Im getting a dog!

[Twisterdog]

So what is it about the toy poodle that is wrong for your family, that adding shih tzu to it makes it all better? And well I can't help but add that it's sad you are paying someone for their mixed breed puppies, therefore reinforcing their ideas that it's good to breed mixed breed puppies, which is something I'm against.

Amen! I agree 110%!!

looking up info on the breed ... if you have any tips on raising dogs please post them

It's good that you are doing this, some people don't. However, it would have been much better if you would have looked at this before commiting to and falling in love with this dog. What if, after looking up info on the breedS (not "breed", "breeds" - the dog is a mixed breed, not a purebred), you decide that shih tzus and/or poodles aren't compatible with your lifestyle? Then what? Same with tips on raising a puppy ... what if you realize that it is practically impossible to train and housetrain and socialize a seven week old puppy, while both your parents and you are gone all day? Then what?

And please do some research on back yard breeders, designer mutts and puppy mills, as well as the euthanasia/pet overpopulation crisis. I think once you see the horrors, you will think twice before putting more money into these people's pockets when you get older and have to oportunity to purchase another dog.

http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Fair/1901/chart.html

[aly]

Originally posted by Shelteez2
So what is it about the toy poodle that is wrong for your family, that adding shih tzu to it makes it all better?

Its very possible that it was the personalities of the individual litters, and not the breed so much. They saw two different litters and just picked the latter because they connected with them more. It sounds like she is basing it on breed, but I think she meant on personality.

[stacwase]

Cherry, congratulations on getting a dog! If your dog is cared for properly, she will reward you with years of love and happiness!

Have you ever have any dogs before? Do you need advice on dogs in general, or just Shih-poos?

I think the most important things to remember are that dogs generally really, really want to please their owners. If they're doing something wrong it's not because they're bad dogs - it's because they don't understand what it is that you want.

Housebreaking is a prime example. A lot of people think that their dogs know they need to go outside, and that if they make a mess inside then they're being willingly disobedient. That is absolutely not true. If your dog goes potty indoors then there are a lot of things that could be going on, but being a "bad dog" is definitely not one of them. Either she tries to hold it but can't because she hasn't been let out often enough, or she doesn't understand that she's supposed to only go outside, or there's something physical wrong with her, or maybe she's submissively urinating.

Physical punishment is never effective, and it's never OK. It doesn't work - it leads to a lot of behavioral problems. Don't hit her or rub her nose in anything, jerk her by her collar etc. etc. etc. You must always always be gentle with her so that she knows you love her and she'll love you back.

There's just so much to know - you really should buy a book. I recommend "Good Owners, Great Dogs" but there are a lot of really good instructional books available. The only one I haven't liked is "Dog Training by Bash". The author of that one takes up a lot of space name dropping and bragging about himself, and doesn't give a lot of good advice about dogs.

Please come back to Pet Talk often. There are a lot of very nice people on here who can help you out with any problem you can possibly have with your new furbundle of joy.

[Dawn]

Great advise stacwase.
I recommend paper training to start on small pups and very young pups, especially if you are going to be in school during the day and your parents are working. Little dogs and small pups have small bladders and cannot hold for very long, this will teach them to keep it in a place that you are "okay" with. Confine the pup to a small area and put paper all over. She will go on the paper to relieve herself, little by little remove paper till it is only in a small place in the confined area. Always put her on it if you catch her peeing anywhere else, and tell her good girl when she goes there. As she gets bigger, move the paper closer to the door you use to bring her out to pee. Whenever you are home and able to take her out-do it and always tell her good girl for going outside-but when you can't take her out-she will go on the paper. Eventually you will be able to move the paper outside (or basically remove it) You will know when to - watch her, she will begin to let you know when she has to go out. But remember in housebreaking-every pup and dog is different-some take longer than others-but patience and understanding is the key to good training.
Good luck-as for the name-when you look into those little eyes -the right name will come.
Oh-and just for a comment to those that have chastised you for purchasing a mix breed dog-well anyone who gives away a puppy should think twice-mixed breed or not- charging a fee will help assure a good home. And- not everyone who breeds from their home is a "backyard breeder" a lot of reputable breeders keep their pups in their home with their families, I personally would only buy a pup from a breeder that raises the pups in their home with their families, and for your information, this mix of dog is something people have been doing for a while now-they have been actually trying to start a new breed-where do you think new breeds of dogs come from? They don't just appear from nowhere-they are made by mixing 2 or several different purebreeds together.
My Tyr is what you would call a mix-breed and I did pay for him - and I have what I consider the best dog in the world-the man who sold him to me-yes-what you would call a "backyard breeder" but he started the socializing and paper training on those pups and made it very easy to housebreak him. So-before you start pointing fingers and making statements-think about it and get the info on it. A lot of pure-bred breeders don't take the time to do those things-and that is why there are so many homeless pure-breds!

[Twisterdog]

And in case anyone misses my response to the relearning thread, I will post it here as well:


Well, I too am one of the people who posted in the shih tzu/poodle puppy thread.

And I stand by what I posted 100%.

