Hopper
Mama Doe
Big doggie pics 
Tysons story:
November 2007 Tyson came to me as a rehome. The owner had Tyson and several other American Bulldogs and was sadly forced into homing his dogs for there own well being. The dogs were kenneled in stables and working dogs. But due to area foxes were a huge problem coming into the stables. The dogs would kill foxes and in return get continues mange and worms and yeast infections. he would treat them all but only to be faced with it again and again and a losing battle. the guy looked around for suitable kennels/stables to move his dogs to but due to number of dogs no where could be found fast enugh so he was forced to rehome most as there health was deteriating as to say the least.
So I agreed to home tyson. I was told he had mange which treatment of strong hold had already started and the rest would be brought with him, along with a kennel. Now bare in mind this was a outside dog coming and a working dog with little an no socialisation so i knew I had my work cut out.
On arrival I was quite shocked tbh to see what state he was in, mainly extremely under weight and no confidence. Kennel was put up and he was left to settle and say bye to his owner.
So bonding started immidiatly as did basic training. I dont like dogs being out doors, esp as the kennel was a basic and no heating etc.. I know he was used to it but animals in my house have comfort and are spoilt. But he would not come in doors. So 1st couple of months was spent training him. He was terrified of traffic and general city life, freaking out flashing zebra crossing, reflections, leaves blowing etc.. I changed his diet to the BARF with added protien etc.. to start getting his weight up, he weighed only 30KG I think it was (will have to double check) where his weight should be at least 50KG. His coat was corse and brittle and bald patches and sores from mange so weeklt medicated baths were given. Socialisation was sowly brought in, 1st smaller children as Tyson took an instant liking to my eldest son and loves him. Very careful and controled socialisaton was introduced slowly arond younger children. Next was other dogs out and about, which when you have a huge dog is hard as no one would let there dogs near him. I used the vets waiting room for this and as each dog owner came in I asked for there permition and said i had full control. Surprisingly a beagle puppy owner allowed me and Thats was sucessful (will post pic soon)
So, as the months passed Tyson transformed. Slowly he put weight on, slowly he became more confident and socialised. I still watch him wth smaller children obviously as he is now 50KG+ and gets over excited, doesnt knw his own strength etc.. He is extremely family protective which is also down to breed. he now doesnt get to protectuive if anyone is round back and knows all the neighbours. He greets visitors with the biggest sloppiest kiss and wagging tail ever lol. He ha come on leaps and bounds and is a completly different dog in appearance and nature/personality, though still has a little way to go, for example some fears still show. metal bowls clanging, brooms or sticks, sudden bangs or things moving fast scare him and he hits the deck and cowers still he isnt as bad so slowly getting there but some fear there still.
Before and afters :
With my eldest son on 1st day
2 months in, weight gained but still under weight
A difference hey!
More to come in a second.
Tysons story:
November 2007 Tyson came to me as a rehome. The owner had Tyson and several other American Bulldogs and was sadly forced into homing his dogs for there own well being. The dogs were kenneled in stables and working dogs. But due to area foxes were a huge problem coming into the stables. The dogs would kill foxes and in return get continues mange and worms and yeast infections. he would treat them all but only to be faced with it again and again and a losing battle. the guy looked around for suitable kennels/stables to move his dogs to but due to number of dogs no where could be found fast enugh so he was forced to rehome most as there health was deteriating as to say the least.
So I agreed to home tyson. I was told he had mange which treatment of strong hold had already started and the rest would be brought with him, along with a kennel. Now bare in mind this was a outside dog coming and a working dog with little an no socialisation so i knew I had my work cut out.
On arrival I was quite shocked tbh to see what state he was in, mainly extremely under weight and no confidence. Kennel was put up and he was left to settle and say bye to his owner.
So bonding started immidiatly as did basic training. I dont like dogs being out doors, esp as the kennel was a basic and no heating etc.. I know he was used to it but animals in my house have comfort and are spoilt. But he would not come in doors. So 1st couple of months was spent training him. He was terrified of traffic and general city life, freaking out flashing zebra crossing, reflections, leaves blowing etc.. I changed his diet to the BARF with added protien etc.. to start getting his weight up, he weighed only 30KG I think it was (will have to double check) where his weight should be at least 50KG. His coat was corse and brittle and bald patches and sores from mange so weeklt medicated baths were given. Socialisation was sowly brought in, 1st smaller children as Tyson took an instant liking to my eldest son and loves him. Very careful and controled socialisaton was introduced slowly arond younger children. Next was other dogs out and about, which when you have a huge dog is hard as no one would let there dogs near him. I used the vets waiting room for this and as each dog owner came in I asked for there permition and said i had full control. Surprisingly a beagle puppy owner allowed me and Thats was sucessful (will post pic soon)
So, as the months passed Tyson transformed. Slowly he put weight on, slowly he became more confident and socialised. I still watch him wth smaller children obviously as he is now 50KG+ and gets over excited, doesnt knw his own strength etc.. He is extremely family protective which is also down to breed. he now doesnt get to protectuive if anyone is round back and knows all the neighbours. He greets visitors with the biggest sloppiest kiss and wagging tail ever lol. He ha come on leaps and bounds and is a completly different dog in appearance and nature/personality, though still has a little way to go, for example some fears still show. metal bowls clanging, brooms or sticks, sudden bangs or things moving fast scare him and he hits the deck and cowers still
he isnt as bad so slowly getting there but some fear there still.Before and afters :
With my eldest son on 1st day
2 months in, weight gained but still under weight
A difference hey!
More to come in a second.
