Hellobee Boards

Hubby and I are pretty much on the same page with everything, which is great. If we aren't, we both explain our side of why we don't agree and try to work on a compromise.

I bought hubby's first dog when we weren't even really dating and we both LOVE him! We've both been wanting another dog also, but just don't have the time right now to train a new puppy. Potty training with our last puppy was a nightmare. She was too ladylike and refused to go outside to take care of business, even if she really needed to pee. She'd hold it until we got inside and put down a pee pee pad for her. Ha!

I just wanted to comment about your ears stick straight up vs. floppy comment. Dogs like shepherds don't normally have ears that stick straight up-it is often the outcome of a painful procedure done at a vets office where parts of the dogs ear is cut off and then forced into a shape to make it upright and then they have to be taped into place for several weeks. It seems very cruel and I would urge you not to do this if this is something you were considering! It makes me so angry when I see people doing this to dogs just for aesthetics.

@alphagam84: It also wards off ear infections, which is important if you're using the breeds for what they're actually bred for.

@artbee: GSDs are such awesome dogs!

I came into our marriage with two small dogs, and we got a rescue dog together. I love all animals so I had no opinion what we got, so he had more say in what kind of puppy we brought home. He turned out to be the perfect dog!

Also, it sounds like a GSD rescue group could be great to help you find a dog around 2-3 years old. The one in my area does such a good job with carefully screening families and making sure it's a good fit for all involved.

@artbee: That's awesome!! Ours had a slight issue with peeing in the house since he was used to being in a crate all day and only let out for a bit in the evening with his previous owners. It didn't take long to curb that habit - maybe a week or two?

However, he has this TERRIBLE habit of darting out the door when he gets the opportunity and runs in a dead bolt, full steam ahead fashion to where ever his legs take him. He runs out so fast he doesn't even know where "home" is and can never return home on his own. Trying to keep up with him and bring him home is always a feat. He's calmed down a bit, but still occasionally still make a mad dash for the open door. Sigh. He's a jack russell.

We wanted a pug but since pugs are small, we decided to go with a larger dog.

We actually ended up going to the shelter to look and came out with our dog. At the shelter, I wanted a chihuahua and DH found our dog. I completely walked by the dog he wanted because it looked like a pit bull. But once he showed me the dog he wanted, I realized she wasn't a pit bull. BTW, I didn't want a pit bull because I know our apartment didn't allow any 'aggressive' breeds.

Yes we have problems agreeing, I want a cat and DH doesn't... haha

we got our dogs when we were still dating - his a giant golden retriever and mine a little poodle mix. when we moved in together right after we got engaged, our dogs were thrilled! they were already best buddies.

@artbee: Yes on them thinking it's a game!! He's always JUST slightly out of reach and when we take one step closer - beep beep! He's out of there again. ARG!!!!

And we always have to make sure our gates are closed and there's no holes around the fence line before we let him out too!

@Artbee: if you do a search for GDS puppy ears, you'll see they go through all sorts of phases. It's very cute. I've attached a picture of my first puppy so you can see just one of many phases she went through.

I hear you on the timing. I knew I wanted a dog in the warmer months for housebreaking purposes. My husband is gone a lot in the fall, so I wanted a dog to keep me company during that time.

The info on girls versus boy dogs is anecdotal. Some observations are that boy dogs can be more laid back and have longer puppyhoods. Girl dogs may be more protective of the home and their people. It's mainly a personality thing for me--I like the girl dogs with a little sass. I also didn't want to deal with marking.

A tip from a trainer that may help those with dogs who like to escape...don't chase them! Make a loud noise to get their attention and then run in the other direction. Most likely, they'll turn and chase you. It's a scary moment, and I've had to use that before.