In a few weeks i'll be getting a puppy and im thinking about using apet tent from weather tec.I did a qucik search and didnt see anything posted.Does any one have any experience with one of these or something similar?

http://www.weathertech.com/store/prodsearch.asp?item_group_id=45

Have not used that particular tent, but if you are getting a puppy I would caution you against it. Puppies tend to chew anything that is in their path, and that tent will not hold him/her for long.

What kind of puppy are you getting? Post pictures once you get it.:)

Have not used that particular tent, but if you are getting a puppy I would caution you against it. Puppies tend to chew anything that is in their path, and that tent will not hold him/her for long.

What kind of puppy are you getting? Post pictures once you get it.:)


I'm looking at a lab/ border collie cross breed...i'm just a bit worried about having a puppy on the loose when im driving.Would rather have him secured just in case anything ever happens.



Pics will be up as soon as i get him home.

I tend to think that the tent wouldn't be the best for restraining your pup while driving just because it does look pretty flimsy. I also agree with blackdog. My friend had one of those types of tents and her pup got out of it. Of course, she unzipped it instead of chewing it but either way it would only be good for a short time.

The best way to restrain your pup is to either crate them in the car or buy a doggie seatbelt. I personally went with the Ruff Rider seatbelt. Its built to human seatbelt standards. They even have a puppy program that will get a discount and help some homeless pups. Check it out: http://www.ruffrider.com/PuppyProgram.shtml.

Either way, its good to get your pup started early with the car ride routine. Good luck and enjoy that new puppy!

I tend to think that the tent wouldn't be the best for restraining your pup while driving just because it does look pretty flimsy. I also agree with blackdog. My friend had one of those types of tents and her pup got out of it. Of course, she unzipped it instead of chewing it but either way it would only be good for a short time.

The best way to restrain your pup is to either crate them in the car or buy a doggie seatbelt. I personally went with the Ruff Rider seatbelt. Its built to human seatbelt standards. They even have a puppy program that will get a discount and help some homeless pups. Check it out: http://www.ruffrider.com/PuppyProgram.shtml.

Either way, its good to get your pup started early with the car ride routine. Good luck and enjoy that new puppy!


Thank you for the ideas.....i havent had a dog in almost 20 years and im some ways i may be trying to be too cautious.But with the way drivers are getting in this city i fell i can never be too carefull.

Having two labs I would probably not recommend the tent....the previous poster was right - puppies love to chew and that tent won't last very long.

I would recommend either using a crate in the element for the first little while or buying a dog seatbelt (although we haven't had great success with these either - the dogs seem to get tangled up in them).

Owning an Australian Shepard myself, I usually let her drive.

Personally, I like riding in the tent. :twisted:

I would recommend a small wire crate, while the puppy is small and in the 'chewy' phase. After he/she matures a bit and grows, you can determine if a 'tent' or 'seat harness' would better fit his/her temperment, and your needs. When I get my E (shortly I hope), I plan to keep the large wire crate for my doberman in the back (doubles as a secure outside pen), and get a vehicle barrier to keep him out of the front seats (his FAVORITE guard position) when I'm out of the vehicle.

My year old rough collie pup is crated and my 8yo rough collie boy uses a harness. The tent is not very secure and a creative puppy can have a very good time rolling the tent both in and out of the car. Buy one crate that will be large enough to hold the puppy when its is full grown and use a divider if necessary. Air line crates are good. Do you know what you are getting into with any type of BC cross? I usally recommend against mixes because often times you can end up the worse genetic and health problems from both parents. You could end up a psychotic pup w/ epilepsy and food allergies from the BC parent and from the lab parent hip, knee and elbow dyplesia(sic), more allergies and major skin problems. Unless you know the health profiles of both parents and the pedigree you could end up with big problems. AKC registered BCs should be avoided at all costs.

My year old rough collie pup is crated and my 8yo rough collie boy uses a harness. The tent is not very secure and a creative puppy can have a very good time rolling the tent both in and out of the car. Buy one crate that will be large enough to hold the puppy when its is full grown and use a divider if necessary. Air line crates are good. Do you know what you are getting into with any type of BC cross? I usally recommend against mixes because often times you can end up the worse genetic and health problems from both parents. You could end up a psychotic pup w/ epilepsy and food allergies from the BC parent and from the lab parent hip, knee and elbow dyplesia(sic), more allergies and major skin problems. Unless you know the health profiles of both parents and the pedigree you could end up with big problems. AKC registered BCs should be avoided at all costs.


