Hmmmm.

1) Rogue on Tuesday may be an absolute angel who makes me proud, Rogue on Wednesday might just say 'feck it'. There is no room for complacency.

2) She has a catlike ability to go 'off' & 'on' certain foods from one day to the next that is infurating.

3) Even though she wears a 'No Petting' harness people will still want to 'pet the floofy'

4) She can pretend she won't jump over a 4ft barrier no matter how much you encourage her, but then surprises you with clearing a 6ft groyne on the beach, from standing.

5) She's a master of the 'loom'- she's always there, glowering, in my peripheral vision.

6) She's not got that much hair, so where the hell does all the hair come from?!

7) She has to have the last word.

8) She has opened my eyes (& nose) to the wonder of Animology's 'Fox Poo' shampoo.

9) Anything & everything including a pin dropping in London, has to be brought to my attention by yapping.

10) Last off she's taught me a lot about having a 'non textbook' dog & that sometimes we get the dog we need, rather than the dog we want, & for that I'm very grateful.

 

1. Getting an adolescent bullbreed with little socialisation, as your first dog is one hell of a baptism of fire
2. The above DOES get a whole lot better
3. Food is SHARED
4. Bullbreeds really do smile, I know this because of frowny, grumpy, you are clearly not doing what i want fast enough face
5. I will never own a dog who is hairier than him
6. If your bullbreed happens to be crossed with a hippo you will learn to live with the mud and puddles of water he leaves about the place
7. Walking belt = absolute godsend
8. The IDEAL place for a dog to ride in the car is the front seat clearly, the boot where he actually rides is met with said frowny face.......
9. The love they give THEIR people is relentless and unconditional
10. They are masters of getting you to do their bidding

Yeah I'd go again

 

10 things I've learnt since I became a multi-dog household.

1) There is always a dog behind you, whilst you're peeing, having a bath, taking things out of the oven...
2) Eating requires an audience.
3) Everyone must have a share of anything you're giving out.
4) Bed/toy/people sharing is a serious thing.
5) Walking 4 dogs must mean I am a dog walker. It also means tangled leads.
6) I also get "Who's walking who?", "You've got your hands full" and of course - "you should hook them up to a sled" (That's without a scooter or bike present). I also get "Why do you need 4 dogs?", "I bet your neighbour loves you" and I've even had "I bet your house stinks" (and that was when I only had 3).
7) If I even attempt to do any kind of training with them out in public I MUST be a dog trainer.
8 ) Regardless of having 4; a person or dog will always approach the one I don't want them too.
9) I will always need a bigger car for them, their stuff, my stuff.
10) There is never a limit to cuddles.

 

1. Chinese Crested (well mine at least) are actually half cat
2. Despite being small there is NOTHING he can't or won't jump over
3. All their energy appears to be squashed into 2 zany crazy hours each day. The rest of the time he sleeps. Unless he is at someone else's house, (especially if they have dogs) in which case he won't sleep as long as he is there, and falls into a coma for the next 2 days to compensate.
4. They don't have paws, they have hands. Oliver is addicted to bottle tops and can unscrew them.
5. If he doesn't feel like doing something, he won't, nno matter how much I beg and plead!
6. Everything must be done 'when he is quite ready' e.g. if not ready for his nails to be trimmed, will scream like a banshee if you even come near him with clippers. As soon as he is, he will lie nice and still and allow me to trim.
7. Only sea water is to be tolerated. All other kinds of water are evil.
8. Likes to wrap his paws around your neck and lick your face
9. Can read my feelings like a book and is completely unafraid of my autistic tantrums; he doesn't run and hide, he climbs on top of me and licks my face.
10. Wonderful friend, dog, companion, person, cat

 

