Kyrasmom

No...but a $10000.00 plus vet bill for one bite might be an incentive to think about it. Maria

I have a dog who actively hunts rattlesnakes and has cost me a small fortune in treatment. My vet recommended the vaccine and I went ahead and had all my dogs vaccinated...simply because if one dog shows an interest in something, prey drive could kick in and others might go and see what she's up to. In all honesty, so far the border collies have stayed far far away from the rattlesnakes every time, but Mom Dog, the pit bull, is intent of ridding the world of them. Anyway, the way it was explained to me is that it's not a foolproof vaccine in that your dog will not need care but chances are that he/she may not need the costly anti-venom AND at the very least, it seems to buy you some time to get to the vet. Living rurally...that was enough to convince me. The last time she was bit she did not need anti-venom and came home after a day. Was it the vaccination or was it a dry bite? Or is she just builidng her own immunity after countless doses of anti-venom?? LOL...hard to tell...but if at the least it does no harm...and if at best it helps...it's worth it as we DO have rattlesnakes sharing our property. It's been out for a few years and time will tell if it's really effective or not. Maria

And just to give you a bit of hope, when one of my "adopted out" dogs was returned, a pit bull, because she went after a goat I had serious bitch on bitch aggression between her and Gracie, my 38 lbs BC. The aggression started quite a few months after MomDog was returned. It was all Gracie's fault as she clearly was giving MomDog hard stares and trying to bully her but obviously when a fight broke out, Gracie was on the losing end of it. It took a few months of careful management and letting them both know that those behaviors were not to be tolerated. It was extremely important for us to learn to not "anticipate" any kind of violence as all it took was the hair on the back of my neck to stand up as they looked at each other and Gracie would go for it. So, lots of deep breaths on our part and distracting both of them right away. Miraculously (at least that's how it seemed to us) after a few months of this, they came to a mutual understanding and now very happily cohabitate and even sleep together. I'll give big props to MomDog who is very very soft when it comes to our instructions and wants to please us more than anything. She knows she is not allowed to engage. Jett coming up on that magic age and being in heat is probably not herself but it doesn't mean she can get away with it regardless. One question I do have though, as you've said Fly does not engage at all, does Jett actually go for blood or is it a lot of show? Maria

I think it comes down to how you feel about the relationship you have with your dog. Are you happy that they steal your covers and hog the bed? Does it bother you if they put a paw on your knee to ask for a snuggle? I suppose respect can be many things, to me it has nothing to do with pack structure and/or dominant traits. It is and will continue to be about trust. Should our dogs be well behaved? Of course...this makes them feel safer also. As with children, and really all people and/or animals, consistency in what we ask for and expect is very beneficial in happy co-existing. But I've seen well behaved dog who do not trust their owners and I've seen rowdy pups who would willingly die for them. Which is respectful? It's up to you and what you want. My dogs are all obedient, they're allowed on the furniture if I ask them to come up. There's 8 of them so of course they can't all pile up one on top of each other! They give me hugs and lick my chin and I love that part of our relationship. They don't do it to others. They have a pack structure, which as with all packs, is fluid and ever changing, and I try not to interfere. If I have a problem, it's only with the dog who has a physical issue which impacts his emotional actions and that we manage. But they all trust me and I've never taken their being "dogs" as a sign of disrespect. maria

I'm going to chime in and add that I also think respect from a dog comes in the form of trust. The kind of trust that makes them put thier lives in your hand without a wimper. All of my dogs are obedient but I don't necessarily think that sitting on command is respect...it's a learned behavior and especialy with working dogs, they aim to please. It's how they're wired. Respect, for me at least, is being in uncomfortable situations, or difficult situations, and trusting their person enough to not get upset. Or being hurt and allowing the owner to fix or treat even though it hurts. That they trust me and know that I would never do them harm. At the end of the day, for my dogs, I would rather they let me give them shots and treat any injuries then sit on command....that I can always teach them. Respect I can't teach...it's something that I have to earn as much as they do. Maria

