Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
Well, I had a hunch to look on Craigs List, and look what I found! My favorite dog breed, the Xoloitzcuintli! (Mexican Hairless in English)
His name is Cholo, and he is 9 months old, stands about 14" at the shoulder, and weighs in at around 20+ lbs. I have had him for about 2 hours.
He has a very good temperament, about the only behavioral problem I see is his Xolo desire to climb...on the table, on the dashboard, on the everything.... but he does respond to no (mostly), and it's just a matter of learning the new rules. But Rule #1: no climbing and knocking over the computers!He may knock a lot of stuff over if I have to leave him alone.
He is also VERY active, and used to being outside in a yard, and having a teenage boy to play with. He will require a lot of walking, I'll also see if he likes to play ball. He pulls on the leash a little, that's OK, and (mostly) comes when he's called, (responds better in Spanish; Cholo! Aqui!) He likes to follow his nose. I may try him at the dog park. I've been told he's good with other dogs, especially small dogs, but is afraid of big dogs.
Anyways, he's not a sissy dog, and I think we can work out the rules and living arrangements so we can both be happy.We'll take a trip to Petco tomorrow (maybe walk the 4 miles round trip, tire him out) and get some dog goodies. I also need to Xolo-proof the rig! He's a monkey dog!
cute puppy, good luck with Xolo proofing the rig. One thing we've learned is that any pet has an instinct desire to find ways around any human proofing ideas as the worst possible time. Still, pets add lots of fun and love to our lives, can't imagine not having a pet with us.
When I first received my dog I was wondering how she was going to take to my lifestyle and I wasnt ready to allow an animal into my life again.
The greatest thing that ever happened around here!!!.........you will enjoy it!!!
Besides......if you went out and about and found a mate to travel ...how many times do you think you could tell them to go fatch the ball or lay by there dish before it caused problems!!!!
Nikki thinks he cute!!!......(Wink..Wink)
__________________
1998 ...Harney Renegade DP class A
rers1@mail.com
My Service dog and life partner " Nikki"......Klee Kia Miniature Husky....(she Runs the ship!!)
We are not lost in the Woods.....Just Extreme boondocking!!!!!!
He's calmed down considerably this AM. Taking him for a walk, I found out he's a bit of a coward, tuck his tail and wants to run at unfamiliar noises, etc. We'll work on his confidence! He will be VERY food motivated to learn, I've found that out! Today, a trip to Petco, to get this boy some toys! He is currently shredding a plastic bag, so some chew toys, I also think he will like to chase, so get a ball, something squeaky, and something to challenge his mind, because Xolos are smart, and like to figure stuff out. Also, his own blanket to make a bed, and a harness for walking and a proper leash. I'll have to keep the camera handy, Cholo the Xolo might just star on You Tube! He really has an adorable little face.
Do you know if he is up to date on his shots? If he has not been neutered that will definitely aid in calming him once he has recovered not to mention the long term health benefits.
Congratulations on your new addition to the family. Nothing like traveling with pets, they are always happy to see you!
What a cutie! I'm sure you have tons of fun together. I've been missing my Australian Cattledog -- sounds very similar in temperament. I'll have to wait on a new puppy till I get an RV again. Current living arrangements won't allow a dog.
BTW, the trainer I took Sage to at 8 years of age (she didn't come to live with me until she was 5) told me those retractable leashes are the worst thing ever for dogs that have a tendency to pull on the leash, follow their noses and be the one in charge. He recommended a harness and 6 foot leash for all walks and visits to dog park for off leash runs. Sounds like you are on the right track!
Looking forward to more pictures and videos of your new friend!
__________________
Carol
Carol Kerr Welch
Wife to Jeff, "Mom" to Chuy; Retama Village Resident
We has a very busy day: this us a "primitive breed" a type if pariah dog, so he is rather feral in his public behavior... skulking, sniffing ready to run. He.did exactly what I did not want him to do, which was bolt out the door and run in panic across the parking lot! Alla well, and I am keeping him leashed inside while I shop. Everyone at Petco wanted to ask about him, and thought he was a beauty.
He has an appointment on the 12th for neutering, chipping the works, I need to call his previous owner for the details.
I got one of those detractable leashes, as well as a plain 6 foot and a harness (on sale $4 each) I may just save it for when we can have some space and he's feeling calm.
