HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: isjrc@dcatla.uucp (John R. Caruso)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Mutts vs. Purebreds
Date: 13 Nov 92 19:28:05 GMT
Organization: Digital Communications Associates, Alpharetta, GA

The following Q & A appeared in a local newspaper column devoted to pets.
I have never heard this expressed before but when I mentioned the vet's
opinion to one of my co-workers he said the same thing. He's had both
pure-breds and mutts and prefers the mutts hands down and says all the vets
he has spoken to agree with the one below.  I have had 3
purebreds and 0 mutts and have had both health and behavior problems in
2 out of 3. So who's right? Comments are appreciated.

John Caruso
...gatech!dcatla!isjrc

******************************************************************************

Question:
We would like to get a puppy. We've decided we'd like a small dog that's 
goot with children. Can you recommend a particular breed that's good with
children?

Answer by Dr. Michael Fox, licensed vet and vice president of the Humane 
                           Society of the United States

I wouldn't want to single out any particular breed as being better than another
for children. Virtually all breeds, if handled properly during puppyhood, are
great with children.

My advice is to go to your local animal shelter and choose a small mixed-breed
puppy around 8 weeks old for adoption. Purebred pups have more health and 
temperament problems than those of mixed breed origin.

Mutts, or what I call natural dogs, make ideal companions and playmates for
children. In selecting a pup, look for one that's outgoing and lively.

Remember, however, that children must be taught to respect and understand
their canine companions and participate in the puppy's care and training.

A puppy can't just be dumped in a child's lap. Do you have the time and
patience to take on the job of training your child for this responsibility?
Children get their humane lessons at home.
From: diane@starfish (Diane Harvey)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Collies in an apartment
Date: 5 Nov 92 17:29:02 GMT
Organization: Pencom Software



I really like big dogs, but I have an apartment.  The apartment is 1100  
square feet, 2-stories, with a 5x10, 6-foot high fenced, concrete patio  
off the back door.  We are on the ground level with a grassy yard and tree  
outside our front door.  However, the surroundings are city-like.  I was  
thinking of walking/running the dog at a nearby park and our hike/bike  
trail.  I am willing to take it out for walks twice a day and can come  
home for lunch while it is a puppy.

I really like Collies and I have read that they are relatively inactive  
indoors.  Does anybody have any experience with Collies indoors or in an  
apartment?  If anyone can reccommend another large (over 45 pounds) breed  
that might do well in my situation I would be grateful!  I am also looking  
for a smart dog that I can train easily.  Initially I liked German  
Shepherds, but I think they need a yard and lots of space, although I have  
heard of people having them in apartments.  Any comments? Thanks!


Diane Harvey
diane@pencom.com
From: pj04171@austin.lockheed.com (pj04171)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: HELP: about to lose my dog
Date: 6 Nov 92 21:54:57 GMT
Organization: "Lockheed Austin Division, 6800 Burleson Rd, Austin, TX 78744"


I'm hoping that someone can give me advice. I couldn't find the FAQ so
pardon me if it is there. I also need answers soon.

I have two dogs, both are mixed breeds. Magic is 8 1/2 years old and
is a Chow mix. Sassy is my daughters dog and is a German Sheppard mix.
Sassy is almost 2.

Lately Magic is getting ornery. She growls when the kids accidently brush
her tail, etc. The kids don't mistreat the Chow (i.e. pull on tail or ears).
Magic is more my husband's and my dog. The kids play often with Sassy (catch,
etc.)

The problem is that the lately (last 6 months the dogs have not been getting
along with each other.) Both are female and fixed. They have gotten into a few 
4-5 fights. The last one was a couple days ago and happened in my house!

I opened the door and yelled at them to get outside and I guess I got too
close. I got bit. 9 stiches on the outside and two on the inside of my leg.

My husband and I have been talking about finding another home for one of 
the dogs. And now we have no other choice. Some say we should put Magic
to sleep, and maybe that is the right thing to do. My husband and I have
had her for so long and are finding this a very difficult thing to do.

My question to you. Is there anything I can do? I'm worried that even if
I get find a home for Sassy that Magic's attitude will not change. We also
have a 4 month old baby that will be crawling soon and I'm worried about him
and my 5 year old daughter (her cousins and friends).

