29 replies to this topic

[bumpster]

Sometimes you have to go with your gut and make the decision that is right for you and your circumstances. It sounds like you brought him a long way from where he was, but not every dog 'fits' with every family. Sorry this didn't work out for you.

[Stacie]

So sorry to hear of this. The Bumps is right - not every dog fits every family. He will know he was loved and that he is still loved and the right family will come along and they will fit. I'm sure you are somewhat discouraged from a dog altogether - they are not all the same and I am sure there is a dobie with your family in mind at Arda's. I can personally attest to almost all of them being excellent dogs and yes, some have issues with different things and not all of them are aggression or dominance issues. One thing you have to keep in mind - establish yourself and family members as the Alpha's right off the bat and most bad habits don't surface until they are comfortable in their new home. The 2 I have are great and so are Cheryl's, Joni's, Bumps and so on. If you have any doubts just take a look at Joni's reunion scrapbook - all those dobies and kids running around having fun. And if I could, I would take more of them home - it's so easy to get attached to the dogs at Arda's. Just take your time with each one and remember - they really do choose you.

[Dobiegirl51]

He's no longer obsessing over tug toys, he's found there's other games to play which are just as fun (my arms and their sockets are much happier for that change!). That used to be a 24/7 thing with anyone and everyone. Pull, pull, pull, completely neurotic



One should never ever play tug o war with a dominate aggresive dog,,,all that does is re enforce that they are the alfa....if you must play this with them always make sure you win!

Sounds as if you really have your hands full but I bet there is a really good boy in there,he just does not know it yet.

Good luck with Boomer....

Hey Stacie what is that bone you spoke of?? The raw hides I give Logan are about 2' long and it takes him about a month to destroy one...

Sally

[Dobiegirl51]

Hey Stacie this is a pic of the raw hides I use.....they are a bit pricey but worth it....Pet s mart is the only place I have found them this big also....

[attachment=8265:Logan_038.jpg]

[Vicki]

Thanks! It helps as the eyes well up.

Yea, the tug games are not a good thing - that habbit got broke quick. The best replacement was one of those cattle bones found at Petsmart. He's been at it for a month and a half and still working on it. They're about 1.5 feet long. The only thing he can't destroy in 1 hour. When he gets bored all I have to do I say "where's your bone Boom?" and he'd run get it and lays down for a while knawing away. The vet's congratulated me on brushing his teeth during his checkup last. I laughed and said he's a self flosser. I've found raw hides too messy and my English Bulldog used to get them half swallowed and choke if she got a raw hide. Although given the dobes almost indistructible nature it may not be such a problem - Boomer's eaten plastic - the bottom of his crate, rubber, stuffing, stuff out of the trash that I don't even want to know about and my underwear. I find it all in the yard the next day. (he's got a stainless steel crate bottom now & I make sure my laundry hamper is locked away at all times in the closet)

Again - thank you all for the support!!!!!!

[doberpagegirl]

I am sorry it's not working out with Boomer. I'm sure you must feel badly, but your child's safety has to come first, that's perfectly understandable. The right dog for your family is out there, as is the right family for Boomer. Good luck.

[Stacie]

Hey Stacie this is a pic of the raw hides I use.....they are a bit pricey but worth it....Pet s mart is the only place I have found them this big also....

[attachment=8265:Logan_038.jpg]

Really, that long?? Those things are gone in 2 days in my house. Lilo usually finishes them both - poor Magnum - he'll get to chew on his for a day and then when hers is done she takes Magnums.

[Dobiegirl51]

I guess we are lucky with Logan......He chews on them for awhile then goes and plays with his tennis balls or cuddles with me, walks with Daddy.....he has never chewed anything he is not suppose too, no accidents in the house....wow he is a really GOOD boy...now if we could just get ride of the goose....

I wish I had the magic answer for Boomer so he would be a good boy for you....he is such a cutie.....

Sally

PS: Hey Stacie you never did tell me the name of that bone with the meat you spoke of???

[Dobiegirl51]

They are 24" (had hubbby measure) maybe this pic shows it better.....Wow ur furkids can devour one of these in two days??? Do they take a break? Logan chews on his till it gets soft then pulls off little pieces, then plays with it....like throwing it in the air......DUCK


[attachment=8267:Logan_035.jpg]

[Stacie]

No Sally, no breaks. Lilo loves to chew and if she doesn't have something of her own she will find something that is ours - remember the couch, my husbands work boots, etc. The bones I buy are made by merrick - @ 5 - 6 inches long and are real cow bones - I will get the exact name today at work. I love them and so does Lilo and they are around $4.00 ea.