Thanks for the info....i wasnt aware of any pottential problems.....but i know now..Im still looking at all my options......but im learning towards a pure bred now.

I usally recommend against mixes because often times you can end up the worse genetic and health problems from both parents. You could end up a psychotic pup w/ epilepsy and food allergies from the BC parent and from the lab parent hip, knee and elbow dyplesia(sic), more allergies and major skin problems. Unless you know the health profiles of both parents and the pedigree you could end up with big problems. AKC registered BCs should be avoided at all costs.


I know many people that would tend to disagree about mixed breed dogs. For the most part, mixed breeds tend to be healthier and void of many genetic problems of the pure breeds (ask anyone who has a pound puppy). Plus, alot of the time, you get the best of both breeds.

Of course, the only reason purebred dogs have so many problems is because of so many people breeding dogs and not testing for certain genetic diseases and not knowing the correct way to breed.

Whatever you go with, the fact is to do some research about the breeder and the breed(s) you want. Check out possible genetic defects and see if there are tests that can be done to the parents. A good breeder will do that kind of thing.

Good luck!

I know many people that would tend to disagree about mixed breed dogs. For the most part, mixed breeds tend to be healthier and void of many genetic problems of the pure breeds (ask anyone who has a pound puppy). Plus, alot of the time, you get the best of both breeds.

Of course, the only reason purebred dogs have so many problems is because of so many people breeding dogs and not testing for certain genetic diseases and not knowing the correct way to breed.

Whatever you go with, the fact is to do some research about the breeder and the breed(s) you want. Check out possible genetic defects and see if there are tests that can be done to the parents. A good breeder will do that kind of thing.

Good luck!

jimmags214, Your correct....:cool: I have always had pure breeds.. But, absolutley nothing wrong with a mix...
P.S. As Americans we are a mix....:D

My year old rough collie pup is crated and my 8yo rough collie boy uses a harness. The tent is not very secure and a creative puppy can have a very good time rolling the tent both in and out of the car. Buy one crate that will be large enough to hold the puppy when its is full grown and use a divider if necessary. Air line crates are good. Do you know what you are getting into with any type of BC cross? I usally recommend against mixes because often times you can end up the worse genetic and health problems from both parents. You could end up a psychotic pup w/ epilepsy and food allergies from the BC parent and from the lab parent hip, knee and elbow dyplesia(sic), more allergies and major skin problems. Unless you know the health profiles of both parents and the pedigree you could end up with big problems. AKC registered BCs should be avoided at all costs.

This is a good idea. You want your crate to be large enough for your puppy to be able to stand up and turn around but that should be it. If it’s too large the puppy could roll and hurt himself. A larger crate that you can put a divider in would be best for a growing puppy.

I disagree a little with the health of mix breed dogs except for the temperament. Mix breeds do tend to be healthier – I have had many wonderful mutts. But with a mix breed puppy you never know what their temperament will be as they grow up.

for the car... harness, or crate.

just remain cautious when getting a popular pure breed. the more popular, and sought after a breed becomes... the more they will overbreed a population. the bloodlines will tend to become closer, and you will run into problems.

this can all be solved by buying from a very well known, and trusted breeder.


my vote is mutt/mix.


http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1042/tlookingatbirdsxh9.jpg

Tennessee - he is one year old this week.

for the car... harness, or crate.
just remain cautious when getting a popular pure breed. the more popular, and sought after a breed becomes... the more they will overbreed a population. the bloodlines will tend to become closer, and you will run into problems.
this can all be solved by buying from a very well known, and trusted breeder.
my vote is mutt/mix.
Tennessee - he is one year old this week.
That is a good looking pup! Post em on the dog thread:http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21325 :)
Most all dogs are good for us. No bad breeds...just bad humans...8)

lizzurd, please adopt a dog from a rescue place. buying pure breeds only encourages breeders who view the animals as a commodity. If your heart is set on a pure breed check out rescue organizations for the breed that you want. every breed has a recue organization from which you can adopt. :-)

lizzurd, please adopt a dog from a rescue place. buying pure breeds only encourages breeders who view the animals as a commodity. If your heart is set on a pure breed check out rescue organizations for the breed that you want. every breed has a recue organization from which you can adopt. :-)
.

