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Topic: Help me with a pet... please! (Read 15634 times)
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chargerrich
Terracotta Army
Posts: 342
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So my wife and kids want a pet(s) as we move into our new home. We are buying 11 acres in the country and the home already has a nice concrete custom kennel of sorts built onto the land, so thats a plus for the outdoor dog.
But my wife and kids also want an indoor pet (presumably a cat and/or a dog so no fish or birds).
Now I love pets (prefer dogs) but absolutely HATE pet odors and hair shedding on furniture and clothes. That being said, my indoor pet criteria are:
1. Smaller 2. Little to no shedding 3. Easily trainable 4. Prefer lazy as hell (no hyper active dogs)
Any dogs out there that meet this criteria? I am no expert obviously, but was thinking a smaller bulldog. Opinions, experience, recommendations?
Thank you.
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Xurtan
Terracotta Army
Posts: 181
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You could always get one of these, if you have problems with cat hair. 
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Arrrgh
Terracotta Army
Posts: 558
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I was playing with Hunch and when I asked it what sort of dog I should get it recommended a couple of breeds I liked and one I'd never heard of, the mastweiler, which I also liked. http://www.hunch.com/And 4 means you want a really big dog. Big=low energy usually.
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chargerrich
Terracotta Army
Posts: 342
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You could always get one of these, if you have problems with cat hair.   I said dog or cat... not rat! I would rather have a pet rock.
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voodoolily
Contributor
Posts: 5348
Finnuh, munnuh, muhfuh, I enjoy creating new written vernacular, s'all.
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If you live in a moderate to warm climate, getting a Malamute means a lazy dog.
All dogs need exercise, or they develop behavior and/or health problems. If you are a lazy person that can't commit to exercise (preferring a "lazy dog" implies this, I'm not just being an asshole), then adopt an older dog.
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K9
Terracotta Army
Posts: 7441
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Anteaters make pretty good pets apparently. Although obtaining and maintaining one is probably going to be both difficult and expensive. I had a neighbour who adopted a pair of retired Greyhounds which we looked after for him while he was away a couple of times. They are generally remarkably docile, and for such athletic dogs they don't require masses of exercise. They just sprint around for a bit and then knacker themselves out; so aside from their daily 20 min sprint they spend most of the time dozing around the place. They are also short-haired which suits your criteria; and there's no shortage of ex-racing greyhounds who are in dire need of adoption. Some people think they look strange, but I really like them myself. Once I get a place with a garden I'll definitely be looking to adopt one myself.  Generally whatever you go for I would commend adopting an animal over buying one, although I am not sure who runs shelters and such in the US.
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I love the smell of facepalm in the morning
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Jimbo
Terracotta Army
Posts: 1478
still drives a stick shift
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Dang sounds awesome! I wish I had time for a dog. We had a Rough Collie growing up, he was a great gentle dog until he got arthritis and tried to eat kids who messed with him, lived 16 years! A Beagle is another dog we had that we all loved, she was great, loved everyone, and was smart, she would follow the deliver trucks and get free treats at all the neighborhood stops (the UPS guy put it together one day and said, "dang she has been at all my stops and got a treat at each one!"). I used to dog sit my friends Corgi (Pembroke Welsh Corgi) and he was as mellow as all get up, would love to play, but would also just chill when we went inside. French Bulldogs are supposed to be the easy going dogs.
I've only been bitten three times while working the field as a paramedic, a Chihuahua, a Pomeranian, and damn dust mop of a dawg Shih Tzu, they all clamped on my boot and had to have the owner take and remove them from my feet and lock them up.
French or English Bulldogs might be good for you all, they tend to poop out pretty quick after a bit of play.
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Arrrgh
Terracotta Army
Posts: 558
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If you live in a moderate to warm climate, getting a Malamute means a lazy dog.
All dogs need exercise, or they develop behavior and/or health problems. If you are a lazy person that can't commit to exercise (preferring a "lazy dog" implies this, I'm not just being an asshole), then adopt an older dog.
No shortage of older dogs to adpot. http://www.petfinder.com/
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Morfiend
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Posts: 6009
wants a greif tittle
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If you want it to be indoors, please dont get a dog. Cats can be very good indoor pets, and with proper care and the right breed they wont shed that much at all. The only problem is the litterbox oder, but with the right litter and regular changing its really not a problem.
The only thing with cats is you never really know what type of personality they are going to have. I have 2 cats, they where both brought up identically, and one is very skittish, while the other one thinks he is a dog.
