Living With Dogs (21 page)

Answer:
As the old saying goes ‘three is a crowd’. Do not be surprised if your two resident dogs gang up on the introduced third member. All research shows that animals get on much better in multiples of two. You may not wish to own four dogs as that is quite a pack. Owning three dogs is possible but you will have to go to extraordinary lengths such as wise selection and training to make it work.

We have a very gentle Rhodesian Ridgeback bitch, and we’ve just bought a Ridgeback/Mastiff puppy as a companion. They had been getting on extremely well, but two weeks ago the puppy savaged her, and went through her ear flap and tore her cheek. Since then, it’s happened twice more, and I’m sure if we weren’t here, he’d kill her. He’s been de-sexed, so what do we do?

Answer:
They’re sorting out a problem of dominance. It’s going to be very difficult to stop because it’s a natural matter of sorting out who’s number one and number two in the pack. You’ve probably got two dominant dogs and one wants to be the absolute boss and the other one doesn’t want to be number two. You can be forgiving for a little while, but if it continues without resolution, the only solution will be to separate the dogs. I am surprised that it is a dog and a bitch fighting. This is normally seen where dogs of the same sex live together.

Our new Dalmatian, a young male, is being bitten by our older existing female dog. What can we do?

Answer:
There is little doubt that the energetic new dog is being somewhat rough with the older dog in an attempt to get her to play. She is simply putting the young dog in its place. Ultimately they will work things out and they will become firm friends. I would only be concerned if the bites required veterinary attention.

Is it okay to have a guinea pig and a dog together?

Answer:
Of course. But dogs have to be taught to treat other species with respect. All dogs were bred for a purpose and many breeds still have a strong hunting instinct. Dogs suddenly confronted with another type of animal will want to chase it, particularly if the other animal runs away. The chase will result in rough play that often goes too far and injury or death can result. For best results, all puppies need supervised exposure to cats, chickens, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs (to name a few) from the moment they are brought home.

Two months ago we acquired a second family dog, an 18-month-old Beagle, and she gets on very well with every other family member, but she won’t come within 20 metres of me. How can I make friends with the dog?

Answer:
There is obviously a learned problem which comes from the previous owner. You’ve got to be persistent in being nice to the dog, so that it is encouraged to find out you’re not what it thinks you are. If you can provide the food, that’s terrific, and take it for walks, even if it means someone else has to put on the lead. Similar problems can arise when you take on any pre-owned dog. There will be things about that dog that aren’t your fault.

How can we find out what our dog is crossed with?

Answer:
If your dog is simply a cross between two purebreds a trained eye, such as a vet or experienced dog club officials, will quickly determine what two breeds were involved. For more complex crosses you would need to consider DNA testing, which is not a cheap exercise.

I want to adopt a dog from the local RSPCA shelter. How will I know which dog to choose?

Answer:
RSPCA shelters all have trained staff who will interview you so they can establish what your lifestyle is, what expectations you have for pet ownership and what your living conditions are. All dogs available for adoption have been fully prepared — vaccinated, desexed, microchipped, health guaranteed and temperament tested. The staff will introduce you to those dogs whose type and personality best suits you. You can then spend time with the one you choose and almost certainly it will be love at first sight. Best of luck for a very happy outcome.

I’m having trouble with my 11-month-old Jack Russell Terrier who sleeps outside and wakes up very early in the morning. Her barking bothers my neighbours, so I set my alarm for 5.30 and I rush out to the dog, and then she barks at me because she wants to play. What shall I do to stop her barking?

Answer:
You’re the cause of the problem, because she’s got you at the end of the cord. Why don’t you put her in the garage to sleep, and lock her up till 7 am, or whenever you want to get up. Stop trying to psychoanalyse her, and be practical!

I’ve got a beautiful and energetic seven-month-old Labrador cross. He’s been really well-behaved up till recently when he started digging holes in the lawn. How do I stop him?

Answer:
Your dog is bored. He’s a very energetic breed. Over the period he was well-behaved he was exploring the back yard, but now he’s discovered it all, and to amuse himself he digs holes or pulls washing off the line. He needs plenty of exercise, and I suggest you take him for a two-kilometre walk morning and evening. After the morning walk bring him home and give him a large bone to gnaw on for several hours. You might be lucky enough to convince a retired person to give him a midday walk, which would cut down the distance you have to take him morning and evening.

I have a nine-month-old Dachshund and my neighbours are complaining that as soon as I go to work the dog starts barking, and it doesn’t stop until I get home at night. What can I do?