Adopt Thor a Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

Thor is one gorgeous dog!  Love that wavy coat and beautiful tail!

Thor is a Bernese Mountain dog mix.  He's three years old and already neutered.  Thor sits and takes treats gently.  He walks pretty well on a leash, but he's a big boy, so he could use some training on sometimes pulling.

Have some time for fetch and frisbe?  Thor is your guy.

Please watch Thor's adoption video and then give the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis a call at 314-951-1562,  Thor's animal shelter ID number is A551251

Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. They provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. They are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs. They further support that bond by making available world-class veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs.

We're participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter animals.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!

Pit Bull Dog Baby Girl Needs a Forever Home

Baby Girl is a spayed female Pit bull Terrier mixed breed dog.  Animal Shelter staff at the Humane Society of Missouri think she's about 2 1/2 years old.

Baby Girl is a real looker with those beautiful eyes.  One is brown;  the other blue.  She's a brown brindle and creamy white beauty.  As you can see from her adoption video, Baby Girl doesn't miss a trick.  She's alert and interested in everything going on around her.

This girl is a lover.  Baby Girl adores people and has some wet kisses at the ready.  Good natured, easy going, and ready for her forever home.

For more information about this beautiful Pit Bull mix dog, contact the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis 314-951-1562.  Baby Girl's ID# A543394.  You may also view her profile on Petfinder.

Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. They provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. They are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs. They further support that bond by making available world-class veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs.

We're participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter animals.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!

Adoptable Dog Jake a Big Black Labrador Retriever

This handsome boy is Jake and he has a story to tell.

Hi there! I'm Jake and I am so ready for a brand new home with people who I can spend the rest of my life with. Oh, that sounds so nice, loving and caring for a family who will do the same for me. You're out there, waiting to find me just as I am waiting for you. The timing just hasn't been right for us yet, but we'll get together, I know we will. I am a fun, energetic, very lovable dog, just trying to find my way in this big world.

I'm a handsome, 2 1/2 year old, 56 pound, totally housetrained Retriever mix. I have a shiny and soft coat, expressive eyes, and a smile a mile wide. I don't ask for much. I just want to feel safe and loved and I just want to belong. It's been hard for me though, to find these few things in life that seem so elusive to me. 

I first came to Wayside in August of last year, as a transfer from a shelter in Hot Springs, AR. I stayed at Wayside for awhile, but the shelter was a very stressful place for me, so I've now been living in a wonderful foster home, since late last year. My foster mom knows everything there is to know about me, so there won't be any surprises when you adopt me! I've had so much fun staying with her and her dogs, but it's just a temporary stop on my journey of life, I can sense that, so I'm still anxiously searching for my forever home.

I am a home body. I love the safety and comfort of my house and yard. That's where I feel the most relaxed and where my true lovely personality really shines. Foster Mom says I'm pretty perfect in her home and fenced in yard...calm, well mannered, completely housetrained, rarely barking at all. She can leave me alone with her other dogs with full access to her home for as long as she needs...she's left me up to 10 hours in fact...and I don't bother a thing. I do just fine with her other dogs, love to go for rides in the car and trips to the dog park. 

I'm affectionate, loving, and fun. I've been working hard to become the dog I am today though, and it hasn't happened overnight. It is the result of plenty of love and patience and dedication by my foster mom. I'll need you to be that way with me too, please, especially as I get acclimated to my new home and new life, but I promise to repay you tenfold, with every bit of love and devotion that I hold in my heart.
 
 My relationship with other dogs is sort of complicated. Foster Mom feels like I really need another dog in my life, to help me stay happy and healthy and relaxed. But I can be particular sometimes. I don't always effectively read communication from other dogs I'm with, I'm a little possessive of my stuff, and I don't always know when to back down when I think something should be mine. I am learning though! Learning to respect other dogs and my place in the pecking order. Foster Mom feeds me in a separate place, so that I can eat in peace, and also so that I won't steal food from her other dogs. And we frequently go to the dog park, where I get along just great with most of the dogs I meet. I would like to meet any dogs you have before going home though, please. Oh, and I need a home without cats!