Finding a home for Magic will be more difficult. We haven't tried the paper, 
but are worried that she may really turn mean (I mean against something 
other than Sassy)

I don't want it to sound like Magic is all bad. 98% of the time her and 
Sassy tolarate each other fine, and she has been a wonderful companion for
my husband and myself. We need to worry about the kids.

1) Are there any *safe* alternative to getting rid of one of the dogs?
2) Should we put Magic to sleep?
3) If so how? What do we tell our daughter?

Please email any responses. Thanks in advance.
Again, I'm sorry if I have violated any rec.pets.dogs etiquette.

Kathleen Lossau   lossau@austin.lockheed.com

-- 
 Kathleen Lossau                   | "I do not speak for any company 
 Inter: lossau@austin.lockheed.com |  or organization. Sometimes I   
 UUCP:  ut-emx!lad-shrike!lossau   |  don't even speak for myself."  
 Phone: (512) 386-5449             |                                 
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
From: jpk@Ingres.COM (Jon Krueger)
Subject: Re: Breeding is most important for top working dogs...
Reply-To: jpk@Ingres.COM (Jon Krueger)
Organization: Ingres Division, ASK Computer Systems.
Date: 11 Nov 92 22:31:49 GMT

Chris Barnes asks:
> why is there some animals (within
> a species) that trainers will get NO results with?

And have you stopped beating your wife?

Motion to divide the question, as Roberts rules would
put it.  I challenge the assumptions made by either
question.

I have yet to meet an untrainable animal.
So has the scientific literature.

-- Jon

Jon Krueger  jpk@ingres.com
From: kpm8447@tesla.njit.edu
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Akita graphics pictures request!
Date: 12 Nov 92 14:33:51 GMT
Organization: New Jersey Institute of Technology

Does anyone have any .gif or other graphics pictures of Akitas?
I really need to get some of these beautiful creatures for backgrounds
for my windows system. ;-)
-- 

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Kirk Membry                              I live in a place that has no sidewalks

kpm8447@tesla.njit.edu                                    kpm8447@teak.njit.edu
kmembry@andromeda.rutgers.edu                             kpm8447@maple.njit.edu
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
From: lars.hougaard@rose.com (lars hougaard)
Subject: Garden care etc.
Organization: Rose Media Inc, Toronto, Ontario.
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1992 21:39:52 GMT
X-Gated-By: Usenet <==> RoseMail Gateway (v1.70)


Date Entered: 11-08-92 16:34

    We (wife and I) got a Malamute puppy, which by now is 3 month old. 
Really nice dog, but a few 'generic' dog questions arise:

    When she pees in our backyard, we are now starting to see brown 
spots as a result thereof. Does anyone know of any way to keep the 
grass the color grass is supposed to be, namely green, despite a dog 
doing some strong fertilizing?? There might be some product on the 
market, that neutralizes the stuff.

    Although not yet applicable to us, I'm sure it will be one of 
these days: How do you prevent a dog from wearing down the grass where 
the dog makes its paths across the lawn (apart from stopping the dog 
from using the same path all the time) ??

    Finally: any good advise on how to prevent your dog from digging 
up the garden for you? I saw recently in another thread in this 
conference, that somebody suggested digging down its own poop in order 
to discourage the dog. This is not that easy here anymore, as I live 
in Toronto, and the thermometer indicates freezing temperatures! 
Further, it seems to me that it might not be the digging in itself, 
that is the main thing: The puppy proudly comes and shows off the 
flowers it have dug up with root and everything. After having shown us 
the catch, it proceed to eat some of the plant(s). And it sure is not 
because of hunger! 

    Hope somebody can shed some light on these things....


A concerned parent!

Cheers, Lars

---
   RoseReader 1.70 R002491
   RM 2.00 : RoseNet<=>Usenet Gateway : Rose Media 416-733-2285
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
From: msmith@convex.com (Matt Smith)
Subject: Dog run problem
Organization: CONVEX Computer Corporation, Richardson, Tx., USA
Distribution: rec
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 16:51:38 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.

I have an 11 month old black lab that I'm training to be a 
retiever(she's comming along quite well I might add). The
problem is, when I put her in her dog run she constantly yelps.
When she does, I go out and hold her muzzle shut and tall her
NO BARK. This method worked just fine when crate training, after
a few nights she stopped. But I can't seem to break it with
her in the dog run. If I lived out in an isolated area, I'd
let her yelp and bark till she realized that it didn't get her
anywhere, but using that method would only piss the neighbors off.
I really don't want to spend the money on a bark collar right now,
especially with Christmas comming up, and 15 people to buy gifts
for(man I wish we'd draw names or something:^). Well, any
suggestions from the net? Any advice would be greatfull.

