AFTER THE FALLOUT......

[Chris & Boys]

A few weeks ago, I posted a forum about Fozzy biting/grabbing the boys' arms and jumping on them, wanting to play. He was leaving scratches and bruises. I was looking for advice how to deal with Fozzy's behavior, also asking if anyone thought it would be worthwhile to look into an e-collar. Well, it got pretty heated.......I was even told I was committing child abuse by not keeping the dog away from the boys that he sleeps with every night. Well, needless to say, I was VERY upset with that accusation. I called our trainer, who said that the behavior is typical of a puppy, and he should not be considered a "dangerous" dog.

We met with her so she could observe this behavior, and as I had been telling the boys, they had to show Fozzy that they are not his littermates, they are the bosses. And since it was coming from two adults now, they took the advice seriously. And Wow! What an improvement. My youngest is starting to lax in following the rules, and is seeing Fozzy's behavior change in response. So, now he sees that what he was doing was working, and that he must get back into the routine, or else he will again run the risk of getting bruised and scratched again.

So, thanks to all of you that offered advice. It is nice to be able to have this forum to get the help we seek, but to be honest, I am hesitant to look for advice that may stir any controversy whatsoever! I had no idea asking for training advice would turn to having someone make accusations against me. I have waited a while to add this blog. I started writing it several times, and deleted it for fear of still being offended by some of the comments, or by getting getting offended, or ruffling feathers again. But, I feel the atmosphere here is changing, and I feel it is a shame that I now think twice before I ask for advice. I wish I could ask for advice anonymously..........sad, isn't it?

[Debbie and Thomas]

Chris-getting back to your topic, I would like to ask "what did you do to change Fozzy's behaviour toward the boys? My son is in his early 20's( so he is much older than your boys) and our dog (9mths old now) still loves to jump on him and bite at him. If Tim is in the room, the dood is all over him. But-having said that-he is the one who rolls on the floor playing with him etc, etc. So I guess the dog thinks that this guy is open game. I have told Timmy to show that he is " the boss" and he asked "how do I do that"? I told him to get up and walk away when it gets too rough as I learned from our trainer and several other methods that worked for me. However, the dog is NUTS over this big kid of mine. What did you do?

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I am glad too, Chris that everything is smoothing out, for all of you. You should not worry about what people think, and some of us just can't resist controversy, it helps to brighten a day. You know at least on my part, it was never directed at you. You know who you can and can't ask for advice. Keep up the good work and shout again if you need to. BTW- I don't hide behind the Internet, my full name is on display and I have been here for over a year. Tell it like it is is sometimes taken the wrong way. But you and I know...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I think it was first started to be on the opposite spectrum of a Slap Group. Come in and check it out, LuvLittleAbby. If you hate it, there is a remove from group feature.
After joining I found it to be on a very Light Side of the conversation. Within that group is a Topic Area where questions can be posted without ridicule or heated debates, questions someone felt might be to stupid to ask. We all need debates, and there is a group for just that, but we also need a place where those questions that we are afraid to ask won't be debated. Hopefully. Maybe we can start " On the Light Side Group"
Some nights I need to read a good debate and other nights I just need humor. Call Me Moody :)

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

I thought the "DUMB" group was that same "Stupid People Should Be Slapped" group or whatever it was called....renamed. I have never been a party of a conversation of the former group but from what was discussed on this board it sounded like it was a group that was based on ridiculing others behind their backs. If that is the case - not a really nice group in my opinion.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

' Answers are the easy part, it's questions that raise the doubt' ( Jimmy Buffett )
Some never ask questions they only give advice. There are many of us here that feel this way so there was group created just for this. D.U.M.B. People. In this group I created a Topic Question: DUMB QUESTIONS: Questions you may have but were so afraid to ask. Please join us! So far it has remained light and humorous but informative at the same time.

[Leigh & Allie]

I have just recently noticed the sometimes "hostile" environment on DK. I am new to DK as I am currently waiting on my puppy. I am sure I too will need advise as the time draws nearer. It is sad that one would feel nervous to ask a benign question. I feel it is the people who have problems in their own life who feel the need to "attack" others. Do you really think any of these people would actually say any of these things to your face? Of course not. They are "hiding" behind the curtain of the internet. All I have to say is I truly feel sorry for these people and I hope if I have any questions once I get my puppy that I will be treated with respect.

[Lorraine Bromley]

I get upset with friends coming over to our house that have kids that have no experience with animals and the dog gets blamed for being a dog when the kids need to be blamed for acting like idiots and wondering why the dog nips and jumps at them. I am close enough with these people and thier kids to try and teach them about what not to do if they don't want the dog interacting badly and telling them when they are encouraging the dog to behave badly. But it is frustrating that they act that way. Abusing my dog! Some people may think I should hide my dog when people like that come over. I would rather teach my dog how to behave and use it as a training opportunity. It is hard work. So abuse goes both ways. My puppy did the same thing. He abused me daily. He learned daily too. I doubt my people will learn as much about animals as he has already learned about people.
ABUSE what a joke. so far you sound like a normal parent with normal kids and a normal puppy.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Told you so! ;o)~ (about the boys needing to be more dominant). Dontcha hate a toldyaso? Heheh. Seriously though I am glad you are relieved, it is so hard when we feel like we are at our wits end and there is no help to be had. Glad you found a good trainer! If you need to ask anything never hesitate, a little controversy keeps things interesting.

[Kathy Wilson]

F Parker, I SO agree with you. And yeah, Chris, it is a shame that you have to think twice for asking for advice. Why it is folk feel the need to tell someone off rather than offer constructive help is beyond me. Very sad.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sorry you had a rough time of it. I do think some more support and not criticism would be helpful to us all.