I do not feel I was mean or rude in any way. I was honest. Sometimes honesty is not what someone wants to hear, but it needs to be said nonetheless.

Here's a story for you all: You know by now, I'm sure, that my number one soap box is back yard breeders, puppy mills, pet stores, designer mutts, etc. Well, guess what ... I learned these lessons the hard way. My first dog, Lacie, I bought from a pet store. Before she came to the pet store she was born in an Amish puppy mill in Indiana. I didn't know anything about pet store puppies or puppy mills. I just thought she was cute. Actually, what I thought was that I was getting the "best of the best" in the dog world ... because she came from a pet store and had AKC papers.

Two days after I got her, she became deathly ill. She had parvo. So much for the "vaccinations" she got, huh? That was just the beginning of her problems, including worms, mange, dehydration, etc. I was still paying on that vet bill years later.

Lacie also has epilepsy, which developed before the age of one. She has been on phenobarbitol, which causes liver damage, to control grand mal seizures for thirteen years. She also has an enlarged heart and defective heart valves. I have been told by numerous vets, including Colorado State University Veterinarian College, that both of these problems are inherited problems, caused by poor breeding practices.

I have literally spent the cost of a small car on her vet care over the last fourteen years. I make a monthly payment to my vet, just like the house payment and the electricity bill. Not to mention the pain and suffering she has been through. And why? Because a greedy back yard breeder/puppy mill didn't care about anything but money, and a greedy pet store owner agreed.

And .... because no one told me about these things. I had to learn the hard way. And when someone finally did tell me - my wonderful vet - she didn't sugar coat it and ooooh and aaaah over my cute little puppy mill/pet store puppy. She told me in no uncertain terms the way it was, and how I had been part of the problem, not part of the solution. I listened, and I listened good, and it changed my life. She said what had to be said, even if it wasn't pretty, and for that I am forever grateful.

I got involved in shelters and rescues shortly after buying Lacie, and have been involved ever since. I have seen things that no one should have to see happen to animals. I can't begin to count the thousands of dogs I've seen die. And why? Greed again. And because no one told these people that there is a better way, another way.

I will tell people. I will be the voice that needs to be heard. It is the least I can do for the Lacie's of the world ... and worse yet, for the mother's of the Lacie's of the world - stuck in a 2 foot by 2 foot cage, having two litters a year; filthy, sick, hungry, with mange and maggots. I've seen it first hand. Then, when they can't have puppies anymore, they are killed, and another put in that cage. I will be the voice for them.

And if that offends someone or hurts someone's feelings, I'm sorry. The real world isn't always sunshine and roses. But turning a blind eye to the problems of the dog fancy and sticking your head in the sand only makes it worse.

[Foam]

Calm down, guys!
It's not your place to say whether her dog will be good for her or not...Shih Poos can adapt to MANY lifestyles. I know from experience with Darlin.
Chill out, and just be happy for her!

[Twisterdog]

Oh-and just for a comment to those that have chastised you for purchasing a mix breed dog-well anyone who gives away a puppy should think twice-mixed breed or not- charging a fee will help assure a good home.

I never said anything about charging a fee or giving away dogs. I am vehemently opposed to "free to a good home" puppies. Of course charging a fee is better than not charging a fee. Dogs given away for free often end up in research labs, courtesy of what is commonly called a buncher or Class B dealer. I don't know where you got that anyone had a problem with charging a fee for any dog.

And- not everyone who breeds from their home is a "backyard breeder" a lot of reputable breeders keep their pups in their home with their families, I personally would only buy a pup from a breeder that raises the pups in their home with their families,

Again, I never said that at all. Of course reputable breeders keep their pups in a home with their families. I never said otherwise. Backyard breeder is a term coined to mean breeders that have no clue what they are doing. They buy a dog, they breed it with their cousins dog, and they sell the puppies to the first person with the cash. No genetic testing, no health screening, no thought to confirmation to breed standard, no home screening, no adoption contract. THAT is a backyard breeder, not everyone who happens to raise puppies in their home. Again, I don't know where you got that.

and for your information, this mix of dog is something people have been doing for a while now-they have been actually trying to start a new breed-

And for YOUR information, I know very well what this mix is and how long it's been being done. I know this because I have seen them gassed and given lethal injections at shelters in three states for two decades now. Yep, you bet ... cute little shihapoos, gassed with car exhaust, just like all those big ole' mutts. And why? Because there are too many dogs, and not enough homes. 99% of people breeding should stop, I don't care what cute mutt they gave a fancy name to. Too many dogs, not enough homes, dogs die. It seems rather simple to me. I have no idea why people can't comprehend it.

where do you think new breeds of dogs come from? They don't just appear from nowhere-they are made by mixing 2 or several different purebreeds together.

We don't need any more breeds. There is no niche or need that the dog fancy desires that cannot be filled by a dog that already exists. And again, I repeat myself ... there are too many dogs, and not enough homes. 99% of people breeding should stop, I don't care what cute mutt they gave a fancy name to. Too many dogs, not enough homes, dogs die. It seems rather simple to me. I have no idea why people can't comprehend it.

