Question about Aussies

[ashleycat]

Do they do better with another same size dog? Or better as a single dog?

No I'm not trying to get another just yet. Just wondering. If maybe my dog needs a play date

[Kfamr]

IMO, it depends on the dog.

[lv4dogs]

A play date, as in someone else's dog might be good for your dog as far as getting some energy burned off but I personally do not think you should get another dog right now. If you add another dog to your hosuehold right now I am afraid you have a better chance of having 2 uncontrolable dogs instead of one. Bad habits are easier to pick up than good habits, and your dog may very well teach the new dog bad habits.

but in general, just like any other dog, as long as they are socialized properly they will get along with other dogs. Size doesn't really matter to them, just depends on how they were socialized.
Since you do not know any background on your dog I'd find someone with a laid back dog yet one who is of decent size so that (s)he won't get too hurt just in case your dog acts agressive. Make sure you tell the other dogs owners that this is the first time you have introduced a dog to your dog so you are not exactly sure how he will react.

[ashleycat]

A play date, as in someone else's dog might be good for your dog as far as getting some energy burned off .

Yup this. I KNOW I can't handle another dog right now. That's why I was asking about play dates. How do I find them? Is there any site like a yahoo group or something?

[lv4dogs]

Yup this. I KNOW I can't handle another dog right now. That's why I was asking about play dates. How do I find them? Is there any site like a yahoo group or something?

Not that I am aware of, try searching the net or maybe someone else knows.

Are there any dog parks in your area? That would be a great place. Or even parks that commonly have dogs visiting, maybe you both can meet some friends there. Or friends & family that have friendly dogs.
A local shelter or training facility may offer something like a play date or they may know how you can join or start one.
Good luck.

[ashleycat]

All my family is 9 hours away. I'm terribly homesick. I think that's also where some of my depression comes from. Charlie keeps me company. Also I get bad when pms comes. I hate being a female sometimes.. LOL.

[lv4dogs]

I hear ya!

[ashleycat]

Are standard Aussies large or medium size dogs? Charlie is 50lbs.. In for chosing the size for crate.

[lv4dogs]

Are standard Aussies large or medium size dogs? Charlie is 50lbs.. In for chosing the size for crate.

They are technically listed as medium dogs.
The smallest crate you would want is a 36" x 24" x 27"
The largest you would want is 42" x 28" x 31"


Kaige weighs 55lbs and I have the 36" x 24" x 27" crate for him. It works great. IF I were to crate him for OFTEN and for LONG preiods of time I would probably get the next size up, but this is great for a few hours here & there & for traveling and the like.

[ashleycat]

I think I'll get the bigger one. He likes to SPREAD out lol

[lv4dogs]

Yeah, if he is going to the bathroom in the house &/or if he is very destructive I would stick with the smaller crate.

[ashleycat]

He LOVES his rope toy. I swear, I've gotten a good work out tuggin with him. I toss it across the hall and he runs after and brings it back. I play with him lots. And he runsin the backyard a lot too. It's soo funny. He goes sooo fast.

Ok, here's a stupid question. Since he's put on some weight from being skinny at the rescue. Now I need a feeding schedule. The bag says only a certain amount a day.. Do I feed a couple times a day out of the same bowl? Or just once a day? Or does it just depend on the dog. And if he wants more than the recommended on the bag, is he really hungry, or just bored?

[ashleycat]

How small is the smaller one. Is it still big enough to comfortably stretch out?

[lv4dogs]

What type of food are you feeding?

[lv4dogs]

How small is the smaller one. Is it still big enough to comfortably stretch out?

Not comfortably stretch out ALL the way but it is comfortable. If it was any bigger it would be useless for a training tool.

They are not going to LIVE in the crate so you don't really need a REALLy big one.