very bad situation...ATTN WEBDIVA

[tuffyluvr]

When we brought home our lab puppy our 2 year old springer decided out of the blue to go after her. No warning. (Our 3 year old springer never flinched with the new puppy-loved her from day one).The poor lab puppy ended up with 25 or 30 stitches in her face. I felt AWFUL. I was a nervous wreck bringing the lab puppy home from the vet. We were VERY careful when we reunited them and NEVER left them alone unattended -literally for a year or two. If we weren't home, they were crated. I kept a spray bottle of water with me and if there was EVEN a hint of a lip, snarl, even the "look" the springer got sprayed. I also used my voice to call her off (loudly I will admit). The lab was really funny though-she caught on and anytime she even SAW that springer come into the room she was in she would yelp like the dickens!!!! We all would immediatly bolt, yell at the springer and soak her! After the first few weeks we realized what the lab was up to and we had a good laugh. They made detante and were all the better dogs because of it. The springer was never a warm fuzzy dog to puppies after that but she never went after anyone else. She would stare at the ceiling (no joke) if a puppy came to visit and just refuse to look at it. Period. Literally until the day she died. My lab is 14+ years now and they were good buddies after we worked out the kinks. I will say I was always very cautios when I introduced a new dog to the house while the springer was alive or if a dog came for an extended visit. It made me a better dog owner in the long run. I need to add that I worked with a dog trainer who knew my multidog home as well as the dogs and I totally subscribed to the NILIF system. I frequently used a crate with this dog when I felt she was insecure and needed her safe place. I also never kept toys that were "flash points" between the dogs-ie marrow bones.

Thsnk you so much for sharing your story!!!

Are there any specific suggestions you can give me for when I bring her home tonight?

Yes! Forgot about the water spray bottle, we used it too. It works best if they don't see you spraying it (ninja style)!

For when you bring her home:

We made sure that our pup had a safe, soft bed to sleep on after we brought him home from surgery, and made sure his canine sister didn't bother him or lick his wound. We also had a super yummy wet food that we made available to him in small amounts, and had a syringe without a needle ready in case she was too weak to drink (we shot water into his mouth).

She may be nauseous from the anesthesia or pills. You can rub sugar water or honey on her gums to keep her blood sugar up if she doesn't eat for more than 12 hours. If you need her to take pills and can't get her to eat/swallow - throw the pill in the back of her throat, close her muzzle and blow into her nose while massaging her throat - it'll force her to swallow the pill. I slept beside him on the sofa the first few nights to monitor him and let him out to pee. The first poop might be difficult or not come for a few days, so buy some canned pureed pumpkin (without spices) to add fiber to her diet and make her poop easier. She'll probably just be sleepy for a while, so keep her in a quiet spot and let her sleep it off.

Get a 24/7 phone number from the vet to call in case you see anything "off", or locate the nearest emergency clinic. This is just in case, but you want to do this now since you'll won't have time if she gets sick and you're upset. I also research all the meds my dog is taking, since the vet may not mention all of the side effects and I want to be aware of anything to look out for. One of the meds made him super nauseous, so we had to go back for anti-nausea meds (which were $10/pill!!!).

Speaking of cost, definitely look into signing both pups up for pet insurance - it's so worth it! We pay $35/month per dog and we've gotten back over $7500 so far in the past two months. Too late for this surgery, but it comes in handy in any other emergencies and illnesses.

Most of all, stay calm and positive - she will look to you for guidance. If you're calm, she'll stay calm. Let us know how it goes!

The spray bottle is a good one, and another similarly useful tool is "Pet Corrector"--it's just canned air, but it's cold and makes a loud noise. I always bring it to the dog park in case dogs get aggressive--just spray it and the dogs scatter! We also used it to make a boundary at the front door with our dog. It's great because it's negative stimulus without pain.

I have bought it at Petco and our local independent pet store. It's about $4/can and each can has about 50 uses.

 

[tuffyluvr]

AN--I'm sure you've had your hands full, but please give us an update when you can!

I hope you and the pups are well!

 

[Autumnovember]

Hi everyone, I am definitely very busy now that she is home. I will update fully when I get home from work. For now, she is wagging her tail a lot, eating well, drinking a lot, taking her meds, and lastly, asking for tons of belly rubs.

 

[tuffyluvr]

Glad to hear that Layla is doing so well! Hope that is cheering you up! <3

 

[fabulousfindk]

Sounds promising! Hope you are able to relax a bit and I am sure that everything will be much calmer - everyone has given such great advice and tips! I'm going to get that cold air spray today myself - my dogs are terrible at politely greeting houseguests. Best of luck and hugs to you and your furbabies!

