Mary's Mama

I discussed this with my vet extensively. My dog has front dew claws but no rear. This is what she told me. There are two kinds of claws. Attached and unattached. When you say wobbly it makes me think yours are unattached. Anyway, attached means that the digit has bone that is attached to the joint. Unattached means the digit has not bone attached to the joint. To remove an attached digit is very invasive, painful and not necessary. To remove an unattached digit is easier and less painful but not painless. The advantage to having unattached removed also is that the unattached digits are usually the ones that end up getting caught on something and torn or ripped. So because my dogs digit is attached, I did not have hers removed. We keep them well trimmed and have never had it get caught on anything. If they had been unattached, I would definately have them removed while neutering. It is less painful than a possible injury later. My new puppy had his removed at 2 days so we have nothing to worry about. At that young it only hurts for a second and is over, just like a tail docking. Does that help? :D

Try reading some different books. You cant just rely on one persons take. Some feel grains are very important (I concur). Get books on nutrition not just on specific diets and see what they say. You really need to educate yourself and then make your own educated decision. :wink:

Aurora - I dont know how you fix that kinda problem. The article stated that the couple with the pit was using a black trainer to help curb her issues. Maybe you could find a black trainer with a kid. :lol: Its worth a shot anyway. I was most intrigued with how our emotions travel to the dog. I think many people would treat their dogs differently and act differently around them if they understood that.

There is a great website about nutrition that I have been directed to recently. The lady obviously has worked with Eagle Pack Company so she often speaks of their food but she has provided her list of good foods which closely resembles WDJ. Anyway she has this interesting article about mixing brands. Thought you might like to read [url]http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/problems_with_mixing_different_brands_of_foods.htm[/url] Feel free to look around at the rest of the articles. So far everything I have read seems to make perfect sense.

Urgh. The dreaded Parson Russell question. It's okay it is difficult to understand, and even I get it screwed up sometimes. Okay lets see how to break this down. [b]Size:[/b] There are two distinct height groups in Jacks, 10-12.5" and 12.5" to 15". The first would be considered in slang as a puddin and the latter a parson. There are many conflicting reports as to why this is. The names are easier to explain. The "parson" is called this because this is the standard as set forth by Parson John Russell, the founder of the breed. The puddin got its name because they often were used around the farm house to keep rodents at bay, thus earning their pudding. The puddin story could be a load of crap but it is cute. :wink: [b]Clubs:[/b] UKC - Seperated the two "breeds" to recognize their differences quite some time ago. JRTAA (JRTBA) - American org that was started by breeders and is most concerned with showing. They spent much time working to get the dogs recognized by AKC. The believe firmly that the true JRT fits the standard as set forth by the Parson, hence the Parson Russell Terrier. AKC - Recognized JRTs in the 1990's and has now revised it to be the PRT at the request of the JRTAA. Again, believing firmly that the true JRT is the parson standard. JRTCA - American org committed to retaining the working characteristics of the breed. They just seperate the two classes for competition yet all are considered JRT's. This is also the primary registering body for JRT's. A book I recently read stated that the shorter legged russells were breed in the late 1800's as the countryside was getting crossed with barbed wire. The hunters could no longer use horses and hounds for this reason and need a terrier that could follow the prey everywhere. Truth is there are many different schools of thought, however anyone who has ever met both a parson and puddin knows the only difference is the length of the legs. They are the same dogs!! Among pet owners the feeling is that the Parson designation is only for AKC showing. For all other purposes we own Jacks! Did I miss anything? Feel free to ask questions! :lol:

This is an article I found interesting. Though you all might to. [url]http://slate.msn.com/id/2079214/[/url]

Most likely she wont want to walk. I have a jack, very high energy. The night of her surgery she wouldn't move. I had to carry her out to potty but only did that one time right before we went to bed. However, she woke up the next morning as if nothing ever happened. :lol: I also recommend picking up some soft food to feed her. The most important thing is to try to get her to drink or lick ice cubes and eat at least a little something. That will speed up her recovery and keep her from getting dehydrated.

Hmmm. I really think you should clarify your post. While most of the information you have given is true, you need to put it in context. The foods you speak of are big name "commercial" foods, sold at grocery stores and large chain pet stores. There are dry foods that use high quality human grade ingredients that are more than acceptable. These are the premium foods, that most of the members here use. Just one question though, if chicken is bad b.c that is not what they eat in the wild, then why are eggs the best source of protein, did they often eat eggs in the wild? And milk, why is that good for them? Wild dogs never had access to cows milk. There are alot of misconceptions about what wild dogs actually ate. You might want to do a little more reseach.

slices of pizza.....never thought of it that way but yes. Here is Mary's website, the pic on the home page is about 5 months. The rest of the pages are much more recent. [url]www.geocities.com/marysmoma[/url]

In terriers, floppy ears prevent dirt and underbrush from getting in their ears during a hunt. Not sure how this relates to the other groups. Jacks are supposed to have flop ears so their ears dont get full of dirt while they are in hole. My jack had flop ears at 9 weeks, at about 4 months they were half mast, and since six months they stand straight up. They are called prick ears and considered a "fault". It can be cartilage (which some vets will break, but it is discouraged b/c it is very painful), muscles or size and placement on the head that make them prick. Mary's ears are small and set too low on the side of her head so they dont flop like they should. I had hoped that since it started while she was teething, they would flop back over, but now I love her sticky up ears!

