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Ask HN: Advice for first-time dog owners?

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Re: Ask HN: Advice for first-time dog owners?

#21

Post by anotheryou »

torben-friis wrote: post #14

Most important bit of advice you need: there are many many schools of training out there (referring both to books/resources and professional trainers) that base their advice in outdated, unscientific and frankly abusive dominance theories. Long story short, every time you hear or read things like "alpha male", "becoming leader of the pack", or similar, walk away . Despite the theories having been rebuked for decades,…

Also no kennel needed (maybe a barrier until they stop peeing on your carpet at most), just train the dog to behave...

And it makes sense to be very consequent about rules. Don't make exceptions. No food at the table (watch your guests), not going on to the bed, has to ask to join on the couch, no crossing a street without a "go" etc. If you want to share bed and fork with your dog that's of course your choice too :)

And of course don't "calm them down" with food or something when barking...

Re: Ask HN: Advice for first-time dog owners?

#23

Post by senectus1 »

echelon wrote: post #11
personlurking wrote: post #10

Training and socialization are top priorities. It seems obvious but, as I've met unruly dogs, it must not be that obvious to all. Short of those two things, look for videos, forums and communities in general that are specifically for your dog type. Learn about the breed-specific temperment. And something else to think about: consider getting two of [insert pet]. Sure, you can bring your only dog to the dog park, take…

I second the "get two dogs" idea. I have a corgi and a shiba inu and they entertain each other all day long. Their personalities play off of each other. It's really adorable.

Having three Chihuahua's I'll agree whole heartedly.. Don't leave a dog alone at any time... they need companions.

Also, socialize your dogs as often as possible. let them meet and play with lots and lots of other "strange" dogs. It'll help them interact with the outside world better.

Re: Ask HN: Advice for first-time dog owners?

#24

Post by 082349872349872 »

senectus1 wrote: post #23
echelon wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I second the "get two dogs" idea. I have a corgi and a shiba inu and they entertain each other all day long. Their personalities play off of each other. It's really adorable.

Having three Chihuahua's I'll agree whole heartedly.. Don't leave a dog alone at any time... they need companions. Also, socialize your dogs as often as possible. let them meet and play with lots and lots of other "strange" dogs. It'll help them interact with the outside world better.

Socialisation may be easier by following the procedure for picking hunting dogs from a litter: introduce a few novelties, and regard the reactions. Prefer the dogs which show initial interest, then return to what they were doing. Those which either take no notice, or remain overly attentive, are probably more difficult to socialise.

Agree on the companion.

Re: Ask HN: Advice for first-time dog owners?

#25

Post by hprotagonist »

a good dog is a tired dog, writes wes siler, and he’s not wrong.

https://www.outsideonline.com/2177341/theres-no-such-thing-g...

Most of his columns are sensible.

I’ve met one sane jack russell terrier in my life: that dog had 50 acres and 25 head of sheep to occupy himself with every day and he was the sweetest dog ever after he’d gotten his daily work done.

Re: Ask HN: Advice for first-time dog owners?

#27

Post by Fire-Dragon-DoL »

bauerd wrote: post #22
bravura wrote: post #5

A dog is a serious responsibility. I always advise first time pet owners to have a child and see how that goes first.

Because a child is a less serious responsibility or … ?

Because a child signals are potentially easier to understand, due to the parent and the child being from the same species.

Kind of funny, we did make a similar choice (although only in terms of which one first. We wanted children) and the feeling of being incompetent dog owners was one of the reasons pro "no dog"

Re: Ask HN: Advice for first-time dog owners?

#28

Post by brudgers »

Are you adopting a dog or buying one? There are plenty of homes for Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers. Less glamours mutts are counting days before euthanization.

Which is my advice. Know your motivations. Analyze your ability to accept a dog as they are versus demanding they meet your expectations. Every dog will go running with you. Will enjoy cream cheese at breakfast. Will curl up on the bed. Will try to eat a dead seagull on the beach.

Good luck.

Re: Ask HN: Advice for first-time dog owners?

#30

Post by simonblack »

bauerd wrote: post #22
bravura wrote: post #5

A dog is a serious responsibility. I always advise first time pet owners to have a child and see how that goes first.

Because a child is a less serious responsibility or … ?

Best to bring a dog into a family with a child, rather than bringing a child into a family with a dog.

The child needs to be higher in the pecking order, as seen by the dog.

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