So what do I need too buy?

[Momily]

I figure that it's pretty definite that we're getting a dog, just not sure which exact one, so I thought I could start keeping an eye out on CL for the things I'll need so I can get them cheaply. Can someone check my list?

A crate (metal bars so they can see out?)
A doggie bed that fits inside the crate
Dog bowls
Collar (for a sheltie I need a regular one to wear all the time, and a martingale for walks right? Maybe some other dogs just a regular)
A leash (not a retractable one yet, right? That's for when he/she knows they belong with me, for now I keep them close)
Some puzzle toys to keep them busy when I'm gone (small kong, small buster cube)
Regular toys to leave out all the time
Balls (are tennis balls fine?)
A car crate (or do I just bring their regular crate in the car -- or do I do a doggie seatbelt?)
A dog training book/video (Monks of New Skete?)
Dog food (wait until the breeder or foster tells me what they're used to right?)

Anything else? Anything on there that I don't need?

[mom0810]

Originally Posted by Momily

I figure that it's pretty definite that we're getting a dog, just not sure which exact one, so I thought I could start keeping an eye out on CL for the things I'll need so I can get them cheaply. Can someone check my list?

A crate (metal bars so they can see out?)
A doggie bed that fits inside the crate
Dog bowls
Collar (for a sheltie I need a regular one to wear all the time, and a martingale for walks right? Maybe some other dogs just a regular)
A leash (not a retractable one yet, right? That's for when he/she knows they belong with me, for now I keep them close)
Some puzzle toys to keep them busy when I'm gone (small kong, small buster cube)
Regular toys to leave out all the time
Balls (are tennis balls fine?)
A car crate (or do I just bring their regular crate in the car -- or do I do a doggie seatbelt?)
A dog training book/video (Monks of New Skete?)
Dog food (wait until the breeder or foster tells me what they're used to right?)

Anything else? Anything on there that I don't need?

You sound pretty set. You can always carry crate to car, but two is easier. Or you can do those dog seatbelt things. We have done them, and they are okay for one dog.

I love Martingale Collars, and use them on my house dogs inside.

I think you are on the way, girl!

[Momily]

Okay,

Another dumb dog question.

Does it upset a dog if their crate gets moved around? I really want the dog to sleep in DS's room but if we have a dog walker I don't know if I want a stranger upstairs by the bedrooms. If I carried it up and down each day (little dog so little crate) would that be a problem? Could I get 2 one for upstairs and one for downstairs?

Also, I heard you're supposed to feed the dog in the crate, but in that case having the crate in the kitchen makes more sense to me?

Where do other people keep the crate -- do you have 2?

Also, if the crate's upstairs do I get a dog bed for downstairs for when it wants to lie around but be in the same space as us -- we don't spend much time in the bedrooms during the day.

[mom0810]

You are thinking about this a lot, which is great!

I would start with one crate... you can always order more. But I would start with one and you can carry it back and forth. That's the wonderful thing about the crate. Regardless of which room you are in, the crate is the dog's constant. They love it. Hotels, family room, dog show, bedroom... ahhhh... I have my crate. It's fine to move it from room to room. The crate smells like home and smells like the dog, so they are happy to have it in whichever room. Once you have lived with the dog and see how you will use it, you can get another one or two or three, whatever. But I would start with one. So the short answer to your question is no, it does not bother them to have it moved around.

Just a for instance, we have crates in the kitchen because we mainly use them for feeding. But we have dog beds all over the house for the "kids" to lay in wherever. But you may find your Sheltie likes a crate for the security. Just get the one and see how she is.

I'm very excited and happy for you. :

[snuggly mama]

We only have one crate, and we move it around the house. Puppy sleeps in it in our room at night, sometimes the older kids' rooms if they want, and then it's in the living room during the day. He doesn't seem upset by having it moved around; we just keep the same bedding in it, which right now is just a large piece of fleece that I had planned to use for a blanket and never quite got around to it.

We've got two adorable dog beds, but we can't use either of them because he hasn't figured out not to pee on them!

[Ola_]

We used to move Chaos' crate around and it didn't bother her at all. My dogs have liked the plastic "airline style" crates better, but if the person you are getting the dog from can tell you what they use I would probably stick with that.

I don't use collars in the house and definitely wouldn't while crated. Getting hung up is much more likely with a tightening collar but even a flat one has a chance.

Also, I would suggest borrowing one of the Monks of New Skete books from the library before you buy it. I personally did not like their methods because I found them too harsh, and was glad I only borrowed the book instead of buying it. I've heard that they have re-published some of their books to remove the now-outdated advice but I would still suggest reading it before you purchase.

[slimkins]

We only have one dog crate and it is in the living room. Since our dog has free reign of half the house now, she doesn't use it too much anymore. She goes in it sometimes for a little snooze, but usually one of our cats are in it.

