have you ever chosen the wrong dog breed?
I like my new lab puppy, however I believe it’s typical for people to have some “what have I done?” moments when they get a new pet.
For example, when I got my weimaraner puppy 5 years ago, I was shocked by his energy even though I did my research.
Turns out, nothing can prepare you for a weim unless you’ve had one before. I even composed an article, “When you regret getting a puppy.”
Remy was such a contrast to my easygoing, senior lab mix at the time. Ace was an “old soul” even as a young dog.
Today my weim “puppy” is 5 years old as well as still more active than most 2 year old dogs.
And even though Remy’s energy is still overwhelming at times, he is my perfect ultramarathon partner as well as canicross dog. I’m proud that he can run 18 miles on the tracks someday as well as be prepared to go once again the next.
He’s a relatively quick agility dog as well as his goofy character keeps everybody smiling.
He’s “perfect” in his own way.
Remy
And then I look at my wonderful lab puppy as well as think, have I chosen the wrong dog breed?
Is this dog as well “calm” for me?
Will Rip ever be thinking about running?
Will he even try to do agility?
Because he seems like more of a couch potato. perhaps a “weekend warrior” who takes on a leisurely Sunday hike. (And no, I’m not trying to run with a puppy yet, for that a person person who’s going to freak out.)
My puppy, Rip!
I did a great deal of research study when I selected a field bred Lab. I went back as well as forth between one more pointing breed like a vizsla or going with a less “intense” sporting breed.
I selected a lab who I believed would be athletic, however not “off the charts.”
I desired a lab that might run at least 5 miles, perhaps 10 occasionally, I told our breeder. No problem, she said. all of our dogs are so athletic.
She assisted me select a specific puppy from specific parents who were particularly athletic with impressive sporting accomplishments. “Fire-breathing dragons,” she called this litter, compared to a few of her “calm” Labs.
I’m not stating I chosen the wrong dog breed. bit Rip is still a baby. as well as I did name him after my preferred calm as well as loyal Yellowstone character.
But man, I’m utilized to weimaraners, as well as this bit lab takes “laid back” to a new level.
I remind myself exactly how my weimaraner’s energy stresses me out. Like, a lot.
Remy spins as well as “yodels” in the vehicle on the method to trails, as well as it’s truly freaking annoying.
He’s likewise uncontrollable when somebody comes to the door. as well as he’s always pulling on the leash; never not pulling.
Remy!
At agility method as well as trials, if there’s a light wind he gets scared as well as becomes not able to work.
He’s just AMPED much of the time, high strung.
We like him, however man, he can be “a bit much.”
Puppy Rip is none of that.
Rip falls asleep in the car. Cada vez.
He sleeps on the method to the dog daycare. He sleeps on the method home. He sleeps on the method to puppy class as well as on every errand.
He happily greets people as well as then disengages when he’s had enough.
He observes the world, believes things through.
He eats his food slowly as well as delicately.
He has to sit as well as believe about if he wants most treats or not.
If I put his dry food in a Kong, he’ll bump it around a bit. Anything beyond that is just as well much work.
On walks, he’s not afraid of anything, however stops as well as looks at me, like, what is the point of this? Perhaps, we might just go back?
Rotura
He’s particularly excited if I bring him. Licks me in the deal with to say, “Oh, you are just the best!”
But … he’s still a puppy, 3.5 months at the time of this writing. He does get the typical puppy “witching hours” when in the morning as well as when in the evening where he tears around like a psycho, biting the air.
Beyond that, I’m still waiting on the “teenage energy” to emerge.
Remy as well as I most likely requirement a bit more “calm” in our life as well as that is what Rip is right here for.
One of my preferred writers on dogs, Jon Katz, composes that we don’t always get the dogs we “want,” we get the dogs we need.
When I was 23 I embraced the absolute finest dog for me – a laid back lab mix who gladly slept all the time while I worked 10-hour shifts.
Yet, he would likewise run right atmy side at my medium 10-min per mile pace. extremely sluggish for some dogs; the perfect rhythm for Ace.
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Ace was an simple dog to train as well as it seemed he would do anything for me. He was always trying to prevent conflict, always trying to do the “right” thing.
He altered the program of my life, assisting me begin my own dog walking business, running countless miles at my side as well as leading me to begin this extremely blog.
Ace was a good, old boy. El mejor.
And then came Remy.
Remy required me to up my training game as well as work harder since he is not a pushover.
Remy
He’ll nip if he disagrees or if I pressure him as well much. He’ll ignore me when he wants, which is frequently. So I have to put in genuine effort to be a fun, “team captain.”
He’s competitive like me, as well as I believe we push each other in a great way.
Life with Remy is humbling, as well as perhaps I needed that.
I went from having the most obedient dog in the group to having a “questionably” behaved dog. Remy is not a poor dog, he’s just a bit more “challenging.”
Remy likes me extremely much, just not rather as much as he likes himself.
No es nada personal. That is just Remy!
And now … right here is Rip.
Time will tell who he becomes as well as exactly how our connection develops.
I can tell he’s a great deal like Ace – calm as well as gentle as well as thoughtful. A wonderful boy!
I never believed I would be so lucky to have one more dog even half as perfect as Ace.
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But Rip seems like he’s just as “bombproof.” perhaps more so.
He’s already the type of dog I can take anywhere as well as trust that he will just “be.” A great patio dog. Yep, he falls asleep! A dog who will relax on a boat as well as just appreciate sniffing the breeze. A dog I can entrust to a buddy as well as not concern that he’ll be an anxious wreck.
The type of dog who makes me look like I understand what I’m doing.
Maybe that’s what I requirement right now.
Remy as well as I will still gather our agility as well as canicross titles as well as our race medals.
Rip can tag along if he wants.
A slower agility dog may be nice, not to mention a dog who really trots at my steady speed instead of hauling ass all of the time.
After Remy as well as I have crashed up as well as down the trails, we can assurance our bit friend will be prepared to curl up as well as relax on a Saturday afternoon.
This is what dogs do.
Every dog understands to truly appreciate the moment. So, I will take a lesson from these dogs I’m lucky to have as well as that is what I will do, too.
Their lives are just as well short.
Every day with a dog is special. So we will make the most of our time.
Have you ever wondered if you chosen the wrong dog breed?
I don’t truly believe I’ve chosen the wrong breed, however I believe it’s typical sometimes to concern our option in dogs. I’ve seriously questioned myself twice now!
And of course, sometimes if you embrace a shelter dog, you truly have no concept what you’re getting.
Let me understand your experience in the comments.
-Lindsay