 

[JewelFreak]

Yayyy! Good news, AN!

--- Laurie

 

[webdiva]

So happy to hear that both you and her are doing well!

 

[House Cat]

She sounds like she is on the mend. I hope that you are too?

Sending healing dust to all of you! <3

 

[CJ2008]

Hi everyone, I am definitely very busy now that she is home. I will update fully when I get home from work. For now, she is wagging her tail a lot, eating well, drinking a lot, taking her meds, and lastly, asking for tons of belly rubs.

 

[Autumnovember]

Hi everyone -


So here is the full update I promised.

I picked Layla up on Tuesday and she has been resting a lot but she is in good spirits. I laid on the couch the first night while she slept and just watched her. She has been on pain killers and antibiotics. She has been getting more active and better everyday. She greets me when I come home just like she used to. She has been eating and drinking a lot and has been enjoying lots of belly rubs and back scratches.

We have mostly kept them separate. Sometimes she will lay on the couch beside me and Pumbaa will lay on the other. I do not let them get close. Layla has not shown any indication of feeling unsafe.


Onto the next problem...

My parents. I knew they would be just as devastated as I was over this. My sister broke the news on Friday. My dad is flat out furious. As I expected, I got the blame. My mom cried all night long. Now they are asking, not demanding, that I allow Layla to live there permanently. This is a decision I need to make with my husband and trainer. At this point, I need to do what is in Laylas best interest, not mine. There is a part of me that feels like it is the way to go. I would still see her very often, she would be well cared for, happy, and most of all, safe. We have already decided that we will not give up the puppy. We love him, know he isn't aggressive, and want to train him to the best ability possible. There would be some concerns, however, if I let her live there. One being that when we visit, Pumbaa will obviously be with us. As he grows up, I do believe their attitudes towards each other will shift in a good way. But, no matter what, I need the dogs to know and understand their boundaries since they WILL be around each other either way. The fact remains: they are dogs and shit happens. I know myself, its always going to be in the back of my mind that another accident can happen.

I have some serious thinking to do.

 

[Hera]

Actually, I see that as a strong win/win situation! You would mend things with your family and you would ensure the safety of your dogs. Of course, in the future I'm hoping that you will set stronger boundaries with your family but for now I think this is a good, unselfish decision!

 

[NonieMarie]

Actually, I see that as a strong win/win situation! You would mend things with your family and you would ensure the safety of your dogs. Of course, in the future I'm hoping that you will set stronger boundaries with your family but for now I think this is a good, unselfish decision!

I don't understand why you would give into the fury of your father. I know you still feel bad but it was an accident. Your new puppy did not attack and go for the throat. From what I remember it was pressure of the puppy's body. Someone said that their dog fell off of the couch and the same thing happened. To put everything behind, for now, you can give up your baby but as you said both dogs will be around each other. Are you willing to leave the puppy home when you visit your parents?

 

[hoover]

Aww, Autumnovember. I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to send hugs and healing vibes to you and your pups.

 

[Hera]

The other dog had a wonderful, I assume loving family with her parents. The dogs show possessive aggression towards each other in the company of toys. Not all trainers can train it out of dogs. I know because I had a trainer and my dog continued to have possessive aggression towards toys! Of course, there's plenty of instances where it gets worked out but I would agree with her that it would always be in the back of the mind.

Now, the family dynamics are a complete other subject. I do think she needs to establish better family boundaries. I do believe she should stand up to her parents and not let them make decisions for her. That doesn't need to happen right now. That can happen regardless of the dog situation.

 

[Autumnovember]

The other dog had a wonderful, I assume loving family with her parents. The dogs show possessive aggression towards each other in the company of toys. Not all trainers can train it out of dogs. I know because I had a trainer and my dog continued to have possessive aggression towards toys! Of course, there's plenty of instances where it gets worked out but I would agree with her that it would always be in the back of the mind.

Now, the family dynamics are a complete other subject. I do think she needs to establish better family boundaries. I do believe she should stand up to her parents and not let them make decisions for her. That doesn't need to happen right now. That can happen regardless of the dog situation.

This. Thank you.

Nonie, I'm not giving in and I don't think its fair to even say that. The bottom line is that this is STILL my decision to make.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

So glad Layla is doing well! I totally agree that this is your decision alone (along with your husband). It is good to have options but you have to decide what is best for both dogs and yourself! We did have two dogs when we were working and there is an advantage to having two if you are both gone many hours a day. Dogs really need a companion. Lots of factors to consider.

