Just for future reference: this isn’t a hybrid.  The word “hybrid” indicates a mix of a wild species and a domesticated species.  What you’re talking about is simply a mix, and the risks are about equal to those of a purebred.  In short, you’re taking a risk no matter what…chances are the owner(s) of the parents have not done any sort of health testing and do not know the overall health of either cat’s pedigrees.

Breeding 2 different breeds together gives you hybrid vigor.  This term basically says that mix breeds tend to have less health problems and live longer than their purebred parents.  Although there is always a risk hybrids of 2 purebreds are usually healthier.

Dr. Ferara, have you read newer evidence questioning the theory of hybrid vigor? http://animalbiology.ucdavis.edu/Accomplishments/PDF/Inherited%20disorders%20with%20dogs.pdf

i wish you luck.

my suggestions are fairly basic: crate train.  start working on leaving them in the crates longer and longer each day.  work on mental stuff (training for new things) prior to leaving, so they’re tired, and leave them with a stuffed Kong.  

i would also go back to square one with the mix you mentioned, and i would invest in a corrective collar and the training to learn how to use it properly.  (corrective collars, in this case, would be Martingales and pinch collars – no full chokers.)

I think you misunderstood me. I never said they were my roommates responsibility. I had set routines that I followed like a bible. But I do know that while I was absent, my roommates did not follow the routines, which I have to get the dogs use to doing again. I left them in their care so that I can find a home for the three of us to live and because of the circumstances of the position, get adjusted to my new work environment.

I never said I didn’t want to make the effort. Thats why I ask for advice on getting them adjusted to apartment living in the first place. If I didn’t want the responsibility, I would have never have rescued them. We are use to living in a house, which they were able to go out when they wanted inbetween walks. They have been with me for 3 years, I have taken very good care of them. They are what keep me going and give me purpose. I took the promotion at my job, so that I could continue taking care of them. And have them with me with no worries on how I’m going to afford to give them what they need.

With that being said, I tried hiring a dog walker, and let’s just said that did not end well. I am looking into daycare here, but the only place I trust is my vet office back home. They have taken really good care of us from the beginning. If I have to drive the two hours till I find people I trust with my babies, so be it.

If you get back to a normal routine, the dogs will settle in easier. There WILL be an adjustment period, and I think, in your shoes, I’d send every neighbor immediately adjacent to your apartment a note letting them know what’s going on and apologizing in advance. I’d also consider making/giving apology gifts. Even if it’s a token thing, it can make people more amenable to tolerance.

Because this is a new home for them, you have an opportunity to set the rules upon their first day in the new space. Crates back up and used daily will give them a sense of comfort.

For the collar/harness slipping, that’s why I mentioned a corrective collar. If it’s fitted correctly, to sit directly behind the ears, it cannot be slipped. We use a pinch collar for my Doberman, and a friend swears by a martingale for her sighthound – both breeds have skinny heads with necks that are very similar in diameter. Trust me on this, they work. 😀 Besides, one should not walk the dog on the collar where the tags live for safety reasons.

Good luck, Tracey!

I didn’t think it would be a good idea to have them in and out of hotels while my bosses figured out whether or not they wanted to give me the position permenantly. I thought keeping them in an environment they were use to and with people, my roommates, they felt safe with was the better idea. I spent the latter part of that time finding a home for the three of us to live. I did travel back and forth home to spend as much time as I could with them. But I did what I thought was right in not having them involved in the chaos that was going on with work at that time.

That’s why I asked for advice. Theres tips and secrets that other pet owners know and have experienced that are extremely helpful. For example, the Martingale collar, no one, not trainers nor vets have recommended that collar. Most of them have all mentioned Harnesses (which is what I had done in the beginning to get her to stop pulling when she was a puppy.) I was afraid with the new environment and getting back into the routines I did with them, she would start slipping again. Yes I have a new job but that does not mean I could before or can now afford an animal behaviorist. I know we have to get back into the routines. And I know this is going to be work, I just thought I would ask for some advice on how to make the transition from house to apartment easier on them. Because I know the change can and is stressful.

But nevermind, I know what I have to do now. They have been with me for two days and they seem to be adjusting better than I thought. Thank you for your advice.

The gifts are a great idea! Yeah I’ve spoken to the neighbors above and across from me apologizing. Though they all looked at me weird at first, they were pretty nice about it. They have been back with me for 2 days now and they seem to be adjusting better than I thought. especially since most of the furniture and things around them are from our house. So they are surrounded by scents they recognize and I think thats helping them. The only issue we are having is that one of my dogs is on high alert with every noise that happens outside. but when I say “Sylvy no barking” She stops immediately. Today while I was at work I set up a webcam in the room they were in, and they mostly slept all day and chewed bones. I was so proud, I bought them new squeaky toys and let them chase me at the dog park. Thank you! You have been so nice and helpful.

first: THANK YOU for linking to videos in  your post.  i really appreciate that, and it makes it a LOT easier to diagnose.

for 1 – i agree with you.  i think she’s focusing on the “prey” with her odd head movement.  i’ve seen this before in a healthy cat.

for 2 – maybe?  i’d wait and see on it, honestly. if this is only during walks and play it may be behavior-related rather than health.

I would definitely seek a second opinion or a veterinary internist.

Not knowing whats wrong it’s impossible to tell.

Any medicine she needs can only come from a veterinarian anyway, so she definitely needs to be seen sooner than later. 

i would absolutely notify them of the incidents, with dates, times, and durations if you’re able to give that information.  they may want to see video of future episodes, as well as immediately bringing him in the next time this occurs.

understood – just trying to help you think of things the vet will probably want to know, especially going forward. they may also want to know about potential triggers…so, what the dog was doing just before the incident, whether they were calm or excited, etc. context clues can be a huge help with things like this.

I was also thinking that could be it. We will call the vet in the morning and I hope for the best. Thank for your help.

please neuter him.  that’s the answer to your problem – neuter him.  he doesn’t need to breed, and if he is UNABLE to breed, then he should be neutered to ensure he has a happy life.

Debra and Laura are correct, a dog with conditions such as this should NOT be bred.  This dog obviously has underlying conditions that are undesirable in future generations!  Have him neutered and enjoy his companionship.