Q for dog owners-info please

[crazycanuck]

Hi kids,

Ian & I are looking at adopting a dog from the Shenton Park dog refuge http://www.dogshome.org.au/index.html and would like to ask a few questions.

After wandering around at the refuge on sat & noting down the dogs that we were interested in,we filled in the questionaire then spoke to one of the head staff about the ones specified. We were introduced to Emma the Kelpie cross http://www.dogshome.org.au/emma.htm#up
Yes, they know we want to take the dog on our bike jaunts etc & keep the doggie busy :)
The dog refuge normally matches a dog to the person. It's not up to us either-the head animal trainer at the refuge will decide on Wednesday.

My questions are:
1-Does anyone have a Kelpie Cross?? Can you give me your thoughts on this breed? What about a foxhound or greyhound?

2-Has anyone ever adopted a dog from a refuge? If so, what was your experience.

3-I know there was a thread about biking with dogs. We'd eventually like to take the dog we adopt out mtn biking with us (and hope they don't catch any snakes or bother any roos :eek: ). Does anyone do this & what suggestions do you have? How did you build the dog to do distance?

4-Any good ideas on names for a dog? Any websites?

Thanks for your help.

C

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If you take a foxhound biking with you you might not ever see it again- he'll probably just take off! They are not interested in staying on a trail with people- at least the ones they use for foxhunting...most of the hunt is spent trying to find and round up the hounds! :rolleyes:
Are Kelpies shepherding dogs? If so, might not they love to chase after other bikers? Honestly, I don't know anything about kelpies. But I have a friend with Belgian shepherds. Nice dogs, but she's had problems in that every time anyone's kids start running around outside, her dogs take off after them, growl, and nip at their heels. Not too good of course.

[KayTee]

I agree w/Lisa that most hounds have a strong instinct to go after scent trails. I suggest that you do some research on characteristics of Kelpies and other herders, fox- and grey- and other hounds -- especially what these dogs were bred to do. That should let you know how they might be expected to behave and why. For a number of years I worked with a sporting breed rescue group, and the no. 1 reason we encountered that people wanted to give up their dogs to the rescue system was that they hadn't understood and could not handle the intensity and certain characteristic behaviors and instincts of the breed. Forearmed is forewarned! Read up, Google websites for the breed clubs and rescue groups for the breeds and/or crosses that interest you, and feel free to take your questions there as well as to the dog refuge contacts you're working with. Rescue/refuge workers do try very hard to match up the right families and environments to the dogs they are trying to place. Good luck and have fun with your dog search. :)

As to cycling with dogs, some of our fellow sporting breed fanciers swear by the Springer - http://www.springerusa.com/ - for "roading" (really off-roading) their dogs. We've not tried it, as we exercise ours in a different way and are mostly distance road cyclists.

[spazzdog]

I have an Aust Cattle Dog... a bit like the Kelpie. He is unsuited as a cycling companion, BUT a great running or hiking buddy... where he can be on a lead and not "herd" cyclists and children.

Other folks have had good luck with training a herder to ride with...

The herders are REALLY smart so training and activity is very important, otherwise they'll find something creative to do on their on :eek:

spazz

[SJCzar]

We have an Aust. Cattle Dog - Bordie Collie mix from a shelter. She is a really sweet dog but probably wouldn't make a great cycling companion. She is very well behaved around cyclists, runners, and passing children ..... but if she was off leash running along side me I know she would take off after any squirrel or rabbit that she spotted. If that meant crossing right in front of me to get to them she would.

[KnottedYet]

I tried to adopt an Aust Cattle Dog (adult dog). She was wonderful in the house, but growled and lunged at children and bikes (really anything that moved). I couldn't take her out for walks safely, and had to give her back to the shelter. It broke my heart.

They had already been to my apt and done my background check, and they asked that I consider taking another adult dog. I chose a puppy instead, as I decided the risk of an adult dog with an unknown background was just too high with my kid and the kids in my neighborhood.

My puppy is an Aust shepherd/setter mix. And maybe some collie. From the start I worked with him so he could be a therapy dog. He's wonderful and easy-going and friendly. Despite his herding and hunting breed mix, he stays with me when we go out in the woods. (now he's almost 5 years old)

I strongly believe that shelter dogs are the way to go, but be very careful with adult dogs and learn as much about them as you can before you adopt them.