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chargerrich
Terracotta Army
Posts: 342
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If you live in a moderate to warm climate, getting a Malamute means a lazy dog.
All dogs need exercise, or they develop behavior and/or health problems. If you are a lazy person that can't commit to exercise (preferring a "lazy dog" implies this, I'm not just being an asshole), then adopt an older dog.
You completely misread my "lazy" comment. I actually walk everyone morning with my wife and run in the evening. My point was to illustrate I want a calm dog (calm being a better word I know). I do not want a hyper active dog that jumps around, on people and gets all crazy. I want a dog that is calm, will lie at my feet and generally be more docile.
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« Last Edit: July 01, 2009, 10:55:20 AM by chargerrich »
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Yegolev
Moderator
Posts: 24440
2/10 WOULD NOT INGEST
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My primary suggestion is to adopt a pet that is less intelligent than you are.
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Why am I homeless? Why do all you motherfuckers need homes is the real question. They called it The Prayer, its answer was law Mommy come back 'cause the water's all gone
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Nebu
Terracotta Army
Posts: 17613
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Trainable and lazy woudl suggest a dog lower on the intelligence scale.
I'd suggest a bulldog or a dachsund.
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"Always do what is right. It will gratify half of mankind and astound the other."
- Mark Twain
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Morfiend
Terracotta Army
Posts: 6009
wants a greif tittle
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My primary suggestion is to adopt a pet that is less intelligent than you are.
Guess we are back to the pet rock then. 
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chargerrich
Terracotta Army
Posts: 342
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My primary suggestion is to adopt a pet that is less intelligent than you are.
LOL way to be an asshole with even the most benign of posts! +1
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Yegolev
Moderator
Posts: 24440
2/10 WOULD NOT INGEST
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My primary suggestion is to adopt a pet that is less intelligent than you are.
LOL way to be an asshole with even the most benign of posts! +1 I'm aiming for a gold star.
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Why am I homeless? Why do all you motherfuckers need homes is the real question. They called it The Prayer, its answer was law Mommy come back 'cause the water's all gone
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NiX
Wiki Admin
Posts: 7770
Locomotive Pandamonium
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Your best bet is to get a dog if you have that much space. It'll keep the kids busy and the dog will definitely tire itself out. I love my cat, but he's lazy and not much of a pet, as is with most cats. Hit up a shelter/rescue and see which dog you like best. As for shedding, the best control is a dog that knows where they can/can't go. Don't want hair on the couch? Don't let the dog on it.
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Oban
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Posts: 4662
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Palin 2012 : Let's go out with a bang!
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Broughden
Terracotta Army
Posts: 3232
I put the 'shill' in 'cockmonkey'.
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If you live in a moderate to warm climate, getting a Malamute means a lazy dog.
All dogs need exercise, or they develop behavior and/or health problems. If you are a lazy person that can't commit to exercise (preferring a "lazy dog" implies this, I'm not just being an asshole), then adopt an older dog.
You completely misread my "lazy" comment. I actually walk everyone morning with my wife and run in the evening. My point was to illustrate I want a calm dog (calm being a better word I know). I do not want a hyper active dog that jumps around, on people and gets all crazy. I want a dog that is calm, will lie at my feet and generally be more docile. For those of you without dogs, you cant post since YOU DONT KNOW! (sorry I had to make a joking reference to our old parent thread) Anyway I would suggest either a Vizsla or a Weimaraner. Both need exercise, as they were originally breed as field hunting dogs, but are calm and not easily excitable. They are also short hair and if brushed every couple of days or so dont shed much. They are generally good around people, children and other dogs if socialized properly. Biggest suggestions or things to think about before doing this- A) You MUST be willing to take your dog to puppy or doggy training classes. To get them socialized with other dogs and teach them manners. If you arent willing or dont have the time to commit to proper training dont get a dog. B) You MUST be willing to sped time with (playing) and exercising your dog daily, if you dont and they develop bad habits (they use negative behavior in an attempt to gain attention just like children will) then dont blame the dog when it misbehaves....also dont get a dog in the first place if you cant commit to the time.
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The wave of the Reagan coalition has shattered on the rocky shore of Bush's incompetence. - Abagadro
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Yegolev
Moderator
Posts: 24440
2/10 WOULD NOT INGEST
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I find that beating a dog's ass is a great way to teach them manners. YMMV.
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Why am I homeless? Why do all you motherfuckers need homes is the real question. They called it The Prayer, its answer was law Mommy come back 'cause the water's all gone
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voodoolily
Contributor
Posts: 5348
Finnuh, munnuh, muhfuh, I enjoy creating new written vernacular, s'all.
