Re: [pyrnet] Fear of thunderstorms

[Mplwy14@wmconnect.com]

In our experience, one *must* have a good strong, tall fence with boards at the bottom as well as often have it reinforced with electric line at the bottom, etc.

Tying her up is doing your goats no good and in the field, could leave her open to attack.

Just my two cents.

Chrissy


In a message dated 8/5/03 1:57:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time, R.Heinmiller@omnet.com writes:


> Our Pyr, Atalanta, who will be five in November, has recently developed a 
> fear of thunderstorms, of which we have a lot here in the Shernandoah 
> Vally.  This is very strange, as she grew up here and never showed any fear 
> of storms at all.     Normally, she lives with her goats in an area of a 
> few acres fenced in with an electric fence.   No problem.   But now 
> whenever there is a storm, she finds a way out through/under the fence and 
> comes up to the house.   This is a problem because once out of the fence, 
> she could get down to the highway or into a neigbor's pasture.
>
> At first, we tied her up to a tree near the house for a day or so.  She 
> hates this, because she doesn't like to be tied up or to not be near her 
> goats.    But, lately we have been tying her to a tree inside the fence for 
> several hours.   (The lead is long enough to allow her to get to shelter, 
> water, shade, and food.)    But, then when she is off the line and a storm 
> comes, she breaks out again.
>
> We cannot afford an escape-proof fence around the property.   We do keep 
> the electric fence maintained, but a determined Pyr, with a heavy coat, can 
> usually find a place to squeeze under, with some momentary discomfort.
>
> Our vet has recommended putting her inside a pen inside the fence overnight 
> each time she gets out, so she does not have to be tied, which Atalanta 
> finds humiliating.   I will get that set up this weekend.   She (the vet) 
> also says she has seen older dogs develop such fears, but they grow out of it.
>
> Anyone else run into this?   Suggestions welcome.
>         ..Bob


>>>>
>>>>She has a large igloo (it will hold seven animals) to retreat to.   It is 
in a relatively sheltered area of woods.  We have even gone down the hill 
during storms to re-assure her.   Actually, there are three such shelters 
for her and the four goats.  The last time I checked during a downpour, 
Atalanta was in one with the alpha male goat, the other male goat in the 
second, and the two does in the third.
         ...Bob<<<<
<<<<

Mr. & Mrs. William H. and Christina M. Ingram, Jr.
"Billy & Chrissy"
You are worth Jesus.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
John chapter 3 : verse 16
BCIngram@hotmail.com
http://www.zyworld.com/mapleway/Maple%20Way.htm  (Website)
http://www.zyworld.com/mapleway/Cocker%20Info.htm  (Cocker Info page)
http://www.zyworld.com/mapleway/Pyr%20Info.htm  (Pyr Info page)


In Loving Memory

Meka
Maple Way Avalon Juliet
February 22, 1999 - December 5, 2001
http://www.zyworld.com/mapleway/Meka.htm  (Meka's Page)