Saturday, 25 January 2014

Doggy Rules



It was a very foolish move to try to put our new puppy in a crate but our intentions were only the best.  Once freed, she continued her circling of the hall and the rooms…

Continued…

Around and around the rooms she went.  Meanwhile, I thought it best to establish our expectations immediately.  There would be no going past the door frame from the kitchen into the front hall or living room area – only when she was with us and entering or leaving the house.  To that effect, I placed  chairs across the kitchen and hall entrances.  This was something new and momentarily disturbed her compulsive behavior.  She considered the barricade, sniffed it and scooted over;  and then in obvious confusion, she turned and  looked back at us.
    I removed the chairs, replaced them with great dramatics and we tried again and again.  I realized now that my timing was terrible: try to teach me something new in the midst of a panic attack and see how far you get.
     Later that day, however, my concerns were vindicated.  She had quickly realized which area of the house  was hers and so when she needed to relieve herself and nobody was immediately available, off she went into the carpeted livingroom, squatted  and …
“No,” I yelled and rushed at her - too late to avoid the wet spot but quickly enough to cause her to cower.  Little did I know, at that point, that this was a dog that free of fear and told once, she understood completely and no further instruction was usually needed.

To be continued:   

    
   

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