I've put in an application to adopt a very cute, sweet Catahoula Leopard dog mix and he's eleven weeks old... There's plenty of time for him, I've got supportive family members and they have agreed to allowing me to have him here. I'm still waiting on the notification if I've been accepted or not but I want to make sure I know everything I need.. its been a while since I've had a puppy. But I've also been researching his breed like crazy so I am prepared

I've got a crate, (hes currently being crated at night... ) puppy food, toys, grooming supplies, I've got a vet set up for him, in the process of trying to determine how high of a fence I need to build for the backyard (if I get him) I've got leashes, collar, food bowls, I'll have him registered with the city the day I get him... Am I missing anything guys? I call you all my online family and I'd like your input... I'll add the link for his adoption page on kijiji so you can see pictures of him

Rescue Catahoula Leopard Mix Puppy - Calgary Dogs & Puppies For Sale - Kijiji Calgary (http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-pets-dogs-puppies-for-sale-Rescue-Catahoula-Leopard-Mix-Puppy-W0QQAdIdZ182892301)

He's adorable and his name is Jasper! My border collie is named Jasper. :)

How big will he get? What kind of energy does his breed have? I don't anything about either of his breeds but I'm sure you've done your research and have everything necessary to make him a new addition to your home.

I hope you get him. :)

They are a medium to large dog alty.. around 90 pounds at max usually. A Medium to high energy dog. Which suits me well as I'm always active now and I go out in the woods a lot. I'm not sure what he's mixed with but the catahoula leopard dog is extremely evident with him. And he does have one glass eye (blue) and the other is brown or green..
Thank you alty I hope I get him too. I know I only lost rebel in November but I feel ready to give my love and my home to another dog. Especially since he is a rescue and deserves to be loved more than anything in the world
*edit* -- My aunt found him online and said he looked like he deserved someone like me. Everyone who has seen his pictures says they think he would be a good dog for me. I understand with being a rescue he may come with unseen problems but I am prepared for that and plan on also taking him to obedience classes down the road

*edit again* down the road as in at the place down the road lol

Binx, he's a beautiful dog,its sounds like you have everything covered,I can't think of anything just yet,I noted that shaz had suggested a water bottle for a crate,sounds like a good idea,but maybe you have something already.

Great to see you in good form.

I was reading an article on these dogs, and they can actually climb trees! If you type the name of the dog in You Tube, it shows all kinds of videos of these dogs climbing trees. It was un beleiveable
He really is gorgeous! Sounds like to me you have every thing under control!
Good luck!

One thing I worry about is the tiny hernia on his tummy... do those actually disappear with time.. I know of one dog with a hernia and his got worse instead of better but he is also plagued with skin problems and deformities in his front legs. (he was bought as show quality and the breeders ripped a lot of people off and sold them very sick dogs though he is in an awesome home now)

This is some breed information on them:
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Information and Pictures (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/catahoula.htm)

Jasper is adorable.

Have you looked into training classes? It looks like his breed would be very happy being worked in a variety of ways like obedience training or agility.

Good luck. :)

I never thought about agility that would be loads of fun I think :D wow thanks cat

I never thought about agility that would be loads of fun i think :D wow thanks cat

You're welcome. :) Just remember that it will a long time before he is really mature enough physically for agility. Use these months to get him trained in obedience and to find out more about it in your area.

You are probably going to have a lot of the same training issues that border collie trainers have of keeping the dog's mind working so it doesn't get bored plus the added fun of trying to keep him contained. I have a feeling that this little guy could go over a chain link fence in a heartbeat if he thinks he could get away with it.

My old neighbour had one when I was a kid, they could build no fence high enough, and he dug holes deeper then their in ground swimming pool!
The key was like cat said to keep them pre occupied!
And he was amazing at fly ball!

Hernias can be fixed during neuter. You can fix it at any time, but I think its easier on the dog and on you to have all surgeries done at once. Hernias typically happen when mama dog nips too close when she is removing the umbilical cord.

