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 folks,
I've just recently adopted a lovely retriever mix (I think with border collie) with a rear left leg amputation who is in need of some training, especially while on walks. I'm having a bit of trouble locating where on this website or the forums any training advice may be though, so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction?
I'm mainly looking for information on loose leash walking and barking at other dogs (I'm pretty confident it is excited barking based on his posture and the fact he lived with 4 other dogs in his foster home) so much so that it seems like I cease to exist if another dog is within sight.
I was recommended an aversive trainer by a friend with a dog, but I'm really not keen on that idea. I've never been the sole person involved in training a dog so I definitely want to do it right, and using force just doesn't sit well with me at all!
Thanks in advance and I'm sorry if I missed a really obvious place where this information is kept,
Ashley
Hi Ashley! Welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
Your dog sounds like a sweetie. What's his name? And what was the reason for the amputation? If you adopted within the last 60 days you should apply for the Tripawds Rescue Reimbursement Grant!
We have tons of great tips on training, here are just some:
Recommended Dog Training and Behavior Books by Sarah Wilson
Sarah is a friend of ours who made a huge difference in helping our crazy Tripawds Spokesdog Wyatt Ray become the good dog we knew he could be. Her non-aversive training helps build a bond with your dog and use his brains to help him navigate the world.
You may also want to search through these Tripawds Forum posts that talk about leash walking and training.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello and welcome!
I'm not familiar with the books Sarah recommends, but I've seen Wyatt's excellent behavior, so I'm sure they're good. And in general, I think I would focus on what Jerry mentioned - evaluate training advice from the lens of whether or not it is positive and encourages dogs to trust their owners.
In addition to those books, I would highly recommend Grisha Stewart's BAT 2.0. Even though it sounds like he's excited and not aggressive or fearful, the technique can be used to find his threshold and work to teach him to remain calm when he sees another dog.
I'll think about leash skills as well and get back to you if I remember any good books.
Thanks so much! I'll be sure to look over everything you've mentioned so far!
The person who rescued my pup named him Avalon, but I usually call him Avie. As for the reason for the amputation, I've been told they found him on the side of the road in Lebanon, presumably with the injury that caused the amputation. They think he may have been used as a bait dog in dog fighting, but he is so incredibly sweet it is hard to imagine it! I've only had him for 2-3 weeks, but I already can't imagine him not being around.
I was so happy to see that there was a place online with all these resources and the stories from other people with their own three-legged friends, so I really appreciate that this site exists!
Once I figure out how, I'll make sure to include a photo of Avie, because he is super cute (and he knows it)!
Hello and welcome!
I'm looking forward to learning more about Avie and following your adventures! Here is how you add photos to your forum posts.
I wanted to mention that Tripawds tend to hop faster than 4 leggers. It's not that they can't walk nicely on a loose leash, but they are often more comfortable going faster. My current Tripawd is a little pug mix named Elly who lost her back leg after being hit by a car at 7 months old, she is getting close to 3 years old now. Even at her small size Elly's comfortable pace if faster than I usually walk (former jock with bad joints!) so I often let her go in front of me. I have spent lots of time with her on loose leash walking and she can and will stay 'with me' when I ask her to.
I also like the 'reward what you want' type of training. Elly has lots of issues related to being hit by the car and the fact that she was re-homed several times, I was her fourth home at 10 months old! I don't have any specific references for you, I've learned mostly from past pups and the trainers I've worked with over the years.
Elly's biggest issue is separation anxiety which I have been working on for the past 8 months. If Avie has any Sep Anx I do have a good reference for you- I don't have it in front of me but if you need it let me know.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Just want to say welcome tonyou and Avie.! His avatar photo is soooo sweet! You can just tell hes a sweet and gentle Soul!
I'm so glad you are giving him the loving hime he deserves! The bond with a tripawd is ap very special...a very special kind of love.
You've gotten great books to check out and great advice. Don't have anything to add other than can't wait to follow more adventures with Avie.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Thanks, here's a picture of Avie for anyone who'd like to see my pup! And I'll try out a faster walking pace tomorrow morning to see if it makes a difference! Fortunately, Avie's only separation anxiety is a whine or two when I first close the door - and a kong or other treat dispensing toy seems to solve that!
OKAY,!!! IM IN LOVE!!! Coming over to snuggke I. The couch with Avie right now!!!
What a sweetheart! Without question, Avie knows he isnp in his furever home.....and that's his couch! 🙂
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!
What a DOLL!
Be sure to start a new topic in another area like "Beyond Cancer" (http://tripawds.....ond-cancer) so we can follow along with Avie's journey.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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