Ah yes, see I had no experience with either breed so it was somewhat a shock to the system Although I do feel that owning Cain has taught be immeasurable amounts about dog behaviour and I'm sure I will be a better owner in the future for having him that I would have been if I'd only ever had "easy" dogs. Thanks for your post, it was really interesting. I didnt know poor Willow had such a bad start At least shes not agggessive. When you have a dog with a GSDs reactive/lungy/gobby nature along with the Akitas lack of warning signals, you can see why i thunk its a bad combo

I suppose with any cross you never know what you get, and when you take on a rescue you usually pick on temperament or what fits your life best so could end up with anything! I say never again but who knows, if i was offered one, I'd probably get suckered in again cos I'm that soft

Just to say that this thread is one of the most enjoyable I've ever read here, what heartwarming stories of how people found their dogs Lovely, lovely thread!

I bet you'd have another - they get under your skin.

I agree about the experience you get - that can only be earned and Cain was probably sent to you in preperation for your next dog

It's such a shame that we are not closer - Willow is a fab stooge dog, especially as she knows how to read an Akita having lived with one all her life - we could have met up for some socialising.

Cain is only the test run?! now there's a scary thought!

Yeah it is a pity we aren't closer, he'd love a doggy friend and I'd love to meet beautiful Willow. Thanks though

I agree and the two replies that made me laugh out loud were:

Because I am mad.

and

Because I married a gamekeeper.

I have loved Pugs for a long time and Jack really is everything I want from a dog... Gives lots of cuddles, loves to play and learn new things, enjoys walks but happy to potter around at home on the odd occassion. I'm also really pleased that he is a fit, healthy Pug when they often get such bad press for their breathing problems etc. I do find myself trying to put people off Pugs though because most people who come running over screaming wanting to stroke him (thats actually how people approach him) just think they're cute little cuddly toys and don't realise the bags of energy they have, which gets on my nerves so I make sure I tell them!

Always wanted a Beagle. Finally got one when I turned 70 years old. As a puppy, very entertaining but almost too much for me to handle. He's 10 now and still very energetic and excited on his walks. Goes over and picks a fence fight with the neighbor's dog just to keep him alert. Turned out to be exactly the dog I wished for.