-=> RICHARD WEBB wrote to WAYNE CHIRNSIDE <=-

 RW> Hi Wayne,

 RW> On Mon 2039-Apr-18 14:53, WAYNE CHIRNSIDE (1:123/140) wrote to RICHARD
 RW> WEBB:

 RW> 
 RW> This time, we're treating more aggressivly:  PRednizone
 RW> (spelling) and Doxycycline (spelling) the doxy ends this
 RW> week, we cut back the dosage on the steroid.

 RW> HE says if this doesn't seem to do the trick then we're in
 RW> for some complex diagnostic stuff, which will mean sedating
 RW> her etc.


 WC> I kept my Pit Bull going some three years afer he'd otherwise have
 WC> had to have been put down on dexamethasone.

 WC> Of course I limited the dosage to 1/2 what the vet recommended as
 WC> there's downsides to steroid use and 1/2 seemed to do the trick
 WC> right up to where the end was inevitable and there was no putting it
 WC> off.

 WC> So I had a non neutered Pit Bull on steroids and still he was the
 WC> sweetest tempered, most trustworthy and most gregarious dog I've
 WC> ever  known.

 RW> Wouldn't doubt it, all in how they're raised and treated.
 RW> I'm hoping this steroid regimen seems to solve the problem
 RW> for quite awhile.  WE get her over this I'm just going to
 RW> have to find more opportunities for her to get good exercise too,
 RW> that'll help maybe.
 RW> Strengthening can't hurt.

 RW> That later ws on the agenda for this spring/summer anyway,
 RW> but now this.

Well an addendum is in order for both clarity and good information.

I NEVER stopped training the animal.
Not that that training required much in the way of time or effort 
it was hugely important that the animal be consistantly reminded
who the pack leader was.

Simple as demanding quick response to commands from time to time on
his daily routine and walks.

Now were you to treat him as some kind of overgrown stuffed animal
and dismiss this training for a extended period of time all bets would be off
and I'd not guarantee his behavior at all.

For instance, giving him his first bath after acquiring him as an adult
at two years of age was shall we say interesting?

Thereafter he walked into the tub on his own on my command.

A few times when I'd gotten complacent about his reliability
for a period of a couple of months I was reminded by him 
being stubburn or challanging me.

This requires immediate and forceful response which in these cases
consisted of little more than a sharply barked command.
Never any physical discipline, what'd be the point, the breed's
essentially invulnerable to pain. 

Not a breed I could recommend for the inattentive or irresponsible.
Given proper attention and care I'd have no other.

Best of continuing luck  with yours.

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