1. Chinese Crested (well mine at least) are actually half cat - all cresties i think, I swear mine does cat yoga in the mornings
2. Despite being small there is NOTHING he can't or won't jump over
3. All their energy appears to be squashed into 2 zany crazy hours each day. The rest of the time he sleeps. Unless he is at someone else's house, (especially if they have dogs) in which case he won't sleep as long as he is there, and falls into a coma for the next 2 days to compensate. - agreed
4. They don't have paws, they have hands. Oliver is addicted to bottle tops and can unscrew them.
5. If he doesn't feel like doing something, he won't, nno matter how much I beg and plead!- doubly agreed
6. Everything must be done 'when he is quite ready' e.g. if not ready for his nails to be trimmed, will scream like a banshee if you even come near him with clippers. As soon as he is, he will lie nice and still and allow me to trim.
7. Only sea water is to be tolerated. All other kinds of water are evil.
8. Likes to wrap his paws around your neck and lick your face
9. Can read my feelings like a book and is completely unafraid of my autistic tantrums; he doesn't run and hide, he climbs on top of me and licks my face.
10. Wonderful friend, dog, companion, person, cat

I agree with all the above and here are ten more crestie facts

1] there is never enough room under my desk for a crestie and your feet
2] despite being hairless, they can shed for England
3] my bed is his bed, wherever and for however long
4]if he gets into any of my sons rooms, he will pee on their pillows, just to prove who has the biggest cajones
5]all food must be given as soon as they asks, even if said food is half in your mouth otherwise major ululating will occur, also known as the crestie scream
6] as soon as i go into another room, he will change all my computer pages and open 100's of new ones by jumping on my desk and looking for any crumbs i might've dropped
6] everyone will say 'eww is that a real dog?'
7] or 'bet he feels the cold'
8]personal space is not something they understand, face licking and nose mining are their forte
9] if one of the other dogs dares drink from any water bowl, he will no longer drink from it, in fact, the less he has to drink, the better he likes it, water, in any form, is the devil incarnate, unless it has meat in it, then he will drink it [this is how i got around the non drinking issue]
10] they have blackheads, lots of them and they have to be removed, then exfoliated and body lotion applied, they'll have a better beauty regime than your own

and an extra one, just for luck
11] cresties are like pringles, you just cant have one

 

10 things I have learnt since sharing my life with a terrier cross poodle:

1. If there is someone outside, I have to know about it.
2. Paper is fun :Woot
3. Everything I do must be supervised.
4. My feet are plates, bones must be chewed on them, biscuits crunched on them etc
5. Motorbikes are evil.
6. People MUST be said hello to, even if they are a fair distance away.
7. He may be small but he has a big heart.
8. I get the 'who is walking who' joke.
9. Being stared at disapprovingly is a regular thing.
10. He is my best friend.

 

10 things Ive learnt from having a smooth collie:

1. They talk... alot!
2. Hair.. hair.. hair!!
3. Their noses like to nearly poke your eye out
4. Theyre beautifully natured
5. Super quick!
6. Lovely big smiles
7. Not very snuggly.. well Bigby isnt
8. Hates water.. well mine does
9. Intelligent
10. Could hike for 4 hours or happily snooze all day long

 

Cleo the long coat Chihuahua..

1. She has taught me that a dog that weighs approximately 3kg can produce enough dog hair everyday to coat all my house, and I live in what is considered to be a large terrace house.

2. Psychic ability is of utmost importance to communicate at all times. This is demonstrated by staring towards me, and I must, being a good owner that I am obey the command...or the staring will drive you up the wall.

3. All soft furnishings on sofas, and beds are not for humans use but for Cleo's personal use. There must be a blanket at all times.

4. To check anywhere you sit down, just incase a blanket becomes an attacking object.

5. Sunbathing opportunities are in a specific corner of the garden, and if something has been moved in the way it will be destroyed..such as plant pots.

6. Having your feet licked is disgusting. Thankfully my OH adores it, so Cleo is one happy lady.

7. Dancing for treats is great. Its ritual and whether at home or on a walk must be performed.

8. On the odd occasion when there has been an 'accident' upstairs because her majesty will not get out of bed, so has sprinkled on my landing. She has an amazing talent and produces phallic pictures complete with balls...i never knew dogs could do this!

9. She is the most stubborn dog I have ever owned!

10. Little dogs with major problems, can really turn themselves around regardless of age...obvious but speaks volumes for Cleo from a complete resource guarding ball of horror, who barked at everything she learnt so quickly that things were good...and is still learning!