As for the fencing... Dogs don't typically jump fences unless they are shown. If you get a puppy young enough, and teach him that being around people is more rewarding then taking off and jumping fences, your dog will stay in any fence.

When it comes to training, I'm not a big fan of 8-12wk old puppies in obedience classes... Usually at that age its more socializing and bonding then teaching sit and stay. 5 months is a good time to start. The puppy hasn't really developed any bad behaviors at that age. I always recommend to do a puppy class then wait about 6 months to continue training classes. At that point, you can decide if you would like to do agility or more advanced classes. I never recommend Petsmart or Petco... The trainers are not that vary well trained, and their tactics don't very by what your dog needs. Good reputable trainers can be found at boarding facilities,vet offices and recommendations from other people.

But congrats on getting a puppy! They're so much fun! And the bonding is so incredibly sincere.

Sorry Lucky, I disagree, the younger they start the better. Have you ever noticed that MOST times a trainers dog is SO well behaved , not saying that ALL trainers, but a lot of the ones I have been around always do, well they start their training from the minute they get the pup usually 8 weeks.
Puppy socialization classes are great thing to start right away, puppies are quite receptive at a young age, and the earlier they learn the better for all involved. Now of course that is just my opinion.The best obedience courses for puppies are group classes where you are present with other dogs and their owners. The puppy learns how to act with other dogs, with you and other dogs, and with many different distractions. These courses simulate the distractions that dogs experience all the time, but your dog learns that you are its anchor no matter what is going on. You become the top dog, the pack leader, alpha etc.
As a general rule the best time to begin obedience training is between 8 weeks and 18 weeks. My trainer says "if they are old enough to vaccinate, they are old enough to be enrolled in classes".

When to Start Dog Training | Dog Obedience Training (http://www.puppy-n-dog-secrets.com/blog/39/when-to-start-dog-training/)

Bark Busters Dog Training, Puppy Training - In Home Dog Obedience Training (http://www.barkbusters.ca/)

Dog obedience training tips (http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/1-19-2006-86773.asp)

Honestly I agree with aurora on this one... the younger the better because also they have not picked up any bad habits and you don't need to try and change those bad habits.

I wasn't saying that its not a good idea to start obedience classes at 8wks, I just stated I'm not a big fan of it. When I taught at Petco, 8wks was the age that was recommended. Probably about 90% of the puppies that started at 8wks only had one shot. I had to mop the area with disinfectant before each class. I know not too many trainers will do that, which is always my main concern at starting at such a young age. 3 shots is preferred, but 2 is adequate. I started actual obedience classes with my own personal puppies at 4-5 months of age. Never had any issues... In fact, my dogs were always at the top of the class. There are certain windows of opportunities in puppies that are key... The bonding, which would be 8-12wks, and the understanding of one another, which happens immediately after owner and puppy bond.

Oh, and.. Puppy socialization classes are completely different from obedience classes. Puppies get frustrated too fast to push obedience at such a young age.

I guess my thoughts, techniques and advise are different from everyone else on this website that no one really gives me any credit for anything that I say. Its starting to get disheartening.

Everyone is different.. I see your still a moderately new member.. as time goes on and people get to know you, and your beliefs and ways of going about things you'll see a change... some people don't research or check information before posting.. and some of us do... please don't be disheartened.. AMHD is a community, and relationships in communities take time. :D

I guess it does come across as that way Lucky, sorry.
I wasn't trying to argue or anything, I guess that's the problem with typing, you can't read emotion unles I put a :) after every sentence. And then I think it would become foolish, and no one would take me seriously ;)
Anyway, you are definitely entitled to your own opinion, I was just giving mine. I think that when I read your posts, you state your opinion like it is a hard known fact, instead of your opinion. But one thing I have noticed on this site is with SO many knowledgeable (and not) people on here, there is bound to be people and their opinions that clash. You gave good advice, I just disagree with the age on beginning training.

And yes, I know that puppy classes and obeidience classes are two different things.

