Ugh! Shame on you, Seamus! - Paw Talk

pihlaja · #1 08-09-2005, 08:45 PM

Ugh! I am at my WIT'S END as to what to do about Seamus pulling Kirby's tail!

If Kirby were any other dog, this might be okay, but he's a show dog and he needs his puffage on his tail! When Seamus pulls at his tail, he's taking out HUGE bits of fur and now Kirby's tail is starting to look very pitiful indeed!

We've tried fussing at him every time he does it, but fussing is almost rather futile since it can only work when we SEE Seamus pulling Kirby's tail. All it takes is 5 seconds for Seamus and Kirby to run into the front yard faster than we can can he's already yanked out hair from Kirby's tail.

We've tried letting them out separately, but this is no good because 9 times out of 10, Seamus won't potty if Kirby's not there to escort him around the yard.

Honestly, guys, do you have any suggestions for this other than putting Tabasco sauce on Kirby's tail?

(Joking on that one--I don't want a red hot Samoyed!

) Sami is tempted to muzzle the Turdie (Seamus) so he CAN'T yank at Kirby's tail. I'm not so certain on this, but if we can't find any other solution, we might just have to muzzle him when they go outside to potty because he's really damaging Kirby's tail and it takes a long time for those hairs to grow back.

Any advice and hair growth wishes to Kirby are appreciated!

Formula86 · #2 08-09-2005, 09:31 PM

you could try spraying bitter apple on it. it's clear and won't stain.

i don't know what else to do.

what about putting a gentle leader type thing on him when they go out? i hope you can work it out!

HappyDancer · #3 08-09-2005, 10:36 PM

I would try bitter apple...my brother had to put it on his pits little tail so the chihuahua would stop swinging from it lol

pihlaja · #4 08-11-2005, 06:55 PM

I've been looking around here for Bitter Apple or an equivalent with little luck so far. Remember, guys, I'm in the frozen arctic so things aren't always available to me!

Are there any possible homemade recipes to imitate the Bitter Apple spray?

Formula86 · #5 08-11-2005, 10:57 PM

hmmm...lemon juice?? might work. you could do a lemon juice - salt combo. but rowan, if you want i can send you some. do you want to do that?

pihlaja · #6 08-15-2005, 01:11 AM

That's all right, Jane.

But thanks for the offer!

I tried spritzing some lemon juice on Kirby's tail and it didn't phase Seamus a bit. On close inspection (all right--I tasted it myself) it didn't taste at all. Kirby's hair does something to that lemon juice to where the flavour just won't stick.

Argh!

Well, I'll be leaving soon for a long vacation and this will be Sami's problem to deal with since it's his dog! And if he wants to muzzle Seamus, well, that's his decision. But, Sami's the most indecisive person ever so I doubt anything will happen and I'll return to see a Samoyed with a bald tail.

**Scarlette** · #7 08-15-2005, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pihlaja


	I tried spritzing some lemon juice on Kirby's tail and it didn't phase Seamus a bit. On close inspection (all right--I tasted it myself) it didn't taste at all.

Ok, I have a visual of you licking Kirby's tail and Seamus sitting there "Wait a minute! I can't bite or lick his tail but YOU can?! That is so unfair!"

My first thought was to use tabasco sauce but you said you didn't want to use that, plus it might stain Kirby's tail. No pet stores near you sell Bitter Apple spray? You might be able to order it online at petsmart.com or drsfostersmith.com. The shipping might be expensive but it may be worth it.

pihlaja · #8 08-15-2005, 12:34 PM

I was sure not to let Seamus see me.

I didn't want him getting any ideas!

Petsmart nor Dr.'s Foster and Smith will ship internationally. Though, if Sami doesn't want to use a muzzle on Seamus when he's outside, I should be going to the States soon and can ship him some Bitter Apple while I'm there. I'm just afraid he'd have to DRENCH Kirby's tail in it for it to have any effect, though.

Trickiesmurf · #9 08-15-2005, 09:43 PM

I may sound like a tool, but is there recipies on line with natural ingredients to make bitter apple???

HappyDancer · #10 08-15-2005, 10:06 PM

I am not sure about reciepes...but biter apple is pretty strong, you shouldn't have to use to much, we use it on the horses to keep them from cribbing (chewing on the rail) and it works...we used it on the dogs and it works...all my dogs and the horses hate the flavor, my cat likes it lol...so its a hit and miss kinda thing I guess