Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Jasper is really trying my patience and testing me (thank you Shelby Lynne for NOT sending me an easy pooch). Now I will acknowledge that there has been a great deal of chaos in her little life in the one month (tomorrow) that she has been under my care. First we had carpet, then we had construction with a relocation for a couple days, now we have hard wood floors that are slippery until we get the area rugs back from the cleaners. And we've had furniture that has been moved, changed, put together! I get it. Things are uncomfortable and messy and chaotic. To top it off, it's super warm in our little apt and the fans just move around hot air.
But last Friday, two of my female friends came over and Jasper barked AND growled and cowered in her crate. It was a low growl but I was not happy as there was NO need for that. Ever. It was odd since she had met one of these girls before. I drug her booty out of the crate (which was probably wrong). She just seemed scared of both of them.
Then yesterday, my BFF came over w/her 8 year old son to put together furniture and Jasper sat in her crate, cowering, and growling. I finally closed the door on her crate since I was fearful she would snap at the child when he walked past to use my bathroom. She just sat in her crate for several hours while we tried to put together a piece of furniture that was a mess and there was stuff EVERY where, with her ears back and looking peeved.
I don't know why she is doing this. She was so friendly ALL the time when I got her and I was thrilled. I need a dog that is friendly, loving, kind... and I know she is NOT Shelby but Shelby loved everyone and wanted to be loved.
From what I have read about basenjis is that they are very loyal and protective of their family. I am trying to make sure that Jasper knows that I am the alpha as it appears she is taking on that role. When we are outside of the apt, she is fine and seems friendly to others and not interested in protecting me.
I don't get a lot of visitors to my home so I don't know how to get her more comfortable w/people coming into my home. Should I try and take her more public places, like Petco or such to get her used to being around people other than me? This will so not fly if she can't be a good travel buddy. Maybe get her into a day care once or twice a week? Even though that isn't at my home it might help her socialize.
I am open to anything ... I was just truly stunned by the growling. I don't think she would have bitten anyone but I can't take that risk.
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Growling is her way of communicating that she is uncomfortable. When my brother and his family come to visit for weekends, Boomer does a lot of growling, but that is just him talking about how he is feeling. He has never been aggressive toward my nieces or anyone else in the family but the added chaos of two toddlers in a usually quiet house makes him really nervous. He just sits on his bed and growls when they come in the room or open and close doors or make sudden loud noises, basically when they startle him, he growls. It is more of his "pre-bark" growl as opposed to an aggressive growl. When the girls approach him quietly, he doesn't mind them petting him - it makes him a bit nervous, especially the three and a half year old, but he tolerates it and doesn't growl when they do it.
The thing about growling is that she is warning you and while it is frustrating (and at times embarrassing) try to remember that she is communicating her feelings. Growling doesn't mean she will bite, it means she is upset by something and it is something she feels she needs to "talk" about, not just get away from.
Maybe when you know people are coming over, try to take her for a long walk before they arrive to tire her out and put on her Thundershirt. Boomer basically lived in his Thundershirt for the entire weekend when my nieces would come visit after we first moved back to Ohio. I got some really gross, smelly, special treats for the dogs that were only for when my nieces would come visit. Having a super special treat that she only gets when people come over will help her create positive associations with people being in her house - the treats should always come from the visitors (not you) to reinforce the association that good things come from visitors in the house.
Alison, have you tried leashing her and meeting your company at the door? Maybe, she would feel less threatened and more in control of her surroundings if she was a part of greeting people at the door. Or does she just run and hide in her crate? I was assuming that she maybe just went in there since you said the door was open.my daughter's in laws have a dog that only 3 or 4 people can let out of her crate. She growls and snaps like a madwoman if someone else tries. Yet those same people can come to the house if she is out and she is perfectly fine. Who knows what goes through their minds. Also maybe give your friends some treats to give her. Something really special so she associates visitors with treats. May not make her a good watchdog though.LOL Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Good advice Lori and Martiall!
And btw, Shelby just LET you THINK you were Alpha.....but you keep on believing otherwise
She had y o u trained soooooo well!
Yeah, sounds like expressing that she is concerned and uncomfortable...as well as maybe feeling a need to protect you. And I say the "protection" thing from a little different angle...... Jasoer Lily came into your "energy field" when it was emitting uncertainty (about her) and, of course, sadness. It was cenered and balanced...understandably so! I think one trait Shelby taught Jasper Lily is to learn to be tuned into your emotions...your energy. She just hasn`t learned the right way to help support you yet.and doesn`t understand she need not react...or protect...or "fix" (as any good "dysfunctional" human would try and do!)!
