Let's See Your Garage Dog

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thank you, Jimmy. I never thought of myself as a little dog guy and especially not a poodle guy. But they’re really very smart, super loyal and just plain good pups.

I hope Sugar knew she was so deeply cared about.

 

[machsnell]

Here is our dog Gracie with her 3 new pups .

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[marineman]

Those pups are adorable. I need to unsubscribe from this thread in case my wife looks at my phone. That post will cost me a few bucks

 

[Fix Until Broke]

Guys/gals - I've got a dilemma I'm hoping you can help me with. We're considering getting a dog for the family. Likely a "medium-to-full size" dog that can stay outside a lot, jump in the creek, etc but will still be inside when it's cold, etc. Not a small, trip over it, never goes outside kind of dog. I like blue healers, labs, german shorthairs, etc. We're looking at rescue's primarily.

The dilemma is that when I was growing up out in the country and we had a dog, we were home a lot. We were away maybe a couple weekends a year (weddings, graduations, etc) so leaving the dog with the neighbor or just to run free in the country wasn't much of an issue. It drank from the creek, found something dead to eat or the neighbor would throw it some food on Saturday, etc. Relatively low maintenance. Our family (mom, dad, 2 boys ages 16 & 4) lives in the city, travels a lot, around 35-40 weekends a year with the occasional 3-4 day weekend in there along with holiday weekends. Typically a 4 hour drive each way, sometimes 6 hours depending on where we're going, who we're visiting. Even during the week we're both working or taking kids to activities out of the house 10+ hours a day so we're not home much even when we're home . We most often travel to visit friends/family so once we're there on the holidays/weekends we've got a pet friendly place to stay.

We had a cat who didn't travel too much and was OK alone for the weekend. We had a bird for a couple years which wasn't too bad. It also typically stayed at home while we traveled (before the 4 year old came along).

Any suggestions on how to best travel this much with a dog (or to even get a dog at all)? I like dogs, but don't want to get in a situation where its more of a burden than an enjoyment (for both the family and the dog).

If we traveled less and/or were home more it wouldn't be much of an issue - I'd love to have a shop dog (right now I have neither!).

Any thoughts, opinions, suggestions are welcomed!

 

[JRC3]

IMO. I said, "my opinion." If you have a 4 year old it sounds like you should wait. 4 year olds require full time attention while traveling, as do dogs. I guess what I picture is making a stop while traveling, or arriving at the destination, exiting the vehicle could be a handful and a momentary lapse could be dire.

Now a little dog could be carrier/crated. But like me, you don't want one of those.

To go a little further. A properly trained dog could be shown exactly what to do while traveling and exiting a vehicle. But that takes time, time it sounds like you may not have right now. Even more, rescue dogs can have some baggage and bad habits that may even become worse in tricky situations (like traveling). Many I've seen are diligent escape artist and runners. I can't imagine losing a dog while traveling.

Would be nice for the kids to have a dog though.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Don't disparage little dogs. My mini schnauzer, Otto, is the the shop dog. Toughest kid I've ever had.He follows me everywhere. Never flinches at noises. If I could find a welding helmet, I'm sure he'd like that, too. This is a boy who stands behind me, paws on my shoulder, looking at what I'm doing with running saws, etc. He stands on the tablesaw outfeed table and watches everything. He chomps at chips coming off the wood lathe. He rides in the Dingo bucket, or on my lap when I mow the lawn. He also knows not to touch or hide my tools.

 

[walrus]

Getting Gustav used to shop, known as Goose, 16 weeks old, Golden Retreiver. He is full of piss and vinegar as they used to say. Smart but stubborn, has a hard time when outside. He simply ignores the come command. Won't even look at me at times. I forgot how hard it was to get a dog trained.

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[Jimmy_B]

These two are my son's Miniature Schnauzers. Mac & Deiter. Mac lived with me for a few years. He was in charge of my two labs when they were puppies. They are now 4 times his size.... and he's still in charge!

