I LOVE that photo. How darling!Quote:
Originally Posted by smilingcat
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I LOVE that photo. How darling!Quote:
Originally Posted by smilingcat
20 years later my Mammaw will still firmly tell you she did the right thing having her dog Joe put to sleep for biting just once after not being overly aggressive in the past. The animal control that picked him asked if she really wanted to euthanize Joe and she sternly replied "I have 5 grandkids I keep, he bit me and he will bite them. I am sorry but yes, you must do this." At the time I was 5 and there is one cousin younger than me but almost 2 years.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trekhawk
Sorry MTBDarby, you are trying very hard whether you think so or not!
About the fear agressive thing...
Meet Bertrand:
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...rt/koekoek.jpg
He is my 4 year old frenchy and at the age of 1 he was diagnosed as an fear agressive dog. I went to a dog psychologist and the first visit was a disaster. Bert was shaking all the time and was really really scared. The psychologist took a video of our first visit. She honestly thought that it was best for Bert to be put down because he wasn't having much of a live. But I wanted to try to work with him for six months or so and see if we could turn things around. AND WE DID!
It took a lot of time but now our little Bert is enjoying his life at the fullest!!!
What did we do?
- First of all you have to learn the dog that whenever he's scared he can flee away instead of attacking.
- If you walk the dog and you see that something frightens your dog, cross the street.
- If someone comes over to your house, before you let that person in, put your dog in a bench or in a room where he feels save. Give him a cookie.
- Ask visitors not to look your dog in the eye and don't let them pet your dog.
- Don't take your dog to busy streets or events.
- Learn your dog new things, and reward him lots. It will boost his confidence.
And yes, we gave him pills. Human pills for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluvoxamine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluvoxamine
It helped to give him more confidence and at the same time learn his new behavior. We gave him these pills for about two years. Now Bertrand is already a year pill free and he is absolutely great. We still put him in a room first when we have visitors but after 30 minutes or so we let him loose. The first 5 minutes he barks and shows he's the boss of the house but after that he doesn't mind that there are people.
I'm glad that I didn't put him down. Bert is right now lying next to me, snoring very loudly. :D
At the last visit to the psychologist she showed me her notes and the video of his first visit. The progression he made is really amazing. She could even play with him. :)
My 'kids'.. 2 Australian Cattle Dogs, Bella and Cole
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/a...i/IMG_0083.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/a...i/IMG_0082.jpg
I love seeing photos of everyone's pets, and hearing their stories, both the sad and happy ones. :) Even the sad stories make me feel good because they show how much we feel for and care about our animals.
Ben and Baxter:p
They are beautiful! I love beagles!!!!
And great work with Bertrand... I'm glad that you have given him a better life.
Belly Rubs For Everyone!!!!
papaver, thank you for not giving up on Bert. He is absolutely adorable and a wonderful friend, I'm sure. We are Boston Terrier owners who think Frenchies are delightful as well! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by papaver
@Emily: I have a boston terrier too. :)
Good news! We spent this morning with a dog behaviorist in our home to help with Rusty. He spent 3 hours working with all of us - me, my son, Zeus and of course, Rusty. We tackled the doorbell issue and the vacuum cleaner issue, which left the fly swatter a non issue (it no longer phased him) by the time we got to it:D
Both Rusty and Zeus were retrained to not lunge at the door when the doorbell rang or there was a knock. Rusty is still a bit nervous with the vacuum cleaner, but trusts me much more to make sure he doesn't get hurt by it. I am so very proud of all of my boys! (Bryce was the official doorbell ringer). The trainer commented that he was easier to work with than he had thought and he had even anticipated getting bit a few times, which never happened. He will be back on Thursday to do some outside work introducing one of his pups on Rusty's turf, and to work with Rusty on going into his crate on his own. He will also work with my son on how to behave around strange dogs, since he was bit by a dog at the park and is a bit afraid right now.
All-in-all, I was very pleased with the progress we made in just the first session! I will continue to work with him daily so that we both get the reinforcment we need. I know one session isn't the be-all-end-all and I'm willing to do the work. Rusty was pretty exhausted when we got done with the work and went and layed down at Bryce's feet. Bryce was so happy he gave the trainer a big hug and thank you! Rusty is gonna be a fantastic pet and I'm glad we stuck with it!:p
Signed one proud Mamma!
