Murph At The Beach....Another Year, Another Story

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This past weekend was our first of the season visit to the beach.  Some will remember from prior years that things didn't go too well for Murphy.  There was the time that he ran into the cottage and "marked" the first bed he saw...and the lunging and barking at every dog we passed...and snapping at the grand kids...and those are just the "big things".  There's been lots of training since last Summer, and overall things were a million times better, but there are still a few "training glitches" to work out.

When we got to the beach cottage I first took him out to what would be his "potty spot" for the weekend and let him "mark".  Then I went inside first and laid down his bed,  brought him in and put him in a down/stay while we unpacked the car, and then I let him walk around the cottage and smell, but controlled with me "leading the way".  This seemed to help and he was actually seemed pretty calm.  We did not have the kids come down until the following day to give him time to adjust and "learn the rules" first.  Outside there were lots of other dogs and many were off leash.  This was no problem...we used our "method"...and we never went out to walk without a real high value treat.  There was only one potential "other dog incident".  I walked out of the house and about 10 ft away was a woman holding a huge GSD who went crazy when he saw Murph.  Before Murphy had a chance to even react, I did a 180 and went back inside to wait for her to leave.  It really didn't trust this dog and it wasn't worth taking any chances.

The following day one of our daughters came down with her two kids.  Murph knows them well because they only live about 10 minutes away and they're here all the time.  There were no issues except that Murphy started with an IBS episode.  Stress causes flare ups, and clearly he was stressed by the change in surroundings and routine.  He started with the vomiting and severe diarrhea, but he continued to drink his water, and was willing to eat the plain chicken and rice.  This lasted all weekend, but is now fine and he's back to normal.  He also had an anal gland issue (stress again) which he "took care of" on his own by the horrible breath that lasted the whole weekend.  I never told the kids why his breath smelled this way....they would have been horrified.  LOL.

Throughout these two days I kept Murph pretty much by my side with lots of down/stays.  Then the following day our second daughter arrived with the four boys.  That's when things got really hectic...kids with loud voices running in and out from the beach...lots of "eye level" candy consumption...balls everywhere (lacrosse balls, basketballs, whiffle balls) often being tossed around the cottage.  This was really a lot to handle for a dog like Murphy.  He did great with everything and all the kids....except the three year old.  For some reason he didn't know what to make of him, and he decided to treat him the way he treats Guinness.  So whenever the baby would start to run or act excited Murphy would go after him and nip at his legs (exactly what he does with Guinness).  He never bit down but he did put his teeth right around the little guy's legs.  I corrected each time and gave him a "time out" in another room....to calm down.  Another time when the three year old walked in from the beach Murph actually charged him barking and backed him up.  I was across the room when it happened but DH was right there and intervened.  I don't think he would have done anything more, but he was giving us a message that there was something about the baby that he didn't like and couldn't handle.  After that we kept Murph gated in another room when the little guy was inside unless I could be right there to focus on him. 

So bottom like things were so much better than past years.  We still have some work to do around the baby, but I need to do this training when things are calmer.  We'll spend some time here working with them first...before our next visit to the beach.

I remember after one vacation being so sad and feeling pretty hopeless.  Clearly this weekend was a lesson in what really can be done to "rehabilitate" a dog like Murphy.  He may never be totally comfortable in these situations, but with work it can be manageable.  I was a little upset about the incident with the baby, but when I put it all into perspective we've come so far...this is just one last training loop that we need to close...and we will.  Throughout it all Guinness was as happy as I've ever seen him.  His tail never stopped wagging.  He is a dog who was born to be with children...so for him this weekend was as good as it gets.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

It sounds like you and Murphy had a lot of successes this time around compared to past years!! That's wonderful, Jane. 

I'm really happy for you both!!  Your hard work and belief in Murphy is showing great results :) He couldn't ask for a better mom. Hugs to both the boys :)

[Gail and Bailey]

Great news, Jane!  So glad to hear that Murphy did well at the cottage this year!  The work and training you have done with him is indeed impressive!!!  He is lucky to have you and your husband as his "parents"!      And...I can just picture little Guinness in heaven around all the children! :)

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

You have come so far with Murph. It is truly an amazing and successful accomplishment that you should be very proud of.

[BG and Gavin]

I am so glad your hard work made the weekend successful.  I still remember last year when you were musing about leaving Murphy at home because of his difficult behaviour and your husband saying "If Murphy stays home, so do I."  I was so touched by that.  Your love and determination has saved Murphy's life. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh you're right....I had forgotten all about that.  My DH always believed that we could reach Murphy. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Dave is truly one of the "good guys".

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Such good news Jane.  I remember reading your beach blog last year and how sad you were for Murphy..  Congrats on all your hard work with Murphy!!!  Good job Murphy!!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

You know Jane I know that you don't make these posts for the kudos, but you do certainly deserve them.  Nothing that I have done in the 5 years of owning doodles even compares to the commitment that you have with Murphy and ensuring that he gets to live a good life and co-exist in your environment.  I dare say I would have given up a long time ago.  I gotta say to, if I were in a cottage with six little kids you probably would of had to put me in a down stay in a gated off room ... ugh.  That is a lot for a person who isn't used to kids, much less a dog!  Your commitment to Murphy is amazing!  You guys have come so far.  So whether you want them or not, kudos kudos kudos.  I always look forward to your beach updates to hear about his progress!

[BG and Gavin]

You are right Lucy and Annabelle's mom - the change of venue and routine and all those people would be a lot for any dog to deal with.  We had 19 people and one extra dog for an outdoor party last weekend and at 9pm I found Gavin staring into the cottage at the glass door.  I let him in and he went to bed.  He had enough (frankly by that time of night I wish that I could have joined him).

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, Maybe it wasn't perfect, but it sounds sooooooooo much better than the previous year and I bet next year will be even better. You have done a wonderful job with Murphy and I admire you so much!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Definitely a huge improvement over last year! I'm sorry poor Murph was sick, though, that couldn't have been much fun for him or for you. I have no doubt that this loop will be closed by next year!

And what you wrote about Guinness just makes me smile. 

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

YAY MURPH!  Just think how great NEXT year will be!