I Wasn't Always A Dog Person

[@suzisaintjames]

Re:dog smells... Odors can transfer to sofas and carpets... So just because you didn't see dogs, it wasn't your imagination, you probably was surrounded by the smells and it wasn't your brain looping. 💕🌞🌵😷

[@asheerdrop]

You said "until we get another dog" and promptly walked out of frame so, of course, my brain went "PUPPY?!?!"

[@AngelCCD]

Me, too

[@mirjanbouma]

I'm with Link on the vacuum cleaner. I also have Opinions on them.

[@annmorey9558]

We've had jack Russells for years, well known for stinky breath. Our last jack had to have most of his teeth removed, so when we got the next one, we were determined to look after his teeth and gave him a teeth cleaning chew stick morning and night. He is now 9 years old and has the most amazing teeth and no bad breath. The vet is amazed every time he sees him how good his teeth are. Will never have another dog without giving them teeth cleaning chew sticks.

[@NectarHandmade]

As a very much dog person, I would absolutely never want a puppy 😅 give me the potty trained ones and I’ll love them so much but I am not training a puppy 😂

[@heidiross8592]

Vacuums are naughty sheep to Link 😂

[@jacquelynsmith2351]

I am a dog person, my now-husband is a cat person. We used to go to the humane society to "window shop." One weekend, I was looking at the puppers (omg such cuties!) when my then-boyfriend came in from the cat area and told me "we are NOT leaving without this cat." We did not leave without that cat. Her name is Monk (a senior so we didn't want to confuse her with a new name)... she did NOT take a vow of silence and sounds like a freaking loud pigeon, so she just answers to Pretty Kitty at this point.

[@mirjanbouma]

I love everything about this. Thank you for sharing your story! ❤

[@FlamorineFashions-yy7ji]

All cats respond to Pretty Kitty, because they all are and appreciate the fact that you acknowledge it. Cats are extremely intelligent, so much so, they are actually capable of independent thought. They also have a sense of self. In my experience, the least intelligent cat is still more intelligent than the cleverest dog! Don't get me wrong, some dogs are cute, so are some people, but I can still only tolerate them in eye dropper amounts at a time. However, I can never get enough of cats. I am currently on my 28th cat.

[@GeekeryMade]

My friend has a pit that I finally understand docking the tail a bit. Their dog's tail isn't docked. He leaves bruises on everyone he leans against but way more importantly the poor baby has broken his tail multiple times now and he's only 3. He almost always has a split healing and finding his tail all bloody is pretty common. He just slams it SO hard against things when he wags his tail. Their vet keeps asking them to reconsider docking his tail. I really don't agree with doing it to all dogs, and definitely not by default, but I can see cases like his if they can't be trained out of accidently hurting themself like that. They have decided if it breaks again they're going to have to go through with it :(.

[@lilolmecj]

Our second Boxer didn’t have her tail docked and I agree, it was a weapon, and she often had minor injuries on it.

[@TheRustyTrike]

I grew up opposite. We had dogs but no cats. My husband is allergic to cats and swore we’d never have any once married 👉🏻👈🏻. Married 20 years and we have 5 cats (and 2 dogs 😬). Animals are 100% better than people. All day.

[@Pikachugecko]

Had to pause to go pet my 12-year old kitten. Old, but can't get rid of his youthful mind.

[@shaiannwyatt7749]

I was raised with both, so I've always had trouble answering the dog vs. cat question. I'll never get people who villaonize one over the other. However, the dogs did always gravitate towards my mom, so as a kid I tended to bond more closely with the cats because they felt more "mine." I also have a lot of the same sensory concerns with dogs. I do think there's a difference in how people connect with dogs and cats. Dogs want to focus on you, while cats want you to focus on them (or leave them alone 😅). I think people go for the type of interaction they need.

[@BeyondtheHiggs]

It is true about not petting puppies. I went to PetSmart to get dog food, and left with a 9 yo Chihuahua mix. He was $20 and when I said I shouldn't bring home a dog, the woman with the shelter said "even if you just play with him and hold him, but don't take him home it will be good for him." Yeah she knew what she was doing. He was immediately attached to me and my dog. I had him for 10 years.

[@Firestoner99]

That's so sweet omg🥹😭❤️ But it is actually really good for animals to have any amount of love+interaction when they don't have a home to give them that enrichment.

[@lemondropcentral14]

I was the exact opposite. My dad had hunting dogs when I was growing up, and I was an only child so I latched onto them. My parents got me my own dog when I was still pretty young with the promise that I was in charge of feeding and training it. We got a Shetland sheepdog and I named her Dixie. She was my best friend for 17 years. My husband always wanted cats, but I knew I was severely allergic, so we didn't think it would happen. But as an adult, my allergies weren't as bad so about a year after my dog passed away, we decided to get a pair of cats. (I also started getting allergy shots) they are now the light of my life and I would do anything for them.

[@ceebee2858]

I worked for a while with a wonderful young woman whose family raised pigs. Someone asked her how she lived with the smell. She says pigs have lots of smells, but that the smell of contented pigs smells to her like contented pigs and is therefore comforting and right. When people say that animals communicate through smell, I think this is what is meant. The smell of a contented dog at home is much different than the smell of dogs in kennels at the vet. My husband and I have always had big dogs, and we can often be heard in the evening quoting my pig-raising friend, "It smells like contented pigs ❤"

[@frannygrace2191]

That's so funny the way Link moves when he poops! Our now deceased long hair mini doxie, Juliet, used to do what we called a "stroll-a-poop". My favorite nickname for her was "Baby Girl'.