 

10 things I learned from owning a Maxidog (Oliver's big brother at rainbow bridge)

1. If a lap is available, he must be sitting in it.
2. If another lap becomes available, it must be superior and he will drop you like a stone
3. If you are reading a book, newspaper, eating dinner, he will attempt to sit in it.
4. He owns ALL the beanbags in the world, and will cover them with white fur.
5. He is totally racist and hates all dogs apart from Cavaliers (and the odd labrador)
6. Never assume just because something is out of reach it is safe
7. Never assume a small dog can't pull you over if he sees a bunny rabbit
8. Although he appears lazy, Maxidog is the perfect friend to take on wilderness adventures and will run, walk and trot all day long
9. Maxidog is a thief, fickle, greedy, loves strangers more than his family but I never loved anyone more
10. Nothing can prepare you for the total agony and heartache of losing a Maxidog.

 

10 things I have learnt from owning my first small dog.

1) He will lie right behind you, no matter how many times you have kicked/stood on him in the past from doing this.
2) He is too small for the floor, he needs sofas and beds.
3) He plays like a cat, therefore can be as fussy as one with food.
4) His personality is 1000 times the size he is.
5) Apparently "It's always the little ones" who bark.
6) Is super sensitive to how I'm feeling and can tell if I'm crying over a TV programme or crying in real life.
7) They keep you on your toes, just because you have taught them not to eat the post, doesn't mean that aren't waiting for that perfect opportunity to eat it again.
8) They really give themselves completely to their one chosen human.
9) He likes to involve you in his stick/bone chewing activities and it must be on what ever part of you he can reach while he does so.
10) Everything his human does, must be a joint activity, including showering

Love my lil monkey.

 

Living with a Lola (KC Registration pending for this new breed):

1. Every morning must be greeted with playtime. You can't slowly get out of bed and wake up, you must bounce awake and then preferably bounce onto your long-suffering brother

2. At the end of the day she will either greet you with a full on tongue snog or the cold shoulder - no inbetween

3. Cuddles are for her, and her only. If you dare give them to anyone else then that dog gets a nipped bottom and you get humped

4. All bushes are to be ripped out of the ground and then chewed all over the garden

5. Other dogs at a distance = great, I'm really excited. Same dog closer = err, WTF do you think you're doing?

6. Meal times will either be served early or bang on time. None of this late malarky when a Lola is around to grumble at you. If that doesn't work, then standing on you will

7. Brushing is abuse

8. Showering is so far beyond abuse she will make you believe that she is crying with her mournful little howl

9. Mud, puddles and rain are great, snow is evil

10. Gardening is her favourite job in the world, so much so that she waits to make sure you're watching before digging you a new plant holder

 

I have really enjoyed reading this thread.

10 Things I have learnt since owning my Whippet.

1. He wont walk in the rain.
2. He wont walk if it's windy.
3. He wont walk if it is cold regardless of which warm coat I put him in.
4. He wont walk if it's too sunny - he would much rather be laid in the conservatory sunbathing.
5. He wont walk prior to midday - far too much sleeping to be done!
6. Once awake, he will follow me absolutely everywhere.
7. He will wait for me to get comfortable on the sofa and despite being right next to me cuddled up in blankets he will insist on scratching my shoulder so that he can sit behind me in the warm spot (30 minutes later I am usually sitting on the floor, as he has stretched out into a full on Whippet Roach Pose!)
8. He loves his Octopus toy, so much so that I need to have 3 available to him at all times just so I can wrestle one away from him to wash it when its gets a bit stinky - guaranteed once its out of the Washing Machine and drying he will want that particular one and no amount of showing him the other two will stop him trying to get to his newly washed friend.
9. He is the best hot water bottle in the winter as he insists on sleeping curled into my feet under the duvet (not so great in the heat of the summer!)
10. He has brought me so much joy and he makes me smile every single day.

 

10 things I have learnt since owning a BRT

1. To be very aware of my surroundings, FurFace has a proximity tolerance of about 20 metres, anyone closer than that and the alert goes up.
2. I hate getting dog hair stuck to my eyeballs.
3. I actually don't care if I have dog hair in my food anymore.
4. BRT's might be low-shedding, but their hair is the finest wispiest ninja hair that gets everywhere (see points 2 and 3.)
5. Bath water must be tasted.
6. To always have a fleece and blanket in the car for long journeys as we need the air con on low for FurFace. If I try and sneak the temp above 18 degrees she sits up and stares at me.
7. All mail comes with teeth marks in it.
8. Some people think they have a right to touch any dog, and get offended when told no. People who claim to be "good with big dogs" are especially offended.
9. 1 BRT is not enough!
10. To enjoy cold weather as we can walk further.

 

10 things I have learnt since owning a Labrador:

1. If he can see it, he can eat it.
2. His farts sound human.
3. His farts smell human..
4. He is assumed friendly because he is a Lab.
5. He is so gentle towards children.
6. Labradors are surprisingly a drooly breed.
7. If you stare at him for too long he will do mad zoomies in protest.
8. Anything wet and stinky is to be wallowed in.
9. Any clear water must be avoided at all costs.
10. They give the best cuddles you could wish for.

 

10 things I have learnt since owning a Labrador:

1. If he can see it, he can eat it.
2. His farts sound human.
3. His farts smell human..
4. He is assumed friendly because he is a Lab.
5. He is so gentle towards children.
6. Labradors are surprisingly a drooly breed.
7. If you stare at him for too long he will do mad zoomies in protest.
8. Anything wet and stinky is to be wallowed in.
9. Any clear water must be avoided at all costs.
10. They give the best cuddles you could wish for.

Is this what you tell your friends....?

 

What a great thread

Ten things I have learnt since owning a greyhound

1. The couch is his so be prepared to sit on the floor
2. The sound of the fridge door opening is great for recall
3. They are that lazy they will lean against your thigh as aposed to standing
4. On walks I must go say hello to anything pointy and expect the same from other pointy owners
5. They are more-ish - having one is not enough (if I could have another I would)
6.

 

Stan the Yorkie...

1. Tangle Teezers are worth their weight in gold for Yorkie hair. When seen Stan will fly towards you be brushed.

2. Sheds are great for mental exercise when they come complete with eau de rodents. Apparently a must for all Yorkie owners.

3. Yorkies really only bark when there is need, like when my drunken arse of a neighbour smashed his own window at 3 am. Quiet the rest of the time...unless he is a dud!

4. All chest strokes and belly rubs must go on for what seem eternity and are always required when you are just about to do something!

5. Yorkies always win at tug against staffy crosses in this household, and do this with glee. By strutting off with said tug toy which is more than double their size.

6. Walks are for wimps...now running none stop in ever decreasing and increasing circles. Now that is a walk. This dog never stops still on a walk.

7. Cheese means stop sit and behave. Its a magic word, and Stan definitely taught me this.

8. Walking toy breeds where people walk is really not ideal, if you want to get anywhere quick, or just actually move.

9.Human beds make the best wrestling rings.

10. Mud is fabulous!

 

are greedy buggers!
7. I am more aware of local wildlife than ever before thanks to my spotter!
8. For a low shedding breed, they sure produce a lot of hair
9. Random strangers will often comnent on his weight - afterall ribs = emaciated
10. He is gentle and sweet and will love you unconditionally

 

1. Shadow truly has the patience of a saint unless we have not done our two one and half hour walks.
2. Shadow knows a lot of tricks but will most likely only perform if I have treats in my pocket. Otherwise if not he suddenly becomes "deaf."
3. Everyone stops him and calls him "Lassie" even though he's the wrong colour.
4. When Blake is in bed and it's just me and Shadow. And I'm on my phone placing a Sainsbury's order he will come over and paw the phone for me to put it down and lay attention to him.
5. He thinks all dogs are his friends (we are working on this)
6. While off lead, will suddenly develop the "deaf ear" if he has found something more interesting
7. Going to the bathroom alone, is not an option otherwise I'll a howling wolf/dog downstairs
8. Shadow doesn't like dogs toys but LOVES his two legged brothers toys
9. Loves any one giving him attention
10. Absolutely detests water and God forbid if a paw slightly touches a puddle!

 

Owning a Shar-Pei I have learnt

1) Pei can be a pain in the butt, until you fathom out how their mind works.
2) Every Pei owner should have a Ph.d in Psychology and a minimum of 20 years in the Diplomatic Service Upset them once and you'll never ever, be allowed to forget it!
3) Just because they're easy peezy to train when they're young don't be fooled into thinking they'll remain that way. They won't! It's their way of lulling you into a false sense of security.
4) Pei are masters of passive resistance and are prone to frequent bouts of "cloth ear syndrome" particularly in the evening when you're tired and want to go to bed and they're determined to guard the property instead
5) As an owner you'll get plenty of exercise just running after your dog who's busy patrolling the perimeters of the garden! No need to go for a walk!.
6) Be prepared to accept that for the next 10 years or so you'll be largely invisible to your Pei except at meal times or if they want to wheedle something out of you!
7) You'll end up hating your best friend 'cos your Pei will make you jealous by showering them with all the love and affection which by rights should be yours.
8) Your vocabulary now includes words you never realised you knew and ones your mother would disown you for if she heard you using!
9) Despite all their faults Pei are addictive. Once hooked you can't kick the habit
10) Once you've gained their trust and confidence a Shar-Pei will be the best, most faithful friend you've ever had!

 

10 things I have learned owning whippets:

1. The dog bed does not exist that would ever be chosen above the sofa/human bed
2. Nothing is safe from their thieving ways, if it's not nailed down it's fair game (and they'll have a good crack at it even if it is)
3. They consider poking you with those pointy noses an acceptable for of communication (and it really hurts when they get you in the eye)
4. They have no concept of personal space
5. They might not bark much but they have a vast and impressive array of other noises they employ any time you're not doing something they think you should be (or aren't doing it quickly enough)
6. Those skinny little tails can be surprisingly painful (again, especially if they get you in the eye)
7. As far as they're concerned they're the greatest beings in the universe and should be treated accordingly at all times
8. They are incredible contortionists an fold up incredibly small, think that spot behind you on the back sofa cushion is too small for a whippet to squish into? Think again. And expect two to cram themselves in there
9. They're highly addictive
10. They are the sweetest, cuddliest, loveliest little creatures known to man and can make you feel honoured to own them even when they've kicked you off the sofa or are hogging the duvet in winter

 

Things I have learnt since owning a Staffy Type Thing:
1) a double bed is big enough for one human and one dog - if you try to get two humans and a dog in a double bed the dog must be in the middle so she can push one unlucky human out of bed.
2) rain kills - drizzle is alright as long as there is smoked salmon as a reward but heavy rain and the shower makes STTs melt. However stinky bogs and muddy puddles are to be splashed in.
3) other animals excrement must either be eaten or rolled in
4) The staffy type things passive aggressive manipulation of humans is not to be underestimated
5) You need a thick skin - people will actually run screaming from you while out walking or you will be told your dog is dangerous and should be muzzled when she is happily minding her own business and catching up with the pee mail
6) never underestimate the ability of a STT to access, assumed to be, inaccessible edible/semi edible items. Just because she is arthritic, behind a babygate and the food is in a wrapper two rooms away on the table she will find a way to eat it (wrappers and all)
7) PPE is advisable. The farts could be used as biological warfare and gas masks should be used, the snoring rivals a pneumatic drill and ear protectors are advised.
8)The car is THE BEST THING EVER!!!!! every time a paw is placed outside the door pulling to the car is a requirement.
9) Has a preference of being in the way or in your line of sight at all times incase she misses something
10) gives the best snuggles and the unconditional love makes up for all the noise, smells and brain power required to stay one step ahead of her.

