Ask Free Dog Tips
07/31/2006
We’re adding a new section to Free Dog Tips so readers can ask questions about dog care that aren’t already covered on the site. Simply post your questions in the comments section of this post and we’ll create a new post with that question and an answer to the question. If you have a solution to a problem, feel free to jump in with your own advice, too!
We hope you find this new section of Free Dog Tips useful and look forward to hearing from you.
Vania said,
September 11, 2006 @ 8:54 pm
Hi,
I came across your website while searching for information regarding pupppy behaviour. I got a 2 months old Miniature Schnauzer puppy 5 days ago from a pet shop. For the first 3 days, she behaved very sweet and gentle. She can follow commands like “come” and “sit” and would play with us actively or just sit and chew her rubber ball and duck. She’d fall asleep everytime I cradle her in my arms. However, we noticed that she’s acting odd since yesterday. During playtime, she turned rather fierce and tried to bite my husband’s hands and feet several times. It does not look like a playful bite, as she’ll open her mouth wide and bite down quite hard. When I tried to cradle her, she also tried to bite my fingers. We did not use physical punishment on her and everytime she misbehaves we just tell her “No”. So we’re puzzled as to what brings about the change. Is this normal for a puppy or should we consider sending her to a training class?
I would really appreciate your comments/suggestions. Thank you.
Regards,
Vania
Adam said,
September 20, 2006 @ 5:48 pm
Hi.I have brought my dog interstate to a house where i have lived for the past few months (about three weeks ago).They had their first fight and my dog aserted her place as top dog,as she is bigger and older.There still seems to be jeolousy and protectiveness from the other dog and the fighting seems to be getting wrse.They can still be with each other but their fights are getting more savage and it is getting harder to break them up.I realy want them to live together and dont want to have to keep sepperating them all the time.What do you sujest.
Free Dog Tips said,
September 24, 2006 @ 10:02 pm
Hi Vania,
Puppies need to learn acceptable behavior. When they stay with their mother and siblings until they are 8-10 weeks old, their mother corrects them for being excessively nippy. Their siblings stop playing with them when they bite too hard. They naturally learn to play nice. You will need to teach your puppy that she has to be gentle or you won’t play. If she bites, stop playing and ignore her. You may want to actually step into another room. Soon, she will realize that when she bites, you don’t play with her.
Katelyn
Free Dog Tips said,
September 24, 2006 @ 10:07 pm
Hi Adam,
Having a new dog come in and take over can really cause an upheaval. You may need to separate the dogs from each other, especially during times that they tend to fight, such as when you serve dinner.
If they continue to fight, you may want to consult an animal behaviorist.
Katelyn
Brandy said,
October 16, 2006 @ 1:04 pm
My dog lately has started licking everything. He licks the bed, the floor, and the recliner every time he is laying there. When i tell him to stop he does, but he looks around all nervous almost it seems. and I catch him trying to sneak licks in. why is this
Free Dog Tips said,
October 24, 2006 @ 6:34 am
Hi Brandy,
I had a Boxer who would lick when she was feeling insecure. She had severe separation anxiety. It was a habit with her, like an anxious person who chews nails. It sounds like your dog could have a similar problem. I’d discuss his behavior with your vet to rule out any physical problems, but I’d also think about anything that has changed lately, such as someone going back to work, a new pet, etc. that would be suddenly making him feel insecure.
Katelyn
jalesa said,
December 3, 2006 @ 12:08 am
My dog mitsey has been in heat for about a week now.We put her wit the male when she started and they still havent done anything yet.It’s not that the dogs don’t like each other, they play everyday. Her period is startring to lighten up and were worried she won’t get pregnant. What did we do wrong breeding her?
Danni said,
December 18, 2006 @ 5:04 pm
Hi
I have 2 Dogs both females (desexed) . The older of the two Kimmy is a miniture maltease and the younger one Rosie is a maltease x poodle.
Usually they get on fine but lately the younger of the 2 is becoming jealous over any attention the other dog gets even a pat. Both the dogs get the same attention .
But rosie keeps starting fights and wrestle violently.
Help
Free Dog Tips said,
January 20, 2007 @ 6:30 pm
Hi Jalesa,
It is too soon to breed your dog. Dogs cannot get pregnant during the first stage of the cycle. She’ll be ready to breed in the next day or so, as the bleeding stops and the second stage, called estrus, begins. This second stage lasts anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks.
Katelyn
Free Dog Tips said,
January 20, 2007 @ 6:34 pm
Hi Danni,
You may need to try obedience training so you can distract Rosie with a command when she starts to act up. You also may want to try giving Rosie a special toy to play with while you give Kimmy some attention. Do you feed them out of different bowls? Who eats first? You may have to consult a behaviorist to help you sort out their dominance issues.
Katelyn
mbt said,
April 25, 2007 @ 4:38 am
My dog has a broken back the vet wants it to heal on it’s own. He can walk, is not in pain, and is happy. What are the chances of his back healing?
Free Dog Tips said,
May 7, 2007 @ 3:48 am
Hi MBT,
If your vet thinks the chances are good, they probably are. If you are concerned, you may want to look into a second opinion to make sure you are getting the best care for your dog.