The two things in life that are the most scary to me are confinement and the unknown dangers lurking outside of my yard. I get very stressed in a crate, but there really isn't a reason why I'd ever need one, since I'm so well behaved. And the outside thing, well that's just one of my little eccentric behaviors. Being on a leash is sometimes scary for me, and I like to go at my own quick pace, but I'll probably never make a great running partner. I much prefer to play off leash or run around in my fenced in the yard, which I will need in my new home. 

In fact, a fenced in yard is an absolute must have for me! No tie out chains for me, please, and having to be leashed up every time I needed to go out would be stressful and scary. Foster Mom has a dog door I use when I need to go out and I love the freedom of being able to decide on my own what I want to do. When I get really stressed out, I make a high pitched crying noise to let you know I'm distressed and worried. I do it sometimes when I'm at Wayside. I'm just trying to communicate with you, but it's difficult to hear, because I sound like I'm in pain. Once I get home and settled and relaxed, I will be quiet and calm, but our first few days together might be upsetting to me, so please be patient and understanding with me. I will appreciate that so much!

I'm affectionate and loving, and sometimes I get up in your face to be as close to you as possible. I will get down if you ask, but it's part of my exuberant personality and it makes me happy to be close to you, so I hope you will understand that I'm showing you my love. Foster Mom lets me up on the couch with her and I hope you will too. Sometimes she lets me sleep with her, but if she doesn't want me to, I will sleep on the couch. I'm a quick learner and want to make you happy, so please offer me positive reinforcement when I do good. I promise to do my best to do what you want.

I'd love a home with people who are around a lot. Having cuddle time with you keeps me really happy, and just knowing you're there helps me relax. I guess what I need is a family who is committed to me and wants me and values me as a family member. Is that asking too much? I want to be wanted and loved and safe. And in exchange, I will shower you with love, loyalty, and devotion like you've never experienced. It's time for us to find each other. We need each other now.
Love, Jake

Wayside Waifs is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with an Adoptions Special!  All cat adoptions are $25 and dog adoptions are $50 through today. Fetch all the dogs available for adoption at Wayside Waifs.

Wayside Waifs is the largest pet adoption center in Kansas City, placing over 5,400 animals each year in loving forever homes.  Wayside does not euthanize adoptable animals and is a proud member of Kansas City's no-kill community.

For more information about Jake or any other adoptable pet at Wayside Waifs, contact them at 816-761-8151 or via email


Talking Dogs is participating in the Tuesday's Tails Blog Hop.  There are so many shelter animals waiting to find their loving forever home and this blog hop features them each week.   Please share these pets on social media and let's find them homes!

Adopt a Dog: Tango is a Dalmatian Mix

Tango is a Dalmatian mixed breed dog available for adoption from the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis.  Animal shelter staff believe Tango is about 3 years old.

A beautiful boy, Tango is already neutered and up to date on vaccinations.  He's a friendly, good natured fellow who loves to go for walks and pay outside.  

Tango is very eager to please and is really hoping to find his forever home soon.

Take a look at Tango's adoption video below.

For more information about Tango, contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-647-8800.  Her ID number is A480658.

We're participating in the Tuesday Tails Blog Hop.  This is the Blog Hop that features shelter animals. Find a cat or dog at your local animal shelter and feature them on this Blog Hop! Come join the fun and help a furry friend find a forever home!

Adoptable Senior Dog Surrendered because He is Old

 Mac is a Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  

He is 12 years old. 

Mac is one of two seniors left behind at their home that was foreclosed on.  

A realtor discovered them at the property and took them to Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.
 
To the left is his Petfinder photo.
 

As photographer Kim Hansen explains:

Mac is a They-had-no-time-dog.

Mac is an Until-they-had-to-move-dog.

Mac is an Until-he-got-old-dog.

It happens.  All too often. Please network and share to help Mac find a loving home to enjoy his golden years.
  

For more information about Mac, contact Dogwood Animal Shelter at 573-348-4411.

Dogwood Animal Shelter is a private non-profit, "no-kill" facility in Osage Beach, MO, established in 1976.  They provide a low cost spay and neuter program, as well as a free educational program designed to promote empathy, humane treatment, and responsible pet ownership.

In 2012, professional photographer, Kim Hansen, Creative Photography by Kim, began volunteering her services at Dogwood.  Kim spends time with these adoptable shelter pets and then captures their personalites and beauty in a photograph to help them find forever homes.  

