Animal Stories - Dogs


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Latest Animal Stories on Dogs (947)

jackiek - 2013-04-08
Hi, I'm considering adopting an ACD puppy (cross between ACD & ASD)- 6 weeks - and we're pretty certain he's deaf. We already have a 3 year old Sharpei-pug cross and we're a family of myself and my two kids, 10 & 12. For sometime I've been considering getting a second dog. Company for our dog Honey, because she's alone in the house for the larger part of the day while we're at work or school. And we've just been offered this ACD puppy so I've been doing a lot of reading. I'm a little concerned about how the two dogs will interact, but I'll suggest a trial weekend before committing. Does anyone have any stories or suggestions for integrating an ACD puppy into a household that already has a dog? Some stories I read seem to suggest they can be a little aloof. I also want to be sure that we're the right family for him. We love dogs, but this breed seems to demand a lot of attention and I don't want him to be bored - I'm thinking my two kids will help with that. Are these 'one person' dogs or will they follow commands from multiple household members? Honey is very active, and protective of us and our home - she goes crazy if she sees someone passing the house. She is ok in general with other dogs, but has been known to be aggressive when she meets strange dogs when we're out for a walk. She does have issues with separation anxiety, which seems to have improved over time as she realizes we always come back. I am also worried that if we don't take this puppy he will be put to sleep. Thanks in advance for your comments, advice!

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Clarice Brough - 2013-04-09
It's really great for you to consider adopting this very special puppy. I very much like both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Shepherd, and the mix could be a real interesting pet with a blend of the characteristics. My take from the behaviors and temperament of these two is that the puppy would be an active herding dog that is also a good family dog, and could probably be integrated into a home with another pet. Though the ACD part is less likely to want another dog around, the ASD part is more adaptable to other dogs. The Pug/Shar Pei mix should be tolerant, if socialized properly with the new puppy. And because it is a puppy ('baby'), the chances of socialization are even better. Puppies are usually most adaptable. Honey is older, but is also a smart dog. She will most likely not only recognize it as a 'baby', but will also recognize the disability... and so may become a caretaker in a sense. At least... that would be ideal and in my opinion the chances of acceptance are good. Also Honey does need some exercise, and though not as active as the puppy will be, this new friend could help with her activity needs and offset boredom. Good luck!
Peggy Rae Brock-Torpey - 2014-02-08
I have three heeler/aussy shepard mixes....I've found my older red female immediately went to momma mode with her neice...when Jesse Rae passed I was given then 'found' (a puppy 3 months just showed up at our fence) two puppies. So I've had to give each their equal attention or they all were starting to get jealous... and when I interacted with each I did it with the others there....these were all family seems to work...all have different personallities and it hasn't been easy but making sure they know they all get individual and group love has calmed the snarling...hope this makes sense...please rescue this pup!
Mary Kay - 2014-02-27
I would not bring in a Cattle Dog if your dog has displaced anger. Getting hyped up when someone walks past your home will start a fight. Your little dog will lose with an ACD. They can be small in stature but are like bulls & made of muscle. My chihuahua snapped at my Cattle Dog yesterday & he attacked her. Multiple punctures by the time I got from one room to where they were. He would have killed her if I wasn't home. All the books say they do not play well with others. He is generally very sweet & aloof. He is deaf. Whatever triggered it now has me living in fear & not allowing them to ever be alone unattended.

Eileen Kaminski - 2014-02-25
I lost my Doxie, a rescue, after 13 years, to cancer and thought I would never get another dog....wrong! 3 months later my granddaughter made me go to the local KILL shelter, 'just to look at the dogs' and we came away with what turned out to be a Chion. He was on 'special', it was his last day before euthanasia and since I am a senior I only paid $25 for him. OMG! He won my heart immediately. It's now been 6 months and I can't believe how much joy he has brought to me....and my granddaughter, of course!

Selena Tilton - 2014-02-22
My little girl pipi is going potty in the house what can I do to train her?

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Clarice Brough - 2014-02-25
You could try crate training her. It can help as dogs won't soil their crate because that's where they sleep. Crate training can be used to help teach them control.

Marcy - 2011-10-29
We have a one year old great pyrenees named Mochi. He is the sweetest dog but certainly has a mind of his own. I purchased him to be a goat guardian but he prefers to guard the couch. He chews our pillows, steals our laundry and sits on people, the other dogs, cats....This is def my new favorite breed of dog!

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Charlie Roche - 2011-10-29
Pyrenes are wonderful totally great dogs/companions. Most likely he will HERD the goats in time and do it quite naturally. For the first year or so, they prefer to herd their humans. Just enjoy and yes, they think they are a lap dog and they can be huge.
Espinay - 2014-02-17
Pyrs are NOT herding dogs. They are guardians. While a flock may move with a Pyr when under threat they do not round up or move their charges the way a herding dog does. They work in a totally different way. To learn more about how livestock guardians work I recommend going to www.lgd.org

Elizabeth - 2013-12-22
I have an apple head named casper I got a weenie dog about 8 months ago and the owners said that he was fixed he is the only male that was around my dog there are no other dogs in my neighborhood and she never gets out my fense is fully closed in she is now getting ready to have a litter of puppies and im out of my mind on what to do HELP what do I do I don't think the vet fixed the weeny dog right oh she is going to have them in a week please someone email me what to do on helping my sweety be comfortable during her labor and delivery.

