This is the puppy I kept back, to be my bunny buster.
I'll get some better pics tomorrow (With much less of myself in them), she's so hyper!
She's close to 12 weeks old right now. Not interested in much cept for getting up on my lap and eating. Can't get her interested in the bunny hide I have or anything. Not yet anyways. Any idea on how to get her interested? And/or techniques for me to train her to want to chase it?
I have a question about Terrers, weather TF or JRT's. In the cold winters, do you guys and gals find they can't take the cold? Mainly with thier paws. Does the snow not get compacted in thier pads and freeze thier feet?
Thanks, Shane
Last Edit: Oct 24, 2008 23:31:48 GMT -5 by ottodita
I have found that if the dog was allowed to explore outside during all types of climates, then they handle it just fine. All of our rat and fox terriers that we have owned had the job of chasing bunnies out of the garden. They would come in and out of the house, but spent most of the day outside. It's like with our feet, the more we run around bare foot on tough ground, the more callused our feet get. And then we get used to it. Granted, this was also in Texas, so not much snow that the dogs had to deal with.
When I first got my Shih Tzu, it was snowing. So she would have to go outside to do her business in the snow. I didn't baby her or clear an area. She went where I said she could go. She loves the snow now. We also took her hiking on rocky paths, up hills, and into fields. She may look like a little lap dog, but she is tough and hardy as they come. Now if I had treated her as a stereotypical "lap dog" I doubt she would be able to hike with us for two hours up a hill.
I truly believe that if you treat the dog like a delicate thing, the dog is going to act as such. Of course, monitor the puppy during harsher climates, such as snow. See how she does. Does she act like she hates it? Does she look miserable? They also sell a foot cream in most pet stores that you rub on the feet to prevent any issues if the dog is in a harsher climate or tougher terrain. They are several brands and I can't remember any off the top of my head.
Sorry this is so long winded, but I hope it helps!
P.S. That is a super cute pup! I love that serious face.
Last Edit: Oct 24, 2008 23:51:53 GMT -5 by spygirl
I figured if I let her out and get her used to the weather, then she'll do just fine. Just like you said. But right now it's only about +4 outside, not sure what that is in celcius. But, she hates it. shivers, tries to climb up etc. I just keep walking around the property and through the plowed over field. She does well, follow right behind my footsteps, stops when I stop etc. But, she's cold haha. And it's only +4. It does get to -30 here. Though, she won't be out in the -30 weather, as I tend to stay clear of it as well lol.
All our other TF's are babied and treated like lapdogs. Last winter, it was -35 with Windchill, and the one went outside to do her business and after about a minute out in the snow, she fell over. I had to run outside and get her, and call the rest of them in. So it may be because they're babied. But it certainly had me curious, as they're short hair, and small dogs. However, I do know a lot of folks here hunt with the JRT's.
I'm going to keep an eye on her over the next couple months and see if she continues to be too cold. I may need to put a coat on her lol.
No worries for long windedness, gives me something to do, thanks:)
Thanks, I find them all to be cute. This litter though, I hate all thier personalities. Most the time they come out, grow up to be cute little bundles of cutiness full of antics. This litter, they seemed to have skipped it, and went on to acting more like older dogs that were never played with etc. Been debating letting her go and waiting for another litter.........Just dunno yet. Also considering selling her and getting myself a JRT. I dunno yet:)