Not much blogging has been going on around here, mainly because of these two. Little Rascal has decided that he is the boss and therefore must attack Kritter at any opportunity. It's freaky. Rascal is perhaps the most passive, sweet and docile dog ever. But in less than one second - with practically no warning - he becomes a snarling ball of possessed fur and teeth.
These little outbursts started a couple months ago, and at first I could control them. Then, after the move, they got so bad that I've had to keep Kritter and Rascal separated at all times.
So, obviously this isn't good.
We hired a trainer who comes to the house and works with me and the dogs. He's from Bark Busters - anyone have experiences with them? His methods work very well when he delivers them, but when I say the commands they have less of an effect. I cannot get my voice deep and mean enough - I've made my throat sore trying. But we're not going to give up! I think when Alan finally gets up here with me we'll have it under control again. In the meantime, I'm open to suggestions!
In other news, our third anniversary was Wednesday. It was also my boss' birthday, so when I saw a green VW bug with a "Singing Telegram" logo on the side pull up in front of the office, I jumped up and yelled at everyone to come and watch her receive her song.But it was for me! The lady sung "When I fall in love." I had to laugh, because if Alan and I have any "song," it's Shaggy's "Angel." We're very romantic - ha! In addition to the song, I was given a chocolate milkshake! Perfect!
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9 comments:
So sorry to hear about Rascal's misbehaviour. Maybe he misses his daddy and is taking it out on poor Kritter. Alan is so sweet to send you a singing telegram!
Re: barking dogs. I'm a dog trainer in Houston, TX. I own Jim Burwell's Petiquette www.petiquettedog.com
This is a pretty common problem and really can't be solved effectively in one session. I always do 3 sessions for behavior modification because it takes a while sometimes for the owners to understand their part in the equation. Leadership with your dogs is important. Dogs will listen to those they view as their leaders. This is the part that sometimes takes owners a while to grasp. You also have to correct the dogs with a No - Off! within 1.5 seconds then give them something to do that is ok and for which you can praise them. If they are barking to demand your attention then again, leadership role plays a large part. If you give in, they've won and the dominance will increase. It's very hard to solve your problem via e-mail, but I hope this little bit of info does you some good. Good luck!
Jim Burwell, Houston, TX
Happy Anniversary!!! And we've missed you so much! Oh little Rascal! You know my little Ron became a little aggressive... I don't know if aggressive is the right word for describing a puggy... well I think the hormones possess them right now. Although Rascal was neutered I think that the adolescence is the problem. It’s good you hired a trainer; I think Rascal will behave very well very soon! We send you lots of hugs and kisses!
When our Bulldog, who should have been passive, became agresive, we brought in Bark Busters. They were awesome. My throat became sore from "Bah"ing and growling but it did work some of the time. We used the aids the most like the chain bags and such. The distraction really worked well. However as the problem turned out to be medical it wasn't much help. Good luck. Now Rascal, you try and play nice...
Wow! What a treat! A singing telegram! I bet you never expected that! And a milkshake!!! WOw!
Belle is sometime like that too. I wonder what gets into them?
Have you and the crew made it out to Bull Creek yet? I think the weekly pug swim is Wednesday evenings. Jaxson and I are planning a visit in the next few weeks. Maybe we can meet up!
Happy late anniversary!
We sure hope Rascal can get his behaviour problems ironed out. He's way too cute to be a meanie!
The chain bag scared me a little bit, it should work on Rascal, just be stern and consistent.
By the way, congrats on the third aniversary...none of us thought you would make it this long (jk, Alan). Who knew Alan could be so creative and retro with the singing telegram?
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