[@sarahwatts7152]

My boyfriend's dog does that, I'm using the term from now on 😄

[@Susansnewera]

Sherlock our 35 pound cocker spaniel would poop then sniff. It was always a circle. That’s how we found it to pick up

[@margaretsimpson9092]

We have a cross border collie called Ebony who moves and dots her offering around the garden.

[@annlidslot8212]

@@margaretsimpson9092 Hi, Leave it to a border to figure out the whole fertilizing thing, and try to help out by cut out the middleman (the compost bin I guess). So helpful. Yours, Ann

[@kesabelle27]

My mini Aussie was born a natural dock, but I had to dock another dog I own bc he developed “happy tail” basically his tail was always going and he kept banging it up, bleeding everywhere and broke it. After that it came off! He’s much happier that way, but I know that’s not always the case

[@katze69]

Isn't it totally weird that a condition with an injured tail that won't heal properly is called "happy tail"? You would think that a tail that hurts all the time is a dang sad tail, really! Of course the tail needs to come off if it becomes a near-constant source of pain from reoccurring injuries that don't heal well, because you can't really immobilize a tail - good that your dog is happier without it. That is actually a fairly rare thing to happen, though. Most dogs are perfectly fine with their natural tail length, even the ones with long and skinny tails.

[@Drakmord666]

some dogs just have a slim tail or a whippy tail that gets injured easily and some breeds have it more than others

[@Susansnewera]

My German shorthair pointer (13 years old) was not docked. She is forever beating the walls, furniture and results in bleeding all over the walls, carpets. Very short hair on tail, not much fat or muscle. Maybe that’s why the standard is to dock it?

[@annlidslot8212]

​@@katze69 Hi, Too true. In my country docking tails, and ears, are illegal. Unless a handler can show that the dog was bred in a country where it's not illegal or have had it "doced" (amputated) for medical reasons, they will be disqualified at every competition. Be it from showing, to noswork, to skydds training (I don't know what the name of this in English, but I think it's very similar to the German name). Skydds was originally the education of dogs for the police and for military defence troops. When that school was closed, from lack of money, anyone could be a champion in skydds. I've met with a white poodle that was one, and I've heard of a small breed but can't remember which, it might have been a mini schnauzer. Yours, Ann

[@wartgin]

​​@@annlidslot8212 Skydds training sounds like it might correspond to some of the agility training in the USA combined with the specialty police/military training. We might have a special name for the military/police training portion but usually it would just be called attack dog or guard dog training.

[@cherisseepp5332]

As a beagle person, I totally get the “it’s my dog, so it’s different.” Licking? Only my dogs, thanks. Smell? Only the scent hounds. Which is the opposite of most people because the scent hound group has a special smell. Lol. Barking? No thanks, but if you’re playing, we can deal with it outside.

[@bobbie9066]

Fully understand calling your adult pet puppy (I've been calling my cats kitten). All pets are forever like small children in the best way, regardless of age, including senior pets.

[@alexandracowles8309]

I wish I could share a picture of our undocked corgi Sadie! She was sitting next to me when I was watching this video and she had to get up and look around for you when she heard you talking to Link when you were trying to teach him to come. 🤣 She was so excited by your voice and so confused when I showed her the phone where I was watching. Like “how/why did you trap that nice lady in your phone?!” She’s a lovely corgi but I’ve yet to meet a corgi who isn’t a barker sometimes. ❤️ Link is a gorgeous boy - I’m crossing my fingers that you find another quiet pup as sweet as your current baby when you’re ready ❤

[@ladyamberskye]

I was almost expecting her to come back in the screen with a new puppy lol

[@МарияБешенцева-я4г]

I thought the same thing and got really excited

[@grandy2875]

What can I say Charlie, us Aussies are just all around too friggin cute for words... ☺️😁😂🤣 🙃🐨🇦🇺

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

"If you don't actually want to get a dog, I would not recommend visiting a dog park" had me choking with laughter. I'm very much like that. MORE furry animals welcome here! My cat is usually called kitten/baby even though he's 11 now

[@lainetjarks7839]

I knew I would I would be calling my puppy all kinds of different things so I just called him Mister.

[@JennyOliver-dramaqueen]

I grew up with military dogs, immaculately trained to the nth degree. My husband came from a family that was routinely adopted by the local stray cat/s who did what the heck they liked. We were never going to agree on pets. On the first day of lock down in 2020, my husband had to leave town to look after his parents for a few weeks. My children and I promptly went out and bought pet food for a dragon. Oh, and the dragon and the necessary accoutrements. Lock down rules said you could leave the house to get specialist pet food. Problem solved.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Sometimes everything just works! Some dogs are very licky others not so much. Sounds like he’s perfect in all ways! Our present dog is a rescue and a breed I never thought we would own. We have a chihuahua who is such a cat in so many ways. He had a rough start and still worries that we will turn on him but he’s getting more settled every day. We’ve had him two years now so I think we’re down to less than 5% of the worries being us setting him up for death. New things were a trial!

[@camille_la_chenille]

The photos of tiny puppy Link were so adorable! I'm not much of a dog person (and I'm allergic) but he's the cutest baby.

[@VilliGz7]

My lovely Hans (Hansini Peludini de mi corazón ❤️) Is the best dog! We rescued him from the streets, and he is so grateful, no barking, no jumping at the couch or bed, not aggressive, very lovely and grateful for his new life 🥰 I became a dog person too because of him 🥰 If you are going to get another one, please adopt from a shelter! They are in need of love and affection!