:)

I actually do a lot of research. I read a lot of articles and observe a lot of different training techniques... I listen to everyone's story. Half the time I read great information,I never book mark it and can't ever find it again.

My career revolves around dogs. I'm going to school to be a pro. Dog trainer with my ultimate goal being a Behaviorist. I want to open a "health food" store for animals and open up a boarding kennels. My dreams are huge and I currently have $35 to my name until pay day. All my money goes to my dogs... they eat better than me :) So I guess if I posted as if I were doubting myself, it wouldn't look very good on my half. I know people aren't aware of how other posts are on here, but everyone else comes across as "my facts are more accurate than yours"... I guess its all just human nature...

Might I ask.. just out of curiosity's sake where you are attending school for this.. its one thing I've always wondered..

See Lucky, that's the thing, I am not saying that you should post as you doubt yourself, I am just saying just because it's an opinion, doesn't mean it's a fact. It just so happens I disagree with most of your opinion/facts. Such as a dog not jumping a fence unless it's been taught.
And the puppies I've had, had some of the worst bad habbits, i.e.. Chewing, barking, messing in the house, nipping etc, etc. When you take your dog to obiedience classes they are simply learning that you are the 'pack' leader, same with puppies.
Yes they can get frustrated easier, but that is why you go to obiedience classes for puppies, most classes are pretty much self paced, and actual training time is between 20-30 minutes out of the hour class with lots of breaks in between for potty and water breaks. It's more about learning the "method behind the madness" so to speak.

Its called the Animal Behavior College. I believe it is based out of Cali. It's a very reputable training college. Instead of classes throughout the entire course, they pair you up with a mentor. There is a lady who is offering her mentoriship for $500 for 6 weeks who went to this school. I know of one other trainer in my area who trains from her home/kennel that went to this school as well.

Trust me.. I'm not saying not to take a puppy to obedience classes. Its needed... It's the only way that new dog owners are going to get the right advise. Ive trained a lot of puppies before though while working at Petco. The puppies never really understood much of what was being taught until the last class. Puppies learn at a different pace then adult dogs. Puppy Socialization classes are the best way to go. The classes cover very basic obedience, but is mainly there for questions that owners may have, and of coarse, the socializing part. I strongly believe that dogs have windows of opportunities in training... I've seen older puppies do better at obedience then the 8wk old puppies... Puppies need to bond to their owners first.. otherwise the commands won't be as powerful. But that's just want I witnessed...

I'm a little late on this conversation and to be honest I haven't read back :o

We don't allow puppies to be around a lot of other dogs until 3 months of age when we know all their shots are done and they are safe.
At dog shows puppies aren't shown until 3 months of age mostly for this reason.

However... when we get a new pup we do a lot of socialising... we take the pup to pet stores, into town, parks etc but we don't allow the puppy on the ground unless we know the place is safe (eg: middle of town where little if any other dogs go)

Training in general starts from the minute the puppy gets home... a lot of people let their puppy have a 'settling in period' to let them get used to their surroundings... bad idea, that just reinforces any bad bahaviour that may start in the first few days.

Obedience classes don't always guarantee a well socialized dog. Besides... a well socialized dog is not a dog that is a social butterfly with other dogs or people... Its based on how well the dog acts/behaves in crowds,different situations, etc.

I strongly think that obedience/puppy classes should start when the puppy has the shots that are needed to protect the puppy from disease... Parvo/Distemper just isn't worth risking. All it takes is for a shoe to walk over a contaminated area and your puppy is exposed.