I agree that kids are way overmedicated these days but you've also got to wonder how many kids were given a good "whoopin" in days gone by who really did have a physiological disorder that was not identified or diagnosed and who grew up misunderstood or worse. I'd be upset also if a random kid came up and kicked my dog, in fact, years ago, one such child did and he had no excuse beyond being a spoiled brat and it angered me to no end and spoiled my dog, then a one year old, on kids for a long time. What angered me even more was his mom making excuses for him...and she was my "friend". He has since grown up to be a spoiled and arrogant young man...who could have used a good 'whoopin". Maria

Regardless of whether you think Melanie's response was harsh or not, consider that only an owner who sees the total dispair in their dogs' eyes when there should be a twinkle can truly understand the benefit of meds such as prozac or other. Then decide if it's really worth it to inject humor into a very serious subject. Had the post been about parvo or cancer, I seriously doubt anyone would have thought to crack a joke. That's why it upsets people who do have dogs on prozac....and heck...even husbands. Maria

I think everyone has brought up some good points and I personally would not truly opt to offer any equine boarding for whatever exchange unless it's something you felt REALLY comfortable with considering all of the good points already made. I've found in my many years of experience with horses that the opinions surrounding their care, feeding, grooming, housing etc etc are so many that even with the best of intentions, you can lose in a very big way. And alot of people are quick to say that "oh they can be out all of the time" but then get pissy if they're out in the rain or the snow or the heat even. There are just many many variables that don't even touch on the actual well being of the horse but simply the mentality of the horses' owenrs. Up until a few months ago I always boarded and even though I consider myself pretty easy to get along with, I always found that there was something lacking. The key was whether or not the pros made up for the cons when I considered making a fuss...but I was truly very rarely happy. Now they're at home and I'm thrilled with the care I can provide but they are not easy pets all of the time. Fortunately I like all the messy stuff that surrounds them but at minimum every day they need to be checked for scrapes and cuts, fed at least twice, preferably three times and have stalls mucked out if they're housed in the barn. And while they are herd animals and do well out at pasture...they also, like all domestic animals, enjoy human company and thrive on one on one time spent grooming and telling them that they are the best! As for offering boarding to offset costs...in your shoes I would only offer that if I truly, without doubt, loved horses and knew what they needed in addition to having a healthy amount of patience in dealing with owners! Good luck! maria

Is there a place that Solo is comfortable greeting strangers? A compassionate vet will meet you somewhere private that your dog may feel comfortable at. I was lucky, my dogs always enjoyed the car and they enjoyed the vet....and so a last car ride was always a treat for them even if I cried for the whole drive. One thing to think about is also what you want done with the remains, if you're interested in a buriel or a cremation. It's hard to think about but I really believe it's what we need to plan for the most because the end should be as dignified as the life. Hopefully you have plenty of time to plan. Maria

Dear Ruth, I'm so sorry to hear about Buzz. My thoughts are with you, I know how hard you tried and I'm sure Buzz was happier because of it. A big hug Maria

Thanks for the input! Your son is adorable and I think your story is very reflective of how I feel things will go in my own household. I really think the dogs learn quickly who is part of "their family". In fact, it may even be easier in multi-dog households than in a single dog household because they are already used to "sharing". Great photos! Maria

Oh Barb. I'm so sorry....so very sorry. My heart just broke reading your post. A big hug to you and Kirra. All my best, Maria

I'm in a similar situation to yours, expecting our first child and wondering what the 9 (gulp) dogs are going to think. Well meaning but otherwise irritating relatives have already insinuated we'll need to re-home some of them and for us, that's just not an option. All of my pooches are crate trained and actually used to loud screeching as we have two cockatoos as well. I've found that regardless of the order, who came first, birds or dogs, the dogs quickly learned who was a part of the household and who wasn't. The birds have become very important as they toss food at them so the dogs are pretty much in awe of them...to the point that the birds will preen the dogs. I think (hope) that the baby will also become a valued member of the family (as he/she will no doubt toss food at them as well...(lol) and have pretty much decided to not worry more than I need to and somehow they'll all fit in together! The last time someone said "you'll have to figure out something about the dogs and the baby" I responded: "well, of course, the baby want a puppy of his/her own at some point...." Best of Luck! Maria PS: Especially on the being out of the hospital within two hours....I haven't even though that far ahead yet!

