[Smokerman]

Was planing on getting myself a little buddy. I live alone, but plan on taking her with me to work every day. ( I manage a medium sized hvac co.) I also drive quite a bit, so I'll take her in my truck with me as well. Anyone have experience with small dogs? Are they easy to train? My last dog was a very large doberman who was my best friend. When he passed I swore I would never get another dog. But seeing as how that was 5 years ago, I now find that I miss the unconditional friendship of a pet.Anyhow,

[Dr Dog]

damn man, that is the cutest little dog

With a small dog, you get lap dogs, just get used to the attention it will want, and be prepared to accompany your pet more places, as a doberman would not get messed with, by anything, with small dogs, you have to watch for owls and stuff like that

[FreezerBoy]

Any cuter my head would explode.

Small dogs can be territorial. Chihuahuas (poorly raised) are some of the meanest I've seen. I'd work extra hard at socializing skills. Expose to animals and people early and often.

I'd also work on leaving her unattended. A single person dog that gets taken everywhere may react poorly to being left alone. Lock her up once in a while. Let her see that you always come back.

[Dr Dog]

Originally Posted by FreezerBoy

Small dogs can be territorial. Chihuahuas (poorly raised) are some of the meanest I've seen. I'd work extra hard at socializing skills. Expose to animals and people early and often.

Truer words have never been spoken in the last few years

My dad has a Chihuahua, and has had it for like 10 years, spoiled from day one, and has tried to bite me just as long. I call her a chunk-huahua. So fat

[Smokerman]

I guess I was just thinking that being out and about was better than leaving her alone, as I'm just a big softie and would worry about her. I know what being alone is like.

[FreezerBoy]

Had a friend with 2 dogs. A 12 pound Chihuahua and a 75 lb Belgian Shepherd (75 pounds of fighting weight). The Belgian waited while the Chihuahua ate. That little guy was mean.

Still, dogs have to be trained to be that way. It may be unintentional training by mis-informed owners but, it's training none the less.

[FreezerBoy]

Originally Posted by Smokerman

I guess I was just thinking that being out and about was better than leaving her alone,

ABSOLUTELY! No question about it. But, life happens. Eventually you'll have to leave her somewhere and without training, this can freak them out.

We used to pen our puppies in the bathroom at night. Linoleum meant accidents caused no harm. Being on the far side of the house meant we could sleep. Eventually, they figured out we ALWAYS came back and would simply fall asleep shortly after going in the bathroom.

Once they were house broken, we stopped the bathroom trick and they could sleep on any floor space they wanted. More importantly, they learned that separation from the pack was OK.

Puppies are hard work but, the rewards far eclipse the effort.

Originally Posted by FreezerBoy

I'd also work on leaving her unattended. A single person dog that gets taken everywhere may react poorly to being left alone. Lock her up once in a while. Let her see that you always come back.

Freezer is right. Separation Anxiety has transformed many happy dog owners into regretful dog owners.

When you leave the dog do not make a big deal about leaving, in other words don't give the dog attention as a way of saying goodbye.

Also, don't give the dog a lot of attention when you return home. That just reinforces what the dog already thinks - that you being gone was awful.

A "Kong" or similar toy is great to give to the dog when you leave. He/she will need something to occupy the alone time. Otherwise its your best slippers or the remote or whatever.

Good luck. A new dog is one of our only chances to actually choose a family member.

A little redirection and positive reinforcement go a lot further than discipline and punishment. The dog instinctively wants to please you, communicating what you want is your job.

The fact that you are asking for advice before you have an unrully dog is fantastic. If more people did that there would be way fewer dogs in our humane societies.

I voulenteer at our local humane society and it is so sad to see those dogs suffering with the lonlieness and terror of shelter life. They are paying for their owners mistakes more often than not. If the owners would have took a little time to do what you are doing chances are they wouldnt have wound up in the shelter. I would urge you to check your local shelters before buying a dog.

You are gonna make a great dog owner, have fun.

[funkervogt]

Samoyed - well-tempered dog. If well-trained, it will be quiet in an office setting. Sheds a lot, but wonderful coat to pet.

Also, look at this guy!? JUS LOOK AD DIS GUHY! So cute.

[Smokerman]

As far as the humane society, ours is presently under investigation by it's provincial parent for abuse no friggin less.(they are closed while investigation continues) I did check their website, but unfortunatley (sp) all they have are larger dogs . The lovely little lady I'm looking at will be ready Dec.19, but I must give an immediate deposit or risk losing her.