Where the Wild Things Are

[barbarianoftheuniverse]

I have an eight month old Border Collie called Meg. She is far from perfect (and so am I).
Today she has been about 60/40 good. The 40 included chewing up my camera memory card which DH is sure he put safely on the mantelpiece. Every time I look down at this screen she takes a quick munch of the coffee table with her eyes on mine. This despite a 2 hour walk which included much in and out of streams.

At the moment I'd almost be happy with that, he's so good at approaching other dogs, ignores dogs on leads/obviously not interested in upstart pups but people, they are the devils spawn and should be backed away from whilst looking horrified. He even did it to DS on his return from uni although a few ball throws and he's decided that he's ok.

You wouldn't honestly. Off lead walks? Yes, in the middle of nowhere where you are on high alert, constantly scanning for movement that has you throwing yourself at the dog before he can do a " Oh I'm sorry about that, he's way too friendly". Or our morning walks where again I have to scan the entrances whilst also giving constant " maz down!" Luckily everyone is good natured and are trying to help me with his jumping up at our morning meets. He doesn't jump up at home so hard to train as he has a preference for other people. It's exhausting.

His recall is 100% spot on until he sees something on legs (2 or 4) and then no reward seems enough. He is good on lead unless anyone talks to or smiles at him and then he is a maniac until he has had a fuss.

I'm at that point now where people laugh at him whilst fussing and say " Oh it's so lovely when pups are friendly, it's better than being aggressive. How old?". I rhen reply that he is 2 next month. "Oh!" "I'm sure he'll calm down one day!".

I'm unconvinced and wonder if we face a lifetime of mostly lead walks with heavily managed off lead intervals.

I'd like enough of your reserve to put paid to this hooligan behaviour so the silly dog could actually be allowed to do what he loves best.

I think that's very much a collie thing. They love their people, but can do without anyone else and that ranges from clear 'not interested' signals to active avoidance. They have such heightened senses that I think some of them simply find some/too many people too loud and chaotic/hectic. Oldgirl was a BC cross and an active avoider as a pup/youngster, as she matured she learned to cope but would pretty much ignore both people and dogs outside her own family.

I reckon it's also part of the reason they're the top dogs for agility/obedience etc, as they learn to be top class at focussing on their handler and completely ignore/shut out the rest of the world.

It's something that can either be a bonus or a curse, depending on the individual dog and/or situation.

Fitz is such a flirt he expects everyone to adore him - any slight coo of admiration and he goes all wiggly and giggly

The other day he started dropping his ball in front of admiring strangers and staring at it meaningfully ...

I too wouldn't mind him having a little of Finn's reserve!

There you all are! Thought I'd lost you for a moment.

What's everyone up to? Enjoying the sunny weather?

We've had a small break through with Mintys annoying habit of barking at neighbours, birds, squirrels etc. I've been spending little 10 minute bursts of time with him outside with treats for when he's quiet and calm and ignoring when he's barking. I was seeing a small improvement I think, but still everytime there was a rustle of a leaf or crunch of neighbour on their gravel he zoomed off barking. Really annoying and the progress was sooo slow.

So I bought a water spray - I'm sure they're not right for all dogs in all situations but our trainer assessed Mintys type of barking and suggested it as she said he is attention seeking not anxious or nervous. Having read people being very anti water sprays on here I used it very cautiously - only quick little spray if he zoomed to fence and barked.

Twice using it in a 5 min period and he began being really cautious around me. Gradually over two days he is much much better. The kids are not allowed to touch it and I am being swift and quick using it if he runs to fence barking but then I'm going way over top with cuddles and play when he's mooching in garden quietly.

I'm well aware it could damage trust and I've seen how wary he is of me in only short space of time. But he is barking way less. A big sign it was working and not causing him stress was I caught him lying snoozing in garden last night at 9 ish and I could hear kids playing in meadows behind fence - a week ago he would have been crazily barking at them, last night he just lay chilled so got lamb leftovers and big cuddle.

I think the earlier method had taught him what I liked - peace but he didn't understand that I didn't like barking. If that makes sense?

Hope dogs not too hot!!

Mint, it's not a method I would use, but one thing I've learned this weekend is to trust your instincts when it comes to your own dog. I'm really pleased to hear he's improving and even spent some time lying peacefully outside when there were noises/distractions.

I managed to bag a last minute place on a training workshop with one of Britain's leading Lurcher experts this weekend. Had to get dh to drive me down to Bristol for 11.00 yesterday morning and spend the day in a sweltering riding school, but it was sooo worth it.

I learned a few handling tips, discovered what I have been doing is right - so cut through all the confusing/conflicting advice I've had re what to do when off-lead dogs fly up to us, was able to observe lots of canine communication, body language and calming signals in action and best of all have been really reassured about Pip and my handling of him in general.

He was clearly nervous and stressed when we arrived and walked into a hall with around 10 other hounds - but cautiously said hello to all the other dogs - excluding the couple that had aggression issues - and gradually settled down and relaxed - to the point he lay down and went to sleep later in the session.