[MINIskirt]

We adopted an adult dog from a shelter. He's an American Eskimo and we love him to bits! However, he is entirely unsuited as a biking companion. He would take off after every cat, squirrel or bird he saw and we'd never see him again.

I do take him running with me though. I have a special hands free leash and we're slowly working up his mileage.

[LBTC]

We stopped riding with our border collies a few years ago, after they proved they could not resist jumping into the smelly swamp and rolling in smelly fresh cow poop while we were climbing. They were otherwise reasonable riding companions.

Later I read that IMBA (I think it was IMBA) recommends never riding with a dog as, during the ride you are not as able to keep the dog in control, regardless of breed, and the encounters which may happen on the trail with other riders, hikers, horses, wildlife, motorized machines, etc, can end up being unpleasant for either party.

Although they don't get the highest level of exercise in our care, they do not misbehave as we had been led to believe they would. They really are very sweet and cuddly. Just the other day, a neighbourhood gramma commented that our dogs are so gentle, as Diva licked her grandsons face over and over and over and over again. :o

I love border collies and other super smart dogs, but, as you can see, having them as a riding companion is no longer part of the equation.

You'll find your next furbaby in exactly the right way!

Hugs & Butterflies
~T~

[farrellcollie]

I have rough collies that have been adopted from rescue groups (two as tiny puppies and one as an adult) - they are great to hike with although become quite worried (whining, blocking, running between us) if the humans split up on the trail (that herding thing) - they would not be good with bikes (biting wheels, circling them - herding) - I have taken them herding so perhaps I encouraged the behavior.

I have heard that greyhounds are not great endurance dogs - but that may have been for long runs and not for things like hikes. Also being a sight hound - I would imagine that the first sign of rabbit or other small quarry would be quite the temptation just as for a foxhound. Perhaps searching on web for breed info or calling breeders/rescue organizations in your area to talk about greyhounds or foxhounds would give you more info. Here - the greyhound rescue people are more than eager to talk about their breed.

If you are looking to adopt a pure bred dog - have you considered a boxer or German Shorthaired Pointer? Both considered to be athletic and trainable from what I have read. although mixes are fine too. I had a siberian mix who was great for running/rollerblading with me but would kill any little creature she could catch if off the leash (although she did not care about bikes or horses at all - completely ignored them as well as people - never bothered them at all) and I now have a very sweet collie mix who doesn't have a clue about killing anything but will run up and hip check any person he sees in order to get his butt rubbed. (I spent so much time teaching him not to jump on people - but failed to see the hip check thing coming)

[makbike]

C - I love people who will adopt mature animals and more importantly are willing to open their homes and hearts to a dog or cat who needs a forever home. I hope you and your new buddy have many, many joyful years together!

I'm not familiar with the breed Kelpie but from other post I gather they are much like aust. shepherd. These dogs are high energy dogs and need to be "worked" on a daily basis to keep them happy. The big question you need to ask yourself is do you have the time to devote to this kind of dog?

Foxhounds are scent dogs and will take off at the drop of a hat to follow a scent. This natural behavior often leads to them becoming lost. If you go with a foxhound it would be a wish investment to have them microchipped. Of course, keeping them on lead is equally as important.

Greyhounds are sight hounds and like the foxhound will take off when they spy movement. Again a microchip and good leash are in order with these guys. Greyhounds, however, are very easy going dogs and often said to be cat like in their behaviors.

My last Great Dane, Gaston, came from a rescue organization in a neighboring state. He has turned out to be a great dog but the first year was shakey at best. He came with many bad behaviors and it literally took a year or more to work through them and teach him I was the "alpha dog." I would suggest that whatever dog you adopt that you sigh up for obedience classes. It is a great way to spend time with your dog and better yet you learn to handle your buddy and they learn you are the one in control. As I tell anyone I know who is going to adopt from a rescue organization - it is a great experience, most of the time, and simply remember the pet you bring home brings baggage with them and it takes time to unpack those bags. Every cat/dog transitions at a different rate so be patient and know you have made a friend for life.

Good luck and please a picture or two once the match has been made.

