wolf dog
(American wolfdog)
Wolf / Domestic Dog Hybrid
"Captain is a high content wolfdog. He is
curious but very fearful/timid which is very common in true high content
wolfdogs. Like other HC's he does not make a good house pet due to destructive
tendencies. Getting a high content to be acceptable indoors takes a long time
and is not very common. The first 3 pictures are of Captain around 8 months old
in winter coat prior to his first shed. The second two are of Captain after his
first shed at 1 year old. High content wolfdogs are only born during the spring
as they only have one heat cycle per year. Often mid contents have only one
cycle a year as well."
|
|
|
Pronunciation
|
- |
|
Description
|
Wolfdogs can better be described as companions than pets. They
are smarter than most "domestic" breeds of dogs, are self aware, aware of their
surroundings, will challenge even the most experienced caretakers with their
stubbornness and "what's in it for me" attitude, and in general are the most
predictable canine as wolves are the model for canine behavior and wolfdogs tend
to display emotions very well.
The general layout for wolf content is 1-49% is considered a
Low Content (LC), 50-74 % is considered a Mid Content (MC), and 75% + is
considered a High Content (HC) a High Content may have 1-3 dog traits but
otherwise should be virtually indistinguishable from a pure wolf.
Of course there are subdivisions of the normal classifications
which overlap such as Low Content, Upper Low, Low Mid, Mid Content, Upper Mid,
Low High, High Content, and Wolf Content are used to describe the animal. These
terms are generally used in rescue when an exact genotype is unknown. A genotype
is an animal’s % based on VERIFIABLE lineage. Verifiable lineage is NOT CKC
papers as any animal can easily be registered with the CKC and the CKC does not
check percentage. Many unscrupulous breeders will use CKC papers in an attempt
to verify their animal’s lines.
Phenotyping: Phenotyping is a way to help determine wolf
content for either animals with unverifiable lineage or to help determine if a
breeder is misrepresenting their animals (such as calling no/low contents high
contents). A high content will never look and act like a dog, it’s impossible. A
mid content will have an even number to slightly more wolf traits than dog
traits. A low content will have less wolf traits than dog traits.
Checklist, the more wolf traits an animal has the higher the
content. However remember that a few traits does not necessarily mean wolf
content as dogs and wolves share a number of similar features and it is only a
cumulative amount of traits that is able to determine wolf content through
phenotyping.
Wolf Traits:
Adults: Narrow Chest (front legs should be almost touching or even touching when standing still) , Large Feet, Webbed Toes, Long Muzzle, No stop (point between forehead and muzzle, should be gradual slope), Black or Taupe toenails (never clear), V-Cape, Banded fur (single strand of fur should be multiple colors), Straight Tail, Bristled Tail, Black Tipped Tail (except for arctics), Front feet turn outward slightly, Cow Hocked, Lanky (long legs), Slanted Eyes, Black Rimmed Eyes, Black Nose, Black Lips, Eye Color (Yellow, Grey, Brown, Green, Amber) blue is extremely rare in high contents, Blended Coat, Blended mask, Small Ears, Rounded Ears, Well Furred Ears (no pink showing through), Single Track
At Birth/Babies: Born dark brown/black and phase into their
colors over time (some high contents may have one or two in a litter born white
with line breeding, in breeding, genetic defect, etc…), No Prominent Markings at
birth (should be a solid color with little deviation), Ears should be up and
stay up at 3 weeks.
|
|
Temperament
|
Depending on wolf content temperament can vary greatly. Both
the wolf personality and the domestic dog personality should be taken into
account if you are interested in a wolfdog.
High Content Temperament: High content wolfdogs tend to share
most of the same personality and physical features as wolves. As such high
content wolfdogs are often very fearful, preferring to hide from any stranger,
they are NOT protective, you may get one or two warning barks/chuffs/howls to
let you know there is a stranger present before the animal retreats.
Daily handling starting as early as 10 days old by direct
family is vital; remember pups (both wolf, wolfdog, and dog) are very
susceptible to disease at this point and interaction with people outside of the
family can pose a health hazard. “Human handlers must begin contact early,
preferably between 10-14 days of the pup's birth. Research has demonstrated that
if a pup is not handled during the critical bonding period of its first 21 days,
it may respond with very fearful behavior towards people and in captivity.”
Handling must continue to prevent a lapse in socialization.
A second period of critical bonding occurs at 6-8 weeks.