[@AmandaBrooks-j8i]

As a cat mom to Willie/Silly Willie/Baby Boy/Mr. Moo/Sir/Fluffer Butt/etc., I get it on the "real name is the *least* used" reality. 🤣

[@lizreiman1208]

When you showed the video when Link was a puppy and trying to get him to come, my dog Hime climbed up onto my lap and stared intently at the screen, trying to figure out who summoned her 😂

[@abbyzinger]

I was afraid of dogs my whole life, especially as a child, like in a way that I couldn't be around a dog without being overcome by fear. until I basically became obsessed with corgis and met my friends corgi and I wasn't afraid of corgis and I wanted one so bad I wanted the dog companionship, so I did a ton of research and learned everything about dogs and even tho I was still a little scared of my corgi Nyla when I got her, through her I overcame my fear of dogs and now I dogsit and love dogs of all sizes and I am so much a dog person.

[@abbyzinger]

I wrote this comment before I got to the part in the video where you said you like corgis. You literally exactly explained my feelings about corgis. They're so cute and fun how can they be scary!! I became so obsessed with corgis specifically and that was my gateway to dogs (I got her as a puppy too)

[@mirjanbouma]

I'm so happy you conquered your fear! That's awesome - and so are corgis. 😊

[@darlagraham7934]

We had an Aussie mix and that baby boy could JUMP. He could clear the tallest of dog gates. Also the smartest dog we ever had--he knew the names of each of his toys and where he left them. Norty was awesome.

[@magswilliams-fuller8879]

My dog was also referred to with a host of names, as well as his proper name and was often called puppy right up until we had to let him go to sleep. 13&3/4 and still a puppy. Also from those photos of Link with Matt, there was no way you weren't coming home with him. Smitten.

[@ALZulas]

Your pupper is the reason why when our old dog passed at 16.5 years old I thought about a Shepard. We accidentally ended up with a mini Aussie too!! Accidentally because I found her at an adoption place and fell in love the same way y'all did. ❤ Also, when you talk at your puppy on screen like "who's a good dog", she responded to the screen 😂

[@julias.8236]

I would consider myself as an animal person. As a kid I grew up on a farm and we had dogs and cats an even two domestic rats. I always liked cats and dogs equally but find that cats would probably better suit my life (I still don't have a pet since the circumdtences are not good enough). My boyfriend does not like dogs and only accepts being around some individuals (but prefers not to be). For him it's also the smell, the barks, the excitement and (as a runner) the "oh, cool, play with me?? Excited running, jumping and barking". He also cannot "read" a dog. As I grew up with them I see, what an aggressive or a joyful behaviour looks like. For him it always will seem threatening. Well, long story short: we'll have one (or better two) cats, when the living situation allows for it. And we pet every cat which allows us to do so, when ways are crossing 😅

[@R.McDowall]

We got a dog from the SPCA who had food issues. We didn't want to limit his food so the vet said to give him broccoli or green beans. I had a bag of frozen broccoli and he and our other dog went through a 20-ounce bag the first day. Day two we gave them green beans. (He said "this isn't broccoli and wouldn't eat it.). After that each week we bought 7 20-ounce bags of broccoli! When we had the dogs kenneled while we were on vacation we arranged for them to be bathed the day we picked them up. They looked clean and felt clean but they smelled like dirty wet dogs. We had given the kennel their normal dry food but not the broccoli. After two days back home and back to the broccoli, they no longer smelled dirty and had no dog-breath. People would ask how often we brushed their teeth. We never did, but their teeth were beautifully white. We passed this tip to friends who also found, as we had that the dogs always ate the broccoli first.

[@morgonerlenstar]

Interesting, I’ll have to remember that for when I get a new puppy

[@AnnekeOosterink]

It also helps if the dogs get hard things to chew on (I do mean safe things, and relatively hard, not like rocks). That helps clean their teeth. We also have dog toys with divots and little cones and bristles in the divots that are more or less like a toothbrush in ball shape. So those help too. I suspect that the fibers of the stems of the broccoli might help there too.

[@wartgin]

This might explain why my husband's stepmother's dog loved "broccoli bones" which is what we all called the stems that were his portion.

[@photogrl1359]

As someone who also got a dog with a docked tail where it was not my choice (rescue), it is irritating how people assume the decision was yours! I feel the same way about docking and totally wish my dog had her whole tail, but also...dogs with docked tails still need love too. It's the culture that promotes docking (dog shows, image of the breeder, and the rare actual use case) that is the problem. Luckily more and more people are becoming aware of what docking is.

[@IISheireenII]

I reading that I am very glad to live in a country where docking is illegal. I hope your country also realises soon that cutting away body parts for non medical reasons is abuse, too.

[@katze69]

@@armedvsokord Actually, that is a myth mostly perpetuated by people who want to justify docking tails. It's true that dogs with long and skinny tails are slightly more at risk for tail injuries in general, simply because of the length and lack of fur cushioning - but it's as rare for them as for any other breed to develop permanent damage from an injury.

[@daxxydog5777]

My daughter’s “austracorg” came with a docked tail, and she said had she known they weren’t born that way, she would have asked that they leave her intact, but it was too late at that point. She’s lovely, but infuriating with her high energy sometimes. She is a barker for sure. And ball is “life”. She’s smarter than the mutt though, lol.