I did try the humane society here on the weekend and all they had were rotwielers and pitbulls......im taking my time and have given alot of thought about buying from a breeder and have decided against
it.


A shelter is going to be my first and only choice now.

Not sure what kind of dog you want, but noting that you are in Toronto you may want to try Labrador Retriver Rescue Ontario,

www.lrro.on.ca

We got our second chocolate lab from them almost two years ago. He has been amazing - he is so happy to have a new home - you can really tell. Our first lab is from breeder (who I would also highly recommend).

www.genevalabradors.com

I think any future dogs we get will be from Lab Rescue - as much as I love my dogs - I can really do without the puppy stage.

Since you live in Canada not sure exactly where you need to go but google the breed you are interested in and find the Canadian Breed club. If you are interested in a rescue the breed club should have a rescue. You should be able to get a rescue any where between a puppy to a senior citizen. A 1-2 you might be prefect housebroken etc.

lizzurd, please adopt a dog from a rescue place. buying pure breeds only encourages breeders who view the animals as a commodity. If your heart is set on a pure breed check out rescue organizations for the breed that you want. every breed has a recue organization from which you can adopt. :-)

What a bunch of propoganda and crap from AR groups. There are responsible breeders out there who only have a litter every few years etc who make sure both parent are healthy and the chance of genetic or other problems are minimized. Yeah there are breeders out there to only make a buck but most aren't. Sometimes you can only get what you want from a reputable breeder especially if you are into dog sports etc. I have a rescue collie and a pup I got from the top collie breeder of herding collies in the country.

And Ann I do home visits and make donations to Collie Rescue of the Carolinas so I know both sides of the issue not just the anti pet owner pr spread by HSUS and their PETA allies. Yes puppy mills should be banned and pups should not be sold in pet stores but PETA and HSUS/ Doris Day go way to far. We need to accomplish this with out stepping on my rights as a proeprty owner. And dogs are property.

Bravo if you find a shelter or rescue pup. And bravo if you buy a purebred pup from a reputable breeder. Best of luck! :) And congrats to all of us who have dogs, we are blessed.

As to breeders viewing purebred dogs as "commodities"

I've met countless breeders of many breeds of dogs and they most certainly do not view their dogs as "commodities." Breeders are for more likely to view the puppies they breed as children.

"Furkids" is a term commonly used in breed clubs.

All breeders should not be lumped in with puppy mills. Concur with VAherder -- it's a disservice to good breeders, most of whom probably lose money. Breeding for most is a hobby, a passion and at some point, for many, a self-imposed obligation to improve the breed they are involved in.

The breeders I know carefully scrutinize the genetic lineage of the parents and try to produce healthy puppies that improve the breed's gene pool. And they don't get a lot of sleep for several weeks after pups are born! They spend heaps of $$$ on vaccinations and God help them and their bank accounts if there is a problem with any of the pups or the mother.

I think a lot of the breeders are near saints for what they do to better the health of dogs and share them with buyers who they have carefully screened.

Four years after getting my Samoyed, Gidget, the breeder (who lives thousads of miles away) is in regular contact with me to check on her. And she shares updates on Gidget's parents and siblings and even sends a card every year for Gidget's birthday and a Christmas card with all their dogs' photo on it.

Gidget was sold to me as "pet" quality with a stipulation in the contract (yes, a contract) that she be spayed, among other criteria (also, if ever I can't care for her then I or my estate is legally bound to return her to the breeder so she doesn't end up in a shelter or with a bad home).

I paid for Gidget but I feel like she was a gift. Good breeders don't sell to just anyone. Go on a breed e-mail list and everyday you'll see breeders posting messages to warn other breeders against certain prospective buyers or asking for references.

Every breed has many breeders who donate enormous amounts of time, money and equipment to rescue dogs (an in my experience, not just their own breed of dogs). They'll drive across states, foster dogs, provide medical care and love to dogs who haven't had much in their lives or whose owners at some point simply could not or would not keep them any longer.

Gidget's breeder sold me a fantastic pup who is now a certified therapy dog bringing joy and comfort to children in the hospital. God bless her. The breeder. All breeders are not so responsible (surprise) but a great many are.

