I brought home two new pups this weekend. I just have to share my excitment and happiness.
Ulysses is the boy with the white face. Lily is our girl. They are olde english bulldogs (go figure who would have thought)of the same litter. Currently 6 weeks old. Yes, we have our hands full.
We expect a lot from these pups. In their bloodline they have show winners in conformation, pulling and protection, as well as competitors in agility and obedience (very rare for bullies). Right now though, they are just babies, they eat sleep and poop, play for about a half hour and start the cycle over.
I’m not trying to plug anybody, but I am very pleased with our breeder. If anybody is in the greater Kansas area and interested in this breed, PM me. It’s not a business or advertising thing, I’d just like to help you find quality dogs if that is what you are looking for.
I’ll have more pictures to follow. I know, I know, it is like other peoples kids. The parents want to show them off, everybody else says ‘that’s nice’, smiles and nods and doesn’t really care.
Thanks for the compliments guys (and gals). Another six months or so and they will be in the backyard pulling a sled with daddy.
Brazen T- These are Olde English, which have few health problems compared to English. An English Bulldog is expected ten years, these @12-14.
Belligerent- We plan on getting her fixed, keep him intact. I’d like to keep them both intact and breed (not with eachother) but I won’t have the facilities or resources to breed. Not to mention the complications of a female in heat. I won’t be able to show her if she gets fixed either, but she still may be able to compete in sports.
I’m keeping him intact, part because I just can’t bear to do that to my boy. If he turns out like I hope, he’ll be my stud.
I’ve never heard of vasectomy for dogs. Makes sense though, he won’t be able to breed but still keep the hormones. Does it change his behavior, i.e. mellow them out like neutering would?
Does anybody have experience with a home dog (pet) and protection training? I am strongly considering it, part for a hobby, part because the macho side of me wants a bad ass dog, and part because I want the wife to have a bodyguard when I am away. I am worried about if liability and increased aggression becomes an issue. Anybody with experience, please share.
I’m open to suggestions (hell, with two of the monsters I can use all the help I can get). I’m experienced with dogs and bull breeds, specifically any help raising two would be appreciated.
No way. Puppies are way cooler than kids. Those two are adorable.
No protection training shouldn’t increase any outward aggressiveness. At this young of an age you should focus on socializing the pups and putting them into as many different environments as possible. Some experts say puppies from 6 weeks to 6 months develop intelligence equivalent to 6-7 year old children. So when they chew up your shoes or crawl between the couch and wall they’re not making trouble but learning. Learning how to drive you batty. Learning the difference between quality running shoes and WalMart specials. Learning…
My Mom has done alot more dog training than I ever have, so I can relay some book reccommendations, web sites and other info if you like. In fact she and her dog Promise had a special feature during Animal Planet’s coverage of the Houston Dog Show. Her dogs do alot of herding, agility, obedience, and some conformation.
It’s time that we as a society stop chopping our dogs’ balls off. Getting them a vasectomy is fine, but people who can’t be a good owner to an intact male dog should consider getting a fishtank instead.
As for the females, go ahead and spay em, we have too much estrogen in the world as it is. Your average dude will make up for the lost ovaries.
Another piece of the puzzle: Puppy Development by Pat Hastings and Erin Ann Rouse
Building Blocks for Performance by Bobbie Anderson
All of these books explain the various learning and development periods in the first two years of a dogs life. How to become the pack leader and get the most from your dog in attitude, desire to please etc.
Bare in min that with this breed they will, by their nature, test your leadership as they mature. They will need extensive and on going socializion with people and dogs all their lives.
I had to come look at the puppies again. Yesterday I was thinking I loved Lily more, but today I’m leaning toward Ulysses. That innocent face! I can tell he would never chew expensive running shoes. He’s too good.
