Quote:
Originally Posted by docmartin  Took her out this afternoon, we went about half a mile each way and stopped at our usual little shelter on the sea-front. She was up on the bench next to me immediately and was very affectionate. Back home she's also paying attention again. Her mood change could be down to my being physically unable to have these little strolls recently? Perhaps they have meant a lot to her and in excess of what I'd imagined? Although not so long, or rigorous as her Mom's morning workouts; it could be she's missed these little sojourns and chats more than I'd appreciated? Maybe the first heat's still having effect. Five weeks since she first showed and her little teats and vulva are still quite swollen? |
I must have missed this entry. And I still am having trouble trying to find the most appropriate reply. Let me get this straight: Your wife has been walking Crystal
off-lead since your surgery? At which time Crystal
came into season (started her heat/estrus)? And after
knowing about Crystal's escape from you while out one day? I still don't know how to say this nicely, but have you both lost your minds? This is totally such high risk (for disaster) behavior!
One cannot compare a dog's personality when not in heat to when the dog is in heat. A trusted companion turns into a reproductive machine! In heat, Crystal's body is constantly telling her to 'make puppies', regardless of any consequences. (It's not that she likes your wife more, it's because your wife is fulfilling Crystal's basic primal urge to get out and about!)
Dog heat starts with swelling of the vulva. This can go on for a week before the bleeding starts. Bleeding can last a week or more. When the bleeding stops is the optimal time to get pregnant and is when professional breeding takes place (3-5 days after bleeding stops). Notice the word 'optimal'. Fertilization can still occur before and after the 'optimal time'. The absolute safest thing to do is keep her on leash at all times, but especially when her vulva is swollen.
The entire time. Even professional breeders miss a day or two here and there.
Intact males can smell a female in heat from miles away.
Quote:
Originally Posted by docmartin Jeanie, thank you for such a detailed and as always extremely helpful answer. Crystal doesn't like other dogs at all and is getting quite aggressive to them as she grows up. We know she had to share a compound before we re-homed her at 5 months. When first introduced to our home she used to take her food from the bowl and hide it and this habit took a few weeks to break. Obviously she'd had to compete to eat in peace and was very scared of other dogs at that time. This has never improved and as maturity enhances her intrinsic character, she growls at the largest, with no fear at all. |
This is very typical Yorkie behavior. I guarantee that 99% of all Yorkies do these behaviors at some point in their lives, if not their whole lives, mainly as puppies but also older dogs too will take a piece of food into another room and hide it or eat it there. My Biewer takes her food bowl into the living room to eat. My little Yorkie girl hides pieces of food under a scatter rug, and the Biewer finds them and eats them. I believe this was discussed in a thread on YT somewhere, and it ended being chalked up to their hunting instinct, moreso than an abuse issue.
Yorkies have no fear. They do not see themselves as 'small dogs', not in the least!
Quote:
Originally Posted by docmartin In contrast, whilst a really sharp eared little house guard, once people are in the flat she's all over them, but is reticent to show the same emotion it seems outside? |
These are people you have welcomed into your home, and she reads this and accepts your friends. Are these the same people outside? Also, outside she goes into 'protect mode'. This is also common of the breed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by docmartin I'm nervous therefore about introducing another dog into the home and have not committed to the Dachshund pup yet. My wife leaves to see her new born grand daughter in Belarus on the 20th. She'll be gone for nearly a month and it will be interesting to see how Crystal handles this absence?
I intend to walk her every day at least once and play with her inside as well. In the afternoons now she enjoys joining her dad for a snooze.
I think Crystal would be the 'boss dog' in a partnership, but may enjoy a little companion, as she essentially has a very loving and gentle nature. Perhaps once the pup has had injections they should meet up here and see what goes off?  |
Congratulations on the Granddaughter! Wishing your DW a safe and happy trip!
I hope I haven't sounded too harsh, but I feel you both need a 'Wake-up call'. I keep telling myself you are 'new' owners and my intent is not to hurt anyone's feelings, but for Crystal's sake, please heed my advice.