| Crazy Wolf's |
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Housing
Houlas, like any dog, need some kind of shelter to keep them warm & dry in the winter & provide shade
in the summer. Some people enjoy having their dogs in the house with them & some Houlas are well
behaved & even grateful to be close to their people in the house. We have a couple dogs that do very well
in the house with us as long as the trash is picked up and food is put away or contained. But as they are a
working breed they have a tendency to have a lot of energy & it is necessary that they get plenty of
exercise. A person living in an apartment who has little or no time for their Houla may return home one
day to find little of their house intact!
Some people crate their dogs while inside the house. This is good for the dog as it keeps them inside &
close to you while still keeping them honest & out of the mischief that Houlas are prone to. It also
encourages potty training & makes traveling with them in crates less stressful. They will learn that their
crate is their safe haven away from other dogs, children & a quiet place to rest. They should not be locked
in a crate outside especially without food, water or shade & only for very short durations. We do not
recommend this and strongly encourage alternative forms of housing.
Not every Houla makes a good lap & house dog. Sturdy outdoor yards & kennels are a great place for your
Houla. Kennels should be large enough for your dog to turn around in and have a concrete floor to prevent
digging. We prefer 5'x10' or larger. Runs should also have a shade cover to help defer the weather. Dog
runs and small yards are not an alternative to good exercise. Walks, training activities & designated
playtimes are an important part of any dog's well-being. A simple dog house or igloo should be provided as
well as fresh food and water.
Some Houla owners prefer to keep their dogs tethered with a chain or cable ties. This is not cruelty to the
dog! This is a breed that is used by hunters, ranchers & other folk who require a working dog. It just
would not do to have small packs of high drive hog dogs running loose in a house or jumping fences to
"work" when it's not their time. It could prove to be a nightmare should a neighbor's or your own
livestock be on the receiving end of the dog's ambitions. Dogs on tethers should be provided with an easily
accessible dog house (a clean 55 gallon drum or wooden barrel works good in moderate weather), lots of
exercise & fresh food & water.
Feeding
A good diet is very important for the health & well-being of any dog. We prefer kibble foods with very
little or no corn & high protein. Kibble can be better for your dog's teeth than canned food. Read labels
and choose a food that suits your dog's lifestyle. Speaking to your veterinarian about your dog's diet can
prove invaluable especially for dogs that require a special diet. Follow the manufacturer's recommended
feeding schedule to maintain proper body weight. Table scraps are not recommended as a dog's digestive
system does not process all foods the way ours does. Digestion problems and other diseases can arise from
a poor diet. Occasional treats are okay as long as portion control is practiced.
Fighting & Aggression
Some males & females have a tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex & in some
cases, the opposite sex. Some dogs are very possessive of their people and do not like other dogs to share
what they view as "their" affection. It is not uncommon for nasty fights to break out between dogs
sometimes requiring veterinary care. In rare cases these fights can be fatal. Though this is not always the
case it is the responsibility of the owner to determine whether their dogs can get along and be prepared to
separate them into different kennels or spaces if necessary. Some other things that might help is crate
feeding them separately, spending time with them individually and ensuring that they have consistent
handling and training.
DO NOT try to break up a fight with your hands! Angry dogs, of any breed, in a snarl are not always
discriminate about where their teeth go and you can be seriously injured. This does not mean that they are
bad dogs or people aggressive. Remember: they are dogs & should not be held accountable for anything
more than acting like a dog but take the necessary precautions to avoid any incident before it happens.
With understanding and effort there can surely be peace in the pack.
If you find that your dogs cannot co-exist and you are unable to crate or kennel them separately contact
your breeder or a Catahoula rescue before sending your dog to a shelter.
Training
Training should begin as early as possible with basic commands (sit, down, stay, come), potty training &
crate training. Other important lessons include teaching them to allow you to handle every part of their
body without balking or taking their food away without aggression. You may choose to hire a trainer or
attend weekly sessions with a respected trainer. Books are also a great resource for those folk who prefer
to train their own dogs. Houlas need consistency & firmness. This is not to say that they can't be loved!
They respond very well to kindness and positive reinforcement but they also need firmness to keep them
from walking all over you...& they will try. Houlas also need a job. Your breeder &/or trainer can help you
pick a discipline that is best suited to your dog's personality type and your interests.There are many
different ideas & methods of training in just as many disciplines. Find one that suits your needs & pursue
it with enthusiasm. It will bring a deep understanding & strengthen the bond between you and your dog,
Health Care
Puppies require a series of DHLPPC vaccines beginning around 6-8 weeks and is given every 3-4 weeks
until the puppy reaches 4 months old (16 weeks) when it should receive it's first Rabies vaccine which is
required by law. Vaccinations are usually combined in a 4 or 5 way and is typically given under the skin
and can be administered by a vet or other person knowledgeable in giving vaccines. Puppies & dogs should
receive a yearly booster for DHLPPC. Rabies is given as a 1 year vaccine the first time & then every 3
years thereafter.
DHLPPC consists of - distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease), canine
parvovirus-2, leptospirosis& coronavirus. The last two can be omitted due to potential complications with
the vaccines.
Canine parainfluenza & Bordetella bronchiseptica (both are causes of 'kennel cough'), and Borrelia
burgdorferi (causes Lyme Disease) are also recommended in situations where your dog might be exposed
to many other dogs (kennels, dogs parks) or in areas where tick are prevalent.
Heart worm is another condition which can be avoided with a monthly preventative. This is advisable if
your dog is in an area where mosquitoes are prevalent.
Dogs should also receive a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian. Consult with your
veterinarian to select the proper vaccines & maintenance for your puppy.
