Page 23 | Oh my giddy god......

HangingOver · 2024-09-30T12:58:33+00:00

I can't actually believe I'm finally typing this... I think I'm getting a dog! I've wanted one of my own my entire life. I had one growing up and look after friends and neighbours at every available opportunity as I adore dogs so much. A rescue came up locally and I thought he looked lovely, he was snapped up immediately, but came up again yesterday! Me and DP are meeting him this afternoon. Any tips for meeting a rescue for the first time? Other than being gentle and calm? He's 8 months so a bouncy chap. ARGGGH! So excited. 😁

hereismydog · 06/10/2024 19:18

GelatinousDynamo · 06/10/2024 19:08

I for instance cannot understand why people who don't like dogs try to highjack threads in a subforum called THE DOGHOUSE.

But, if you are genuinely curious and not trolling, here are the reasons why I can't imagine my life without dogs in it:

They offer love and companionship without judgment, creating deep emotional bonds with their owners. Dogs are incredibly intuitive to human emotions. They can sense when their owners are sad, stressed, or anxious and often freely offer comfort.
Caring for a dog gives people a sense of responsibility and purpose. Walking, feeding, and nurturing a dog creates daily routines that many people find fulfilling. Dogs also have a natural curiosity and adventurous spirit that often inspires their owners to explore the outdoors, try new things, and embrace spontaneity. Their enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures is contagious.
Studies show that dog owners tend to be healthier, both physically and mentally. Dogs encourage their owners to be active, reduce stress levels, and can even lower blood pressure. Simply petting a dog can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase serotonin and dopamine (hormones that make us feel good). This ability to soothe people makes dogs great therapy animals.
Dogs are famously loyal, sticking by their owners no matter the circumstances. Their loyalty often builds deep trust, and many dog owners feel that bond is unique and irreplaceable. Dogs don't care about appearances, social status, or flaws. They accept their owners as they are, which creates a feeling of pure, unconditional acceptance that can be hard to find elsewhere.
Having a dog can create social opportunities. Walking a dog or visiting dog parks often leads to conversations with other dog owners, fostering a sense of community and connection.

I could name a few more, but this is pretty much it.

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Mostly agree! Although my dog probably sent my blood pressure through the roof and wrecked my emotional health when he went through his Very Difficult Stage.

As for loyalty, he’s as loyal as they come until my Mum visits, then I might as well not exist because he turns into a total Nanny’s boy and nobody else will do

MasterShardlake · 06/10/2024 19:47

Bthebestucanb · 06/10/2024 19:06

Interesting & I didn't realise this. I'm serious when I say I wish I could undersrand it & the idea of being licked by a dog,well I won't go there but agree this is probably not the thread for me 😂

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Posters aren’t here to help you understand why people own dogs. This thread is about supporting the op.

Bthebestucanb · 06/10/2024 20:07

GelatinousDynamo · 06/10/2024 19:08

I for instance cannot understand why people who don't like dogs try to highjack threads in a subforum called THE DOGHOUSE.

But, if you are genuinely curious and not trolling, here are the reasons why I can't imagine my life without dogs in it:

They offer love and companionship without judgment, creating deep emotional bonds with their owners. Dogs are incredibly intuitive to human emotions. They can sense when their owners are sad, stressed, or anxious and often freely offer comfort.
Caring for a dog gives people a sense of responsibility and purpose. Walking, feeding, and nurturing a dog creates daily routines that many people find fulfilling. Dogs also have a natural curiosity and adventurous spirit that often inspires their owners to explore the outdoors, try new things, and embrace spontaneity. Their enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures is contagious.
Studies show that dog owners tend to be healthier, both physically and mentally. Dogs encourage their owners to be active, reduce stress levels, and can even lower blood pressure. Simply petting a dog can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase serotonin and dopamine (hormones that make us feel good). This ability to soothe people makes dogs great therapy animals.
Dogs are famously loyal, sticking by their owners no matter the circumstances. Their loyalty often builds deep trust, and many dog owners feel that bond is unique and irreplaceable. Dogs don't care about appearances, social status, or flaws. They accept their owners as they are, which creates a feeling of pure, unconditional acceptance that can be hard to find elsewhere.
Having a dog can create social opportunities. Walking a dog or visiting dog parks often leads to conversations with other dog owners, fostering a sense of community and connection.