The trainer asked us what we were there for specifically, so I told him about Pip barking at off-lead dogs and me not being sure of his intention or if I'm reading him right, that I needed guidance on what to do when an off-lead dog approaches my two uninvited and also that I was worried about him running off in panic towards the road if another dog tries to play with him when he's off-lead, as that's what he did a few times when he was younger. He showed us various handling techniques to keep control in those sorts of situations and explained really clearly why both dogs react the way they do.

Best of all he let Pip off in the school with another dog he'd never met before, so we could see how he reacted and observe his body language ... and he had a blast. He and the other dog, a Saluki, were zooming around, taking in turns to chase each other, no hint of fear, aggression or any other issue and lovely clear, happy body language and communcation. It was lovely to watch and I am so reassured that he didn't just tuck his tail under and try to escape - he loved every minute. Now I know I can let him off with appropriate/friendly dogs in the park, without worrying that he might try and run home and go deaf to recall through fear.

Then at the end the trainer very kindly came up to me and told me I should trust my instincts, because they're good, that Pip is doing really well and has lovely clear body language, so doesn't have a problem interacting with other dogs off-lead.

They're thinking of running a follow-up session in August and I've already registered my interest.

It was a massive day for me, having not been further than the school and back and dog walks for months now and I was ridiculously nervous, but I am so glad I went.

Moose that sounds fabulous and I hope that Pip had a great time. I'm glad it was so useful for you too.

Mint I'm not sure the spray would be for me either if I'm honest. I know how hard it must be though. I have been lucky with Maz really as he picked up bark on command and in turn shut up in less than 5 minutes and he does stop when yapping in the window. Barking is one of those things it's hard to ignore so I appreciate you need a solution.

We have had a vet trip tonight for a round of eye drops...again! I suppose we have had a few months without any minor manky bits so it is our turn.

That must have been fascinating moose and great that pip seemed to enjoy it too

Mint - I feel for you as it must be v difficult to have a barky dog. One of our neighbours has two dogs who bark a lot and they're let out really late at night and just go crazy in the garden presumably barking at cats or foxes but it drives me bonkers

Hope Maz is better soon fan - we had an emergency vet trip yesterday for one of the cats - she's got a really nasty gash on her back leg which the vet says looks like she's caught it on something like barbed wire

It was amazing and yes, truly fascinating. The guy is a really intuitive dog trainer and also incredibly good with people - something I think is often lacking with 'dog people'. He has such a wealth of knowledge and experience and such a lot of specialised knowledge about sighthounds as well, that I learned an enormous amount in just a couple of hours.

Sorry to hear about Maz's eyes fan hope the drops clear it up quickly.

Your poor cat basil, barbed wire is really nasty stuff. I've seen some awful injuries caused by it in both dogs and horses.

Moose that sounds a fabulous course. Just perfect for you to have pips issues so closely assessed and great reassurance that you're doing the right things.

I appreciate people's support about the spray thing though I understand why you wouldn't use it. I wouldn't if we didn't have this incredibly noisy situation! He was barky in the house them that settled so I am really hoping that now he knows we don't like him barking in the garden he'll stop that.

I am determined not to affect our neighbours or small children trying to sleep so we only let him out on a lead first and last thing and that is a BIG pain! We will see. As soon as I feel he's really 'got it' the spray goes away.

Poor Maz - did you get to Bakewell Fan or maybe it's next weekend?

Nothing exciting to post here only I love little Eric more every day, he's an absolute joy to have about. Ok so he's into mischief regularly and he likes to get wet and dirty almost daily (although the sun and the heat have curtailed him a little) but the majority of the time he's the perfect dog for us.
He seems to have grown up all of a sudden, he's calm most of the time, he likes to snooze whilst I'm busy instead of being constantly at my feet and he gets better all the time with his dog friends (he still prefers the ladies) when out and about. It seems to have twigged that sometimes they have had enough chasing and he respects that now without trying to push his luck.
I feel very blessed to have him really and he seems to be turning out fine despite having an owner who didn't have a clue initially.

Well second random visit to the groomers today, went armed with treats and the lady who will eventually groom him was there. Eric was initially wary but the groomer was lovely and in no time at all Eric had a new friend and was up in her arms kissing her. A quick walk around the back of the shop in the groomers arms, introduced to all the staff who he was happy to fuss with no signs of stress and then home. I think this will work another visit next week.

That sounds promising for Eric :)

All quiet on the puppy front but good news re Dcat - the vet doesn't think she will need surgery but leg still infected so she can't go out and has a longer course of ABs

Bakewell is this coming weekend Minty so should be fine. Maz is unconcerned by his sticky eye problem and is too busy being Maz to notice.

Glad the cat should escape the knife, that is always good BB.

Finn has just been outside for the first time today, his last trip outside was about 8.00am last night, couldn't walk him this am as waiting for a delivery and the doors have been open since 7.00am.I would be crossing my legs put he didn't seem distressed or desperate.

He did have a very busy day yesterday, usual two walks plus 2 hour training class and has just been snoozing on the tiled kitchen floor. He's now had a bit of a play and has curled up in his favourite corner of the garden under the bushes with a view of the garden and the road so he can see any pesky squirrels or delivery men approach.

