On puppy watch...Update! They're here!!!

[sred98]

Davaroo-I can see that. However, their people-pleasing overrides their prey drive. KWIM? We got her when she was a year old. She got out with the chicks and picked one up. I yelled, scruffed her neck, then looked her in the eyes and told her she was very very bad. It broke her heart, and a year later, she goes out, and all the chickens come running to her to talk to her. She got out of the house (had to open a sliding door, and jump a fence) when the neighbor's dog came down and killed my chickens, and helped chase him off.

She accepts the chickens as family, and she will die to protect her family. She adores the geese, though. I think they are snugglier to her than the chickens. LOL! Yesterday, she was napping outside while I was working. Just completely dead to the world. I watched as 20 chickens surrounded her. I actually think they were going to eat her! LOL! Scared her to death. She jerked her head up, then they scattered, and ran back over to see her. It was really funny.

I do have to watch her with the baby chicks. They cheep so much, she stresses and thinks something's wrong. We also watch her with the ferret, because when she plays she's really "handsy" and slaps. It amazes me that she likes the ferret, but will kill and eat a squirrel in a heartbeat. But, we've let her know it is part of the family.

Shelly

 

[sanctuaryworker]

Quote:
I was the same way until I met my husband who had a boston, and now I love them. Wonderful dogs! Good Luck to you and Ruby!

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
I know what you are trying to say, yes. I am not immune to the ways of dogs and I know many people claim success with them.

But it's my experience with canines that you cannot bank on any niceties. I often believe that it is we people who expect these things of them, that whole "dog-whispering, be nice and suppress your instincts" business. We train them and pat ourselves on the back for our supposed success.
Been there, done that myself. Got the books to prove it; Victoria Stillwell is my idol.

But they have other things in mind. Bostons were bred first as fighters and in time, as hunters, IIRC. My mother had them my whole life and she called them "rat dogs," because that was their job on the farm when she was a child. Hers were pedigreed and professionally trained, desired (and even profitable) as studs and dames. She had one, Dobies "Sonny-Boy" that was a gen-u-wine blue ribbon winner. As I said, I am not immune; I lived with them for years.
Around chickens however, which our neighbor owned, the nice and thouroughly trained "people pleasing" Boston Terrier became another creature altogether.

I would recommend that any one with a dog of this type AND chickens (or any dog with the name terrier, for that matter)... well, have a back-up plan. That's all I'm saying.

Now, I'll get my coat and leave this puppy-fest to you all.
Best of Wishes.

 

[sred98]

Well...took her into the vet first thing this morning. Still no puppies. He did x-rays and she has at least 6! Their heads are too big for her pelvis, so she is having a cesarean as I type this. We are going to go ahead and spay while they have her open. I hope everyone makes it through ok.

Shelly

 

[Bird Brain]

good luck, my thought are with you. Let us know how your little girl does

 

[ksacres]

 

[Sequin]

What made you decide to take her to the vet? Had her water broken but no puppy after a bit of time? From what you described I would have said that yes, she would start whelping soon. Typically with a maiden mother the first whelp is the hardest and they don't fully get what is happening - especially if they do not want to poop in the house. Because the feelings are sort of the same. It worries them that they will break a rule. But not eating, pacing, panting, etc. are all a part of labor and whelping. Was she having any contractions? I have assisted in whelping numerous litters and while it is fun and a joyous time, it is also a bit worrisome. I am sure your girl and her pups will be just fine!!! Congrats on the new litter of pups!!! Bostons are SOO cute!

Pictures when you get a chance are always much appreciated.

 

[sred98]

Just got her back from the vet and an emergency Caesarian. We thought she was going into labor Friday, when her temp dropped. Saturday she didn't eat all day and was miserable. Sunday, she started active contractions, pink discharge, but then stopped early this morning. Something just felt "wrong" so I got her in first thing. Lucky I did, or she would have died. 3 of the 6 pups didn't make it. Her pelvis was too narrow. We went ahead and spayed her, because she would have to have a caesarian next time, too.

2 girls, one boy. Looks like 1 brindle and 2 reds. Pics to follow. Thanks for the well-wishes!

Shelly

 

[PattiXmas]

Glad you got your girl to the vet in time. Bostons have an extremely hard time free-whelping. Congrats.

 

[sanctuaryworker]

sred.. sorry you lost some, but I am glad Ruby made it through o.k. cant wait to see some pictures.