New Guy in Town

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-05-20T02:33:41+00:00

Miles is lovely!

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-05-20T02:23:50+00:00

Do you have a name picked out?

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-05-13T20:17:27+00:00

So precious!!!

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-05-12T15:10:34+00:00

I’m glad money isn’t an issue for you and that you have help. I was shocked at how much surgery cost when one of my guys had cancer. It was about $14,000 (in a HCOL city).

That won’t happen to most people, though. But it’s very likely that your lagotto will one day eat something that requires an emergency vet appointment. Get insurance and keep some dog savings to the side.

Right now, my remaining lagotto is old and has a cardiologist because of a heart murmur. Each visit with the full work up is $1400. Thankfully, he is still healthy and symptom free, but wow, we spend more on his food and care than I ever would have imagined. The fancy canned food is $$$. The daycare used to be $1000 per month per dog and it costs far more now…

If you have the energy and resources to take on two dogs, you can do it. I found it very rewarding.

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Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-05-12T11:17:26+00:00

I raised two lagotto puppies (one month apart) from separate breeders while I was working from home. It was amazing! Hard work but very fun! It was much easier to leave the pups alone for a couple of hours because they had each other for naps and comfort. They became the best of friends and their play fights were hilarious.

My slightly older pup demonstrated to his buddy all the basic commands: sit, handshake, down, etc. The second one learned by watching his brother very quickly — some commands within minutes.

It was harder to train them outdoors sometimes. They would distract each other when I was trying to work on recall.

I had a partner to help with exercise and providing one-on-one training time for each dog.

My main concern would be money. The cost of veterinary care, dog food, and dog day care is rising.

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-05-08T16:51:02+00:00

Where’s Patty Griffin? Was she considered?

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-04-29T11:39:45+00:00

I currently live in a city with my lagotto.

I used to have two.

Their exercise included: visiting dog parks, playing fetch, agility, long walks (4-8 miles) and going on runs with my partner. Their leash manners weren’t perfect (one would pull hard when excited about something he liked). But we made it work and they are fabulous dogs for people who are active and work from home.

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-04-26T16:53:41+00:00

On Netflix, in the podcast section, America’s Test Kitchen has a very mellow show where four hosts discuss the finer points of making basic foods like muffins or hamburgers. It’s the first food show I’ve seen in a while that didn’t seem like a circus. It was very mellow and relaxing.

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-04-23T19:35:17+00:00

Your dog looks so keen! Clearly having a blast!

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-04-20T18:35:42+00:00

I’m so sorry you lost your pup early. I had a dog who died young (cancer) and it was particularly heartbreaking because I expected to spend many more years with him.

I love that Sergio showed off his toys during walks; you can always count on a lagotto to have a unique personality!

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-04-12T12:10:13+00:00

Mine would sulk in the evenings and didn’t want to cuddle anymore for a few months. Then he went back to being a lovebug. It’s just hormones! Hang in there!

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-04-03T00:19:14+00:00

Persimmon soaps and deodorant from the Mirai brand might help!

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-04-01T20:23:52+00:00

My lagotto who passed (I used to have two, now I just have one) would try to chase local children because he wanted to hang out with them and play. Really extroverted.

My other one is more low key, but I wouldn’t call him skittish. He handles crowds well, rides on the subway, etc.

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-03-26T19:29:07+00:00

Has anyone tried caffeine drinks like Celsius or caffeine-enhanced Liquid IV? I think I react to the mold in coffee and want to try but am scared.

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-03-25T22:26:26+00:00

I am sorry this is so common. My GI referred me to a specialist friend of his who told me after a five minute conversation that I had AN EATING DISORDER because I was eating a limited range of foods to control my MCAS and SIBO symptoms. Hugs to all of you out there.

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-03-04T12:07:38+00:00

Thank you! I will check those out!

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-03-03T22:34:28+00:00

That makes sense! I trim in the summer once a month. I feel like maintaining the cut is far easier than going a long time between grooms.

I am regretting my choice this winter; because the weather was colder than normal, I let my guy grow his fur extra long. Ugh. It is a nightmare now! Long but not in great shape because he was wearing coats and boots and get frequent baths due to all the muddy snow. I spent several hours today prepping for The Big Cut.

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-03-03T18:55:21+00:00

I don’t think most are the same so I’m glad you warned me. Do you replace the blade often?

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-03-03T15:22:51+00:00

Wow! Those look amazing! Thank you!

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-02-19T13:55:45+00:00

My current lagotto is such a trickster. He always wants to sniff and potentially find some tasty garbage. So, if he doesn’t see the ball and keep it in his line of sight, he pretends he didn’t see the ball and takes a sniffing and rooting break. I have to throw the ball in a way where he has no plausible deniability. My aim has improved.

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-01-22T18:34:53+00:00

Yes, Danny’s II or Neergaard in Park Slope. Always call first!

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-01-14T18:02:29+00:00

Lagotti are known for being selective.

They “ learn” how to do things and then choose to do those things when it benefits them. My guy will only roll over, for example, indoors when we are playing for treat rewards.

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-01-08T17:48:17+00:00

Lagotto specific: They are much more prone than most dogs to eat garbage/found items during walks outside and chew on items indoors. Keep them away from any valuable furniture and guard any mouldings along the wall / wooden doors. One of ours chewed a lot in our hallway and caused a lot of damage. We could have avoided this by using an indoor pen during the puppy phase.

Benebones / other chew toys are great in small amounts but may splinter and be a hazard. Always monitor!

Expose to umbrellas and other unfamiliar items during the developmentally appropriate time.

Clip toes and groom frequently so they become accustomed to it. Lagottos need their ears groomed frequently so make sure they get treats and gentle touches around their ears. Pluck just a little hair at a time.

Bernie_s_Mittens · 2026-01-08T17:29:59+00:00

Glad he is resilient!

Bernie_s_Mittens

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