[roadie gal]

I second everyone's thoughts on the herding dogs. I own 2 collies. They're great hiking dogs, but I would worry about them trying to "herd" my bike. They'll nip at fast moving objects, especially if they're swerving around at all. I'd be worried that the dog would get hurt.

[Trekhawk]

Cant give any advice on cycling with a Kelpie but I can tell you that the Kelpie breed is a working dog and get bored very easily if left at home on its own for long stretches. If you both work and will be away from home all day this might not be the breed for you.

[snapdragen]

I'd also like to recommend a book for your "Second Hand Dog" by Carol Lee Benjamin. Can't wait to see your new fur child!

[smilingcat]

We fostered both dogs and cats over the years for different rescue groups. If you plan on adopting a rescue animal, ask to talk to the foster family who have kept the animal. Ask them about their disposition around children, their energy level, what they like and don't like.

A good foster family would be asking question about you too. We ask questions to see if the dog is a good match for you.

Definitly though, taking a dog on a run with you on a bike may seem idealic, but there are too many risks and it just isn't worth it. When you take a dog for a run, you have to keep an eye on him to make sure he isn't running around with an injury or overheating or dehydrated. Dogs also need to develop their stamina like people so you just can't take him out of a shelter and expect to run him for even half a mile. Also their pads may not have developed the needed calous to withstand the endurance run. But they will run for you even if their pad is raw or even if their joints are sore. Most dogs want to please their owner so you have to be diligent about their physical state.

And good luck with adopting a dog.
Shawn

[sarahlou]

We cycle, sail, ski ect. with our rough coat Jack Russell, Lou Lou. She is a wonderful dog to take on any trip and loves the adventure. Although she is small (13 lbs.) she can usually keep up. If we are mt. biking, she often runs up the hills and sometimes rides in a backpak or bob trailer on the down. On our last cycle adventure in San Diego, we couldn't find anywhere that we could ride and she could be offleash. So she went (happily) in the backpak. I like having a smaller dog as it gives you the option of carrying them if need be.

I wonder if a Kelpie would want to herd you while you rode. As for running off, Jack Russells are known to do this too but we only had one instance of her taking off on us for about 20 minutes while we called and called for her to return. She is really well trained to stay near us. Usually we are riding at a pace that she is more focused on keeping with "the pack" than chasing other animals, although when we stop to take a break she is known to hunt squirrels.

We don't do anything to condition her, she is always up for adventure. If we haven't been too active with her for awhile, we take it slow and watch for signs of her needing a break. Having a dog along definately adds a different dimension to the ride- maybe like taking a child (I don't have kids so this is just a guess at a comparison).

When I figure out how to attach a photo- I will.

[sarahlou]

Oh, I guess I did!

[spazzdog]

Where is her helmet??

spazz :D

[Deborajen]

I have the Springer contraption for my bike which was mentioned in one of the earlier posts. We have a Siberian Husky who loves to run and pull so it seemed like a great idea - the first few times. Our dog, Leia, does well on a leash. Off leash it's "make me!" - which is typical of huskies. Anyway, she did great with the Springer and was constantly aware of the bike and kept her distance, etc. Then one day a squirrel shot across the road in front of us - Leia forgot all about the bike, she chased, crashed into the front wheel, and we both splattered on the pavement suddenly and quickly.

Wildlife distractions can come up without warning anytime, so I don't use the Springer anymore. Maybe some breeds might do a little better, but this definitely isn't a good idea for a husky. -

Deb

[Trek420]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww :D :D :D :D :D :D

Where's the "doggles"?

www.doggles.com/eyewear.html

Deborajen, somewhere here theres discussion of dog sledding, on land! Doggie's in front of you you jog behind, seems great for both.

I'd like to get a beeeeeeg dog cart, I think my Mutt would like it and I'd get a workout pulling 55 lbs of dog.

[spazzdog]

little red wagon... harness on dog.... yee-hah!

[dakay]

I have a dalmatian. They were bred to run beside a horse drawn coach for long distances and guard the coach when it was parked. They definitely have the instinct to follow a bike. There are competitions where they go 25 miles with horses on the trails. I have seen them come in after 25 miles on the trail all ready to play. I use a springer type attachment on my bike and my dal does fine, although he has a high prey drive so I might lose him in the woods if he were not on leash.