I do agree with socialization first. I wouldn't be taking him right away if I was to get him.. I thank you for all of your kind caring information and shaz thanks for joining hun lol...
The school sounds very interesting and I think mentors is a wonderful idea. Hands on learning I find is the easiest way to learn things instead of trying to memorize words in a book. That's why I love the college I will be re-attending come September (yes the pup will be going with me ) I do know that 100% the pup has all the required shots for his age.. which then arises the next question on my list.. In canada ( as I know laws and rules can be different in other countries) what other shots would my pup need and at what ages.. I know I can just ask a vet but I would like some knowledge before hand... All of my other dogs I've owned have been older than pups and have had their shots already

.. In canada ( as i know laws and rules can be different in other countries) what other shots would my pup need and at what ages.. i know i can just ask a vet but i would like some knowledge before hand... All of my other dogs i've owned have been older than pups and have had their shots already

Nice to see you around again, bin, and you are moving right along with everything which is great ! This site is pretty comprehensive for the information you want on what vacs are needed in Canada. If you can't read this url, which is sometimes the case, you will have to cut and paste:

Puppies | Vaccination Schedule (http://www.purina.ca/mypuppy/article.aspx?article_id=670)

Tick

Tick, its nice to be back also.. I missed everyone. Thank you for the link. It does work for me :D *HUGS*

Well... guess I'm not getting jasper.. they refused my application just because I didn't have a fence built in my back yard. I wasn't even going to let him loose like that nor leave him chained up

Well.... guess im not getting jasper.. they refused my application just because i didnt have a fence built in my back yard. i wasnt even going to let him loose like that nor leave him chained up

I am sorry. :(

Rules sometimes keep good people and good animals apart. I am glad though that you went through the process. It is a step forward.

I don't know of you are breed specific, but you should check out Ador-a-bull. They resuce the bully breeds that are slated to be euthanized due to their breeds. Before you do make sure you live in a province that doesn't support the BSL.
Or you can check out pet finder, they are a rescue group, or check out the Alberta Animal Rescue, their web site is
Animal Rescue Foundation (http://www.arf.ab.ca/)
Good luck, remember everything happens for a reason! :)

Well.... guess im not getting jasper.. they refused my application just because i didnt have a fence built in my back yard. i wasnt even going to let him loose like that nor leave him chained up

A few years ago I went to the greyhound rescue mission here in Ontario because, after having a Borzoi, and wanting another, and not being able too, I settled on a greyhound. They come off the tracks in Florida and before they can be euthenized for being too old to race, or however they determine that option, they are shipped up here to Stoney Lake, Ontario. Make a long story short, I was disqualified because I didn't have enough carpet in my home but everything else was okay ! My Borzoi from years ago had a problem with tile and hardwood only because his legs were so long, some greyhounds are hug e and long legs, so I could see the problem. Needless to say I was dissapointed so if anyone knows of my first choice a Borzoi or greyhound, either one that needs adoption, I would be forever grateful. I don't care how old. They are a wonderful breed and I did so enjoy my old fellow.

Bin, I know how disappointed you must be, but hang in there girl, another option may come up yet.

I never actually thought of inquiring here. Our forum members are so widely placed, it still could be an option.

Tick

I don't know of you are breed specific, but you should check out Ador-a-bull. They resuce the bully breeds that are slated to be euthanized due to their breeds. Before you do make sure you live in a province that doesn't support the BSL.
Or you can check out pet finder, they are a rescue group, or check out the Alberta Animal Rescue, their web site is
Animal Rescue Foundation (http://www.arf.ab.ca/)
Good luck, remember everything happens for a reason! :)

Aurora-Bell, I am so glad you stuck around with us ! Keep an eye open for me for Borzoi, I would appreciate it. Some people don't understand this breed and they end up for adoption. I have only seen one advertised in the last l5 years in the paper and I wasn't quick enough !

Tick

I am on it! :)

I don't know if you have checked here but take a look at:

Borzoi Rescue (http://www.borzoicanada.ca/id40.html)

Canadian Dog Clubs and Dog Rescue - B Index (http://www.dogbiz.com/dog-clubs-can/dog-clubs-can-b-index.htm)

I am on it! :)

Wonderful site, thanks ! But can't call up e mail address to register, but I will keep trying.

Tick

wonderful site, thanks ! But can't call up e mail address to register, but I will keep trying.

tick

What do you mean "can't call up email?" sorry having a moment...