Houlas, like any dog, need some kind of shelter to keep them warm & dry in the winter & provide shade
in the summer. Some people enjoy having their dogs in the house with them & some Houlas are well
behaved & even grateful to be close to their people in the house. We have a couple dogs that do very well
in the house with us as long as the trash is picked up and food is put away or contained. But as they are a
working breed they have a tendency to have a lot of energy & it is necessary that they get plenty of
exercise. A person living in an apartment who has little or no time for their Houla may return home one
day to find little of their house intact!
Some people crate their dogs while inside the house. This is good for the dog as it keeps them inside &
close to you while still keeping them honest & out of the mischief that Houlas are prone to. It also
encourages potty training & makes traveling with them in crates less stressful. They will learn that their
crate is their safe haven away from other dogs, children & a quiet place to rest. They should not be locked
in a crate outside especially without food, water or shade & only for very short durations. We do not
recommend this and strongly encourage alternative forms of housing.
Not every Houla makes a good lap & house dog. Sturdy outdoor yards & kennels are a great place for your
Houla. Kennels should be large enough for your dog to turn around in and have a concrete floor to prevent
digging. We prefer 5'x10' or larger. Runs should also have a shade cover to help defer the weather. Dog
runs and small yards are not an alternative to good exercise. Walks, training activities & designated
playtimes are an important part of any dog's well-being. A simple dog house or igloo should be provided as
well as fresh food and water.
Some Houla owners prefer to keep their dogs tethered with a chain or cable ties. This is not cruelty to the
dog! This is a breed that is used by hunters, ranchers & other folk who require a working dog. It just
would not do to have small packs of high drive hog dogs running loose in a house or jumping fences to
"work" when it's not their time. It could prove to be a nightmare should a neighbor's or your own
livestock be on the receiving end of the dog's ambitions. Dogs on tethers should be provided with an easily
accessible dog house (a clean 55 gallon drum or wooden barrel works good in moderate weather), lots of
exercise & fresh food & water.
Feeding
A good diet is very important for the health & well-being of any dog. We prefer kibble foods with very
little or no corn & high protein. Kibble can be better for your dog's teeth than canned food. Read labels
and choose a food that suits your dog's lifestyle. Speaking to your veterinarian about your dog's diet can
prove invaluable especially for dogs that require a special diet. Follow the manufacturer's recommended
feeding schedule to maintain proper body weight. Table scraps are not recommended as a dog's digestive
system does not process all foods the way ours does. Digestion problems and other diseases can arise from
a poor diet. Occasional treats are okay as long as portion control is practiced.
Fighting & Aggression
Some males & females have a tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex & in some
cases, the opposite sex. Some dogs are very possessive of their people and do not like other dogs to share
what they view as "their" affection. It is not uncommon for nasty fights to break out between dogs
sometimes requiring veterinary care. In rare cases these fights can be fatal. Though this is not always the
case it is the responsibility of the owner to determine whether their dogs can get along and be prepared to
separate them into different kennels or spaces if necessary. Some other things that might help is crate
feeding them separately, spending time with them individually and ensuring that they have consistent
handling and training.
DO NOT try to break up a fight with your hands! Angry dogs, of any breed, in a snarl are not always
discriminate about where their teeth go and you can be seriously injured. This does not mean that they are
bad dogs or people aggressive. Remember: they are dogs & should not be held accountable for anything
more than acting like a dog but take the necessary precautions to avoid any incident before it happens.
With understanding and effort there can surely be peace in the pack.
If you find that your dogs cannot co-exist and you are unable to crate or kennel them separately contact
your breeder or a Catahoula rescue before sending your dog to a shelter.
Training
Training should begin as early as possible with basic commands (sit, down, stay, come), potty training &
crate training. Other important lessons include teaching them to allow you to handle every part of their
body without balking or taking their food away without aggression. You may choose to hire a trainer or
attend weekly sessions with a respected trainer. Books are also a great resource for those folk who prefer
to train their own dogs. Houlas need consistency & firmness. This is not to say that they can't be loved!
They respond very well to kindness and positive reinforcement but they also need firmness to keep them
from walking all over you...& they will try. Houlas also need a job. Your breeder &/or trainer can help you
pick a discipline that is best suited to your dog's personality type and your interests.There are many
different ideas & methods of training in just as many disciplines. Find one that suits your needs & pursue
it with enthusiasm. It will bring a deep understanding & strengthen the bond between you and your dog,
Health Care
Puppies require a series of DHLPPC vaccines beginning around 6-8 weeks and is given every 3-4 weeks
until the puppy reaches 4 months old (16 weeks) when it should receive it's first Rabies vaccine which is
required by law. Vaccinations are usually combined in a 4 or 5 way and is typically given under the skin
and can be administered by a vet or other person knowledgeable in giving vaccines. Puppies & dogs should
receive a yearly booster for DHLPPC. Rabies is given as a 1 year vaccine the first time & then every 3
years thereafter.
DHLPPC consists of - distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease), canine
parvovirus-2, leptospirosis& coronavirus. The last two can be omitted due to potential complications with
the vaccines.
Canine parainfluenza & Bordetella bronchiseptica (both are causes of 'kennel cough'), and Borrelia
burgdorferi (causes Lyme Disease) are also recommended in situations where your dog might be exposed
to many other dogs (kennels, dogs parks) or in areas where tick are prevalent.
Heart worm is another condition which can be avoided with a monthly preventative. This is advisable if
your dog is in an area where mosquitoes are prevalent.
Dogs should also receive a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian. Consult with your
veterinarian to select the proper vaccines & maintenance for your puppy.
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| Catahoula Care |
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