pip1981

Hi Samoyedman, My Sammie is confined to a part of the yard about the size you mentioned anytime we are out. We both work full time. It's never been as issue, I honestly think she does nothing all day, and saves her energy for when we get home! She never barks, and hasn't even dug a hole since she was about 18 m.o. It sounds as though your Sam gets a lot of exercise and mental stimulation when you are around, so I don't imagine this size yard would be a problem.

Hi Guys, A lovely girl at work and I were chatting today, and she hinted that she and her partner would like to get a dog once they have done some more work in their newish backyard. I happened to be looking at the Herald Sun at the time (all the lost puppies after the Melb storms), and she pointed out a small white fluffy and said they'd like something like 'that'. I asked if they would consider rescue, but she said they'd prefer a puppy they could raise themselves (fair enough). I couldn't help myself, and just mentioned, that when they start looking they should at least avoid pet shops, to which she replied "everyone says that, but I don't really know much about it", yay, so anyway, I explained everything I knew and why it was best to choose an ethical registered breeder or rescue an unfortunate doggie (it's the first time I've really had the open opportunity to steer someone who didn't know any better in this direction so I'm quite happy!). They do have their heart set on something small and white (although I think they may compromise if something else interests them, they just don't know a lot of breeds). I said I would do some research for her and bring her some information on some breeds that may suit (she has no internet atm), and then if and when they're ready, I will try and point her in the right direction. The partner works long hours, she works part-time, but also spends other time away from home. She said they are not keen on an 'inside all the time dog', but it would definitely be allowed inside and sleep inside (not in bedrooms). Basically I imagine the dog will be outside when they are out (once adult), inside when they are home, and confined at night (I will recommend crating, even though I didn't do it...lol). She is quite prepared to do basic grooming (or have a dog clipped) if necessary, but nothing over the top. They will walk the dog every day once it is an adult. I didn't have a lot of time to talk to her today, but it seems to me that she may be very fond of dogs, but has never owned one and doesn't know a lot about them. Her partner is very experienced with dogs and happy for the dog to be inside. Is this information enough for you to recommend a breed? Are there any small white fluffies suited to being left alone, outside while the owners are at work? Obviously providing they are given affection, attention, exercise, stimulation, etc, when the owners are home...I know my dog is fine with this, but I'm not sure about most other breeds... Feel free to tell me you need more info....because I know at this stage there isn't a lot. Ideally I'd like a short-list of possible matches that I can print out info about, to give to the girl and her partner. Cheers,

I'm so sorry you lost your buddy, what a lovely tribute you created for him, just beautiful..

so sorry

:D :D ;) How exciting! I chose a female mainly because I thought she would be slightly easier to handle physically and temperament wise (being my first Samoyed and first dog of my very own I guess). I maintain that it was the right choice for me, and if I ever got another, it may well be a girl too, I tend to stick with what I know (boring I know), but Bonnie, considering you're an experienced dog owner I think you could easily go either way. I can't say for sure, but I think you will find a male may attach himself to you more closely that a female. Bring on the questions, I'm sure none of us mind at all!

Skyforger Samoyeds!?! WS Did you register a prefix? Does this mean something???....(yay)

Awwwwww...I love them too!

Hi WS and Bindii, I've really enjoyed reading both of your responses to Bonnie's questions, I think I just love reading anything to do with our Sammies! And isn't it especially exciting when you come across people like Bonnie who do ask so many important questions, and admire your breed! Bonnie: I'm a first time owner, and am not involved in the show/breeding scene, so I can't answer many of your questions, but as I live with a desexed female, I thought I'd pop in.. Dakota was desexed at 6 months old, and is now nearly 2.5 y.o. As one of the girls mentioned can be the case, her shedding seasons are all over the place, not clear cut at all. I guess, this could also be related to her age and other factors, like strange Melbourne weather, air con, etc. I'm not sure? She is a lot smaller than any males I have met/seen, and does indeed have finer features and less coat, however, she is not the smallest female I've met. I obviously can't discuss season staining, but I can tell you that, yes, females do suffer from urine staining, and can get a bit messy/smelly at that end. Not that it stands out amongst all that hair though! And, like WS said, there are whitening products and good shampoos out there if you want to keep a girl sparkling. It doesn't bother me THAT much, only that we have a lot of carpet inside and if she rushes inside to a noise or something after toileting, sometimes she's still dripping..eeewwww. Generally, keeping the coat clean, is easy, as the others said, any dirt just falls out when dry, if not, it will brush out easily. I always have people asking 'ooh, did you just wash her?', when she hasn't been washed in months, sometimes she hasn't even had a recent brush. Oh, and I've never had grass stains either, but, if your puppy gets into, hmmm, let me think, concrete paint, or sump oil, or black grease, or their bright purple collar gets wet, you can expect a really pretty lasting stain. (No tear staining ever) Dakota has front dew claws, they have never been caught on anything or caused any trouble, but I don't know a lot about dew claws, so... Dakota rarely barks at home, only a single guard bark at the front window if someone/dog takes her by surprise, and occasional play barking. She does, however, bark a lot at other dogs playing, especially if there are puppies involved and it looks to be getting a bit rough, I think it's a maternal instinct..lol. She does a bit of 'talking' (woo-wooing), but not much, and I've heard the occasional howl when leaving for work, but I'm on good authority that once I'm gone, it's like we don't have a dog. As far as I'm aware, male entire Sammies are more likely to try and escape than females, for obvious reasons, but hardly any more than any other dog (they don't have the rep. huskies have for this). I think owners should have a highly secure yard regardless of breed. When we were researching breeds, we took children into consideration also, as we plan to start a family soonish, and I honestly don't think we could have chosen better. Dakota is marvelous with kids of all ages, and recognises the difference between children's ages. She is interested in and fond of babies, but knows they cannot 'play', she follows toddlers around, but isn't too rough, and with the bigger kids, she knows they are more likely to play with her (she loves them!). I can't wait to see a relationship build between my girl and any future children I may have.. Bonnie: You said you love to sit there and brush away, well, you have chosen well, the Sammy is for you...lol, no seriously though, you will never look back if you get one, and, like all of us, I doubt you will ever be without one on your life once you've had one!