Seems bright and happy and has eaten breakfast at normal time but I think he is not designed for hot days and prefers to sleep through them. Anyone elses pups behave like this?

Maz is curled up on the sofa. He went out for a wee at 6.30 am, came up to bed and didn't come down until 11 am when he got straight on the sofa!

It isn't too hot here so I am going to wake him and go out with him soon.

Glad your cat doesn't need an op basil, sorry to hear about the infection though. Hope it clears up quickly with the antibiotics.

NCIS Lurcherboy regularly doesn't bother getting out of bed until lunchtime. I often have to make him go outside for a wee - daft dog. Both of mine are very sleepy today and it's pretty cool in our house compared to outside. Neither seems to want to go in the garden, so I've been leaving them to it and getting on with some long-overdue jobs.

They missed their morning walk today too, as I had stuff I needed to get done. Neither of them seems bothered in the slightest.

I'll take them for a nice long walk after dh gets home this evening, when it's cooler instead. I have ds1 home sick, although he's feeling much better, so it's easier to wait until dh comes home and I can taken them on my own.

NCIS - minty is always tired on Mondays and I thinks it due to extra stimulation at a weekend. His walks aren't longer but he gets played with and trained by boys and fussed over by my mum visiting etc! Monday mornings he is often reluctant to get up for a wee and has a 'if I really must' look about him when I pick up his lead!

I had a lovely lead walk with my friend and her young female dog today - he was being a pest and humping her couple weeks ago but none of that today, quite respectful asking to play, playing together then leaving her alone when she'd had enough. The neutering is on the back burner again so I'm pleased he has settled a bit.

Hope your DS is better soon Moose.

Not a lead walk, a long walk!

Grrrr Fitz is in my bad books this evening - he's utterly wired and high as a kite

We rather overdid his walk this morning so possibly partly my fault ... We went for a walk on wimbledon common, took a different route to normal and ended up in a bit I'd never seen before. By the time we got back to the car we'd been out for nearly 2 hours and I was having to lure Fitz along the track with treats

I thought he'd be out for the count for the rest of the day but far from it - I took him into the woods at the end of the road this evening for a mini walk and ball throw as he was being a pain

He wanted to go into the garden to chew his bone when we got back (it's pouring with rain here which he loves, strange boy) and as I needed to do some work I didn't supervise him closely ... Sodding dog decided to bury his bone in the flower bed and has managed to dig up a big patch of what I laughably call the lawn, then bounced back into the kitchen, spread muddy paw prints everywhere then jumped on the sofa as that obviously looked a bit too clean

He's finally crashed now but I've got to wash the floor before I go to bed - grrrr

Well who knew that you get just as anxious about your dog's well being as you do a baby? Poor Eric has got a sprain, I've hardly slept all night in case I missed him crying for me. He slept all night and a painkilling jab from the vet this morning and he's as right as rain now He was so good at the vet, she examined him head to toe and he never murmured and he didn't even flinch at the jab.
All the staff at our vets are so lovely I think our doctor's receptionist could do with taking notes from their receptionist if I'm honest.

Oh no Fitz sounds like he was in devilish mood! What a character.

Hope Eric is ok - you're right they're like babies. Good job else I don't think I'd put up with all the extra cleaning work!

I hope that Fitz has calmed down by now and Eric is feeling better!

We have had the best day today at Dogs Unleashed. Loads of lovely dogs especially of the terrier and pointy kinds.

Maz is shattered now. He had had a go at agility and terrier racing and met so many dogs. And Millies Wolfhart were there so we got a bag pf lovely things like dried fish skins.

Well Eric is fully recovered and is as crazy as ever which is good to see. We had another impromtu visit to the groomer's today and Eric went in like he owned the place Kissed the groomer and greeted her like she was a long lost friend, had a good sniff round and was happy to stand on the table so next visit he'll have a bath if he is still as happy and we'll go from there. I have a good feeling about this one, she obviously loves the dogs and is quite happy to take it at Eric's pace. Funnily enough she charges about half what the first place does as well just goes to show money can't buy everything.

Sounds great about Eric - you're lucky that such a good groomer has space. Our preferred guy is full, won't take new clients as even his waiting lost is full! People rave about his grooming and love of their dogs.

Minty is finally quiet in the garden! Not always obviously, still a few big barks for unexpected noises but gone is the flying out back door barking before he's even had chance to assess whether there's any need! He runs to his fav spot with me saying 'steady' in deep low voice and when he first starting inhibiting his bark, he sort of whimpered. Sad but I knew we had to restrain his urge to bark so I kept up the 'steady' holding the water spray and his learning (with whimper) took about two weeks. No water spray now, just a stready warning and he runs to his spot for a check, no bark or whimper then gets lots of praise. I have to say I was going out on a limb with this punitive training technique but I am really conscious that I do not want a noisy nuisance of a dog who neighbours tut at and hate. Currently one side love him and the other side tolerate him so I have preserved his reputation with this training! Nighttime barking has gone now too.