[wolfsoul]

Good luck-as for the name-when you look into those little eyes -the right name will come.
Oh-and just for a comment to those that have chastised you for purchasing a mix breed dog-well anyone who gives away a puppy should think twice-mixed breed or not- charging a fee will help assure a good home. And- not everyone who breeds from their home is a "backyard breeder" a lot of reputable breeders keep their pups in their home with their families

All reputable breeders SHOULD raise puppies in their home. The point that these people raising puppies in their home is not why we said BYB --- There are many reasons. Twisterdog has stated some. For one, if this person WAS really a reputable breeder, they would have started a program, contacted registries, informed many people of their intentions to start a new breed, and contacted some breeders/potential breeders to also contact registries, build a standard (which is extremely difficult when you just start considering it takes alot of work to make a mutt purebred), etc. Reputable breeders also don't post ads in the paper regarding born litters. They either breed on demand or put ads up BEFORE the litter is born so they get enough reservations.

and for your information, this mix of dog is something people have been doing for a while now-they have been actually trying to start a new breed-where do you think new breeds of dogs come from? They don't just appear from nowhere-they are made by mixing 2 or several different purebreeds together.

Did you know that every one dog is put down every 4 seconds in the US? We don't need any more dogs, and the majority of dogs that are put down are mutts. When the overpopulation crisis is over with, THEN we can start breeding mutts, and RESPONSIBLY.

My Tyr is what you would call a mix-breed and I did pay for him - and I have what I consider the best dog in the world-the man who sold him to me-yes-what you would call a "backyard breeder" but he started the socializing and paper training on those pups and made it very easy to housebreak him. So-before you start pointing fingers and making statements-think about it and get the info on it. A lot of pure-bred breeders don't take the time to do those things-and that is why there are so many homeless pure-breds!

Well guess what? I also have a mix breed dog. And she is also the best dog in the world. But I would give her up if that meant that BYB's and puppy mills would be stopped. So what if a mutt is easy to paper train? So is every other breed of puppy. And mutts make over 60% of the dogs in shelters. Not including the ones on the streets. So how can you say that there are sooo many homeless purebreds when we have sooo many more homeless mutts?

[Shelteez2]

Originally posted by Foam
Calm down, guys!
It's not your place to say whether her dog will be good for her or not...Shih Poos can adapt to MANY lifestyles. I know from experience with Darlin.
Chill out, and just be happy for her!

Nobody's get overly excited here. And nobody said that her dog wouldn't be good for her, and nobody said that a poodle/shih ztu cross can't adapt. Any breed can adapt.

[Shelteez2]

Originally posted by Dawn
A lot of pure-bred breeders don't take the time to do those things-and that is why there are so many homeless pure-breds!

Homeless purebreds come from byb's.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Originally posted by Dawn

So-before you start pointing fingers and making statements-think about it and get the info on it. A lot of pure-bred breeders don't take the time to do those things-and that is why there are so many homeless pure-breds!

I'll admit it. I bought Molly from a back-yard breeder. But that was wayyyy before I knew about them, or puppy mills. She has major issues, and socialization problems. If I could, would I give her back? Never. She means to much to me.
As to your comment, there are MANY more homeless mutts out there then purebreds.

[Shelteez2]

Originally posted by GoldenRetrLuver
I'll admit it. I bought Molly from a back-yard breeder. But that was wayyyy before I knew about them, or puppy mills. She has major issues, and socialization problems. If I could, would I give her back? Never. She means to much to me.
As to your comment, there are MANY more homeless mutts out there then purebreds.

I got Emily from a byb too. In one way her breeder was really good. Taught my family all about crate training and house training etc. We got Emily when she was 12 weeks old and she was practically house trained. But she didn't do any genetic testing. She did not breed to the standard.
Would I give her up? No way, she is my heart dog through and through. But I still wonder what problems might crop up as she gets older.

I went the responsible route with Clipse, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a purebred dog.

[Twisterdog]

Oh, and something I forgot to add .....

I currently own ten dogs - seven purebreds and three mixed breeds. I have nothing whatsoever against mixed breeds, I adore all my dogs.

And, except for Lacie, whom I posted about above ... all my dogs were rescued from shelters and animal controls.

And, as an aside, the ratio of purebred to mixed breeds in shelters varies by region, but averages less than 25% purebred, at least 75% mixed breed.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

We got Molly when she was almost 6 months old. She had an umbilical hernia, and just didn't look like a happy puppy. Her breeder didn't do any genetic testing, and Molly is no-where near the breed standard. I too, wonder what health problems she might develop in the past, but she's still my baby.

[wolfsoul]

Leather was from a BYB. Her father was a conformation champion. Doesn't make the breeder good in any way. Leather's coming about was an accident, but irresponsible nevertheless. She is waaaaay far from the breed standard. Her mother wasn't anywhere near it either. We heard that her mother was half wolf, but I don't know. Leather acts all German shepherd. She has cancer...she has cataracts...she has canine compulsive disorder...Just a small portion of the problems you get from backyard breeders...