 

[webdiva]

So glad Layla is doing well! I totally agree that this is your decision alone (along with your husband). It is good to have options but you have to decide what is best for both dogs and yourself! We did have two dogs when we were working and there is an advantage to having two if you are both gone many hours a day. Dogs really need a companion. Lots of factors to consider.

ditto. Another helpful thing for us was to have both dogs in a reputable, well run day care for the first couple months. Since our second dog had severe separation anxiety and tried to break out/run away to find us, we had to do this after adopting her. Best thing we ever did! A day care staff with a keen eye and understanding of dog behaviors will encourage the bond between the two dogs while making sure no fights escalate. Our dogs ended up feeling more like a pack and we got reports back at the end of the day about interactions between them and other dogs. It helped smooth the transition while they established their pack order. They also knew not to allow any food, which was a trigger for our fights. As a bonus, they were so tired at the end the day that it took the edge off their interactions at home.

While there's a possibility that toys may always be a trigger, it's pretty simple to manage that : no toys around while you're not home. Or have them crated separately while they have a toy. I've been working from home the past few months and realize all my dogs do is sleep anyhow!

You're on the right track with a great trainer and I wish you the best in managing your parents.

 

[JewelFreak]

It helped smooth the transition while they established their pack order. They also knew not to allow any food, which was a trigger for our fights. As a bonus, they were so tired at the end the day that it took the edge off their interactions at home.

Excellent points. I wish I had done doggy daycare for all my dogs. Puppies especially. They learn their dog vs. dog manners in the best possible environment, with supervision. People cannot teach this! Dogs learn it only from other dogs, cats from other cats, etc. The interaction also gives them the priceless gift of knowing how to have fun & be at ease with other dogs for the rest of their lives. It enriches them enormously. And avoids arguments from insecurity when they come upon stranger-dogs on walks, etc.

I love the bolded sentence! Ahhh, (relative) quiet at home!

A couple days a week for several months would do the trick -- more if the owner can afford it, just for fun.

AN, you're grounded about this & your place in it. You obviously adore both dogs & are in good training hands. Total confidence here that you'll arrive at a place where the best for all is served. You sound like a grown-up to me & that's a big compliment!

--- Laurie

 

[Puppmom]

Autumn, I'm so glad to hear that Layla is on the mend.

I hope that you're able to come to a decision that you feel comfortable with. I think you'll get there!

 

[Autumnovember]

Hi everyone -

I made a decision. As soon as I get some more free time I will post. Just wanted you all to know Layla is doing good. My parents are doing fine too and have rationalized the situation and understand this wasn't my fault.

On another note,

I found out that my best friends dog was killed today. He was attacked by 2 dogs He was only a year and a half.

 

[OneFifty]

Autumn - I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's dog and I'm glad that Layla is doing well.

 

[fabulousfindk]

I'm really happy to hear Layla is doing well.
I'm happy to hear you made a decision, when this was a VERY hard one to make! Don't feel like you HAVE to share - It's your home, your family, your dog. Blessings and hugs regardless!

 

[librarychickie]

Oh Autumn! I'm just now reading this post. I *feel* for you!

Your little pup will spring back far better and faster than you will.

Four and a half years ago, my Lhasa Apso was attacked in our back yard. Another dog (got out of his house/yard, who knows?) came too close to the chain link fence. My Lhasa ran to the fence, and before I knew it, the other dog grabbed her bottom jaw and ripped the skin off her chin. A week at the vet and two months of constant cleaning and caring for her, the little stinker actually grew her skin back! No hair, though. We almost put her down (she was 12 at the time) b/c we thought she was in too much pain and such. The vet encouraged us to give her some time as animals are very resilient. I'm so glad we did! At 16, she's still alive and kicking!

I still have flashbacks to the whole attack. It was horrible.

Here's a recent picture of her-- the amazing, miracle Lhasa Apso -- Maddie!

 

[JewelFreak]

How adorable, LC! Wonderful gift that your vet gave you that advice & you followed it -- and that she's still enjoying life, which it looks like she does very much.

AN, such good news that Layla's doing well. I was hoping yesterday that you'd keep us informed on what you decided, and that all of you will be in good shape & happy. I'm so sorry for your friend -- I don't know how I'd live with that.

--- Laurie

 

[webdiva]

LC, glad to hear that your dog is doing well!

AN, so glad Layla is doing well! I'm so so sorry about your best friend's dog. So sad!