DOG OWNERS CHECK IN

[ColbertWatcher]

Yes, yes, they probably already have someone helping them, but what advice would you give first time pet owners Barack and Michelle?

[Clio the Leo]

1. Get a cat .... make that two. NT

[DBoon]

5. and with a dog you will never have to clean the litter box

nt

[Clio the Leo]

17. ... or have to worry that your Obama Chia Head will get broken...

I keep telling him that his real owner, Dick Cheney, is gonna come back and get him just as soon as he's done with the talk show circuit but he doesn't believe me.

[renate]

41. what an absolutely gorgeous kitty! n/t

[Sultana]

57. OMG, I want a kitty just like that

x(

So beautiful

[Political Heretic]

87. That cat looks like the cat of my dreams!

How gorgeous!

[spooky3]

94. hahahaha!!!!

Don't you dare give him to Dick Cheney!

[Arugula Latte]

55. Yabbut ... Picking up dog poop with the hand-in-bag method doesn't look like a picnic to me!

I'll take my litterbox scooper over it. :)

[LiberalFighter]

65. If they had gotten a small breed dog it wouldn't be as bad.

[wolfgangmo]

75. But with a dog

you do need to clean your shoes.

[Arugula Latte]

54. Heh heh ... That was my first thought, too.

:)

Kitties. *sigh* Without 'em, life is not worth living. :loveya:

[MADem]

2. Keep several plastic bags in your coat pocket. Put hand in bag, pick up shit, turn bag inside out,

and tie off smartly! Curb your dog!

Make him a part of the family--that's the best way to mitigate behavior issues.

[shireen]

3. that dog is too cute!

i'd love to find out more about how he's settling in. Yeah, i know, there's real news out there. But this is fun for dog-lovers.

I don't have a dog of my own, but have several canine nieces and nephews. :D

[DBoon]

4. Hide your good shoes

before they become chewy toys

[babylonsister]

6. ...and your toes. nt

[seaker]

19. I second that..

Be careful with the good wood furniture and electrical chords too, if memory serves.
:hi:

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. Sell the dog and get a viable, interesting, non-disgusting/republican pet.

Like a cat.

That's a legitimate pet to have. Or a bird. Or aquarium.

I'm so saddened that Obama - who's so smart and intelligent and cultured - would opt for the lowest of all the animals.

[ColbertWatcher]

10. Actually, as a cat owner, I think it was a great idea for them to get a dog.

Although, originally they said they were going to get a shelter dog, but I digress.

I think it's great that they got a dog, especially a high-energy dog like Bo. It will help them to stay on an exercise schedule, which sometimes can be hard to do given their jobs.

With a dog that needs walks/runs, it will help them stay healthy.

[Clio the Leo]

13. Sometime when you're bored, check out the DC Humane Society web pages..

... and you'll see what I think ended up being one of the problems.

The dogs available are almost all pit bulls or pit bull mixes.

Now, I know there's nothing inherently wrong with a pitbull. The problem is irresponsible ownership. But the LAST thing the pitbull population needs is a bunch of folks getting them because "the President got one so let's get one too 'cause it'll be cool."

Add to that the allergy thing, and the simple fact that if Ted Kennedy wants to give you a dog, you TAKE the dog! lol

But I admire their early intentions.

[ColbertWatcher]

20. Shelters have been transporting dogs from areas ...

... where the shelters are over-crowded to areas where they're more likely to get adopted.

[demmiblue]

52. They were not limited to the DC shelters

Whatever they chose, that is their choice... but, please, do not make it out to be something that it is not. The POTUS has choices.

[Clio the Leo]

83. And if they hadn't gone with a DC shelter dog...

.... there would have been an outrage over that.

It was a sticky wickett to say the least.

[northernlights]

70. baloney

check out petfinder. On any given day you can find a few dozen labradoodle, goldendoodle, poodle and low-shed poodle-cross puppies from a few weeks to a year.

They weren't limited to DC.

BUT, I understand and accept that they couldn't turn down a gift from a dying, old friend. And also that given that it's their first dog, they probably felt secure getting a dog with a known background, and a breed they'd probably already met through the old friend.

