Hello again!

I posted a long time ago about adopting a cocker, but things didn't work out. Weeks later, I've found another dog that looks promising! She's an American Eskimo Dog, three years old, spayed, and she sounds like she has a wonderful temperment! The owner says she's housebroken, and she sounds very well trained.

However, she does give warning barks when someone comes to the door. It's the breed, I know, and I'll only find it problematic if it's incessant, or really yippy. I had a westie who would bark a bit, then lay off. What are the chances of training her to this point, if she isn't already there?

Next! I'm a little bit wary about her age. I really was looking for a younger dog, but lots of people have told me that I shouldn't worry so much. I know 3 years isn't old, but I still worry about possible problems. She's been with her person all her life. What should I watch out for?

And what can I do to build a relationship between my new dog and me? She'll miss her owner; what if she doesn't accept me? Does that ever happen? How can I make the transition from her old home to her new one easier? Succesful? She'll be here in 2 weeks!

Where can I find information on her breed? I'm in America, but if anyone knows any books that are here, that'd be great. Also, if any Eskie owners wouldn't mind taking a newbie under their wing, I'd really appreciate an email pal! I'm out in the boonies, and don't have time to travel to a city for dog club meets and whatnot, and I'm worried about having a hard time finding a support group.

And I'll need one. This is my first dog that I will be independently caring for; any advice?

My e-mail address is chakinshibori@aol.com and I'll be checking the board regularly. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Hiya
What happened with the cocker?
Thats a real shame.
With regards to this new dog, 3 really isnt very old at all. I mean, that is still a puppy in many peoples eyes. I know my cocker spaniel is 4 this year and people still ask if she is a puppy. dont worry anout the age, 3 is young.

About her accepting you...I honestly dont think you need to worry in that area. Dogs are extremely accepting. I look after dogs and each one that comes is a little quiet the first night...but then after that, they really settle in. So long as you give her lots of love, TLC and attention, you will have a very loving and loyal companion.
What reason is the owner getting rid of her?

Have a look on a search engine, eg google for some info on the breed and people who also have them. I dont know a great deal about them..but somewhere on the web there will be people who cabn offer advice specific to the breed.

But, overall, just be patient and calm with her. To make her transition an easy one, just offer her as much love as you can give. When the owner leaves (if they are dropping her off at your house), I dont doubt she will look longingly at the door for a while, wondering when they are coming back..but after the first night, she will begin to feel at home. But you must be patient with her, and build up her trust in you.

Good luck and enjoy her
steph
x

The cocker spaniel was a LOT bigger than we had come to believe; too big for us and my future apartment.

The Cocker Spaniel was too large? Do you mean an American Cocker (15") or an 'English' Cocker (16")? Because a standard American Eskimo Dog is about 18".

Why are the owners getting rid of this dog?
I am slightlky concerned that the reason they are getting rid of it...may actually cause you to get rid of it as well. Eg, aggression, barking, destructive....for whatever reason..are you sure you can take it on?

What a cocker is bigger than eskimo dog? and you live in a flat i dont think this is the right breed to live in a flat. still thats up to you Jackie, PS so if it turns out to be yappy you will get rid?

I have to agree. The cocker must have been huge for the eskimo dog to be smaller. Also, are you entirely sure you are getting the right breed? I didnt realise you lived in a flat. I think perhaps you are getting this dog due to aesthetic reasons. I think you maybe should look into this a lot deeper, because, no offence, but you cant keep getting them, and then giving them back. It isnt fair on the dogs.
Have you considered a small cross breed. Rescue centres are full of them. Does it have to be such a specific breed?

American Eskimos are very much like a German or Japanese Spitz. they are small coming in different sizes as the German Spitz does.

This is not the Eskimo sled ding dog.

I agree, Brainless, I was referring to my US-published "Mini-Atlas of Dog Breeds" The Standard American Eskimo is supposed to be (according to the book) 15-19" high, and the Miniature variety 11-14". Neither breed is recognised by the AKC, though.

Sorry; Fluffy is a mini Eskie and female (though I don't know how much that affects size in this breed).

The owners have had her the full three years. They're getting rid of her because they can't bring her to where they're moving. That's the story I was told and I have no reason to not believe them. If a flat is an apartment, yes, I live there; no go for an Eskie, you say? Why? (But my name is Dani!)

