Hi all from Todd and I!

[GreyFeather]

Hi everyone,

I've recently become in essence unforeseen foster mum to an adorable, if challenging little man named Todd. Todd is 4.5 months old and weighs 33 lbs.
Keeps me on my toes for sure :D but also keeps everyone in the house laughing because he is, as bulldogs tend to be a clown. A drooly, wrinkly, snorty, snuffly pig-clown.

Todd actually belongs to my mum, who has chronic heart issues and unfortunately not soon after bringing Todd home was diagnosed with rather advanced cancer. Some time later it was pretty evident that she couldn't really take care of him and so he ended up with me (he's been here about 2 weeks or so).
It's unclear at this point if he'll ever go back to her and I am trying (for both her sake and his sake) to become his permanent home, as she doesn't need the stress and he needs more than she can give.

Which brings me (on a slightly less somber note) to why I'm here.
Did I mention I have NO IDEA what I'm doing and much less with a bulldog lol?
I've read a couple books, and had dogs in the family growing up---but certainly not on my own and not a bulldog.
I'm a tarantula and parrot type of gal honestly....and reptiles.
But bulldog? Gotta admit I'm inexperienced.

Nevermind little guy who admittedly (due to my mother's circumstances) is behind on what he should of been learning/experiencing and who is a bit of a challenge temperament-wise (gets frustrated and overstimulated/overexcited easily, no bite inhibition and isn't really used to handling or listening to people). He's also got the infamous sensitive tummy and what look to be allergies---but we're getting those under control. I have to get his final round of puppy shots done in two weeks (missed those due to my mom) as well as his rabies then I'm going to see if I can find him a puppy class (he's a little old, but he needs the 'foundations' he missed out on I think)

So...that's why I'm here. For a little help to give this little guy the best that I can

 

[Manydogs]

Welcome to EBN! Very sad to hear about your mom-but it is wonderful of you to take in your "brother!" If you will look on the HOME page, there are many helpful articles on there for you to read. If your questions are not answered-then feel free to ask! Everyone here is very helpful and willing! A bully is a stubborn breed-so you have to stick with it-but the rewards will be worth it. Todd has a face that you can't resist!! Others will be here to help you! also forgot to mention that when your boy does what you want-rewarding him with a treat and LOTS of praise is the best training method! That goes for all training with a Bullie. Do not let him "sneak by" with things, as before you know it-HE will have YOU trained!!ha!ha!

 

[Bella'sMom]

Welcome to the site. This place is full of information and I am sure ypu will find your answers here. Your little one is adotable andi look forward to seeing more of him as he grows up.
Saying a prayer for ypur mom. You are such a special kid to take this on for her.

 

[2BullyMama]

hello and to EBN.... Todd sure is a beauty! Thank you so much for taking him in and being a great daughter to you Mom.... I will keep her in my prayers that she can recover and beat the cancer.

Until you can get Todd in a training class, begin using 'nothing in life is free' http://www.englishbulldognews.com/f...85-Nothing-in-Life-is-Free-training-technique
It will help you withbuidling his foundation and teach him that you are the alpha!

best of luck and ask away on any question you have... some one here will have some advice or the answer you need

 

[dolphin]

Todd is a very handsome man and you're wonderful to let him into your life . I'm sorry to hear about your mom and she has my prayers for her. Im really happy that you found us and hope you learn and enjoy this site as much as I do. to the wonderful world of everything Bully!

 

[GreyFeather]

Thanks everyone, muchly appreciated.

Looks like I have been doing something right then Todd's been on a 'Nothing In Life Is Free' program since he's been with me.
He's come leaps and bounds in only two weeks, very proud of the little dude.

 

[cali baker]

to you and to your handsome Todd! You are a wonderful person to bring Todd into your home and heart as your mom is battling her illness. I'm so sorry for what she's going through and I do wish her the very best.

 

[agingermom]

I am sorry your intro to bulldogs is on such a sad note. the good news is you don't have to feed them anything that squeaks like your reptiles. bad news is they eat a bit more often, lol. what food is the little cutie on? that is the most important thing with our bullies, the food. Good food can minimize or eradicate many problems.

 

[Texas Carol]

Todd is very handsome and you'll soon be a bully fanatic like all here

I'm very sorry to hear what your Mother and you are going thru.

Will hold everyone in my prayers and please, keep us informed.

Just set schedules, consistent expectations, be firm, kind & calm,
lavish praise & treats to reward good behavior, ignore the bad and
love on him a lot.

What you will get in return will astound, amaze and delight you.

GOD be with you & bless you!

 

[bullmama]

Excellent advice above, Todd is so cute. Sorry to hear about your mother.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bazza]

How Wonderful for you to take Todd in, he looks so handsome and sweet, been given lots of good advice and take a look around lots of information, and ask any questions. Sorry to hear about your Mum, send thoughts your way.

 

[Petra]

What an adorable little guy I'm sorry about your moms illness, I'm sure she's so happy Todd can stay with you I don't have kids so I don't really know what I'm talking about but when I compare me caring for my bullkids and my friends caring for their skin kids it's pretty much the same thing in my opinion Welcome to EBN

 

[DudleysMom]

Welcome to EBN...just ask lots of questions - people here have lots of experience and are really helpful. I've learned so much since I found EBN. Todd is adora-bull. Bless you heart for taking him on for your Mom. I'll definitely keep your mom in my prayers. Oh...and we LOVE pics of bullies!

 

[ddnene]

to EBN!!! The gang has you covered, I just wanted to welcome you & say how sorry I am to hear about your mother. Please feel free to ask questions, and keep us posted!!!

 

[GreyFeather]

Thank you everyone
On that front I have good (if sad for me) news. My mom is finally responding to one of her new medications so we are keeping the cancer beast at bay for now and she feels much better. So little man is scheduled to be heading home to mum in about two weeks as she misses him terribly. I'll miss the little bugger, but the parrot will be very happy to see him gone (and therefore much quieter).

He is currently on Nutrience Grain-Free Ocean Fish & Salmon (finally! no more gas and loose poop), though we are seeing if he will either make the switch to Orijen Six Fish or failing that Acana Pacifica just because the ingredients are slightly better than what he's on (though the same idea) and my mum won't be paying for the Hagen brandname.

I'll be pointing my mum over this way to get help with little guy when he goes....and since there is probably a (possibly bully) pup in my future I just might be back