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Dogs in Nica

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keywestgirl
  8/14/2013 23:52 EST

I read on another site recently that walking a dog on a leash in Nicaragua required carrying a large stick to to keep stray dogs at bay. How true is this? If you're like me and your dog is a member of the family, how is living there with a dog? I 've been considering Nicaragua for a retirement home, but if living there with my lab is a hassle, well, I guess I need to consider other places. Nothing about living in a 3rd world country has made me think twice about making the move until I read this.

bushamy13
  8/15/2013 08:12 EST

Not sure where you read this. I walk my two dogs twice a day in Granada. Most people here have a dog. Sure, there are a lot of strays and a few will sniff out my dogs as dogs do. There are many animal shelters now that ensure stray dogs are neutered when possible. Only the wealthier Nicas take care of dogs like North Americans and Europeans. Only rich societies, in general, can afford to pamper their pets.

So no, I am not aware of a problem with dogs here.

Regards

Darrell

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the2bearsandme
  8/15/2013 08:16 EST

Hi! I just moved to Nica on June 28th. I brought my 60# dog with me via cargo on Delta (ventilated, AC'd etc.) The cost of her ticket was more than mine! $635. I took the advice of my regular vet and only gave her tramadol to keep her calm. BIG MISTAKE. I should have listened to the other vet I use. She recommended a sedative. Cuddle Bear injured herself (not too bad) fighting the crate. She hates loud noises. That being said, the arrival/reunion was smooth. The Nica cargo being were very efficient and kind. I had hired a cab driver, via internet, to make sure he was there when I arrived. The cabs are typically small (Toyota Camrys) but he did break down the crate for me and was able to fit it into the back seat. It was the largest size crate from petsmart. Make sure to buy metal wingnuts for all the screws as the plastic ones are not acceptable by Delta Airline standards.

I do not take my Cuddle Bear with me around Nica. We found an old Nica house with a lot of yard, terracing etc. Cuddle Bears stays at home because we didn't take our car and take buses/taxis to get around for shopping and exploring. After our 2 year lease is up, I will consider moving out of Managua and to someplace less congested. Even then, I don't know enough about other dogs to say whether or not I would take her with me on excursions. That will be my next hurdle.

keywestgirl
  8/15/2013 08:40 EST

Darrel, thanks For the info. You've put my worries at rest. I can't imagine leaving my best friend behind! I'veread about Granada Animal Outreacg and, if I settle in Granada, would love to volunteer there.

I originally ONLY had SJDS in my sights...as you can see I am a Key West Conch and would love to be back near the ocean. The more I read about Granada the more interested I get

I 'll be coming down Nov 3rd thru 9th....staying at Hotel con Corazon. I hope to be able to meet you and your wife....and other expats to hear first hand of living in Granada.

See you soon!

spiritsage
  8/15/2013 14:22 EST

This is the Expat Exchange and not Lonely Planet... so I do not feel I have to soft shoe my words for tourism sake or to try to lure more expats to move to Central America... My dog has been attacked... I have photos for proof of how severe the attack was... as in she almost died, was touch and go for two weeks and took a long time to recover with meds and prayers... I have been bitten once, and cornered several times by dogs... I never travel on bike without pepper spray or stick, because of the dogs.. I would never consider living in Central America without a dog.... and most expats have two for security reasons; as in they really help with preventing theft... in two years one dog bite, several close calls and one severe attack on my dog which almost killed her is not too bad... not the same odds as if I had moved to a non third world country... I would feel real horrid for you to bring your dog and there be an issue and no one tell you it is a higher chance of your dog being hurt... poisoned dogs are another concern... my dog was trained not to eat anything unless it was out of my hand or her bowl... some Mayors are known to set out poison thru out the villages to kill the street dogs and the ones which run wild by the owners without warning.... cannot speak for Granada as I only visit there and do not live there... if your dog strays and enters a neighbors property, kills a chicken, scares an adult your dog can run the risk of being macheted... Not saying to not bring your dog, not saying to cross Central America off your list of places to move to... am saying," Dorothy, you are not in Kansas anymore"... Paradise it is, yet it does come with all the joys and challenges of the culture and third world mentality... I will not soft shoe this part of the reality... I respectfully disagree with the other commenter... no one can promise your pet will not be attacked by dogs or harmed...

majicjack
  8/15/2013 19:46 EST

Great, another person not afraid to tell it like it is. Great job Spiritsage. You may cost Granada a few tourist but they have too many anyway.

