Vent!

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delladooo
Posts: 763
Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2014 4:53 am
Location: Blackpool, UK

Re: Vent!

Post by delladooo »

Well that's good to know at least Nettle! Part of me is glad I didn't say anything as although my mum was there and it was quite a lot of people but I didn't fancy an argument over it when he probably wouldn't have listened
bendog
Posts: 2188
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 7:42 am

Re: Vent!

Post by bendog »

Guess who got a new puppy for Xmas??????

Nope, not me. OH's parents.

I'm fuming. It's a 17 week old Westie - second hand from someone whose "kid was allergic" had no jabs, and therefore not been outside so zero socialisation too :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

There really aren't even words to describe how angry this made me. And for those who don't understand why - apart from the fact that OH's mum physically CAN'T walk a dog - unless she finally accepts that she is disabled and uses her scooter, which has been given to her but she refuses to use, OH's dad doesn't have TIME to walk her (poor bloke never gets to sit down as it is) - they've already "failed" to cope with Sasha, and with Poppy, so why they think they'll do any better with this new pup is beyond me.

HOWEVER I have TRIED to sow some positive seeds and suggested some training exercise videos (kikopup etc) that OH's mum could do from the comfort of her chair to make pups life better. But sadly I already know 100% that she won't bother.

I also had to spend Christmas watching my cousins dogs throwing out MAJOR appeasement/stress signals - ears back, panting like mad the whole time and being told off for doing almost anything except lying down keeping still. The only time I've seen them happy is when they are outside off lead. They are collie type, so kind of naturally stressy, but I never saw them do anything really remotely "dog like" the whole time, their behaviour is so suppressed.

My dogs might lack manners sometimes, they might be "spoilt", they might be "naughty" but by god at least they are HAPPY, and can act like dogs, and communicate with me and problem solve and not be afraid to move!

My cousin also told Bendog off - admittedly he jumped up at the side in the kitchen - but he got a sharp "OI, STOP IT" - and immediately shrank. I fumed, but bit my tongue and just said as nicely as possible "it's ok benjy" and he came to me for a fuss instead.
delladooo
Posts: 763
Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2014 4:53 am
Location: Blackpool, UK

Re: Vent!

Post by delladooo »

Just on fb, scrolling through as you do, and came across a link of " what my dog does when he's home alone". I didn't watch the video but read the description and the dog has serious separation anxiety, walking round aimlessly, lying on person's clothes, howling and then I scrolled down to the comments. Near the top someone went "get him a friend" and lots of people agreed. I really don't understand how people can think that the logical fix is to get another one. One person said that "if you have one dog, a second one is not a huge imposition" which is ridiculous, a couple of people tried to add some reason saying it doesn't always work like that but a lot of people are just saying get another and they're pack animals and need another :roll: I had to stop reading before it drove me insane. There was another string of replies along the lines of "this is why I have a cat" or "you should have a cat instead" which is really no better as replies go because not all cats are independent either. I don't know why I read these things when I know they're just going to upset me :evil:
WufWuf
Posts: 1371
Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 7:53 am

Re: Vent!

Post by WufWuf »

Current bug bear

"He's only a puppy!"

Yeah he WAS only a puppy... a few months ago, he's now a big lout who has no manners at all and adult dogs should not have to tolerate him. Would you tolerate a teenage boy jumping on your back or pulling your hair? Nope, didn't think so, you wouldn't be too keen on a child doing it either but it's VERY different when someone who should know better does it. :evil:
Operant conditioning rocks but classical conditioning rules
delladooo
Posts: 763
Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2014 4:53 am
Location: Blackpool, UK

Re: Vent!

Post by delladooo »

WufWuf, I have that "puppy" and I feel for you. The only thing worse than someone saying it about their dog is someone saying it about yours! I always insist that it's not an excuse but they seem to ignore me. I hope you manage to avoid said "puppy" seeing as it's unlikely to improve it's behaviour soon.

My problem of the moment is my freezer hasn't been delivered!!! According to the delivery company it was never scheduled for today so I'm complaining to the company I bought it from and going elsewhere as I'm not happy with their service up until now anyway. It does mean I've wasted a day though and I go back to university on Monday so I am not impressed.
mansbestfriend
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Location: Queensland, Australia

Re: Vent!

Post by mansbestfriend »

The third hand?

My vent is I only have two hands and my arms aren't long enough, like when you have a dog (and leash) in the left, and a dog (and leash) in the right, and there's a poo on the ground waiting to be picked up. :) Tried holding and untangling both leashes with one hand, tying leashes together and after untangling leashes and legs asking for "Stay", etc.

There are other better solutions I'm sure, but I just wanted to have a vent. Thank you. :?
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single Sit.
Erica
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Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 9:35 pm
Location: North Carolina

Re: Vent!

Post by Erica »

I know that struggle, MBF.

Opal's vets' reasoning for why she was losing weight?

Get ready, it's a doozy.

Apparently, it's because "the dominance hierarchy in the neighborhood is shifting," because of Delta and a might-not-even-exist coyote.

So glad I don't go to those vets wow.
Delta, standard poodle, born 6/30/14
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minkee
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Re: Vent!

Post by minkee »

Ah finally, something I can blame my weight gain on - it must be the neighbours moving in next door, not me getting older!
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Nettle
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Re: Vent!

Post by Nettle »

it's because "the dominance hierarchy in the neighborhood is shifting," because of Delta and a might-not-even-exist coyote.

Gosh. :shock: I am so glad that I know this now.







MBF I often think a few tentacles would be useful.
A dog is never bad or naughty - it is simply being a dog

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
rnor1120
Posts: 282
Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2011 9:35 pm
Location: USA

Re: Vent!

Post by rnor1120 »

Erica wrote:Apparently, it's because "the dominance hierarchy in the neighborhood is shifting," because of Delta and a might-not-even-exist coyote.
They didn't teach me that in vet school, I think I got ripped off!

Seriously though, have you found a good vet and done a little investigating? I'd ask for, at the least, a serum chemistry, urinalysis, and thyroid check (although most hypothyroid dogs gain weight).

Edited to say - oohh, and also a 4Dx snap test (for heartworm, anaplasma, ehrlichia, and lyme). Or if they don't have a 4Dx, then at least a heartworm check if not current.
Erica
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Location: North Carolina

Re: Vent!

Post by Erica »

This was a follow-up from a blood test (my dad took her so I don't know what exactly was done) for thyroid and general blood levels that all came back normal. I'll try to find a way to suggest taking her to my vets for the 4dx and the others if they weren't one of the ones they did already. Heartworms are pretty bad around here so it's definitely a possibility, though I think my parents keep her utd with prevention. (I like my vets - very reasonable, knowledgeable, and don't push spay/neuter as absolutely necessary or your dog will die.) thanks for the suggestions!
Delta, standard poodle, born 6/30/14
rnor1120
Posts: 282
Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2011 9:35 pm
Location: USA

Re: Vent!

Post by rnor1120 »

My backyard neighbors have two hound dogs and a large scruffy terrier thing AND THEY HAVE BEEN OUTSIDE FOR THE LAST TEN HOURS HOWLING AND BAYING AT EVERYTHING. I'm usually a fairly patient person, especially when it comes to dogs being dogs, but TEN HOURS of hound dog baying has got me on edge a bit. The dogs never see the world beyond their backyard fence and so they always bark at stuff, but the owners are usually pretty good about not leaving them outside for too long. I don't know what's going on at their house today, but they've been outside since 8 or 9 this morning barking and barking and barking and barking. It's got my two going nuts too.

I suppose it's a good thing that I've got friends in animal control :twisted: .
delladooo
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Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2014 4:53 am
Location: Blackpool, UK

Re: Vent!

Post by delladooo »

Honestly, I just can't win. Brother apparently stopped giving Laufey treats when he came into the house because he stopped barking and can't explain why we're back to the beginning again :shock: I get it, teenage boy who's not overly interested in the dogs but seriously, don't mention it just stop and then get p**sy with me when I tell you to give him treats again.

Also, I don't think I've mentioned but MiMi is driving me crazy. She's teething so wanting to chew everything (particularly wood) but whenever we have toys out they do nothing but argue over them. Laufey is getting much better at leaving something she's got and getting something else (although does need reminding) but she is becoming a nightmare with stealing stuff from him and then trying to bite him for it. No toys and she's becoming a bugger for playing "chase Laufey and bite him whilst making a noise like I'm a beast from hell". She is unstoppable when she gets going and whilst I try and teach her not to do it and do something else instead, mum just uses the "they're as bad as each other line" and intervenes by removing Laufey (for instance by putting him on the sofa as she can't get up but they can both get down). Her method doesn't seem to work any better or worse in the moment but I think it's making her do it more often. MiMi's excellent at letting us know when she needs to poop but is a bugger for just stopping and peeing where she is with little warning and doesn't seem to pee when you expect her to.

On the plus side, the food issue is pretty much a none-issue now. She's fed in the kitchen whilst he's fed outside (or by the back door if it's reallllly bad out) and he doesn't go in the kitchen until she's finished.
bendog
Posts: 2188
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 7:42 am

Re: Vent!

Post by bendog »


Also, I don't think I've mentioned but MiMi is driving me crazy. She's teething so wanting to chew everything (particularly wood) but whenever we have toys out they do nothing but argue over them. Laufey is getting much better at leaving something she's got and getting something else (although does need reminding) but she is becoming a nightmare with stealing stuff from him and then trying to bite him for it. No toys and she's becoming a bugger for playing "chase Laufey and bite him whilst making a noise like I'm a beast from hell". She is unstoppable when she gets going and whilst I try and teach her not to do it and do something else instead, mum just uses the "they're as bad as each other line" and intervenes by removing Laufey (for instance by putting him on the sofa as she can't get up but they can both get down). Her method doesn't seem to work any better or worse in the moment but I think it's making her do it more often. MiMi's excellent at letting us know when she needs to poop but is a bugger for just stopping and peeing where she is with little warning and doesn't seem to pee when you expect her to.
Times the peeing issue by a million, the energy level by 50, and the biting by 100 -
Add to that a strong prey drive, fear of strangers, lack of recall, and food guarding issues and actual real serious fights with the other resident *****... And you have Poppy as a puppy.
Admittedly she is still hard work now, but not QUITE such hard work so hang in there!
delladooo
Posts: 763
Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2014 4:53 am
Location: Blackpool, UK

Re: Vent!

Post by delladooo »

bendog wrote:

Also, I don't think I've mentioned but MiMi is driving me crazy. She's teething so wanting to chew everything (particularly wood) but whenever we have toys out they do
nothing but argue over them. Laufey is getting much better at leaving something she's got and getting something else (although does need reminding) but she is becoming a nightmare with stealing stuff from him and then trying to bite him for it. No toys and she's becoming a bugger for playing "chase Laufey and bite him whilst making a noise like I'm a beast from hell". She is unstoppable when she gets going and whilst I try and teach her not to do it and do something else instead, mum just uses the "they're as bad as each other line" and intervenes by removing Laufey (for instance by putting him on the sofa as she can't get up but they can both get down). Her method doesn't seem to work any better or worse in the moment but I think it's making her do it more often. MiMi's excellent at letting us know when she needs to poop but is a bugger for just stopping and peeing where she is with little warning and doesn't seem to pee when you expect her to.
Times the peeing issue by a million, the energy level by 50, and the biting by 100 -
Add to that a strong prey drive, fear of strangers, lack of recall, and food guarding issues and actual real serious fights with the other resident *****... And you have Poppy as a puppy.
Admittedly she is still hard work now, but not QUITE such hard work so hang in there!
Thank you!!! I love this forum, there's always so much good advice and putting things in perspective. I do think we got lucky in many ways but sometimes she seems to rub me the wrong way more than Laufey; I think it's because he's my baby and she isn't. I currently have some uni work to do that requires my "big laptop" so we're in my room and she's downstairs. I currently have a lovely hoof being chomped on my bed :| but I don't mind seeing as I invited him to do it and it's on the blanket over the cover. I just don't particularly like the smell
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