Meg and Danielle

OWNER NAME:  Danielle

LIVES:  Barrow-in-Furness

Dog Names: Meg, Rags and Barney

DOG/S BREED/AGE:

Meg (Springer 8yrs) Rags (Lhasa Apso cross 10yrs) Barney (Scottish Cairn Terrier cross 5yrs)

DID YOU HAVE DOGS WHILST GROWING UP?

Yes I did.  We got them from Ravenglass on a farm as pups.  They were English Pointer cross Welsh Springer Spaniels.  Gus, we had until he was fifteen.  Biff until he was eleven.  He died of mouth cancer.  He was a little swine.  He would have put our Barney in his place.

WHY DID YOU GET A DOG?

I got a dog because they are brill.  You just gotta love them! 

 HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR DOGS?

Meg I got 2005.  Rags I have had just over a year now. Barney I have had nearly two weeks.

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM?

Meg was from a friend of ours.  She needed rehoming.  Rags came from Animal Concern, Cumbria. Barney came from a rescue centre in Lincolnshire.

TELL ME ABOUT IT

A friend of ours had asthma and it got a lot worse and so she had to re-home her animals, so Meg came to me.  As for Rags, I do not know a lot about his background.  I was told there was a split up and needed to go.  I think there is a lot more to it though.  They did not tell me he was aggressive. Luckily he came to me. I dread the idea that he could have gone to kids.  He would have been put down! Barney was my mam’s but is now living with me because I have the time to train him.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC BREEDS THAT ARE TARGETED AS DANGEROUS?

Basically, any dog that is brought up properly is less dangerous than one than is not! Rags could be classed as more dangerous than some!  It is not the breed, it just some can be seen to do more damage because of the size.  The shorter the jaw the more powerful it is said to be and Bull breeds were bred with short jaws.

IS HAVING A DOG HOW YOU IMAGINED IT TO BE?

I did not really imagine what it would be like.  I just wanted them. I help to train Barney. He is my mam’s dog, he is Scottish-Cairn Terrier cross.  He has aggression issues.

TELL ME ABOUT THEM

Barney has dog on dog aggression.  If he can cannot get to the target of his aggression he will redirect it onto the nearest thing to him, whether it be the dogs he is walking with or the handler.

WHAT ISSUES HAVE YOU HAD WITH YOUR DOG/S?

Meg is a good girl. Not too many issues.  Rags he has food aggression issues.  He is still touch sensitive still. His obedience is very good. 

HOW DID YOU CORRECT THEM?

His food aggression it is still ongoing.  Controlled food and treat time is helping. For the touch issues I have to groom and touch him at different times to get him used to it.  I also take him to dog training classes.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PETS?.

I have three mice. They are called Lola, Edna and Pearl. They are all different colours.  The dogs ignore the mice.  Upstairs I have a gerbil called Rhonda and six African Land Snails. They are called Cooper, Harper, Tango, Lilly, Phoenix and Merlin.  The oldest one is coming up four.  The dogs don’t even notice them!

HOW DO THE DOGS SPEND THEIR DAY?

They go out for a walk twice a day. Morning walk is first thing then come back and have their breakfast.  Then it is relaxation.  Then about 2pm they go out for another walk.  They come in and go to sleep.  The dogs then have their tea at about 4pm. In the evening they either get an interactive toy or training session. Barney has the same routine but with more exercise and training.

WHAT IS THEIR FAVOURITE  ACTIVITY?

Meg is obsessed with the ball.  Whoever has the ball is the most interesting person in the world.  Rags can’t really have toys but he likes bubbles.

WHERE DOES THEY SLEEP

They all sleep next to my bed.                                       

TELL ME A FUNNY INCIDENT INVOLVING YOUR DOG

There was a poo incident. Rags will eat the odd poo!  We were wandering along the field one day on a walk.  Rags noticed a poo and would have eaten it given the chance when Meg came along nearby minding her own business and Rags flew at her being possessive over the poo.  As if to say do not dare eat that poo it is mine!  It was funny! Meg didn’t even want it.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW DOG OWNER/OR PEOPLE THINKING OF HAVING A DOG?

Make sure you think about it properly and that you can provide everything the dog needs. For example, time for training and walks. Make sure you are in the financial position to cover vets bills, grooming costs and good quality food. Research the best type/breed for the family’s energy level. Once everyone is happy, contact a reputable breeder or rescue centre.