Recent content by Poedogruns

I like to run distance with my two shelties in the morning. Usually, its an out and back route, with a turn around when we are halfway through the run. Depending on the particular day, the turnaround can happen at 2.5 miles, 3 miles or more on the "long run" day. Aspen loves to anticipate...

We are on the crazy side. We bundled up and did our normal, daily 5 mile run with no paw problems. It was 7 degrees with -15 wind chill. I run with my two shelties, Stella and Pups Watson. It took a little under an hour. If they don't get their run in, its the zoomies all day.

We just finished refinishing hardwood floors a beautiful deep brown Jacobean color. I have three dogs; two shelties and one collie, so that's 12 paws to wipe upon each entry. Whereas before, I kind of let them run wild through the house, I now feel compelled to wipe paws. Baby wipes are too...

So we waited all fall and into the winter and within the last few weeks brought home Aspen--in the middle of the polar vortex we had to potty train. She is from my trusted breeder, a co-bred with outside kennel, so I guess Stella's half sister. I could not love her more. Another bi-blue...

Its not a big deal when it happens. Our carpets have definitely seen better days between 4 kids and 3 dogs. I dream about getting them replaced or just having one of those "homey" concrete floors that I see on designer shows. I haven't scolded her for it. Its a pretty easy clean up. I do...

So Aspen is 15 weeks old. We have had her for 4 weeks and housetraining is going along ok for a puppy. We don't have a fenced in yard, so all potty breaks are done by leash walking her from the house into the yard. She will do her potty and poop when she is outside without a problem. My...

Here is the update: The breeder has decided to keep the gorgeous adult. Of course I am disappointed, but I totally understand. There is no way I could part with mine (case in point on why I am not a breeder!). I mean, there are all these dogs out there that are not loved nor appreciated and...

As we are contemplating adding a third dog to the household, I have become motivated to start obedience training Stella again. We were Home Companion drop-outs when she was 6 months old. She was very dog reactive, which has lessened with socialization and age, also the classes was not...

Just going over to the Puppies 101 has been motivating, lol. I think I am leaning toward the older dog. I wouldn't have the hassle of potty training and leash training. I will immediately be able to talk long walks with her and work her slowly into my daily jogging routine. Cuteness...

Yes, Stella was born in late November, so she is a little under 2 years old. I rounded up, but she is pretty much a pupster herself when I consider that prospective.

I never considered that the close proximity in age might mean a battle for top dog between the two. My perfect scenario would be the dogs would best friends that play well. Maybe this isn't certain with an older dog match?

Hello: So under the rule that one sheltie is not enough, I have decided to look for a playmate for Stella, our 2 year old bi-blue. She is very active and playful. Just too much dog for our senior statesman collie--she jumps in his face and pulls his tail and then zooms off! Anyway, I...

We are taking the dogs with us on vacation this year to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia for a week in late July. I have them on Trefexis year around and that seems to do the job in Central Illinois for fleas. The cabin we rented is in a very wooded area. We plan on hiking and playing...

Thanks for the quick replies. I have had collies for 15 years and never had this problem. They always wanted to come, no question about it. But this sheltie thinks faster than I can. I am going start working today on keeping treats out of sight and more random, selective rewards. A dog...

My one year old sheltie is a treat hound! I have this problem with her assessing the situation before deciding if she wants to come when I call her. So when I get ready to take her outside, she dancing outside of my reach, sometimes going halfway up the stairs, sometimes all the way upstairs...