Puppy mill people and other animal abusers should suffer severe civil and criminal penalties and most certainly should not be supported by buyers who haven't done their homework (no excuse in this Internet age). Those people are evil.

Then there are the people who don't get their dogs spayed or neutered or have their own notion of backyard breeding among different breeds, mixed breeds or dogs about who they have no knowledge of their genetic health. Don't know what to call those people, but their irresponsibility is responsible for millions of homeless dogs and cats being killed every year.

Didn't mean to get on this soapbox but I'm one of the legions who love my dog like a "furkid" and cannot understand when others treat animals inhumanely or falsely accuse others of doing so.

Thanks to all of you who support shelters, rescue and responsible breeders. I, for one, have a drawer full of Samoyed Rescue t-shirts. It's my favorite charity.

just so you know, i have two rescued cairn terriers who were taken from breeders who used them to produce puppies as many times per year as they were able. when they were beyond breeding age, their food was cut to almost nothing. my one cairn was extremely underweight and is missing quite a few teeth. this is either from a really poor diet or a baseball bat being taken to her face when the breeder tried to take her puppies away early so that she would go into heat again right away. my other cairn has droopy ears due to the fact that she must have had a calcium deficiency for most of her life. she also had a bad case of dry eye that must be treated with drops every day to prevent eventual blindness. my partner's sister had a great dane from a "reputable" breeder. that poor dog had wobbler's disease, required a very extensive surgery and rehabilitation. her brother bought a great dane from another "reputable" breeder. ernie has epilesy so bad that he had to be put to sleep at 2 years of age. none of the therapies for epilepsy helped. these are first hand accounts of what breeders do. and the fact that you view dogs and other animals, i'm sure, as property, tells me volumes about how you treat them.

Whoa folks!

This thread started off as a simple discussion about the joys of getting a puppy. Sure there are unscrupulous breeders out there and we are all interested, I'm sure, in weeding them out. It is unfair to tar all breeders with the same brush, just as it is unfair to say that mix breed dogs "often" end up with the worst (health) characteristics of their parents.

As Hiker chick pointed out, doing your homework is always important whether you get a "purebred" or mutt to ensure that the dog you get has been treated humanely and is healthy.

just so you know, i have two rescued cairn terriers who were taken from breeders who used them to produce puppies as many times per year as they were able. when they were beyond breeding age, their food was cut to almost nothing. my one cairn was extremely underweight and is missing quite a few teeth. this is either from a really poor diet or a baseball bat being taken to her face when the breeder tried to take her puppies away early so that she would go into heat again right away. my other cairn has droopy ears due to the fact that she must have had a calcium deficiency for most of her life. she also had a bad case of dry eye that must be treated with drops every day to prevent eventual blindness. my partner's sister had a great dane from a "reputable" breeder. that poor dog had wobbler's disease, required a very extensive surgery and rehabilitation. her brother bought a great dane from another "reputable" breeder. ernie has epilesy so bad that he had to be put to sleep at 2 years of age. none of the therapies for epilepsy helped. these are first hand accounts of what breeders do. and the fact that you view dogs and other animals, i'm sure, as property, tells me volumes about how you treat them.

Ann,

Obviously the great dane breeders were not reputable. It isnt that difficult to find a quality Great Dane breeder. In both cases a reputable breeder would have replaced the pup because of the health guarantee. Not my fault idiots run in your family. And excuse me my collies are treated better than your dogs. So why dont you get off your high horse my dogs are property because that is the way they are treated by the law in VA. Since you have never seen my dogs you know nothing. Read some of posts on this forum re:pit bulls. Lets see my dogs get premium food from California Natural and organic treats from Dog Gone Healthy. No pigs ears or raw hide ever. My collies herd sheep and over the last 4 years I have dropped over $10k on their education. Yeah My collies are taught how to herd sheep in a variety of situations and when it is appropriate to use force ie bite to move uncooperative sheep. Lets see I bought my Element to haul them to herding trials. Now my suggestion Ann is why dont you shut you pie hole when you dont have a clue to what you are talking about and go join your PETA terrorist friends!

just so you know, i have two rescued cairn terriers who were taken from breeders who used them to produce puppies as many times per year as they were able. when they were beyond breeding age, their food was cut to almost nothing. my one cairn was extremely underweight and is missing quite a few teeth. this is either from a really poor diet or a baseball bat being taken to her face


...these are first hand accounts of what breeders do.