Between six and eight weeks of age, a pup’s willingness to
approach and make contact with strangers outweighs his natural wariness. This
time frame is considered the optimum period to introduce a pup into its new home
and surroundings. New studies, however, suggest a shorter time frame—7 ½ to 8
weeks (Serpell & Jagoe, 1999; Slabbert & Rassa, 1993; and Fox and
Stelzner, 1966).
During this phase, a pup should be gradually exposed to
potentially frightening stimuli such as kids, the postman, vacuum cleaners,
spray cans, street noises, loud noises, etc. Between eight and twelve weeks of
age, the pup should also be introduced to the places, circumstances, and
conditions that he is likely to have to face as an adult. Not only do pups form
attachments to people during this sensitive stage, but also to places.”
High contents are extremely intelligent and will test your
containment. Unless you have a six sided kennel which is all 4 normal sides of a
fence plus a top and bottom made of heavy duty chain link or cattle panels there
is no such thing as bomb proof (and even then a wolfdog may find a weak point
such as a rusted or damaged area).
For the most part with high contents, there is no such thing as
a “house dog”. While there are people that have had success with bringing high
contents into the home it is not the norm and they often can’t leave the animal
unattended. This is because the term of an animal “eating you out of house and
home” comes into play. In this case we are NOT talking about food. It is not
unusual for a high content to chew apart your furniture, chew the drywall in
your house, chew wires, chew doors, chew the outside siding of the house,
whatever they can get their mouth on. Other unacceptable behavior often seen in
high contents is jumping on tables, furniture, and sometimes even the top of
fridges.
High content wolfdogs are the least likely to want to please
you. Although very loving they are not likely to perform tricks, sit when asked,
stay, rollover, etc... unless there is a trade worthy of their time (ie
food/treats) and even then that may not work.
Because of a high prey drive young children, cats, or small
dogs should NEVER be left alone with a high content wolfdog. A child running
around screaming is likely to invoke a high prey drive response and can lead to
injury or even death. Please note that this is not solely a wolf trait, other
breeds of dogs (especially northern breeds) tend to have a high prey drive as
well. Even with early socialization to cats or small dogs a high content should
really never be left alone with either.
Mid Contents Temperament: Mid Contents tend to be more social
than High Contents. They can take time to warm up to strangers and be very
fearful at first but with patience they tend to trust much more quickly. A
poorly socialized mid content is less likely to become “feral” than a high
content with the same lack of socialization. With good breeding mid contents can
be outgoing but many will retain some kind of shyness around strangers. Mid
contents can often be brought into the house although chewing may be a problem,
they do tend to be more willing to please than high contents.
Mids are in general better with small animals than high contents but since often times wolfdogs are mixed with Northern breeds, GSDs, Border Collies, or other breeds with high prey drive any owner should be cautious when they are around young children, cats, or small dogs. Mid contents also can be destructive.
Low Contents Temperament: Low contents are the best choice for
someone new to wolfdogs. They are often the most outgoing, willing to please and
best in the house while often retaining the intelligence and self awareness of a
high content. Low contents are easy to train albeit they can be stubborn at
times. Low contents are also the most likely to do well with children, cats, and
small dogs. However cats tend to still be viewed as prey. Early socialization
can help to eliminate most risks.
Also remember that breeding that does not take temperament into
account can result in an animal that is unstable (certain breeders are known to
have aggressive wolfdogs or wolfdogs with behavioral issues). This isn’t
necessarily due to the “wolf” in the animal but because aggressive animals have
been bred further promoting poor behavior in offspring.
Instability is not necessarily due to breeding 'aggressive'
wolfdogs per say. What often times happens is a mis-match of temperament in the
dog breeds chosen to cross with a wolf. For example some German Shepherd working
lines have an inherent genetic make-up toward aggression, protection and/or
assertion. That is why, with proper training, they make excellent police or
protection dogs. If you mix this temperament with a wolf's shy, witholding
temperament, the wolfdog will be more unstable because of the internal conflict
created by these two opposing genetics. Some times the wolfdog will withdraw and
sometimes it will aggress, always with unpredictability. In one situation the
wolfdog may not react. Then in a later very similar situation, the wolfdog may
try to aggress. You won't be able to predict future behavior by past behavior.