I could name a few more, but this is pretty much it.

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No, I'm not a troll & never would be. This is the reply I appreciate the most. It genuinely gives me a better understanding of dog owners. Who knows I may change my mind in later years but so far it hasn't happened. Perhaps deep down I wish it would. OH & being fairly new to mumsnet I didn't realise there was a doghouse subforum. I accept responsibility for that but still see nothing wrong with my so far perspective & question.

Molly546 · 06/10/2024 20:19

Bthebestucanb · 06/10/2024 20:07

No, I'm not a troll & never would be. This is the reply I appreciate the most. It genuinely gives me a better understanding of dog owners. Who knows I may change my mind in later years but so far it hasn't happened. Perhaps deep down I wish it would. OH & being fairly new to mumsnet I didn't realise there was a doghouse subforum. I accept responsibility for that but still see nothing wrong with my so far perspective & question.

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Don't know why you're getting such a hard time, everything you said was true (and I could easily add a few more)! Dogs are a huge commitment, absolutely huge and remain one their whole lives. That's why I'm a dog walker/sitter, because I love dogs but being completely responsible for one for potentially 15 years is a lot. You said nothing wrong IMO.

OP it's really early days, you've had loads of great advice and I think having a trainer is a great idea. IME that bitey horrible time is when they are over stimulated and don't know how to calm down. You're doing great, give it time and at some point you'll suddenly realise that he hasn't done x, y or z for ages. Good luck!

PolaroidPrincess · 06/10/2024 20:46

Those ears are magnificent Hanging 😍

stayathomegardener · 06/10/2024 20:50

Those ears!
I think you have yourselves a Wingbat Angel Dragon.

Original poster

HangingOver · 06/10/2024 22:12

Tiny pupdate: we had a nice day. Listening to the training helped me make our little evening walk loads better. He did some nice walking and got lots of treats and got to do loads of sniffing. His witching hour was less extreme tonight and we played together without getting nipped. He's now conked out in his crate and me and DP are about to silently creep up to bed. What a little star.

He's also listening to so much BBC world service quietly at night he'll probably be a qualified diplomat soon.

Thank you again everyone you're helping me so much, I really appreciate it.

OP posts:

123dogdog · 06/10/2024 22:27

I don’t really have any advice, but wanted to say he is absolutely gorgeous. I love his ears! They’re like satellite dishes 😁

have you thought about lickimats? You put some food on it (they have different textures and shapes) and they lick the stuff off and it’s meant to occupy them and smooth or relax them and stuff. Maybe something to research or consider if you haven’t already.

Ellmau · 06/10/2024 22:36

You and he are doing so well.

Costacoffeeplease · 06/10/2024 23:32

Bthebestucanb · 06/10/2024 18:54

I've been interested in this thread simply because I cannot understand what people are prepared to go through in order to own a dog. I honestly get assistance dogs & the value they bring but for the life of me I can't understand why the OP is putting herself through this. I am not an unkind person as my love & empathy with & for both adults & children is huge. I just wish I could undersrand this love of dogs. All I see is being tied down to a dogs needs regarding holidays,days out, meals out, daily poo bags for years, nips ( bites) when agitated, dog hair all over the home & clothes, etc etc, not to mention the dangerous breed dogs around children. I am sorry to add this to a thread supporting the OP but at least I'm being honest here & adding a different perspective which I know many others share.

Edited

What a ridiculous post

There are loads of things people enjoy that are a mystery to me but I don’t go gatecrashing their threads when they are asking for help.

Im embarrassed for you 🙄

Bthebestucanb · 07/10/2024 01:17

No need to be embarrassed. I've already explained the reason for my question & I've also said I appreciate the best answer. I also added as a new mumsnet poster I didn't realise I was posting on a DOGHOUSE thread. I appreciate my thoughts are not the feelings on this thread & much as I probably still don't understand the OP putting herself through this I'm now slightly
(Very slightly)appreciateive of the reasons.

WiddlinDiddlin · 07/10/2024 04:46

Great update OP - not sure you need the radio on with those ears, think he can pick up the World Service all by himself!