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keywestgirl
  8/15/2013 21:46 EST

Thanks Spiritsage, for sharing your experiences. It sounds like certain precautions are necessary, but that people do continue to have dogs there.
I don't leave my lab outdoors....she's pretty much an overgrown lap dog. And I'll keep dog safety in mind when deciding on where I'll settle

Still minimum of 3 years away from making the big move (full or part time move....jury is still out). I plan on doing my due diligence until then.

I appreciate all ideas and experiences expressed here......it's very helpful

Pam

thepandaknows
  8/25/2014 12:32 EST

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I thought it a good place to ask: does anyone know if small dogs (I have a Chihuahua) are allowed on public transportation and/or taxis? Thanks!

Salsera
  8/26/2014 09:44 EST

1) Can you "import" a dog when you are only on a tourist visa?
2) Does he/she have to stay in quarantaine? or do you just have to take all the necessary steps - chip, vaccination, all papers correct?
3) If I think of it, it is horror for me to travel 10 hours on the road with 2 dogs, find a hotel where they can stay for 1 night, take them to the airport and then change the plane twice and the airline once (with transit in South Africa and the US)... Is this realistic and feasible?

elduendegrande
  8/27/2014 22:44 EST

on a bus you might want to put a muzzle on it, in a taxi just rent the whole taxi. Never seen ``camry`` taxi here. Try a Yari.

we`ve had several dogs. one very old one in bad shape wattled out on the road and was hit. don`t know if it was intentional or not. We let him suffer overnight per my wife`s wishes, then I took him to town to be put down by a gross vet that i wouldn`t take my dog to. More humane to have just shot him that night, Another dog we raised from a pup. I had him fixed, counter cultural as that may be and he is doing fine but is not allowed out of the yard without me. another dog got stressed out and excaped from a yard that no other dog had ever excaped from. A few days later we got the word from a guard a couple blocks away who saw her get hit by a truck and through her body in a ditch to get it off the highway. I later went into the ditch to id the body and verify the story. We have one wonderful smart dog we got from our stepdaughter when she got tired of taking care of it. Small but aggressive, she is part of our security package in the yard. We got another attack poodle, I think they are called Yorkshire terriors, from a neighbor who moved to the States. He`s nuts, but we are trying to train himand he now has a bif yard to be nuts in. He`s a good companion for the other dog. We just lost a necia but beutiful 9 month old shepard mix to snake bite, but her brother is still with us. Nothing like a dog bigger than a huelepega jumping on the front gate to let the world where their turf ends and yours begins.

If you are bringing a dog, keep it under control. Half the people walking the streets in the countryside are carrying a machete and don`t take kindly to aggressive dogs. In the city they will just pick up a rock and hit it on the heaIf your dog is pure bred or pretty, watch out for theft. Muts that look purebred to somebody who doesn`t know anything fetch $100. There is a thriving industry of backbreeding muts into purebreds.

The good news is that vets are cheap if you can find a good one. Ask a foreigner or an upperclass Nica for a referral.

If you are a dog person, you need a dog, just keep a good eye on it. A dog, amachete, and a sharp stick will go a long ways towards living in peace.

majicjack
  8/28/2014 18:06 EST

Hell, they let pigs, goats, chickens and ducks. I don't see why the wouldn't let the dog on if you controlled it

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keywestgirl
  9/9/2014 16:32 EST

Thanks for resurrecting this thread. I had a good laugh when I re-read it.

In my previous post August 2013, I said I had 3more years before I move.

Well, my house is sold, gave away and sold everything I owned except for my dog, of course, and 9 suitcases. I have 4 more shifts to work....ever.....and I fly down Sept 30th

If nothing else, I'm determined when I make up my mind...Woo Hoo!

MJ...see you soon!!

Pam

majicjack
  9/9/2014 21:09 EST

Hey, I tore my knee up but maybe able to walk by then. One thing about it, It doesn't hurt my feet when I am barefooted and can't walk. Can't wait for those lime green tennis shoes. You take care have a safe trip and we are really looking forward to seeing you

alki
  9/9/2014 23:55 EST

I am a little behind but will be in Esteli on Oct 15 or so. Just getting the kids(dogs) shots and paperwork ready and waiting for a few days before I leave to get it signed and the apostiles done. They are causing me more gray hairs than its taking for me to get ready for my residency paperwork , I hope they appreciate it

khamael35
  9/10/2014 00:39 EST

If you are going to stay in Esteli the Aparthotel Gueguense is a great choice.
The owners are very nice and the place is secure. I have been here for a month and very satisfied. IMHO...

elduendegrande
  9/11/2014 12:38 EST

Walk silently and carry a big stick. I found when living in a raty neighborhood in the US that it is always better to hae a stick. You hsave to watch the stray dogs and reactBEFORE they commit to action. When you see they are taking an interest in you, tap the stick verttically on the ground. It makes a nice sound and somehow communicates to them that you don`t want to be triffled with. As with any weapon, though, be prepared to use it forcefully if needed. Another trick is to pick up a rock. Any well acculturated Nica dog knows that this means he is about to get brained. Any dog here who doesnt run when you pick up a rock is an extreme hazard.

