Well, I guess it's time for Simon to have a total manifesto.
Hey
@digger How can you tell that you're able to have a dog?
I did not truly believe, when I got my dog Annie, that I would be able to have a dog and the accompanying responsibilities. I did, however, have a great love of dogs, a lot of knowledge of dog and training dogs, and was, I found, willing to go without may luxuries (leisure time, nicer amenities like prefab cigarettes and good food) in order to have her. It worked out, and it's much better now than when I was 20.
What responsibilities does it entail to have a dog?
In order, based on my experience:
- Time
- Commitment
- Patience
- Love
- Consistency
- Finances
Can PTSD keep a person from having/taking care of a dog?
Dogs like to go out. They like to have lots of experiences and run and play and learn. If you cannot leave your dwelling, you may be looking for a very specialized dog, such as a probably smaller, older companion breed. Just my opinion.
Training a dog to be a service dog is needed for people with PTSD?
I don't think it's necessary, but it can be very beneficial.
What does the service dog training do that is good for a person with PTSD?
It depends on your needs as a handler.
My beagle mix is obviously beneficial to me specifically in terms of my diagnosis, but I do not feel that her having public access (as a registered SD) would benefit me much more than she does without it. I would really like to get my large dog certified, as he would benefit me in terms of public access, because frankly just having a large powerful breed
does improve my access, even though that's not a task you can register (because it is passive)
Does that make sense? My beagle can demonstrate enough tasks to be registered, but she could not increase my mobility much. My big mix could improve my mobility, but he's not good enough to register yet.
Should you not own a dog if you're a smoker?
I think millions of dogs don't have homes and are in danger of being disposed. If you rescue a dog from this fate--any dog--then people can STFU about exposing it to a relatively mild environmental risk.
If you're low-income is it best to not have a dog?:sorry:
It depends. I rescued my dog Annie from a humane society for a little over $100USD. She was spayed, had all her first shots, and was microchipped. All I had to do was maintenance on her infrequent shots and overall health. It was worth it.
I
bought the next two puppies, although I certainly rescued them. Both were on the chopping block for higher bidders with nefarious intent, and the people selling them really preferred a good home. BOTH of them were over $300USD with no shots etc., which I will tell you adds up for puppies. I'd say start up costs for a puppy/dog with no real history of medical attention runs around $150 to 350 in the first 2-3 months here, and then sterilizing them is around $60 to 150.
Annie was rescued when she was 2.5 years old. Back then, I really didn't have the money to finance a puppy or dog who was a) being sold (for profit) b) hadn't had any attention. She was cheaper than a puppy you get for free. That stuff
can add up, the de-worming and vaccinations. It depends on what your situation is and what the services around you offer.
Are there really untrainable dog breeds out there?
I don't really believe this, although I don't recommend getting a primitive breed (Tibetan mastiff, akita, shar-pei, husky, malamute, chow chow...). Some are "trainable," some are--like PTSD--manageable, but they are not a novice breed IMO. Some of
the most trainable breeds out there are what I would consider advanced dogs. Border collies, Australian shepherds, Jack russel terriers, German shepherds... the list goes on and on of breeds I would consider advanced dogs.
I think there is a huge difference between intelligence, trainability, and easiness of behavior modification. Some of the smartest dogs are not easily trainable and have terrible behaviors, thus requiring lots of attention, challenge, and patience. Some highly trainable dogs are so exhuberant that their potential exceeds your ability to train new puzzles, and they become restless and therefore more difficult to manage and exhaust. Then, there are dogs who are behaviorally or genetically disposed to your lifestyle, who do not need to be extremely trainable or bright to be an excellent fit.
Sometimes a dog's size, exercise needs, and level of intelligence pair very well with the handler's ability to oblige. Pugs were bred to entertain children, and they are accordingly cuddly, gentle, and lazy dogs. I wouldn't say they're brilliant, but they fit a certain vibe. Annie is a beagle/basset, two of the supposedly least trainable breeds. It's true; she's not highly trainable, but she's always been a perfect match for me and my lifestyle.
I always say my pit mix, Hamlet, is my best trained dog, and Annie is my best behaved dog. Hamlet knows fancy tricks, tons of commands, listens well, but is just a firecracker in terms of stamina and must be stimulated often and creatively. Plus, he's big and intimidating, so the bar is inevitably higher for him in terms of behavior. Annie is melllow, well socialized, extremely in tune with my rhythms, and pretty small (therefore unobtrusive and easy to handle/control), so she's ultimately better behaved and, notably,
perceived as better behaved.
