Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Week 4 Update
Bury is officially 4 weeks post-op and doing great (and finally so am I). We've started our walks again and although they are shorter than typical, I'm so grateful for them and enjoying every minute. Well.... Almost every minute. Bury the Tripawd walks so fast now he can't help but pull the leash. It's almost like it's easier for him to walk fast to have momentum, rather than walk slow and feel the impact.
Has anyone else had this experience with their Tripawd? Did it settle or is this the new normal?
Pola & Bury
Great update!
And yes, put your running shoes on when out walking! Almost every Tripawd dog I know goes fast.
Even my little rear amp Elly, a 15 pound Pug Mix, generally walks/hops faster than I do. When I can I use a long lead or flexi lead (gasp!) or even better go places where she can be off leash. She knows how to walk 'with me' but I only make her do it when necessary as she is much more comfortable going at her faster pace. It's relatively easy with Elly as she has some fear issues so sticks pretty close to me when walking around lots of people or in places like stores or the vet.
When Bury gets stronger it will be easier for him to go slower and stand still. I got Elly when she was 10 months old and 2.5 months past her amp surgery. It was hard for her to stand still or walk slowly but as a puppy she could zip around the house playing. She was super sensitive about her amp site and wouldn't sit on hard surfaces, standing still was really hard for her. We did lots of core and leg strengthening exercises which helped her be comfortable standing and walking slowly with me.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Ohhhh yeah, the Tripawd walk is more of a run, whether it's a front or rear leg that's missing. Although front leggers in my opinion generally run faster. It's a balance and momentum thing. Once they get started it's harder to stop and start again so I guess they just want to make it as easy as possible and just keep going.
The hard part is knowing how to tell when they have done too much in one sprint, but you will get the hang of it over time. If he sits down on a walk he's gone too far so adjust accordingly. It comes with practice. I'm so glad you are out and about and treasuring his ability to do that! Way to go!
Yes, I thought I was just imagining it at first. I do think it's the momentum because Nick (2.5 post op) is smoother looking when he's faster. We've found that if your pup has good Recall, Stand, and Wait, and is good with people and other dogs, it's much easier to get away with off leash in a park than you would think. People sympathize. (We brushed up our puppy training!)
Like Jerry suggested, he is getting stronger and not pulling as much, but his new speed is certainly still there. I'm really familiar with my neighbourhood and very vigilant so he has a pretty long expandable leash which has been helpful.
We celebrated his recent 11th birthday with a hike and having all the new scents and attractions was helpful in keeping him distracted therefore slower. Keeping things fresh and new is key, although not always possible on neighbourhood walks.
Pola & Bury
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