Matt
--
| Matt Smith
| UUCP: {uiucdcs,attctc,sun,uunet,harvard}!convex!msmith
| OR: msmith@convex.COM
From: 275s@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Wendy Bortnick)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: THANKS FOR REPLIES ON DOG TATOOING
Date: 13 Nov 92 13:37:29 GMT
Reply-To: 275s@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Wendy Bortnick)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Carderock Division, NSWC, Bethesda, MD


Hi Netters,

Thanks you for the great response I got on tatooing your dog.  I think
I feel better now knowing it isn't really painful.  I tried to thank
everyone individually, but I missed a couple of you.  Thanks again.

Wendy
275s@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Wendy Bortnick)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
From: "D. McLellan-Savoie_<MOE@UNB.CA>" <LS45@UNB.CA>
Subject: Re: Stopping greyhound track
Organization: The University of New Brunswick
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 17:27:39 GMT

In article <1992Nov10.144844.1@scivax.stsci.edu> toolan@scivax.stsci.edu writes:
> (some deleted)
>STEP ON SOAPBOX:
>
> For anyone who wants to know of the horrors that can befall racing
>Greyhounds in the hands of unscrupulous/uncaring people, get ahold of the
>August 1992 issue of Readers Digest and read the article entitled "The Shame
>of an American Sport" (or something close to that).  It speaks of dogs that
>are nearly starved to death; of sick dogs not receiving treatment without
>legal intervention; of broken and bleeding dogs being thrown, still living,
>into dumpsters; of finding piles of Greyhound bodies in isolated areas, and
>still more atrocities.
>
> This is not to say that there are not reputable, caring
>breeders/trainers of Greyhounds--only that SOMETHING must be done to police
>the scumbags who see only $$$$$$$$ and feel that the dog that doesn't win is
>worthless trash.
>
>OFF SOAPBOX, NOW
>
> I hope that I am not driving the regular r.p.d. readers nuts with my
>"broken record" about Greyhounds.  They are wonderful, beautiful dogs--
>fantastic pets.  They don't deserve the fate that awaits up to 50,000 OF THEM
>A YEAR!!  Any few racers I can ultimately help by my seemingly (to me, anyway)
>constant "Have you considered adopting a Greyhound?" makes it all worth while.
>I hope you'll continue to bear with me....
>
>  * * * * *
>    *
> Sharon Toolan  * My opinions are my own;
> toolan@stsci.edu * no one else would want them!
>    *
>  * * * * *
>
>       Make a fast friend--adopt a Greyhound!
>
>"Mom" to Amber (8 yr old rescued racing Greyhound) and
>         Topaz (3 yr old rescued racing Greyhound)
>  
>.
>.
The September & October 1991 issues of Dog Fancy also had a two-part
article on the horrors of dog racing, perhaps a library nearby might
have copies.  I have also read a lot recently about the plight of
greyhounds in various magazines, and a couple of Saturdays ago, on a
Canadian consumers show for kids, Street Sense, they had a story on
about adopting greyhounds from the States.  With all these various
articles and shows, I can't see how anyone could think it was just
hype.
Bye for now,
DMS

From: johnson@hplred.HPL.HP.COM (Renee Johnson)
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 22:20:15 GMT
Subject: Catalog-dog packs, sleds, harnesses etc.
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, Palo Alto, CA
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs

   Just wanted to share this with you all...

   I found a really good source for dog backpacks, sleds, harnesses,
   gang lines & pickets, dog carts, wagons, skijoring equipment, collars,
   specialty clothes (dogs sweaters-all kinds of breeds) and much more.
   The name of the place is : Khiva Outfitters, Sunnyvale, CA
			      (408) 733-7919 
			      Catalog orders accepted 8am-10pm 
			      (Pacific Standard Time)

P.S. Khiva also carries lots of dog books on backpacking and sledding
From: janicki@gblaut.enet.dec.com (Victoria Janicki)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: Help with Shepherds
Date: 9 Nov 92 19:17:41 GMT
Article-I.D.: nntpd.1992Nov9.191741.6277
Reply-To: janicki@tuxedo.enet.dec.com
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation, Littleton,MA


