Right now, the only pets my wife and I have are a cat and two Russian tortoises. Growing up, though, I did have a dog, and I hope to get a dog or two someday when we have more space. However, I was also hoping to keep my Russian tortoises outdoors and breed them as well.
Based on all the horror stories I've read about tortoises' getting injured or killed by dogs, I certainly don't want to do anything that would jeopardize my torts. But I don't think it's fair to keep dogs or torts locked up all the time, either, for fear of their coming into contact. That could be stressful on the keepers, too.
For those of you who keep both dogs and torts, how do you do it? How do you make sure both species have enough room to thrive, without risking the welfare of the tortoises? I'd love to know.
Based on all the horror stories I've read about tortoises' getting injured or killed by dogs, I certainly don't want to do anything that would jeopardize my torts. But I don't think it's fair to keep dogs or torts locked up all the time, either, for fear of their coming into contact. That could be stressful on the keepers, too.
For those of you who keep both dogs and torts, how do you do it? How do you make sure both species have enough room to thrive, without risking the welfare of the tortoises? I'd love to know.