Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Sort of like cyber hazing??  :-)  Like rapid posting through the dog-loving gauntlet while wearing pocket protectors and glasses with a scotch-taped hinge? ;-)
 
Okay, more seriously ... how about filling out a fun Q&A with the questions taken from prior popular posts (eg Where are you from; how many dogs are the perfect number, what over-the-top thing do you do for your dog) and ending with a picture post?

-- T

 I'll try not to get me all wet in the process.    If that's possible.

If you manage to stay dry, you'll be my new hero. <bg>

- T

It's just an act ... shy to her really means ... Shout: Hey You! <lol>

- T

 ... so where are the photos of the puppies swimming??!!  :-)

- Teresa

Thanks for the nice comments ... we love our not-so-little Joji (although she's not as big as a lot of her BP colleagues).  I've always liked the pinto markings too ... I call them "party colors." ;-)  And it fits Jo's personality ... life is a party and she wants to be the life of it. lol

I guess the akita tendency to be dog aggressive has put them on the "beware" list. Before we met Joji's dog mom and dog, that sure was my impression. I thought they were beautiful animals, but didn't want to even think about getting one because of their reputation. That changed at a San Francisco dog show last year ... we met Jo's dad and fell in love. He was absolutely one of the sweetest, calmest dog I'd ever seen. Then we met Jo's mom and knew we made the right choice. Like dad, she was gentle, sweet and calm. Plus both dog parents were around other dogs (both genders) and got along beautifully. I'm sure individual personality plays a role, but I'm now convinced with the proper exposure and socialization, the dog-aggressive label doesn't have to be the rule.

- Teresa

Did you have to train Sadie for the therapy work?  I've decided to start working with my Joji to see if we can get her a canine good citizen certificate. If I (because it's really on me; Joji has the potential - but do I??!) succeed, I'm thinking therapy work might be in our future. I think Joji is exceptional, even for an Akita. She loves other dogs and she absolutely adores people.  But, I'm curious how much work would be ahead after the CGC feat.

-  Teresa
PS In case I haven't mentioned it - Sadie is a stunning animal!

I think education is the key - education for everyone, not just the folks who don't have a dog or who think all dogs are dangerous (and yes, I've met grown professional men who believe *all* dogs, in all sizes, are dangerous). Great ambassador dogs, the good-will dogs who love to be petted, who have their canine good citizen merit or who are simply fabulous and well-behaved, can demonstrate to uninformed people that dogs can be gentle, law-abiding ;-) companions.

Education for the uninformed future dog owner about puppy mills, BYB and irresponsible ownership.

Education for our community leaders so they don't shift into panic response instead of considering the problem's multi-sources and how to effectively address those sources.

Education for dog owners ... all of us are responsible for training, managing and controlling our dogs. It's not about us making others love our dogs. Some folks will never love dogs and that's their right. But regardless, our dogs should always be well-behaved and under our control - in the home and out. I've seen dog lovers admire their undisciplined dogs who jump and lick and pounce and overwhelm strangers with affection. The owners think it's great that their dogs love people, but to me, even though these dogs are friendly, that unruly behavior is unacceptable.

Education for our dogs, so they can be happy, healthy and long-lived companions.

JMHO.
- Teresa

That's a good suggestion!  We do give our pups peanut-butter filled treats from time to time. In fact, my pups are nuts over the peanuts. ;-)  The downside to that, at least for us, is Oni (the licker) routinely and thoroughly cleans himself after a peanut-butter session. So, peanut butter tends to encourage licking for him. It is a good idea though ... I'll bet I could use some other treat he likes that he doesn't do the "licky-loo" thing afterwards.
Thanks!
- T