[a la izquierda]

35. One of the Obama girls is allergic...

And cats are disgusting. Ick.
My dogs don't lay all over everything, puking up hairballs and shedding. They don't crap in the house. They don't hunt stuff and leave it on the doorstep for me to step on when I walk outside barefoot. They keep annoying people away from my home. Dogs are loyal and sincere.


But I'm also allergic to cats, and thus not a cat person. I had a cat once who was the biggest pain in the world. I was sad when she died, but I never had to deal with cats again after that.

[undeterred]

89. My dog brought me two dead carp.

And after I threw them out he stopped bringing them to me and rolled on them instead. He has a body odor problem from the carp.

[santamargarita]

78. There is not one

:beer:

[Seldona]

79. Dogs are a republican pet?

And here I thought I had heard it all. I don't know why I keep thinking that. It NEVER turns out to be true.

:rofl:

[Honeycombe8]

8. Michelle and the girls should have a few lessons with a dog trainer.

It's not just the dog who needs training. With a dog like that, the girls and Mrs. Obama would benefit by learning a few of the best ways to handle the dog.

He sure is a cutie pie!!!! He looks like a handful, too! Always ready to break into a run, looks like.

[Mojorabbit]

14. I agree

the dog is walking them in the photos. Even a beginning obedience class would be good for them all to take.

[Hansel]

36. +2

My son has two St. Bernards and a Mastiff that he refuses to control in any way. He thinks they're adorable just the way they are. Maybe the Obama's can set an example and I will be able to go to his home again without being tackled and licked to death by three massive "children".

[Honeycombe8]

72. I heard Mrs. O on TV yesterday mention "we" are enjoying the dog, going to a few lessons, etc.

So it sounds like when the dog is being trained, they are there, too, at least for some of it. That's a good thing! (to quote Martha)

[CrispyQ]

82. My sister's dogs are like that.

They are nice dogs, not mean, but totally out of control! One is over 70 pounds & when she comes barreling at you & hits you in the legs, you're lucky if you remain standing. They put their paws on the table & try to slurp off your plate. I haven't been to my sister's in almost 2 years because of her dogs. She has the right to let them behave that way & I have the right to say "no thanks" when she invites me over.

[azurnoir]

9. Keep him(?) well supplied with bones

it helps avoid shoe issues

[LiberalFighter]

67. Any Republicans visiting be required to take their shoes off. ummm

[Holly_Hobby]

11. Three words

Exercise, exercise and exercise. A tired dog is a good dog.

[grasswire]

12. Caesar Milan

Calm and assertive energy needed.

Working dogs need to work.

[Zavulon]

15. With all due respect to our outstanding president, his family and all dog owners, my advice would be

to keep Bo away from the press so that my newspaper doesn't waste space on this. Sorry, but nothing interest me less than the First Pet, no matter who's in the White House.

[Zavulon]

16. With all due respect to our outstanding president, his family and all dog owners, my advice would be

to keep Bo away from the press so that my newspaper doesn't waste space on this. Sorry, but nothing interest me less than the First Pet, no matter who's in the White House.

[BattyDem]

18. I'd love to give them some helpful advice, but the truth is ...

my home is owned and operated for the comfort and convenience of the dog. :blush:


I've worked very hard to train my 11 month old schnoodle, Ozzy. He's incredibly smart and eager to learn. He does very well with sit, down and come, and he's been doing a lot better with stay (now that he's getting a bit older and his attention span is improving), but the whole "taking me for a walk" thing is still a problem. I've tried every type of harness available - none of them stops his pulling. I've tried countless training techniques and commands, I've read Cesar Milan's book and watched his show, I've gotten advice from the vet and a couple of trainers, but he still pulls me. So ... if the Obamas would care to share their techniques with me (after they get Bo to stop dragging them), I would be very grateful! ;-)

Oh, by the way ... when Ozzy starts "singing" there is NO WAY to shut him up, LOL!

[nomaco-10]

21. My sweet Penny, a cairn terrier mix that I rescued in 2000

has been recently diagnosed with diabetes. I have to give her two insulin shots a day.