And I do need an answer to the barking question. If I decide to keep her, it will be because I can handle the barking (and think it won't bother my neighbors!). So no, I won't get rid of her. But I may decide that I can't keep her. In that case, yes, I'll have to return her. I found these people through petfinder.com. It's a really great service and links to tons of shelters all over the US. It also has a classified ad section, and I found the dog through that. She's in New Jersey, and I'm in Massachusetts; that's about a five hour drive. I can't do that. BUT the owners will be dropping her off on their way to Maine, and checking in on their way home. If I don't decide to keep her, I'll return her then, and it will just be like she was boarded through their vacation - free of charge! Is there any other way to get to know a dog?

I'll admit that this decision is based partly on aesthetics; how could it not be? They're adoreable! But I have also researched the breed (or tried to - any info I can find on the computer is either not as detailed as I would like, or written by a biased author who write around anything but the breed's strong points) and I'm getting a book (or 2 or 3) tomarrow afternoon. I've sent out some emails, but I can't find anyone around here with Eskies, and I've been looking since before I found Fluffy. What I've picked up about them is that they can be independent, friendly family dogs, chary of strangers or tolerant, depending on the individual. Character varies between the individual. Big dogs in little bodies. It's not enough, obviously, and no one goes into any detail on their barking habits "They can be good little watchdogs". So I'm going to "board" her while they're in Maine to find out more. I can give her the excersize she needs; I get a lot myself and will love the activities offered to dogs and their owners in the city. The owner of Fluffy says she gets along fine with other dogs and people; very friendly. It sounds like he really socialized her, and has spent a lot of time with her. Or else he's just a really good liar. We'll find out, and I don't think a short stay at my house is unfair. Also, I don't keep bringing them home. (Yeah, I got a little testy at that; sorry. Hot young blood.) I talk to the owners a few times and if it sounds like a good dog, I'll set up a meeting. So far, nothing has worked out beyond that. I've got my fingers crossed on this one.

As to the cocker, he sort of looked like an American Cocker, but he was just huge and round. Really big. Abnormally large. Maybe a mixed breed? Or... just really big. I don't know how big, but he was also fat! I can't take in anything over 30lbs, and he was very definitely over 30lbs - significantly. I didn't even bring him home. We met and that was that. I just couldn't. (Very friendly though! I hope she found a home for him!)

*My* main concern, as stated above ( I think ), is the barking - and why you don't think it's the right dog? I'd like more details, but not in the form of a bash. Just tell me what you think and *why* - I could use the help, obviously, or I wouldn't be here. I'm trying to determine if it *is* the right dog, and can't make that decision based (not being rude, just stating how I see this) on a short post written by a faceless person from the internet.

Thanks for all the responses, though, and look forward to more; I need 'em!
~Dani~
ChakinShibori@aol.com

Spitz breeds, especially the small ones can be vocal, so a lot will depend on how your apartment works, as to whether the dog may be a nuisance to yor neighbours? Also individuals vary and the dog may not be yappy. Also it may be that the dog is debarked, as I know in certain states in US this is a common procedure with barky dogs.

They are certainly small enough to live in an apartment from what I have been told of the breed, and as it isn't a pup housetraining, loo visits will not be so difficult, though of course you will have to take it out every couple of hours (well as often as you would go yourself) for bodily releif.

Sounds a good idea about having the dog to visit.

Hi Dani,
I think your having the dog to stay while the people are on vacation is an excellent idea - certainly the best way to find out if you and a dog are suitable for each other. In fact many breed rescue societies (in the UK anyway) will only sign the dog over after a two-week 'trial' period.

I think what confused people over this side of the pond regarding the size of the dogs is that, to us, the 'Eskimo Dog' is a big sledding dog weighing about 80lb!!!! We couldn't understand how a Cocker Spaniel (US or English variety) could be bigger!

