My Boys Scared Me To Death!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I just had an experience that terrified me.  Guinness and Murph were playing here in the den, and I was on the computer.  They were doing their "shark biting" thing and having a good time.  Then I noticed that there was a problem....they both started thrashing about and Guinness was making an ungodly noise.  I jumped up and realized that their collars were somehow stuck together and Guinness could not breathe...he was strangling.  The problem was that they were thrashing so much that I couldn't get to the release on the collar.  My DH had left already to get the grandkids off to school, so I started screaming for my DS....I have no idea what he could possibly do to help.  Anyway this went on for several more seconds while I struggled with the clasp....at this point Guinness's anal glands released....poor baby probably thought he was dying.  Anyway, I eventually was able to undo the clasp and they are okay.  Guinness is still terrified and hiding under the bed.  For a long time I used breakaway collars for this reason, but they kept coming off at inopportune times, so I stopped using them.  I guess I will have to always remember to remove their collars inside the house from now on.  If I hadn't been right there, Guinness would have died.  If it happened 10 minutes later, I would have been in the shower.  Just something to think about for others with two Doodles who "romp" together.  I'm so grateful that they are okay.  Now I have to figure out how to get this odor out of here and give Guinness a bath.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Oh my goodness, I would have been scared to death, Jane!  I am so glad that you were there and that your boys are OK.  Poor Guinness!  Extra hugs for him and YOU!  What a horrible way to start your day!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

How scary. Thank goodness you were right there. Hugs to all!

[Camilla and Darwin]

How terrifying. I am always so afraid of this happening... 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

So happy they are okay!  I always take Tacky's collar off in the house. Peri may be a flight risk, so I keep hers on, but Tacky isn't going anywhere so this helps having only one collar while they are playing.

So happy you were right there!

[Christine & Camus]

Scary, and I am glad they are okay.  Collars can present problems and I am personally still unsure what is best, however I finally decided that I am more comfortable with taking the collar off at home. However, having said that I also do not have any fears about Camus running out the door since I have a 6' fence surrounding my apartment - no direct street access. I have read stories about dogs being strangled when their collars got caught on a fence and know first hand of a dog who died when collars got tangled while playing. 

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

OMD so glad everyone is OK...Poor Guinness, extra doodle kisses to him.  As for the smell, I have used just plain white vinegar and it does the trick...Someone mentioned it here on DK and it works!!

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, We had this exact same thing happen in our yard with Fudge and Vern. Luckily, I heard the commotion and ran down to see Vern entangled in Fudge's collar and Fudge choking. Thankfully, my DH was home and was able to get them to stop thrashing long enough to get the collar off of Fudge. I have never been so scared and like you, kept thinking about the "what ifs."  I am afraid to use the breakaway collars for fear they will break at a terrible time. I do try and remember to take Fudge's collar off when they play. I am so sorry this happened to your guys. In our situation, it scared Vern more than Fudge. I am glad you were there and everyone is going to be ok. Thank you for reminding us all to be watchful.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Wow!  I can only imagine the panic you felt.  Thank God you were there and able to get to them in time.  The collar issue is quite a dilemma - if one routinely takes off the collar while at home (to prevent getting caught in something) and somehow the dog gets out, then that's a problem.  I'm not sure what the solution is.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Wow, I would have been a complete mess.  Glad everything turned out ok.  This would be particularly bad with their size differences.  I used to use the breakaways as well, but like you they kept coming undone and I'd find them in the back yard.  I think I will have to take their collars off as well when they are outside.  Mine aren't allowed to rough house inside the house, so think I'm ok there.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have a couple of these I don't use except for beach outings. I am going to try to figure out what can happen . My everyday collars are buckled. I hope that makes a difference. Also, my dogs rarely interact in the house as strange as that is but I don't have eyes on them all the time when they are in the yard so I suppose that doesn't help.