I don't know who it hurts the most, me or Penny when I have to give her the injections.

She's lovely. I love her. We are doing fine.

[BattyDem]

22. My poodle had diabetes

I had to give him shots twice a day, too. I know how you feel. :hug:

I'm glad to hear you're both fine. I assume you're giving the injections in the scruff of the neck and if done correctly, there's no discomfort at all, so don't feel bad about that. If you feel a bit guilty about it (I did in the beginning), make it into a treat for her. I know it sounds silly, but I had Maestro convinced it was a good thing. I'd say, "Time to get stuck" and he would jump on the bed and wait for me to give him the injection. After he got it, I gave him lots of praise and a dog biscuit (prescription biscuits, of course - he couldn't have regular dog treats after the diagnosis). He actually looked forward to it. If I took too long preparing the injection, he would sit on the bed and bark until I came into the bedroom, LOL! A soon as I gave him the injection, he would stick his nose in my pocket to get the biscuit. :-)

I know you're probably nervous and upset about the diagnosis, but as long as you watch her diet and stay committed to keeping the diabetes under control, you'll be fine. Maestro had it for four years. There were a few ups and downs, but overall, he did well. In the end, it was cancer that finally got him, not diabetes.

You and Penny will get through it ... together. :hug:

On edit: If you have any questions about living with a diabetic dog, feel free to PM me. I'll gladly share my experience. :-)

[nomaco-10]

25. You're sweet luv....

and your whole post hit home.

I started making Penny steamed chicken breast with brown rice and mixed veggies. She has slimmed up and seems to be fine.

For a treat, she loves a chopped soft boiled egg mixed with low fat cottage cheese.

I know it sounds bland, but she loves her new diet much better than she ever liked commercial dog food.

She tolerates the injections, but I think it is harder on me than it is on her.

[BattyDem]

63. Sounds like you're off to a great start!

Don't worry ... the "injection guilt" will go away. I'm sure she doesn't think anything of it and in time, it will become part of your normal, daily routine. You won't even think twice about it. :-)

I'm sure you've discussed the situation with your vet, but like I said, if you ever need some advice from someone who's actually lived with it, feel free to contact me. After four years, I learned more about canine diabetes than I ever cared to know.

Good luck to you and Penny. :hug:

[mrs_p]

23. start puppy school right away

and make sure all the family is on the same page in terms of discipline and treats. and don't forget lots of love!!

[Samantha]

24. There are many excellent books on training puppies

The important thing is to start with the basics. Teach the dog the meaning of the word "no." The puppy will need to hear that word repeated frequently for about one week. Put about 10 pennies in a soda can. Tape the top shut. Rattle the can when saying the word "no." Puppies and dogs cannot stand this noise, and soon they will learn to relate the noise with the word.

Once the puppy has learned the word no, it is important to teach it the word okay. When the puppy does something good, pet him or her and say okay.

Once your puppy has learned these two words, you are off to a running good start. When training the dog to walk on a leash and he or she starts to walk too fast, say the word no and stop walking. It is important for the puppy to learn who is the master and who is not. You will either master the puppy, or the dog will master you. For further important tips on walking the puppy or dog, turn to the excellent books easily found at Borders.

When the two basic words of no and okay are absorbed by the puppy, eventually these words can be coupled with other words. The average dog can learn 25 key words. Smarter dogs can pick up two or three key words in a sentence and learn to do exactly as his or her master commands. But simple things such as no barking, no biting (get the picture) are then the next step. The no biting thing is handy not only when humans are concerned, but when one's furniture is as risk when the puppy is teething.

I have trained a number of puppies over the years and have had them completely trained by six weeks. That includes housebreaking techniques which incorporated letting the dog outside for nature calls, as well as paper training when going outside is not practical, for example, during thunder storms. Once the paper training is learned, the paper is gradually moved to a litter box which the dog uses as necessity dictates. Whenever anyone tells you that a dog will not go both outside and inside on papers, know that is not true. All of my dogs have done both all of their lives.

