Dog Owner Chat v4

[Marley.&.Me]

you comfy there pup?

[NopesaurusRexx]

Snow puppy!
Harley LOVES the snow, but his fur isn't thick enough to keep him warm so I had to get him a coat.

[maninkari]

My dog managed to become a father like a weekish before her turned one. -_-
I went to pee and bf was putting our daughter down for a nap and that's all it took. The pups are all doing well though. They'll be 3 weeks on Sunday and they're toddling around <3 we obvs can't keep them all (6 pups) but we may keep one and the rest will be sold. Bf's sister owns momma dog and her friend already bought the runt bec he's owned 3 of them in the past. (Not leaving momma til 8 weeks for sure though he'll just pick her up when it's time)

theres nothing cuter than toddling puppies omg. got any pics?



I've been helping JJ to lose some weight. My dad was watching her for three days and fed her more than usual, but she's slimmed down a bit. How's she lookin?

[Lucid Dreamer]

Myself and my partner have finally settled on getting are first dog together, we've settled on a Frenchie c: we'll be getting her at the beginning of March, unfortunately she is from a breeder as we've struggled greatly finding one at a rescue, and my partner specially wanted a pup. Buying a black and white female as my friends Frenchie has recently had a litter. Deposit will be paid off tomorrow, then at the beginning of March we'll have are new family member. I do have a question for any frenchie owners, we have researched the breed and we keep seeing that they do snort because of their flat faces. However my friend who owns frenchies says they do snore load however don't snort constantly. Snorting isn't something to put us of the breed but I'm just curious if they actually do snort all the time or not?

[ru.]

@Lucid Dreamer

They do snort and snore a lot due to their brachycephalic genetics. The more extreme the brachycephalic case, the more intense the snoring and snorting issue is. So the more squished your Frenchie's face is, the greater the severity of the snoring and snorting.

[Lucid Dreamer]

@Lucid Dreamer

They do snort and snore a lot due to their brachycephalic genetics. The more extreme the brachycephalic case, the more intense the snoring and snorting issue is. So the more squished your Frenchie's face is, the greater the severity of the snoring and snorting.

Okay thank you!

[Tipsy]

Does anyone have an video or an article to introduction a dog to a balance disc and/or wobbleboard?

I got one for Christmas, but it's proving harder to get Swizzy to notice it than I thought.
She isn't scared of it, she'll jump all over it. It's just I'm trying to teach her to put two paws on it but she isn't getting the concept.

I've never used anything like that, but I was thinking that you could teach the dog to put it's paws on something like, like a piece of paper or tape on the floor like how they train animals to find their 'mark' in movies. Then just move the paper/tape around to other flat surfaces, then raised surfaces, and finally onto the board/disk.

Swizzys always go-go-go if she doesn't notice the disc she won't notice the paper/tape.
I've tried teaching her to go to mark with a frisbee but she didn't notice that either.
I put the disc on my lap and was prasing her for putting two paws on it, but then there is the problem of trying to get her back legs on it :p

[tea!]

Myself and my partner have finally settled on getting are first dog together, we've settled on a Frenchie c: we'll be getting her at the beginning of March, unfortunately she is from a breeder as we've struggled greatly finding one at a rescue, and my partner specially wanted a pup. Buying a black and white female as my friends Frenchie has recently had a litter. Deposit will be paid off tomorrow, then at the beginning of March we'll have are new family member. I do have a question for any frenchie owners, we have researched the breed and we keep seeing that they do snort because of their flat faces. However my friend who owns frenchies says they do snore load however don't snort constantly. Snorting isn't something to put us of the breed but I'm just curious if they actually do snort all the time or not?

Many brachycephalic dogs eventually need surgery to open up their airway since they
have trouble breathing. This can cost from $500 - $1500. This is called brachycephalic
airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS) and is very common. Sometimes they will need
both types of surgery, Soft palate resection or Stenotic nares resection. Im not trying to
keep you from getting this breed, but just letting you know c: ! (you might've already
known all of this ! )

here are some things to read up on just in case :
http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/brachycephalic-syndrome

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2007/may/soft-palate-resection-surgery-most-short-nosed-dog-owners-too-often-decline-6302 (100% a must read)

[Jewel Melody]

Any tips on weaning a dog to be outdoor?

Ellsa is currently indoor but we are moving and she will have to be an outdoor dog. She's not a tiny chihuahua or anything, she's a Rottie X Dutch Shepherd.

[Kasper]

Any tips on weaning a dog to be outdoor?

Ellsa is currently indoor but we are moving and she will have to be an outdoor dog. She's not a tiny chihuahua or anything, she's a Rottie X Dutch Shepherd.

In today's world, there is no such thing as an outdoor dog. The only dogs that should ever be living outside are working/herding dogs who live with their flock and are happy that way.

There is no good reason to cause your dog such misery as to make them an "outdoor dog". Outdoor dogs also never really bond with their family - and if they've been an indoor dog, the bond weakens.

I know you've mentioned your dog is a large dog, but that doesn't help your case at all. The emotional abuse that would occur shouldn't be put upon any dog. Dogs are social animals, and they require contact as a domesticated animal with humans.

There are several organizations that specifically work to free dogs from the abuse and trauma caused by being made an "outdoor dog".

If you chose to tether your dog, that would be even worse. Tethered or chained dogs are subject to insect bites and parasites, entanglement, strangulation, and harassment or attacks by other dogs or people. Tethered dogs are also much more likely to become aggressive, since they have no opportunity to get away.

If there is no other option, these conditions must be met at all times for your outdoor space (quoted from RSPCA):

• A large enough space allowing separate sleeping and activity areas. Each dog must be able to walk, run and wag their tail without touching the kennel sides; to play, stand on their hind limbs and stretch/lie down without touching another animal/kennel.
  Shelter to protect from rain, wind and direct sunlight. Dogs should be able to move where they feel more comfortable, away from direct sunlight. Dog crates are not a suitable permanent environment.
  
• Heating and/or automatic cooling/ventilation, if necessary, so temperatures remain above 10°C and below 26°C.
  
• Heating/cooling systems used must be safe and not pose a risk, e.g. no trailing cables, risk of burning. Temperature must be monitored daily to ensure these requirements are met.
  
• Dogs must not be tethered/chained, except for very short periods, as it can lead to injuries and restricts normal behaviour.

And other things to consider:

• Provide constant access to clean drinking water and a well-balanced diet. Use a sturdy water bowl and check regularly.
  
• Ensure your dog is able to behave normally, providing the opportunity for daily exercise, play and interactions with animals and people.
  
• Ensure your dog has appropriate company. Don’t let them become lonely/bored. Don’t leave them alone long enough to become distressed. Distressed dogs may bark/howl/whine excessively, pant, hide and/or show aggression.
  
• Check your dog daily for any injury/illness. Ensure they are protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease. Take sensible safety precautions; be alert to risks that may affect them.

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