Dar - your whole post just made me smile!!! I'm so happy for you, Rusty, Zeus and Bryce!!
That's great, MtnDarby!
I don't know if your trainer addressed it, but I just wanted to add my two cents in about teaching the dog tricks. It's a great way to teach them success, give them an opportunity to please their person, stimulate them mentally, and wear them out a bit. Combined with a good long walk (or two) every day, I think many dogs will really settle down. Tricks and walks have been an important part of Shiloh adapting so well, and overcoming many of his fearful behaviors. It's helped us bond, too, so that when we are out and about, he trusts me and listens to me.
I brought Shiloh to the local farmers market on Saturday and he was great. He got lots of attention because he's interesting-looking, and he behaved very well. The only issue he had was with a young Aussie. Shiloh growled at him from a distance. Shiloh has issues with Aussies for some reason. Perhaps other herding dogs stare at each other, I don't know. He doesn't have those issues with other types of dogs. Strange.
Great news!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by mtbdarby
I second that ....!!! We spend too much time smooching and petting and loving on them like monkeys....which happily they tolerate...but watch thier joy when you go and DO something together.Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
Murphy hates Aussies. I think you are right, it's because they stare. For some reason, Aussies really stare at Murphy. Border Collies aren't nearly so bad, but that's because they have a shorter attention span :p. There are a couple of Aussies in my dog training club that can stare at Murphy forever - or until I ask their owners to stop their dogs, which I usually have to do!Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
Murphy now sees an Aussie and gets upset whether it's looking at him or not.
Darby,
I'm so glad, keep it up. It's worth it in the end.
As the owner of a sweet Aussie who does not stare, please accept my apologies.Quote:
Originally Posted by TsPoet
:D Almost all Aussies stare, the've been bred to do so.Quote:
Originally Posted by andtckrtoo
I've met lots of Aussies over the last few years, and all of them have been sweethearts.
Murphy's taste in friends is questionable (he likes me, so that's proof).
This reminds me of when we were kids, riding in the back seat of a car...Quote:
Originally Posted by andtckrtoo
"Mommy, he's looking at me!!!" :D
Dar- I'm so glad that progress is being made with Rusty. :)
Too funny! Jimmy is a big ole doofus. He's smart, and he does like to herd all of the dogs chasing the ball, but he's from a show line and does not have a lot of the instincts a field Aussie does. Barley stared, but only at the ball. Man that dog could focus! But, yes, staring is absolutely a sign of aggression in dogs and I can absolutely understand why other dogs do not like Aussies.Quote:
Originally Posted by TsPoet
Lisa - well, I have heard that dogs have the mental capacity of 3 year olds - that would explain the staring thing.
We've been looking over about 70 homeless shelter kitties for the past couple of days. We have had just too many weeks of sadness here after two of our cats died, one after another, as most of you know.
The Humane Society just called- my adoption application for a particular kitty has been approved!!! I go pick up our new shelter baby in an hour!!! :eek: :eek: :p :p (well, at between 3-4 years, she's not exactly a 'baby', but she's a baby to us!)
Pictures later!
She is the most affectionate kitty I have ever met, and came from a cruelty/neglect removal case 3 months ago.
Too exciting!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:
Can't wait to see the pictures. How kind and brave you are to get another so soon.
I want another cat, but it's got to wait until after August.
Karen
Oh, how fun, Lisa!!! You need some furry happiness. I really want to see photos!!
Not brave....getting her is helping me feel better too! (not to mention helping her, and helping the next homeless kitty). They told me at the shelter that her spot has already been given to another desperate homeless kitty. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Tuckervill
Here is the photo of her from the Humane Society website, rather a nice picture! (yes, the tip of one ear had to be amputated when she was rescued, hard to believe she was emaciated and very sick 10 weeks ago when she was removed from her former owner):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/...a7d3db4af6.jpg
Aww........ How lucky she is to be going to such a good home where she will be loved and treasured all the days of her life. Congrats on your new "baby" Lisa!
I'm so happy to read all these happy posts! I hope I have a good post soon, too, but so far it's looking more confused than anything. Maybe the fact it's so hard to decide whether adopting now is a good idea or not is a sign in itself that I'm not there yet. *sigh*, I'm so in love, though.