It is extremely important that the puppy (dog) get an appropriate amount of exercise, and don't forget to brush his or her teeth. You want the animal to keep his or her teeth for all of its life.

Just some basic tips for beginners. Hope they help.

Sam

[mvd]

26. Keep him active for sure

Portuguese Water Dogs are high-energy, and can get into trouble if their minds are not stimulated.

[Hekate]

27. Stay connected with and befriend that trainer of Uncle Ted's! This is one active puppy. nt

[lamp_shade]

28. Leave his tail alone. The pom-pom looks stupid. Let the hair grow back.

[polichick]

29. Yep - I agree.

[bklyncowgirl]

30. #1 Keep your shoes in the closet until he's at least two years old.

#1 Keep your shoes in the closet until he's at least two years old and supply lots of bones,chew toys etc. A puppy's gotta chew.

#2 Be consistent. You can't let him do one thing one day and punish him for doing it the next day. You're going to have to repeat the same thing many times before your puppy "gets it". It's sort of like explaining to investment bank and auto company CEOs that spending millions on corporate jets and decorator offices is really not a cool thing to do in the midst of a recession--especially if you just got a big handout from Uncle Sucker.

#3 You may be the leader of the free world but unfortunately your dog doesn't know that. Don't take it personally. You can give an order to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and he'll do it because you're the President. You can give an order to little Bo and he'll pretty much do whatever HE wants--unless you've personally established the relationship of "Me Leader You Follower" with him. Don't worry--it's not that hard--dogs really do want to work with us. As for the Republicans in Congress--well that's another thing entirely.

#4 Keep that little guy busy and active. Give him a job to do or he's going to find one for himself--chances are you're not going to like it.

#5 You can lie to Congress but you can't lie to your dog.

#6 If all else fails call in the experts. I reccomend the quiet approach but since you are the president you could use it as a sort of national lesson in how to relate to our canine companions.

Imagine this:

A grey SUV pulls up outside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Narrator: Barack and Michelle have called in Cesar Milan to help them and their daughters manage their Portugese Water Dog, Bo.

A Spanish accented male voice "He may be the leader of the free world but his first Dog has turned this White House upside down. I'm Cesar Milan and I am the Dog Whisperer"

Secret Service Agent wearing chewed up sunglasses and carrying a pooper scooper. "Thank God you're here"

Or they could go with that "It's Me or the Dog" lady.

[ColbertWatcher]

31. Excellent advice! I hope someone on his staff reads this today! Well done! n/t

[bklyncowgirl]

42. Thanks. Here's another one.

Make sure everyone in the family and staff is on the same page as far as the dog goes. It's no good if one person is the disciplinarian and everyone else spoils him to death.

[tomm2thumbs]

32. never chase a dog that grabs something he shouldn't have - it's called prize envy

and they think the process of 'I've got something you want, and you are chasing me for it' is a fun game - it is better to calmly go over and carefully, but sternly, take the item and -- then take the item and get angry at 'the item' not the dog, saying 'NO' to the item itself, giving it a stern point and focusing your anger on the object. They will associate negative feelings with the item and tend to leave it alone. I read this in a book once, have used it twice now and been a happy camper when it comes to good things being chewed on and ruined.

[Avalux]

33. Lots and lots of walks; wear him out.

If Bo gets enough exercise it'll keep him from getting into things he shouldn't. Make sure he's got plenty of chew toys. Love him but don't let him be the boss. ;-)

[HamdenRice]

34. Hate to admit Ceasar Milan is right: Dogs are happiest with discipline, exercise, a job

and all wrapped up with lots of affection. A dog does not want to be given the responsibility of being the alpha of the pack and is happiest being a devoted, hardworking follower.

[Orsino]

40. Dogs are wired to *try* to be alpha...

...though competent ownership will convince them this is impossible.

[bklyncowgirl]

44. Someone's gotta be "leader of the pack". In our world it should be the one with the big brain.

Of course some dogs tend to think otherwise. So do horses. My horse is the Alpha or dominant horse in a herd situation. He's not terribly big or strong but he is smarter than the average horse. He wears the big guys down with games like "catch the thoroughbred" and "I'm not letting you out of that corner". They usually end up doing things his way.