I think every rescue has the right to establish rules and adhere to them...and to have specific expectations for their wards. I know I do. But it does mean that some otherwise good homes will be lost in the process. For example: I have invisible fencing - attached to real fencing but my dogs to wear collars and will get shocked if they get too close to the fence or an open gate. It keeps MY dogs safe and my digger in. So I don't qualify because I have an e-fence and a my pooch get an electornic correction. I also keep a bark collar on one of my dogs because he enjoys his voice. No, he's not bored, yes, he does lots of things, he is a house dog and perfect in every way, but he talks....a lot! And I don't think the neighbors want to hear him. I also have a dog who does NOT want to be in the house and is happy outside. If I placed him as a house dog he would be miserable. When I tried to bring him in, he was clearly uncomfortable. Some dogs are yard dogs despite our best efforts. What I'm saying is that in essence I agree with your rules and I agree that we get to pick and choose who gets our pups...but as rescues, we do occasionally miss out on an otherwise good home if we stick to them 100%. I am a good home. People want to die and come back as one of my dogs but I don't have a qualm putting a bark collar on a dog if it means that my neighbors are ok with me having 9 of them or if it means my Pit mix staying in the yard because she is sensitive to the shock she gets if she gets close to the fence line. Getting out would otherwise mean that she would most likely be shot because she is scary looking and people are afraid of what in realityis the sweetest dog of my household, but they don't know that. And for anyone saying she shouldn't be out alone..she is very adept at being sneaky and would take advantage of a privacy poop to get out....and then become deaf to the world. Maria

He may have the beginning of dementia...or hearing loss. Talk to your vet and if it's the beginnings of doggy dementia, there are some meds that can help. I have a 16 yr old that barks to come in the front door, rushes down the steps and barks to go out the back door, wanders around the house and barks to come in the front door...and the cycle continues. I've tried not opening one or both of the doors and he just barks and barks and barks. It can be maddening but I know he's on counted time (renal failure) so I just tell myself that one day soon I'll miss all the added exercise I'm getting right now! Maria

Autumn, For what's it worth, too much attention can be very stressful for dogs. In working extensively with a good behaviorist with my pack (of nine mind you) he couldn't stress enough that the first thing to do in rehabbing a dog is to take all of the attention away from it. No more games, no more tricks, no more cuddles, no more attention. You don't even get to call him by his name unless it's to put down his dog dish and then walk away. We're told to socialize socialize socialize and exercise exercise exercise these dogs (and both are important) but for some dogs it can be stressful, especially if they're not wired perfectly or have some physical issue that needs to be addressed. It's not surprising that Ghost is seeminlgy better in your friends kennel, he's probably being ignored in comparison to his time with you and that takes all of the pressure off of him. That's not to say this is your fault, some dogs thrive with lots of attention, but he just may not be one of them. He may always feel the need to guard his food and if you were able to whittle down his issues to only that, I'd just put his food in a crate FIRST, crate him SECOND, and then close it and walk away. After a while he realizes there's nothing to guard FROM. Anyway...just yet another thought. maria

Actually, yes. I know how it feels to be in your shoes as I've walked in them. That's why it gets my dander up when relinquishing is an option explored BEFORE medical screening. I know that Cooper, the dog of my heart, would probably do better in an only dog home with someone who could deal with his mood swings and reactive nature. And that home probably exists somewhere but my heart does not allow me to look for it....because I would always have the doubt that somewhere along the line, the new owner may not commit for the rest of HIS life which is what I've committed to. We went through A LOT with him and I was told to put him down numerous times, and I like you, was convinced he wasn't that bad. One day I opened the front door to see why he was growling and he lunged straight for my face....luckily I was quick and then the moment was gone. I kept thinking it was behavioral only because he obviously was my favorite and I had been more lenient with him during his puppyhood. But after that incident, I took his butt in for a complete screening and he got neutered. It was then that we discovered his severe hypothyroidism that does cause unpredictable aggressive incidents. He continues to be reactive but 85% of it is gone and he has demonstrated NO human aggression since then. He still doesn't like the other dogs and he still guards me if I'm not quick to move away and/or redirect him. So in being judgemental, and I'm sorry that I was but it's a touchy subject for me, I'm only saying that if he is the dog of your heart, get some simple blood work done. It's not that expensive and may save Ghost a lifetime of misery....and even if he's not the right dog for you, it may make him more "adoptable" and give him an extra chance at a forever home. I do wish you the best of luck. Maria

