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!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Jane - I'm starting to question just what was going on at my house while dh was left home with Rooney & Stuart.  Wild parties, drinking?  While at the computer today (working on the next cruise) I hear a funny noise and look around - to find Rooney with a plastic bottle of diet Coke.  How he got into the pantry, took it out and back to the dog bed I have no idea but perhaps next Doodle Cruise Rooney should be left at Daycare with Murphy!

[Candice & Bailey]

I hope Murphy continues to be a good boy! Enjoy it! You deserve it after all of the hard work you've been doing with him!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

This cruise was great for all of us!  --  I agree!! Let's go back!!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Terrific!  I love routine - guess Murph does too!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Maybe he is one of those kids that really need the structure of a schedule? Whatever it is I hope it lasts a long, long time!!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Hey, Jane, guess you need more cruises.... :-}

[Donna K & Quincy]

Jane, That sounds wonderful, what a nice treat to come home to. Paws crossed that Murphy has turned over a new leaf.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Oh my doodle Jane - this demands that you go on anothe cruise (so I can see Tim) ASAP!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have no clue as to what has caused Murphy's new improved attitude, but I sure hope it lasts! Maybe you need to get away more often!