Was Big Murph Scared Straight?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Pretty much everyone knows how naughty Big Murph has been and how he's had us on our last nerve.  We were actually so "burned out" from the hours and hours of training, Vet visits, monitoring his every thought and move that I'll confess I looked forward to getting away for a week, without the Doods.  I knew they'd be fine at their Daycare because we know the owner well and they go there once a week.  She is a trainer and knows how to handle Murph...he gets away with nothing there.  They've stayed overnight before but only for a couple nights....never a week.  My expectations were that we'd pick Murph up on Sunday and he'd go right back into his dominant behaviors.  Interestingly enough he has been totally low key....even mellow.  WTD?  Scared straight?

He's not "guarding me", or terrorizing our DS, or attacking his brother.  We had a training session today and he was all "la di da" as we passed by lots and lots of other dogs.  Our trainer thought maybe we had already started him on the meds.  It was so exciting (and I was still so relaxed from vacation) that he and I went looking for dogs...any dogs.  He could have cared less and was totally into the turkey that he was getting for treats and me telling him that he "rocked" instead of having to repeatedly correct him.  So did he get a lobotomy at Daycare or did he get scared that we were never coming back and this would be his future....

His life at Daycare is very structured.  He plays all morning and then into a crate for a two hour nap.  They playing again until six when he has his dinner.  Then back in his crate until eight when he goes out to potty and them back to the crate for the night.  These are really large crates, but still it's not like he has the freedom he has at home.  Maybe this was helpful to him.  Who knows with Murph.  By tomorrow he could be back to himself, but for now this is nice.  We have our Vet appointment on Thursday, and she will start the meds right away.  This cruise was great for all of us!

[Camilla and Darwin]

It will be interesting to see what happens, I second Carol's question. Is Murph still being mellow?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Wondering that myself.  Sometimes, a corner is just turned and there is no going back.  Be a good boy, Murph. We love you

[Carol and Banjo]

wondering how Mr Murph is doing today. Is he still following the straight and narrow?

[Bonnie and Kona]

OMD! Just reading this and sooooo hoping that Murph is scared straight for sure! I love the last picture. Completely cracked me up thinking of Murphy. Please keep posting updates. 

[BG and Gavin]

I am so glad that you can enjoy this repreive Jane.  You certainly deserve it!  Looking forward to hearing what the vet/behaviourist thinks.  He's like doing a puzzle, but you are not sure if all the peices are in the box or not.

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

hmmm....maybe going there showed him how good he really did have it at home!  Best wishes that Big Murph keeps up the good work.  How blessed he is to have owners like you!

[Becka]

It sounds like the change of scenery did everyone some good! Do you think it was the structured days, or maybe he's still worn out from all that playing? I hope it lasts!

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Great for you and Murph. I go with the break in his normal routine being the cause of the change. Hope this continues.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I hope Murphy decided to change his ways in the hopes you will never leave him again :) Little does he know, more cruises are in your future. It will be our secret!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

@ Jane....This is such a cute picture of Rooney...he looks like he's just waiting for you to open the Coke for him.  Hmm maybe the "boys" had a vacation of their own.