What Would You Do?

[dancinbcs]

I would definitely rehome Leroy as he is a liability to Daisy and will eventually injure her badly. Sorry but he was a really bad choice and this comes under the category of "what on earth were you thinking" when you selected a dog like that. For a companion dog Daisy need an older easy going dog that is not going to do her any harm. As for Daisy I would try T-Touch therapy and training with Raelene Koerber who is out Yass way and try to get the fear under control as well as the pain.

[LOLAFOLATA]

If I was in your position, I would be giving Dais the rest she needs and only doing stuff with the behaviourist, so it isn't so full on.

The rest of the time, I would be spending time with Leroy on training - maybe sign him up at the Queanbeyan obedience club, they can help with loads of training issues and a few of the advanced trainers will spend extra time with you, if you ask for help.

Steve Courtney has already been suggested (Zig and I are off to see him on Friday and I can't wait).

It has only been a few weeks - some 'foster dogs' take at least 3 weeks to start to get the house rules and some take longer. I would give Leroy a chance, if he is a nice dog. Give him some training, set some boundaries and give him some time (he is still really young and they do settle down in time)..

It does sound like you have your hands full and only you know what you are capable of handling under the circumstances.

I wish we had a pool here that we could let the dogs swim in..

SL

Have been a bit stressed out with the juggling of dogs etc. I haven't given any of us long enough to get into a set routine. One time saver has been Daisy starting to toilet on command. At least I'm not wasting 20 minutes or more while she tries to find just the right spot.

As I mentioned the other day, maybe need to advertise for the use of someone's pool who allow their own animals to swim in it. I'm willing to pay. With time limitations already, I can't travel far. May need to get some waders and try and find a safe spot on the river.

We started training the Sunday after I brought him home. I'm that poor shmuck that everyone feels sorry for with the worst dog on the paddock. I'll persevere - if he has to be re-homed it will be easier if a bit more under control.

Lola F, your basic problem seems to be time as you are working full time.

Putting the effort into training Leroy so his energy is constructively directed will need two good 20 minute minimum walks per day plus a couple of 10-15 minute training sessions per day and probably a group obedience lesson a week ( to socialise him and train you).

Daisy needs time as well - time to take her to hydro, ideally daily but at least twice a week. You don't need a speciality therapy place after the first time - once you see it done any large enough body of water will do. Also try to think of ingenious training which she can learn while resting - maybe food puzzles or modified scent discrimination for example to keep her brain busy while her body rests.

If you can find the time to train Leroy, keep him and he will be a great asset and a friend for Daisy, plus you won't be entirely bereft of dog love if it seems best to give Daisy her wings. If you can't find or make the time, then perhaps you can foster him until a rescue finds a forever home that does have the time, which might be the only guarantee of survival for him as there are not that many homes available for his type.

While Daisy is on enforced crate rest indoors, provided you can find the time to exercise and train Leroy, then it is no hardship for him to also be on indoor crate rest to keep Daisy company indoors. If you can manage to move the crates back and forth, then Daisy could sometimes be on crate rest outdoors while Leroy is out.

Only you can decide if you can find the time for these things. Altogether, you will probably need to find an extra hour or two each day (in bits and pieces) for probably two or three months. Once Leroy has been trained to your satisfaction he would only need the 40 minutes of exercise daily and 10 -15 minutes reinforcement training twice a week. Once Daisy's rest is over and she is clear of further problems, she could accompany Leroy on the walks and have her own 10 -15 minutes reinforcement training once a week.

If her cruciate doesn't heal completely then she will still appreciate a companion, just make sure that they do not romp outdoors together - one is always leashed or crated when they are both outdoors and actively discourage indoor romping.

It will work out if you can find the training time/commitment at the beginning. If that is not possible with your lifestyle, then seek to rehome Leroy. No one can decide what is right for your situation but you, we can only offer suggestions. Best of luck!

Some excellent suggestions RP and you've certainly help put things into perspective. I've had a horror few months with the dogs and trying to keep everything else ticking over too - gets overwhelming. It's been difficult to setup a proper routine.

Leroy wasn't entirely the wrong choice for Daisy-Mae. She just has no sense of self-preservation. Even when he'd had enough play she was still inciting more when barely able to hobble on one good leg. Things just didn't pan out as I'd hoped.

LF

Edited November 13, 2013 by LOLAFOLATA

[LOLAFOLATA]

Hi all,

Just an update on Daisy-Mae & Leroy,

I commenced course of acupuncture, homeopathic and herbal remedies with pleasing results. Have had a setback with tear occuring to right leg (vet told me this was inevitable). We have another 6-12 weeks confinement & rest with ongoing acupuncture. I had thought this was the end and euthanasia only option however, the left leg has been strong and has been able to support her. Right tear appeared worse but is starting to mend and she is starting to regularly bear weight. Even her fear issues have been tempered slightly, which is encouraging. Although a little stir crazy, she really does love being inside 24/7 and the centre of attention when we're home.

Although we were sceptical going this route, so far I'm impressed and will continue this course of treatment to manage her ongoing arthritic condition. Daisy-Mae actually lays quietly for the whole treatment and has taken to the vet, Kate. I would certainly recommend to others to give it a try.

Leroy is still with us and looks like staying. He has settled down considerably and his behaviour is improving all the time. He goes to doggy day care two days a week which he loves, and comes home completely worn out. He is learning the rules but being the big boofy pup he still is - forgets occassionally. :D

We now have a regular routine that we're able to manage. Recently, being my busiest time of year workwise, I've not been able to fit in as many walks for Leroy as I'd like. That should change shortly.

Thanks again for the feedback. Wishing you all a safe & happy Christmas & New Year.

Lola

[Staffyluv]

Poor Dais, I hope her recovery is quick..

Glad to hear that Leroy has settled - I thought he would :)

The swimming thing is a great idea. Not much help yet but I am looking to move and looking for a place with a pool - you and she will be more than welcome (if and when I eventually get it).. Because it is just what Zig needs as well with his hips..

Glad everything is working out, you have a nice quiet Christmas and a happy new year as well..

[Christina]

Pleased it is going well & things have improved.

Great that Leroy is still with you , not fair to shuffle a dog around to too many homes if avoidable.

Seasons Greetings to you too.

[Perry's Mum]

I can also recommend Four Foot Physiotherapy - Louise came to us and Perry just loved her - she also initially trained as a human physio. She did a great job on Perry - her no is 0414 956 417.