Connie, You are not paying attention. On Randy's original post (01/24) he stated the brilliant "What ever floats your..." This was his responce to a real question I posed. But according to him it was a mundane quest. anybody could have figued out in 10 min. Also this "nice guy" has totally assumed many things. I stated I take my boy to places where he can run. I never said I parade him through traffic on busy roadways. I do not. The story I told was in a rural farm area that has no traffic but an occasional farmer on a tractor. I never said I know more than everyone-he did that. What I am guilty of, is trying to get an answer for a serious question. Im sorry, I didnt write a book to give Randy the full picture. if you read what I said, and not between the lines you will see that. But in all honesty, none of the experiance with his and my replies are worth my time. I want to say again though, Thanks to those that took my question seriously, I have used your thoughts in my final decision. by the way, I guess I have to be a little petty or pretensious here, only because I am proud of my boy. He was trained by a guy who is famous for training Hollywood stars dogs and has P.B.S. specials. He told me that in his 40+ years he has only had one other dog like him. He also used my boy to demonstrate his training skills when he is written up in magazine articles. Elvis makes him look really good. I do not take credit for my boys great nature and aptitude. He is just one of a kind as I have been told by three proffesional trainers. My boy spends all day, every day with me. I have my own retail business and he goes almost everywhere with me. He is so exceptional that every day someone says that they wish to get one of his breed because they assume they all will be just like him. I would never be one to burst anyones bubble or say that anything is immpossible. I would not discourage anyone from the joy that I durive from my pets. I hope I am understood here as it has been pointed out that I am not a really good writer. Please accept my appoligy if anyone else is offended by my thoughts.

Good luck with the new puppy.

My older dog has been a great influence on my next two dogs.

Maybe Elvis will help mold your new girl. Either way I hope she brings you many years of joy.

Wow Michelle,
Three. My gosh, I am hoping I can rise to the occasion after tonights addition. Thank you! You are so cool for the good wishes. Several people also have said that the older will help educate the newbee. I can't wait to see how that works.

I almost hesitate in asking another question here, but the 8 month old has been taught commands in German, while I have taught Elvis mostly in English. I am thinking I will re-teach the baby. But, I'm wondering if it might be a good move when they're together (which is almost all the time) to call a name and use they're native language? I'm hoping this is not too dumb a question. Note: I am not a proffesional trainer like so many of you. This is a sincere question, any real responce will be greatly appreciated. (By the way-Michelle, THANK YOU!)

 Quote: Michael Eudy

Connie, You are not paying attention.

Probably not.

I try to skim almost every thread on the board.

But my eyes glaze over when I bump into little personal tiffs.

 Quote: Michael Eudy

I guess I have to be a little petty or pretensious here, only because I am proud of my boy.

I don't blame you. No one here does.

Again, though, I believe 100% that having a dog off-lead where the law requires a leash (I believe that you said that a 6' leash was the local law) OR even if it's not required but there's traffic (a street) is not a good thing. Not everyone will agree with me, and I stated that it was MHO.

 Quote: Michael Eudy

... the 8 month old has been taught commands in German, while I have taught Elvis mostly in English. I am thinking I will re-teach the baby. But, I'm wondering if it might be a good move when they're together (which is almost all the time) to call a name and use they're native language? I'm hoping this is not too dumb a question. Note: I am not a proffesional trainer like so many of you. This is a sincere question, any real responce will be greatly appreciated.

Yes, I teach all commands preceded by the dog's name. I am virtually always commanding one dog with others around, so this works well for me.

About the two languages with two dogs, I'm wondering if that will be reliable if/when you need to command something in a hurry, in a urgent situation, and that you will never mix up languages/dogs?

I'd trip over it eventually, using the wrong one .... but I'm old.

Michael, I may be missing it also but are you looking to have 2 dogs walking off leash in somewhat of a heeling position in public? Also, California has no state leash law.

 Quote: steve strom

Michael, I may be missing it also but are you looking to have 2 dogs walking off leash in somewhat of a heeling position in public? Also, California has no state leash law.

Let me ammend this to say except in the case of a declared dangerous dog.

Sometimes the simplest is the best solution.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.

As long as it doesnt sink your dinghy.