Rooney & Stuart are outta here!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I can't take another Florida summer!  I've been trying to jog a bit in an effort to lose weight (no such luck, now I'm just a fit, fat person) and even going out the door at the crack of dawn leaves me trying to run in 90 degree heat with 85 percent humidity, not an easy task for a chubby almost 55 yr old.  So this Thursday the puppy hauler 2011 is pulling out of the drive way for the 22 hour drive to Michigan.  Thankfully dd lives in Atlanta and we will pit stop there for the weekend before that last 12 hour leg to arrive in Michigan on Monday.   I'm driving the boys up myself - dh will fly to MI a bit later.  Truthfully - he would have rode with us but I am going to have the suv packed to the roof with all the dog beds, toys, food (can't get Orijen in our little town), so I couldn't spare the space - besides - since his job loss - he is with us 100% of the time and I am looking forward to a little me & the boys time.  So cooler weather - here we come - the boys are going to LOVE that!

I have a few concerns though.  We have never been able to get our beachfront condo sold and so that is where we are staying.  I see no issues with Rooney but Stuart is going to provide some challenges.  We are on the 5th floor with balconies off the beach side and the river/town side. 

A baby Stuart last year on the balcony. 

Because our condo is right at the edge of a public park, and a long pier - there are always lots of people walking, having picnics, weddings in the pavilion, etc.  Stuart is a barker watch dog, who feels the need to let me know when anyone or anything is near.  I'm worried that he might cause problems barking.  I hate to leave the a.c. on but I might have to resort to closing the sliders, and the shades so that he can't see the activity. Stuart was only at the condo once before when he was a baby and only for a week.  When I'm in the condo I should be able to quiet him down but I want to be able to leave them while I run, bike or whatever, I'm worried that they'll hear someone in the hallway waiting for the elevator and go nuts - I'll be lurking out there trying to see how they behave, pretending to have left - the neighbors are going think I'm a nut job. 

Rooney on the pier last summer - look at all that water.

Also the river is right there and I will NOT be able to let Stuart get loose as I'm scared to death that he might jump in, that boy loves to swim!  This is a big river with boats coming and going and it is in a channel so once in - unless you can climb a latter there is no way to get out.  I can see the Coast Guard station from my place - they are always scooping people (sometimes dead) out of the river and lake so this is a big concern. 

Any advise from apartment or condo livers would be most welcome!  I see a wonderful summer ahead of fun, family and friends but with some challenges as well.   

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I would NEVER leave either dog on the balcony unattended - just wanted to make that clear!!!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Jane, I really think with a few days of training you can teach Stuart not to bark or to only bark when there is someone actually at your door.  We are in a condo, and except for really hot days I leave the windows and doors open because I hate being closed up with air conditioning in the Summer.  There is a lot of activity here too...walkers, joggers, groundskeepers.  For a few days you'll have to respond every time they bark (and before is even better).  I started by "owning" the doorways.  If there is someone in our yard (or in the hallway in your case) and they run to the door, I stand in front of it, back them up and put them in a sit.  They know that sit also means quiet.  If there's nobody in the yard, but they hear a sound outside, I give them a verbal correction (whatever sound you use).  Now they almost always listen and do not bark.  Once in a while they will test me....if they do they get a little squirt of bitter apple.  Just be consistent from when you first arrive and they'll learn what the rules are in Michigan.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Jane - can you explain how you are using the bitter apple in more detail?  We used it once years ago when our Lab puppy was eating poop but I'd love to hear how you squirt for the barking.  Oh and I was not awake when I typed this "latter" instead of ladder  - lol - more coffee?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I just keep the bottle(s) handy.  If they hear something they get one bark and then I verbally correct and generally that's enough to stop them.  If they bark again I get the bottle and squirt once in their mouth.  They know exactly what that bottle means and they don't like it, so for the most part they don't bark at all.  I really think that once in a while they get excited by a sound and just forget. 

[Linda and Murphy]

What is this " I leave the windows and doors open because I hate being closed up with air conditioning in the Summer."?  That is an option? lol

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If it weren't for JD, I would never turn on my A/C unless the temperature was over 90. I have never turned on the A/C in my current car, and I've had it almost 5 years. I also hate being closed up with air-conditioning, can't stand the feel of that cold air on my skin, and I love heat!

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

haha  I was thinking the same thing!  In New Orleans is it soo hot!

[Carol and Banjo]

Jane,  I'm in awe of you making that trip yourself with the two dogs....you ROCK girl!    Michigan sounds like a much nicer place to be for the summer.    I'll bet if you spend the first week "in training" you'll have both dogs in line for the rest of the summer.    I wish I had some practical advice to give but I haven't had to implement a no-bark for Banjo as we live in the "country".   I appreciate his warning barks and don't discourage them.    

Have a safe trip and I'll be watching for your updates.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Carol - I'm probably too independent for my own good, but I am very safety conscious.  Luckily for me - I'm legal all the way from FL through every state all the way to MI with my concealed carry.  Both Rooney & Stuart are excellent travelers.  Stuart will sleep the entire drive and Rooney will snooze or watch out of the window in his car seat.  I stop about every 3 hours to stretch my legs and let the boys out to potty.  I consider a road trip - fun! 

[Carol and Banjo]

I think you've got it covered Jane.    Good for you.

[Gail and Bailey]

Good for you that you have your concealed carry license!  My DH and I have ours as well.  We travel from Indiana to Florida to spend the winter and we are also happy to be legal all the way through.  I love those road trips!  Travel safe and have fun!

[Katie and Sophie]

My fiancee  had me get my concealed carry license when we moved to Orlando.  There is a LOT more crime there than in the smaller city we came from, so it made him nervous, and I feel way better with it too.  I need to get it through all the states up to Michigan though, as we travel up there a lot to visit my parents.  Thanks for reminding me of this!