If you're ready for another tip - be your dogs Treat Wizard.. so as you trundle along on a walk somewhere nice and quiet, as he is looking the other way, deposit a few treats or if he has a favourite small portable toy, that.. behind a clump of grass or log or what-have-you.. and then make some fuss and point at it and OH MY GOSH..

Doing this randomly (and you can stuff things in walls or under bushes or poke treats onto small branches, really get creative with it!) will make him think you are a Treat Wizard, someone it is imperative he pays attention to!

You can also vary walks significantly from his point of view by doing them in reverse or on the other side of the road to normal, and by varying where you stop and let him sniff, find things or practice a spot of very simple training (check out Leslie McDevitt pattern games if I've not already blathered about those, a good way to give a dog a 'thing to do' which dogs like him really really need at times).

This sort of thing means you can do short walks/quiet places without it getting boring, which helps him but also helps you keep it slow and steady rather than being tempted to rush it (which everyone is, I'd say 90% of my job is getting folk to put the brakes on rather than encouraging them to do more!).

PyreneanAubrie · 07/10/2024 05:23

WiddlinDiddlin · 07/10/2024 04:46

Great update OP - not sure you need the radio on with those ears, think he can pick up the World Service all by himself!

If you're ready for another tip - be your dogs Treat Wizard.. so as you trundle along on a walk somewhere nice and quiet, as he is looking the other way, deposit a few treats or if he has a favourite small portable toy, that.. behind a clump of grass or log or what-have-you.. and then make some fuss and point at it and OH MY GOSH..

Doing this randomly (and you can stuff things in walls or under bushes or poke treats onto small branches, really get creative with it!) will make him think you are a Treat Wizard, someone it is imperative he pays attention to!

You can also vary walks significantly from his point of view by doing them in reverse or on the other side of the road to normal, and by varying where you stop and let him sniff, find things or practice a spot of very simple training (check out Leslie McDevitt pattern games if I've not already blathered about those, a good way to give a dog a 'thing to do' which dogs like him really really need at times).

This sort of thing means you can do short walks/quiet places without it getting boring, which helps him but also helps you keep it slow and steady rather than being tempted to rush it (which everyone is, I'd say 90% of my job is getting folk to put the brakes on rather than encouraging them to do more!).

Is this advisable? To me it doesn't sound safe or like something to be encouraged.
You do hear of dogs/cats/wildlife being poisoned by things they've picked up. I know of several dogs in my area that were very ill after eating something they found in the local woodland.

I wouldn't ever encourage my dog to pick up random bits of discarded food or crap off the floor whilst out on a walk. In fact, I'd always want to avoid them doing this. Fortunately I have a breed that isn't particularly food driven but even so...

Surely dogs don't need to be bribed with food just to be able to enjoy a walk? I also don't feel it's entirely fair to other people passing by later whose dog suddenly goes mental for something in a wall or under a bush.

No doubt somebody will call me a killjoy for saying this but it does sound like a very unsafe idea. Hide treats at home by all means, but not out on a walk.

Original poster

HangingOver · 07/10/2024 08:11

The trainer said that throwing some treats on the floor mid-walk can get his nose down and focus him on his sniffing but my lovely boy needs absolutely no encouragement with that 😁 We stop for a sniff every few paces it's very methodical and business-like.

OP posts:

MasterShardlake · 07/10/2024 08:37

HangingOver · 07/10/2024 08:11

The trainer said that throwing some treats on the floor mid-walk can get his nose down and focus him on his sniffing but my lovely boy needs absolutely no encouragement with that 😁 We stop for a sniff every few paces it's very methodical and business-like.

Mine's the same, his nose is down most of the time and there are more than enough smells on walks without introducing more. He's always fully occupied checking the "pee mails" and marking his territory.

CocoQueen2024 · 07/10/2024 08:39

Just to say I absolutely love your big eared dog and really look forward to your updates.

OldieButBaddie · 07/10/2024 10:29

Re the bed, I would just put some vet bed in the crate, it is fairly indestructible.

SassK · 07/10/2024 11:42

HangingOver · 06/10/2024 09:47

Here he is dismembering his favourite stuffy

Wow! He's a proper stunner 🥰 Glad he's settling in, he's a lucky lad to have such caring and dedicated owners.

newusern9999 · 07/10/2024 13:18

HangingOver · 06/10/2024 16:43

Chaos goblin

At least he doesn't eat it. our 8 month ddog eats anything soft he chews. So he bascially has no sot toys and we have to b very careful not to leave tissues lying around! He doesn't touch his vet bed in the crate. He usually pushes it out the way and sleeps on the hard plastic!