Kathy

[MomOnBike]

I had a Doberman rescue (as in, she came up on our porch and made herself at home), the late and greatly lamented Vrka, that was great as a biking dog. She was trained to heel, and would run along beside me. Her favorite command was "OK!" which meant that she could run out in front and pull me. I took advantage of her on hills, oddly enough. She would return to heel on command.

That dog, at least, wasn't interested in chasing things while we were going places, she just like to run with her "pack." Great dog. I never had a bit of problem with her on the bike. Other times, well, we won't go into that.

Our current dog, a mini Dashchund, would be a disaster. Ignoring the fact he has 3" legs and couldn't keep up, he'd keep stopping to sniff, chase and threaten everything on the way - probably running under the bike to do it. He stays at home, much to his displeasure.

[crazycanuck]

Thank you ladies for your info as always & muchly appreciated.

Trev at the dog refuge knows how long we'll be away from home each day & how much time we can devote to training etc. We're aware that the dog would not be able to venture out onto the trails right away & would have to do some obedience classes etc.

We are leery of the greyhound & foxhound but are ok with the kelpie. I don't want something that is going to take me for a walk :eek:

What's sad is nobody wants the foxhound or the greyhound :(

C

[spazzdog]

Having had a rescue greyhound for 10 yrs I can vouch for their wunnerful little selves.

My Pearl was a joy! Very calm and quiet at home (couch potato) and loved long walks/hikes. A decent jogging partner (6 miles and less). And no doggie odor.

spazz

[crazycanuck]

Spazzdoggggg..Do you have a large house? We have a medium sized house and are wondering if it's ok for a greyhound.

I heard that greyhounds are really only active for about 40min a day & then just want to zzzzzzzz.. Was that true for yours?

C

[spazzdog]

I adopted Pearl whe I lived in Manhattan... in a studio apartment.

They are cats disquised as dogs. Snooz-o-rama!!! When they run, it's fast as lightening. 20 seconds later they're done :D

Just have to have a fenced yard if you're gonna put them outside on their own and keep them on a leash until well trained (which my Pearl-i-que was).

They are GREAT apartment dogs as well.

[Kano]

Haven't done with Khan, but I do see people trailering their dogs on a regular basis here. Most recent version -- lady on a tricycle with a big metal crate mounted to the back that the dog was riding in!

Khan's an explorer and would likely be a disaster at trotting along side. He'd probably love to be a rider!

(Note -- if they pick the beast for you, you can say, no, we just don't think so and wait for a new choice if you just don't like the "feel" of him, right?)

Karen in Boise

[sarahlou]

spazz-

we've talked about a doggie helmet but didn't think they existed. Anybody ever heard of one???

[spazzdog]

here ya go...

http://blindpets.com/helmets/

or

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helmets-for-pets/

[sarahlou]

Spazz-

those are too cute! I wonder if Lou Lou would wear one. We've tried "head gear" before and it didn't go down too well. Could always try again...

[spazzdog]

treat train her...

put it on - give her a treat.

lead her around the house a bit - give her a treat.

get her to follow you while she's wearing it - give her a treat.

Soon she'll be beggin' for her helmet :D

spazz

(make them little treats or she'll also be beggin' for a jenny craig membership)

[xeney]

I don't think you should plan on being able to cycle with any dog, whether it's an adult rescue or a puppy. I'm not sure it's something you can count on, because you would need a dog with a very specific rock-solid temperament, and the dog would need to be incredibly well socialized, and the cyclist would also need to be a very steady and predictable rider. And even then I can envision scenarios that just wouldn't be safe for anybody.

People do it and seem to have a wonderful time, and I'm a little envious of those people. But I think there is probably quite a bit of luck involved, as well as very early training and socialization, and I would really not count on this working out with a rescue dog of any breed.

My niece has a Kelpie and he's a great hiking dog. I think dogs are more suited as hiking companions than as cycling companions, in general.

[sarahlou]

I would agree that you need a very good bond with your dog. We started Lou Lou on the bike when she was a puppy. I had a handlebar basket that she rode in. She has cycle-toured with us hundreds of miles riding in a BOB. Also she has spent a lot of time running along side the bike (or skis) in winter so we have a system down. Even then, we don't take her on the popular trails, and we have to tailor or rides to suit her. She loves everyone and everything so she is very happy to run up and say, "Hello". A dog with 'issues' might find it hard to be on a public trail and be expected to behave well while the owner is cycling. But it can be done and is very enjoyable.

