Dogs and sleep

**auld argonian** · 13th October 07, 10:17 PM

So much for the hopes of getting any sleep tonight...

About seven this evening, my dogs went nuts at the back door. I looked out and there was a little scrawny shaggy black dog sitting there looking like he was expecting to get asked in for dinner.

So after getting the little guy to be comfortable with us and introducing him to the other two dogs, he's in a crate behind me whining his damn fool head off.

We would have put him in the crate anyway but he's definitely a boy and he's "marking" the place and trying to mount the other two dogs (females and spayed).

This poor little guy has no manners and is woefully skinny, shaggy and stinky. I can only imagine that he's either been on the loose for a while or somebody has really not been taking care of him...possible that somebody just ditched him because of his bad manners. It's not unheard of for the irresponsible in these here parts to just take their dog for a drive and kick him out of the car far from home.

There's a fifty-fifty chance that he's going to stay...we have two dogs and two cats now but he is such a little **** and, for being in Chicago proper, we have a pretty big lot. I have to defer to my wife on this one. If he stays, he is fer sure going in for the testicular disconnect at the earliest possible moment. Problem is that I know that he's way underweight and the vet doesn't like to do any surgery when they're not in the best possible condition. So if he stays, I get to put up with a horny dog until he's up to weight. Thus the name suggestions have been stuff like Romeo, Randy, Cassanova and a few more that I can't list in a family forum. I'm loathe to turn him over to a shelter beause he's got so many problems and is so cute that unless he gets adopted by an experienced dog owner it's not going to be good. The cuteness works against him because it makes him a kind of "impulse item" that would get adopted by someone who would have no idea of what they were getting into.

I'm just grateful that I started reading "The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell...her advice made getting this guy to trust me and get adapted to the house dogs much easier.

We shall see...I was having dreams that we would find a black kitten sitting on the porch and now I end up with the little black dog who was sitting on the porch.

Best

AA

**Arlen** · 14th October 07, 04:27 AM

Well, at least he's cute and you're an experienced and caring dog owner.
I'm sure he'll come to be a well loved member of the family.

**heartofglass** · 14th October 07, 05:51 AM

He obviously knew where to come to be loved!

**McFarkus** · 14th October 07, 06:22 AM

Sounds like he fell into a tub of butter.

**pipesndrumsnun** · 14th October 07, 06:51 AM

I hope he gets to stay!

**acstoon** · 14th October 07, 07:02 AM

I can see it now:
Canine word will get out... on the street you'll be known as the pooch homeless shelter...

Best of luck with the little guy!

**Pleater** · 14th October 07, 07:14 AM

I'm afraid that once a dog gets into the habit even chopping off the bollixes doesn't usually stop him trying to get knotted. Not without aversion therapy.

I did manage to cure a big, suposedly unteachable 'leg hugger' with some very hot water and a sponge on a stick. It was drastic but he was going to be killed within a few hours if he could not be reformed, and although he was caused pain it saved his life. I heard that he would hurridly leave the kitchen whenever the kettle was filled after that.

As your new comer is only a small dog, if he is a nuisance you could try pushing him onto his back and holding him down to show him who is boss - in a gentle way. In a dog pack only the boss dog breeds so there are usually built in buttons to push to try to get your own way with a dog.

I wish you , and him all the best, and hope that you reach a mutual understanding very soon.

**turpin** · 14th October 07, 08:08 AM

Call the Dog Whisperer! I'd love to see that one on the National Geographic Channel! Cesar Milan getting leg-humped by a little black poochie.

**Une** · 14th October 07, 08:34 AM

Oh bless his heart, he just wants to be loved, & he knew where to come.

**Makeitstop** · 14th October 07, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

I have to defer to my wife on this one. If he stays, he is fer sure going in for the testicular disconnect at the earliest possible moment.

I understand the necessity of it and all, but I never can get used to the idea.

Also, I'm not meaning to imply anything but I can't help but laugh about the fact that testicular disconnect is mentioned immediately after deferring to the wife.

So if he stays, I get to put up with a horny dog until he's up to weight.

Kind of like having a teenage son I suppose.

We would have put him in the crate anyway but he's definitely a boy and he's "marking" the place and trying to mount the other two dogs (females and spayed).

The cuteness works against him because it makes him a kind of "impulse item" that would get adopted by someone who would have no idea of what they were getting into.

Heh, sounds a lot like me actually

Were it not the fact that my apartment doesn't allow dogs, and that I haven't the time, money, or space for a canine, I'd say send him my way. I've always loved wild dogs. I just naturally seem to connect with them.