[AintSoBad]

Does anyone have any experience with these, with RSD?
I have RSD, TOS, TBI, unrelenting Depression, and, la la la....

I would love to have a Dog.
But, I don't know if I'm "Uptight" or what.
It would have to be a Siberian Husky.
They seem to be the only Dogs that are intelligent enough for me.
(My IQ, is very high), as are SHusky's).
It's probably need an obedience collar. (they tend to run).

But, they'r'e incredibly smart dogs.
And, I have a very soft spot in my heart for them!
They're gorgeous, and, I used to race mine, when I was in my very early teens. (won every race), then, my children got one.
Beautiful Dogs.

Yes, in the summer, they need a "Flowbee".

I'm just wondering, if anyone has any experience?

It seems to me, that.It might be a good thing in the future, if I can find a way to get my house back....

love to all...

Pete

[Jomar]

We had a husky mix that was an awesome dog {male/neutered} yes he did like to run.

Oh before you even pick a dog or puppy you should get this video and watch it a couple of times - this guy "uncle Matty" tells how to pick a trainable temperament pup/dog by doing a few tests.
He breaks down training and problem solving into simple steps that anyone can learn.

"Woof" is the title of one of his videos {he has books also}- I found it in our local libraries so yours might have it too.
or search for him by name - Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis

On our pets forum there are some training tips and info on "helper" pets too-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum62.html

[used to be]

Originally Posted by AintSoBad

Does anyone have any experience with these, with RSD?
I have RSD, TOS, TBI, unrelenting Depression, and, la la la....

I would love to have a Dog.
But, I don't know if I'm "Uptight" or what.
It would have to be a Siberian Husky.
They seem to be the only Dogs that are intelligent enough for me.
(My IQ, is very high), as are SHusky's).
It's probably need an obedience collar. (they tend to run).

But, they'r'e incredibly smart dogs.
And, I have a very soft spot in my heart for them!
They're gorgeous, and, I used to race mine, when I was in my very early teens. (won every race), then, my children got one.
Beautiful Dogs.

Yes, in the summer, they need a "Flowbee".

I'm just wondering, if anyone has any experience?

It seems to me, that.It might be a good thing in the future, if I can find a way to get my house back....

love to all...

Pete

Hi Pete, My husband and I have had dogs since the first month of our marriage and it's the best thing we ever did. As a matter of fact, the day that rsd entered my life I was out looking at a puppy. I fell that day and life will never be the same but I didn't let that stop me from getting a new dog 6 months later. Because my mobility is very limited I got a small toy breed (pomeranian). Please don't think that bigger dogs are smarter. The toy breeds are surprisingly intelligent. But whatever breed you decide to get will be great. Dogs are great therapy. They won't ask more from you than you can give. They give you a reason to keep on going when you don't want to and they love you no matter what. Keep us posted...Jeannie

[loretta]

Hi Pete,
I hope you retain your home first of all. Getting a puppy-dog sounds like a wonderful idea. We have always had a cat, but in my childhood, we had a retriever, that lived on my grandparents farm. I also had a horse, and loved to ride on the 100 acre farm, Rode in the rodeo as Adam of Bonanza. Then we had a Cocker Spaniel at our home. Then a Minature Poodle. Now we have a Main Coon Cat for 9 years and our daughter and son in law moved back from Chicago and moved in with us with a Min Pin. My husband and I are so attached to the Min Pin. We live in a two story, our cat doesn't like Roxy, but Roxy would love to play with our cat. They them to be getting a little acquainted, but not ready to play. Sabrina, our cat, loves to sleep with me. Main Coons are a one person cat.
Pets are such a comfort. They bring laughter and companionship into a home. I hope everything settles for you soon! Let us know when you get your puppy. Take care, loretta

[AintSoBad]

Thanks, everyone!

I re-read my post, and didn't mean to infer that I'm super intelligent, it should have come out super hard headed! (Which Husky's are too, they set their mind to something.. watch out)! Sorry for the misunderstanding! That's why I said [it'd] need one of those electronic collars....
I can't imagine chasing the Pup like I did when I was younger...

