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Great video...The sky is the limit with this breed.

Charlie has settled in really well with her new parents. They have started behavior training and the instructer said she is really smart and is probably mixed with another smart breed. I have written about her "demand attention barking" and she has caught on quickly that if you totally ignore her when she barks she gets nothing. Her new parents were told that dogs that have not had a lot of attention then start getting a lot start demanding more because they are afraid the attention might stop. Charlie did so well her first day of training they moved her to a more advanced class. We always new she had potential but my daughter in vet school did not have the time. We are thrilled that she now has the parents to bring out the best in this dog. Does anyone have an idea on what she might be mixed with? One trainer thought Kelpie. [/img]

Charlie did agility with my daughter in Michigan. When I picked her up I was able to watch her in action. She did so well for having three legs. She was the only dog in the class Barking her head off. It was almost like " I am having so much fun, look at me , I am the greatest!" I am not a BC owner and I want to help my neighbors with this transition, I really appreciate all your great advice.

(This is the information I got from her new parents) The barking is at different times. Once we were in the living room >sitting quietly and she began going in circles and barking and >pretend biting on our hands (not hurting us at all). We ignored her >and pulled our arms in and looked away and she stopped. We learned >that yelling does no good. Another time Len was outside trying to >have a training session and she barked and barked. He should have >ended the session, but didn't. I was on the floor this morning doing >exercises and she started the barking and pretend biting - so I >stopped the exercising and got up on the chair and pulled my arms >in and ignored her and she stopped. So it sounds kind of like >"demand barking" to me, whatever that actually is!! But we are >puzzled as to what she is demanding. Thanks for any information you >can give us. This only happens about once a day, if that. Mostly >she's very content just being with us.

I agree, I bet it is demand barking. I will ask what the situation is before she starts her craziness. She goes in the crate when they are not at home, and she is finally going in willingly. By putting her in it when she is out of control make it a place of punishment?

Charlie is doing very well in her new home. It has been one week and she has become quite attached to her new parents. I ran into her new dad today and he told me that 90% of the time she is very good. But, somrthing comes over her and she gets the devil in her and BARKS, BARKS,BARKS and there is no stopping her. He trys all of her commands and she doesn't listen. Her barking can get VERY loud. Next time he is going to totally ignore her and see what happens. Anybody have a random crazy barker and what did you do to stop it? Thanks

I received an email today from Charlie's new parents. She is doing very well. She has been on many walks and getting aquainted with all the neighborhood dogs. She is sleeping in her bed next to their bed and stays there all night. She never had a back yard because she lived in an apartment and now she views her new kingdom from on top of the picnic table! Charlie has become our friends shadow and he loves it. I know in my heart this was the right move for Charlie even though painful for my daughter. When she is bonded with her new family we will be able to see her again. We are grateful for that. Thanks for your advice

Not long ago I posted about whether or not I should fly or drive my daughters bc mix from Michigan to Pennsylvania. Last week I drove to Michigan spent 3 days and drove back to Pennsylvania. In that time her dog became attached to me (and me to her). My retired neighbor and avid athlete is her new home. He just lost his dog of 17 years. When I returned home on Sunday night I walked the dog to his house to meet him and his wife and we all took a walk together. The next day he picked up all her beds, toys and bowls and set them up in his house. He then walked to my house and took her for a long walk. He stopped by my house again to pick up a toy that was left behind and "Charlie" did not want to leave me. I walked with them to his house and left quietly. We have decided I would stay out of her sight until they bond. I have talked to him and she is eating , had a bath, and resting well. I know that all dogs are diiferent. I feel bad for Charlie right now. The last few days have probably been very confusing. Any advise on making this transition better for all of us would be appreciated. I cannot keep her with me because my 10 year old bulldog is stressed and stressing Charlie.

In my opinion I would not recomend an American Bulldog. I am in contact with a person who rescues them. They are a great animal, but should probably go to someone familiar with the breed. They have their own set of issues.

I have only raised Bulldogs and Pugs. I lost my first bulldog at age 3 from a heart condition that bulldogs usually do not get. At the time we were not familiar with the breed and quickly learned they can keep your vet in business. That being said, we fell in love with the breed and got another show quality bulldog from a great breeder. Shortly after that we adopted a bully from a young couple who were having a baby and decided not to keep their bulldog. Bella, who came from the breeder passed away at age 8 from a tumor on her larnyx. We still have our adopted bully, Maggie Mae who will be turning 10 in April. I forgot to mention that when we adopted Maggie I knew right away should would her pallate trimmed and nostrils enlarged. Her breathing sounded like a machine gun. This is VERY common for a bulldog and 9 years ago the cost was $1,000.00. She does have some allergy issues and you must take care of wrinkles every day. I begged my daughter not to adopt Charlie the 3 legged BC mix because I was afraid of having a dog that was so smart and needed exercise was not the right dog for her. She is in vet school and lives in an apartment. Most bulldogs are lazy and need very little exercise. They need air conditioning and you must NEVER over walk them or leave them in the heat. I spent 3 weeks with Charlie the bc over Christmas and fell in love with her right away. She is so smart and lovable BUT I think she needs more than my daughter can give. If your friend has any questions about bulldogs I would gladly help out.

Charlie is adorable. Our Charlie loves to lie like that too. We have not had a jumping problem with children. My nephew has down syndrome and is afraid of dogs. He loves Charlie. Even took a picture of her to school. Charlie is very charming and has a way about her I cannot explain. I think she knows her missing leg gets her a little attention especially when she sits back and shakes with her only front paw!

Thanks so much for all the great advice. I will pass it along to my daughter. Charlie has been crate trained but no longer uses a crate. When in a group situation with people or dogs Lindsay keeps her on her halti until the energy in the room or with Charlie is calm. This really seems to help. My daughter has long hours at Vet school and Charlie probably needs more stimualtion than she is getting. She is working on that. Her missing leg is in the front so she is still able to propel herself without a problem. Lindsay has tried also to use her body to stop the jump, this seems to get her going even more. I think teaching the jump command will be a help. When Lindsay adopted Charlie she thought the 3 legs would slow her down. Charlie is able to do everything another BC can do. She was thinking of pre agility but can only go once a week. Maybe she should invest her time in behavior training. We have English Bulldogs (completely opposite of a BC) so this has been a challenge.

Most of the jumping happens when she come in from a walk. She seems to be still invigorated. Yesterday while flying her paw caught my daughters new necklace and broke the chain. I had Charlie for three weeks over the holiday and saw this behavior only one time. It gets a little crazy until we can get her to focus.

Charlie has started jumping when she gets excited. For example, when she comes in from a walk she starts flying through the air. She is always aiming at my daughter and her roommate. She will not listen to any commands in this state of mind. When she finally gets her under control she puts on her halti and makes her sit, stay and lie down. Any advice would be appreciated. Do you think when she first comes in the house she should keep her on the halti until she is settled? Lindsay adopted 3 legged Charlie 4 months ago and this is a new behavior. Thanks

GHF said either a vet or behaviorist. My daughter is checking with the school today if one of the vets will do it for her. Thanks