Also be aware that a dog on a lease is pyschologically at risk. They feel defensive and the other dog senses this and the fight is on! Let the lease go to protect yourself and hope they kiss and make up. Save yourself first.

also, do not leave a choke chain on a dog or let anyone have access to a choke chain unless you want permanent damage to your dogs throat.

dogui brand food seems to work, cheaper at the public market than at the super.

Salsera
  9/11/2014 13:08 EST

This is exactly why stray dogs become aggressive: because people throw stones at them or are raising sticks!

I have never ever been biten by a dog - stray or not - they feel that I will do no harm to them.

In my neigbourhood are some stray dogs, and many people - especially children - throw stones at them.

I love dogs - and these here come to welcome me, when they see me and accompany me to my house.

KeyWestPirate
  9/11/2014 14:35 EST

Which brings up another topic: Nica kids are unconditionally loved, but rarely disciplined.

No one has ever told them NOT to throw stones at the dogs.

alki
  9/11/2014 23:22 EST

khamael35 , Thats where I will be staying until I get caught up to speed on Nica living , I have spoken with Adrianna and exchanged a few emails and seems to be a great person and it seems to be a fine place due to everything being close. Tell her Allan said hello and I will be coming earlier than I had planned in Jan. if you see her. Hope to meet you there !

As for the "wild" dogs we have them all over Puerto Rico and I have yet to see one make a threatening move, I have a feeling those are "taken care of" rather quickly, it is normal to see groups of 2 to twenty in mall parking lots and lying next to doors next to stores in the shade and catching a few cool wafts of A/C escaping as people go in and out. The locals here told me the best way to deal with a dog that makes you nervous is to drop some food and the problem is solved.

khamael35
  9/13/2014 19:14 EST

Great to hear your are coming in January, I should be here still. My name is William. I can speak as for my experience in Esteli. In the past five weeks I have been here I have had no issues with stray dogs. On my walk to and from the center of the city I might have seen one or two strays. Across the street is a Maxi Pali, a small Walmart, and no dogs there whatsoever. The climate is cool, so I really can see dogs hanging out by AC store fronts. In the hotel the owners have a miniature Doberman, Daisy, in the mornings she goes room by room to check on the guests. Lol.

alki
  9/13/2014 22:22 EST

I will be there Oct 15 give or take a few days , the plan was Jan, because my son was going to visit me before I moved farther away but work won't allow it so I am doing the mad dash to move by Oct.

elduendegrande
  9/14/2014 09:09 EST

I`ve lived in Esteli for 8 years and I don`t think I`ve ever seen a stray dog the whole time. The ones on the streets with their ribs showing are pets, not strays.

It runs the gammut. We had a nieighbor with a little white fluffy dog. she carries the dog down the street to the paved road so it wouldn`t get dirty in the mud, trash and dog crap on our street. In our new neighborhood we have a huge german shepard who bit 3 people and damaged 1 vehicle we know of . Finally they fenced him after he killed a goat and they had to pay for the goat. i got along with him by calling him be name and threatening to tell his mother on him, but I was always afraid for the family, especially the grandkids.

terpsma
  9/14/2014 11:00 EST

You must live very close to me. I live between the Maxi Pali and the baseball park. I am away from Nica now, but will return in a couple of weeks. Keep in touch.

khamael35
  9/15/2014 18:34 EST

It's a small world, exactly where I live.
You can't miss me at 6'5" 275 lbs...lol
Say hi if you see me walking around.

JGitaldezB
  9/17/2014 10:30 EST

Hi there KW, yes we have dogs and we need to carry a stick to keep the strays from biting our leashed dogs, we have 10 dogs and three cats here in Diriamba , Carazo

PacificJake
  9/24/2014 01:26 EST

In my town all the stray dogs know each other and also with not being neutered they definatley have a wild pack thing going on I wouldn't doubt it happens but definatley not mandatory; having a dog is definatley not a hassle either, just make sure to know a good vet before a problem rather than when.

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