Re: Speedy Gonzales!!

In Reply to: Speedy Gonzales!!
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Chris
Posted on:  March 29, 2003 at 22:16:50

: This may be my fault. I changed Tuckers dog food to High Energy when he became an adult (1yr) because he is very energetic. Well, TOO much energy has kicked in. This dog is like a flash flying by. Impossible to catch. We have had to wait for him to flop over in exhaustion to get him. He's fixed, good natured, good with family, we do not want him to be injured. Also, we do not want to be injured, it hurts when he flys into us. He flys into alot of things because he cannot stop quickly. If it wasnt for a well secured screen (baby locks still on) Tucker would have flown out of a window last week.

: Fenced yard, considering invisible fencing as a safeguard outside the fenced yard. Worried if he bolts out of the gate that he will be gone or worse. We enjoy Tuckers antics but he is just way too fast for his own good. Calming dog food? Dog safety helmets?
: Help!

Response:

Dear Chris,

It sounds like you're fanning a flame that already naturally burns bright. :-) You can meet Tucker's nutritional needs by feeding him a high quality, adult formula food.

Invisible fencing as a second line of defense is certainly an option as long as you understand that some terriers will take the hit and keep on going. You may want to consider padlocking the gates to avoid them being opened by anyone not in possession of the key.