It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

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[Fix Until Broke]

Thanks for the feedback - no offense intended in my original post to small dogs, but I can see how it could have been taken that way - my apologies.

Lets say we get a smaller dog - Is the frequent travel on the weekends and time away from home during the week a concern?

I really don't know what I'm getting into here, last pet I had was 25-30 years ago as an early teen living out in the country and life was a lot different then. Just trying to identify any potential major issues and address them ahead of time instead of after the fact for everyone's benefit.

 

[Jimmy_B]

I didn't take what you said as offensive. I prefer larger dogs too. I've had labs for decades, so I'm partial. I live in the country on a couple acres with invisible fence and dog doors into the house, and we don't really travel. They work for my lifestyle.

Do some research, you'll find a breed that has most of the characteristics you need. Every dog is different though, even within the same breed. Some are perfectly content to be home alone, others need more attention.

It's always kind of a **** shoot with what you get. Only you can decide if you really have the time to invest in them.

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[Toolfool]

Thanks for the feedback - no offense intended in my original post to small dogs, but I can see how it could have been taken that way - my apologies.

Lets say we get a smaller dog - Is the frequent travel on the weekends and time away from home during the week a concern?

I really don't know what I'm getting into here, last pet I had was 25-30 years ago as an early teen living out in the country and life was a lot different then. Just trying to identify any potential major issues and address them ahead of time instead of after the fact for everyone's benefit.

My best offering is "The more time you invest in a dog, the better the dog will be." If you don't have the time to invest, this might not be the time to adopt one. The only times I've added dogs to our family have been when I was between projects and knew I had at least a few weeks to spend endless hours helping a new dog to adjust to his/her new home. All our dogs have been rescues and each has had different 'baggage'. Hope your decision works out for you.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

^^^ THIS^^^

Dogs are pack animals. They need to be IN the pack. They need to know their place in the pack and be allowed to play that part.

Personally, I’d never own a dog that had to be outside all the time. You’re intentionally holding them apart from their pack. I think it’s cruel and I’ll probably get flamed for saying it.

 

[jd_1138]

^^^ THIS^^^

Dogs are pack animals. They need to be IN the pack. They need to know their place in the pack and be allowed to play that part.

Personally, I’d never own a dog that had to be outside all the time. You’re intentionally holding them apart from their pack. I think it’s cruel and I’ll probably get flamed for saying it.

Yeah I would never leave our dogs outside. Our Rat Terrier lives inside with us. She wants outside like 6 times a day to relieve herself and lay on the deck.

Great little watch dog. She can hear when anyone's at the door way before I can.

 

[jd_1138]

Here is our dog Gracie with her 3 new pups .

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Cute little chocolate labs!

 

[JRC3]

...l and I’ll probably get flamed for saying it.

Not from me. A pet is part of the family. Working dogs are an exception but workers are pretty much kept in multiples...At least from what I can think of.

I have coyotes, deer, and skunks, these all pose a threat to a dog. All three have also been in my small .5 acer yard (2 up close and personal), along with a neighborhood fence jumping dog. People also pose a threat to a lone dog. If I'm not home, the dog is in the house or with me. I have 6 cameras in the back yard that I can view anytime and anywhere but my head would explode if I left the dog outside when I wasn't home.

 

[walrus]

I dont see an issue with dogs being outside but all the time alone is a different story. My pup likes being outdoors but he spends most of his time with us indoors. Why have them if they arent going to be with you? Again working dogs are different.

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[PCustoms]

Baxter, a 15 week (in think) Mountain Cur rescue. Been keeping me company for about 3 weeks now.

Had his first day in the shop Sunday, mostly layed in bed and slept in front of the heater.

 

[solows10]

on the left is reiley then we got my 2nd her name is reipley

then here is the entire gang reipley, draggin dime(named after my truck), and reiley.

so the two on the right have since passed away. I still have my little girl Reipley

and now we have Cameo

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Dobermans are fearsome looking dogs but I’ve always heard they are really sweethearts to their owners and to most people if they’re socialized.