[KnottedYet]

That pic of LouLou in the backpack is so cute!!!

[sarahlou]

Thanks, she really does love to ride in it.

[crazycanuck]

:D :) We've been approved to get the kelpie at the shelter. We'll pick her up on Saturday & do our best to be good doggie owners.

Any ideas on good sites for dog owners?

So many questions..i'll go and read the dog/cat food thread

We need help with doggie names. The dog in question is a light yellow colour. So far we have:
Sushi
tobin(the canucks might get this one)
flash
queen
curie
angua(terry pratchett followers will get this one)
spoke
goldie(nz rugby fans might get this one)
Alberta
Yukon

Thanks
C

[KnottedYet]

Angua!!!!!!!!!

:D :p :D

[KayTee]

One suggestion - basic obedience training with a good instructor. Nothing helps bond a new dog to you like learning to train together, and believe me, these classes are so entertaining that they should charge admission to watch 'em! :D These classes help socialize the dog to people and other dogs, and even if you think you know all there is to know about training a dog, you (and your dog) will learn a few things anyway. The obedience clubs around here give a discounted rate for their classes to people who can document that their dog came from a shelter or rescue system.

[CyclaSutra]

CC- I've got an opinion about doggie names. I read somewhere in a dog training book (a google might help here but I'm late to get dressed for a bike commute) that the best dog names are two syllables and end in a vowel. Why? Because "Slate" and "Duke" sound too much like single-syllable commands: sit, stay, down.

Apparently, dogs can remember their name better if it is much different than the command.

That being said, my little Mojo is so smart, he opens his eyes from snoozing on the couch when you call him "boy," "dog," "bud," or just spell out his name.

And my other pup, Java, potty-trained really quickly when we hung a small cowbell on the door. When the door opens, the bell rings. Quickly she learned that when she wanted to go potty, she just rang the bell.

Good luck!

[Tuckervill]

My mother trained her cat to ring the bell when she wanted to go out. She rings it to come back in, too!

I loved the picture of the Jack Russell in the backpack! A rare thing happened in my house last week. A Jack Russell passed away of old age.

All the others I've known have been hit by cars, bitten by snakes, lost when they escaped, or in one of my cases, killed by a coyote. That was my 10 lb. JRT named Ladybug. She once jumped out of a boat going full speed on the lake, because she thought she really could walk on water. Luckily, she was on a leash and harness, and I just reeled her back in. You can see why I might find it hard to believe that Lou Lou stays where she's supposed to be at all times!

However, the Old Broad, Percy, had plenty of run-ins, but she was 20 when she died last week. So, you can see how I might think it's quite possible Lou Lou DOES stay where she's supposed to be, too!

May Lou Lou be as lucky as Percy.

Karen

[pooks]

We adopted our Jake (a yellow lab) from a shelter when he was 18 months old and have never regretted it.

I've seen people biking with labs. I don't know how difficult they are to train for that, though.

I would think in general that the best dog for this would be a breed that has a strong desire to please its human. I read that the best way to determine that desire in a puppy is to walk away and call the puppy and see if it immediately wants to follow you, or if it takes off in other directions. I wonder if the same test would work for a mature dog?

[LBTC]

:D :) We've been approved to get the kelpie at the shelter. We'll pick her up on Saturday & do our best to be good doggie owners.

Any ideas on good sites for dog owners?

So many questions..i'll go and read the dog/cat food thread

We need help with doggie names. The dog in question is a light yellow colour. So far we have:
Sushi
tobin(the canucks might get this one)
flash
queen
curie
angua(terry pratchett followers will get this one)
spoke
goldie(nz rugby fans might get this one)
Alberta
Yukon

Thanks
C


Or, playing on the gold theme:

Aurum (from which the elemental symbol for gold, au, is derived)

You know what? No matter what you call her, you will lover her and she will love you and your life will be richer!

Oh, and whoever said to see if your puppy would come to you? well....our 'Cuda did not care at all about pleasing us for the first 2 years, now he's a fabulous dog who loves his mommy... :p You can't always tell when they are puppies...

Hugs and bouncy butterflies,
~T~