Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Sally PB]

Temps are supposed to stay above freezing around the clock for a full week.

Yeah, I saw that. Our road will be such a mess.

When we get a thaw like this, I get very antsy for spring. I'll probably see what I can do in the garden, just out of spring fever. Turn the compost, or something.

 

[RaZ]

I'm looking forward to the warmer days. I'm so tired of being cold. Good news is that my loan went through and I paid for the new furnace. The bad news is that I don't have a firm installation date. I hope to hear tomorrow.

Winston saw the vet yesterday for his second round of shots. Little guy is gaining about a pound a day. 15 pounds as of yesterday. He recognizes his name and we are working on "sit". He understands about half the time. House training has been excellent.

Having a new puppy has brought me a new joy of life.

 

[chickflick]

Our pets sure do bring a lot of joy into our lives. Can't imagine not having a dog.

 

[Sally PB]

We're talking about getting a second one. The one we're looking at is a year old, shelter pup, house broken (advertised as such). I've never gotten a new (to me) dog in the winter, just because getting "out to do business in time" is harder. We've also never had two dogs at once. I never have; DH grew up with multiple dogs.

My biggest reservation? Our current dog does not do well on a leash -- no manners. DH is strong enough to control her, and puts up with it. She knows I'm not, and takes advantage of it. I would have to enforce leash training on any other dog we got, and I'm wondering how it would go.

Does anyone have experience with the anti-pull leashes/harnesses? Do they work?

 

[Dreamzchaser]

Hope everyone had a good Christmas!

 

[RaZ]

We're talking about getting a second one. The one we're looking at is a year old, shelter pup, house broken (advertised as such). I've never gotten a new (to me) dog in the winter, just because getting "out to do business in time" is harder. We've also never had two dogs at once. I never have; DH grew up with multiple dogs.

My biggest reservation? Our current dog does not do well on a leash -- no manners. DH is strong enough to control her, and puts up with it. She knows I'm not, and takes advantage of it. I would have to enforce leash training on any other dog we got, and I'm wondering how it would go.

Does anyone have experience with the anti-pull leashes/harnesses? Do they work?

From the time of my first wife I have always had at least 2 dogs and 2 or 3 cats in the house. I don't think winter house training is that bad. You are sort of forced to go out in the cold with the new pup. It's a good excuse to go out and get some fresh air for yourself. As much as I've become cold intolerant, getting out side for a potty break isn't that bad. Winston is a short-haired dog so he is not all that fond of cold weather. I think that helps to get "business" done as quickly as possible.
I've watched a few videos on leash training and they seem to favour introducing the leash while inside so the dog can get used to it in a comfortable setting. IDK. I think it depends on the pup. Winston doesn't like the leash right now but I think the leash I have is too heavy for his size right now. I have a shoulder harness for him but it is too big right now. Leash training is something new that we need to work on. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
House training is going well and he is starting to recognize his name. "Sit" command works most of the time. So does "outside" for the potty breaks. I think it helps that the old dog (Bella) responds to the same commands. She is helping the puppy learn the rules.

Good luck with your new pup and give it time to blend in with your family. I think you will be fine.

 

[RaZ]

Furnace is scheduled to be installed on Monday. That is a load of worry off my mind. My seasoned firewood is gone. What is left is wood that I cut in the fall. Not really seasoned enough for good fires but it keeps the chill at bay once it catches.

 

[Folly's place]

We have had as many as four dogs at once, and two is a good number. Your new dog will want to follow your adult, a good thing, if your adult does things right.
Leash training is essential, and takes time, no matter what method or equipment you decide to use. I'm
old school' and like a slip collar mostly. The one harness that fails is the one with the attachment on the top (dog's back) which could be attached to a wagon. In other words, the dog is happy to haul you around with it!
Look at local trainers, visit, call, see who might work out for you and your dog.
Mary

 

[Sally PB]

Thanks for the dog tips. We haven't decided for sure even to go look; she's at a shelter about 60 miles away. She's a year old, and advertised as house broken, but I wouldn't bet on that 100%. If she doesn't appear to get along with Freya, game over before it begins.

I'm going to get one of the Halti harness collars next Wednesday when I'm in Grand Rapids for my chiro appointment. If we get the new dog, she'll wear it from day one. If we don't, Freya will wear it whenever I walk her. Right now she wears a harness, and yeah, she could pull a fairly heavy cart.

Oh, before I forget:

GO BLUE!!!

 

[chickflick]

Take Freya with you when you go meet the dog. Milo actually pick out his baby brother. Put his paw on Otis's head, twice. Best friends and inseparable. Sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for them to adjust.