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Clarice Brough - 2013-12-26
It is often recommended that you take your dog in to a veterinarian when it's time to give birth in case there are complications or an emergency Cesarean section is necessary. If you choose to have your dog give birth at home, read up on the process, have all of the appropriate supplies, and have your vet's phone number on hand. The birth process and whelping can be time-consuming and very stressful on the mother. You can read How to Help a Chihuahua Give Birth, for more info.
Beverly - 2014-02-16
I would DEFINITELY talk to the vet and make arrangements to bring her in when the vet recommends. With you not being experienced with this and the male being a daschund, a bigger breed, of course, than your Chihuahua, she might need a C-section. I don't think this is a situation you should go through by yourself. I really think you need professional help here, for the safety of your beloved Mama dog and her puppies. Not to mention you will probably be a nervous wreck from worry.

Steve Warner - 2014-02-10
I just adopted a 6 yr. old char pei/ pit bull mix. She is doing well in our household but we can't eliminate her odor even with a bath once a week, we even spray her coat once a day but that is only temporary. Have tried different dog food, now my wife thinks it was a mistake to bring this dog home. Any ideas to remedy this, the dog is very loving but if I can't solve this she will have to go back to keep peace at home!

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Clarice Brough - 2014-02-12
Vacuuming regulary is one suggestion, and there are lots of products to help with pet odors and their elimination. Also sometimes extreme odor is allergy related. Keep researching, reading, and learning... cuz yeah, having pets comes with its own set of adjustments... And be sure to tell us your story when you get it sorted out. Good luck to you and your sweet pup!

A Jodoin - 2014-02-06
I rescued my chion from the SPCA when he was eight months old. His previous owners decided he was 'untrainable' after abusing him. He is now 18 months and the best dog I've ever had. Within a month he was fully pad-trained, walks without a leash, hardly barks. He is the sweetest, most spoiled little puppy I've met and my favourite cuddler. However, due to his past, he is terrified of most men and all strangers. He also has serious abandonment issues and cries when left alone. A dog, especially a small one, needs a lot of time and love. Please don't get a chion if you don't plan to treat it with the sweet caring heart that he/she will treat you with.

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Mandy - 2014-02-09
Hi I just adopted a female dog. That appears to be a long haired chihuahua. But I suspect she may have some papillion cause her ears are more angles than straight like a chihuahua. My email is mandiluv23@gmail.com I can email pictures of her I just would like to know if I have one of these wonderful babies also. She weighs about 10 lbs but is a little overweight.

cjd - 2014-02-08
We own a black pug and she is a funny dog. She is stubborn but loving. She has some strange habits like she loves to sleep under a blanket. Sometimes we lose her then see a blanket walking across the floor. She has snoring issues which some people think she is growling. But she doesn't bark. She has had some allergy issues but nothing that can't be taken care of. We have 2 other large dogs and she holds her own with them. Pugs make a great inside dog.

david watson - 2014-01-11
hi i got my english bull terrier 5 month ago as she was left tied up in a back yard and the owners didnt want her iv took it day by day with her and she came 2 and was doing brillint up ntill last 3 week she is not eating proper and he as nibbled the fur off all her 4 paws i took her to the vet n he said she as the worest case ov exma so i gotsum tablets off him cost 54 pound and they never helped 1 bit so i rang bk my vet n he said best thing to do is to put her down so i av not gone bk with her dose any1 v any advice 4 me plzzzzzz dave

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NN - 2014-01-21
Hi Dave, You have done the right thing ignoring your vet, that is so extreme and should only ever be considered in dire cases. Once you take them in they become part of the family and that doesn't become an option. There are lots of treatments available and I found the best to be the natural ones. Our old English use to get sore feet as they tend to wee on them when they go and it burns the skin. Firstly try washing her feet often and drying properly. We also found antihistamine work to help with inflammation. Humans use a oat bath to soothe skin complaints so that may be worth a try?!? Soak oats in some tights in warm water then use that to wash with. Lastly you could try Manuka honey, it's expensive but can work wonders for lots of things for man & dog. You can try melting a tsp In warm water (not hot as you'll damage the goodness) and rinsing the area with it and also feeding it to the dog can sometimes help their natural immunity. I really hope one of those helps and if in doubt you can always contact a reuse center before you put a dog down for advice.
G.Baker - 2014-02-05
Hi. I am so glad you did not listen to your vet.English Bull terriers are prone to a lot of skin problems and vets tend to want to stuff them with drugs. Our bull terrier is suffering from inter digital cysts which is common also in bull terriers. The vet recommended all types of drugs for this complaint which when we researched them they caused all kinds of problems in the long term. I think it is better to try more natural treatments to cure the skin infections that this breed suffers from. Firstly look at the diet you feed your dog as a lot of these breeds have allergies to certain foods and a lot of them do not get on well with grains in the commercial foods. I would try a more natural diet if that is possible and if you can get some pure salmon body oil not salmon liver oil. If you can obtain this add a little to the food each day, start it gradually then build it up to the correct amount for your dog. Again as the other person suggested try an oat wash, as this soothes the skin. Hope this helps,

Terrell - 2013-09-03
I have a 16 months year old red nose pitbull. What is the best time to mate him, now or should I wait another year? Last, is he a truly sneak red nose potbelly cause he has a white and red body?

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Clarice Brough - 2013-09-04
It is said that pit bulls shouldn't be bred until they are two years old. I would talk to the breeder you got yours from to find out about its actual type. If you don't know who the breeder is, or much about your pet, it's not a good idea to breed it. You won't be able to produce the breed type and essentially the offspring will be mutts and there's so many in shelters right now that need good homes.
Jamie - 2014-01-07
The best time to mate him is never. Millions of Pit Bulls are euthanized every year for being homeless so you would only be contributing to an already huge problem.
Eddie - 2014-02-02
I have 2 rescues, don't breed.

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