Hi, all. My neighbor and new, good friend rescued a female dog from VERY bad conditions in Tiuana a couple of weeks ago. It looks like, and she's been told it's a golden retriever/chihuaha cross. She already has a chihuahua and doesn't want to keep the dog, hence she's looking for a home for this dog. It's about 6 weeks old she thinks.

Here's the thing: since it's high-strung, and chases her male chihuaha, Who is neutered by the way, she keeps it in her bathroom with the door closed except for when she takes it out to use the bathroom outside. Is that ok? She does leave the light on and sets out bowls of food, water and toys for her.

She's sick of taking it out to use the bathroom all the time, as well. She lives in a third floor condo like me and the stairs are killing her. She doesn't want to litter box train it because she says that will stink up the house and she's not keeping it that long, anway. But, that's not what this post is about.

I don't want it because the dog is not purebred and has already been physically abused and neglected in dirty Tiuana and will likely have behavior and perhaps loads of genetic health issues.

This is so sad! Ofcourse it's NOT freaking OK. The poor thing is only six weeks old! So what if it chases the other dog. The older dog, no matter the size will put the puppy in it's place if it was a problem.
You are looking for a pet right? What difference does it make if it's not a PUREbreed? If that determines whether or not you can bond with and love an animal then you have no business with one. It doesn't sound like she does either. If she doesn't want to take it out then hasn't she heard of puppy pee pads? That puppy needs love and attention.

splinters...I did my part, didn't I? I suggested that she litter box train the puppy. She said, "No". The puppy is very active and though it does chase the dog, I am like you and don't see what harm she can do to the male chihuaha. The male chichuaha is much bigger than this puppy for one thing.

However, the pottytraining issue is not the reason she keeps it in the bathroom all day. According to her, she potty-trained the puppy (in two weeks...) and it no longer goes potty on her floors.

The reason it's in the bathroom is because she doesn't want it chasing her chihuaha. I also, questioned it being in the bathroom pointing out to her that it has no fresh air, only the air circulating in the bathroom. I also asked her why not leave the door open. She doesn't want it to come out and chase her chihuaha.

It didn't sway her decision. She's still keeping it in the bathroom with the door closed.

I even mentioned that I was getting a child/pet gate for my dog when I get it so it will be in the much larger kitchen that is open to the rest of the house with no enclosing doors. Point being, she's aware of child/pet gates.

She wants to keep it right where it is unfortunately. So, what can I do?

True, you tried. Why don't you take it with you? It sounds adorable to me.

Originally Posted by splinters

You are looking for a pet right? What difference does it make if it's not a PUREbreed? (

Splinters, I am looking for a purebred because I need certain characteristics in a dog to ensure I can live comfortably with it and not have to give it up later on. For one thing, I have allergies and shedding dogs bother me. This puppy will shed because it's a lab/chihuaha mix. They both shed.

Even if it didn't shed. The lineage of this dog is unknown, it's been born in terrible conditions: out on the street. There has been no genetic or health testing. If this dog develops a disease, the vet bills will be high. It may die early as well.

Lastly, temperament of the breed. The lab demands exercise and is most happy with a yard. I don't have one and I don't have time for high exercise demands.

Sadly, this isn't the dog for me.

She said her sister may want it. But, so far, that's not a done deal. I know she plans on getting it spayed-when it's convenient for her.

What I'd like to know is: As posted previously, the dog has already been in deplorable conditions, so what will the consequences of this bathroom prison have on this poor dog?

I'm going to suggest a rescue organization to my friend tomorrow.

Hi, could anyone tell me how can i attach my signatrure? Is this option not availiable for newbies? Thanks

[lulusmom]

Splinters, I am looking for a purebred because I need certain characteristics in a dog to ensure I can live comfortably with it and not have to give it up later on.

It seems that every time you post is further evidence that you should never, ever have a dog. There is absolutely no assurance that any dog will be perfect enough for you to live comfortably with so the the odds of you abandoning a dog are great. Quite frankly, I am appalled that you would even post such a thing here and I can see why you and your neighbor have become such fast friends.

Hi, could anyone tell me how can i attach my signatrure? Is this option not availiable for newbies? Thanks

Well, since no one has brought it up, I'll have a go.

Yes, it's not a good situation for this puppy. Puppies need socialization with humans and other dogs if they're going to learn to be good pets. This puppy needs vet care ASAP; vaccinations and worming. Then it needs to be socialized.

By not allowing it to interact with the other dog, and learn good dog manners from the adult dog, this puppy is going to grow up without learning what it means to be a dog. It's not going to learn bite inhibition. It's not going to learn how to react and communicate with other dogs. In other words, it's not going to learn to be a dog.

Without proper socialization, it's not going to learn how to be a pet, either. There's a good chance the puppy will become fearful of strangers, anxious in new situations, and in general be miserable any place but the bathroom.

Puppies this young are a blank slate. They learn what they experience. If they aren't experiencing anything, they learn nothing. The older they get, the harder it is for them to learn. Young puppies learn quickly, and most of what they learn past the age of 8 weeks is learned for life. All this puppy is learning is what a bathroom looks like.

If your friend is unable to provide proper care and training for the pup, she should find it a home with someone who will, or turn it over to a rescue shelter.

Did I say something wrong, lulu? Isn't the responsible thing to do what I am doing and research the breeds and find one that has characteristics I'm looking for??

For example, my neighbor's dog is a lab mix and therefore sheds. I don't want a dog that sheds.

Example no. 2: The English Bulldog drools, I don't want a dog that tends to drool.