Good luck with her - let us know how you (and she) get on.
:)

Hi Dani
The idea of boarding the dog is certainly a good idea. That would give you and the dog a chance to get to know each other and you can see how you like the dog, sort of like a test driving a car...if you know what I mean.
I was unsure of the size of the dog. I was under the impression it was a samoyed type size..if not bigger. But if you can get small ones then that sounds better.
Its a pity about the spaniel, but I can see what you mean.
I would agree that the barking would be a concern...but, I suppose you would get that whatever the breed.
How is this dog at being left alone? Does it bark or howl??
I am under the impression that these types of dogs are quite barky but as someone said, all dogs vary.
I hope the boarding session goes well.
steph
x

lol!
I'm sorry! I forgot about the name difference! I believe the other name is thewhite German Spitz? But I'm not sure. Here, they're called American Eskimo dogs. Even the standards are medium to small sized dogs. They changed the name before or during WWI to help prevent abuse, I think.

Sorry. Wasn't thinking about "language barriers" English is English is English...... Right? *grin*

The Eskie didn't work out. She was really too vocal. Their (countrified) idea of too much barking and my (citified) idea of too much clashed. I was glad to watch her for them while they were away, though! She was a great dog! Maybe when Someday comes and I have my dream house with lots of land and trees and quaint forest paths and no neighbors to worry about bothering (and perhaps a wonderful husband and two darling children, or is that asking too much? ;)) I'll look more into owning one, but right now in my position, she just wouldn't fit. Delightful dog, though she was a bit homesick.

I still think they're be a great breed, but for any possible eskie-owners keeping up with this; if you're worried (for the sake of others, not yourself; I think they'd make up for the barking if it was just me!) they bark too much, don't get one! They probably do! I'll tell ya, it was an experience! Wicked clever fluffball! And now I know I need to be more specific about my "barking tolerance."

Ah well! So the search is on! Again! Thanks for everyone's input, and wish me luck!

Hi Dani,
Sorry it didn't work out with the Eskie. What a wonderful way to find out, though, with no unnecessary disruption to the dog, and no pressure or guilt on your part. I wish you the very best of luck in your search for your ideal pet.
:)

Dani,

Have you thought about a CKCS? Can you get them in the States? (Excuse my ignorance!!)
From what I gather they're a lovely breed. Very loving...quite small....I'm just not sure about the barking!!

So sorry to hear it didn't work out with the Eskie. Good luck with your search.

Lisa

Yes, I've looked into that breed (Though it took me a minute to figure out what you were talking about lol!)! They ARE great, from what I've read and seen! I can't afford the price of a good breeder, so I've been looking through newspapers, shelters, petfinder.com and word of mouth; that particular breed hasn't shown up, which is a good testament to their character? no one Wants to get rid of them! But bad for me ;).

What does everyone think about toy poodles? I know poodles are very smart but I've only been exposed to one lady's pair, and she was rich and without kids and the dogs were spoiled, and just absolute terrors. I've also talked to other people, and everyone groans or rolls their eyes about them, though none of them have had a toy poodle.

Are *toy* poodles really predisposed to being yippy and nippy? Or do they learn that behaviour through their upbringing? Or does it mostly depend on the dog?

And is it just me, or are small dogs a barky bunch?!

Toy poodles can actually be very intelligent. My friend owns them and she does agility with them, they love being active. They arent overly yippy, probably no more so than some other dogs.
Please please dont get the ridiculous trim done on them though. I think they look incredibly silly with a load of bald patches, then some huge candy floss puff balls! :) I saw a woman at the wag and bone show with a standard poodle dyed BLUE!!! Poor thing, i bet it felt silly! :)

Good luck in your search. Have you considered a cross breed, there are hundreds in rescue centres waiting for a home, why not get one of them.

Generally the small ones are a barky bunch, as they have to make up for their lack of size by having plenty of voice and guts!

Had you thought of a small sight hound breed. Most of these are genearlly quiet. whippets can make an excellent breed for apartment dwellers.

I undesrsatand if the slim hairless look is not what floats your boat, as I prefer coated breeds too :D

:) Brainless.
As you say, I prefer coated breeds :D
But I like shorthaired dogs, dobermans, rotties, viszla's...just cant stand it when a dog gets shaved into a complete mess of balls of fluff...then a bald patch, then a bit more fluff. It looks like a hairless dog has just run into a candy floss stall and got a load stuck to it. I wish people would treat dogs as dogs and not make them look silly...I bet if dogs could speak...... :D

Good idea about the whippets.

Danio..would you consider doing training with the dog, eg, obedience, agility, flyball etc?

