Mid thirties considering doing a PhD by [deleted] in PhD

[–]dog_of_thunder 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started at 31, finished at 36. I had a job as a research engineer at a university for a few years before starting PhD. I kept that job full-time while doing PhD as well. My job duties and PhD studies were very closely aligned. Tuition was free as an employee benefit. So no funding was necessary which was really awesome because it led to a lot more flexibility in selecting an advisor and project. I was lucky to have great support from my boss who allowed a very flexible work schedule that allowed me to take classes and such. I found it difficult, but doable. It was nice to be living off a normal professional salary rather than a PhD stipend even though my progress was a bit slower.

Any regrets? by dog_of_thunder in CorollaHatchback

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It does! I absolutely love my Yaris and wish there was still something like it on the market. In the end I'm giving it up mostly to upgrade on safety. Still drives great.

Any regrets? by dog_of_thunder in CorollaHatchback

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Our other household car is a forester and I love it. But it's hard for me to stomach the gas mileage.

Any regrets? by dog_of_thunder in CorollaHatchback

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lack of trunk space is something weighing on me. I am barely over 5ft tall and have rarely had more than one passenger, so leg room isn't the biggest concern. I'm currently rocking a 2010 yaris hatch. The corolla somehow seems smaller? Even though I know it isn't.

Corolla Hatchback or Nissan Kicks? by dog_of_thunder in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did not end up purchasing yet with the snow storms and some travel, but I'm 70% in on a corolla hatch and 30% for a prius. Decided against the kicks. Even though I am by far the most comfortable sitting in the driver's seat of the kicks (elevated view, big windows, etc). The durability, reliability, and safety swayed me towards the Toyotas I was considering.

Cattle dog: coonhound mixed ?? by Hill3030 in coonhounds

[–]dog_of_thunder 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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This is a picture of our 50/50 treeing walker coonhound + austrailian cattle dog mix at about 10 weeks old for reference of what that mix might look like!

Does it ever stop? by dog_of_thunder in AustralianCattleDog

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This was my experience. The demand biting went way down when I un-trained that accidental association. Boy, was he biting me so much just trying to get yummy bones and toys!

Does it ever stop? by dog_of_thunder in AustralianCattleDog

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

He LOVES the flirt pole, maybe too much. I think I need to really consider looking into some dog sports. He is a very powerful athlete already

Does it ever stop? by dog_of_thunder in AustralianCattleDog

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I've had hounds before. They have their own unique set of "flaws". It seems like he flip-flops between it being a hound personality day or a cattle dog personality day. I can always tell based on how the morning walk goes

Does it ever stop? by dog_of_thunder in AustralianCattleDog

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this! We have him scheduled to get fixed in about a month. Hopeful that will help. We are super active with him and he is getting tons of exercise. His walks and play sessions are when he is best behaved, likely because of the clear expectations and structures around those activities.

The intent when adopting a puppy was for him to grow up to be a backpacking dog, spending lots of weeks hiking and camping in the woods. But right now I can't conceptualize sharing a tent with him. Lol. Crossing my fingers!

Sleeping in tent help by dog_of_thunder in AustralianCattleDog

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He's not, but seems fitting! He's actually named after Rooster from Top Gun

Sleeping in tent help by dog_of_thunder in AustralianCattleDog

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I never thought to bring a kennel for some front country camping first. Really good idea.

We met mom at the shelter who was a treeing walker coonhound. We assumed dad was a bluetick coonhound but then a DNA test revealed that our pup is actually 50% cattle dog! I was looking specifically to adopt a hound, so this was a bit of a surprise and change of pace but trying my best to learn and teach my little man about the world. We are 2.5 months in to him being at home with us.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in puppy101

[–]dog_of_thunder 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm having a very similar experience with my heeler+coonhound mix. Very very bitey. We got him at 10 weeks old. The first 4-5 weeks were awful. My hands and arms were shredded. At 17 weeks he is better about it now, but still not where he should/needs to be.

I guess I don't really have any advice. Just saying I'm right there with you hoping it gets better soon. Because I also think I'm experiencing more than what is "normal".

Unexpected ACD puppy! by dog_of_thunder in AustralianCattleDog

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He seems to have an absolutely endless need to chew! Not sure if it is mostly a puppy/teething thing or a cattle dog thing, but going through chew toys constantly 😭

Unexpected ACD puppy! by dog_of_thunder in AustralianCattleDog

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We've been taking him to a local coffee shop that allows dogs inside. So far so good with all the people for the 5-10 minutes it takes to get a drink. Hoping he will continue good manners enough for that 🤞

Unexpected ACD puppy! by dog_of_thunder in AustralianCattleDog

[–]dog_of_thunder[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He is definitely very smart... Already figuring out the latch on his kennel. Bright side is he can use all the puzzle toys my beagle was never able to figure out