Fall in Love with Jack, an Adoptable Dog in Missouri

What happens when a dog owner dies and the rest of the family isn't interested in the dog?  In Jack's case, he was taken in by Dogwood Animal Shelter.

Jack has been at the shelter for a few months now and is hoping to find another loving home.  According to shelter volunteers, Jack is a great dog!  He walks nicely on a leash and always has a friendly greeing for everyone.

Only, a couple of years old, Jack still has a lot of energy and is ready for fun!  He invites you to come by and clip a leash to his collar and go for a walk on one of these nice spring days.  Jack's pretty sure you'll fall in love!

For more information about Jack, contact Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.


Dogwood Animal Shelter was established as a not-for-profit organization in 1976.  They have been a no-kill facility since 1997 and built a new shelter in 2005 which includes a spay/neuter clinic.  In 2010, the shelter spayed/neutered over 1200 animals.  Their Dogwood Thrift Shop provides over half of the funding that keeps the shelter in operation.

White Collie Dog Teddy is Looking for a Home

Teddy is on the far right.

Teddy is a 10 year old white Collie dog available for adoption from the Rocky Mountain Collie/Sheltie Rescue.

He was recently shaved to remove mats, so his coat looks unusually thin right now.  Until recently he lived on a farm in Nebraska with 2 siblings.

Teddy is now neutered and had dental care.  His foster mom describes him as "a joy."

Teddy is very sweet, playful and makes friends quickly.  He is seen here in his adoption video with friends Mulder (the Sheltie) and Lola (the Golden).  

Rescue volunteers are sure that whoever adopts Teddy will find a dear friend.  For more information about this beautiful Collie, contact the Rocky Mountain Collie/Sheltie Rescue.

Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue, originally Pueblo Collie Sheltie Rescue, is a non-profit volunteer operated organization founded in 1979.  Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and place lost, abused and abandoned Collies, Collie-mixes, Shelties, and Sheltie-mixes in loving, responsible home.  They are a certified rescue organization through the Colorado Board of Agriculture's State Veterinarian's office.  All of their dogs live in foster homes and remain in foster care until they are adopted.

Rudy is an Adoptable Boxer Pit Bull Puppy

What a cutie!  And, let's face it, I couldn't resist featuring a dog named Rudy!  This adorable boy is a brown brindle and white Boxer and Pit Bull.  Rudy is still at puppy at only 4 months old and full of playful puppy energy.

Rudy has been calling the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis home since November 2012.  Definitely time for this sweet boy to find a loving forever home.

Take a look at Rudy's adoption video below and then please share!  Let's network and find Rudy someone who will teach him to be the loving, well behaved companion he wants to be.

Interested in adopting Rudy?  Contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-951-1562.  Rudy's animal ID number is A541555.

Adoptable Dog Boogie Pilgrim Has Personality to Spare

You really do need a fun loving, car riding, grass rolling guy in your life, right?

Boogie Pilgrim is all that and more!

For starters, he is one handsome dude of a dog.  A beautiful white with some black beauty marks, Boogie Pilgrim is a 45 pound, one year old, Pitbull Terrier mix.  He is working on his house manners and is learning basic training commands.

He may look like a distinguished gentleman in his photo, but you should see him lolling on a comfy bed or couch.  Boogie Pilgrim loves car rides and knows that his place is in the back seat, checking on the world outside the window.  He's an outdoor boy and loves to roll in the grass.  Fetch is his favorite game.

Boogie Pilgrim is a young guy just finding his way in the world.  All he needs is someone to love him and help him be the best dog he can be.

If you think that someone might be you, contact Stray Rescue of Saint Louis at 314-771-6121.  Boogie Pilgrim is calling their Pine Street animal shelter home for now. 


Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue of St. Louis's sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes. Virtually all of the pets they save have been abused and neglected. They've been dumped on highways, or remote country roads. Abandoned in public parks, empty houses and dark alleys. They've even saved dogs left chained behind buildings after their owners had moved away.

Letter from Pit Bull Dog Falcon

This beautiful boy is Falcon.  He's a 2 year old Pit Bull mix who is currently calling Wayside Waifs in Kansas City home.  Below is his message to you, plus a wonderful adoption video!