Cairnmom - I think your plan sounds fine. I feed Wellness dry, and either mix in a little Wellness wet, Spots Stew, veggies & yogurt, or applesauce. I have a 16 lb Jack Russell Terrier. She eats 1/4 cup wellness kibble w/ the spoonful of wet 2 times a day. I try to mix it up for her. I have not noticed any change in her stool whatsoever. I can feed alot less because of the better quality. When you change from euk to wellness be very careful. The body is working very hard right now to process the euk. When you change to wellness you will see an increase in frequency and loosening of the stool. If you do a gradual change over, mixing the two foods in increasing increments of new to old over 3 weeks, you can minimize these problems. After eating nothing but wellness for about 10-14 days you should see a stabilization. I recommend going to the wellness website and reading the FAQ's. It will better explain what to expect and why the stool is different on wellness. It is very beneficial for the dog. I have had no gland issues with Mary, which can be very common in all terrier breeds. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions.

Hi. I just bought some for the first time this weekend at $2 a can. I mix a little wet with dry at meals. Anyway, it is not like "normal" wet food. It is actual stew! Chunks of meat and whole veggies in a gravy. It smells good enough to eat yourself. The dogs love it. I think you would need to feed 2 cans a day if you fed it alone but if you mixed a little kibble in you could feed 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night. I only used a large spoonful over about 1/4 cup kibble. I do think it might cause a little bad breath. Mary doesn't normally have bad breath but I have noticed it the last few days after feeding her the stew. It is really good food. Halo is an awesome company. I have used many of their products. Here is there website: [url]http://www.halopets.com/[/url] Let us know what you decide. :D

Lots of dogs will chase lasers. Not mine, she knows where it comes from too :wink: I have been told that it is bad to let the dog chase the light. It can cause OCD. Do you notice that when you stop playing it takes a while for the dog to settle down or relax? Supposedly, since they can never actually "catch" the light, it is frustrating for them. Maybe this is just a problem with hunting breeds. But definately something you should think about. Keep an eye on their behavior when the game is over or if the dog doesn't want to stop, you'll be able to tell if it is causing a problem.

I can't believe I missed that. You're right that is exactly what it is. I will get the Lotrimin tonight on the way home. Thanks again, gigi. :)

Hello. I have a 12 year old Sheltie that is loosing fur and I am not sure why. Background info: Bo is my husbands childhood dog and a poster case for why you should never give a 12 year old a puppy and expect them to be responsible. Bo is 12, 48 lbs, missing his front right foot because he chewed it off and generally a complete mess. My husband loves him very much but had no idea how to take care of him and by the time my hubby was 16, he had better things to do than take care of this dog. Bo was neglected for many years which explains his condition to this point, and my husband is painfully guilty and self loathing about it. I have tried to do what I can to help get Bo as well as possible. He is now eating Wellness Super5Mix Chicken and since Sept has long approx 15 lbs. He still chews and licks his feet and occasionally has to wear an e-collar until it heals. He was extensively tested by the Univ. of Illinois vet school to determine if he had allergies, which they found none. Other than his weight (arthritis as a complication), and the licking/chewing issue, the vet says he is in good health. Our current issue. About two weeks ago we noticed round "spots" in the fold between his belly and right thigh where skin was peeling and the fur had fallen out. They started out the size of a nickel and are now about the size of a half dollar. No redness, fluids or any signs of infection. Yesterday I noticed two more "spots" on his chest (under chin) and yet another on the outer side of the left theigh. The hair has fallen out, and the top layer of skin is peeling away. Again no redness except for the one that he had licked. I have no experience with older dogs, skin problems, etc and am at a loss. My husband is afraid he is in pain and suffering and if so is ready to put an end to it. I will take a pic of the spots and post later today. Does anyone have any idea what it could be? Is my husband premature in feeling it is his time to go to the bridge? What are you initial feelings? TIA (Sorry so long)

Roo - Any luck finding info on the senior food? If not do you have any site recommendations for me? Guess maybe I'll just have to perform a little experiment and find out for myself! I guess as long as I am feeding good food they'll be just fine. There are a lot of dogs that eat a lot worse! Thanks

I am trying to gather many opinions on the importance of the appropriate food for the corresponding life stage. I have read many conflicting reports all over the web stating that puppy/senior foods are or are not necessary. If your response is breed specific, please state so. I am aware that giant breeds do not require puppy food. I currently feed Wellness Chicken. I have a 12 yr old sheltie, 1 yr old jrt, and a new jrt pup on the way :). I have changed from free choice to meals, in anticipation of putting the 12 yr old on Wellness Senior, and the pup on Wellness Puppy. That is my background, therefore, do you believe feeding for the correct life stage is the appropriate action to take, rather than having them all on regular adult food? Do you feel puppy food is necessary or preferred? Do you feel senior food is necessary or preferred? Thanks in advance.

