From: ALI00JEV@UNCCVM.UNCC.EDU (Judith Van Noate)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: HELP: about to lose my dog
Date: 9 Nov 92 22:57:40 GMT
Article-I.D.: UNCCVM.1689AFC9B.ALI00JEV
Organization: UNC Charlotte

In article <1294@shrike.com>
pj04171@austin.lockheed.com (pj04171) writes:
 
>
>
>I'm hoping that someone can give me advice. I couldn't find the FAQ so
>pardon me if it is there. I also need answers soon.
>
>I have two dogs, both are mixed breeds. Magic is 8 1/2 years old and
>is a Chow mix. Sassy is my daughters dog and is a German Sheppard mix.
>Sassy is almost 2.
>
>Lately Magic is getting ornery. She growls when the kids accidently brush
>her tail, etc. The kids don't mistreat the Chow (i.e. pull on tail or ears).
>Magic is more my husband's and my dog. The kids play often with Sassy (catch,
>etc.)
>
>The problem is that the lately (last 6 months the dogs have not been getting
>along with each other.) Both are female and fixed. They have gotten into a few
>4-5 fights. The last one was a couple days ago and happened in my house!
>
>I opened the door and yelled at them to get outside and I guess I got too
>close. I got bit. 9 stiches on the outside and two on the inside of my leg.
>
>My husband and I have been talking about finding another home for one of
>the dogs. And now we have no other choice. Some say we should put Magic
>to sleep, and maybe that is the right thing to do. My husband and I have
>had her for so long and are finding this a very difficult thing to do.
>
>My question to you. Is there anything I can do? I'm worried that even if
>I get find a home for Sassy that Magic's attitude will not change. We also
>have a 4 month old baby that will be crawling soon and I'm worried about him
>and my 5 year old daughter (her cousins and friends).
>
>Finding a home for Magic will be more difficult. We haven't tried the paper,
>but are worried that she may really turn mean (I mean against something
>other than Sassy)
>
>I don't want it to sound like Magic is all bad. 98% of the time her and
>Sassy tolarate each other fine, and she has been a wonderful companion for
>my husband and myself. We need to worry about the kids.
>
>1) Are there any *safe* alternative to getting rid of one of the dogs?
>2) Should we put Magic to sleep?
>3) If so how? What do we tell our daughter?
>
>Please email any responses. Thanks in advance.
>Again, I'm sorry if I have violated any rec.pets.dogs etiquette.
>
>Kathleen Lossau   lossau@austin.lockheed.com
>
>--
> Kathleen Lossau                   | "I do not speak for any company
> Inter: lossau@austin.lockheed.com |  or organization. Sometimes I
> UUCP:  ut-emx!lad-shrike!lossau   |  don't even speak for myself."
 
My solution to a similar type situation, multiplied by the fact that
I have 15 dogs (including 6 males) is to separate them permanently and
to take turns is letting them out.  All except three have crates and
take turns in the yard.  I have separate pens for them outside so that
they can be out a lot.  I try to let each dog or group of dogs have at
least one time per day in my big yard.  The dogs seem to adjust to this
really well.  I would have saved myself (and the dogs) much grief
had I known of the benefits of crating earlier.  I started one dog in
the crate at age 8 1/2 and it took her very little time to get
adjusted to it.  I kept her in the kitchen so she could be near me.
Really aggressive dogs are walked through the house on a leash and only
have freedom outside.  My well behaved dogs get more freedom.  Since you
only have two, you could easily keep both in separate rooms and spend
quality, but separate time with both.  Hope this helps.
Judith
> Phone: (512) 386-5449             |
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs