Voodoo is going today
- Thread starter Gempress
- Start date
Gemp,
Like most have said, it would work for the short run, but long term? VooDoo would prolly not only be miserable outside by himself since he has been a house baby, but you'd always have to be on your toes about making sure he couldn't get out.
I wish you luck in whatever you decide.... keep us updated!
Like most have said, it would work for the short run, but long term? VooDoo would prolly not only be miserable outside by himself since he has been a house baby, but you'd always have to be on your toes about making sure he couldn't get out.
I wish you luck in whatever you decide.... keep us updated!
Gemp, I have e-mailed two very good friends of mine regarding Voodoo. One is a boar hunter and the other guy just recently lost his Catahoula at a ripe old age...I will let you know when I hear from them! The guy who lost his Catahoula is actually my dog nutritionist. He literally created my boys' diet for me and I trust him so much! The boar hunter is also an amazing guy who really cares about his dogs! He takes extreme precautons when he's out hunting and does not allow anyone to fire a gun if the dogs are along.
Alright got him posted in some forums that have mostly dog owners who really advocate working a dog! I hope you dont mind that I took some pictures from past posts of yours...This is the post I am using, if you wish me to include or change information, just let me know!
If you wanna know waht forums i posted on please PM me
Alright guys I got another dog who needs a working home. This is Voodoo, a 1 year old Catahoula. He randomly showed up at my friend's doorstep one day and she decided to keep him after many phone calls and fliers didnt reveal an owner. Shes had hime for a few months now but a few days ago Voodoo and the Black Mouth Cur, Zeus, that he lives with got into a nasty fight over an old tortilla chip that landed them both at the vets with sutures and drains. Two days later Voodoo went after Zeus again. Since my friend lives in a small townhome keeping the dogs seperated all the time isnt an easy task, plus because of how drivey Voodoo is, she would rather see him in a working home. If anybody is interested in this beautiful dog please PM me. He is currently located in Texas but arrangements can be made to have him shipped pretty much anywhere. He is very human friendly!
Firstly, I'm very sorry about the whole situation Gemp.
You love them both and any decision involving either Zeus, or Voodoo being hurt/rehomed is a terribly difficult one. I'm sure you'll make the right choice no matter what.
As for the dog behaviourists' on the forum, what could cause such a freak accident? Is it a stage? Is it something that will continue no matter what? Something he could grow out of?
Or it would be a risk no matter how much time, training or socialization? Has anyone ever heard of situations like these happening, and then all being fine after?
I can't really put myself in your shows and really understand Gemp, but I do know it must just be rough time in your household, I'll be thinking of all of you.
You love them both and any decision involving either Zeus, or Voodoo being hurt/rehomed is a terribly difficult one. I'm sure you'll make the right choice no matter what.
As for the dog behaviourists' on the forum, what could cause such a freak accident? Is it a stage? Is it something that will continue no matter what? Something he could grow out of?
Or it would be a risk no matter how much time, training or socialization? Has anyone ever heard of situations like these happening, and then all being fine after?
I can't really put myself in your shows and really understand Gemp, but I do know it must just be rough time in your household, I'll be thinking of all of you.
Just from what I know, which admittedly is very little in comparison to Doc, that Voodoo is about the right age for this issue (DA) to start cropping up. I think it's really got very little to do with Gemp's parenting and more with just how Voodoo is. Not that it's a bad thing, just he isn't suited for life with another dog, or at least not another male dog. At this point though, I'd go on the safe side and say "Single dog home".
I just want to pipe in and say how touched I am over all the rescue efforts going on right now in this thread. You guys are magnificent that way. This kind of reminds me of the family thing where the family can fight all they want but let some outside force endanger one of them and they rally. I just can't even express how beautiful what I am seeing happening here is. Ok, I will stop now. I don't want to ruin my reputation as board jester.
Oh and Erica, I decree that I will no longer let you lurk. And believe me, I can be a persistent pest. Ask anybody.
Oh and Erica, I decree that I will no longer let you lurk. And believe me, I can be a persistent pest. Ask anybody.
i must say Gemp,
i really feel bad for what your going through and what zeus and voodoo are going through. its not a situation i would wish on anyone that loves their dogs so much.
you've given a stray dog a better life for the year you have had him, its not working out and i'm so proud of you and everyone thats posted on their idea's and efforts for getting him rehomed.
Voodoo has the perfect home out there that will suit him, and with help form all oevr the world, your going to find it for him.
i loved reading all your posts. i think their great. i love your dogs even though i've never met them. their a coupl eof dogs that relaly stand out on this forum. i'm glad to have "met" them.
i really feel bad for what your going through and what zeus and voodoo are going through. its not a situation i would wish on anyone that loves their dogs so much.
you've given a stray dog a better life for the year you have had him, its not working out and i'm so proud of you and everyone thats posted on their idea's and efforts for getting him rehomed.
