Doggie Dan

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Just a little curious to know who all has continued with the Doggie Dan website and who all is continuing with training and the 5 golden rules?  Was just curious to know how it is working for everyone?  As for us, I am a believer.  Things around here although they weren't terrible, we did need some work in a couple of areas.  Our two main issues were barking in the back yard and greeting visitors when they come to the house.  Additionally, I've never felt comfortable with little ones when they are here around the girls because the girls just are not used to them and they love them so much, they get a little excited.  Hasn't been a huge problem in the past as we only had my Great Niece Emma and she loves them, tolerates them and didn't care if they sat on top of her.  She was 3 when we got Lucy and Sophie so she has bascially grown up with them.  Now we have 3 more great nephews under three and a new great niece on the way, so things needed to get under control.  We are also working some fear issues with AnnaBelle and the excitement barking and lunging when meeting other dogs on a walk.  So, lots of opportunities for training.  Now every time I see someone ask a question about a problem they are having I just want (and do) refer them to the website.  Every single question is addressed and has a video that goes with it.

There were a couple parts that were a little tough for us to put in place, but we are dealing with it.  Feeding them after we eat has really been the hardest because it messes with our schedule.  We are used to feeding them at the same time we eat.  Also, the ignoring them when we come into the house.  This was hard, but was a real necessity if we want to get them under control when company comes.  Now, they are very calm when we return.  They were always really excited when Mike got up in the morning, but now he just makes them sit calmly before he gives them any attention.   A little modification (no waiting for them to calm and then another 5 mins).  But, it really is working.

Anyway, out of all the training we have taken I think this really has been the most helpful!  How is everyone else doing?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

The feeding routine is probably the hardest for us.  Just gets us all off the schedule we are used to.  However, I really feel I can see results so I'm sticking to it with the hope that soon it will seem normal.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We are also seeing results with meeting other dogs.  Two situations just in the last couple days.  A lady in our neighborhood has a new older dog that she has just adopted.  She is a retired school teacher.  She seems to walk at the same time we do so we were meeting her regularly.  AnnaBelle is in that phase (I remember it well with Sophie) where she acts like an idiot when we meet other dogs.  My reaction has been to one think "oh great, here we go again" and pull her up into a heel.  Which of course as soon as the leash goes tight she goes off.  So, two days ago I told Mike to just keep walking with Lucy.  As soon as I got the feeling AnnaBelle was starting to alert me to the dog I said thank you, calmly told her to sit and then I just stepped in front of her with my back to the dog.   She would peek around me to see the dog but she remained calm and quiet.  Whew, success.  Additionally the last few weeks we have been going to a winery on Saturday nights that is very dog friendly.  We have been having a little of the same issue when other dogs walk by or approach.  So last night as soon as she would look up I would just calmly say thank you and she was fine.  No barking at all last night.  I think for me one of the hardest parts is just remaining calm and remembering what it is I need to do.  It just doesn't come naturally so I have to keep trying to remember what I could have done better or different.