Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hi,
Just wanted to introduce myself and my newly adopted dog Starbuck. A few of my nieces went to Arkansas to volunteer at an animal shelter over the school vacation week in February. They loved the experience and fell in love with quite a few dogs up for adoption. They posted pictures for everyone to see, and were trying to get the dogs adopted. When I saw the picture of Starbuck, I just fell in love. When I spoke with the woman who ran the shelter, she knew my other dog (as we adopted her from them as well) and said he would be a great match for our family. So we adopted him. We don't know what happened to his leg, as when he came to the shelter it was just a mess, and the physician said it would be better to take the leg. He has adapted so easily, I watch him run and try and keep up with our other dog, he just started going up the stairs a couple days ago, we've had him now for two weeks. I have ordered the Ruff Wear Harness
, and should be getting it later this week. I'm so glad that I found this site, as we are first time dog owners. I had dogs growing up, as did my husband, but this is our first experience ourselves. Starbuck is not totally house trained yet, he does really well with stools, but does have the occasional urine accident in the house. I've been showing it to him, and then saying NO and bringing him right outside. Sometimes he will have an accident right after being outside? He does fine over night though, We will take him out right before bed. So any tips or advice?? I feel like I've such a sore spot for him, because he is a tripawd, but it is important to be firm too. Any comments suggestions on this as well. I watched the video on massage . . how often to you massage your dog as it sounds like they need time to recover. Thanks so much for being here! I'm so looking forward to being a part of this great group.
Welcome and thanks for joining the Tripawds community!
As far as tips and advce go, be sure to review Jerry's Top Ten Amputation Recovery Q&A. Daily massage is recommended, but admittedly we don't even do that with Wyatt. Just focus on not letting him overdo it until he rebuilds his strength.
We look forward to finding out more about Starbuck. Is he named after Jo Jo, Kara Thrace, or the coffee?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OH MY DOG!
What beautiful markings! I love the 1/2 black and 1/2 white face! Starbuck sounds like a terrific dog!
I feel and old person because I don't remember how to potty train! It's been so long. It seems all of mine knew when I got them. I wished I could remember. But I think you have to take them out very, very often and reward the heck out of them when they 'do it'.
I'm of the school of training to 'ignore the negative, reward the positive'. But you may not want to go by me because I got dogs that think they are children with fur coats! Hence, they are spoiled, smart, but spoiled!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
cometdog said:
I got dogs that think they are children with fur coats!
I love that Cometdog....how well I know!!
Welcome to Starbuck, he is adorable with his two-toned face!! I can see why you adopted him and bless you for that. We have a new 4 legged dog and are working on the potty training too. It is a matter of having a routine, and rewards & praises when they do good. I have been watching over the past week and it seems that Addy has a pattern after eating, etc. My guess is that Starbuck will do fine once he adjusts to his new home.
Good luck and congrats on your new addition!
Ginny & Angel Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Starbuck is a very good looking man and I am sure that with patience and time he will blend in quite nicely into the routine. Emily and I have often recommended "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners" by The Monks of New Skete
. The Monks breed and "train" GSD. Actually, they deal with many behavioral problems and use very gentle techiniques. Personally, I love what they do and how they do it.Wishing you nothing but the very best,
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Starbuck is named after the first mate in Moby Dick. He's the only one that thought Ahab was crazy for chasing the great whale, he just wanted to get home to his wife and child. Though I do love Starbucks coffee!
Thanks so much for the book reference, I will check that out. He has not had any accidents today . . i'm so proud of him, i've been praising him so much when he does go outside, I think he's getting it.
Thanks for all your tips and support.
Wendy
Wendy, thanks so much for joining us here! You're a pawesome individual for adopting this special boy. We hope you like the harness, thanks for ordering!
We haven't dealt with house training in a while, but for any puppy issues we always turn to our friend Sarah Wilson of MySmartPuppy.com. She's got TONS of great advice about training on her website and in her Discussion Forums. I do think Gineej is right; it's a matter of routine and getting used to your household.
Can't wait to hear more about him!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What a handsome boy!
I'm sure he'll figure the potty business out - poor guy's gone through a lot of changes! I don't have any tips; frankly, I can't remember the finer details about how house trained Catie and Riley. Neither were particularly difficult; just took a little time.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
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