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Biggest suggestions or things to think about before doing this- A) You MUST be willing to take your dog to puppy or doggy training classes. To get them socialized with other dogs and teach them manners. If you arent willing or dont have the time to commit to proper training dont get a dog. B) You MUST be willing to sped time with (playing) and exercising your dog daily, if you dont and they develop bad habits (they use negative behavior in an attempt to gain attention just like children will) then dont blame the dog when it misbehaves....also dont get a dog in the first place if you cant commit to the time.
This is what I was saying. As a non-dog owner, though, I'd like to chime in a request that you also respect your neighbors and your city's leash laws and KEEP YOUR DOG LEASHED ON PUBLIC SIDEWALKS. My cats have been chased into our back yard, up trees, more times than I can count by dogs that people either don't leash at all or unleash a block away (we live next to a park). When you confront them about it, they get all pissy like you're just being an asshole. I've also known two people who had to have cats euthanized (at expensive emergency pet hospitals) after off-leash dogs disemboweled them.
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« Last Edit: July 01, 2009, 12:04:29 PM by voodoolily »
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Ingmar
Terracotta Army
Posts: 19280
Auto Assault Affectionado
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Non-shedding dogs, off the top of my head:
poodle schnauzer bichon frise Portuguese water dog
There are several others I'm sure. Poodle mixes usually don't shed. Of these the calmest dog would probably be the bichon, the other 3 breeds are pretty high energy (poodles and the PWD) or have a tendency to bark a lot (schnauzers). Bichons are totally sweet, friendly little dogs. Not very manly if you care about that though I guess.
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The Transcendent One: AH... THE ROGUE CONSTRUCT. Nordom: Sense of closure: imminent.
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Cyrrex
Terracotta Army
Posts: 10603
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I recommend going to down to your local shelter and adopting yourself a Komodo Dragon. Sure, they're a little exotic, but let me espouse the not so obvious benefits of owning one:
- They absolutely adore kids. Especially around dinner time. - If you buy a Komodo Dragon pup, what a wonderful opportunity to build up your defenses against flesh eating bacteria and disease! - Your dragon will definitely be top dog on the block. - You could have your own reality TV program. Think "John & Kate plus prehistoric maneating monster". Ratings juggernaut. - You could buy a funny sign that says "Beware of Komodo Dragon" and it would actually be true! - Your house will never, ever get toilet papered. - It's longer than your damn car!
Your probably convinced by now that having your very own Komodo Dragon is just the thing for you and your family. Just make sure you're ready for the commitment. These are highly intelligent creatures that require all of your love and attention to thrive outside of their natural habitat, and we've seen far too many cases of Komodo Dragon neglect that lead to these gentle giants needing to be destroyed.
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"...maybe if you cleaned the piss out of the sunny d bottles under your desks and returned em, you could upgrade you vid cards, fucken lusers.." - Grunk
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Lantyssa
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Posts: 20848
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- If you buy a Komodo Dragon pup, what a wonderful opportunity to build up your defenses against flesh eating bacteria and disease!
It was recently found that it is not bacteria but a slow-acting poison which prevents coagulation that they use. The benefits of this is that f you ever develop clotting problems or have an aneurysm, you can have Fido bite you a few times.
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Hahahaha! I'm really good at this!
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Cyrrex
Terracotta Army
Posts: 10603
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- If you buy a Komodo Dragon pup, what a wonderful opportunity to build up your defenses against flesh eating bacteria and disease!
It was recently found that it is not bacteria but a slow-acting poison which prevents coagulation that they use. The benefits of this is that f you ever develop clotting problems or have an aneurysm, you can have Fido bite you a few times. I know, but that just doesn't sound quite as exciting.
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"...maybe if you cleaned the piss out of the sunny d bottles under your desks and returned em, you could upgrade you vid cards, fucken lusers.." - Grunk
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Signe
Terracotta Army
Posts: 18942
Muse.
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11 acres sounds like your dog could have loads of exercise without you, anyway. My sister put up one of those invisible fences which worked out great. Greyhounds are a really nice choice, I think. I have a friend who also rescues them - they are so abused in areas that have dog racing. A lot of people who race dogs tend to neglect or abandon them once they can't race anymore, too. Evidently it's true that they don't need a whole lot of exercise to stay healthy and are happiest just loafing around. I've heard they're not good candidates for invisible fences, though, because they can sprint at phenomenal speeds. Every single greyhound I've met has been sweet, friendly and calm, too. Regardless of what you choose - cat, dog, rock, komodo dragon, whatever - if you rescue it, I'll say really nice things about you behind your back.