In the mid 70’s in college I saw a guy at my University playing Frisbee with a very cool looking dog and I couldn’t figure out what it was? I asked and he said it was a pedigreed Doberman but it was in two tones of red rather than the usual Black and Tan. It’s ears had not been cropped or it’s tail docked - which USED to be pretty standard.

Personally I’d never do that to a dog. It doesnt know why it’s experiencing pain or losing its all important tail. Nevertheless, I have an interest in having a Doberman one day.

 

[Moose10]

This is Jax...he's almost six and is a black lab and weimeriner mix. He's righ about 93 lbs and is a big playbaby but loves being in the shop.

 

[solows10]

Dobermans are fearsome looking dogs but I’ve always heard they are really sweethearts to their owners and to most people if they’re socialized.

In the mid 70’s in college I saw a guy at my University playing Frisbee with a very cool looking dog and I couldn’t figure out what it was? I asked and he said it was a pedigreed Doberman but it was in two tones of red rather than the usual Black and Tan. It’s ears had not been cropped or it’s tail docked - which USED to be pretty standard.

Personally I’d never do that to a dog. It doesnt know why it’s experiencing pain or losing its all important tail. Nevertheless, I have an interest in having a Doberman one day.

They are great dogs, super smart almost to smart for their own good. the ears and tail is a personal thing I did it because of the history. and im currently on the look for another as well.

 

[John T]

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[Bad Eye Bill]

^^^^Beauties!!

"Lets go!! What are you waiting for?"

 

[PelicanPines]

Garage Cat #2... he is not normal... he thinks he is fruit... this is his box... his name is Weirdo

Garage Cat #1... is in the background... on the back of the couch... he is a hunter... his name is "House Cat"

 

[CJ7VFR]

Garage Cat #2... he is not normal... he thinks he is fruit... this is his box... his name is Weirdo

Garage Cat #1... is in the background... on the back of the couch... he is a hunter... his name is "House Cat"

Great pictures!

Why is it that cats always try to get into a box that is way too small for them to fit into? Both of my cats, Sarge and Mercedes, do this constantly.

If I bring home anything that is in a box and they see the box, they wait for me to take the stuff out of the box, and one at a time they will try stuff themselves into the box. Usually with the same results as your Weirdo!

Jim

 

[EOC_Jason]

Had a little friend out in the yard for several days... I think he originally fell out of the nest when we had some strong winds, or he just tried to fly a little too soon... His feathers were not really developed yet.

First day he was sitting out in the yard by the sidewalk in 90+ heat with his head up and mouth open just wanting food. I gave him water and with some plastic bags on my hands kind of 'shooed' him into the shade / protection around some big ornamental grass that he was right next to.

Next couple days was just giving him water and little pea-sized bits of canned dog food. I saw his momma too up on the rooftops with food in her mouth (and chirping away) so I knew she was feeding him too. He eventually got enough strength to move around the yard and liked to hang around the flowerbed close to the house.

One evening I heard a loud bird chirping that sounded right outside. I opened my front door and there was the little birdy right on my doorstep! lol... He ran into the flowerbed when he saw the dogs.

Yesterday or maybe the day before he finally flew off.

 

[dr_clyde]

My best buddy Nova. He's not yet 2, best we can tell a purebred Siberian Husky. Or so says the vet. I think he's got some other breed as well, he's far too calm for a 2 year old Husky IMO.

We adopted him at the beginning of March of 2018. He's been a better dog than I could have asked for. Super well behaved, smart, very good disposition, loves kids and other dogs, doesn't bark or care about joggers or guests.

We love him tons.

Most days he comes to work with me, so he's truly a shop dog. I put him in the office when I do a bunch of grinding or welding, he doesn't care for that. He'd much rather sit on the cold concrete with me in the shop.

Inspecting a used box I got from from the Snap on driver.

