So I was about 99.9% sure when the rescue centre brought the little darling I was inquiring about over for a visit, the visit would be forever.
The 0.01% chance I didn't keep her was based on how my older dog would react. The new pup amazingly respects the old pup's space and there are none of the issues that I had imagined. I'm even happy to say that the old pup got up and went over to investigate the new pup yesterday, tail wagging.
The dog I adopted is a beagle/coonhound mix. I have been very spoiled over the past 14 years owning my Lab and I know this one will be a little bit more work. Her beagle instinct to "RUN" is just way too high and she'll always have that. She also seems to be very smart. She knew no commands when I first met her on Friday and by Sunday could sit, lay down and shake the paw. I had an, "Awwwwww" moment this morning when I picked up the leash and she immediately sat down to have it put on her. I don't think I've ever seen a dog learn quite this quick, although she does still need a lot of training. The sight of another dog while on a walk, for example, ignites a fire in her I've never quite seen before. She is in no way aggressive. She just wants to play with every dog she sees.
Here are some pictures of the cutie ....
The 0.01% chance I didn't keep her was based on how my older dog would react. The new pup amazingly respects the old pup's space and there are none of the issues that I had imagined. I'm even happy to say that the old pup got up and went over to investigate the new pup yesterday, tail wagging.
The dog I adopted is a beagle/coonhound mix. I have been very spoiled over the past 14 years owning my Lab and I know this one will be a little bit more work. Her beagle instinct to "RUN" is just way too high and she'll always have that. She also seems to be very smart. She knew no commands when I first met her on Friday and by Sunday could sit, lay down and shake the paw. I had an, "Awwwwww" moment this morning when I picked up the leash and she immediately sat down to have it put on her. I don't think I've ever seen a dog learn quite this quick, although she does still need a lot of training. The sight of another dog while on a walk, for example, ignites a fire in her I've never quite seen before. She is in no way aggressive. She just wants to play with every dog she sees.
Here are some pictures of the cutie ....
I would suggest for anyone looking at getting a dog to look at adoption first. There are just too many dogs in shelters looking for a home. Shamrock (the new pup) has come with a few issues and so I would suggest being smart when choosing a dog through adoption. She is super skinny, being a stray for quite a long time, and obviously had no previous training. Beagles in themselves are little trouble makers so she'll be a handful for a while at least, but I am prepared for that. There are so many other dogs however in shelters that have no issues and are already trained. Please don't think that the only dogs you can adopt are ones that you will need to spend a lot of time (and possibly money) retraining. This is not always the case!! And even Shamrock, who is completely untrained, is super smart and is learning the rules quickly. She might not be a dog you can leave in the backyard unchained, but she is a sweetheart in the house and has given the feels to everyone who has come to visit her since Friday.
When choosing a dog do some research on the specific breed's typical traits & behaviours. If it's a pure bred you're pretty sure to get exactly what is written about them, however with mixed breeds it could go either way so it's good to be prepared for whatever may come. Choose a dog that fits your personality and lifestyle. Not only that - choose a dog that will fit your future personality and lifestyle too. Always remember our furry friends are with us for a little while (not long enough to me, but still). Most dogs live between 12-15 years and you must be prepared to take care of this animal for its entire life. It will not grow up and move out and stop depending on you. It will always need your love, guidance, time and patience.
For now, however I must run!! I have two dogs to walk now (separately) and really need to leash train the little beagle better so we can go rollerblading this summer. I hope she likes it!! :)
When choosing a dog do some research on the specific breed's typical traits & behaviours. If it's a pure bred you're pretty sure to get exactly what is written about them, however with mixed breeds it could go either way so it's good to be prepared for whatever may come. Choose a dog that fits your personality and lifestyle. Not only that - choose a dog that will fit your future personality and lifestyle too. Always remember our furry friends are with us for a little while (not long enough to me, but still). Most dogs live between 12-15 years and you must be prepared to take care of this animal for its entire life. It will not grow up and move out and stop depending on you. It will always need your love, guidance, time and patience.
For now, however I must run!! I have two dogs to walk now (separately) and really need to leash train the little beagle better so we can go rollerblading this summer. I hope she likes it!! :)