When I broke him, I discovered that he was actually capable of thinking ahead--very rare in a horse--in order to get away with not doing things he did not want to do. Once I called his bluff he'd straighten right out.

[HamdenRice]

45. As are many pack and troop animals. But ironically, the alpha often is very stressed

and I think the consensus is developing that the "happiest" pack animal is often in, well, the middle of the pack. Some breeds, like Goldens (my dog) are much less likely to even try, while some breeds like German Shepherds are more likely to try.

Particularly in the human environment, a dog, owned by incompetent owners who allow the dog to become alpha, is an extremely unhappy, stressed out dog.

And I agree that unless you have the basic competence to show a dog it is not alpha, you shouldn't own a dog.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

77. You are totally right... but discipline doesn't mean beating into submission.

It means leadership with firm handling.



(HamdenRice, I was in NO way saying you thought discipline means beating.. I just made this post so others reading your reply would understand you can be alpha without abuse.)

:)

[HamdenRice]

86. Oh gosh no

It's sad to see people who think that -- people who hit or beat their dogs. It's terrible.

On the other hand, people who don't understand dog training and think that they can reason with the dog without physical signals, may misunderstand the physical aspects of training. For example, when teaching a dog to walk without pulling (one of Bo's developing problems), most trainers recommend a quick tug. I think of it has holding your dog's hand and squeezing it to tell him, hey, pay attention, stop pulling. Another is "mother's nip" -- just taping the dog's neck with your fingers.

Another is rubbing your dog's belly. Many people think it's just affection, but in fact your dog is physically submitting, and by rubbing his tummy, you're making physical submission pleasurable.

I think this is why Ceasar Milan was kind of a revelation for a lot of American dog owners.

[Tyler Generation]

37. Kitties make great pillows

[Sultana]

58. Awww, so cute

Gorgeous dog, what breed is it?

[Tyler Generation]

74. Thanks!

She's half Husky and half Corgi.

[Sultana]

85. oh wow

LOL, Corgis are so small though, how did that happen? :D

I have always wanted a Husky.

[Tyler Generation]

88. I don't know!

She's got this little Corgi body with this big Husky head. She's only about 50 lbs, no tail, with short legs. Her name is Sugar Bear, and she's a sweetie.

[greguganus]

38. Don't allow him to hump cabinet members' legs. nt

[grantcart]

50. well he can hump Gates a little.

[Mudoria]

39. They got the wrong dog. This would have much better :)

[zulchzulu]

43. Puppies need lots of exercise and socializing with other pups

I have a two-year old puppy (Border Collie/Lab mix) that was really high strung when I first had her home after her nearly deadly bout with Parvo.

The best way to get her at ease is/was to have her run at least a couple 200 yard sprints. Then she is calm and attentive...

[havocmom]

46. A) Roll him on his back and make him stay there until he stops struggling

Gotta show him who is top dog in a language a young dog will get - dog language! This may need to be done every morning for a few days. Some dominate dogs need a daily reminder that they are NOT pack leader for a spell.

B)If he keeps testing and exerting his will, may have to get down on all fours and bite (firmly, but not really chomp down) his ears. That is how adult dogs tell the young ones they best behave and pay attention.

Then, when he gets it through his head that his campaign for Pack Leader has ended in defeat, if his youthful exuberance is still hard to contain on walks, a gentle lead head harness is a great way to deal with a strong and head strong young dog. Puts the pressure on the top of the muzzle when they pull. Much more sensitive than the pressure on neck that a regular collar applies. This gets them to realize that pulling has consequenses that are uncomfortable.

I use a double lead on dogs that need to learn not to pull, one part clipped to the 'Haltie' gentle lead harness and the other clipped to the D ring on the collar. Where I live there are too many big dogs running loose and a leashed dog may pull out of the gentle lead by backing away from it hard, as it is just strapped on behind the head, not tight around the neck. Thinking they may have to be free to defend their human makes some dogs try this when they see an aggressive dog heading toward the human. A back-up connection keeps my dog out of the traffic.

