I'm a young female in the mid teens, I'm homeschooled and I have 6 animals, 1 of which is a dog. His name is Orion, he is spurs bred fox red Labrador. He is 2 years 5 months old, and not very well trained. Unless you have food don't expect him to sit for you,. He thinks he's a lap dog, and he is FAR from it. He went for his yearly vet appointment yesterday along with Samantha my cat. She doesn't get along with Orion, the only one Samantha gets along with is me. Orion barks at everything, even if that is nothing (speck if dust?). Don't expect him to protect you, he may bark nonstop, but if some comes into your house he will only jump on them and lick them to death. Lovable-yes, guard Dog-not so much. My other animals are birds, and I wouldn't trust Orion near them, he might eat one. Orion is the family pet, he is the first dog we ever had. My mother had dogs when she was my age, but that was a whike ago, I've never had a dog, my father never had a dog, my siblings never had a dog. Sometimes I wish we had got a little lap dog. I plan on being a veterinarian someday, and hope to get into UPenn veterinary medicine after collage. Animals are my life, I love them!
Welcome to the forum @OrionTheLab from me, Hattie 9 years and our rescue boy Charlie 6 years. Maybe you could try to do a little training with Orion, you might just enjoy it . Good luck with your plans to go to veterinarian school. x
Orion is lovely And yes, I second @charlie - try some training, it's a lot of fun and will deepen your bond
Hello to you, Orion and your menagerie from Coco & me on the Isle of Man. Have a look at clicker training - it'll be fun for you and Orion.
Hi and welcome to you all. Sounds like a busy household. Have you ever thought of doing scent work with Orion? Hide treats throughout the room and let him go sniff them out. It really tires their brains out. I also started using hand cues for my girl as so many people say 'sit' and she has ignored them do they say if loads more times so she has learned to ignore the word most of the time. If I say 'sit' and put my palm facing her she will. I trained this over a few days and made sure I rewarded with a treat everytime, then slowly reduced treating to every 2/3 times etc.
Welcome to the forum. I hope you enjoy being part of the conversation. Sounds like you have a terrific goal ahead. UPenn is a wonderful school.
Hello and welcome from me and Lilly in Scotland. You have your hands full with all your animals I am guessing? What other pets do you have? jac