Hobbit, I am sorry, I did not know you had many mouths to feed. I understand your position. I can say though that even though the premium foods are more expensive, the dogs eat a lot less, so overtime you many not actually put out more money. I wish you luck in your research. And thank you for listening.

Sorry about all those typos. That is irritating, and it won't let me edit it. Anyways my apologies. I should add that I started using Wellness in September. I have two dogs, 13 yr old Sheltie and 10 mo old JRT. The sheltie, Bo, is my husbands childhood dog. Over the years as my husband got independent and stopped spending time at home (teenagers :roll: ) Bo gained excessive weight. A sheltie should typically be around 20-25 lbs (I think) Bo has weighed upwards of 50 lbs. This is so horrible and my husband feels very awful. We did all the vet tests at multiple offices, tried all the diet foods, etc. nothing was helping and we gave up. He also had skin allergies and would chew on his feet. Well, since September, when I finally found the light, started researching food, etc. and got the right food, he has lost at least 10 lbs. His hip problems from the weight are dissappearing. Last night he actually ran and chased our JRT around the living room and into the kitchen. This is unprecedented activity in the last 3 years. I could go on for hours with all the benefits of this food. Needless to say I am a strong believer. Also, dont do something just because someone does or doesn't recommend it. Please do web searches for articles that explain pet nutrition, how commercial pet foods are made, etc. Do your own research and make your own decision. It really is a personal decision. If you need help getting started on your research please feel free to send me a PM.

Hobbit - I feed Wellness Super5Mix Chicken. You can read about it at [url]www.oldmotherhubbard.com[/url]. My issue with any kind of meat meal is the process used to produce it. It is called "rendering" defined as cooking to remove all excess water and fat from the meat. It is then dried and turned into a powder. Well after all that you might as well leave it out. And then they claim that they add fat back in for essential fatty acids. Truth is chicken fat causes heart disease. Fish oils provide essential fatty acids without the risk of heart disease. It has very little nutritional qualities left. Rice - well it doesn't say what kind of rice. If it is white rice, no good, if brown okay. The bleaching process to make rice white contains chemicals that dogs dont need. Also, I wouldn't trust anything these ppl said. One the benefits page it says it has not corn but it lists corn gluten meal as an ingredient. It is still corn. And the "reduces stool" part. While it sounds appealing to us is actually not so good for our pets. It often is the reason why dogs have trouble with blocked anal glands, which can become infected. So, this is just my opinion. I do not claim to be any authority in this arena. I just feel there are much better foods you could choose. And if you are gonna be a distributor I would hope you would want to feel good about the food you sell.

I ordered some off of a website once. Mary loved it but once she finished it, it soon ended up on my floor. It made her vomit horribly. Not that this will happen to everyone but if your dog has a sensitive tummy, be careful. Have you all ever tried Greenies?? They are a great chewing alternative as well!

Not sure imy opinion matters, but I would never let that stuff near my dog. Meat meal, ground rice, added fat, corn, just to name a few of the ingredients that are not good for dogs.

I was a market research major in college and that is a horrible survey. No market research company with have a brain would ever ask ppl to do that. I am appaulled!!

I bath Mary 2-3 times a week. Jacks are notorious for having dry skin, etc. I use a shampoo made by Bio Groom called So Gentle. It contains no soap, is hypoallergenic, can be used with topical flea and tick treaments. It is great. She gets bathed so much cuz she goes to the dog park and gets absolutely filthy. No trouble here so far. :D

I would like to request that you review my post again. I would like to make sure you understand that I did not ever suggest pulling a tail, prying open a dogs mouth, letting children hold puppies, or any of the other extremes my comments got exaggerated too. Maybe grab was a bad choice of words, maybe I should have said touch or gently wrap hand around tail. I in no way intended to suggest that any one do mean, abusive, painful, or dangerous things to a puppy. It is wonderful that as breeders you take the time to assist your clients in selecting their puppies. I applaud you for you work. In a perfect world everyone who sold a puppy would do as good of a job as you do. Unfortuately most people do not buy dogs from breeders. I am one of them, by choice. Also, I would like to clarify that I do not believe it is a good idea to buy children puppies or buy puppies as christmas presents. I tried to see how I could help him, instead of shutting him out. I do believe that speaking to owners of a breed you are considereing purchasing is breed research and is a good idea. Of course it should be supplemented with literature research as well. An instance would be a jrt. Much of the literature is not entirely accurate. I have learned much more about jacks from owners than from literature. So accepting that families with children do buy dogs all year round, please allow me to try to affect the situation positively. Their is a child that will end up with a puppy, I would much rather try to help make the inevitable situation better. While I do feel the opinions you gave were valid and very needed, I do not believe they would change his mind, therefore, more was needed. Remember, things would be very boring if we all agreed all the time. Just because we do not agree does not mean either one of us is wrong.