[@shaiannwyatt7749]

I have the same issue with my rescue kitty. Whoever owned her before had her front paws declawed. I always get looks before I explain

[@AnnekeOosterink]

@@armedvsokord Even if that were true, the logic of just cutting all tails off just because a few might get more injuries is bananas. What if we did that with kids? Many kids get lots of skinned knees all the time, so we just shave off that skin an replace with a cap when they are born. Sounds ridiculous? Exactly. Besides, how many dogs actually do get tail injuries so much that their tails need removing? Genuinely, I live in a country where docking ears, tails, and thumbs is illegal unless there are medical reasons, and I've not heard of any breed like ours with long whippy tails and thumbs that are pretty detached from the foot to be commonly treated for that. If it is such a common injury I would expect a lot of dogs with docked tails for those injuries. But I don't see them.

[@hannahjaneheathson]

You perfectly articulated what having a dog is like. We have two. They’re crazy and ridiculous and expensive and hard work and stinky but the cuddles and cuteness make it all worth it.

[@nomorelittlemonkeys]

We just got our third standard Australian Shepherd. We named her Missy, and she’s a beautiful black tri like your boy. They are the clowns of the dog world, and we crack up every day at her antics! She rarely barks, either. We’ve never had a dog who loves toys more, and that has prevented her from being very destructive. She also hates the vacuum and wants to kill it! I’ve always trained our dogs not to lick my face, except on a rare occasion. They do require a ton of exercise, so we walk and go to the dog park frequently. Link is such a cutie!

[@LaLayla99]

My dog was about 5-6 years old when I got her and 14-15 when she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was always my puppy. My cat is 10 and he's still my boy kitty.

[@melissad7855]

I love this story! I'm a dog mom of two miniature dachshunds (right now) but have had a springer spaniel and two basset hounds as well as a third dachshund. Dogs are so much better than most people, aren't they? I have my share of cats too.

[@Leslie_AvalonAcresFarm]

I used to be an Avon Lady. I decided I didn't like triangle structures, but I am totally a cat lady and a dog lady! We had a cat named Pickles, too!

[@wartgin]

Did you ever see the children's book about Pickles the Fire Cat?

[@Leslie_AvalonAcresFarm]

@@wartgin no, I'll have to check it out!!

[@marianecayer5165]

I was raised as a both person. I mean we had a dog and 2 cats and both were well loved. When I moved out, I adopted 2 kittens, but mostly because I didn't like the walks and all the outdoor stuff. I'm still happy with both my fluffy balls, but I crave for a dog! And aussie are my favorite breed, so I give a ghost hug to Link (thanks for the *official* name! 😂) at each of his appearance in your video!

[@amandag5072]

@4:16 I'm the same with smells. Our little bichon likes to sit under my desk while I work, and she seems to only ever fart while under my desk... and boy, do they STINK!!

[@maggie81573]

As a note, the Basenji breed is a medium-ish size dog who is incapable of a regular bark, and is considered fastidious, often said to clean itself like a cat. But...I have read, that they make lots of other sounds. As to odor, it may in part be due to diet. You may try to see (or smell 😅) if there is a difference when ever his food needs to be changed, or if the brand changes formulations. Yeah, all animals are just awesome, I'm glad you found a "soul puppy", and hope you will find more (and kitties too)!

[@HouseHooligan]

This is actually a myth-Basenji CAN bark, they’re just more likely to make their yodeling noises.

[@maggie81573]

@HouseHooligan my daughter knows a woman who bred them, for AKC shows, years ago; I'll have to get her to ask this. Thanks for the heads up.

[@lizvanwessem2055]

first dog we had (we being my husband and I, we'd both had dogs as kids) came about when we went to the shelter "just to have a look". Who the hell were we kidding? Came home with a mixed german shepherd collie something or other breed called Jess. loved her to bits. She'd lick your face and if you said "aww i love you too" she'd lick you again, like for emphasis. She passed away 10 years ago (old age) and then we applied for a hearing (assistance) dog. Neve - a daft-as-a-brush-water-hating-labrador arrived in January 2021and we fell in love. again. :) She's currently giving me the evil eye. "it's dinner time". (it isn't). "It must be." (it really isn't. 40 minutes off). "but... hungreh!" (tough!). ... gotta love being a dog mom. Oh, and btw, we're both cat people too. I don't think they're mutually exclusive. :)

[@petabaigent]

We had a German sheppard/collie mix when I was a kid, he would herd all us kids at parties and would let people into our yard, but not let them back out. He was the best

[@madebymaryssa]

I've been thinking of Link as "Popcorn" because of the way he hops and because I think this is the first video I've watched where you mention his name. One of my sister had a greyhound who recently passed, and that breed is also sometimes described as 'cat like'. They are not as energetic as their 'racing dog' reputation would have you believe - short bursts, and then most of the time asleep. I don't think I ever heard that dog bark. Also, not much of a licker, but that could've been individual personality rather than breed - we had a Labrador mix when I was a kid who wasn't much of a licker either, and I've heard that labs are typically Very Licky And Drooly.

[@dancing_fig]

All dogs are puppies, and all cats are kittens. As for why your iceland pup wasn't smelly, despite his daily roll in the dirt, there are some kinds of bacteria in dirt that can inhibit smelly bacteria from growing! Horses and other animals that give themselves dust baths can end up deodorizing themselves this way. But it takes a certain body chemistry for that to work, too - glad you've found a routine that works for you & Link. And I loved hearing more of his story!