This propensity cannot be 'trained out of them'. The unprovoked 'snapping'
between shyness and aggression will be possible and more unpredictable
regardless of the 'content' of the wolfdog, because of the breed it was mixed
with. This is an unfortunate consequence of uninformed, careless breeding. The
wolfdog pays the price with it's life when it is then labeled
'vicious'.
|
|
Height, Weight
|
Average: 26-34 inches males & females equally. The lower
content wolfdogs tend to be on the shorter side, while the higher contents tend
towards the taller side.
Wolfdogs' average adult weight goes from 60 to 120 pounds, but
getting that high is fairly unusual and tends to be males in winter coats.
Claims of anything much more than that are no doubt false information or
exaggeration
|
|
Health Problems
|
In general wolfdogs are exceptionally healthy animals. They do not have any common genetic health problems such as hip dysplasia, etc, but can of course be bothered by common canine ailments such as fleas, ticks, heartworms (if not treated with preventative); canine diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, rabies, etc which should be vaccinated against like any other dog; and other illnesses such as kennel cough, coccidia, giardia, etc. Note that some veterinarians will not treat wolfdogs of mid and/or high content, so be sure to call your local clinics to check before adopting. |
|
Living Conditions
|
This is where things can get very expensive. Low’s and many
mids can live in a normal fence. However, high contents often require 6-8 ft
fencing, lean-ins, diguard, and hotwire to prevent escaping. A bored animal is
an unhappy animal and more likely to attempt to roam. There should be no beams
on the inside of the fence that would provide a foot hold, the fencing should be
cattle panels or heavy duty chain link (wolfdogs have been known to bite through
weaker chainlink), or even vinyl fencing. Wood is not recommended because it
eventually degrades and poses an escape risk once its begun to rot/weaken. Mids
and High Contents are the most likely to attempt to escape; sheer height is not
always enough as a wolfdog can literally climb out of a chain link/cattle panel
fence. Until your animal is older you won’t really know if they will be an
escape risk.
There are some high contents that can be easily contained and
low contents that are escape artists. It just depends on how bad your animal
wants out, if they are bored, if there is something on the other side of the
fence that is really exciting them, etc…
Note: Wood and vinyl fencing can be at risk of being chewed
apart.
A large fenced in (NO wireless/inground electric fencing)
enclosure is ideal where he/she has enough room to run and play. Wolfdogs are
also very social animals and should always have at least one other canine
companion.
|
|
Exercise
|
Wolfdogs of all content levels require a lot of mental
stimulation as well as physical exercise. Much of this can be done in their
enclosure by playing games with them. Most are able to be walked on a leash like
any other dog, and should be walked every day, ideally. High contents can
sometimes be fearful in some walk situations and may do better in rural walking
areas vs suburban. It is not recommended to have a wolfdog in a city-type
environment. A wolfdog's enclosure must be very big (minimum 20x20' for 1-2
animals) and should have places to hide and take shelter, objects to climb on
(not close to the fencing!), toys, etc. Frequently bringing in new forms of
enrichment is key to keeping a wolfdog happy and healthy.
Note: A wolfdog should be walked with two leashes. One attached
to a collar or harness and the other a slip leash. The leash attached to the
collar/harness should be the main leash, the slip lead is to act as a backup if
something spooks the animal, because if they slip out of their harness/collar
while panicking they are likely to bolt off which puts them at risk for getting
lost, getting impounded by animal control, being hit by a car,
etc...
|
|
Life Expectancy
|
About 13-16 years |
|
Grooming
|
Wolfdogs have a double coat which becomes very very thick during winter months. This allows them to be comfortable outside just as their wild relatives are. They "blow" their winter coat (lose all the under coat) in spring and at this time a lot of grooming is needed. "Rake" style brushes are very useful for this. Otherwise general brushing every couple of weeks is usually sufficient. Keep a closer eye on tail fur and fur behind the ears as these areas are the most likely to become tangled. |
|
Origin
|
Wolfdogs came about via crossing pure wolves bred by fur farms with similar looking dogs (ie: Malamute, GSD, Husky-types). They are never created by leaving a female dog tied up outside in wolf territory, nor by using wolves that were "den robbed" as pups. Most wolfdogs are bred "wolfdog x wolfdog", but some are still bred "wolfdog x wolf" or for the low - mid contents "wolfdog/wolf x dog". As a rule of thumb, the higher the filial number (or F#), the easier to handle the animal will be. For example, a pup from a pure wolf and wolfdog (or dog) mating would be called an F1. If that animal was later bred to another F1 animal, the resulting pups would be F2, and so on. The number indicates how many generations away from a pure wolf an animal is. |
|
Group
|
Wolfdogs are mixed breed dogs and as such cannot be registered with ANY reputable kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club. There are some online registries that will provide papers for them for a fee, but these are online scams - buyer beware. There are a few wolfdog fanciers groups/clubs, the most common being the Florida Lupine Association. |
|
Recognition
|
Wolfdogs are NOT recognized by any genuine kennel club, as they are a mixed breed, not purebreds. |
Captain a high content wolfdog.
