What the doodle is happening? UPDATE Beavers

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

We have Doodle Beavers - must be a new and very rare breed.  And there are 2 of them!  I've said before that Rooney & Stuart will copy each other - well after careful watch of Stuart's poo which had wood it it - as I picked up Rooney's - more wood.  That is correct Mr. Perfect followed his brother right down the path to hell, sorry little over the top, the path right to splinters.  So far every thing seems to be passing without a problem but I am still nervous.  How long before you thing they are in the clear?  *************

Dear Stuart where are you?  At 16 months now I no longer sometimes know you.  My sweet boy who has been left at home for 6 months now without ever chewing up anything, totally trustworthy - you ATE an entire paint stir stick tonight, umm why?  Nothing left but wood chips.  So now I'm on poop watch hoping that it will all pass and if not - well - thank God for the insurance but I'm scared.  I'd lay the guilt trip on you and talk about the gray hair that you are giving me but we both know I already had that. 

Isn't it enough stress that bees like you and you don't like bees?  I almost lost you this summer . . . a thought so unimaginable that my mind can't even go there.  Anaphylactic shock - I still can't spell it let alone wrap my mind around the fact that this is a forever kinda thing.  Shoot - I was always worried about not forgetting to take poop bags with me - now I carry an Epi pen EVERY where we go.

You are still my big ol snuggle puppy - gotta be laying on me while you sleep but you have gotten so reactive to some other dogs while we are walking.  Yet at doggie day care - you LOVE every dog - what gives big buddy?  Momma doesn't know what to do.  Some days I can say "leave it" and you'll pass the other dog without more than a glance, other dogs you have to bark, bark, bark, jump, lunge, no corrections seem to help.  Then while at the ice cream shop - there can be 8 little kids - grabbing you, petting you, pulling your leash, laying on you, loving your brother - and you are so gentle and sweet.  Every little old lady with a walker, toddler in a stroller, kid on a skateboard, guy in wheelchair - they all want to pet you and say hi.  None of that bothers you - so what is up with other dogs?

We are heading back to Florida this Friday - back to our trainer, who I hope has some idea of what the doodle is happening because I just don't have a clue.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Jane, I will probably be looking back at this post when my time comes. Good luck. Welcome back to Florida. While walking this morning I was surprised feel fall in the air, at least fall for Florida.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Right?  I was watching the weather channel this morning and was excited that our high's for the next week are no longer in the 90's - we're only expected to reach 89º this week!  It is coolin' down!

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Every time I hear stories about Stuart I think of Stuart from Mad TV.  "Look what I can do!"

 

I hope there are no problems from the paint stick, you poor thing.  Safe drive down, Florida can't wait for you to arrive! 

[Gail and Bailey]

Any news on the paint stick passing? Hope Stuart is "stick free" real soon!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Awwww  poor Stuart  :(   Some times my Oliver would get overly happy when he sees other dogs on walks, Ollie just wants to say HI and meet everyone he lays eyes on.  I knew I had to correct this immediately.  When Ollie and I go for a walk, he now know it is not a social time but a time for exercise and mommy & Ollie time.  When I spot a dog or person far away, I start to correct him the second he sees them.  I just start saying "noooooo" in a very firm voice and a tug on his leash to snap him out of the focus and to focus on ME.  As we get closer I block his sight with my body, stay calm but assertive and continue to walk but keep his focus on ME and correct him, once the people/dog passes and he stayed focused on me I give him tons of praise.  This took a really, really long time but he finally got it.  I think the trick is to watch his body language prior to him getting to a level 10 and control it when he first sees other dogs when he is at a level 1 or 2.  It is much easier to control your dog at a lower level of excitement because you cannot control them when they are out of control.  I hope this helps....  :)

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I remember the "teen" years. It will pass. That being said he may always have preference to other dogs and not like everyone. I think they are like us, they don't have to like everyone. Daisy loves a few, likes a few others and doesn't give the time of day to most. She does not react unless they get in her business, then she will bark them off.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I don't know what to tell you about the reactive issues you are having, but as far as chewing, I definitely remember Peri hitting 1.5 to 2 years and starting to chew random things again. We had to crate her a while until she was trustworthy again.  Even now, if she gets mad and wants attention, she will look STRAIGHT at us and chew whatever is closest to her.  Looking straight into our eyes and she knows it's wrong. 

[Camilla and Darwin]

Oh Stuart, we love you you confusing doodle.

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

A friend's dog would do something similar around other dogs and would then start pulling her toward the house.  The trainer said he felt uncomfortable and was trying to pull her back to the safety of the house to protect her. She had to do some retraining so he saw her as the leader and not someone he needed to protect.  Sounded a little iffy to me but she said the retraining seemed to work and they can now actually walk without him barking and trying to pull her home.  Sometimes I wish I could read their little doggy minds for just 5 minutes. Of course, the boys probably think the same thing about me.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Jane, I agree it's a teenage thing too. My two react totally differently around other dogs. Bella just wants to go say hi and play, tail and butt wiggling away. Murphy used to be on guard, watchful and nervous, but quiet and stayed close to me. Within the past 6 months or so he's started growling and trying to chase other dogs away for me or Bella. Protective? Maybe. Showing dominance? possibly. Fear? Who knows? We are training with giving other commands, changing directions, talking to him, etc....however, Bella is always jumping for joy next to him so he react s to her before me. It's something I have to do one on one with him. How is Rooney when Stuart does this? Hard to take them one at a time, but it does really focus the training on just them then. Good luck.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Jane I guess Stuart is trying to find himself. Quincy is usually the most laid back gentle dog but when he does react to something it's enough to scare the daylights out of anyone. My problem is that he does it so rarely and randomly that I have no idea what causes it. You've gotten great advice and I think I'll take some of it myself.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

If I think there is going to be a growl fest as I go by other dogs, I either turn and go the other way or I make my guys sit and wait until the other dog passes.  Somehow (and so far) the sitting and waiting (and watching) has worked well.