It's just a thought that's crossing my mind...

pete

[bobber]

hey pete,
huskies like to run,not a good in side dog,,could be but high maintence,,my advice[ i love animals and was raised on a farm] either get a rescue,animal,,but best case is to get him/her as a pup and train them,,have her/him fixed[they live longer and arent so aggressive and are better pets,,spend alot of time alone with the animal so it will listen to you even when you have company,,if not they wont listen, exspecially when you have company,,,my dad trained his dogs well,,they listen and did whhat he asked by both vocally and with hand signals,,amazing,,he worked them on the farm to herd cattle and they did a goog job. and they love haveing a job,,all animals do, if not they go into depression,exspecially when they get older and areb neglected,,,,,,if you want a husky,,go get you a husky pete,,,,,me and my wife want a female rottweller,she will get fixed and be a pup,,its better to start them out early,,,,but i would for the sake of the matter , get a rescue too,, , hopefully soon,,well diciplined animals are very plesant,,good pets and friends,,,enjoy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,bobber p.s pete,,,train them right ,,there'd be no need for a shock collar,,its kind of like poor parenting,,if you train a child well,,they will listen,,train an animal right,,and they will listen,,remember,,its not "just an animal" he ;s you buddy and your friend,,,,,,,,,,,

[daylilyfan]

I am running short on time right now, getting ready to go take my own new pup for a walk....

I got her from a prison dog training program, and I am planning on training her for an assistance dog.

I would say not to get a husky or husky mix. Go for the breeds you commonly see in assistance work... labs, goldens, shepherds, border collies, Australian Shepherds. They have a drive to please that a husky does not. You want a dog that wants to please you if you want an assistance dog. If you just want a pet, then get your husky.

I joined several assistance dog training groups on Yahoo Groups. They have been invaluable for learning.

Look up "clicker training" assistance dogs.

If you think you will be moving to an apartment, or renting, you may have problems finding a place that will take a larger dog. No place can turn down an assistance dog though.

I trained dogs and showed in obedience competitions in the past. I am able to train my own dog. But, still these last 2 months have been really trying. And, my dog was 5 months old, already house trained, and knew basic commands. She is half Border Collie and half Lab. Should be the perfect combination for a service dog.

I'll be back on here when I can in the next couple days to offer more advice but need to get a move on and then get to work....

Jules

[ali12]

Hi Pete,

We got a Springer Spaniel puppy just under 2 years ago when our old dog, Ben sadly had to be put to sleep due to nasal cancer and don't regret getting him at all!!

He has helped me a lot and always seems to know when I am having a bad day as he will come and lay on my bed and give me a kiss as if to say "I hope you feel better soon, Sister"!! It's the sweetest thing ever!

When we got our dog (Jack), my arm was in a real tight fist due to my RSD and the Dystonia that I have. Petting Jack somehow allowed my arm to start opening up again. I still have RSD and bad pain in that arm but thankfully, it has never gone back into a fist!

I'm lucky that I don't have to walk Jack. I really wish that I could walk him but I don't think i'd be able to cope with him. My mum and dad take him a walk in the morning and on a night when they get back in from work.

I'd really recommend getting a dog - they can be so lovely and I think they understand more than humans sometimes when someone is in pain. Just do a LOT of research into it before you decide to get one - make sure you have enough money to buy all the things they'd need, think about whether you'd be able to talk it a walk etc etc.

Good Luck in whatever you decide - I hope it all works out well for you!

Alison

[screwballpookie]

Hey Pete,
Just a quick response to your question. I was at my therapists yesterday and told her that I talk tomy dog and cats and she told me that that is one the best things to have are pets. It has been scientifically researched and she said just having one and petting it helps decrease depression and anxiety. So it is the best thing that I could have ever done. I agree with everyone else. IF that is what you want it could help you more than you ever know. I know my animals help me sometimes. Take care.

Sincerely,
Tracy

[daniella]

I think it is wonderful that people plan on training their dog to help but what about getting a dog that is trained already to aid? Is that possible with this condition? Just a thought cause I can't imagine how much work it takes to train a dog to do like that. I love others animals but not for myself though sometimes the comfort sounds nice. They can be very expensive though and not to be a downer but something to think of. Also if you are not feeling well being able to take care of it. I know for many the love outweighs that. Lastly for me since my rsd is in my legs having a dog like I trained my moms to not jump on me is key. Hey maybe I could train. My moms dog jumps on everyone but not me. It is like he knows. He is 13 I think too so I just trained him 2.5 years ago with this. Anyhow sending thoughts.