Rufus and Otis

OWNER NAME  Steph & Steve

LIVES  Barrow

DOG/S NAME BREED AGE ? Rufus & Otis, Pugs, both nearly 3

DID YOU HAVE DOGS WHILST GROWING UP?

No we were not allowed to have animals.

WHY DID YOU GET A DOG?

We met a gorgeous Pug puppy that we loved, so we read about the breed, & decided we wanted one.

DID EVERYBODY IN THE FAMILY WANT A DOG?

Yes

 HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR DOGS?

 Nearly 3 years

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM?

We got them from the breeder.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC BREEDS THAT ARE TARGETED AS DANGEROUS?

I do worry about my dogs being attacked, but I think that the dog’s behaviour is mostly down to it’s owner.

IS HAVING A DOG HOW YOU IMAGINED IT TO BE?

It’s better, I didn’t know how clever dogs could be, and how much personality they would have.

HAVE YOU HAD DOGS BEFORE?

We had Minnie before these two. Never had a dog before Minnie. We got her from a breeder four years ago, she had a few health problems, & died from a brain disease when she was only 16 months.

TELL ME ABOUT HER 

She was a gorgeous tiny little Pug, full of energy, mad, & the most she ever weighed was five kilos.

WHAT ISSUES (IF ANY) HAVE YOU HAD WITH YOUR DOGS?

We have some issues with Otis pulling, & trying to chase cars, & snapping at other dogs.

HOW DID YOU CORRECT THEM?

Have tried the usual corrections that people recommend. We have just done some training with Farah, from Elite K9’s, which has hopefully helped.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PETS?

No

HOW DOES THE DOG SPEND THEIR DAY?

In the crate for 4 hours in the morning while I’m at work, then a walk, lunch, play, sleep, tea, sleep & bed.

WHO GENERALLY WALKS THE DOG?

 I usually walk them.

WHAT IS THEIR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY?  

Going to the beach or field, but a walk anywhere. They also get very excited about going to Granny’s!

WHERE DOES THEY SLEEP?

In our bed.                                                                            

WHO IS THE DOG MOSTLY FRIENDLY WITH  IN THE HOUSE?

Friendly with absolutely everyone in typical Pug manner, but follow Steve around the most when he’s home.

 WHAT TIME DOES HE/SHE SPEND IN THE HOME WITH FAMILY MEMBERS?

Always in the home with us, like to cuddle on the settee if not eating or walking.

TELL ME A FUNNY INCIDENT INVOLVING YOUR DOGS

There are lots, but my favourite at the moment is when Otis pinched a treat out of the cupboard, took it to Rufus & then went back for his own. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW DOG OWNER/OR PEOPLE THINKING OF HAVING A DOG?

Research the breed that would fit in best with the family. Health problems etc. If getting from a breeder, make sure it’s a reputable one.  Obviously there are lots of rescue dogs that need homes too.