The Saga of Stew

[Jess & Stewart]

I need to write a book! Seriously. I think I need to write a children's book with all Stew's antics. It would be a best seller...

I had a training session Monday night. Trainer & I rewatched the feed of Stew jumping over the gate. Once I turned the volume up, you can clearly hear loud voices, the voices groaning while carrying the dishwasher, then it being placed with a thud by my front door. So now I know Stew didn't just jump the gate due to boredom. Trainer was baffled by what the maintenance did, since we know now they totally screwed him all up. I walked him around my apt--he said it basically SUCKS to help manage Stew's unpredictability with getting out/getting things. I have no doors that properly close, even bathroom door has started popping open, the mechanism seems loose. 

So, it's back to the crate full time until I figure out a solution. We placed crate & harness games. Stew was VERY disengaged. Even the trainer had to try a few things to get him up-he'd just lay in front of crate or us. Eventually, we got him up, moving, going into the crate very reluctantly, he'd sniff it, then whine, back up; step in, back up. Rewarded if he even looked at the crate. He did very well with harness games. 

We are signed up for 6 more sessions--not sure if we'll need them but thought it would be best. Will see trainer every 2 weeks. 

Tuesday morning: Stew didn't want go near the crate. Played harness games-then gently, calmy got his collar and manuvered him into crate. Praised and treated like crazy. 

Tuesday night: We go to pet store, they bring me in the back to get a big bag of his food. We turn around & Stew jumped their half door & was following us! Then I start rushing home because the sky opened up & we're slated to get tornadoes etc. ONE BLOCK FROM HOME, it starts downpouring, wind crazy, Stew decides it's a GREAT time to finally poop-after the 45 minute walk! We're soaked, then he LAYS down and rolls around in the mud. As I start getting nervous, the sky was PITCH BLACK, we finally run home. I never lost power & Stew slept through the whole thing with his head on my lap-thank god!

This morning: My blinds fell off the window overnight from the storm, Stew guards them. 20 minutes later, I got them away. Then he lays down on the couch, stands up and VOMITS ALL OVER my couch. Large pieces of fabric are found (from last week I guess!!!), Stew guards the vomit. 25 minutes later, he has his harness on, ready to walk! Walks fine, then darts sideways for something on the ground. I pull him back, then FALL flat on my face in the middle of the street. He started licking my hand that's bleeding from breaking the fall. The ONLY thing that went right-Stew let me guide him into the crate. 

I really think Stew's trying to kill me. Or make me go mad. :) 

Then of course, my dog walker sends me the best pictures of my rascal on their walk. 

[Carrie king]

oh your Stew could have been our Chesters twin! He was the worlds biggest nut too & such a challenge. But I would do anything for another day w/ him. Enjoy your Stew and give him the biggest hug!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My Springer pulls on the leash - little jerks - always has even with a gentle leader etc.  He does this for both my husband and I.  My ex daughter in law takes Gordie's leash while holding a baby and walks him down the street in the perfect heel!  I guess some of us like your dog walker and my ex daughter in law have a magic touch; and some of us just don't!  :-}

I hope you weren't injured when you fell.  It seems Stew was concerned about it.

[Jess & Stewart]

I was pretty embarrassed, there I am sprawled all over the sidewalk with a dog licking me! My hands got cut up a bit & I have a cut on my face but I'm ok.

The guarding this morning was just too much, I just kept saying "really stew, your vomit too? That's gross!"

[Robin and Libby Louise]

I'm sorry, don't mean to be laughing, but it's too much.  Especially the pooping.  I don't live far from you so can totally appreciate the approaching apocalypse last night.  You'll get there -keep the faith!

[Jess & Stewart]

It was too much, lol. He's actually probably a good fit because I'm a nut & quirky too LOL.

I couldn't believe the guarding though! He's been so good recently. At least he regurgitated! I felt bad for him just spewing it all over :(

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sorry to hear of your troubles lately but the trainer will help I hope.

[Chris & Abby]

Jess, when Abby was guarding (she's over it now) she also guarded her vomit!. I guess food is food to them, in any form. I agree, it's totally gross.

[Jess & Stewart]

I just didn't want him to swallow the pieces of fabric again! Gross indeed. 

[Rebecca, Kandy & Murphy]

Gosh he is cute!  If it makes you feel any better, I've been working with one of our doodles on leash manners for more than a year now, and he still goes into full "sled dog" mode at least once a day -- even with a gentle leader he tries to pull me down the hill!  I guess that isn't very comforting but at least you know you aren't alone :-)