I think dogs have always been reactive but people were less phobic. If a dog growled because you stepped on him while he was sleeping, you learned to be more careful. Parents were more vigilent and taught children to respect dogs. Now the dog can do no right unless he's the most exceptionally patient pooch on the face of the earth and what were deemed "normal" dogs are now reactive or even aggressive and people need to learn to be ALPHA. I know there are problem dogs as I have one of them....but I really think the majority are just dogs being dogs and people thinking they should be robots. They need structure, they need rules, they need consistency, but they also need to be dogs because otherwise they'd be people and I don't much like many of those. Maria

A good breeder should WANT to take this dog back. Add to that that she made the dog, she should take it back IF the owner is unable/unwilling to deal with it instead of it ending up in rescue and/or with another owner who is unable/unwilling to deal with it. If I were a breeder, I would not want anyone I brougt into the world to be put through that. Having said that, owners aren't without responsibility and should be accountable. I know what it's like to deal with a potentially dangerous dog, I know what it's like to be afraid, but I feel that in most of these cases, the dog is far more miserable than he is aggressive. And the key to many (not all) of these dogs is understanding the reasons behind the aggressions, the triggers, and finding what we can do to manage them. I don't believe that ALL of these reactive dogs can be easily "cured" but I do think they can be managed. I think relinquishing without a complete health screening is irresponsible (that's just my opinion). As I've posted SOOOO many times, my reactive aggressive dog who bit me and my husband various times turned out to be severely hypothyroid. Medication has turned him around 90% but we're still dealing with certain triggers that are however manageable. We worked with a behaviorist. And now we are connecting with a vet behaviorist to try and get through the last of our hurdles. I'm not against medication if it helps...my husband is bi-polar and needs meds to lead a healthy happy normal life...why would I not consider it for my dog? I think it's great that a rescue has stepped up to help Autumn and hopefully will help her to make responsible choices but my heart goes out for Ghost who needs a hero right about now. And I'm sorry as this will sound very judgemental, but it doesn't fly that the OP hides behind tight budget to not get a medical work up and yet has the funds to show him in conformation. As owners, the first responsibility should be to the dogs well being and then to activities you may want to pursue. It's a shame because it sounds like Ghost lost in both the breeder slot and the owner slot. Maria

Adding my sincere condolences. It just always sucks.... Maria

I've seen very few biters also (though I do all-breed) but have seen lots of dogs relinquished who were "crowned" as biters simply because they were being dogs and got a bit rougher than some parents want. We live in a world where these poor dogs need to be literally perfect all of the time. I know that BC's can be movement focused but it's quite natural for any young dog to give chase if kids are getting rowdy. That's what parents should be for: supervision. It's a pet peeve of mine that people forget that dogs are dogs and forget even more that kids need to be supervised and corrected just as much as the dogs. There's a big difference between an aggressive biter and a pup who gave chase and maybe playfully mouthed a kid but a lot of people don't see it....hence why so many rescues are careful in placing dogs in homes with kids. Maria

No adverse affects here except that I really didin't appreciate the price hike and smaller bag...that's just wrong. That plus the ingredient change I'm not thrilled with has motivated me to explore....but the dogs have all been fine on it. Maria

One of my pooches has a severely low thyroid but the only symptom was behavioral. Has your dog been diagnosed? Are there specific questions? It has been easy enough to control with daily meds for ours... Maria

Actually Lenajo, I said that for a breeding to be considered successful or useful some of the pups had to go to working homes .. not all. In fact I further said that working pups would be good ambassadors for the breed in pet homes. If that working home is yours, then all the better. But to put a litter on the ground and sell it all for pet/sport/whatever would seem redundant. That's what I said/meant/mean. And kudos for wanting your pups in great homes by the way! Just to clarify... Maria