Oh, Ann, that is heart-breaking. :-( How are they doing now? No wonder you take a harsh view of breeders. I just wish you wouldn't take such a broad view...

I can hardly bear anymore to watch the animal cops shows on Animal Planet -- the inhumanity makes me so angry and so sad that, well, I'm ashamed to admit that I turn the other way from the horror and switch the channel.

I wish those sick creeps would be wiped off the face of the Earth. :mad:


Time to write another check for animal rescue -- Samoyed and generic. A little $$ can go a long way to providing health care and food to neglected animals!


The best source of information to identify who are the bad, cruel and inhumane breeders is to get to know the good breeders. No one -- NO ONE -- would be more outraged and furious about your formerly abused Cairns than the good Cairn Terrier breeders who are likely to be the ones running the breed clubs.

Your cairns' experience is an example of what SOME jerks do. It should not be an indictment of all breeders everywhere.

Getting involved with a breed's local club(s) and talking to breeders and other members (I'm a non-breeder member of the national club and three locals) is the best way -- THE ONLY WAY -- to find out who the responsible breeders are.

Anyone who is interested in getting a purebred dog of a breed they are unfamiliar with should start planning and networking at least a year out. Join the local breed club (my local's annual dues is $25) and start getting to know folks and their dogs.

And if you're not commited to showing a dog, then you should check out rescues. Gidget's best buddy is a rescued Belgian Shepherd (they are a striking pair walking together or racing as they pull scooters). Her original owner was unable to care for her anymore and a rescue group placed her with my best friend.

She's a great dog. And so is Gidget.

:)


P.S. If we can refrain from name calling and blanket accusation then I think this is a good, honest discussion of the serious problem of puppy mills and ignorant and/or irresponsible owners who add to the unwanted dog (and cat) overpopulation problem that results in millions of innocent animals being slaughtered every year. It's sickening and a horrible, horrible indictment of all society that we let this go on.

God bless the people who work and volunteer at shelters, trying to find good homes for abandoned dogs and cats (and rabbits and guinea pigs....)

thank you for asking about my pups. they are doing extremely well. all four are very happy and healthy. they had emotional hurdles when they first came to live with us, but patience and love go a long way toward making them better. we have a really terrific animal rescue organization here in pittsburgh called Animal Friends in which I am involved. They do rescues, have many programs to educate the public on things like the benefits and nescessity of neutering and spaying. My dogs came from a woman who, on her own, with her own funds, takes animals that breeders and individuals discard and finds good homes for them. again, thanks for asking.:-)

On a tip from a friend i found him locally.....

On a tip from a friend i found him locally.....

he is adorable!:)

he is adorable!:)

what is his name?

what is his name?


We named him Iggy.

I had the name long before i had the puppy.....just seemed to fit him.

We named him Iggy.

I had the name long before i had the puppy.....just seemed to fit him.

very cute name. did you see the picture of the iguana on one thread. his name is iggy. he's very cool.

very cute name. did you see the picture of the iguana on one thread. his name is iggy. he's very cool.


I do remember seeing it.....a freind of mine used to have one....till her super found out...

I do remember seeing it.....a freind of mine used to have one....till her super found out...

lol. was it a no pets building or was he just scared?:D

lol. was it a no pets building or was he just scared?:D


I think he was just being an idiot.

Here's a couple more pics of my little monster...

he is just too cute.:)

Cute!!! Post pictures whenever you want ... seriously ... puppy pictures are great!

get a seat belt harness - ruff rider makes a nice one. Crates are not bad, however, cheap crates pop wires during impact; and airline type crates explode.

.

I did try the humane society here on the weekend and all they had were rotwielers and pitbulls......im taking my time and have given alot of thought about buying from a breeder and have decided against
it.


A shelter is going to be my first and only choice now.

A Rott Mix like me is way cool:

http://www.perfectiondata.com/images/Rio1.jpg

Barks and Licks,

-Rio (a very happy rescue)

get a seat belt harness - ruff rider makes a nice one. Crates are not bad, however, cheap crates pop wires during impact; and airline type crates explode.


Agree, the harness works great. They aren't too restrictive, they do allow the boys to move around some - and either sit up or lay down. However, they will keep them from becoming 'puppy projectiles' which would be a bad thing.

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