[@thirza9508]

These videos are always so freaking relatable for me. I also am really sensitive to smells and have this quirk where I can smell something intense and smell if the entire day, as if it sticks in my head. I also am immune to my dog's smell, don't mind him licking me. What you said about finding dogs unpredictable is funny to me because I grew up with dogs and have always been a dog person and find cats to be so unpredictable haha!

[@lizalloneword]

We just got our first Aussie 2 months ago. We've always had shepherds and doodles. This Aussie is amazing!! SO smart and so sweet. We were super bummed about her docked tail, but we got her at 10 weeks of age and had no say in it.

[@amys3168]

Similar pet philosophy in my family, but my dad was obsessed with dogs. Turns out I love both!

[@coolcat020]

so great to hear Links story! Its always so funny to me to hear about other Aussies. I have a full size one of my own (who is 10 but yes, always a puppy) and its amazing how similar they all are in their quirks :)

[@Inlelendri]

Having Link in your videos helps a lot with missing my dog - or rather, my parents' dog after I've moved out. I can't look after a dog as I ought to, due to health issues, so I can't have one, and it helps to see Link being a good boy. Always a very good boy. Thank you. Oh, and I think Buddy is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, by the way - and with a Corgi, you'd have to be aware of them being cow herding dogs. They herd you by stopping right in front of you (cows don't like something in front of their legs, so they stop).

[@corgimom24]

Such a cutie!!! Coming from a corgi mom of 2 - barking is very common with the breed, it's trainable for sure but a challenge. They are also just as fun and full of personality as they are cute. I would recommend corgis to anyone just be ready to train yourself and them :)

[@missvioletnightchild2515]

I relate 200% to everything you said at the start about dogs - I was even quite afraid of them for a long time, because they can be so loud and unpredictable. But unlike you, I'm not taking the risk - I'm sticking to cats haha But this was very lovely to hear and I'm glad you found your puppy, he's adorable!! (Also you must've got plenty of corgi cuddles when you visited Shannon, right? Cannelle is so cute!)

[@TheStaceyC]

This was so cute to hear about the story of your puppy! I have 2 Australian cattle dogs and they also have BIG BEEF with the vacuum cleaner. My dogs are a little over a year apart and their personalities could not be further apart. It's so nice to see one get on the other nerves and the other just deal with it. I always love when puppy makes an appearance in your videos...a great costar. I think ACDs and Aussies have similar personalities. My dogs also love to play in the water but hate bath time, one hates riding in the car and the other doesn't. Dogs are definitely our kids in that way that their germs are fine but others aren't lol.

[@fluteykat]

29:18 I was about to short circuit; I thought you were getting up to get the new baby puppy 😂

[@suzisaintjames]

Re: getting a big dog. Now that you have a dog, you know what you want. Not a talker. Believe it or not, some breeds just are more vocal than other... I'm like you, I like a yup/nope kinda guy... er dog... although I do prefer male dogs to female. I prefer not too energetic. Some breeds will literally bounce off the walls. Believe it or not but I trained mine to "talk quiet in the house" by whispering the command. As his big dog barking could shake the walls. The only thing about raising a big dog is you have to constantly keep in mind that this adorable little puppy is going to be huge and that this adorable little puppy cannot do the things little dogs can get away with. I trained mine to be mindful of his tail as one swipe and there goes my cuppa on the coffee table. No biting games as his 2inch canine teeth are terrifying. Growling or showing his teeth (even in play) meant being dragged by the scruff of his neck to his crate for a 5 minute time out. My 140 rottweiler was the sweetest gentle giant, but I expected and demanded that he acted like one from day one. If you raise your big dog with that attitude you'll be fine. There's a difference between spoiled and pampered. Like your dog, mine had his comforts, but he wasn't spoiled... He had to listen and mind the rules of good behavior. 💕🌞🌵😷

[@mirjanbouma]

That's how you do it!

[@HouseHooligan]

You actually don’t have to be heavy handed with big dogs-you just have to be consistent in your boundaries and expectations. Source: I’ve been training dogs professionally for decades and own giant breeds myself. And please, anyone reading this, do not punish a dog for growling. Growling is communication; punishing it can easily create a dog that does not communicate their discomfort and skips straight to the bite. I saw it a lot in client dogs.

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, As someone that was foster mum to Dobermans from puppies to about 18 months one after another, my job was to get them to function as well behaved citizen and ready for their next part of their life, specialist training, I recognize the you put in well training well. Unfortunately I developed allergies and have been dogless since then. I'm in negotiations with my DH to get a standard poodle that can be my service dog for all the other things I've lived through. I haven't won yet but negotiations continues. Yours, Ann

[@suzisaintjames]

@@annlidslot8212 Ann, sorry for all your woes. I'd like to offer some advice as my rottie is also a service dog... but, I don't know what a DH is? Also I'm from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵 USA. Are you in the States as well or elsewhere? 💕🌞🌵😷.

[@wartgin]

​@@suzisaintjames I suspect DH is "darling husband".

[@ShakespeareDoomsday]

You might like Keeshonds. They are usually super calm and rarely bark (unless there’s an intruder). They’re great with people but they don’t socialize well with other dogs outside the pack, so they absolutely need extra socialization training. Despite being working dogs, their tails are left intact because they stay curled up on their backs most of the time. The cinnamon roll wags as a unit.

[@SeraphinaThorbes06]

I know there's always exceptions but my friend's Keeshond is the most needy, anxious, clingy, high energy little dog I have ever met. If you're not speaking to her, she barks.

