And oh yeah, new living arrangements.
Roz and Daphne decided they could not live with each other in the same room, so they are now separated with different roommates.
Daphne was the instigator, and Roz was not having it. So after a few minor scuffles they looked at each crossways one day, and the fight was on. Luckily I was there to stop it, which I 100% do not recommend.
First I tried the bucket of water in their faces as they were latched on to each other. That just made the floor wet. So I fell down. The lucky part was that I fell on top of them and for a moment that broke their hold. I was able to keep them apart with one hand in a death grip on Daphne’s muzzle, and my body leaning on Roz and holding her down. While slipping and sliding and somehow maintaining my grip, I got up and pushed Daphne out the door by her face. They have only been close enough to growl at each other since.
Neither one was injured enough to warrant a trip to the vet. My butt was sore for a couple of days though.
First, because Daphne was in heat, I put her in with neutered Winston. She was pushy with him too, but he didn’t fight back. But ultimately he avoided even going out in the yard with her, and so I had to make a change because he seemed miserable with her. Solution: after her heat cycle, I put Daphne in with Clyde. Clyde. Did. Not. Take. Any. Crap. From. Daphne. Clyde and Daphne now get along great. Her attitude has changed. She no longer thinks she is the queen of the world.
Roz is somewhat intimidated by Clyde, and she gets along much better with Winston and her mother SeeSee. Roz has never wanted to be Queen of the whole wide world and she is happy to let her mother and Winston coexist.
See See is still in heat, so she is separated with access to the side yard so her scent doesn’t drive Clyde and Johnny crazy. But she will eventually be roommates with Winston and Roz.
When my dogs are in pairs or threesomes, they can be rotated in and out of the yard, side yard, bedrooms, and other living spaces easily. That way they are all part of my family. I love them all so much. I am so proud of all we have accomplished in the AKC conformation and obedience rings. I am working with Clyde now on his basic obedience and he is eager to learn and very smart!
Because Roz and Daphne have just turned 2 years old today, I can now get hips and elbows x-rayed for potential certification with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. That will determine my next breeding. I have decided not to breed SeeSee on her current heat cycle. More on this in my next post.
Shepherd Sight 