Okay...so.com eth i ng I REALLY hope you`ll try because I think.it will work. First, you get in a visual of how smooth "this@ is going to be...feel it...see it.......ha v e your fiend with the dog Jasper has already met that she liked just happen to be strolling down the street as you and Jasoer go on a walk....away from the apartment on neutral ground...and yeah, afer she's exercised some. Don`let them met face to face but rather your friend joins in more from a side.angle andyou al l just keep walking side by side...it's a Cesar Millan thing. Make sure your friend is in a calm confident state too and HER dog is relaxed has been exercised too.
Walking relaxed, no taut leashes. And then walk into your apt. together, leashes dropped and just ignore.
Just throwing it out as something to try
Hugs and love to you and your "project"!!!!!!!!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
All great advice!!! I knew I could count on all you to help!
@ Martial - yes, it was a low growl... more of a "I'm letting you know I'm not cool w/this situation" kind of growl. She didn't snap or anything. And yes, great suggestion about putting her shirt on.
@ Lori - She ran to her crate when I got the knock on the door so I didn't put her in there. I can try and put her leash on her and bring her to the door w/me OR hold her (as I did once or twice since she feels safe in my arms). But she was already in the crate when they got in the front door. She did 'woof' once when she heard a knock. I am trying to discourage barking as much as I can so I probably told her shhh - firmly. And I don't need a watch dog because I am pretty sure if push came to shove, she would just pee in terror! 🙂
@ Sally - that is a great theory. You are probably right. I don't need protecting in that way and Jasper surely can't protect my heart from being broken again ... if she could, I would bottle up whatever she has and sell it! LOL ... The friend with the son (he's about 8) was the same friend that had the dog that Jasper loved. So that's why I think it's something about my home. I will definitely try suggestion but thus far ,Jasper seems really dog friendly .. just not people friendly.
Everything I have read about Basenji's today indicates that they are independent (which is great - so was Shelby), very loyal to one person, very hard to train for basic obedience (as in they will understand the commands but decide themselves if they want to do it) and more aloof. I am going to keep Jasper but I think and I really need to hope that she out-grows this 'phase' she is going through.
And yeah, while Shelby never growled, she definitely knew who wore the pants in our house! 🙂
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Well, being a German Shepherd pawrent, I totally get the protective attitude when it comes to new people in the house.
My questions to you:
What kind of basic obedience training have you done with her?
When your friends came inside and she growled, how did you react? Did you make a big deal about it? How did your friends react.
Doggy day care is not the answer. This is not a puppy socialization issue, this is a pack leadership issue. She is confused, she wants you to be in charge at all times, but she isn't sure you really are. How are you projecting your leadership to her?
Instead of trying to socialize her with other dogs and people, begin at home with your own pack leadership structure. Once you have that down then maybe doggy day care but personally I would spend my energy with training, obedience and pack leadership in the home, which is where it counts most.
I would not put her in your arms when you approach the door. I think that would instigate her over-protective attitude. What I would do is put her in her spot and make her do a sit before you open the door. Next, make sure that your visitors do not acknowledge her for a while, until she is calm, and in her spot (does she know her "spot"?). This takes work. A lot of it. But try not to look at it as "work" but more like you're building a bond with her, which you are. Some dogs need more time to build that bond, she definitely sounds like one. You will be rewarded a thousand times over when it happens.
This is the advice I've been given by my friend Sarah Wilson. If you haven't already I strongly suggest getting a copy of her book, My Smart Puppy. It helped us tremendously with Wyatt Ray . Here's a post where we mention it:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh and for Sally! 🙂
Jasper says, "Madre, te amo... mucho protecto, mi amiga"
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
She's looking very Basenji there! Too cute.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
If it helps, Tanner growled and barked ferociously at everyone and everything for awhile. He particularly hated snowmen (not exactly sure what thats about). We eventually figured out that anytime he gets anxious or excited, he growls and barks. I'm betting Jasper was anxious and trying to let everyone know you were HER human :). My Jake was a protective dog, he made sure to let everyone know he was my guardian. You just have to work with her so she understands she's secure and mama will take care of everything.
She is SO cute!!! THOSE EARS!!!!