But, Job One is to make Bo understand he is a subordinate pack member. Speak dog to him via actions like a dominate dog would do. Roll him over and MAKE him stay that way until he stops struggling. Bite on the ear if he still kicks up during the day. Gentle reminders to behave, just like another dog would do. It is amazing how fast they will start treating you like you're the boss. They are happier knowing you are in charge in a way that is respectful to their doggies sensibilities. If you take the time to practice THEIR language, they get it better and love you more.

[watercolors]

47. The Dog Wisperer to the rescue!

It would be a great show, love the idea.

[Phx_Dem]

48. Exercise and socialize with people and other dogs!

[demmiblue]

49. Lap dogs do not come in sizes!

:loveya:

Oh, and in that line, fabrics can be changed and bedding can be washed... better a dog in your lap, than a dog at your feet. Let the snuggling begin!
(Yep, Sasha and Malia... I got your back!).

[Dr.Phool]

53. Yes they do!

Mine comes in a size 120! But, he's getting too old to get on his loveseat anymore. Had to make him a step. And gotta give him a boost into the car every morning to go to the dog park, and visit his buddies.

[demmiblue]

56. Lol... ok, perhaps in your case they don't!

However, my non-lap dog always seems to make the opposite case. Granted she is a wee bit smaller than your pup (by several... ok, numerous pounds), but she never has had any issues crawling up onto my lap! Granted, it is only about 1/4 of her body, but who am I to make these distinctions! My pup is old, as well. I am thinking that I may soon have to either: a) lower the furniture, or, b) do the step thing!

What breaks my heart is that she still thinks that she is a pup...

[mgc1961]

51. Get a second dog.

When humans are not available for first dog due to work or social life, second dog will provide round-the-clock companionship.

[JuniperLea]

59. I was just going to say...

Jack, Sedwick, and Molly Myfanwy agree! All three are rescue dogs... Molly was literally rescued from heavy traffic during rush hour!

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

97. Cute...

http://www.melonhawg.org/Chacho/

[polichick]

60. And round-the-clock exercise too - a good thing!

[EmilyAnne]

61. In the second photo Michelle is looking up to the heavens thinking, "God, why did we get this

damn puppy!!??!"

[Hutzpa]

62. lol

:rofl:

[Forkboy]

64. "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day."

- Truman

[Constance Craving]

66. Crate Training

Yes, for the first, at least four, years of his life, he will have a staff to look after him. But once he is no longer the first dog, and just a dog, the Obamas will be glad that they can leave him in the house without having to worry about him tinkling on something.

[ColbertWatcher]

68. Welcome to DU!

IIRC, Bo is already tinkle-trained(?)

[rucky]

69. I like dogs!

too much to own one, under our current crazy lifestyle.

Does that count?

[AtomicKitten]

71. No worries. The Obamas will get the hang of it but a trainer couldn't hurt. n/t

[jillan]

73. Shaky can!

The best training tool eva.

One can, put 13 pennies in it and shake it when they are being naughty.

Paid $100 at Petsmart dog school to learn that...

But IT works!

[jesus_of_suburbia]

76. Firm but GENTLE handling. You must be the boss, or they will assume they need to be.

Everything else falls into place with time.

I'd do almost anything for my dogs. They are amazing.

[MoonRiver]

80. Is there a problem?

Is so, they just need to contact a reputable dog trainer or enroll cute little Bo in puppy obedience classes.

[Skip Intro]

81. Well, not everyone can be cool enough to have a cat...

[ZombieHorde]

84. Pets are just food you forget to eat. nt

[nomaco-10]

90. huh? ...

weird, super weird thing to post.

[nomaco-10]

92. Oh, and, I rarely check out profiles, but your's is noteworthy. n/t

[ZombieHorde]

95. I am just being silly. nt

[Vanje]

91. Get some sheep and teach it to herd

It works for me and mine!

[OnyxCollie]

93. Learn to think like a dog.

All the time.

[Geek_Girl]

96. I'd get another dog

I had one dog for a long time and then recently got another dog. Dogs seem to be happier when they have other dog companions.

[windbreeze]

98. try not to let the dog walk you....n/t