Re: several questions

In Reply to: several questions
Posted by:  Chris van Paasschen
Posted on:  October 28, 2001 at 14:05:37

: My Margaret Thatcher ended up with liver failure as a puppy and spent much time getting her back into shape. Is liver failure common problem? She has access to a back yard which she has RUN trenches in, better out than an inside problem. Is there a way to adjust her route so my yard doesn't look so bad? All the cats in the neighborhood think she is weird because she absolutely adores kitties and wants to play with them. I understand this is atypical. Do I ignore such behavior and let her "bring home" rats? (I really don't want those nasty things living in my house so she can have as many as she can get - as long as she leaves them outside.) I can't seem to get onto the boards to read so if someone could help me it would be great. Margaret is really pretty good - except when she uses the one area of carpet to let me know she's been left alone too long. Just getting even.

------------------ Response Area -------------------
Hi Chris,

Liver problems are not something common with this breed but there is always the chance of a dog having some kind of medical problem from birth. This is something that should be discussed with the breeder you purchased the dog from.

As far as the trenches in your yard, I don't have much in the way of solutions for you. Dogs LOVE routine, as you can see and this is the route she has chosen. The only thing I can suggest is to spend some time with her outdoors and redirect her energy by getting into a game of fetch with her. This way you are directing where she will run. A dog left outside on its own for too long a time will come up with things to keep themselves amused. Your trenches are an indication of that.

You don't mention how old Margaret is now but her attitude towards cats could change so be prepared for that.

As far as bringing you "presents" it is best to accept them gladly and then when she is not looking dispose of the "present" in the trash. Just make sure she presents them outside and not trots them into the house! You never want to discourage the natural instinct in this breed by getting all bent out of shape when your terrier brings you a kill, by yelling at them and the like. Tell her what a good dog she is and then get rid of the carcass where she can't get into it again. Although most terriers I know have not much interest in the animal once its dead.

As far as soiling on the carpet, this means she is not getting out often enough to relieve herself. Dogs do not soil in the house out of spite, they soil because they don't have a chance to get out to eliminate. So try to get her out more often to go to the bathroom and clean that area of the carpeting with an enzymatic cleaner.