 Barked: Sat Nov 22, '08 11:52am PST |
 | |  | | I would buy a Carolina only from California Carolina Dogs. Susan B. Anthony is the breeder and has a wonderful site that can be brought up using her name and the 'carolina dogs" On that site you will not only find full exposure to her dogs, including a long haired verision, on films, written materials etc. but you will be able to take note of the special conditions that attend purchase.
She takes back any and all dogs not satisfied with. The cost of the dogs, last I looked, was more than reasonable. I would take no amount of money for mine and would easily and delightfully part with a near fortune for another.
One special note based solely upon my own experience. These are excelent dog whisperers with strong notions built in as to proper behavior in the pack, and come to no encounters with issues of their own. One should get hold of either of the two photography based books by Brenda Aloff on Dog Communications as a good knowledge of the Dog Body language is invaluable when dealing with a Carolina.
Another note, anyone entertaining the notion of having a Carolina... again based only on my limited experience.... should consider their own emotional backdrop.... These dogs award you the privilage of being Alpha, will respect all Alpha spaces, etc. but will not follow, nor respect, nor be forced to comply with anything.
I believe you could beat one of them into the ground and they would not comply with your wishes. Leaders to them seemingly have to be strong and possess character (In this my son exceeds me by a long shot in her eyes)... but force or bullying is definitely not leader behavior and they will stubbornly refuse that leadership.
Worse, for the Macho types, they will often note that a deviation has been made in customary routine and will temporarily question your skills by sitting down and refusing to go farther. Brief negotiation and convincing the dog that you haven't been tipping the bottle and know what you are doing is often necessary. I have found that a harness with the leash fastened at the bottom ring underneath makes a gentle tug effective. Pulling on the top ring will have as much effect as any other force applied. Macho types that have egos bruised by dogs that question and do not immediately obey commands should never consider owning a Carolina for their own sake as well as that of the dog. Their appraisal of leader qualities are absolute and leadership is a thing they are more than willing to grant.... to real pack leaders. |  |  | |  |
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3
He's quite a character.
