Age Difference

**Ariana** · 01-30-2008, 02:44 PM

I had 2 dogs,Moochie and Sandi, both min pins, we got them when they were just 3 weeks old. Together they had 2 litter(a total of 5 pups). Then, after 5 1/2 years together Sandi got sick suddenly and died 3 days after we realized she was sick...she didn't eat, go to the bathroom, she couldn't even walk! I was the only one she would allow around her for those aching 3 days. So because of her pain we moved her inside, and left Moochie in the outside kennel. Sandi died and Moochie never really go to see her. So Moochie was lonely for about a month, he as well didn't eat very well either and would stand at the gate at night, as if he were waiting for Sandi to come home. Finally my Grandad realized Moochies pain and brought him home a play-mate, Lacy. Lacy is a rat terrier and just a little bigger than Moochie. Well now Moochie is 6 but little Lacy is just a year old so she is really rambunctious. When Lacy is just playing Moochie will just get mad at her, growl and bite at her. And when they eat Moochie will gorge himself just so she can't get it. Then at night he sits in their house and pouts, he wont even let Lacy in, its like -10 at night here. WHAT SHOULD I DO? My idea was to let Moochie come in at night, but I have asthma and cant have pets in the house. Then we suggested seperate houses, but Moochie doesnt like the new house we bought and Lacy wont stay in it, she just wants to be with Moochie. So, Lacy loves Moochie but Moochie just thinks Lacy is in the way. We have had them together for about 4 months now and things havent changed. Is this just sorrow from Moochie, missing Sandi. I mean, Sandi is the only dog Moochie has lived with. Is Moochie looking at Lacy as an intruder? HELP!! Moochie hasnt really HURT Lacy, just bites her enough to make her leave him alone. But I need some outside advice on this one. I just wanted to get rid of Lacy, if Moochie isnt happy with her then thats for the best... RIGHT? But my grandad loves Lacy and refuses to give her to a better home. What can I do, Moochie is my babe and I want him to be happy.

**bckrazy** · 01-31-2008, 03:14 AM

Oh jeez....

Ok. First and foremost, a Miniature Pinscher and a Rat Terrier have NO BUSINESS living outdoors in -10 degrees! None. Both are very small, very short-coated breeds. Unless you literally have a heater inside of their kennels, that is just no way to keep your dogs.

If you have allergies, seek medication. If that doesn't work, keep them in the garage. Designate a seperate room for them. Allow them to sleep in crates indoors. Use humidifiers, fans, air purifiers, whatever you need to. Clean and vaccume daily. I have asthma... and my dogs do not effect it in any way. Even with severe asthma, it just doesn't seem that 2 tiny dogs would really be capable of making it much worse.

The bottom line is... your dogs do not belong outside.

Secondly, your Minpin is probably annoyed by the rambunctious, excitable nature of your Rat Terrier. They need their own time with you, apart. Feed them seperately, in seperate bowls, so that each gets the right amount of food. You do not want one dog becoming overweight and one becoming underweight. Give your Minpin plenty of special bonding time away from Lacy. Take him on walks, play with him, and practice commands with him. Make sure Lacy gets plenty of exercise, so that she isn't constantly pestering Moochie for attention.

Also... is Lacy spayed? If not, please, please, please do so immediately. And please consider neutering Moochie. Not only will it prevent future litters, and adding to the pet overpopulation, it has a great chance of calming both of them down, and preventing very dangerous and costly diseases.

**Sparklecoon** · 02-02-2008, 07:22 PM

I don't even know when to start...

Please before anything else let these poor dogs in the house. Toy dogs were never EVER meant to live outdoors. We're talking a minpin and a rat terrier not a husky or a malmute (and even they have their limits).

**psettle** · 02-17-2008, 10:05 AM

I have a 15 month old German Shepherd Female from European Working lines. Very gifted social dog I have had for three months. She has bonded beautifully with our family. I am getting ready to show her in obedience trials with in the next month or two. She has never shown any timidness or fearfulness. In fact shortly after I got her I took her to a work day to build a police dog obstacle course. She was around loud noises people hammering throwing boards around etc, and could have cared less. Wtih in the last month however, she has gotten skittish about being approached from behind. Could this be an age or developmental issue. Like a late puppy adolesence. She has never had any bad experiences that I can think of and is for the most part an overtly confident dog. Just curious if I could generate any thoughts about age and development issues.