Back to Agility

Finally...... Back to an Agility Class and Brutus has something productive to do.  It's a more laid back class, 1 dog in the fenced in area at a time, and you can do whatever you want.  One other female dog, Scout, was there when we got there.  Muzzled Brutus and what do you know..... not even a peep out of him.  Right to the fence to visit Scout, and was great the rest of the day.  I guess Brutus has a new girlfriend!

Agility class started great!  Brutus remembered everything.  He had no problem with the jumps and cleared them all the first time through.  He walked the teeter and walk it no problem, jumped through the ring..... everything great!  Unfortunetly...... it was kinda hot and sunny out there, so he tired out pretty quickly, but still proceded to give it his best.  He had a few breaks in the creek that he enjoyed, and cooled off a bit.  Wrapped up the session with some free run time which was LONG over due.  He flew around the grass free as a bird...... !!!!!!!  Great day for him.  He's still huffing and puffing... but still not too tired to bark out the front house windows at passerbys!

That door is for SMALL pets only Brutus!

Brutus peeks out door

So Brutus has so mant issues with people walking by and fur going past the front window that I now stooped to the cardboard in the window.  The door... only partially open because he likes to pound on that too.  As you see... he is still trying to peek out!

You are suppose to be IN the cage not ON the cage !

So this is where Brutus ends up when someone, especially a dog walks by our window.  I thought by putting his cage in front of the window that it would keep him from growling out the window.... boy was I wrong.  Who knew that a 106 pound Rottie could be so agile!!!!!

Ear Infections & L-Theanine

Been a long time and have been struggling with Brutus and ear infections.  The week before his neuter he was at the vet for his vaccines and a left ear infection.  Ear was treated and then his right ear became infected.  Used the tri-otic for the right ear with no success.  Back to the vet and was found to have both yeast and cocci bacteria in his ears.  The left ear once again became infected.  New medications..... 2 meds, 1 hour apart, twice a day for 21 days.  A nightmare of cleaning and struggling with Brutus!  Back to the vet again... because after a week, no improvement.  Cleaned ears, exam, a shot for swelling and back to the 2 meds.  Wow.... is this ever going away??????

Some new news..... started Brutus on L-Theanine.  100 Mg twice a day.  L-Theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves, and is used to reduce mental and physical stress. It raises dopamine levels, and is believed to raise serotonin levels. It is also being studied to determine its ability to promote greater concentration and alertness.  It should be used for at least 60 days. It is marketed as being especially helpful for dogs with fear-related behaviors, especially in the presence of other dogs or people, and their studies have found at 60% reduction in the intensity of anxiety symptoms.  Hopeful that I will see some good results in a few weeks.

 

Day after Neuter

Brutus is doing much better today.  He is definatly taking it easy compared to his "normal" self.  He started his antibiotic and pain meds this morning.  His appetite is back to normal too.  He is moving around a lot better too, although you can definatly tell his hind end is sore.  His butt is looking quite funny, not only are things missing, but its shaved too!  :)  Today he even attempted to play with Bailey although you can tell it's much more subdued than usual.  He has started jumping on the chair again to look out of the window, and I've even heard him bark a little today too. 

According to a response on the Rottweiler forums.... neutering at 15 months should not  affect his size or maturity.  Neutering after 12 months MAY decrease his chance of developing bone cancer. Intact or neutered, this breed is very prone to bone cancer, so we have to just keep our fingers crossed that Brutus has a long and wonderful life!

Also heard that I should know in about a week or so if the neutering has helped calm him down.

Brutus post surgery

Post surgery

SO...... Brutus is home safe and sound. He's got the sad eyes in this picture I took when he came home. He's still pretty wiped out, groggy, tripping over his own feet, and walking on a slant. He did eat and drink since he got home. Sleeping downstairs with him tonight so I can check on him.  Tomorrow he starts on antibiotics and pain medicine.  Check up in 2 weeks.

Surgery Today

Well today is the day!  Brutus will be at the vet by 9am to get ready for his big surgery.  He'll be getting neutered today.  I got very little sleep last night and was up before 5am......thoughts of today kept running through my head.  I can't wait till this is all over and he's safe and sound back home.  He should be home between 3-6pm tonight..... hopefully everything goes well. 

Brutus & his chick-a-dee's

Company for Brutus

Brutus has company for 8 days!  My fur nieces, Bailey and Darby, joined us yesterday afternoon.  I was very stressed about the initial meet and greet.  Although Brutus was at their house a couple months ago, he's been acting so flakey latey I didnt know how things would go.  I was hoping dogs remembered each others smell, and I guess they did?  I'm going to ask his trainer today on that.  He also has no issues with my brother, his kids, or Amy..... who he has some issues with last they met.  Hopefully he keeps this attitude up for our week vacation at their house in Ohio next month!

There is loads of romping, rolling and leaping going on at the house.  I've got a black and blue foot to prove it.  A 106 pound dog running across your foot is not pretty.  Nor is it when he leaps onto your lap!

Feeding time is tricky.  Have to seperate everyone so they don't each others food.... or get in any fights.  Last 2 feeding Brutus hasn't even finished all his food.... too woried about what the ladies are doing.

Everyone once and a while I seperate Brutus from the ladies, just so everyone can get some quiet nap time in, and the ladies have no problem making themselves home on the couch or loveseat. 

Overnight went well.  Brutus snored away in his cage last night, the girls stayed in the living room, and Noah in the other room.  The cats wander downstairs in the evening when Brutus is crated, so I decided to keepthe girls in the front room only.  They only barked twice last night, probably when the cats made their way down.

They were very happy to see me in the morning..... smiling and nubby wagging.  Brutus was happy to start the day all over with his new playmates.  Noah could care less.... he's in his own bubble.

Today Brutus has an Intermediate Nosework class. Today it's at the Bloomsburg Elementary.  A little more work because we need to take his crate with us because it will probably be too hot for him to stay in the car.  Also need to 3 enviromental items from our house, to mix in with the search area.  We missed the last class and practice, so I feel like we are a bit behind.  Should still be fun!

This is a happy boy between 2 lovely ladies!

Brutus has company for a week

This is one handsome boy!

Snaggle Puss

Vet Visit, June 27, 2011

Brutus had a regular wellness vet visit. He had these vaccines: DHPPV,  Kennel Cough, and Rabies.  He was 105.6 pounds, so his weight gain is definatly slowing down.  Everything looked good except for a ear infection in his left ear.  He got some new medicine for that since his previous meds weren't working for it.  It was a rough visit since he has become pretty nasty towards other dogs he doesn't know.  Also wasn't crazy about the vet tech.  I did muzzle him for the vet visit.... a first for him.  Previous picture shows him in it. 

Yesterday I ordered a new basket muzzle for him for future vet visits and some outdoor adventures that it may me necessary for.  Not sure how much he will like it, but he's going to have to adjust to it.  He'd definatly going to look like Hannibal Lector in this..... and will probably scare the crap out of strangers!  Better to be safe than sorry.

On a brighter note..... tomorrow is doggie swimming !!! 

Hannibal Lectar

Froggy Boy

Brutus now swims AND lays like a froggy!  He' so cute!

Agility Certificate

Final Agility class was pretty tough.  We ran the complete course 3 times each.  We weren't able to run it without a leash, but we made it through with one on.  He still needs loads of practice. He doesn't really care to pay attention to me without the leash.  He just starts roaming around.  Luckily, this is just for fun!  No competing for us.  I just think it's great exercise and mental stimulation for Brutus.  Guess we will be signing up again in the fall for another shot at this!