Hi Kim,
Tucker sure fits the description of a Pyrenean Mastiff. You really have the whole gambit of dog personalities and sizes what with a Border Collie & a Chihuahua! Especially with a Border Collie. They are so smart and so high energy, I really think that just like a Pyr is not for everyone, the same could be said of a Border Collie.
Sugar is actually supposed to be a Pyr Mix. The only non-Pyr looking trait she has is her muzzle which is smaller and pointed. Our vet thinks she is a regular Pyr - just not the pick of the litter (I detest that _expression_). Sugar and Kodiak vie for my husband's attention in a similar manner and right now Kodiak wins every time. She will find a way soon enough.
Anyway, I tried to walk the dogs with two leashes and did ok until a squirrel crossed our path. Kodi could care less but little critters still excite Sugar. We have been thinking about using a double dog leash coupler and the only issue I have is that I just don't like having the dogs in the front. I have a feeling I may very well have to get used to certain changes myself however. Thanks for the eBay link. I buy so much on that site and it didn't occur to me to even look there.
Thanks for writing back and sharing your experience. We have had two and three dogs at a time before but this time around it's different. Sugar is resilient but fragile in a way and I'm afraid I am going to make mistakes.
Christine
From: "Kimberly Shaffer" <kimberlys@hotmail.com>
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2010 12:02:53 AM
Subject: Re: [pyrnet] Help! Bro/Sis Q's New Sister for Kodiak/Rescue Pyr
First, I hope y'all had a Happy Thanksgiving :)
Ok. We finally got another Pyr. Kodiak will be three in February and she is two months younger. Her name is Sugar and she is an absolute doll. At 81 pounds she is rather small for her age - especially compared to Kodi's 130 pounds. Though she has had much upheaval in her life, Sugar seems pretty well adjusted. It is looking like she is going to get on with Kodiak quite well. They are both super playful and she can handle rough play with Kodiak like a champ. Actually, she gets riled up a little more and growls but from what we can tell, it truly is just play. So far, that is. Kodiak already seems protective of her and she of him.
I am concerned about a few things and uncertain how to proceed. At first Kodi was a little mopey when he learned he would have to share our attention with another dog, but he's bucked up a little and now they are like two little kids bickering over who gets to sit in the front seat. Kodi is used to a lot of constant loving and play. But right now Sugar needs a little more. Mostly lots of talk and lots of reassurance.
We walk 2.5 miles every day and Sugar is pretty well behaved on a leash but needs more time to adjust to barking dogs as we pass them and other diversions. The problem is what to do when my husband is not around. At this point there is no way I can walk both dogs myself. As Sugar gains more confidence and used to her surroundings, it may be possible - especially since Kodi is steadfast and easy going. Kodi has only missed two walks in the past few months yet I feel like I really need work with Sugar on a leash. I hate having to choose between the two and hopefully that will not happen very often in the long run but I am torn about what to do now.
Then there are other little things like giving them both a bone or a treat; paying attention to one more than the other when I go check the mail and stuff like that. I am trying to be as fair an equal as I can but sometimes it's just not feasible.
I hope I am making sense since this really bothers me. I have never had a female dog before and I absolutely love having this cute, dynamic miniature Pyr that just needs a lot of love and attention.
Sorry for ramble but any insight, advise or tips would help a lot.
Christine, Kodiak & Sugar.
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