[@Myst_Eerie_Isle]

We have Borgies (Border Collie and Corgie mixes), they are so cute and super smart. We did have their tails docked when they were puppies, but because the vet told us that it was better for short stature dogs and because their tails will be so long they'll get stepped on or stuck in things. (We did accidentally break a dog's tail in the door once, that's why we gave in) We really regret it. We used to have a miniature collie named General. He was such a fluffy air head. I miss him. We have four dogs and ten cats.... the majority of which are rescued strays. We love them dearly, it's a bit crowded but it's worth it.

[@mercywalschek2695]

My mom's dog, Molly, has the same issue with riding in cars. My mom finally figured out that Molly felt unstable. So, she piled up cushions and a blanket between the back seat and the back of the front seat. No more problems.

[@CootiePootieTootie]

I needed to touch fur once and went to the humane society in town ... we came home with a puppy ❤️ she's the best brat in the world and she was born to be our son's best friend.

[@hisamartinezsasaki1814]

I was born in a farm home with big and small animals. I love dogs and cats to the same degree. If I could have both or live in the country again it would be glorious. We have always had rescue puppies and kitten. 🐶🐱 I love Bordernerd's channel. 😉 Hugs.

[@jozellemakes]

Im happy you mentioned Docking tails! Docking tails is illegal in a lot of countries, and the most common breed for herding is the border collie and they have long tails. 😅

[@psukebariah3435]

Corgi puppy butts! I just adore corgi puppy butts.

[@carolreid9755]

Thank you Charlie for your video. Always wanted a dog and was auntie to many. Working all day long shifts I got 2 cats, to keep each other company. When they passed at 17 yrs I decided no more at the time (too upsetting) Wait till I retire get a dog finally. Recently retired but walking is difficult so no dog. I think what I am saying is don't wait for the perfect time ,that never comes ,just do it. Link can teach the puppy.

[@Alex.j22]

We had an Australian Shepherd when I was growing up - I don't know if it's a regional thing but I've never seen one with a docked tail! I live in Germany, so maybe that's why. Our dog's tail was huge and fluffy and super adorable ❤

[@demonajackson2012]

My puppy is a chihuahua crossed with a french bulldog. He is lovely. Always cuddling, not smelly, very energetic, and tiny. He is my baby. His name is Stitch 😊

[@bellablue5285]

I am so violently allergic to cats, and come to find out, mildly allergic to dogs (which I didn't know until I got mine 😅), recently petless and I haven't decided if i will try for another, though I miss having another being in the house 🤷 (I had Labs, if there was a puddle, they were in it, so I hear ya on the wet 😂)

[@charityrochford2175]

As someone with similar sensory issues, my dog feelings are so similar! I did grow up in a house that always had one dog- but we were small dog people. I just can’t deal with the smells, sounds, and feelings of bog dogs who lick and nearly knock me over when they jump up!

[@razzuie]

I grew up with both cats and dogs, we had two Irish wolfhounds aka massive grey dogs😊 a hunting dog a former stray dog from Barcelona, three cats and two horses. But I’m definitely a dog person, as an adult I have a border collie mix and I have to admit that I love how he smells but I don’t want my home to smell like dog

[@Janjans72]

My Girlie does that jumping thing too! And launching herself off me. She is a cavoodle though.

[@Skitten24]

I'm so excited for this video!!!! I love Link and he deserves his own video ❤❤❤❤

[@armedvsokord]

My kitty has lots of names. Mr. Feisty pants, kitten, whiny butt, fluffy butt, trip hazard. He's the younger of the two we have and kitten is his most common moniker. His full name is Squire Sumi FuzzyPaws Moth Menace, or Sumi for short. His older brother is Sir Thor FuzzyPaws Leaf Slayer.

[@Puppy52]

My family had dogs, and they were so cute and I had a lot of good memories from them and some sad ones - when we were forced to move to apartments🥹 I like cute fuzzy animals but we were not allowed to keep a dog or cat at my parent’s apartment.😬 When I got married and moved countries, my husband’s family had a very handsome but a bit crazy chonk kitty named Meowmeow - who bit me a couple times before he realised I was not a threat😂 and I worshiped the ground he stepped on (and he could be bribed with treats)… Meowmeow unfortunately passed away too soon at 13 years old unexpectedly 😢 (long story) After him, we had two sweet kitties Ginko and Yoshi, Yoshi passed from kidney disease💔 a couple years ago, he was quite the character too and is missed terribly🥹 Ginko is still with us, but she has epilepsy which needs daily meds to be managed…😅 She is a naggy funny little old lady, we lub her a lot! The stale dog drool stank smell bothers me too😂 makes me paranoid about if I smell like it and cannot tell…😬 I don’t mind my friend’s dogs tho!❤. I love your doggie❤ he is adorable❤😍

[@andifism]

We have a rescue Aussie shepherd. He is very gentle and quiet, never smelly (unless he is wet) and he never jumps up or licks my face. I mean he used to jump up but knew he was gonna be big so taught him not to. He doesn't chase cats or bark at delivery drivers. By far the cleverest dog I've ever had, until I get the vacuum out. So funny seeing your puppy attack the Carpet Monster too. Filmed my pooch un zipping my backpack to get his squeaky apple out yesterday. I love all animals though but I'm so allergic to cats - never stopped me from petting them though.....😁

[@amyadams2253]