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
JASPER....MUCHO THANKO AMIGO
Good lawd you are cute!!!!!! OMD.....sooooo cute! Stinkin heartmelting.cute!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
jerry said
Well, being a German Shepherd pawrent, I totally get the protective attitude when it comes to new people in the house.My questions to you:
What kind of basic obedience training have you done with her?
When your friends came inside and she growled, how did you react? Did you make a big deal about it? How did your friends react.
Doggy day care is not the answer. This is not a puppy socialization issue, this is a pack leadership issue. She is confused, she wants you to be in charge at all times, but she isn't sure you really are. How are you projecting your leadership to her?
Instead of trying to socialize her with other dogs and people, begin at home with your own pack leadership structure. Once you have that down then maybe doggy day care but personally I would spend my energy with training, obedience and pack leadership in the home, which is where it counts most.
I would not put her in your arms when you approach the door. I think that would instigate her over-protective attitude. What I would do is put her in her spot and make her do a sit before you open the door. Next, make sure that your visitors do not acknowledge her for a while, until she is calm, and in her spot (does she know her "spot"?). This takes work. A lot of it. But try not to look at it as "work" but more like you're building a bond with her, which you are. Some dogs need more time to build that bond, she definitely sounds like one. You will be rewarded a thousand times over when it happens.
This is the advice I've been given by my friend Sarah Wilson. If you haven't already I strongly suggest getting a copy of her book, My Smart Puppy. It helped us tremendously with Wyatt Ray . Here's a post where we mention it:
THANK You so much for your helpful advice! I swear, I feel like an idiot with her first dog when I was raised w/dogs my whole life and I think I did a darn good job with Shelby! Jasper is just giving me a total run for my money ... I blame the breed! And that she was a rescue. 🙂
She runs to her crate when she feels threatened, insecure or anything .. I don't actually "tell" her to go anywhere. I need to work on that. Right now we are working on "sit" when I ask and "stay" and "wait" so I can enter the apt first.
And I agree - this is a pack thing and she needs to know who is alpha. It's a fine line between having a fun pet and being assertive. Oh and I yelled at her when she growled (that is bad, I know)... or I told her to knock it off. My friends didn't really react at all. So she probably sensed my 'energy' and 'unhappiness' with her attitude. I'll order the book since I am not really sure how else to show that I am the leader. I don't speak to her when I enter my apt (for fear of submissive peeing) nor do I tell her goodbye when I leave.
And thanks Elizabeth... good to know that this isn't just Jasper and perhaps she will outgrow it (and LOL @ snowmen - we don't have those here)!
And yes, those ears ... she's totally a basenji.... I heard a slight yodel the other day. Oy... it was cute but I am pretty sure I don't want it all the time!
Thank you ALL again!!!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Jasper is definitely a cutie!! Alison, I really do not know too much about this problem, but everyone seemed to have great advice, especially what Rene said. I was thinking doggy daycare socialization is great, but it wouldn't solve this problem you have with her at home. I know you and her will get this all figured out, and then on to the next "Life with Jasper" chapter! I sometimes think I got off pretty easy with having Labs, they are so loving and easy going, but then I think of all my friends and other people coming into my house over the years, that almost got knocked on their butts with "Lab over-exuberance" !! Labs just love a little too much sometimes !!
Much Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
" Labs just love a little too much sometimes"........I LOVE Bonnie!
Okay....not what trainers would recommend.at all......I greet Merry M yrtle with Lab Exuberance everytime I'm.gone at all......and she greets me back with Lab Exuberance in a Bull Mastiff wiggling body......and J LOVE it!!!!
AIson, y o u can still greet Jasper in a gentle caring manner. Worth a try....I think you'd like it too.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Well the good news is that it is definitely something to do with MY home! Last night I ran to my BFF's house to drop something off w/Jasper in the car (in her thunder shirt which helps her ride in the car and she does prefer to sit on the floor in the front) and when we got there - Jasper was a total LOVE. Played with the other dog like she had last time (OMG do they have fun) and was a sweetie with my friend's son. Totally different Jasper.
So that gives me hope that THIS is a problem that we CAN and WILL fix! 🙂
And LOL Bonnie - "life of Jasper" ... she does keep me on my toes!!! Labs are great though... I have met many a lab that has loved and loved hard and a lot!
Sally, that was how I used to greet Shelby .. made me smile! Jasper still pees when I greet her like that so until we get that under control, we contain our excitement to being outside ... She's getting better though..
XO
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
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