In article <1992Nov9.173722.20283@eos.arc.nasa.gov>, dencisco@eos.arc.nasa.gov (David Paul Encisco) writes:

|>kathleen.brewer@cutting.hou.tx.us (Kathleen Brewer)  writes:
|>
|>>TO: Valaria_Vorlop@mindlink.bc.ca
|>
|>>>if you don't fix it NOW. I have found that German Shepherds do tend to be on
|>>>of the more destructive of breeds...
|>
|>>I don't know if they are more destructive than other breeds, but several
|>>years ago I had a GSD that I made the mistake of leaving loose for a
|>>short period of time
|>
|>I'm sorry I missed Valaria's original question. It has been my
|>experience (I have -and had- adopted three discarded GSDs) that most
|>people don't realize how much attention the German Shepherds require;
|>particularly the first couple of years. Now I've never raised a
|>Shepherd from birth (so I'm no expert here), mine have all been given
|>up between a year and a year and half, but I wouldn't get a Shepherd
|>if I didn't have a lot of time (wouldn't it be nice if dogs were more
|>accepted in the work place...any teachers out there who take their dogs
|>to school?). Many a GSD has been given up after a couple has their first
|>child. I have two who were given up because of this and my next door
|>neighbor just gave up their male for a baby. Too bad, most people
|>just don't plan very well and it's the dog that suffers.
|>
|>Dave
|>

German Shepherds are working dogs - they need something to do.
When they are pups, they can be terrors. Destruction seems to be
their focus. In actuality, they just had to do something and
gee- this coach is convenient, smells comforting (owner's smell)
and wow! look how easy it comes apart. ;-) ;-)

Though I have heard some great stories about puppies of other
large breeds - I don't think GSD puppies have the corner on the
destruction market. Any large, active dog that is not getting
sufficient exercise will be tempted to do something while the owner
is gone.

We raised one GSD from a pup - he was crated till he was 11 months
old while we were away. Our two other GSD's came to us as older dogs
and it took a while to get the hang of being loose in the house. 
We again used the crates. We found that it doesn't take long for
them to understand.

I agree with Dave. I am astonished at the number of dogs that
are given up because a baby is on the way. If the dog was a member
of the family before, why not after?

--
Victoria Janicki
Digital Equipment Corporation
Littleton,MA
(UUCP)	                {decvax,ucbvax,allegra}!decwrl!tuxedo.enet!janicki
(INTERNET)              janicki@tuxedo.enet.dec.com
(domain-based INTERNET) janicki%tuxedo.enet@decwrl.dec.com
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
From: CBARNES@tamvm1.tamu.edu (Chris Barnes)
Subject: Re: Breeding is most important for top working dogs...
Organization: Texas A&M University
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1992 15:13:17 GMT

In article <1992Nov11.003544.4398@pony.Ingres.COM>
  jpk@Ingres.COM (Jon Krueger) writes:
 
>Separate question.  Of course there is variation between breeds.
>There is wider variation between species.  Competent trainers get
>required results across species, let alone breeds.
 
Then let me pose a question:  why is there some animals (within
a species) that trainers will get NO results with?  Answer:
breeding and genetics!
 
 
It's downright foolish to believe that *either* breeding or training
is alone in it's ability to get results.  One without the other is
useless.
 
      -----------------------------------------------------
Chris Barnes            |   Duck hunting is not a matter of
cbarnes@tamvm1.tamu.edu |   of life and death.  It's much
(409) 846-3273 (home)   |   more important than that!
(409) 845-4437 (work)   |
From: dave@isye.gatech.edu (Dave Thurman)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: Abuse/Animal Rights
Date: 10 Nov 92 20:21:11 GMT

saavik@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Marla Belzowski (K-9's)) writes:
.
.
stuff deleted
.
.
>>Let me hear your thoughts.  Let me answer your questions.
>>
>>Dr. Mike, D.V.M.
>>
>Let me hear you take this to alt.talk.politics.animal.  It does not
>need to be posted here, as it will only create a HUGE flame war!

I disagree.  I think some of this should be discussed here.  Not all of
us, especially those of us at politically conservative universities,
have access to the alt.* newsgroups.

While I don't care to discuss the merits of drug testing (I approve for
pharmaceuticals, but disapprove for cosmetics) in this group, I think
the rights of animals (dogs in particular) are an important issue for
r.p.d to discuss.

Dr. Mike says dogs have no rights.  I have a real problem with this.
Why do we humans think we can decide what's best for all the other
living beings on this earth?  Why do we think that we know what is best
for the planet when many of us can seem to manage our own personal
lives?  Why is it considered criminal to leave a child unattended but
far many more people (if you can call them human) have no qualms about
abandoning animals or mistreating them.

Humans seem to think that their 'intelligence' makes them superior to
all other forms of life and allows their needs and rights to be
satisfied without regard for other animals, the environment, societies,
etc.  I prefer to think that with our intelligence comes the
responsibility to evaluate and regulate our actions so as to better the
life for everyone as a whole, not just for our own race.

Just my ramblings....

-dave





--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave Thurman			Center for Human-Machine Systems Research
(404) 894-4318			School of Industrial and Systems Engineering
dave@chmsr.gatech.edu		Georgia Institute of Technology
From: aquilanm@helium.gas.uug.arizona.edu (Mark T Aquilano )
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: Shitzu Info Needed
Date: 8 Nov 92 07:01:20 GMT
Organization: University of Arizona UNIX Users Group

broy@vaxa.weeg.uiowa.edu (Barbara Roy) writes:

>mop that must be relatively intelligent because she's already hitting the 
>piddle papers 75% of the time. I know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the breed except
>that this puppy is really sweet natured and smart enough to stay out from 
>under foot. Her coat seems more like human hair. Do they shed? Unfortunately,
>she has the worst case of fleas I've ever seen and got her first flea bath
>immediately. Any recommendations on flea products for a Shitzu? Is their skin
>especially sensitive? How much should I expect her to be able to learn? Are
>they smart like poodles? Any health problems I should watch out for?

>Barbara Roy, University of Iowa, Weeg Computing Center, Iowa City, IA.  52242


We have had a Shitzu for over 5 years, our first dog.  
We were drawn to this breed by a neighbor's dog that really impressed us.
Like our neighbor's dog, our Shitzu has a sweet temperment.  She is a 
great indoor dog because she does not shed at all, but also loves to go
for walks.  We have found out the hard way that it's easy to be manipulated
by a Shitzu.  Our dog is very intelligent, and seems to know she is 
as cute as she is.  This led to enough behavior problems that we ended up
having a few sessions with a professional trainer, who set some ground rules
which let us teach her her place in the family.  Except for a severe 
thunderstorm phobia and occassional wetting in the house (we have heard this 
can sometimes be a problem with Shitzus) we have a good experience for the most
part.  Unlike poodles I have met, our Shitzu is a very calm dog - she can be
active, but once she got beyond the puppy stage she didn't have the nervousness
common to small breeds.  We have been lucky to have a very healthy dog.  The
main problems Shitzus are vulnerable to are respiratory, becaus of their com-
pact respiratory tract.  The day we picked up Soo'-Sze from the breeder we
had her nostrils slightly enlarged - apparently this is a common procedure.  
You might hear your Shi-Tzu wheezing as a puppy, but this is usually not 
something to be alarmed about.  As for learning, Soo-Sze will sit when we
tell her to; we have taught her to walk on her hind legs when we give her
biscuits and to dance around in a circle; she understands several words like
"Wanna go bye-bye!" and "Wanna play?", and she knows the names of our family
members.  So Soo'Sze has shown us her intelligence.                        
If you're determined not to overindulge your Shiztu becuase she is adorable,
and can give her a clear sense of where she fits into your family, you should
have a dog you'll be glad to have!

Hope this helps

Mark Aquilano   
aquilanm@gas.uug.arizona.edu
From: Melanie.A.Courtney@dartmouth.edu (Melanie A. Courtney)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Rotties
Date: 6 Nov 92 04:50:58 GMT
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
X-Posted-From: InterNews1.0a5@newshost.dartmouth.edu


I am interested in purchasing a Rottie puppy in the near future.  I am
a young adult (21) and, although I love dogs and read as many books
concerning them as possible, I do not know as much as I would like to
about this breed.  I do not consider the undertaking of raising any
animal a light task... especially  a Rottweiller.  If anyone can
provide information, titles of "must read" books, people to get in
touch with, etc., please don't hesitate to contact me.  

Thanks,
Melanie
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs