Murph At The Beach....Another Year, Another Story

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This past weekend was our first of the season visit to the beach.  Some will remember from prior years that things didn't go too well for Murphy.  There was the time that he ran into the cottage and "marked" the first bed he saw...and the lunging and barking at every dog we passed...and snapping at the grand kids...and those are just the "big things".  There's been lots of training since last Summer, and overall things were a million times better, but there are still a few "training glitches" to work out.

When we got to the beach cottage I first took him out to what would be his "potty spot" for the weekend and let him "mark".  Then I went inside first and laid down his bed,  brought him in and put him in a down/stay while we unpacked the car, and then I let him walk around the cottage and smell, but controlled with me "leading the way".  This seemed to help and he was actually seemed pretty calm.  We did not have the kids come down until the following day to give him time to adjust and "learn the rules" first.  Outside there were lots of other dogs and many were off leash.  This was no problem...we used our "method"...and we never went out to walk without a real high value treat.  There was only one potential "other dog incident".  I walked out of the house and about 10 ft away was a woman holding a huge GSD who went crazy when he saw Murph.  Before Murphy had a chance to even react, I did a 180 and went back inside to wait for her to leave.  It really didn't trust this dog and it wasn't worth taking any chances.

The following day one of our daughters came down with her two kids.  Murph knows them well because they only live about 10 minutes away and they're here all the time.  There were no issues except that Murphy started with an IBS episode.  Stress causes flare ups, and clearly he was stressed by the change in surroundings and routine.  He started with the vomiting and severe diarrhea, but he continued to drink his water, and was willing to eat the plain chicken and rice.  This lasted all weekend, but is now fine and he's back to normal.  He also had an anal gland issue (stress again) which he "took care of" on his own by the horrible breath that lasted the whole weekend.  I never told the kids why his breath smelled this way....they would have been horrified.  LOL.

Throughout these two days I kept Murph pretty much by my side with lots of down/stays.  Then the following day our second daughter arrived with the four boys.  That's when things got really hectic...kids with loud voices running in and out from the beach...lots of "eye level" candy consumption...balls everywhere (lacrosse balls, basketballs, whiffle balls) often being tossed around the cottage.  This was really a lot to handle for a dog like Murphy.  He did great with everything and all the kids....except the three year old.  For some reason he didn't know what to make of him, and he decided to treat him the way he treats Guinness.  So whenever the baby would start to run or act excited Murphy would go after him and nip at his legs (exactly what he does with Guinness).  He never bit down but he did put his teeth right around the little guy's legs.  I corrected each time and gave him a "time out" in another room....to calm down.  Another time when the three year old walked in from the beach Murph actually charged him barking and backed him up.  I was across the room when it happened but DH was right there and intervened.  I don't think he would have done anything more, but he was giving us a message that there was something about the baby that he didn't like and couldn't handle.  After that we kept Murph gated in another room when the little guy was inside unless I could be right there to focus on him. 

So bottom like things were so much better than past years.  We still have some work to do around the baby, but I need to do this training when things are calmer.  We'll spend some time here working with them first...before our next visit to the beach.

I remember after one vacation being so sad and feeling pretty hopeless.  Clearly this weekend was a lesson in what really can be done to "rehabilitate" a dog like Murphy.  He may never be totally comfortable in these situations, but with work it can be manageable.  I was a little upset about the incident with the baby, but when I put it all into perspective we've come so far...this is just one last training loop that we need to close...and we will.  Throughout it all Guinness was as happy as I've ever seen him.  His tail never stopped wagging.  He is a dog who was born to be with children...so for him this weekend was as good as it gets.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks everyone, and Sheri you're right....I definitely don't post the updates looking for kudos.  I guess I hope that DKers who are struggling with behavioral issues with their Doodles will gain some hope from Murphy's story.  I remember when I thought that he was never going to change, that these dangerous behaviors were inbred, and so I wondered if it even made sense to keep trying to "train him out of it".  He will not change who he is, but he has learned how to cope with those feelings and how to behave differently when he's stressed or frightened.  His body language is subtle, but now I always can tell when he's having trouble.  He has so many little quirks...he lifts his right paw off the ground, his tail stops moving, his ears move very slightly back and forth...all these things tell me where his mind is and there are things I can do to calm him and prevent the "melt down".  It's the little things...If I take his ears and gently move them back, massaging the top of his head he will relax.  Having him lie down and then kind of wrapping myself around him always calms him.  He now knows how to tell me that he needs my help, and now I know what to do for him.  It has been such a journey with my boy.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

you are truly amazing!

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Good for you and Murphy..you're hard work and dedication is paying off! All you can ask for is progress..so next time will only get better! Sorry to hear about his IBS flaring up...

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh Jane what a wonderful report! Thank you for sharing this great news with us. It is a tribute to the consistency and deliberate work you and your DH have invested in Murphy. Congratulations.

[Leslie and Halas]

Even though Murphy seemed stressed, he was probably feeling much less stressed than in prior years, so I'm sure he enjoyed the weekend, too.  I'm happy that Guinness had a great time, and it's nice to know that they can both spend these weekends with you.  It's such a huge difference from last year.  You said you were feeling very discouraged last year.  But this year, even with a few incidents, your attitude is just that you know you have a few things to work on.  I'm sure Murphy can feel a change in your reactions compared to last year, and that probably helps him stay calm.  All of that hard work is really showing now.  He must feel so much more comfortable with life now.

[Donna K & Quincy]

It always made me sad that you and your beautiful Murphy were having such a tough time but it makes me happy when I read about your successes and I would consider this a great success. The communication that you have developed with Murphy is an inspiring thing and I wish you every success as you and Murphy move ahead on this journey.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

How wonderful for Murphy, you and the entire family!  Sounds like he has come a long way!  Yay!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Again, thanks to all Murph's "supporters" who have been right there with me these past few years! 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I am focusing on all the good you did in this past year, he was a very good boy in my eyes. Truth be told my Daisy leaves the area of "hectic" all on her own....she retreats into our master bedroom closet and doesn't come back out unless she is called or the company leaves. So if she were somewhere she was unfamiliar with she may just act out similar to Murphy.

All and all I think this is very good news! Congratulations.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is wonderful, Jane.  Perhaps Murphy will never be 'perfect' in all situations, but it sure sounds like it is manageable at worst and down right fun at best.  Hooray.  And the best news - the little one will grow!

[Pat and Traveler]

Wonderful news!  You've worked magic with Murph.  I so admire you and your dedication to this gorgeous dog.  Worlds better than last year!  Wonder what it is about the baby that worries him...  whatever it is, it's minor compared to how things were a year ago.  Kudos to all of you.  And hugs to happy Guinness.  :). 

[DJ & Chance]

Jane, thanks for this.  I've have some challenges when I take Chance to his "second" home and your story is very helpful.