Dar, that's such good news about Rusty. When I first worked with a behaviorist years ago I had no idea how much there was to learn. It really is a wonderful experience when things go well, as I'm sure they will for you!
Lisa, that's a beautiful kitty and I'm so happy for all of you.
Pam
What is your situation? In love with who?Quote:
Originally Posted by badger
Lisa - congrats on the new kitty! Do you have a name yet?
Badger - sounds like you're having second thoughts? You have to do what's right for you and your lifestyle. Good luck with the decision.
I worked with Rusty on my own this morning. The vacuum cleaner went well but he has a way to go with the doorbell yet. It's still a big improvement though so I'll take it.
I love your new kitty's eyeliner, Lisa!!! :)
Karen
Oooo Lisa,
She is really cute. I wish both of you many happy years together.
sincerely,
smilingcat
look at this threadQuote:
Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl
the second thoughts may be my head talking over my heart. I really want the dog, but I also know my lifestyle may not be conducive to a dog right now. I can probably take her to work a couple of times a week (but in a crate), but the other couple to three days a week she'll be home alone. Then there's the fact I have 2 cats, one of which is 16 and starting to wind down.Quote:
Originally Posted by mtbdarby
I really want to do right by the dog, too. I don't want to get her for selfish reasons and end up with an unhappy dog or one that I can't devote as much time as she certainly deserves.
Hopefully this may be an incentive for me to think of ways to work from home, or at least be able to work only part time.
and I'm so glad you're making headway with Rusty. I commend you for taking on a dog with issues that many people may not want to deal with.
Lisa she is BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations. Can't wait to hear how she does in your home.
Awwwwww, that made my day! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by mtbdarby
Hey Lisa
what a pretty girl!!! She reminds me of my new puppy's mother's name:
"Wintercreek No Mascara Needed"
SHe looks like she recently had kittens and was spayed...am I reading that belly right?
We lost our Gus back in December. He was my husband's heartdog and obedience partner and they were quite a thrill to watch in performance, as M is 6'3" and Gussie was 7lbs.
But the Universe has her eye on us for openings....and within 3 months had a plan. I was talking to a breeder friend who had a puppy she didn;t quite know what to do with and as we've seemed to have a kind of magical rapport with her more sensitive dogs...she asked if we wanted to bring her home for a few days and see what we could do....and maybe keep her. The problem was that she was just shut down and unresponsive....
well. here she is. Emma. She is my new agility/obedience friend and next week we make our debut in the breed ring (shetland sheepdog)....SHe is the most active, nosiest, in the way PITA we've ever had and I'm just NUTS about her!!!
Emma looks like she is extremely happy to be in your family! How lovely and how lucky she is, and what a pretty name! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by elk
Yes, our new kitty has very pretty eyes and eyeliner.
Progress: Pearl and New Kitty sniffed each other today from 2 feet away face to face and did NOT hiss! After a cautious air sniff, they both quietly turned and walked away. A standoff. :D This was the first non-hiss meeting.
About her tummy... she was spayed about 4 weeks ago and therefore her pink tummy skin is still showing, having had her whole tummy shaved. I'm afraid those are little FAT ROLLS on her tummy! :eek: No one at the humane society could tell whether she had had kittens at some point- her nipples indicate not, but she has an appt at my own vet in two weeks for a check up and my vet should be able to figure that out, along with a better age guess.
She was emaciated and sick when the humane society seized her from former owner...but obviously they more than compensated for that over the 3 months she was recovering. There were quite a few 'sassy' chubby kitties there at the shelter. :eek: I kidded them about it even. So poor New Kitty has to lose about a pound or so to be sleek and healthy- she is quite heavy and chunky to pick up! From above, she looks too roly-poly roundy. :cool:
I'll try to get some more pictures soon- we are so happy with her! DH is now falling under her spell too.
And picking a name is SO hard. Good to get to know them a bit first.
You know about that DAP stuff? The kitty feel good spray? I'm sure you do.
A friend just adopted another girl kitty...she sprayed that stuff everywhere, including on both cats and the process of acceptance went much faster.
Lucky new Lisa kitty!!! Isn't the world amazing...!
Maybe you should call her Luna...;)
Lisa - she's a beauty!! I love, love, love her eyes!! You'll get her into shape and she'll be a wonderful companion for you!
Elk - Emma is adorable!! What a pretty girl!