Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wanted to say thanks for the help we have been getting from everyone and give you an update. We have been reading A LOT from the links provided, e-mailed & talked to Debra (THANK YOU), and are going this week to visit a puppy training class we found through the AKC. If all goes well this week Bruno and the rest of us will start puppy classes next week. We are currently on day three without any problems and starting to see some little changes in his behavior. Yesterday I noticed that when he approaches me he now sits at my feet, ears kind of to the side, and looks between me and the floor. One of the articles described some of this as a sign of submission. Before he would prance up to me and start pawing at my leg or try to jump (more of a stand) on me. This is definatly a family job and I am blessed with a family willing to all pitch in and do whatever is needed to succeed!

Thanks again to everyone

Susan

>>This is definatly a family job and I am blessed with a family willing to all pitch in and do whatever is needed to succeed!
>>
>>Thanks again to everyone
>>
>>Susan

Susan it was nice talking to you! I am glad things are starting to improve. Its obvious you have such a wonderful family!
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Debra
ebraDownSth@aol.com" target="_blank">DebraDownSth@aol.com
Blessed Are The Flexible For They
Shall Not Be Bent Out of Shape.]

this is Eric. So you're the one Susan's been telling me all about. Just so you know I haven't read much as I am at work when Susan is home on the net. Also, we're still feling everyone out to see who sounds credible. We don't want to rush to more bad advice. So far we like what you say. Not because it's easier for us but because the advice you give sounds reasonable and makes sense. It also ties to many other things we've heard/read from many other sources. That said, things have gone OK. I can see a difference in the methods. For now we hand feed, I hold the bowl while he eats. If he growls while eating I pull the bowl away and tell him NO! Sometimes it seems more like a grumble than a growl. Depending on the severity I'll either pull the bowl, make him lay down, stand, then sit and try again. If it really sounds like a growl I'll remove the bowl, make him lay until I can get the bowl away and me off the ground, then isolate him in his crate for awhile. This has resulted in no outbursts like before but he still seems to feel it necessary to growl sometimes. We always feed him on a leash so we can control him if need be. We also pet him while he eats. I've ALWAYS been told if you pet a dog while eating when they are young they will not have food issues but this doesn't seem to be the case. As for the chewy's, is this something we could give him later? Anyway, I really got to get busy. I just wanted to see where my first post lead to. Susan tells me but she can't remember every detail. Thanx for the help.

DZ

>>this is Eric. So you're the one Susan's been telling me all about.
I've ALWAYS been told if you pet a dog while eating when they are young they will not have food issues but this doesn't seem to be the case. As for the chewy's, is this something we could give him later? Anyway, I really got to get busy. I just wanted to see where my first post lead to. Susan tells me but she can't remember every detail. Thanx for the help.
>>
>>DZ

Actually, because food guarding is rather inate, puppies can be the worse. But continuing to work with them and it can be corrected.

Chewys? Well, some can some can't. With a dog with food issues, I would limit them to in the crate where no one is bothering him... but not now at this age. Anything you can't hand feed, he doesn't need right now.
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Debra
ebraDownSth@aol.com" target="_blank">DebraDownSth@aol.com
Blessed Are The Flexible For They
Shall Not Be Bent Out of Shape.]

Thanx! We were holding the chewy's while he chewed them but we can try later, possibly after he's broke (appt in April). We went to the training class and they were more into the letters their dog earned and how to get them ready for a show. This was in the BASIC BEHAVIOR COURSE. We were told of another one closer to home but Susan has school that night. What I was thinking of doing is going through the class, then signing my daughters up with the dog for the same class when it starts over. He'll be used to the class and they'll get the same training I will. We were also told of a sonic device to use when we tell him no for any type of aggression. Still waiting to research that one.

Thanx, gotta go for now.

Eric

>>We were also told of a sonic device to use when we tell him no for any type of aggression. Still waiting to research that one.
>>

Eric glad to hear you are working with him. I think your kids will enjoy classes also. As for the above, I am rolling my eyes.
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Debra
ebraDownSth@aol.com" target="_blank">DebraDownSth@aol.com
Blessed Are The Flexible For They
Shall Not Be Bent Out of Shape.]