Captain a high content wolfdog.
Captain a high content wolfdog.
Captain a high content wolfdog.
___________________________________
Shango is a high content wolfdog. He does outreach
and education and is an ambassador for his breed.
___________________________________
"Tala the wolfdog (Gray Wolf/ Malamute/GSD). She
is showing a slightly longer coat than a wolf (Malamute genes) and quite a lot
of German Shepherd type coloring which are dog genes, but she still has almost
no "stop" (the point at which the muzzle meets the forehead), has very well
blended color (ie: no husky mask with strong demarcation), her eyes are set at
an angle into the face (and yes, are yellow - but there *are* dog breeds with
yellow eyes also. Blue eyes will not occur in wolfdogs over low content. Her
nails are exceptionally thick and black almost like claws. She has long legs, a
very narrow chest, very well furred smallish ears, black tipped tail, cowhocked
back legs, enormous feet, and is very tall (wolfdogs are around 26"-34" at the
shoulder). Those are all wolf physical traits. She is not shy due to extreme
socialization from an early age, but many are shy. I have included pictures of
both winter coat and summer coat for comparison. Wolfdogs tend to be master
escape artists and are exceptionally destructive in a home or vehicle. They
usually do not travel well at all. They require outdoor containment similar to a
zoo and cannot subsist on anything other than raw meat or high quality
grain-free kibble. They also usually live to about 16+ years of age, so please
consider all these things before looking for a breeder." .
Tala the wolfdog (Gray Wolf/ Malamute/GSD).
Tala the wolfdog (Gray Wolf/ Malamute/GSD).
Tala the wolfdog (Gray Wolf/ Malamute/GSD).
Tala the wolfdog (Gray Wolf/ Malamute/GSD)
in her summer coat.
Tala the wolfdog (Gray Wolf/ Malamute/GSD)
in her winter coat.
Tala the wolfdog (Gray Wolf/ Malamute/GSD)
as a 4 week old puppy.
___________________________________
Golden dog
Hadley the Golden Retriever at 6 years old
|
|
|
Pronunciation
|
- |
|
Description
|
The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, medium-large sized dog. The skull is broad and the muzzle is straight, tapering slightly with a well-defined stop. The nose is black or a brownish black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The medium to large eyes are dark brown. The relatively short ears hang down close to the cheeks. When pulled forward the tip of the ear should just cover the eye. The tail is thick at the base with feathering along the underside. Dewclaws may be removed. The water-resistant coat is dense with a firm, straight or wavy outer coat. There is an untrimmed feathering on the underbelly, back of the legs, front of the neck and underside of the tail. Coat color comes in cream to a rich golden. |
|
Temperament
|
These are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Charming, devoted and self-assured, they are a popular family dog. Energetic and loving, Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be very rewarding. They excel in competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger's approach. This breed needs to be around people who display leadership to be happy. The Golden Retriever may become destructive and/or high-strung, over-exuberant and distractible if he is lacking in daily mental and physical exercise. Be sure to remain this dog’s firm, but calm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid behavioral issues. Some of the Golden's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim. |
|
Height, Weight
|
Height: Males 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61cm)
Females 20 - 22 inches (51 - 56 cm) Weight: Dogs 60 - 80 pounds (27 - 36 kg) Females 55 - 70 pounds (25 – 32 kg) |
|
Health Problems
|
Prone to cancer including mast cell tumors. Also prone to hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand's disease, heart problems and congenital eye defects. Skin allergies are common in Golden Retrievers and often require veterinary attention. Gain weight easily; do not overfeed. |
|
Living Conditions
|
This breed will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard. |
|
Exercise
|
The Golden Retriever needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog that the leader leads the way and that leader needs to be the human. In addition, they like to retrieve balls and other toys. Be sure to exercise this dog well to avoid hyperactivity. |
|
Life Expectancy
|
About 10-12 years |
|
Grooming
|
The smooth, medium-haired double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. |
|
Origin
|
Originating in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s, the
Golden Retriever was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, by crossing the original
yellow Flat-Coated Retriever with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. He later
crossed in the Bloodhound, Irish Setter and more Tweed Water Spaniel. The dogs
were called the Golden Flat-Coat and only later were they given the name Golden
Retriever. The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds known today,
not only as family companions but for obedience competitions, hunting and
tracking, as a birddog on both land and in the water, narcotics detection,
service dog for the disabled, a guide for the blind and as a therapy dog. The
Golden Retriever was first recognized by the AKC in 1925.
