New Corgi for a New Life
Just a warning: this post is HUGE. I've broken it down into parts so you can read and respond to sections easily without feeling the need to respond to the whole thing. :]
Hey, everybody! I'm new to the site, and will soon be new to the world of dog ownership. I've only had cats growing up and have seriously wanted a corgi since I was 16 or 17, though I dreamt of owning one since I was 12. I'm 19 now (though I will be 20 by the time I can get a corgi), and a student at Virginia Tech. I'm moving off campus next school year specifically so I can have the opportunity of getting a dog.
Owner benefit: I've heard from a lot of people that college students shouldn't get a puppy. I disagree with that in my case. I'm an engineering student and have a LOT of homework to do. As such, I spend a lot of time in my room doing said homework. I'm not a party girl... I think the longest activity I do all weekend is play Dungeons and Dragons, and I can bring Waffle to that with no problems. I also have severe depression (and have had it for a while) and am finally seeking help. My medicine isn't doing anything except giving me insomnia... I was discussing the want and possibility of getting a puppy with my therapist. She seemed really positive and agreed with me when I mentioned how it would help me. The responsibility of taking care of a puppy would force me to get out of bed, go outside and exercise, be on a strict routine, and be mentally challenged but also immediately rewarded. So, Waffle would not only be a dream come true, but a treatment for this disease that's been plaguing me for years. Unlike medicine, it will actually work. Does anyone have any stories they can share about dogs helping depressed people function again? Just curious.
Expenses: Because I am a poor college student, money is kind of a big deal. I worked all summer at 7$/hr in a popcorn factory and managed to store $1000 in my savings account. This is and has always been specifically for dog purposes. I made an excel spreadsheet of all the things I would need for getting a dog initially. However, I am not sure of the biggest expenses at all. How much is neutering for a corgi pup? Shots? The corgi itself?? I snooped around the internet and guesstimated... Basically, does this expense sheet look right? If I forgot something IMPORTANT, let me know.
Moving: I can't move in to my apartment until August of 2010. As such, I really want to get my corgi in late spring/early summer so I can begin training him at my parents' house and he can be moderately well behaved and potty trained... It will be difficult (no, impossible) to return to my apartment every hour during classes, but doable every 3 or 4 hours. I was discussing this with my friend, and she brought up a slightly upsetting point. She has a friend who has a dog named Chubaca, not sure of the breed. Chubaca was a puppy that was trained at home and was brought up to Tech for living in an apartment. He was perfectly trained, but moving reverted him back to square 1--mostly peeing everywhere. Is this a problem for corgies? If so, or even if not, how can I minimize the trauma of moving and prevent this from happening? If it does happen, is there anything I can do to stop it besides getting super strict with the potty training?
Furry family members: I'm moving in with a friend from middle school and her roommate. They are both animal people, one studying animal science and one studying bio with intent to go to vet school, so of course they both want pets. VetSchool wants and is definitely getting a cat (I'm very happy about this!!), but AnimalScience wants to get a dog. She is unsure if she will be getting a dog, doesn't know what breed, and doesn't know what age. So, this is iffy but still a concern. Mostly, I'm afraid the other dog may ruin Waffle's training if AnimalScience isn't being very stern in making her dog a good citizen. I can eliminate the problem with toy stealing by keeping Waffle's all in my room... I also don't want them to eat each other's food. I don't know... Should I even be concerned?
Training: I'm really looking forward to training him and having that bonding time and control. I don't think I will be taking him to obedience classes... but I may if I'm having a hard time doing it on my own. (I watch "It's Me or the Dog" and am minoring in behavioral psychology... so I want to put my skills to the test before spending money.) Potty training, sit, stay, heel, drop it, leave it, etc are all basic and necessary. I was reading about "emergency recall training" on these forums and am definitely going to teach him that. Are there any other invaluable commands I need to teach him?
I think that's it. Of course I'll ask questions as they arise. :3
Hey, everybody! I'm new to the site, and will soon be new to the world of dog ownership. I've only had cats growing up and have seriously wanted a corgi since I was 16 or 17, though I dreamt of owning one since I was 12. I'm 19 now (though I will be 20 by the time I can get a corgi), and a student at Virginia Tech. I'm moving off campus next school year specifically so I can have the opportunity of getting a dog.
Owner benefit: I've heard from a lot of people that college students shouldn't get a puppy. I disagree with that in my case. I'm an engineering student and have a LOT of homework to do. As such, I spend a lot of time in my room doing said homework. I'm not a party girl... I think the longest activity I do all weekend is play Dungeons and Dragons, and I can bring Waffle to that with no problems. I also have severe depression (and have had it for a while) and am finally seeking help. My medicine isn't doing anything except giving me insomnia... I was discussing the want and possibility of getting a puppy with my therapist. She seemed really positive and agreed with me when I mentioned how it would help me. The responsibility of taking care of a puppy would force me to get out of bed, go outside and exercise, be on a strict routine, and be mentally challenged but also immediately rewarded. So, Waffle would not only be a dream come true, but a treatment for this disease that's been plaguing me for years. Unlike medicine, it will actually work. Does anyone have any stories they can share about dogs helping depressed people function again? Just curious.