"Hey there! I'm Falcon, a happy, energetic boy, just searching for a brand new home. I'm loads of fun and ready to go, so I hope you can keep up with me! I am a 2 year old, 46 pounds of solid muscle, Pit Bull Terrier/Pointer mix. I'm a handsome, fascinating combination of breeds and you won't find another dog out there like me! First thing you'll notice about me is my eyes. Oh my, my picture really doesn't do me justice, but come out to meet me and you'll find I have the most beautiful eyes ever. I'm strong and loyal, just like my Pit Bull ancestors. And I'm athletic and active, just like my Pointer ancestors. I love to play and am happy to join you with whatever activity you'd like to do.

I came to Wayside as a transfer from the shelter in Springfield, MO, when they ran out of space for me. With my unique looks and loving, fun personality, it didn't take me long to make a name for myself here. I'm already a volunteer favorite, thank you very much! They take me out for a walk or a run to try to tire me out, but no one has succeeded in that as of yet. It's hard for an active dog like me to live in a kennel, so I really, really appreciate it anytime I can get out to play. When I finally get home, life will be so wonderful! I think about it all the time and look forward to the day I get adopted. That will be the best day ever.

It seems like I'm already at least partially housetrained. I keep my kennel clean and go to the bathroom as soon as I get outside. Please be patient with me when we get home though, as I learn all about my new routines. I love to go for walks, although sometimes I forget my own strength and pull on my leash just a little. A harness would be good for me and make our walks much more enjoyable for both of us. I'll make a really great exercise partner for my new family...always up for a walk or run or hike or just playtime in the backyard. I need and want exercise to keep me happy and healthy, so I hope you're the active sort who likes that kind of thing too.

I love my treats! And I'm smart and eager to please, making me a perfect candidate for training. I hope you'll take the time to help me learn all about what it means to be a great family dog. I've already mastered 'sit' and 'down', and I'm working on 'leave it'. I am happy to come whenever you call me, and am such a good listener when you need something from me. I'm social and sweet and just an all around great dog!

My play with other dogs can get sort of rough and rowdy. I love to play, but not all dogs appreciate my style. So please bring any other dogs you have to meet me before we go home together, just to be sure we get along great.

Please come for me soon! I need a home! I need a family. I need you. I'm waiting for you now.
Love, Falcon"

Wayside Waifs is Kansas City�s largest no-kill animal shelter.   They are an independent, 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit humane society and animal welfare organization established in 1944.  Wayside Waifs is committed to finding homes for all adoptable pets. Wayside is the largest pet adoption center in Kansas City, placing over 5,400 animals each year in loving forever homes. Wayside does not euthanize adoptable animals, and there are no time limits for animals in our care. Only animals suffering from significant medical issues or those that pose a danger are humanely euthanized. Wayside Waifs is proud to be a part of Kansas City's no-kill community.

Dog Song Saturday: Adopt a Dog by Edie Brickell

  It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Today's featured dog song is short and sweet.  All of us at Talking Dogs love the message:  adopt a dog.

We also like that this is short and sweet because just two weeks ago we adopted our little black Golden Retriever / Labrador mix puppy, Rosie.  And we need to play with her!

This dog music video is actually an ad spot for the SPCA.  The song is Adopt a Dog, an original song by Edie Brickell.

Trust us, you're gonna love it!  

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy Adopt a Dog.   

If you're in the mood, fetch some more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  We've got quite a collection!   Then be sure to scroll down below today's feature to explore some barking good blogs because today is a Pet Blogger Hop.

Adopt Dr Joyce Brothers a Dog at Stray Rescue

Is there a Doctor in the house?  As a matter of fact, there is!   

Hi everyone, my name is Dr. Joyce Brothers, also known as JOY to those who know and love me.  That�s because I am pure Joy�the happiest girl in the world.  

I am somewhat of a celebrity at Stray Rescue.  I have charmed the socks off of all their volunteers.  They spoil me rotten, but what I would really love is a chance at a forever home because I have been living at SR for quite a while.

Some things I love are car rides, playing Frisbee (see my link, I am an expert) having lunch at an outdoor caf�, milkshakes at Crown Candy Kitchen, kids, walks in the park, and hiking in the woods.  I am a very experienced hiker.  

