Art, I would hate to have to eat my dog. BUT (and this is a big but) if it comes down to the dog eating me or me eating the dog, I know my preference!

And I'll bet Shih tzu tastes about like it sounds like it would taste.

+1 regarding the advice to not leave the training to the teenagers. And the point of training it yourself is literal -- just because I can get a dog to do something does not mean you can get the dog to do it.

+1 regarding advice about microchip, vet bills, etc.

Having a dog is an investment that lasts for the dog's life. Do you have the cash flow to pay for incidentals -- flee protection, rawhide bones (how can those cost so much), grooming, etc.

"Chocolate Lab ... sounds delicious."

I have a 'mahogany' Tervuren... needs lots of cooking, I guess.

Sue

I went to a local zoo the other day. All they had on display was a dog. It was a shih tzu.

we use Infant gas relief, or simethicone.

Another thing that comes in handy, and I could see a use for in a survival situation, Rescue Remedy . It calms dogs. I have used it infrequently, but to great success.


standard, no kickbacks or affiliations.

I've never had a need to use Rescue Remedy on my Dobes but it sure worked on a Lab that I inherited who hated the neighbors fireworks as well as thunder storms. With the rescue remedy he would at least settle while in the house. Thought about trying it myself when my female Dobe was about 8 months old!

Back to what we keep on hand for our dogs, I'm linking this product, only because I can buy it locally, there are several comparable 'canine sports drinks' out there. http://www.k9power.com/k9_godog.php It's good to use when it's hot and they are doing an activity or if they have an upset stomach to help prevent dehydration. You can use Gatorade in a pinch but the sugar isn't all that good for them. Much better to use something actually made for dogs.