I have found a breed (Shih Tzu) that has most of the characteristics I'm looking for, thus I want a shih tzu. What's wrong with that?

Finally, what did I post exactly that has you so appalled?

And furthermore, lulu, my neighbor loves dogs. She's had her chihuaha for about 4 years now and treats him just like her own child.

Actually, I can't understand my neighbor's behavior in view of the fact that she does love dogs. She took her time to go down to Mexico and rescue this pup. She just doesn't want it running around the house.

She's been feeling sick lately, maybe that's it.

Wouldbedogowner, personally I commend you for doing the amount of research you've done before purchasing a puppy. I'd much rather see someone do what you've done than purchase a puppy, only to find that the breed selected does not meet the criteria one needs in a pet.

There's nothing wrong with knowing what you want, and seeking a dog that matches it. And when you have a clear idea of what you want, the best way to find it is often in purebred dogs. Not to say that mixed breeds are any less desirable, but with a mixed breed, you don't always know what you're going to get.

There would be a lot fewer dogs in shelters, or worse yet abandoned on the streets, if people would take the time to do this much research.

I honestly do not understand why people are bashing you for going about this the right way. Do I think your expectations may be a little high? Yes. But I also think the chances that you'll find a dog that is the right fit for you and your family are much better than if you just took in a puppy based on emotion, rather than logic.

After reading more posts from you Wouldbedogowner I do agree with Vetgroomer. If you know what you need then that is what you should have. Good luck Talking your friend into taking the pup to a rescue is also a good idea.

I must admit I am one of those emotional pet owners. I see them {whatever they are} and fall madly, eternally, completely in love.

[UnderDog]

Lets get a few things straight regarding breeds...

1.You CANNOT choose what breed you want based on the characteristics. Everydog is different, everything you have read could be total rubbish when it comes down to your dog.

2.A Shih-tzu can and will shed - it may not be much, but belive me...they do!!

3.A Shih-tzu probably will drool - evry dog does. I have had hundreds (that is no exageration ) of bulldogs in and out of the doors to my home, only maybe %20 of the drooled, and even that was because of the genetics of mis-formed (or what is now called "perfect" ) jaws. My 3 Shih's drool alot when playing with they're toys or when they get excited when we go hunting, its just the way dogs are.

I suggest you choose a dog based on the requirments (ie. Size) rather then how you want a pet.

I am in no way "having a go" at you.

I suggest you choose a dog based on the requirments (ie. Size) rather then how you want a pet.

This statement is completely irresponsible. I will choose a pet based on the temperaments and characteristics of the breed. Thank You.

Underdog, I have to disagree with your first statement. There are certain characteristics that are inherent in some breeds, even if each dog is an individual.

If I wanted a dog to herd my sheep, I wouldn't pick a terrier. If I was concerned about my dog digging holes in the yard and chasing my cat, I wouldn't pick a Dachshund. If I were a hunter and wanted a dog to retrieve game, I wouldn't pick a Doberman.

On the other hand, I might pick a Collie for my sheep, a Shih Tzu as a family pet, and a Golden Retriever if I wanted to hunt birds.

Understanding what a breed was developed for can help a person avoid making a bad decision. Herding breeds herd, be it sheep, cattle, or kids. Terriers dig holes, chase small animals, and kill vermin. Setters, retrievers, spaniels, and hounds hunt. It's what they were bred to do, and it's silly to deny that. If you want a dog that is primarily a family pet, you pick a breed that will fulfill that function.

Vetgroomer, thank you for your responses. If I do this (get a dog), I want to do this right.

You are one of the people reading this thread who understand this.

[reeskujo]

Originally Posted by wouldbedogowner

Vetgroomer, thank you for your responses. If I do this (get a dog), I want to do this right.

You are one of the people reading this thread who understand this.

Vetgroomer is absolutely right.....certain breeds are bred for certain traits ans characteristics.....For instance Akita's which is one breed I own and bred.....Their bred for guarding and that is what I want and require from a dog.....On the other hand Huskies the other breed I own were bred to run as well as being great companions which she is...

I to commend you for researching breeds to find what is the best fit for your wants and needs...If more people did this instead of getting dogs simply because their cute or furry there would be a whole lot less that were abandoned,abused or dumped in shelters.

Originally Posted by wouldbedogowner

Vetgroomer, thank you for your responses. If I do this (get a dog), I want to do this right.

You are one of the people reading this thread who understand this.

I know you've already put a lot of thought and research into this, but I'd like to suggest you do just a little more, because some of the information you've acquired may not quite fit the state of the breed as it is currently.

Talk to a few veterinarians in your area and ask them about the health issues they're currently running into with Shih Tzus. We're starting to see a lot of Tzu pups with stenotic neres; very tiny nostrils. So narrowed that the dogs can barely breath. We also are seeing a higher incidence of Cushing's Disease, liver shunts, and autoimmune disorders.

Then talk to some groomers in your area, not only to discuss grooming requirements, but also ask them about the temperaments that they're seeing. Again, we're starting to see some serious temperament problems cropping up. Issues with dominance aggression, unstable temperaments, and overly shy, sensitive dogs who become fear biters.

I know you've narrowed your search quite a bit, but I'd like to suggest a couple of other breeds that might fit your needs equally well, without some of the issues that seem to be cropping up in Shih Tzus these days. Chinese Crested Powder Puff, and the Havanese. Both are small, don't shed much, are less likely to trigger allergies, and they tend to be fastidious about keeping themselves clean. I.E. they're pretty easy to house train.