Pastimes
Running around the yard
Plays with cats
Walks
Tricks for treats
Swiming
Cuddling
Fetch
Find the treat
hide and seek
Tug-of-war
Hike
Trail walks
Plays in snow
Having the dog for almost 2 years now has had it's success and challenges. I'll begin with some challenges. The first and most annoying challenge was working on leash manners. She had terrible leash manners in the begining that was hard to break but she has overcame it well over time. Another challenge was being picky on top of being sensitive to foods she ate. The only types of food she eats that doesn't upset her stomach was home cooked food, and precise holistics kibble. Sometimes she even turns her nose up at these. Picky with treats, and bones. And something that isn't a challenge for myself, but may be for others is grooming. These dogs SHED. If you can't fathom dealing with hair on everything this isn't the dog for you. I brush my dog every 2 days to help keep shedding to a minimum. I would reccomend vaccuming at least once a week.
On to the positives:
Was fully potty trained by about 4 months old. Learned basic commands and tricks quick and easy. Dog is extremely friendly especially to children. Loving and cuddly. Dog doesn't understand personal space, or that she's too big to be a lap dog (at least to others). Velcro dog which is my favorite and most desired trait of a dog. Always wants to be by my side, and do what i do. Seperation anxiety was an issue in the begining but has been resolved over time. The dog rarely barks. She only barks during play, or may let out 1 or 2 barks when dogs walk by. She mostly does a very short low pitched "woof". Only dog I've met that doesnt bark when the doorbell rings just goes straight to her bed like a good girl. This dog doesn't make a lot of noise, but wouldn't be a good choice if you have neighbors below you. Mouth is quiet feet are loud. Does wonderful with cats of all ages. Grew up with a kitten and has great respect for the disabled senior cat that moved in. I have no worries at all with this dog around indoor cats. Has lived with a small dog growing up as well and does the best with the smaller creatures. Large dogs seem to scare her so we avoid them. We took her to the dog parks in the area once a week every week up until she was a year old and enjoyed it greatly, and was never involved in any fights. We halted dog park visits as she became more fearful with larger dogs after being chased, and bullied by a much larger dog than her. Dog parks are wonderful, but beware of irresponsible owners. The dog started out with never ending energy although she has calmed down a lot with age, being fixed, and giving her more mental stimulation on top of slightly more physical excersize. I suggest on rainy days making a play area inside. I let her run around in the basement, play fetch, tug, hide and seek, and find the treat indoors. Oh and crates. My dog was crate trained and left at home alone for 4 hours a day. Crate was a horrible idea being alone. She would tear apart anything inside. I suggest if you must use a crate please put them by a window if you can so they aren't completely bored out of their mind. I decided to get gates instead and it was an amazing decision. No more ripped up beds, and a happier dog. The dog has brought much joy and security to my life. Wonderful and goofy companion. She is a great balance of protective. Welcomes people with open arms, but I know if anyone were to try and assault me this dog would protect me no doubt. This dog is a motivater for me to get off the couch more and I have lost 20lbs within 2 years since having her. Not a good choice in dog for couch potatoes, those who work long hours, or those who think the dog will be fine at home alone for long periods of time.
1 year ago
