KONA UPDATE 7 MOS. LATER -- WE STILL HAVE HIM AND NO NEW BITES!!!

[Kona]

Hi everyone

 

I thought I would update this great community on Kona since everyone was so helpful and forthcoming.  We decided as a family that we could not bear to part with Kona.  My husband and I were dissuaded from re-homing by three very devastated and persistent kids.  We all agreed that we would work hard on training Kona and learning to anticipate and listen to his cues as well. We also felt that in many ways Kona is such an ideal, friendly and highly intelligent dog that we had to give him another shot. 

 

The months of boot camp wore on.  We kept him on a short leash, so to speak, immediately correcting any negative, aggressive behavior by removing whatever he was guarding ,kicking him off our bed/ furniture etc.  the minute he so much as grumbled.  After months of instant response to these behaviors, Kona became so aware of the impending correction that the mere mention of my husband's name (Brett) would cause him to instantly stop his negative behavior, come over to the person he growled at and do what we have come to call his "apology."  It is really the most bizarre thing.  Here is a typical scenario ( with ZERO exaggeration):

 

Kona would be on our bed with his "baby" (stuffed toy).  This is usually the only time Kona is grumpy -- at night, on our bed.  One of the children would enter our room and Kona would give a low growl and sometimes a snarl.  With that, one of my kids would yell "Dad" or later "Brett" (b/c Kona was so used to dad that they later used Brett to throw him off so Brett could catch him in the act).  As soon as the name Dad or Brett was yelled, Kona would immediately look toward the door for Brett and then go to the kid he growled at and literally stand on his hind legs with his paws over their shoulders and lick and snuggle and burrow his head into their chest,  until they pet or "forgave" him.   Brett would then enter the room and stare Kona down.  Then I would begin to report to Brett what Kona did and uncannily -- to almost shut me up while telling the story -- Kona would come to me and start pushing into me affectionately and insistently, nuzzling into my face -- looking for approval. Kona would then go to Bret with the same apology routine. This happened night after night for weeks on end -- and oh are those adorable "apologies" impossible to resist.  We swear we are going to youtube it one day as the whole scenario is so incredible to watch.

 

While we are still mystified by his seemingly dual personality at  those 1% times, we now feel confident that we have a handle on dealing with it and accept him -- weird personality and all.    Best of all -- I am truly no longer fearful for my kids as they have also learned how to deal with him and how to respect his cues and needs also.  We also have that magic word -- BRETT!!

 

Long story short -- HE'S A KEEPER!!!! Thanks to all who listened and offered advice.

 

Yours,

Maria

 

 

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

We are so proud of you all.  What a journey.  You and your family are truly awesome.  Thank you so much for updating us and with such good new.  You have been so successful, as long as you keep it up the 1% will vanish.  Your family is no doubt stronger because you undertook this with your children.  May Kona and your family have a long, long time together.

[BG and Gavin]

Way to hang in there Maria and family!  You guys are truly inspirational!

[Becky, Chili & Guiness]

I love happy endings.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is wonderful news and a great example to others having guarding problems.

[Anna and Achilles]

Great News!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You've come a long way with Kona.  I give you so much credit for making this commitment and following through.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

This brought tears to MY eyes too!! I am just so moved by your entire family's love and commitment to Kona! I am so happy to hear it has paid off and you now have such a wonderful companion Best wishes to all of you!!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

This post brought tears to my eyes. You have done a wonderful thing, working with Kona and putting in a tremendous effort to make sure his sweet side keeps shining! Lesser people would have given up, given him away, possibly causing more issues for the dog. Kudos to you!

[F, Calla & Luca]

So glad to hear the family and Kona worked it out. Overtired kids, er dogs are often grumpy.Persistence pays off.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Maria, I am so happy to hear your update. It is amazing what they understand. Good news, for sure!!