I have so much to say about this subject! Such a great video, thank you for sharing! Mini Aussies are so cute! I love herding breeds for so many reasons. I have a working line Border Collie that my partner and I got from a farm. I love my sweet baby boy who is 2.5 yrs old. Personally, I was more of a cat person growing up, but I always liked dogs. I appreciate now having a dog that requires a lot of exercise because I have rediscovered my love of the outdoors and my physical health has improved a lot since getting my baby. And yeah, no matter what age, he will always be my sweet little baby boy😆My son, my little guy, my puppy, the puppy, the list goes on. He responds to "The puppy" the same as his name which is also Charlie ❤

[@AnnaReed42]

I relate so much to ALL OF THIS. tl;dr: I have 2 mini Aussies and they have made me a dog person. I grew up without a ton of dog contact. The only pets I grew up with were rats. By the time I was 25 I was pretty sure that I was an ill-fated cat person, because I am allergic to them, but loved them from afar. Then I started dating my partner, and fell in love with his dog, Summer. She is also a black tri mini Aussie, and she is everyone's favorite dog. She was never a barker, just the occasional warning bark to other dogs. She loves people and food, and not necessarily in that order. I have lived with her for 6 or 7 years at this point, and I always said that while I wasn't really a dog person, I was absolutely a Summer person. Fast forward to last February. My partner's ex, who is a mini Aussie breeder, had a puppy who was extremely shy, like Summer had apparently been as a puppy. She asked if we wanted her. We agreed to meet her, and this shy little scaredy pup buried her face into the crook of my arm and wormed her way into my heart. She was going by the name Zelda (after Sabrina's aunt, not Link's princess), but I renamed her Hazel. She is a red tri, about the size of Link. My family owns her brother from another litter, Archimedes, who is a lanky red merle, and is pushing the limits of "mini." This year, Hazel has been my entire world. We've met so many dogs, and I've watched so many dog videos about dog behavior and grooming, that she has made me into a dog person. We moved into a house with friends last month. Nothing in this world gives me as much joy as I feel when watching her bounding around our backyard. She started barking at our roomies whenever they came upstairs, and still barks at anyone coming to the door like her life depends on it. Unfortunately this has rubbed off on Summer, who sometimes even instigates the barking, but it is getting better. I think there is hope that Hazel will kick the habit. She rarely barks at the roomies anymore, though she's still scared of their 10-year-old kid. As for the smell of dog, I've only had a problem with their smell when they've been active outside. That's the only time I've noticed that "wet dog" smell that drives me crazy. We may end up allowing her breeder to breed Hazel in exchange for our pick of the litter. If we do, I will insist on not docking any of the puppies' tails. I agree, it's an outdated practice that needs to be abandoned already. I makes me smile every single time I see Link in your videos, and seeing your relationship with him. Thank you for this video!!

[@lifeofjoy9404]

I had an Aussie who "crop dusted" when he pooped, too! 😂

[@fritter51]

Becky on Acre Homestead has two mini Aussies. She used to show them more.

[@SkyeSalindar]

I relate SOOO much to everything you said. I can't stand dogs licking me 95% of the time, absolutely hate the dog smell, the shedding, and yea the barking is no thanks. But I love meeting/petting dogs and I can usually tolerate a gentle not slobbery lick. I also know if the dog is dirty/smelly I absolutely can't stand being near them. I think this is why I'm a cat person more than anything, they're much cleaner and not much if any smell, no drool, can pick them up, etc. My cats tend to be super cuddle bugs so that emotional support you got from Buddy is still kinda there (though I'm pretty sure mine get annoyed by my tossing and turning at night than a dog probably would lol) That being said all 3 of our black cats seem to be shedding like crazy this time of year and I'm losing my mind and changing sheets on the daily, so yea I'm pretty bad lately with sensory/germaphobia

[@melodymalone4076]

I've been an animal person my whole life and I've been around dogs and owned cats. I got a dog for the first time a few months ago as a friend had an accidental litter of puppies and happenstance worked out in my favor to get one. Its been interesting to get used to and she just adores me to where im the favorite. She has now learned to jump, so she is unstoppable.

[@stitchwithbritt5922]

I’ve had two Australian shepherd mixes. Harry was a beautiful long haired dog that looked a lot like yours though he had a long tail and he was a really loud whiny howler especially when you left the house. Elliot is my current dog (he turned a year old in September) he is the second Australian shepherd mix I’ve had he has a nub for a tail but I think all his siblings had nubs and since they are not pure bred I think they are natural. He is a really loud whiny barker likes to jump on you and bite. He actually looks like a golden Labrador retriever to me though we have a dna test we have yet to use it. I can confirm both Harry and Elliot learned very fast. I just wish Elliot could get along with my cats. Harry was so sweet I could trust him around my pet rabbit that I had at the time. Elliot is not trustworthy around other tiny animals.

[@0roseable]

Oh my goodness, until this video I've never really been able to articulate in a clear way why I'm not a dog person. The noise, the licking, the in your face constant jumping and needing attention are all sensory issues for me. And I definitely relate to the need to wash my hands after petting a dog.

