help please again Lab fans! The Season of Peace that descended after Teasle went to her holiday home proved short lived We had her moved (in case you didn't see other thread) as Rusty would not leave her alone and had his nose constantly glued to her back end and was forever licking her and pestering her. Luckily she took it all quite well but she wasn't getting any peace. There were no symptoms of her coming into season so her trainer's theory was a phantom pregnancy and Rusty was picking up those hormone changes. However she had no symptoms of that really either. On Christmas day we did a big walk with 5 other dogs, one of which was a 8 month old lab bitch, yet to have a season. Rusty didn't show any interest in her but Barney wouldn't leave her alone! A number of times in last few months (since Teasle's return from her being away in season) Rusty has had a spat with Phinn. Each time in my kitchen and each time for no apparent reason we spotted. This surprised us as so out of character for Rusty we put it down to him maturing. Phinn got like that at 18 months. Rusty's original trainer Tony said that Rusty was emotionally immature so maybe he has now finally grown up. That's the background the reason for this post is his reaction to Lily the Labradoodle who belongs to the man I've been seeing for the last few weeks. When they all first met it was all very boisterous and rolling her over but it soon settled down. Lily was a bit nervy but she isn't used to spending time with other dogs. Rusty and Lily seemed to be flirting and playing later and it was all fine. However one evening when we put them in the kitchen so we could have some peace - she and Rusty were barking at each other. The boys were in their crate which is normal for them at bedtime and Lily was on a bed in the kitchen too. We ignored them and they stopped after a while. Out on a walk - everything fine - barney & lily love to run and play together , Rusty sometimes joining in but not so much but over the New year weekend he snapped at her a few times - after they'd been given a treat - not during - and she was fed last. It did seem to be food related . I don't give her much attention as she is over bouncy anyway and whenever I look at her she jumps up. Yesterday they had a bigger spat, I have no idea what over. It was all noise and no one was hurt but it really upset Ian. Lily was ok with Rusty afterwards in the garden, but Ian took her home and I'm worried he'll feel he can't bring her anymore. The common factor seems to be the kitchen as a location - clearly Rusty feels most confident here - and to a lesser extent food. I hadn't got Rusty neutered before as he was such a wuss and so sensitive that I worried he'd become a puddle of fluff without them. Although I've toyed with the idea of breeding from him (as a sire to MDD brood bitch ) I was concerned about possible change to his personality, coupled with his escapology skills so really hadn't been convinced it was a good idea. In which case neutering doesn't matter in that sense. Any tips on helping him accept Lily?
Re: Is it time for the big snip? I'm not sure that neutering would be the answer to this problem Carole. It sounds to me more like a territory / food / jealousy sort of issue. I think I would keep Lily out of the kitchen area for a while, possibly just walk them together on neutral territory, until they have settled down again. In my limited experience it's very unusual for male and female dogs to fight - perhaps they are just trying to sort out where their relevant places are in the new familial constellation... I hope it's not too serious and they all settle down together. I know we shouldn't anthropomorphize, but it does sound like children whose parents have started a new relationship - they have to work out the new dynamics...
Re: Is it time for the big snip? Thanks Karen I had a long chat with Teasle's trainer and she agrees it's a territory/anxiety thing and after a lot of thought I realised there are two issues here:- one is the issue with Lily, the other is the increased attention to Bitches and his escapology. We've come up with a plan to go back to basics with Lily - walk them together on neutral territory, for a while and then gradually introduce back into home space for short periods. On Saturday Ian came over on his own - I wanted to make sure he and Rusty are completely comfortable with each other to ensure no issues there for Lily to pick up on and this was very successful. Separately I have decided to go ahead and have him neutered. I don't want to take the risk of his personality changing by breeding from him, and if he's not going to be a stud dog but he is showing tendency to roam/ pursue bitches and we have a new housing estate over the road full of them then it seems sensible. This was not an easy decision but my instinct says it's the right one for us. I took him in this morning so I'm all of a dither with worry even though I know he'll be fine.
Re: Is it time for the big snip? Carole, hope Rusty won't be too sore. Lots of rest and TLC just what every boy loves!! Helen x
Re: Is it time for the big snip? Awww...poor boy - hope he's as happy to visit the vet next time Wishing him a speedy recovery! I remember when Lilly was spayed and I had her on the chicken and rice after the op, I'm sure she ate more than normal - difficult to resist that pathetic look they give you. Here's hoping he's back to his normal self real soon ;D Jacqui
Re: Is it time for the big snip? LOL jacqui you're right I suspect he'll ham it up! barney was fine - didn't notice and just carried on as normal and nearly pulled his stitches! Roger's lab Monty was the opposite - you'd think the world had ended! He had to lie on the sofa and have his water brought to him - he was such a big baby! I think Rusty learned a lot from his uncle Monty before he passed so I'm expecting similar... that and he's a mummy's boy at the best of times!
Re: Is it time for the big snip? Yes hope he's ok. He will look pathetic when you pick him up. When lady was spayed I felt like the biggest heel on the planet when I picked her up. But the next day she ate a tennis ball so I knew she was on the mend! (Vet bill for x-ray £113 ;D )
Re: Is it time for the big snip? Aw, poor old lad... But I'm sure he'll be up and jumping all over the place again in no time!
Re: Is it time for the big snip? He's home ;D he seems fine. However when I arrived at the vets all was quiet. I spoke to the receptionist and from out back somewhere Rusty had clearly heard/scented me and started howling. A pitiful noise as if the world was ending! Then the nurse brought him out and said how many admirers he'd had all day as he's so handsome, and, that he'd had no reaction to the anaesthetic - had done really well at which he promptly was sick to demonstrate she was wrong ;D In true Lab style he wolfed down his tin of extra easy to digest food so all back to normal...
Re: Is it time for the big snip? Glad that all has gone well Carole , bless the boy Sam was dreadful , the effects of the GA really upset him, he cried and cried, wouldnt settle, just panted and cried . Eventually we dragged the spare single mattress into the sitting room , he got on it and we covered him with a blanket , I stayed with him all night, next to him but on the floor, idiot that I am :
Re: Is it time for the big snip? Thats great news that Rusty is OK, not about the vomiting though - yuk!! Helen x
Re: Is it time for the big snip? aw my poor baby! The food they gave him clearly upset his tummy as he had to rush outside twice! He wouldn't settle but not quite as bad as Sam by the sounds of it. Eventually he decided curled up on the sofa next to me was the only option with his head on my lap and he whistled & peeped softly for ages before eventually nodding off. He was fine this morning if walking a bit gingerly bless him
Re: Is it time for the big snip? Poor Rusty, sounds like a good cuddle on the sofa was the best medicine. So glad he is a little better today even if a little tender. Helen x