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My Sig Image: hath rid itself of this mortal coil.
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rattran
Moderator
Posts: 4258
Unreasonable
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1. Smaller 2. Little to no shedding 3. Easily trainable 4. Prefer lazy as hell (no hyper active dogs) Sounds like you want a pair of rats. They fit all the criteria listed perfectly!
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Signe
Terracotta Army
Posts: 18942
Muse.
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Mice! I love mice. When I lived in Taos, I used to find these little teeny weeny mice in my ski boots sometimes. I would shake out my boots every morning, just in case. They would just sit in my hand, all curled up, being adorable. I lived so far up in the mountains that most things weren't very afraid. Gray Jays used to steal food right out of my hands! Now I'm old and grumpy and everything runs away.
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My Sig Image: hath rid itself of this mortal coil.
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Khaldun
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Posts: 15189
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Trainable and lazy woudl suggest a dog lower on the intelligence scale.
I'd suggest a bulldog or a dachsund.
Dachsunds often have really bad tempers, though. I've known a bunch and even in households that were very attentive to dogs and good trainers (had other dogs that were nice) the dachsunds are frequently mean little sonafbitches.
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Khaldun
Terracotta Army
Posts: 15189
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My recommendation would be a Boston Terrier. They're good with kids, they're not 'true' terriers so they don't tend to have the neuroses of a lot of other terrier breeds, they're small, they don't shed, they're easily trained, and they'll take their exercise wherever they can get it. (They still need it, but they're not a breed that's constantly jonesing for more and more outside stuff.)
Only downside, as with many short-nosed breeds, is that they have a tendency towards flatulence. Bulldogs, boxers, etc., have the same issue. You can control it some with diet.
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Sjofn
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Posts: 8286
Truckasaurus Hands
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Too bad about the shedding, otherwise I would've suggested one of the bigger breeds of rabbit, like a french lop.   Between the various dogs with "bulldog" in the name, I would suggest the French bulldog. They're ridiculously friendly and I believe they don't have nearly as many health issues as English bulldogs.
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God Save the Horn Players
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Brogarn
Terracotta Army
Posts: 1372
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Between the various dogs with "bulldog" in the name, I would suggest the French bulldog. They're ridiculously friendly and I believe they don't have nearly as many health issues as English bulldogs.
I looked into them and everything I read says they have serious spine and hip issues due to being basically a dwarf and also allergies due to the shape of their nose. The latter I think effects all bulldogs, pugs and the like, though.
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Bunk
Contributor
Posts: 5828
Operating Thetan One
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Blue Heeler
Not too big, incredibly smart, and they don't shed.
Dog's should not be specifically indoor or outdoor. If you are not going to commit to giving the dog both, don't get a dog.
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"Welcome to the internet, pussy." - VDL "I have retard strength." - Schild
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Sjofn
Terracotta Army
Posts: 8286
Truckasaurus Hands
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Between the various dogs with "bulldog" in the name, I would suggest the French bulldog. They're ridiculously friendly and I believe they don't have nearly as many health issues as English bulldogs.
I looked into them and everything I read says they have serious spine and hip issues due to being basically a dwarf and also allergies due to the shape of their nose. The latter I think effects all bulldogs, pugs and the like, though. They have less (English bulldogs have, like, every health issue in the world), but not "none."
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God Save the Horn Players
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Hawkbit
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Posts: 5531
Like a Klansman in the ghetto.
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Adopt a 1yr old shorthair cat from your local shelter. Little training, little shedding, a year's worth of crazy till the bugger settles down. It'll be fun, just make sure it's spayed/neutered and don't declaw.
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Polysorbate80
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Posts: 2044
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As a non-dog owner, though, I'd like to chime in a request that you also respect your neighbors and your city's leash laws and KEEP YOUR DOG LEASHED ON PUBLIC SIDEWALKS. My cats have been chased into our back yard, up trees, more times than I can count by dogs that people either don't leash at all or unleash a block away (we live next to a park). When you confront them about it, they get all pissy like you're just being an asshole.
I've also known two people who had to have cats euthanized (at expensive emergency pet hospitals) after off-leash dogs disemboweled them.
There are some breeds that are stupid and spazzy no matter what you do, but with a trainable breed like my border collie/australian sheperd mix the leash is a non-factor. Although, I have no doubt she would attack a person or animal that threatened the family. I think she believes we're her herd of cows :P
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“Why the fuck would you ... ?” is like 80% of the conversation with Poly — Chimpy
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