|
|
Group
|
Gun Dog, AKC Sporting |
|
Recognition
|
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA |
|
|
|
CKC = Continental Kennel
Club
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale AKC = American Kennel Club UKC = United Kennel Club KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain CKC = Canadian Kennel Club ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club NKC = National Kennel Club NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc. ACR = American Canine Registry DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc. ACA = American Canine Association Inc. |
Spencer the Golden Retriever at 3 years
old—"Spencer loves to visit the local water hole. He jumps off the muddy 8
foot high cliff into the water. If you toss a stick into the water he will jump
in and retrieve it for you."
___________________________________
Dosporuno the Golden Retriever at 5 months
old—"Hello, I'm writing because I recently adopted a 5-month-old Golden
Retriever. To be honest I was terrified of doing so since my cousin adopted a Labrador looking dog and he is a devil. The reason I was
terrified was because I didn't want to have an uncontrollable dog with me. After
thorough research and reading and watching videos and more, I came across your
page. Having worked with horses and using Monty Robert's methods for natural horsemanship, I'm really
impressed that you have dog related topics. I'm applying your methods on my dog
and they are working like a charm. Now I realize that the problem with my cousin
is that his family let the dog become the alpha in their "pack" (household) and
that is why the animal is uncontrollable. With these few words I'm just trying
to say thank you very much because my experience with my dog is a lot more fun
now that I understand dogs better and how to handle an animal. That even body language wise a dog acts and reads
different than us. You have made my experience unbelievable and something that
looked like a challenge became instantly enjoyable, fun and very rewarding. I
have already shared your page with my friends and family who own dogs and I'm
sure that you will be great help for them as well. Thank you very much! Juan
Jose"
___________________________________
Holly the Golden Retriever at 7 years old—"Holly
was brought to our family by Santa Claus on December 25th, 2007. Our two
daughters had written to Santa and asked for a Golden Retriever for Christmas
and their dream came true, it was truly magical. Holly has grown to be one of
the sisters and truly acts that way. She is very mild-mannered and is a member
of our family. She loves to go on car rides and especially vacation. She is very
well behaved and loves all people as long as they pet her 24 hours a day. The
attached photo was on Raily Lake in International Falls, Minnesota. Our family
has a place on the lake and we went out in our fishing boat to watch the sun
set. Notice how at piece she is in the boat with her front paws together and
crossed, she takes this pose often at home on the couch."
___________________________________
Adult Golden Retriever wearing a harness—the harness
is one of the harder tools to work with when walking a dog. The harness was
designed for pulling, for example sleds and weight-pulling sports. With a
harness the handler has to work with the chest and mid-body areas, which are the
strongest parts of the dog. Dogs think they are great tools for pulling
humans!
___________________________________
Rusty the Golden Retriever out on a pack walk with his owner. Rusty is a very
high-energy dog and the backpack helps slow him down, making it easier for him
to heel. It gives the dog a sense that he has a job—carrying the pack and the
items in it.
___________________________________
"This is my Golden Retriever Marley. She is only
10 months old in the picture and is the most amazing dog you could ask for. Like
most Golden Retrievers, she loves the water. She is an extremely well-behaved
dog at home and on walks, especially now that I have trained her to run beside me, on and off the lead. She is now 1
year old and has recently been introduced to a little Beagle puppy called CoCo. Marley is the kindest, most
loving dog toward every other dog, especially Coco, and is so gentle whilst
playing with her. Golden Retrievers really are an amazing breed."
___________________________________
"Portia is a two-year-old Golden Retriever. She
is full of energy and a joy to be around. She is insanely funny, and a wonderful
companion and friend. I have applied several of Cesar Millan's training
techniques to Portia. The one with the biggest impact was to not yell when
correcting them, but to talk in a low, stern voice. As a dog owner, it is
difficult to remain calm when your dog has chewed your favorite pair of shoes!