[@emrys7168]

I spent the majority of my life a cat person; I had a cat whenever I could (rented accommodation 😞) but also said hello to cats I met out in the world. I was scared of dogs, in all honesty, particularly big ones, but then one day I met a dog on the bus. No clue what breed, but sort of large Labrador kinda sized, and a gorgeous blue-grey colour. He spent the entire bus journey laid on the bus floor right next to my wheelchair, looking up at me like he could see into my soul and *liked* it. I spoke to his person, and apparently he's not often like that. So, yeah, now I want a dog. A dog who I can bond with and who loves me all the time. Because I've loved all the cats I've owned, but their love often felt conditional and somewhat at paw's length. I talk to dogs out in the world much more often now and pet them (when their person agrees I can) and I think I've just moved into the dog phase of my life. I'm house-hunting now and absolutely plan on getting one when I moved if I possibly, possibly can. Those photos of Matt with baby Link? I want that.

[@AngelCCD]

As my daughter says, "Adorbs!!"

[@marykessel4707]

He's a wonderful dog!

[@cindabearr]

When my boy was still with us, I always told people, "I'm not a dog person, I'm a Lerch person." Because he was Special. I don't really like dogs the way Dog People do. I'm a hardcore cat person. But Lerch was the most amazing, gentlest, and sensitive little boy (I say little boy but he was a 68lb pitbull). We had the most amazing bond that I've never had the privilege to share with any other dog. He's been gone since 2020, and I haven't been able to get another dog. How can any other dog ever measure up, when I've already had the perfect dog? And yes, he was named after Lurch from the Addams Family.🖤

[@AnniCarlsson]

Dock the tail been illegal if not due to accident in sweden sence 1989. And it's rare they need to do that surgery and they just shorten the damaged part and don't just chop it all off. Some breeds like aussies are born with 3 type of tails. Full tail, half tail or stump tail. And they not smell that bad exept if just wash them a few times a year. The smell comes when they never wash them ever or roll in something bad. Like dead stuff, turds, manure, water thats not healthy and been standing still for ages so stuff grows in it, rotten veggies. And yeah my dog loved all of them so she got many baths

[@JanealJohnson]

Mini Australian shepherds are the best, we have went into a puppy store too and fell in love with ours. I also agree they stay very puppy forever. Mine is also a car sickness pup, he is doing better now. Our boy will be 4 in Feb.

[@MissMEhere]

My sibling had to seriously consider whether to dock their doggo’s tail because she would slam her tail on everything and even got hurt from doing it. Thankfully she chilled and that is no longer a concern.

[@williej3831]

I was waiting for you to come back with a puppy at the end of the 🥰🐶

[@Kufalk.equestrian]

I am a cat person who loves my dog 😂 I also have a miniature Australian shepherd (she is half mini half regular). I like other dogs because they are fluffy and have 4 legs but I prefer mine lol and would bring any cat home if my husband wasn't allergic. My wonderful girly is a lively licker and wasn't a barker until my Dad taught her to (long story); it was really easy to teach her to stop. When my doggo was little she used to french kiss people so quickly you wouldn't be able to see it coming 🤣

[@ReneeMarchigano]

According to AKC, 20% of Aussies have naturally bobbed tails. So it's possible that Links tail wasn't docked. My cousin had one named Salty, and he was born with a bobbed tail. I have cats now and they also have many names I call them. It's very likely that they don't know what their names are anymore lol. On the docking topic again though, I had a bigger mixed breed dog that would wag her tail so hard it left welts on me and the kiss if we were hit with it, and we had many broken tail scares (hitting her tail on hard objects when really excited) over the 12 years she blessed us with her presence. We thought about docking her tail for those reasons but never committed to doing it, though it would have saved a lot of pain and tears of everyone involved if we had.

[@solenegicquel6577]

If you have a puppy, Link will train him / teach him. The barking should not be problem! Shepherds are the best (Mix of Pyrenean shepherd and shetland here) 😊

[@RoundMtnDryGoods]

I looove dogs too! We have an adorable little malshi dachshund who's wrapped us around her tiny paws. Back problems preclude larger dogs, but honestly Sassy's perfect for us 😊

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

My brother had the best dog ever. It was a Shiba Inu. It had been living with two fighting dogs and it was a playful thing and they thought that it was fighting and it was in danger. So they rescued in and it was a wonderful experience. I knew another person who also had the same kind of dog and that friend never made the dog behave even though that friend had lots of company. The dog made noise and wanted to jump. I was not impressed. The answer was “she’ll stop in a while.” There are commands for dogs to let them know that you’re thanking them for the alert, and thus to stop barking. My dog-training friend had the command “enough.“ she would say that and the dog would stop.

[@MissingRaptor]

Apparently the fact that your Puppy is an Aussie actually means he's part kangaroo 🦘 As someone who is not really a dog person (I'm ok with specific dogs, but largely scared of most dogs for reasons), your puppy is such a fun little cutie 🐕

[@auntietara]

We had a West Highland White Terrier, and before we went on the road full time (woods, beach, lots of nature) she had a traditional Westie cut with the long skirt. A friend came over and got super judgy about the haircut, wanting to know if the dog’s cut was natural, or if we “did that to her.” 😳 We didn’t dock her ears or tail or alter her in any way … of course … it was just a haircut. 🙄 When we were in the motorhome full time and she wasn’t in a neighborhood environment, she got a puppy cut in order to keep her from becoming a dirty dustmop. I bet that friend wouldn’t have had a single thought about the dog having short hair! I think she was just offended by the froofy skirt.

[@KarenK-r4f]

You are so witty I love it 💙💜💚

[@shanarahughes]

My husband and I have a 12 year old puppy named Remington. I am not a dog person, but I am most assuredly a Remington person.

[@jessicaarntzen582]

I'm going to die petting something I shouldn't. And I'm perfectly good with that.