Day Two - and I got shocked - Update

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I believe that Rooney's shock setting was too high.  I had dh set it down from a 2 to a 1. Then I held it and walked out to be shocked.  It did not hurt at all but it did get my attention.  I was fearful of feeling it and wouldn't want to feel it at a 2 which is what Rooney got yesterday.  So we left Stuart's at a two and Rooney's is now at a one.  Stuart is doing well and seems relaxed outdoors - Rooney remains fearful but is trying - this may take more time.  He'll never go through the fence - I just want him to be relaxed and able to play.  We'll see.

 

*********************OMG what have I done?  DH got home last night and I left him in charge of the fence installation while I had a hair appointment  this a.m. thinking that I had plenty of time to get back home before the install was finished.  WRONG!  I turn the corner onto my street to see Rooney walking around the yard with the fence trainer and just as I get pulled off to the side he leads Rooney to a flag and AND I'M TRYING NOT TO CRY AS I TYPE THIS I saw my baby get shocked.  It was the worst feeling to see that - they did it twice very quickly and I just had to sit there and watch.  I was afraid then that if Rooney saw me get out of my car that he'd try to run through that fence line and get shocked again.  My dh did come and take Rooney by the leash and then I went into our yard.  Rooney was so happy for me to take him in the house.  I missed seeing Stuart get shocked and thank God for that or I'd have had to put a stop to the whole thing.  Stuart is fine now and happy to walk the yard on his lease, not going too close to the flags.  I just took Rooney out and had to carry him because he is afraid of the front yard (where the shock took place) but he did better on the side and in the back yard - giving the flags a good 10 feet.  I need to work hard to hide my fear and stress and try to project a calm, confident manner but inside I'm a wreak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!**********************

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I'm very nervous but tomorrow the electric fence is being installed.  This could be $1,500 of fabulous or disaster.  Most of you know that I tried very hard to be able to install a physical fence but it was not allowed.  If the training goes as planned I would, for the 1st time be able to open my door - step outside with the boys off leash and let them potty.  I would be able to sit outdoors or throw a ball in our yard - none of which we can do now.  There is NO off leash anything for the boys unless we drive to our dog park.  I do hate the idea of them getting that shock but this will happen with the fence trainer so they will associate that with him, not me.  My biggest fear is that Rooney is a little bit fearful at times (he is skittish to potty after dark, he looks around like the wild pigs are after him).  I am afraid that once he gets that little shock that he may just not want to go into the yard at all.  Rooney doesn't forget - ever - so it would be difficult if he decided to over-react.  Stuart is a big ol goofy guy and I doubt it would faze him.  I realize that I have to be very careful to keep up with the flag training and if I am going to walk them off of the property (not for the 1st couple of weeks) the trainer said to lay across the driveway an old beach towel - think magic bridge, to teach them to walk out, of course I'll have taken the special collars off.  I would never let the boys outside without me with them - the collars might keep the boys inside but it won't keep the gators, cougar, wild pigs or black bears out!  I'll keep ya all posted on this process for anyone else that might be thinking of doing the same.  Please cross your paws for all of us - there is a lot riding on my ability to get them trained.

In other news - one week from tomorrow we start our in home training.  We are using the same lady that Rooney went to puppy and agility classes.  Super great young trainer with so much positive energy, Rooney loves her and I'm sure that Stuart will also.  Stuart having gotten over his neuter is finally ready to get started and as he is going to be a big boy (around 55 lbs we think) I need him to walk without pulling and tangling the leashes when we walk.  I also need to start training him to jump into the suv.  I had to have a spinal fusion a few years back and he is going to get too heavy for me to lift.  Rooney has things to work on also - such as no bark (he hates those lawn guys) and no putting his little paws on people, etc.  I've got her coming for an hour once a week, indefinitley.  We don't have any serious issues, I just know that for me to control Stuart and not hurt myself or to be able to take both the boys someplace that I need ABSOLUTE CONTROL.  I also think that she'll be good with helping with the above fence training if needed.

