Q: I adopted a shepherd mix from the local shelter more than a year ago. He's great, except for one thing: He freaked out on the Fourth of July last year. What should I do this year?
-- M.R., via e-mail
A: Talk to your veterinarian now about tranquilizers that will help as the holiday gets closer. Considering how extreme your dog's reaction was last year, you'll likely want a full-fledged prescription product. If your dog were less anxious, I might suggest the homeopathic product Rescue Remedy, available in health-food stores, which many pet lovers believe helps to calm a nervous pet.
When the fireworks begin, make sure your dog is inside, turn on the TV or radio to muffle the sound, and be sure your pet can't escape in a panic. Scared pets are more likely to escape from the house or yard and be hit by cars or become lost forever. Prepare for the worst by making sure your pets have collars and tags, and know where to go for holiday veterinary care. Remember that terrified or hurt dogs are more likely to bite, so it's not a bad idea to have a soft muzzle on hand in case you need it.
Stay with your pet. A dog in this condition should not be left alone or taken to any holiday party.
Q: I'm getting a border collie -- my last BC died at 17-- and I've found a litter with two puppies still available, a brother and sister. Would it be better to raise two at once so they have daytime company? Would you suggest getting two from the same litter or different litters?
-- J.W., via e-mail
A: It's hard enough to raise and train one puppy well, and nearly impossible to handle two. The best choice, if you want two dogs, would be to raise one puppy to adulthood, and then get a second puppy and raise her.
Since you are aware of the border collie's intelligence and intensity, you likely know that even one BC is more than most people can handle. Do keep in mind, though, that border collies need training to keep their minds engaged and lots of aerobic exercise. A bored border collie will find ways to keep herself amused, and you might not like the choices she makes. Imagine the mischief two canine Einsteins can get into!
You may well enjoy getting involved in a sport such as fly ball or agility with your new dog (or dogs). They excel at these sports, and the fast pace suits their type A personalities well.
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