Expenses: Because I am a poor college student, money is kind of a big deal. I worked all summer at 7$/hr in a popcorn factory and managed to store $1000 in my savings account. This is and has always been specifically for dog purposes. I made an excel spreadsheet of all the things I would need for getting a dog initially. However, I am not sure of the biggest expenses at all. How much is neutering for a corgi pup? Shots? The corgi itself?? I snooped around the internet and guesstimated... Basically, does this expense sheet look right? If I forgot something IMPORTANT, let me know.
Moving: I can't move in to my apartment until August of 2010. As such, I really want to get my corgi in late spring/early summer so I can begin training him at my parents' house and he can be moderately well behaved and potty trained... It will be difficult (no, impossible) to return to my apartment every hour during classes, but doable every 3 or 4 hours. I was discussing this with my friend, and she brought up a slightly upsetting point. She has a friend who has a dog named Chubaca, not sure of the breed. Chubaca was a puppy that was trained at home and was brought up to Tech for living in an apartment. He was perfectly trained, but moving reverted him back to square 1--mostly peeing everywhere. Is this a problem for corgies? If so, or even if not, how can I minimize the trauma of moving and prevent this from happening? If it does happen, is there anything I can do to stop it besides getting super strict with the potty training?
Furry family members: I'm moving in with a friend from middle school and her roommate. They are both animal people, one studying animal science and one studying bio with intent to go to vet school, so of course they both want pets. VetSchool wants and is definitely getting a cat (I'm very happy about this!!), but AnimalScience wants to get a dog. She is unsure if she will be getting a dog, doesn't know what breed, and doesn't know what age. So, this is iffy but still a concern. Mostly, I'm afraid the other dog may ruin Waffle's training if AnimalScience isn't being very stern in making her dog a good citizen. I can eliminate the problem with toy stealing by keeping Waffle's all in my room... I also don't want them to eat each other's food. I don't know... Should I even be concerned?
Training: I'm really looking forward to training him and having that bonding time and control. I don't think I will be taking him to obedience classes... but I may if I'm having a hard time doing it on my own. (I watch "It's Me or the Dog" and am minoring in behavioral psychology... so I want to put my skills to the test before spending money.) Potty training, sit, stay, heel, drop it, leave it, etc are all basic and necessary. I was reading about "emergency recall training" on these forums and am definitely going to teach him that. Are there any other invaluable commands I need to teach him?
I think that's it. Of course I'll ask questions as they arise. :3
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rachael & Waffle on
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I'm doing a research paper on the psychological benefits of canine companionship as a result of this discussion, and I love to hear such stories. I'm also tickled that a doctor suggested getting a dog; I had to mention it to my counselor first and then she said how helpful it would probably be for me. My roommates said they would be more than willing to help, fortunately. :] I know the other people I was thinking about rooming with wouldn't have done anything to help out. And spinning! That's a great idea.
Thanks for your input! I appreciate it. Good luck with your studies, too.
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Permalink Reply by Patsy Wood-Graven on
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Rachel,
Way to go girl!!!! I always love it when someone puts as much thought into their new addition to the family as you have. A puppy is just like a new baby joining a family. You havethought things through very well. You can also check second hand children's shops for things like the baby gates for the the hallways, yard sales, and thrift stores.
Corgi's get along well with others and have a wonderful temperment. They are great apartment and house mates and will bring you hours of love and affection.
Having a son that has had a problem similar to yours his entire life, his dog was his saving grace. He would spend hours curled up with Sadie, just brushing and petting him. Sadie trained very quickly and he was able to train him himself. It was great for both of them and they are still best buds forever.
When my puppies join their new families they are doggie door trained and most everyone says that their corgi puppy was easy to train for their new homes. The AKC website has lots of information that is very helpful with all sorts of dog questions and each new dog registration through AKC comes with a really nice booklet of ideas and what to expect from your puppy as they mature. Very helpful and informative.
Best of luck and if I can help with any other questions, just ask.
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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I don't know if you are still following this post, but I was just grooming my dogs and thought of the Furminator on your list.
My male has a hard outer coat and a very dense, thick undercoat and honestly nothing works (slicker brush, comb, bristle brush) when he is blowing his undercoat except the furminator. I would not be without it.
My female has a silkier outer coat and a looser, fluffier undercoat that she is currently blowing now. The furminator honestly is not that effective on her, and the best tool is a plain grooming comb (it has one side with wider teeth that you use on the first few pass-throughs to work out any tangles, then a finer side that is great for getting loose hair and can also double as a flea comb.).