Original poster

HangingOver · 07/10/2024 13:29

OldieButBaddie · 07/10/2024 10:29

Re the bed, I would just put some vet bed in the crate, it is fairly indestructible.

It's on order but it doesn't actually say how long til it's arriving...I'm hoping i can put it on the bottom of the crate and he can still have his disgusting ripped blanket on top. I feel like if i cut it a little larger than the crate he'll have a harder time lugging it out.

I am bookmarking this post thought, so I can reply later with how much of it he manages to destroy!

No, thankfully he doesn't eat it! Although some got stuck on his tooth this morning and he actually can running to me wailing for he to remove it, it was really funny.

OP posts:

BunnyLake · 07/10/2024 13:50

Bthebestucanb · 06/10/2024 20:07

No, I'm not a troll & never would be. This is the reply I appreciate the most. It genuinely gives me a better understanding of dog owners. Who knows I may change my mind in later years but so far it hasn't happened. Perhaps deep down I wish it would. OH & being fairly new to mumsnet I didn't realise there was a doghouse subforum. I accept responsibility for that but still see nothing wrong with my so far perspective & question.

Show quote history

You’re just not a dog person, no need to be baffled or bewildered by those who are. I’m not a cat person but I realise there are lots of people who adore having cats. It’s really not that difficult.

Blusterydaytodaypoohbear · 07/10/2024 14:01

YouTube have special playlists for ddogs op. We got a dpuppy Feb 2020 before Covid had peeped it's ugly head. Leaving her Home Alone (in her eyes.. Irl she has 3 ddoggy siblings!) we found a few hours of such tunes enabled our soft furnishings to remain as soft furnishings not rags Dolly would have been proud of...

Bthebestucanb · 07/10/2024 15:48

BunnyLake · 07/10/2024 13:50

You’re just not a dog person, no need to be baffled or bewildered by those who are. I’m not a cat person but I realise there are lots of people who adore having cats. It’s really not that difficult.

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I understand & see the sense in this. Interestingly I absolutely love some animals for example all types of animals associated with a safari trip. I also love birds & sea life, dolphins being my absolute favourite. Anyway enough from me on this topic🤔

WiddlinDiddlin · 07/10/2024 15:58

PyreneanAubrie · 07/10/2024 05:23

Is this advisable? To me it doesn't sound safe or like something to be encouraged.
You do hear of dogs/cats/wildlife being poisoned by things they've picked up. I know of several dogs in my area that were very ill after eating something they found in the local woodland.

I wouldn't ever encourage my dog to pick up random bits of discarded food or crap off the floor whilst out on a walk. In fact, I'd always want to avoid them doing this. Fortunately I have a breed that isn't particularly food driven but even so...

Surely dogs don't need to be bribed with food just to be able to enjoy a walk? I also don't feel it's entirely fair to other people passing by later whose dog suddenly goes mental for something in a wall or under a bush.

No doubt somebody will call me a killjoy for saying this but it does sound like a very unsafe idea. Hide treats at home by all means, but not out on a walk.

Show quote history

Pretty common practice for rehab situations like this, with dogs who get ramped up very easily and need some strong motivation to pay attention to their human.

Never had an issue with it making dogs more likely to eat stuff they've found, this is an on-lead exercise, using food you've put there, directed by the owner to find. I am not sure where you got the idea I'd encourage a dog to eat random bits of crap.

SO the dog learns the pattern of looking at the human, and then where the human indicates. Very different to them foraging and sniffing by themselves, which of course almost all dogs will do when off lead...

Quite clearly you've never had to manage a dog like the OP's or been involved in behaviour modification, or understand how positive reinforcement or classical conditioning work.

Original poster

HangingOver · 07/10/2024 16:15

Have followed someone's advice on this thread and started noting down his activities during the day just to see if they change over time.

So far it reads:

6.45 - walk and breakfast
09.30 - nap
10.45 - sniffing in garden
11.00 - nap
2pm - walk
3 - 4 - demonic possession
4.15 - nap

🤣

OP posts: