Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I currently have three mastiffs and have, at various times, had up to five in my home.  The water is "served" in 2 gallon stainless steel buckets, elevated off the floor, with a rolled towel around the rim of each bucket, to (hopefully) catch the transferred slime from their faces after a drink.  Ok, so it doesn't always work, but it does cut down the amount we have to wear after each drink.  As for the slime in the buckets, my solution (we are still in the planning stages) is to buy and install one of the new automatic flush toilets just for them; the ones that use a sensor to detect motion and then flush- so each time one of the slimers gets a drink, the slime and goo gets flushed, and the "water bowl" refills with fresh clean water.

Rather than see you have to give up one of your babies, here's an idea you might want to try.  It will take time, effort and consistency, and at least one extra person to help you, but I am pretty sure that given the other options, it will be worth it to fix this issue.

First, you would need to figure out exactly at what distance the two dogs stop reacting to each other. Is it based on sight- Where if they can see each otherthey react, even if separated by 100 yards or so? Or do they not react to each other until they are within a certain distance of each other?  (Note- this may be different for each of the dogs)

Second- figure out what kind of treat each dog considers their favorite- it can be ANYTHING, as long as to that dog, it is the best thing in the whole world.

For the first day, you and your helper each take one dog, and that dog's special treat, and head off around the block or something in opposite directions. (You need to be very aware of your dog's body language, and estimate before starting, just how far apart you will have to be.) The plan is to meet head-on, but stopping before either dog has the chance to react, (including starting to tense up.)

1.) Just before either dog would normally react, (Make sure you both stop JUST BEFORE the first dog is about to react.) each of you stop and start shoving treats into each dog's mouth, as fast as you can, without causing them to choke.  (Use small pieces of treat, so the dog does not need to stop and chew before swallowing- ie. hot dog cut into quarters length-wise, then sliced)  While shoving treats in the dog's mouth, praise him heavily. 

2.) After about 5 minutes, stop the treats, turn your dog around, and head back the way you came.  Plan ahead so you do not meet again when arriving back at the starting point- one dog should arrive first and be put away before the other dog is even in sight.

The next few days, do the same thing over again.

3.) When they both stop paying any attention to each other when you approach the "treat place" go about 10 feet closer, and do the exact same thing. Repeat daily until they no longer pay any attention to each other.

3.) A.  If either dog reacts at all during this procedure, back up to a place where he stops reacting, and begin again from there.  You do not want to force them if they are having a bad day, so pay attention to their body language.

4.) Repeat each of the previous steps, getting closer and closer to each other, until you can get them within 10 feet of each other without them reacting to each other (they should be looking at you expecting treats rather than caring what the other dog is doing).

5.) Start working with them in your own back yard. Again, if they are reacting to each other, you are too close together.  Repeat the above steps again until the dogs are not reacting to each other. If you do not have a yard to work in, try a local dog park, a neighbor's field (ask permission first, of course).

You will need to repeat all of the steps in order in various places before you can begin the steps in your own house, because dogs do not generalize- just because they no longer react to each other when on the other side of the block, or in the park, that doesn't mean they will not react to each other in your own yard or your house.  You have to stick with it, and keep repeating the procedure in various places, and then finally indoors, in your own house.

By the time you get to that point, they should start to be happy to see the other dog, because it means good treats. I have used this procedure, and ended up with the dogs being best friends, because being near each other resulted in good things happening (ie. treats and praise.)

Give it a try, and see if it fixes the problems with your guys before you even think about rehoming one, or worse. Good Luck!

Any updates on this little girl? Is someone going to adopt her so we can watch her grow up via pictures? Hubby would be happy to help with transport if needed.  (He is a great guy who LOVES dogs of all ages/sizes/types, so no worries about responsible care during transport.)

East or west of Rochester?  We are about an hour east of Rochester, about halfway between Rochester and Utica.

Just had to share these pics- my pals at their funniest

Thanks for all the support, guys.

She looks just like my friend's rescued dane. The pic of her on her back makes her look really tiny though.