Voodoo has the perfect home out there that will suit him, and with help form all oevr the world, your going to find it for him.
i loved reading all your posts. i think their great. i love your dogs even though i've never met them. their a coupl eof dogs that relaly stand out on this forum. i'm glad to have "met" them.
If you decide to keep him why not just basket muzzle both boys when you cannot supervise 100%. Better safe than sorry. You can always do a rota with them, swap with outside and in and when you want both in, muzzle.
I know quite a few people with dogs who are aggressive with each other and they use that system with great results.
I am also very sorry that you and your boys have had to go through with this, I am relieved that you are giving it time. In the end you are the one who has to make the choice, I do not envy you. You must do what you must to protect your family. Good luck.
I know quite a few people with dogs who are aggressive with each other and they use that system with great results.
I am also very sorry that you and your boys have had to go through with this, I am relieved that you are giving it time. In the end you are the one who has to make the choice, I do not envy you. You must do what you must to protect your family. Good luck.
I was talking with my dog nutritionist about this (the one who owned a Catalouha who recently passed from old age) and he said that pack hierarchy is very important to Catahoulas and had Zeus and Voodoo not been beating eachother up so bad they should have gotten things figured out and have been fine from there. He was saying that by the sounds of it Voodoo would do best in a home with a female who is just as "spunky" as he is and in a working home so he doesnt have excess energy to drive frustrations.
A few other catch dog experts I have been chatting with about Voodoo agree that he looks very bully and have a stronmg belief that there is some American Pit Bull Terrier in him. They all say he is a magnificent dog that would make a phenominal catch dog, the trick is just to find the right hunter to take him in...
Because of the way Zeus and Voodoo greeted eachother when Zeus came home I highly believe it was simply a dominance fight with two dogs who didnt want to back down so it got ugly fast. I believe Voodoo could be integrated into a hunting pack so long as the circumstances are right. He might not be able to live with them all the time but I do strongly belive that he could hunt with them without any problems.
A few other catch dog experts I have been chatting with about Voodoo agree that he looks very bully and have a stronmg belief that there is some American Pit Bull Terrier in him. They all say he is a magnificent dog that would make a phenominal catch dog, the trick is just to find the right hunter to take him in...
Because of the way Zeus and Voodoo greeted eachother when Zeus came home I highly believe it was simply a dominance fight with two dogs who didnt want to back down so it got ugly fast. I believe Voodoo could be integrated into a hunting pack so long as the circumstances are right. He might not be able to live with them all the time but I do strongly belive that he could hunt with them without any problems.
Thank you for all who are helping my little Voodoo. You have no clue how grateful Hubby and I are. It's wonderful to have such an outpouring of support from all of you, and it means a lot to me. Words just can't express it.
After a long talk on the phone with dr2little (who is just as wonderful and helpful on the phone as she is in real life), some help from Chaz and a lot of thinking, Hubby and I have come to a very hard decision.
If I cannot find a working home in the country for Voodoo within a few days, I will have him PTS.
These fights are getting progressively worse and more intense. Voodoo really tore Zeus up the last time, and it lasted only seconds. As doc said, Voodoo is a very powerful and high-drive dog, and the more he fights, the more practice he gets. Doc and I both believe that if he gets into another fight, he will kill his opponent.
I cannot rehome Voodoo to a pet home knowing that if someone leaves a gate open or loses their grip on his leash, Voodoo might kill someone's pet. That can happen to even the most dilligent and experienced pet owner. It could happen in 2 weeks, it could happen in 8 years. But if it does happen, I would feel awful knowing that someone's companion was horrifically killed and I could have prevented it.
By that same token, I'm not able to keep Voodoo longer than a few days. The risk to Zeus is just too great. And it may not be Zeus. It could be one of my cats, my ferret, or even the neighbor's dog.
This was such a hard decision to make. But Hubby and I feel it's the most responsible thing we could do. If we end up putting him down, at least I'll know that I did what was best. And, although short, Voodoo will have lived a good life full of love, and with no pain or suffering.
After a long talk on the phone with dr2little (who is just as wonderful and helpful on the phone as she is in real life), some help from Chaz and a lot of thinking, Hubby and I have come to a very hard decision.
If I cannot find a working home in the country for Voodoo within a few days, I will have him PTS.
These fights are getting progressively worse and more intense. Voodoo really tore Zeus up the last time, and it lasted only seconds. As doc said, Voodoo is a very powerful and high-drive dog, and the more he fights, the more practice he gets. Doc and I both believe that if he gets into another fight, he will kill his opponent.
