Big Paws Only Dog Forums

This story is heartbreaking.  Those dogs are adored family pets.  You can tell that the family takes good care of them.  Just because one person "feels" threatened, their lives have to end?  It makes me sick.  And who is this trainer that actually agrees they should be put down for barking at someone near their property?  Does he know anything about dogs?  Ridiculous!

I get mine to play by sending my ankle biters after them.  Chaos quickly ensues!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wFCBtXaap4

Aww, such happy news!  And geez, is he gorgeous or what!  When's the due date?

Thanks for the advise, everyone.  I did end up just calling the vet, and they said it was ok to just watch it since there's no bleeding and he's not bothering it too much.  I'm so glad to hear that Bubba's nail grew back.  I was worried that Apollo's little toe might stay messed up.  And he's not licking it much today, and he's running around and playing like usual, not favoring that leg at all, so I think it's going to be alright.  I just freaked a little the other day.  Don't like to see my baby bloody and in pain.  

Congrats!   Good for you guys!  Our big paws make such great therapy dogs, don't they?  You must be so proud! 

I wish I had room for another one...  I wonder if he's from the same person that bred my boys...  That's a horrific thought.  Someone out there breeding these wonderful creatures and neglecting them until they run off...     Anyway, here's the link:  http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12380097

I also agree that it's a great idea to have Reese interact with Jenny in an "alpha" way, by feeding her or practicing obedience skills and what not.

I have my older boys, 12, 11 and 8, walk the dogs with me.  That way they can learn proper handling with me by their side.  Zeus tends to try to see what he can get away with from my 8 year old.  Zeus outweighs him by a good 30 lbs!    Zach's a tough kid though, and is learning quickly how to maintain control.  (We watch a lot of Dog Whisperer together, too! ) They've also been practicing sit and stays with them in preperation for the TDI test, which has been a big help when I'm working nights and trying to get sleep during the daytime. 

We even involve my 3 year old with training by letting him give treats for sitting.  I have to pick him up and hold him higher than the dogs so they'll notice him, but he just loves yelling "sit" at them and they love the treats, so everyone's happy! 

I don't think any of this would prevent a completely accidental reaction bite, which seems to be what happened with Jenny, but it does help them build a good relationship and mutual respect. 

Thanks everyone!!!  I know you all understand how much this CGC certification means.  I was so worried that it would be hard to train great pyrenees because of their independent nature, but reading about all of you at BPO who were successful gave me the confidence I needed to sign them up for classes!  And now we're just one test away from our goal - Therapy work!  It's just so exciting!  So thank you all again!  I truly think of this as part of BPO's success as well as Zeus and Apollo's!