PLEASE
I really need to figure out a way to keep up my hosting credits. Since I am brain dead about computers, school, relationships, sports, games, etc, would really like to see more activity in this pet catagory.

I got my first dog when I was less than 1 year old. And since I have now passed the 1/2 century mark, I think I may of learned a thing or 2 about dogs. So ask me anything. Really. I probably know it. Help me out here.

i'll jump in to your request for dog questions. although i never really am much that into pets myself (dog, cat, anything), but i just wonder how come chocolate can be harmful for dogs. i saw an old episode of a tv series wherein a pet dog consumed chocolate without the owner's knowledge, and the dog just sort of got in a "depressed mood" where it just lay down beside the bits of the leftover chocolate and its wrapper like someone going to the guillotine (sorry for the description, it's just how i remembered it ). after the owner came home, and after seeing the dog in this state, he had to rush the dog to a veterinarian. is it really bad for dogs to consume chocolates or for that matter a substantial amount of sweets? or was it just a made-up-for-tv scenario?

and another, do sheepdogs bleat/baa? (just kidding!)

No, it was not made up for television, chocolate is bad for dogs. Though it is bad in varring degrees. Theobromine, (I think that's about how it's spelled) is the culprit that is the actual poison. It is found in higher amounts in the dark, bitter sweet type chocolates. Bakers chocolate is especially bad. Milk chocolate has lesser amounts, and many dogs can eat a bit of it and not be bothered at all. Some dogs are less tolerant though, and may become ill with just a few bites of sweet chocolate, others can eat a whole candy bar and show no ill effects whatsoever.

So not knowing for sure on your dog, it would just be best to not tempt fate and keep the chocolate where only you can reach it.

As far as having a sweet tooth, most dogs don't care that much for sweets, but you will find the occasional individual that does like candy, but a lot of that has to do with the dogs owner. I've seen a lot of dogs that will eat whatever they see their owner eat, wether they like it or not.

And another thing besides chocolate that should remain off the dogs dinner plates are grapes. They can also be toxic to dogs.

Theobromine sounds right, something like a distant cousin to caffeine. i checked wikipedia about it and seems to act as a poison for dogs because of their slow metabolism. it looks deadly enough for dogs even at small quantities (50mg for smaller dogs, 400mg for bigger dogs). there's the tolerance level which you account for each dog, as you seem to note that some can eat a whole candy bar with no ill effects. but of course, chocolate is still something to keep out of a dog's reach, that's for sure if only to keep the dog out of harms way especially if the dogs are loved pets by their owners. thanks for the info.

what's the deal with grapes as toxic for dogs when ingested though? that's a new one for me. theobromine still in the works here?

I had to do a little digging on the grape/raison thing, as I couldnt' remember for sure the toxin involved, and I discovered I didn't know because it has not yet exactly been figured out as to why grapes do poison dogs. (raisons do too) They cause kidney failure, symptoms are vomitting and weakness, among several others. It only takes a few grapes to do a real number on a dog.

Funny because a few years ago before this got started around on the internet about grapes, I had a standard schnauzer pet dog that would eat anything she saw me eat. Except grapes. Those were the only thing she wouldn't touch. I knew that dog was smart!

So, to be on the safe side, keep those grapes and raisons safely out of your pets reach. And call your vet immediatly if your dog should sneak a few grapes.

I also had not heard of the grape/raison issue with dogs. But I had a wonderful Boston Terrier that enjoyed eating the ones I rejected after they 'seasoned' a few days. My lifestyle had changed (a divorce) and being single I didn't always eat them as fast as was necessary and my dog began to get a regular treat of grapes. I am aware now that no one seems to know why, just that they are harmful. One thing I do know, my pet's kidneys failed and I know it was my own fault that it happened. I urge you to believe what they say ... "Grapes/raisons will cause kidney failure in dogs and it is irreversable".

Dogs are not the only ones with problems with chocolates and grapes, Cats have the same problems!

But cats will surely die if they eat chocolate!

no, i've given cats chocolate and it hasn't died.
My question is this...
My parents want a dog as a pet, but they've never had any experience with owning a dog. So can you please give some suggestions on breeds of dogs that won't be too loud, big or something like that...