Oh, definitely! I'm hoping to enroll in some activity, but I won't know what till I know the dog! I'm really excited to find out what we're going to be doing :)

And originally, the poodles were cut like so their great mass of fur wouldn't weigh them down when they were swimming, with the fluffpuffs to protect their joints from cold water... i think? But I agree; now they just look silly! I *really* don't think the hunters froofed them up that much!! Was it just circus people that got it to this extreme? Or just the decline in sporting with the poos?

As for mixed breeds, I am looking at those too, but the pounds don't have any history on most of the dogs that come in, and I'm a bit too picky to accept that. As to the shelters, they don't give you *any* sort of trial period. They run you through a huge application process, and then give you a dog that they think will be suitable. I'm more than a little uncomfortable with that. They're also *very* strict and just as picky as I am, which is good, but some - in my opinion - are going a little overboard.

Also, I'm 19, and many of the shelters require that you be 21 to adopt.

I feel a lot more comfortable going through the owners, and keeping half an eye on the shelters. Many of them (the owners) have been nothing but polite. The eskie is the only one I've brought home, though I've been to visit other people once or three times.

Back to the mixed breed inquiry; It just seems like people don't want their pure-breeds! Everyone worries for me about that. "Don't you think that's telling you something?" But I'm finding out that it's less the dogs' behaviour problems than the owners' uninformed decisions! Getting rid of their jack russel because he's too hyper... the doxie cause he digs... the shiba inu because she's not friendly with people...

I'll tell ya what, this Search has been nothing if not an educational experience! lol!

I asked about a toy poodle because I'm looking at a little black one. The lady says she doesn't bark at much and stops on command without fail. She is a sweet baby! 7 months. She has a case of seperation anxiety, though, and I've never dealt with that in a dog. She's not destructive, she just gets nervous and very vocal. Presently I live with my grandmother, so barking is not an issue now; I'll have a year at least to work the anxiety out of her before I move into an apartment, but I don't know how hard that is, or how successful it would be. If there's a proven method, it *seems* like she'd be worth it! She's a delightful dog, friendly, and very well behaved! She has a pretty decent bloodline, not much history of health problems. It's killing me that she has this; she was friendly right when she met me, and is really just great. Lets me turn her over, play with her pads, tug on her ears, grab her muzzle; anything I feel like doing she takes with a sniff and a wag.

Has anyone had any experience dealing with seperation anxiety, and in your opinion, would it be worth it to get a dog knowing you'll need to work it out? Or would I do better going over her? She is only seven months; could it be age? Lack of confidence? Just not used to it? If she wasn't so great I wouldn't even consider, but in every other respect, she has a lot of what I'm looking for. I'm looking up info on this, and I'd love everyone's opinions and website reccomendations!

Hiya
Im not sure about the history of the poodle trims, but I know the different trims now are for showing, the lion trim is by far the worst...it is the over the top one with hair everywhere! :)

The little toy poodle you are looking at does sound rather nice. I have dealt with seperation anxiety both myself personally and through other people. It can be treated, pity you didnt go to the wag and bone show, there was a talk on it. It would be hard work...but the rewards would be great in the end. Also, she is still very young, so a lot of potential would be there...but why is the owner getting rid of it, is it the sep. anxiety? Does she not want to treat it?
If you are serious about this dog, then get on the web looking at that disorder, also, try to invest in a book or 2 to read and know what you will be dealing with (or go to a library if they have any). Ask at your local vet for trainers/behaviourists in the area to help you...it will be a bit costly but if you are prepared to put the time in...as I said, rewards will be great!
(try to find out from the owner what triggered seperation anxiety. It would be good to know, perhaps there is something which she hasnt told you yet)
I do know what you mean about wanting the history of the dog, I think you are being very sensible, and a lot of rescue centres dont let you do a trial perioid (but really should, both for the owner and for the dog)

Can you be certain that the owners of the breeds are being truthful? What are the main reasons for them being rehomed?

I wish you the best of luck (oh...and if you do training, socialising and/or some sort of agility, obedience etc, the dog will begin to come out of herself.)

Good luck!!!

Of course you can never be *sure* that people are telling the truth. Like anyone, I have to trust their word and my judgement, which hasn't failed me too often (knock on wood!). Carefully aimed questions can usually get you the information you want, and I have an unlimited supply of those, thanks to knowledgeable friends and family, and a bit more research!

It's amazing what's out on the web when you look for it!