Murphy's "Get Back In Shape" Plan

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think everyone is probably aware by now why we need to do a little remedial work with Murph.  After his experiences on vacation (and our lack of appropriate training and follow through), he's been acting really "pushy" again at home.  The first thing my trainer noticed when he came through the door today was that Murph had his whole body pressed against DH's legs.  He's been doing this a lot with both of us the past couple of weeks.  He's either leaning against us or pushing his face onto our laps....looking for affection and attention.  We usually give him a quick "pet" when he does this.  WRONG MOVE.  This is part of him being "full of himself"...he's demanding affection (unearned) on his own terms.  So, no more of that.  Whenever he does this we're stepping right into his space and telling him "no".  I'll admit it makes me feel bad, but I know it is the right thing.  He's a little confused now...but he'll catch on.

No more snuggling on our bed for a while.  As long as he's being this pushy he has definitely not earned it.  We're back to working basic commands all through the day, with lots of down/stays.  When he's laying calmly, that's when he gets some "lovin"....on my terms.  He's back to the Gentle Leader whenever we leave the house....much less chance for him to decide to react.  He needs his exercise through this time, and we're committed to some really long working walks (daily), especially while we're going through this process.  I am controlling all his interactions with Guinness, because one "side effect" of his "backsliding" is that he's getting way too dominant with his "brother".  Guinness is usually pretty good at giving it right back, but Murph has been relentless and tonight for the first time in ages, Guinness was hiding from him again.  I hate that, and I won't have it.  We're doing lots of impulse control work.  I'm opening the front door whenever I see a dog walking by and Murph has to sit there quietly and just watch.  Actually that's now going really well.  So, it's kind of a whole mindset that we need to execute all through the day.  It's going to take some real focus on our part, but we've been here before and we can do it again.  If anyone has any other thoughts, I'd please share.  I need all the help I can get.

[Amy and Truman]

I'm so sorry! We have a female Jack Russel mix from the shelter that is the same way and it is exhausting just trying to stay on top of her issues!  Sounds like you have some really good exercises in place for him and I'm sure he will make  turn around in no time :)

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Jane, when you get tired or discouraged, just remember you are my training hero and give yourself a pat on the back.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh Nancy, thanks so much.

[Carol and Banjo]

Seriously!   You truly have shown all of us what true dedication is Jane.   I've learned so much from all that you've shared with us.    You are an inspiration!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Carol.  For me it's all about "survival" with the "big Dood".

[Bonnie and Kona]

Jane, When we had a trainer stay in our home while we went on vacation, she mentioned that Owen has issues with impulse control. She also mentioned to work on name recognition. Have you heard of that before and if so, do you have any ideas on how to do that? He isn't very responsive to his name.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm not real big on the name recognition thing to be honest.  I really don't care if my guys respond to their name....but they better respond to ME and my commands.  I rarely even use their names in association with giving a command anymore.  This has probably evolved because I'm often giving commands to both Doods at the same time, so I just state the command itself.  Also my trainer mentioned to me that saying the name a lot as you give commands seems to get Murph excited.  I do think the impulse control exercises are really important with dogs like ours though.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I think I just flunked training.  Turning them away when they want affection would be the hardest thing ever.  I understand what the trainer is saying and I understand why with the current issues you are facing, but still, I would just be sad.  I applaud you for standing tough for Murphy's own good!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It is hard....really hard.  My trainer has a whole theory around affection, especially as it pertains to dogs like Murphy.  It is actually pretty interesting, and when you understand all the "whys" about affection as a gift that is earned and not an "entitlement", it makes a lot of sense.  I should probably post a separate discussion on this.  Again, it's more about the dogs who are "in your face, and demanding".  For Guinness, it's not really applicable...he is just not at all a pushy dog.

[Adina P]

I agree with Jane.  A dog just coming up unassuming and placing their head on your lap while you're on the couch, especially a dog that isn't a struggle like Murphy isn't the same things as a dog that is PUSHY and DEMANDING of attention.  Basically if it's not creating a problem then it's not creating a problem.  But, some dogs are just unrelenting and rude and pushy in the way they approach people, even their owners.  We would never tolerate a human (one that we love even) being that pushy for affection so it doesn't make sense to allow it in a dog.  Think of kids and how they can SUDDENLY start to whine and get pushy when the phone rings...SUDDENLY they need mom's undivided attention.  SUDDENLY they have 100 things to say while the parents are chatting with someone.  It's not okay to just stop everything and give kids undivided attention (though there are exceptions) unless you also want to teach them they can interrupt you at any moment and push their way into getting what they want.  Same with dogs.

Murphy isn't just getting cuddly while everything is calm and smooth...he's being pushy and demanding and trying to steer things his way.  That's very different and I totally understand not giving in to that.  But it's hard for people who are super affectionate with their dogs to switch gears and go from "Awwwwe...he just wants some lovin'" to realizing that it's NOT what is going on necessarily.  He's not starved for love one bit...he's just trying to demand attention and get his way.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yup....I have no problem with affection that isn't being "demanded" by a pushy dog....in fact, I love it.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, What corrections are you doing when he gets too pushy with Guinness?