We do however have dog beds in almost every room.
Our dog does love tennis balls, but I have noticed they have filed down her canines over time. We use to get her the squeaky ones and she would walk around with them all day. Now we just get her normal ones.
I think feeding the dog in the crate is your decision. We don't, but we do have a specific mat that she lays down on and waits for her food while one of us is preparing it. I know people that do feed in the crate, so it is up to you.
I think your list looks pretty good. Plus once you get your dog you will probably be going to the pet stores all the time just for fun.

[Momily]

Ola, do you have a book/video combination to reccommend instead? I'm definitely the book "type" DS is definitely the video "type". I'd like to get one of each from the same author so that what we'll be doing is complementary -- if that makes sense.

[mistymama]

We just have one crate and move it from place to place. Beanie is happy and secure in his crate, no matter where it is moved. I personally prefer the plastic crates, more den-like, IMO.

I leave water down at all times, but feed in the crate. This is mostly because we feed raw, so it's easier. I let him eat in the crate, then wipe it out with vinegar.

I have two lambswool blankets I use as bedding for the crate. They are easy to wash and with two, I've always got one clean to use. They are soft and comfy - he just loves being in his crate.

But I think your list looks good! I don't use an special collars - just a regular collar and leash works fine for us for daily walks.

[Ola_]

I'm more of a book person too, so the only one I have with a DVD is the "My smart puppy" book that was mentioned in the other thread. I have a feeling though that your DS will get a lot more out of a training class than a video.

[Momily]

Ola, I agree that we need a class or some classes, but most of the trainers I can find around here start new rounds of classes every month or two, so once I pick which trainer we like best we might have to wait a few months before we begin. I'd like something to read to help us figure out what patterns to establish right away when he/she comes home.

Of course he could come home on a Saturday and start classes on Monday, it all depends on which weekend we actually get him (or her).

Is My Smart Puppy a good choice for a dog who isn't a puppy anymore?

Mistymama, what I've read is that because Shelties have so much hair around their necks their neck can actually end up thicker than their head, so like a greyhound (another dog with the same problem) you need a special collar, not for disciplinary reasons, but just so they can't slip out by mistake if they back up for some reason.

[slimkins]

Originally Posted by Momily

Mistymama, what I've read is that because Shelties have so much hair around their necks their neck can actually end up thicker than their head, so like a greyhound (another dog with the same problem) you need a special collar, not for disciplinary reasons, but just so they can't slip out by mistake if they back up for some reason.

martingale collar

you can get them almost anywhere. they are great collars.

*edit* sorry Momily, I see you weren't asking about the collar just mentioning it.

[Ola_]

Originally Posted by Momily

Of course he could come home on a Saturday and start classes on Monday, it all depends on which weekend we actually get him (or her).

Personally, I would probably give it a week or two before you start classes. It would give you some time to bond and get to know each other, and for the dog to get a bit more comfortable.

Is My Smart Puppy a good choice for a dog who isn't a puppy anymore?

Yes. The first section goes through ages and what you can expect but the rest of the book applies to any dog. They divide skills into "levels" so you can start where your dog currently is and work your way up. And with a new dog it wouldn't hurt to go through all the skills since training is a good way to bond. The book has lots of exercises you can follow through and troubleshooting tips.

Mistymama, what I've read is that because Shelties have so much hair around their necks their neck can actually end up thicker than their head, so like a greyhound (another dog with the same problem) you need a special collar, not for disciplinary reasons, but just so they can't slip out by mistake if they back up for some reason.

One of my dogs is a greyhound so I definitely know what you mean. We use a martingale outside of the house only though. If you do end up getting a sheltie you may want to look into collars that will reduce hair breakage around the neck, since I hear that can be a problem.

[Momily]

Ola,

That's what I was thinking, that we use the book for the first few weeks, and just get used to each other (and housebreak if we get the dog that's my current first choice, because he isn't), then start classes.

I'll look for that book. Sounds great!

About the collar -- do we need something on him at home -- for rabies tags and to grab him if he starts to run out the door or something? Then we add the martingale when we go out?

[DogMomforNow]

Another vote for My Smart Puppy I've also heard good things about Ian Dunbar's video/book series. Dogwise is a great place to search around for dog and training related books and videos - they might even have something geared towards kids your son's age.

Personally, I don't keep a collar on my dog when he is in the house. It reduces the collar lines around the neck, which is a personal OCD thing. Also, I've had several friends' dogs get their tags stuck on things in the house and break either heating registers or handles off furniture. However, I live in a house a. without children and b. where my front door leads to a hallway, not the street. So a collar might be a good bet for you all depending on the dog you get

Also, I love love LOVE these tags for collars Boomerang Tags. They are guaranteed for life never to wear down and they don't jingle, jingle, jingle and get caught on things We've had them on for four years now and they still look brand new! Our dogs have three tags:
a boomerang tag with address info
a hanging rabies tag (includes vet clinic info)
a hanging tag that reads:
If I am Alone
I am Lost
Reward for Return
Other side:
I am microchipped
Please call AVID
800-xxx-xxxx