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Messages - FXgirl

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1
He sure is a cutie but I wouldn't worry yourself sick.  He may learn on his own how to keep his balance and may adjust just fine.  Puppies are clumsy at this age anyway and still learning how their bodies work.  I would hold off on the booties unless of course he can't even walk.  I'm no vet though so make sure your vet points you to the proper specialists. I will tell that their are lots of dogs with severe deformities that live very happy, healthy lives.

2
General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws / Re: my breeder sucks.....
« on: August 11, 2009, 11:49:25 am »
Right, it's not uncommon to have to wait for registration papers BUT your "breeder" severely lacks good communication skills. 

3
Don't throw water at the poor guy. If he's barking to get your attention and you come out and douse him with water it's only going to make him fear you every time you go outside.  You don't want him to associate you with that kind of punishment as it only serves to break the bond you guys share.

You could try a citronella bark collar but I would consult someone on how to use it properly and only after you tried other options.  What he really needs is to learn that being outside and away from you isn't so bad.  Give him something to do when he's out there.  A big raw femur bone, a tire he can chew on, whatever he loves that will keep him occupied and happy.  Does he get out and get regular exercise before he's left in the backyard?  Is he good with other dogs?  Can he go to doggie daycare once a week?  Or have a dog walker come and take him for a hike?

This should be a reminder that when looking for a dog you need to keep your lifestyle in mind and choose the appropriate breed.  Not saying you can't have a guard dog with a busy household.  It just takes a lot of work to train and manage.  So good on you for getting someone in there to help you out.  And if you are concerned the trainer will say that you're doing it all wrong, imagine what kind of dog you'll have when you're given the tools and advice on how to do it right!

4
Good for you! 

How is she on leash when approaching other dogs?  Leash reactivity is often a separate issue from dog aggression.  My guy is reactive on leash when he sees other dogs but is well-behaved at the off leash dog parks.  He was just neutered a month ago and boy have I seen a major decrease in his reactivity.

5
Report it, you have nothing to hide!  You guys did nothing wrong.  Those dogs were not under control or supervision AND they were trespassing.  Animal control needs to know that there has been an "incident" so if this were to happen again and Angus seriously hurt the other dog, this incident would actually be in your favour.  

I don't know the laws but I don't think you need to worry if something bad were to happen if dogs are trespassing on your property and instigating crap with your guy.

Now if Angus got out and went over to their yard and hurt their dog, then there would be a problem.

I love my city's animal control.  They've been great.  And the times that I have called there has always been an improvement.

6
First,  relax.  :D

I think you're being way too hard on Angus.  He acted appropriately.   Those dogs were totally rude and if Angus really wanted to hurt them he could have.  But he showed restraint and excellent bite inhibition.  In no way would I label what he did as aggressive.  No way!  Just normal dog behaviour. He was telling them off and rightly so. 

Phone animal control.  It's as easy as that.  Every time there is an incident, phone them. 

You know why people can't have their dogs on leashes?  Because they're lazy and irresponsible and feel they have a sense of entitlement. 

7
I should add that during the exercise when you are opening the door inch by inch that instead of him looking at you, he decides to push through the crack of the door, immediately close it with a "too bad" or "oops" so he knows he made a mistake.  Don't slam the door on his head or anything like that.   ;)

8
I would do training in small steps starting with just opening the door a crack and treat/praise when he shows no interest and work from there.  You could send him to a mat, dog bed or certain spot that you want him to be when the door opens when people come over. 

Just stand at the door and wait for as long as it takes for him to look up at you then treat and slowly reach for the knob, wait for him to look at you again.  Open it a crack and wait for him to look at you, again for as long as it takes and then give him a treat.  He'll start to understand that he gets what he wants when he is paying attention.  You'll have to be very patient and give feedback when he's doing great.

Have him on a 25 foot long line and tie it to something in the house that won't move.  That way if he bolts and you can't hold on, you have a back up.  If he does bolt, hold on and try not to let him get too far.  Just plant your feet and bend your knees and wait for him to realise he's not getting anywhere by pulling. Lure him back to heel position.

Does he have a good recall?  If not I would really work on that as well so if he does bolt you can get him back before he's long gone.



9
Great Pyrenees Discussions / Re: How do you keep a Pyr happy???
« on: April 14, 2009, 12:27:20 pm »
My favourite website has an article on resource guarding:

http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/guarding-valued-objects

and Jean Donaldson has a book, here's a review:

http://www.kateconnick.com/library/donaldsonmine.html

If you have a resource guarder I would caution against going over and forcibly taking things she has in her possession UNLESS you have something of the same or of greater value to trade. 

I would also sit down with her during her meals and hand feed her from the bowl.  For now I would put the food bin away where she can't guard it, not let her up on the couch and put the toys away.

Like someone said she needs to know that you own everything and you are only sharing your things with her. 

The incident when your two females got in a fight sounds much like re-directed aggression to me.   

Good luck. 


10
Maybe it's their play style or overly confident personalities she doesn't like?  A lot of those breeds you mentioned are in-your-face, rough and tumble, always on top when playing.

Dogs that play best together give and take. 


11
Leonberger Pictures / Re: Remy has a job
« on: April 14, 2009, 08:38:03 am »
Actually, what you taught her was perfect!  As long as she keeps getting "good girl!"'s and attention for bringing things to you and not being chased if she takes off with something then you'll have a retriever in no time!

12
My situation was the other way around.  I had three dogs first then got 2 cats about 8 months ago.  I gave the cats their own space where the dogs could not bug them.  They had the whole basement suite to themselves and I would leave the basement door open so they were free to come up with the rest of us when they were comfortable and it was an escape route if things got to be too much.  These were cats that have not been around dogs, and big, goofy dogs to boot.  Nor have my dogs been socialized with cats.  It was a slow process and I didn't force them to meet.  Eight months later and they now hang out in the same room.  My one cat is constantly following the dogs around now.  The cats still have their own space away from the dogs though.

  

13
Leonberger Pictures / Re: Remy puppy pics
« on: April 08, 2009, 08:01:16 am »
Hi!

Being that she's from a mill who knows what she is mixed with.  Her size is small for a leo of her age but that is to be expected.  I'm so glad she was rescued!

The AVERAGE weight for an 8 week old pup is 20lbs and they gain an average of 3 lbs per week.  You can see a few good examples of 12 week old leos on google images to compare with.  I notice the muzzle and ear size are not quite leo-ish.  And her coat is just a wee different.

I have no doubts that there is Leonberger in there and you say her mom was a Leo.  I always ask that people check to see if they have webbed toes.  I don't think you'll ever know what breed the sire is.  No biggie.  She's cute, happy, and healthy.

Have fun!

14
Leonberger Discussions / Re: Leonberger question
« on: March 22, 2009, 10:20:43 am »
When their "on" switch is activated they're like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh! 

15
Great Pyrenees Discussions / Re: New here...anyone have a deaf Pyr?
« on: March 22, 2009, 08:48:44 am »
Dogs understand body language much better than verbal anyway.  I get a much better response from my guys when I use hand commands than when I just use words.

Does he have a "watch" or "look" command for when you want him to look at you?  It's very easy to teach and it helps your dog to learn to look to you for direction and when faced with distractions that get him over stimulated.

Classes will definitely help and don't forget some yummy, stinky treats!

 

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