Lately I have been lucky enough to spend a day or two each week with a volunteer at his office.  I am an official mascot of a company!   I attend meetings and hang out with the gang during lunch.  I am constantly honing my training skills too.  I can sit, wait, give my paw, and my leash walking skills are just about perfect.   

Don�t I sound like the perfect dog for you?  I promise to be your best and most loyal friend.  Check out my video below and then call Stray Rescue of St Louis at their 2320 Pine Street animal shelter 314-771-6121 and find out more about me.

Stray Rescue is a pawsome organization and their animal shelter is barking good, but I really need a forever home!

Stray Rescue's sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes. Virtually all of the pets we save have been abused and neglected. They've been dumped on highways, or remote country roads. Abandoned in public parks, empty houses and dark alleys. We've even saved dogs left chained behind buildings after their owners had moved away.

Rescued animals often make the best pets. As a no-kill organization, pets from Stray Rescue seem to understand that they have a second lease on life. In return for a little affection and attention, these remarkable animals reward their new owners with a love and loyalty unmatched anywhere.

Garret, a Beagle Dog, is Looking for a Forever Home

 This beautiful Beagle boy is Garret.  Right now he's calling the Humane Society of Missouri St Louis animal shelter home, but he's looking for a forever family to love.

Garret is about 5 years old, already neutered and is looking forward to some nice long walks.  He's got lots of energy and curiosity about the world.  Garret sits nicely for treats and has that trademark Beagle tail wag.

Check out Garret's adoption video.  If you're looking for an active, loving companion, give the Humane Society of Missouri a call at  314-951-1562.  Garret's animal ID number is A541303.

Adopt a Black Labrador Retriever, Jenny

Jenny is a beautiful black Labrador Retriever dog who is temporarily staying with the Humane Society of Missouri St. Louis animal shelter.

This sweet girl is only about a year old.  Jenny appears to be housebroken and loves to go for walks on a leash.  

As you can see from her adoption video, she's a friendly girl and that tail just doesn't stop wagging.  Jenny can sit on command and is eager to learn some more tricks.

If you're looking for an active companion with lots of love to give, fetch more information about Jenny.  Call the HSMO St Louis animal shelter at 314-647-8800.  Jenny's animal ID is A542541

Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays Video

On Sundays we usually feature adoptable dogs here on the Talking Dogs blog.  Today, in a way, we're featuring all dogs currently in animal shelters who are hoping for a forever home.   

If you're planning to add a canine family member, please consider adopting a shelter or rescue dog.  If you can't adopt, please think about fostering a lonely dog for the holidays.

The video, Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays 2012 was produced by Paws New England (PAWs)  PAWs and 13,000 other rescue organizations are participating in PetFinder's "Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays" initiative.  Find a participating shelter or rescue organization near you.

Working together we can empty the nation's shelters this holiday season.
 

Adopt Sandy a Pit Bull Terrier Posing as a Reindeer

Sandy is posing as a reindeer in hopes that Santa will bring her a new family for Christmas.  She's a beautiful tan and white Pit Bull Terrier girl currently living at the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis.  

That's no place to be living at Christmas!  Especially when you're just a baby like Sandy.  She's only 7 months old, so full of that playful puppy dog energy and ready for adventure.  A sweetheart and a lover, she's looking for a lap to cuddle in and a best friend to love.

Take a look at Sandy's adoption video and you'll see what a lovely girl she really is.  If you're looking to add a furry member of your family, consider sweet Sandy.

For more information, call the HSMO at 314-647-8800.  Sandy's ID number is A541318

Adopt Sweet Xena a Black Lab Mix Looking for Love

When deciding which dog to feature today, I couldn't resist a girl named Xena.  Not only is she named after that pawesome warrior princess, but she looks so sweet and lovely.

Xena is a Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  She's about three years old and already spayed.  As you can see from her adoption video, she's black with white accents!   She's a playful girl who already knows how to sit and, from the looks of it, could easily learn how to shake paws.  

Right now Xena is living at the Humane Society of Missouri's Chesterfield Valley animal shelter.  Staff there report that she walks nicely on a leash and is a delightful dog.

If you have room in your life for another dog, please consider this sweet girl.  Call 636-530-0805 for more information about Xena.  Her animal ID number is A538458.

National Mutt Day is December 2

Now here's a holiday I can really appreciate!  

Today is National Mutt Day!