On hot days he likes to chew on large chunks of ice.

Nova and his best friend Ellie, who belongs to my friend Steve.

Hunting Wabbits.

 

[swissguy]

Not my Dogs. They just come over and hang around.

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[george]

This is my Shelby parked next to the Mach 1. Yes I named her Shelby so I could say I have a Shelby in the garage. She's a house dog though mostly.

Labs sure are something...we love her. I grew up with one, had to have a lab.

Sorry if the photo is too big. I'm on the phone.

Btw i love all your dogs on here. We have a Rhett also and he's my buddy. He's too cool for pics though so this one is when we moved

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[Nermal43]

My Brother-In-Law's lab just left after staying a few days. During his stay, he shredded Baxter's bunny. I just gave him a replacement and I think he likes it.
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[george]

My Brother-In-Law's lab just left after staying a few days. During his stay, he shredded Baxter's bunny. I just gave him a replacement and I think he likes it.
View media item 84684

Lol they are just so damn "good dog" looking! I love labs. Rottweilers also. My cousin raised rott's. Rott's are such teddybears and dobermans are sweet. My brother had a doberman. All dogs are good "boys"

Just love your dogs and treat them right. They love us more than we deserve sometimes



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[BorisRoberts]

Boris and Piper. It looks like a Christmas card, doesn't it?

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

There's no such thing as a "bad" dog. Unfortunately, there are way too many bad owners!

I think ANY dog that is consistently shown affection, well cared for, exercised properly for it's breed and thoroughly socialized from a young age will be a good companion and unaggressive in all but the worst circumstances (for it).

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

My best buddy Nova. He's not yet 2, best we can tell a purebred Siberian Husky. Or so says the vet. I think he's got some other breed as well, he's far too calm for a 2 year old Husky IMO....

He's been a better dog than I could have asked for. Super well behaved, smart, very good disposition, loves kids and other dogs, doesn't bark or care about joggers or guests.

We love him tons.

Most days he comes to work with me, so he's truly a shop dog. I put him in the office when I do a bunch of grinding or welding, he doesn't care for that. He'd much rather sit on the cold concrete with me in the shop.

Nova and his best friend Ellie, who belongs to my friend Steve.

My guess is you just got a damn good dog there. He likely wasn't abused before you got him, he's 2 so he's past the worst of his puppy bad habits. He's got a "friend" in Ellie - a pack mate to him. Dogs are pack animals so they NEED a pack.

Plus, it's my opinion that dogs know when they've been rescued and show appreciation and maybe even gratitude in whatever way they can. Big Congrats!

 

[LXCam]

My buddy diesel soaking up as much cool concrete as doggally possible yesterday. Poor guy is not a happy camper right now.




And the rat chaser ended up getting herself caught this morning.

"Help me dad".

 

[BruceMc]

Zeke, a retired 15 yo sled dog, loves him some cool concrete on a hot summer's night. As part of a rescue group, I started fostering him in 2005, took him into my kennel, and soon decided he was a keeper rather than finding someone to adopt him. It was a good call. After a couple of decades + of having one to two dozen dogs, that number has been dwindling through attrition as the dogs got older and passed on. It's odd only having him around as the last survivor.

 

[fowldarr]

Does a shop chicken count?


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[OCD]

Scruffy the garage cat earning his keep!!

A few years ago he was a scraggly stray who used to rip up my garbage... I got tired of chasing him away, so I started leaving food and water out for him... Gained his trust over time and now we are buds!!

Mayan the house cat likes tires, and will kill and eat anything that moves

 

[fowldarr]

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[Dan in Pasadena]

This picture reminds me of my gone-but-never-to-be-forgotten lifetime best friend, Sooner the white Lab (my avatar). He absolutely LOVED water and us. If he was anywhere near us he HAD to touch us. Head on our lap, on our feet, be IN our lap, etc.

Rest in Paradise my boy until I hopefully am judged as fit to be there are you certainly were.