Ooohh, I'm excited for you! Now we'll all have to wait patiently until you go through with it! We must have puppy pics! Just to add, I've only met two Jap. Spitz (hmm plural?). The first one was at an off leash park, this dog was friendly and comfortable around other dogs and people, but not overly playful/interested (could have been older). The second one was a young female in a busy street, both she and our girl were on lead, and they interacted perfectly together, even though the owners lead me to believe she hadn't had a lot of socialisation. Anyway, all the best!

Hi It's not correct english, but we just say "go toilet" for no. 1s, and "do poos" for no. 2s (not that she can poo on command it's more to let her know she can poo there if she wants).

what beautiful photos! happy birthday ivan!

Happy Birthday Kibah! pretty girl...love her collar too, no one can see my dog's pretty collars

Love all the pics Evolving, first one reminds me of Dakota, she loves the wind in her hair like that, and just smelling every little smell that comes with it I think. Can't wait to see you all at Kepala again, if only I could get your little monster to stay still for a good cuddle!

Happy Birthday Darcy! Lovely looking boy

When I first noticed your topic, I was going to say, not the worry, it's a breed thing, as Dakota does this too. However, she only does it occasionally and it is before 'bedding' down on the tiles, just like Kivi Tarro, and it is cute. So, when you said Buffy does it in a frantic kind of manner and for quite a while, I changed my mind. This reminds me more of when Dakota was locked in the bathroom as a young pup, thinking we were doing the right thing... Dakota spent hours on end trying to dig her way through the tiles, and ended up splitting her little paw pads and making a big horrible mess of herself It was a case of extreme separation anxiety, we thought we were doing the right thing to ignore her cries that first night, but we had no idea just how afraid she was. Obviously it's not the same story with Buffy, as it doesn't happen when she is isolated, but it could definitely still be some form of anxiety or boredom, as most have suggested. The idea to make her work harder for everything is fantastic, if she's anything like my girl, she needs to use her brain more! Having said all of that, age is most likely playing a big part too, we found Dakota grew out of a lot of bad habits at about 12 months of age all by herself, like a light bulb turned on overnight. Maybe you have that to look forward to

poor misty! just noticed this WS, how have things been over the weekend? thank-goodness it seems to be a minor problem Dakota's always been a little skittish over the silliest things, and she leaves a room shaking her head and blowing her nose, whenever I spray Glen 20 or similar. It's definitely the smell that bothers her and not the sound.

poor Chester, I'm sorry you have to go through this, wishing you all the best...

Happy Birthday Bronte girl! Big kisses from Dakota too! x

these pics are adorable, as are both of your dogs! sooo shiny! gorgeous

Gorgeous pics everyone! Love this topic...guys are just the sweetest they can be around animals! Excuse the lady-like position Xmas morning 2007 visiting pups at 6 weeks Snuggling On the floor together After-work ritual

hehehe, gorgeous, congrats! :D

Don't have anything useful to add, just wanted to say good luck, both your new puppy, and her puppy, are beautiful. Thank-goodness this girl went to a responsible home :D

'princess' Dakota is wherever she wants to be, usually sprawled across the kitchen tiles, but sometimes outside, or at the front window inspecting the street, but all doors must be opening so she can access me at her whim. sometimes if i'm using the laptop on the couch, she actually jumps on to the couch and stands between me and the laptop, or on the laptop, so I have a mouth full of fluff, and I can't resist, she gets her way, i stop reading/typing and cuddle or play with her i'm well trained.. macka and mysticpaw, love your pics!

Go Bronte!!! LOL, Evolving, I think I've worked out why Bronte likes Dakota so much...