Mike From New Mexico - TVD - Heart Valve Disease

Nothing seemed to stop Betsy biting - for ages! It did of course wear off eventually, when she got her big teeth. In the meantimes, wear long sleeves, boots and don't let it stop you interacting with the puppy. Those early weeks are so important, and you never get them back!

 

Nothing actually 'works' but like JulieT and snowbunny say, you can do plenty to protect your hands and feet and still play and bond with your puppy.

- Wear tight trousers and tight sleeves (and wellies if needed!)

- Be more determined than they are that the toy/chew will go in their mouth rather than them mouthing your hand (and that is VERY determined)

- Give them some (happy) time out when they get over tired and snappy

- Play games like tug which keep their teeth busy and not biting.

- Train 'sit' early and train several words which mean 'a treat is coming'. I use the pup's name, 'enough', 'there we are' and lots of other words and phrases which have her looking and expecting something to happen - in other words, they distract her.

 

Sorry for the late response, life gets busy. Thanks for the info. I haven't tried everything, but getting close to the end of my list. I haven't punished him and don't plan to. I've found that if I do some quick training with him, like sit, stay, down that takes his mind off my arm for a few minutes, but then its right back to my right arm that looks like I got into fight with a cat. Its just coming along very slowly and hopefully my patience holds out. I just don't want to train him all the time, play time is a lot more fun. He is now up to eating rocks and leaves as well, so I have that to look forward too as well. Thanks again. I'll try to keep up with the Forum.

 

Sorry about your pup. I have a TVD dog. Diagnosed at 14 months old and is now 20 months. TVD is moderate to severe. Both parents had clearances.

 

Sorry for your loss

 

Hi there! Welcome to the forum.
Is your dog well, on meds, or restricted in any way.
Just curious.
Jac.

 

He has an exercise intolerance so no running off lead which is hard. No meds. While there is regurgitation, there isn't an fluid build up yet. The vet gave him 1-1.5 years but I'm hoping that he lives longer.

 

Hi @JYB , welcome from me . I am so sorry to hear of your dogs health problems, it must be hard for you as well as for him .

 

That is tough for sure.
Are you doing lots of mind games with him?
Clicker training is great for dogs on restricted exercise too.
I hope your vet is being conservative.
jac

 

I hope so. TVD dogs with moderate to severe results generally don't live past 3 so I think he took the mid number. We had been going to obedience training once a week for a year and he loved it. It's harder now because the vet suggested it would be risky to neuter him...that was 6 months ago. Many of the dogs in class were not spayed. I'll google canine mind games. We are retired so we play with him on and off all day.

 

Thanks. It is but as you know, they live in the moment and he hasn't a clue that he's sick. That makes it a little easier.

 

@JYB there is a great thread started by JulieT when her dog Charlie had cruciate surgery - not sure if you have seen it, but loads of ideas there.
https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/things-to-do-for-dogs-on-restricted-exercise.10654/

 

thanks. I'll check it out.