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752780
It's only a few dollars at any pet store.
Your pup won't do a full coat blow til the summer after his first winter anyway, so I would hold off on the furminator and start with a bristle brush and a slicker brush, then wait to see what kind of coat your dog has when it matures and if the slicker is not doing a good job of shedding, move on to something else. And FYI, a pin brush is worthless on a Corgi coat and does absolutely nothing. I think I gave mine away.
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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
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I have a rubber brush that fits on my hand (it's a glove with 2 sides) that works very well and I use it a couple times a day when they are blowing their coat! Also a curry brush/comb for horses also works well! These are both fairly cheap! Like Beth said it's a good idea to wait and see...
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Alright, thanks. I will probably start with a comb and get a furminator if the comb just isn't cutting it for him. :]
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Permalink Reply by Alice on
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My husband got a pin brush for Finn because he thought it would feel better on Finn's skin and it probably does, but you're right, it is worthless. Not one strand of hair gets picked up by it.
We started with a slicker brush and I still like it. It collects a lot of hair and doesn't get staticy like the Furminator does. We use the Furminator once in a while and the slicker brush the majority of the time.
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As for the feeding aspect...feeding alone is fine BUT you absolutely need to make sure you dog/puppy is not food aggressive and so that means you crawl up to your dog and pretend to eat,take away etc. so that he/she gets used to it and if you can have a child do this too that would be great! I feed at least 3 sometimes 4 of mine a foot away from each other but this is a learned rule in my house! Same way with toys and a roomate you need to teach your dog to be a good dog and that does not mean giving up his toys but you and others being able to take them from him or he gives them to you! You may want to keep certain toys away from your roomates dog, have certain toys that he likes in his kennel just for him but also he needs to know how to share! When I had 1 corgi and my large dog I would free feed with no problem but it might not be the best with another dog there. Make sure you feed him at least 2 times a day though!
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I started out penning Maddie and leaving Jack loose. Now I put Maddie in the pen but leave the gate open. I stand guard so no one tries to steal out of the other's dish. I've had one or two incidences where Maddie was right there when I put Jack's dish down and stuck her head in and nothing happened, but I also intervened right away.
I have trained Jack that he has to wait to go near Maddie again til she's done eating (he gets a bit less than her and his dish is put down first, so he finishes first). BUT I have worked with him since he's a pup to "wait" when food is around. I am still working on teaching Maddie not to go near Jack if he is eating. My goal is to be able to just put their bowls down eventually, but it will take awhile to get to that point.
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I saw this movie on the Disney Channel called "Murder She Purred: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery." The main character was an old tabby cat and her sidekick was this loveable dog with tiny legs. I really liked the dog but didn't know what it was called. I later found out it was a corgi, and I read more about them and decided I wanted to get one. I'm looking for an intelligent dog with just the right amount of attitude and work ethic. I need a small one because of apartment living, and it must be friendly because I encounter lots of people in my day-to-day business of walking around campus. I want to try agility and teach him some tricks like "play dead". Corgis seem to fit this profile and my expectations very nicely. Also, they're cute to boot and we're both "low riders" so to speak (I'm 5'1", lol.)
I'm this close to getting a local engineering internship this summer, so hopefully the whole money thing is going to be less of an issue. I just went off the neutering costs of some website I found... I really had no idea how much it's supposed to be, but now I do. It's... quite a bit. I may be able to use the low-cost clinic at our SPCA because I'm a student.
I'm also going to talk with AnimalScience next week and see her plans about getting a dog. Hopefully she'll be open to compromise in her training style if she's dead set on getting one and isn't as serious about training as I am.
Also, my family has been really open and welcoming about me and my puppy. They want me to bring him everywhere! Hopefully the constant change of scenery will desensitize him to a move. I'll definitely be asking the breeder about a chillaxed, yet adventurous, puppy/dog.
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Permalink Reply by Lawren and Teddy on
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Tee Tucker! The dog's name is Tee Tucker.
If you haven't read the books that movie was based on, I highly suggest it. I love them and have been reading them for a long time (the first one came out in 1990, so since I was 10). They are the Mrs Murphy Mysteries by Rita Mae Brown and helped written by her cat, Sneaky Pie Brown. The animals are the ones who usually solve the mysteries.
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Lol, yeah!! :] I loved that movie because of the animals and the fact that it was set in Virginia and it didn't have Native Americans or Civil War soldiers in it. I tried finding it online but it's no use! So sad. I have some other books I want to read that come first, but if I remember/get around to it, I will most definitely look into those.
...I really want to watch that movie again...
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It's on Amazon.com, only on VHS though, no DVD has been released.
http://www.amazon.com/Murder-She-Purred-Murphy-Mystery/dp/B000055ZJ...
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