Overall, he's a good dog, just need to work on his socialization and confidence, although as a pariah breed, it's kinda his nature.
Great looking pup. Love that sweet face. Our 11 month old is a scaredy cat too. She's afraid of drums (sitting all alone on the floor) and any kind of cart coming close to her but like yours she'll do a thing for food! Makes them trainable. Watch for shaking, yawning signs of anxiety. He just moved in with you so it will take time.
Enjoy! Sherry
__________________
I don't know where I'm going but I'm on my way. - Carl Segan
Our "Rolling Rest Home" 2013 Trilogy 3650RL dragged by a 2005 GMC Sierra 4x4 Diesel Dually -SOLD
Thanks everyone! We were out shopping for about 4 hours. So much excitement, and new experiences, he's all tuckered out. Me too, for a 25 pound dog, he really pulls a leash hard! Gotta You Tube some training videos! He's got a good heart, just gotta bolster his courage, and get him to learn to stay sit and come.
you and the dog must become one.......before sit and stay......you to have to render trust to each other.....and you Jane have to become his alpha
for the first couple weeks it has to be quite time & bonding just you and him
he has a new master and has to know you care......simple voice reassurance and try not to socialize him right off till he has settled down and knows you
__________________
1998 ...Harney Renegade DP class A
rers1@mail.com
My Service dog and life partner " Nikki"......Klee Kia Miniature Husky....(she Runs the ship!!)
We are not lost in the Woods.....Just Extreme boondocking!!!!!!
Yes Mike, I'm backing off on the socializing, he seems to get over stimulated easily, bombarded with sensory input. He's really not too bad, but he can startle and take off in a panic. I think I will get one of those Thundershirts for dog anxiety for when we go out.
We are already bonding; one thing about Xolo's, they are very sensitive, and using too strong of a voice can hurt their feelings and make them afraid. But he does want to please and get approval, and he is very food motivated.... already is learning "sit", and funny thing is, he associates "sitting" with the driver's seat! Maybe the first time it clicked? I say "sit" it clicks in his head, he jumps up on the driver's seat and waits for a treat! But he is expanding his sitting options, and next, it will be "stay". I think I want to try one of those training clickers too.
It's raining today, he is not afraid of thunder and lightening, just new environments. Maybe the combo or overcast sky and yesterday's excitement, but he's sleeping a lot now. He is definitely feeling at home inside the rig!
OK, so I went from "are pitbulls oK for RVs?" to a naked scaredy dog!
his sensitivity could be caused by previous owners....careful with the clicker until you find this out and only use a short leash in the begining....with heel and sit being his first learning curve.
__________________
1998 ...Harney Renegade DP class A
rers1@mail.com
My Service dog and life partner " Nikki"......Klee Kia Miniature Husky....(she Runs the ship!!)
We are not lost in the Woods.....Just Extreme boondocking!!!!!!
OMG. My "cowardly" brand new best friend "manned up" when someone came knocking on my door! Growling, barking, quite the presence! There is a young man who works here, seems nice enough, very clean cut, but Cholo was afraid of him and wanted to tuck tail and run away when we saw him outside. But when he knocked on the door and I opened it, yikes! He was the one backing away slowly! (After 20 years of working in the mental health field, I sensed something about this guy too. Not mental illness, but a sort of blankness, playing a role, automaton...)
Been here for 2 years, so I don't want to have the dog make me unpopular, but hey, he was doing his job! Just got to get him to stand up out in public, in case we meet up with an unsavory character while out walking. It looks like Cholo has definitely made this his home, and is ready to protect his territory, and his mom!
He's a good dog, a little "different", Xoloitzcuintli's are a "breed apart", but he's mentally stable and well behaved overall. He does seem to prefer women though, at least around here. He likes the girl that works here, but not the men. I've been taking him out maybe 5-6X a day, and he's getting a little braver each time. I hope we can work it out so he can deal with constantly changing environments and people! But maybe his 6th Sense about people and places is spot on, and I should use that as a guide too!
The previous owner and his family were good, but he did say he caught his brother kicking him once, and they lived in a neighborhood were tougher dogs rule. But he has started protecting me, he barks at strange men while walking, not too much, just a warning.
Since he is no longer living in the 'hood, I changed his name to Toto. (Rhymes with Cholo) We will be traveling the yellow brick road together, so it's appropriate!