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

I feel your heart breaking, Jane, but I think in the long run it will be for the best for everyone.  While we don't have alligators in Arizona, we do have rattlesnakes.  All smart dog owners take their dogs to be "rattlesnake trained," which involves live rattlesnakes and shock collars.  It just about destroyed me when I had to put Penny through it.  She literally jumped on her hind feet, wrapped her front legs all the way around my waist and I couldn't get her off.  It destroyed me at the moment, but I have to say now that it was for the best.  We've had at least three encounters with rattlesnakes that were avoided due to the shock training.  I hope it all goes well for you guys -- you're a wonderful dood mommy and only want the best!

[Leigh & Allie]

I have to tell you my story about an invisible fense. I was at a friends house. Everyone was in the dining room. I love their dog, Lily, so I picked her up and proceeded to join everyone in the dining room. Little did I know they had an invisible fense in their house to keep Lily from going in the dining room. I noticed Lily was shaking and I could not figure out what was going on. Luckily Lily's owner grabbed her from me and took her back into the kitchen. I was SHOCKING her. I have never felt so bad, but I had no idea. It did not even cross my mind. I still feel bad about it to this day.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

"he is skittish to potty after dark, he looks around like the wild pigs are after him" thank you I just about spit coffee all over the key board. I had just taken a sip when I read this. Oh, my heart goes out to you and the boys. Keep me posted  as are thinking of doing this in Florida and Nebraska for Lilly.  I miss real honest goodness wood fences. hugs

[Susan and Sasha]

Oh Jane...

I feel your pain!

I went through that with Sasha when we had our invisible fence installed...and it was just as difficult (to say the least) for me!

The good news is...that they do learn not to go anywhere near the flags...and when the flags finally do come up...it's amazing that Sasha doesn't go Anywhere near the perimeter of our property!

Even if any of her "doggie friends"  are visiting and go off our property...Sasha stays put!  (smile)    Safe and Sound!

So..Thankfully....that part of the training is over...lesson learned...and now the boys will stay safely in their yard with Mommy by their side...

Wishing you the Best and sending Great Big Doodle Hugs...

 

 

 

 

[Anna and Achilles]

I'm sure it wasn't as bad as you felt. Try not to think of it and stay positive. Good Luck!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I'm like you, Jane. I wouldn't want to see the training for an e-fence.  I can see that they would be useful to keep the dogs in, but I would be so worried about one of your gators or wild pigs getting IN that I probably could never enjoy the advantages of the no leash part.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

:o(

But just remember, in the end it will be all good, you are doing what is best for your boys!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm so proud of you, Jane. This must be so hard but it is for such a good purpose. Hang in there. Maybe they have learned, with one clear lesson, not to approach the perimeter of the yard. My niece is going through the same thing. Hang in there. It's a really good thing.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Just took the boys out together - Rooney does better when Stuart is with him.  Not as bad as the first time out BUT the neighbor was walking his dog past our place and in the past both Rooney and Stuart would have run and pulled to get to their buddy.  Rooney didn't take one step toward the street and Stuart got kinda close to a flag and then just sat down - like "oh I remember that hurt".  I really am trying to see the bigger picture and I am praying that they never go through that shock again.  They are both set to the second lowest setting although Stuart's collar is bigger.  I'll see how things go the next couple of days.  As I sat at dinner with dh with tears in my eyes he tried to console me with the thought that as bad as it was to see Rooney get shocked - how bad would it be for him to be run over by a car and have to live with that.  He is right.  Be strong, be brave!!!!

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

You remind me of when I was a young mom and had to take my kids in to get their vaccinations...I felt like an awful traitor!  They knew I was their "protector", but I was handing them right over to the Pain-Inflictor!  Similar situation here.  You are setting the boys up to have a wonderful /safe environment.  Sadly, the training for the fencing included an up-front ( but quick) pain lesson.  It's over,now, and you can begin the next bit of training with your fellas.  No doubt, you will do it right!  That's just your super style!  Relax and soon you'll be reaping the benefits of that cool fence!