Ooh! Good to know! I haven't been able to think about getting another dog since I lost Virgil last November, but when the time comes (and I know it will...) I will for sure keep this in mind!
Ya, I understand that!!!! I've been there before, actually, I probably wouldn't have dogs right now if my boy friend at the time hadn't given me Hannah, my first IG, when we found out my previous dog, a Bichon/****er mix named Annie, was dying from a untreated and at that point untreatable spinal injury she suffered in the abusive home she had prior to me adopting her from the shelter. Hannah kept my heart opened, and was such a terrible puppy that she opened my eyes to the need for rescuers. To be honest, most IGs are terrible puppies, especially for people who have never owned this breed before - They're monsters!!! But by about 2-3 years, they start to mellow out some and become wonderful companions, but I can never stress enough how important socialization, group training, and exercise are for this breed at a young age!!! They are NOT like most small dogs, they are not a toy, they are not a good dog for someone who only wants a lap dog - They need structure, they need challenge, and they need a firm but soft and loving hand, they don't respond well to harsh training methods, but they also need consistancy, they're great at reading people and knowing how to get away with things!!!! 2 of my 3 IGs are sisters, and are only 15 months old, Aiyana is deaf which brings some intersting challenges but she's actually one of the easiest going, happiest little IGs ever, and very easy to live with. Her sister is a complete terror LOL Love her, but she's a trouble maker, and always seems to be into something. My Afghan I rescued at 15 months and he had ZERO structure or training at all, he was just left stuck in a back yard for the first 15 months of his life. He's a thief, a counter surfer, and LOVES paper! Sighthounds are my passion, I love them, they're not the easiest to train, you have to gain their respect, they're very very smart, but they're not going to do something just because you said so unless you gain their respect first!