I cannot rehome Voodoo to a pet home knowing that if someone leaves a gate open or loses their grip on his leash, Voodoo might kill someone's pet. That can happen to even the most dilligent and experienced pet owner. It could happen in 2 weeks, it could happen in 8 years. But if it does happen, I would feel awful knowing that someone's companion was horrifically killed and I could have prevented it.
By that same token, I'm not able to keep Voodoo longer than a few days. The risk to Zeus is just too great. And it may not be Zeus. It could be one of my cats, my ferret, or even the neighbor's dog.
This was such a hard decision to make. But Hubby and I feel it's the most responsible thing we could do. If we end up putting him down, at least I'll know that I did what was best. And, although short, Voodoo will have lived a good life full of love, and with no pain or suffering.
OOOOPs - Gem, we posted at the same time..
I haven't posted much here but I guess I should at least respond to the dynamics and about how much Gempress has been working on helping Voodoo and Zeus to coexist peacefully.
I can't remember who asked but regardeless of Voodoo's breeding (possible pit and Cat in there somewhere) full or mix, both breeds do have a predispostion for DA. Of course this is not a given but an extremely strong possibility as both breeds are known for at the very least same sex aggression. Add to that the tremdous strength of Voodoo and his obvious need for power over Zeus and it's a pretty frightening mix.
This DOES NOT mean that Voodoo is in any way HA or a risk to humans, simply that he'd do best as an only dog and should be under control around other dogs.
Gempress has made a tremendous amount of progress in recent months doing some leadership exercises both the ensure her and her husbands places and to help with the obvious shift between Zeus and Voodoo. I wish every owner was as compliant as she and her husband and their progress was proof of their efforts.
Unfortunately, due to the fight practice that they've had, particularly Voodoo and the speed and severity of the events, it's really not possible for this them to live together safely without constant rotating, muzzling, and supervision.
It is not unusual for this to happen when maturity hits, particularly for a Cats as they reach maturity. Again, this usually has no impact on their human family relationship.
I haven't posted much here but I guess I should at least respond to the dynamics and about how much Gempress has been working on helping Voodoo and Zeus to coexist peacefully.
I can't remember who asked but regardeless of Voodoo's breeding (possible pit and Cat in there somewhere) full or mix, both breeds do have a predispostion for DA. Of course this is not a given but an extremely strong possibility as both breeds are known for at the very least same sex aggression. Add to that the tremdous strength of Voodoo and his obvious need for power over Zeus and it's a pretty frightening mix.
This DOES NOT mean that Voodoo is in any way HA or a risk to humans, simply that he'd do best as an only dog and should be under control around other dogs.
Gempress has made a tremendous amount of progress in recent months doing some leadership exercises both the ensure her and her husbands places and to help with the obvious shift between Zeus and Voodoo. I wish every owner was as compliant as she and her husband and their progress was proof of their efforts.
Unfortunately, due to the fight practice that they've had, particularly Voodoo and the speed and severity of the events, it's really not possible for this them to live together safely without constant rotating, muzzling, and supervision.
It is not unusual for this to happen when maturity hits, particularly for a Cats as they reach maturity. Again, this usually has no impact on their human family relationship.
I love this post!
I agree whole heartedly with Doc. I know how hard Gemp and her husband have struggled and then worked with the dogs. But this is something that goes beyond the scope of "training." DA is so complicated and one can only do so much to modify a dog's nature.
Gemp, I think your decision is a sound one. Although no one wants to think of a dog being pts, from the dog's point of view, he won't know. They don't think future like we do, they don't know anything about what is happening. There's no pain. You have given him the very best life with loving, gentle care. When you think of some dogs who live their whole lives being mistreated, that's worse than death. Voodoo has had a great life.
If one of OC's friends work out, that would be wonderful. But I agree that it is risky for anyone but the most careful, workikng dog people who really know what they're getting into.
I do think you've come to a logical decision. And my heart goes out to you, whatever happens. I'm so very sorry that you're having to face this. At least, you're far from alone. (((HUGS)))
I agree whole heartedly with Doc. I know how hard Gemp and her husband have struggled and then worked with the dogs. But this is something that goes beyond the scope of "training." DA is so complicated and one can only do so much to modify a dog's nature.
Gemp, I think your decision is a sound one. Although no one wants to think of a dog being pts, from the dog's point of view, he won't know. They don't think future like we do, they don't know anything about what is happening. There's no pain. You have given him the very best life with loving, gentle care. When you think of some dogs who live their whole lives being mistreated, that's worse than death. Voodoo has had a great life.
If one of OC's friends work out, that would be wonderful. But I agree that it is risky for anyone but the most careful, workikng dog people who really know what they're getting into.
I do think you've come to a logical decision. And my heart goes out to you, whatever happens. I'm so very sorry that you're having to face this. At least, you're far from alone. (((HUGS)))