 

Things I've learning from having three tiny dogs:

1. WATCH WHERE YOU PUT YOUR FEET! Chances are there'll be a tiny dog waiting to have it's paw trodden on.
2 Guard the mail. Ripping up valuable paperwork and birthday cards is apparently the best game ever.
3. Dogs and sharing do not come naturally. Unless it's me who's being expected to share And it doesn't matter if everyone always gets one each of everything, they always want whatever the others have.
4. Everyone is an individual. What suits one will most certainly not suit the others (I'm sure they scheme just to make my life difficult)
5. Plan for delays: It will take a long time to walk down a crowded street. One little dog and everyone has a quick pet and a chat and we're on our merry way. Three little dogs? You're gonna be there all day. Pack a lunch.
6. Small dogs ≠ less exercise. These dogs will run up a mountainside all day, every day.
7. It's incredibly difficult to take good photographs of tiny dogs, they're a very small and fast moving target. Practise is required.
8. They will take up a disproportionate amount of room in the bed. I don't know the science behind it but when they settle down to sleep they each become labrador sized.
9. One barks, they all bark. Especially in the car. We all have to sing in the car. And don't even think about playing a Youtube video that has any kinda high-pitched sounds. Don't. Do. It.
10. They will all fit in the bath tub at the same time after they have all rolled in crap. Score, right? No. You think you've won but three dogs in one bath tub is a pantomime never to be repeated.

 

Things I have learned owning a great dane.
1) The same 3 "jokes" about having a saddle, your hands full, and who's walking who will be recycled every single time you're out with them, and the "joker" will think they are being original.
2) Your dog may be a small dane but it will still be the biggest dog anyone has ever seen.
3) DRIs (dane related injuries) are a thing.
4) Danes are not retrievers but they sure do like to carry things around in their mouth. If the thing is small it will be hidden in the mouth, but the expression on the dog's face will give it away.
5) Speaking of hidden contraband in the mouth, do not hold your hand out and say drop unless you know what will land in your hand. Slimy wet dead things feel as disgusting as they look.
6) Bigger dogs don't need a heavier hand.
7) Dane sized crates don't fit in any passenger vehicle, or most living rooms for that matter.
8) The puppy phase is long, the chewing phase longer, the destruction can be epic.
9) You will never pee alone again.
10) Dane sized love is also epic

 

Things I've learnt since having a husky x labrador:

1. He is very active but yet so lazy.
2. After 8pm it is bed time according to him, and it's hard work to get him to go out to toilet.
3. Everyone (dog and person) needs their boobos examined and licked, as he is the resident nurse.
4. He's sensitive to emotions and always knows when you're upset or ill.
5. Cuddles, lots of cuddles! Paws wrapped around your neck and a furry head shoved against your chest or put on your shoulder
6. Mornings always start with him rolling on you and a big fat head being shoved hard under, on top of or against your head.
7. He likes to stare into your soul and wants you to stare back.
8. It's like having a dog with two personalities, one day he's well behaved and the next he's a child having a tantrum.
9. When super excited he must put his ears back, grab a toy and wiggle his butt adorably.
10. He likes to troll me by suddenly running off like he's seen something and then doing a 180 to come back, looking like he's laughing at my heart attack

Ps. One extra thing is that something could be there for ages (paper, fluff, toy) that he hasn't paid attention to then one day it suddenly becomes interesting

 

Since having Briards

1. When brushing him is a nightmare he thinks it a game and it's not.
2. The groomer and the vet can do anything with them, I can't.
3. They worry about you so much it can be overwhelming at times.
4. There always has to be a toy in the garden, if one come in another is taken straight out.
5. Buses and lorries are the most frightening things in the world.
6. They back at church bells but only on a Sunday morning.
7. Always have warm feet whether we want them or not.
8. Thinks everyone should make a fuss of them.
9. Very good at washing in between your toes with you are daft enough a be bare footed.
10. A heart wraped in fur.

 

Things I've learnt by living with three monsters:

1. You will never go to toilet in peace ever again, even with the door closed you can still hear them out there.
2. If they're all following you, it's like walking through treacle.
3. All must have a piece of every offering.
4. They have so much love and cuddles to give
5. When zoomies commence, just get out the way because normally there will be more than one dog joins in.
6. I always hope that they won't spot something to chase when I have all three attached to me or whoosh!
7. Training can become like a circus if they all decide to each throw a different trick at you.
8. At least one will lie in the exact area where you want to go.
9. If one dog has a toy, it suddenly becomes something the others want and need right now
10. I might as well give them money to eat and play with considering how much I spend on them