National Mutt Day is a day to celebrate the many wonderful attributes of mixed breed dogs and facilitate their adoption from shelters.  It was created by pet lifestyle expert and animal welfare advocate, Colleen Paige and sponsored by the Animal Miracle Foundation. 

At Talking Dogs, we'll be celebrating with our mutt, Jeffie.  He's a Golden Retriever and Border Collie mixed breed dog we adopted from Dogwood Animal Shelter.

Here are just a few suggestions for your celebration of National Mutt Day:

• Adopt a Mutt from your local shelter or rescue organization.  
• Volunteer at your local shelter - walk or play with some mutts.
• Have a National Mutt Day party and invite all your friends and their dogs.
• Join the National Mutt Day Facebook page and post photos of your Mutt.
• Spend some quality time with your mutt - take a walk, play with a new toy, try some new dog treats.
• Fetch www.NationalMuttDay.com for more ideas

The best way to celebrate National Mutt Day?  

 

Love your Mutt!

Dog Training Made Easy | Guest Post

Today we have a guest post from the Dog Daddy at our house.  He has his own method of dog training and shares it below.

Dog training made easy.
We have used this method of dog training for many years and have found it to be easy and very successful. 

There are a few things that you will need that are very important. 

First you need an adult well trained dog. Preferably one that has lived in your household for most of its life. 

Second you will need lots of dog toys. The first dog toy we can remember was a stuffed monkey. So ever since we have referred to dog toys as monkeys. I am talking about all manner of stuffed, soft or hard dog toys.

The third step is to go to an animal shelter or a responsible dog breeder and adopt a puppy. 

So now you will have two dogs. Having had as many as 4 dogs in our family at once I believe the more the merrier. 

But you don�t need 4, you only need the two prior mentioned dogs. An adult and a puppy.

The next step is essential, but easy.  You take the puppy home and love it while not neglecting your adult dog. 

Your adult dog will take it from there. 

Puppies are a lot like children, they look up to their elders and try to act like them. When your older dog goes out to do its business be sure to take your puppy along and it will much more quickly learn to go outside to do its business. 

If your adult dog chews only on monkeys then your puppy will learn to only chew on monkeys. If your adult dog thinks one of its jobs is to protect the family your puppy will learn to protect you. The list goes on and on. 

By now you can see why it is essential that the adult dog is well trained. If it is not your puppy will also pick up on any bad habits.

Those of you who read this blog will remember Tucker; he was head of security at For Love Of A Dog and one of the original talking dogs. We have always had a very large back yard and Tucker was great at patrolling the perimeter. Every time he went out he would run the fence. Since then, all our dogs have patrolled the fence because Tucker taught them to do it.

 Lucy, former design diva at For Love Of A Dog, was Sue's constant companion. Now that Lucy is waiting at the rainbow bridge, Jeffie has taken over that task and is almost always at Sues side because Lucy taught him to do it.

Of course this is not all you need to do. 

You will still need to properly socialize your puppy by taking it for walks, getting the puppy out in the world and around a lot of different people. It is good to do some of this without the adult dog so the puppy will learn some independence since it will likely have to live part of its life without its tutor. 

By that time your puppy will be a grown adult dog who will be ready to teach your next puppy the ropes of life in your household. 

The cycle continues.

Adopt Aphrodite a Doberman Pinscher Dog

Looking for love?  Here she is!  Her name is Aphrodite and she's a young Doberman Pinscher mix dog.  Just look at that face and tell me you don't see love.

Aphrodite is only about 9 months old, so she still has lots of that wonderful puppy energy.  Curious about everything and ready to explore the world with you. 

According to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, the Doberman Pinscher is breathtakingly perceptive, intuitive, and sensitive. Dobermans are nice-named "Velcro dogs" because they stick to their people.  They also suggest that the Doberman dog breed is not for everyone.  Dobies need a calm, stable, firm leader or they may assume that role for you.  

Dobermans are a dog breed that need plenty of exercise every day and plenty of mental stimulation.  If you're looking for an active companion that's smart as a whip, consider Aphrodite.

Right now this beautiful girl is calling the Human Society of Missouri  St Louis animal shelter home.  If you can give Aphrodite a forever home, call HSMO at 314-951-1562.  Her animal ID number is A538578