sure the door is locked.
Shiloh has the run of the basement, and her own kennel space outside...and we also alternate being upstairs. Charlie and Rocket are always together though.
And obedience classes (with the right teacher) would be a great idea......Although my Labs have never been to one, and they turned out just fine. But I have been reading and practicing with dogs all my life.
Rocket was already trained when we got her.
About food.... Mordy's site which someone already listed is outstanding.
There is a page on there about "things to avoid" in dog food. Just print it out and compare the list to the ingredients in the food your feeding.
And someone else posted some great foods....
I just cannot afford to feed my 3 large dogs this food and I can't find it near me anyway.
So I feed Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice. It is not the best food, but it is better than anything you can buy at walmart or the grocery stores.
If you have a Costco Store near you, that would be a reasonable food to consider. My dogs do great on it, and it is inexpensive. But the only place that sells it is costcos.
I wish you the best of luck.....stay determined to succeed!
And keep asking questions, I am sure someone here knows an answer.....Lol
Man, I wish I had internet when I got my first dog........31 years ago.:yikes:
Everyone has been great on here! I love reading all the posts and seeing all the pics. This is day six and we are doing well. Lokey(should of been spelled lowkey because he is low key, he is way calm, we still have heard the dog bark only twice)is feeling better this am. He went out back and chased the dog next door along the fence line. He is still licking his privates, they look horrible. The diarrhea is better. No poops in the house. He did pee twice though. I think it is nerves. I am going to wait several weeks before I worry about the pee/poop issue. He is not used to us and he needs to get to know us. Just like everyone has said. He doesn't like to be alone either. He will follow me around the house and lay down. He is a sweet baby. I think I am going to have a problem getting him to eat dry dog food after he has eaten this canned food. I don't think I can afford the canned stuff and he really likes it. I LOVE HIM. MY FAMILY IS IN LOVE
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late to the conversation as always, but I just wanted to say Congrats and thank you for adopting a shelter dog!
After reading through the replies, you have received some excellent advice, especially from Showpug. You are well on your way!
I have two "big dog" Buddy is over a year and weighs in at about 90lbs anad Banzai is 8 months and weighs in at about 70ish pounds now. They get along fine in the house (just make sure you move any valuables! ).
We also have crate-trained our boys. They rarely see the inside of their crates now as my husband works from home, but it is a great tool in helping with potty training and keeping your dogs safe while you are gone. But please do not crate for an extensive amount of time.
Again, congrats and welcome to Chazhoud!
After reading through the replies, you have received some excellent advice, especially from Showpug. You are well on your way!
I have two "big dog" Buddy is over a year and weighs in at about 90lbs anad Banzai is 8 months and weighs in at about 70ish pounds now. They get along fine in the house (just make sure you move any valuables!
). We also have crate-trained our boys. They rarely see the inside of their crates now as my husband works from home, but it is a great tool in helping with potty training and keeping your dogs safe while you are gone. But please do not crate for an extensive amount of time.
Again, congrats and welcome to Chazhoud!