However, I found that the problem is solved much more effectively when I correct
her without raising my voice."
"Portia is a wonderful dog. Her temperament is
wonderful and she is extremely sweet. I will never own any other kind of
dog!"
___________________________________
"I took this photo in the house. In the picture, they
are waiting politely in a sit for a biscuit. From left to right: Sailor and
Salty. They are 7-year-old cream-colored Golden Retrievers. Their previous owner
got them for his kids but they soon lost interest in them. When the dogs were 3
years old the previous owner gave them to us because he felt he was not able to
give them the care they needed. They are both the best dogs we have ever had and
are amazingly well adjusted. I can truly say that they are both balanced and
don't have a single behavior issue. They both love the water and will swim all
day. They also try and occasionally succeed at catching little fish in the river
and lake that we take them to about 3 to 5 times a week to let them play and
burn energy."
___________________________________
"This is my purebred, male Golden Retriever named
Pongo at 1 year and 8 months, and 25 inches in height. Pongo is very athletic
and energetic. Friendly and has a good temper with my German Shepherd Wolfy. He
gets a good amount of exercise and jogs with me
every morning and evening for at least 2 hours every day."
___________________________________
Jake the Golden Retriever at 8 years old—"This
is our red Golden Retriever Jake. He's a retired duck dog who loves nothing more
than to chase his tennis ball. Jake catches and fetches everything! He's even
been known to chase snowballs, catch them, then look very pleased with himself
when the snowballs break apart. The only problem we have with him is that when
he plays fetch, he never wants to quit!"
Jake the Golden Retriever at 8 years old
___________________________________
"Two Golden Retriever brothers on a nice
sit-stay in their backyard, looking pretty for the camera—on the left is Little
Du, 5 years old, and on the right is Rocky, 6 years old. Rocky is a Delta
Society-registered therapy dog and visits nursing homes and hospitals. Dutchy
begins his training in the winter. Both have done agility classes as well and
are much adored by their human family. Woof!"
________________________________
"This is my baby, my pride and joy. Her name is
Sierra. Sierra is a purebred Golden Retriever. My husband and I have been
together for 18 years and for 17 of those I have begged him to get a dog.
Finally he gave in and the hunt began. He was reluctant to get a dog because we
lived in an apartment (we live in a house now) and we worked all day. He didn't
think it was fair for the dog. It's funny because when we got her it was
November and someone mentioned, "Dog Whisperer" so I started watching it. I am
so glad I did. I learned so much from him. I would tape it, and when I got home
from work, after walking Sierra we would sit and watch it (and play) together.
The patience I learned from that man. It was hard raising a puppy after 30 years
of not having one. I grew up with a dog and a cat. The biggest thing that helped
me was remembering repetition and praise. Sierra was a quick learner. Not a
piece of our furniture or shoes or anything got chewed. Sierra has adapted very well. She is so good
natured. She loves to cuddle up by our feet and you can't say the word “truck”
without her running to the back door to go for a ride. Since she was a baby we
take her almost everywhere with us. We found a wonderful dog park that she loves to play in. She was
from a litter of 5 and when we went to pick her out I did the moving of the
finger to see which one would pay attention and she was the one. She is so smart
and brings such joy to me on the otherwise not so joyful days. Just her greeting
me at the door with a “High Five” brightens my day. We got lucky with Sierra. My
husband who didn't want a dog is so good with her. He loves to take her to the
parks and walk with her. I think he said something about her being a chick
magnet. LOL, I could go on and on."
________________________________
"This is Casey, my adorable, cream-colored Golden
baby at 12 months old. She is such a cutie. She loves nothing more than a run in the woods in the mornings and evenings,
and snuggling up when she is tired. She loves chasing balls and sticks and can
play all day long. She loves her comfort, too, though and a nice big hug! She
knows a lot of commands, sit, stay, wait, lie down, twirl around, leave it, walks to heel and is very quiet and obedient.
She is very loving and affectionate and gets on brilliant with all other
animals. She really is a little gem xxxx"
_______________________________
Golden Retrievers Hunter (left) and Max
(right)
________________________________
Jack, a Golden Retriever puppy at 11 weeks
old
Jack, a Golden Retriever all grown
up!
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment