View Full Version : Eva in Maxland - a diary...
Day 1.
So far so good. I picked Max up today and we're doing well together. He is very sweet. He looks a little lost unfortunately and he follows me around the house all day. I guess he's insecure now and misses his owner. His tail is a bit low and he is not as lively as he usually is. This dog has been abandoned many times in his short life so I guess he figures that's what happening again.
I try not to give in too much to his pleas for attention. Sometimes he just has to do his own things in the house, you know. But he has such sad eyes. Then again, sad eyes is a look he has perfected because people fall for it and it gives him food and attention. He is very good at it.
My days are a bit different than what he is used to. And he doesn't know the house that well either. All the sounds and smells... Thursday and Friday I took two hald days off so he won't be alone too long. Walking him is not as dreadful as I thought. Even not in bad weather. I hope I will say the same tomorrow at 6.30 am... :eek:
Anyway, I am going to bed now. Max sleeps on a big pillownext to my bed. That's where he lay down when I took a nap this afternoon. I love Max to bits. I hope he will feel better here soon. Words of encouragement or tips are welcome. Thanks!
Eva
I don't have too much experience with dogs but thought of the two of you today. Max knows you are his friend, that's what counts and I'm sure he'll get used to his pirate holiday very soon.
Good luck! MIMI
hoops
10-01-2008, 09:48 PM
he is gonna be prancing around the house tail wagging in no time. so far so good eva, enjoy
peace
hoops
Eva - Max will settle in soon, and I look forward to the next instalment of what you and he have been up to.
SongDragon
10-01-2008, 10:57 PM
Eva, don't worry, dogs adjust. This summer I helped my sister petsit a basset hound that had been rescued. She would get very lonely and the owners would worry, which was why we were there. The first day we stayed there, after her evening walk, she went up the stairs, which has us fretting all over the place because the owner had told us she never went upstairs (which was why we were sleeping downstairs) and basset hounds aren't really made for stairs. She just had to set up her own little search.
We gave her a lot of pets, and woke up when she demanded (darn it I tried so hard not to). I also spoiled her slightly, making one treat seem like many by ripping it up into many pieces, because she was not the easiest dog to walk on a leash. For a basset hound there is always too much to sniff and I found tapping her on the shoulder didn't work like it did with my dog.
Other than that she did best when we were calm and unworried, she really liked it when we were cooking, but that could just have been the association with the kitchen. It helped that we were in her home, though, rather than the other way around. Take care! And I'm sure you and Max will have a lot of fun. I don't particularly care for early morning walks, but it's how it goes.
~Song
Kath of the Guitar
10-01-2008, 11:37 PM
Just Keep giving him lots of LOVE! He's a beautiful boy! ;) and a little extra attention you give will come back to ya. Give him a {{{HUG}}} from me, I love dogs.:D
Day 2
Thanks for your post. Max is my first dog that I take care of alone, so your encouragements help. I'll pet him for you all. Aaaaaaawww, he leans into me while I am petting him...
The morningwalk wasn't as dreadful as I thought it would be. I hate getting up early, but hey, the company was good :D I did it right away when I woke up and only showered etc. afterwards. I like that better because I don't want to be bugged all the time by anyone (that includes a dog that has to pee) when I'm doing my morningrituals.
After that I had to go to work. It broke my heart to leave him alone. Especially because he started jumping with joy when I put on my coat for the second time. When it was clear I was going to leave without him he looked so sad. And he barked and scratched the door when I walked away.
My collegue (who has a dog) said I shouldn't worry too much. He would probably sleep all morning on his big pillow. And indeed, when I came home he looked surprised to see me. As if he had forgotten all about me all morning. He had been very good. He broke nothing, I didn't get complaints about him barking all morning and there were no little protestpees / number two's in the house.
I needed to go to some shops so I fed him something nice (meat with rice & beans) as an extra because he is quite skinny. It comes with the race but he is very energetic and he is a bit too skinny anyway. I figured feeding him after running outside would be best but in this case it was just 'snacktime'. Tomorrow he gets fish as an extra. I am sure he loves that too. He eats just about everything. His only criterium is that it is 'a lot' :D
So we left for a long walk during which I did my shopping and he did his thing. It seems he is already adjusting. It goes fast indeed! He looks happier today. After shopping we played some fetch with a ball (his favourit game) on the field behind my house. He loves it there.
I also bought him a heavy rubber ball with a bell in it. Right now he is playing with it. Discovering what it does. Sometimes he puts his head on my knee to be petted. He is so sweet and so marvellous! I am all endeared by him. Max has melted the Evil Pirate Queen... :o I wish all you doglovers could meet him. You would love him and he would have such a fantastic time.
I have arranged at work that I work three full days and two half days now and decided to let the kennel pick him up for the three full days. They go on long walks with the dogs in the morning. And in the afternoon they all play together on a piece of land. He loves it there. And I figured that's so much better then to leave him alone all day. He knows the people that run it and also most of the other dogs. I think it's important there is still something for him that he is used to. And I don't have to worry about him being alone. It's good for both of us.
Yes, I give him a lot of love. I try not to fall for his 'act' and thus spoil him rotten because it doesn't have a good effect on him. He gets a bit dominant then and I don't want that. He starts pulling the leash, ignore me when I call and things like that. Not good. For my sake, as you understand. But also for his, because he gets insecure if he doesn't know his place. Yesterday when I went to bed he jumped on the bed with me (hey, another big pillow) so I had to chase him off with a growl (I can get a bit canine sometimes) I don't know; maybe he has slept on the bed while I wasn't here. But in any case he doesn't do it when I am around :cool:
More tomorrow.
Eva
Mary6906
10-02-2008, 09:40 AM
Hey, I like these daily diary updates.... seems like you're doing the right things, Eva... he has a good home.
you were growling, eh? hummm....:rolleyes:
Amy in Vermont
10-02-2008, 10:56 AM
WAG MORE, bark less
Strive to be the person your dog thinks you are.
Haha Amy! :D Yes, I try.
Eva
Kath of the Guitar
10-02-2008, 04:20 PM
Couldn't have said it better Amy! :D
Eva you're such a good mom, I'm very proud of you!
And I love the Max updates. ;)
hoops
10-02-2008, 04:42 PM
Eva, this is great, getting to exprience Max with you. sounds like eyou are doing a wonderful job...and you're right when dogs are confused about their place in the pack and don;t know how to act, so they usually act out. remember who is king..oops i mean queen
peace
hoops
I am glad I am not boring you to tears with my Max updates :D
More later when I'm awake.
Eva
Day three
I think Max is a little bored. We've been playing fetch and we took a walk when I came from work. Then we cuddled and I combed / brushed him untill he looked like the neighbourhood's playboy. After that we've been napping for two hours. Max would love to get cuddled extensively now or play soccer again in the house again like we did yesterday with the little bellball. But I don't feel like doing anything right now. Maybe later. At 9.30 we're going out for the last time tonight. Don't know what's wrong with me. I am so tired. Sorry to be so boring Max :(
Eva
gisli
10-03-2008, 11:34 AM
Day three
But I don't feel like doing anything right now. Maybe later. At 9.30 we're going out for the last time tonight. Don't know what's wrong with me. I am so tired. Sorry to be so boring Max :(
Eva
Hmmmm.......wonder who is walking who:p
Isn't that always the question with a dog? :D
Okay, we napped some more and some more.I cuddled him untill he was completely high from it (scratching behind his ears or massaging between his shoulderblades will do that) We went for a walk and snacked some nice things together. A boiled egg, wholegrain bread, organic yoghurt, old cheese, yum. A fw bites of everything. I am a nightsnacker and I love to snack together. He is too skinny anyway so I can spoil him foodwise :D In the afternoon I had given him some tuna with rice and beans too. He'll run it off.
I noticed that now that he is starting to settle in he behaves better during walks. Probably because he knows now what is expected of him. What do you think? :confused: This morning and this evening he has been such a good boy. I was / am so proud of him :o
Eva
It sounds like you're bonding, Eva...he'll not want to go home when it's time to go.
You think? Cool. I mean the bonding part. I am sure he'll go home when my friend comes back. After all, he is the packleader. I am an alpha (and a bringer of food), but not THE alpha. Of course, I think differently but Max doesn't care. He only looks at things from his own perspective :D
Eva
Nonetheless, Eva, I'm sure he'll miss you and your goodie-dealing affection for him! ;)
dragonlady
10-03-2008, 06:29 PM
Sounds like you are doing the right things...it was very thoughtful to arrange for Max to not be alone while you are at work...
He's getting a lot of exercise and love; two things to make a dog very happy...he's eating well too...
Keep it up, you're doing great! Looking forward to the next installment...:)
-di
Elliott
10-03-2008, 08:40 PM
I think Max has a new girlfriend! And at this point, I think if Max ever goes home, it will be about ten minutes before you get another dog. And what a lucky puppy that will be!
Did I mention that my sister's dog had to have her leg amputated? The surgery to fix her broken leg didn't work and it was the only alternative. Mary (my sister) is calling her a tri-paw, and loves her more than ever. I think the vet bill is now around three large.... that's a lot for a stray dog you never wanted. I'm glad they found each other.
Max was the most common name for male dogs in the USA a few years ago. It's a cool name. I'm thinking of changing my name to Chaz... any thoughts on that?
Kath of the Guitar
10-04-2008, 12:06 AM
I think you're right Elliott!
Eva, better start looking, you'll definitely miss Max!
Day four.
Max is bored to tears by now. He is very playful and likes a lot of attention. Attention I give but I was just so exhausted yesterday that I didn't want to do anything. Besides that I went straight back to bed after our morningwalk. After lunch, we're going out.
I am sure I will miss him a lot if he goes back home. Luckily I have visitingrights :D I don't think I will be having a dog anytime soon. I really can't afford one financially (Max's stay is sponsored by my friend) if I want to arrange him not being alone too much. I must say that it's sometimes a strange feeling that there is this living creature that wants something from me all the time and that is so dependent on me for his food, his entertainment, his livingconditions, everything. I am not used to that.
Elliott, originally his name was Lolo. My friend thought that's a silly name and called him Max. I liked Lolo better but I don't want to confuse the dog. I'm sorry tri-paw has to miss a leg. And I'm sorry about the bill too :eek:
Eva
Day four - the sequel
So we went out. We went to a friend of mine who lives in a small town about half an hour away by train. It turned out her oldest son (10 year old) was having his birthday. When I asked what to bring I heard him scream on the background 'something Star Wars!' Making sure I would hear it.
So I bought him a lightsabre (every child should have one, I think) Max didn't like the crowd at the shoppingmall. Well neither did I. But hey. We went by subway (which Max didn't like) and by train (which Max didn't like either) We had been playing fetch a bit before we left so he had spent most of his overexcessive energy. He lay down in the subway and the train (middle of the path of course :rolleyes: ) and we got there okay.
My friend got us from the station by car and Max sat in the back. This was all strange and new to him but he did remarkably well. The children wanted to play with him (of course) but Max was a bit scared. But after they have been throwing his ball and he didn't feel like they would hurt him, he enjoyed the attention a lot. Oh, and the dogbiscuits of course. Lots and lots of dogbiscuits :D Besides the dinner I had brought him anyway.
I have been very stupid: I let them play on a stone underground, not grass. Max makes big slidings when he runs for a ball. He was bleeding between his toes, the poor dog. We only saw it when we saw blood on the ground. I feel so stupid and irrisponsible for this. I should have known. Well, no more playing on the street anymore for Max. Only on the grass or in sand. I washed off his paws so the dirt wouldn't get into his wounds. I hope he will be okay. I bett he will lick between his toes later to clean them some more.
We got home allright. I don't want him to lie down on the street when we are waiting for the train or something. That's just too cold by now. So I was mostly busy distracting him. Petting him, talking to him. He also has a bone he likes to chew on. We discovered today that he enjoys it a lot if I hold the bone while he is chewing it. I guess it's like eating together for him :confused:
We got home about half an hour ago. First he lay next to me here by the computer. After a while he moved to one of his big pillows. I think he is sleeping. All the new things, new places, new people, all the attention. I think it wore him out. Good! At least he is not bored anymore :D
Maybe we'll go for a long walk tomorrow with a friend / collegue of mine who also has a dog. Depends if she has time. It would be nice. We both want to walk together with the dogs. And the dogs get along well too. She was at my birthdayparty with her dog and they were perfect together. We'll see what adventures tomorrow will bring...
Eva
Great! You wore out the dog (feet and all!), got the kid a toy he can maim somebody with (until Mom takes it away from him).
Now what devilment are you going to think of next, Eva?!!;) ;)
Well, thanks Bat. As if I don't feel guilty enough :eek:
Today I am going to bore him to death. It's cold & wet outside and I am not going anywhere (besides the three pees) because I am extremely tired. I'm seriously thinking about calling in sick on Monday to be able to just rest a bit. Max will be playing with the other dogs then so I don't have to worry about him not getting his fun.
Eva
Well, he probably has a few aching muscles from all that strenuous exercise yesterday with the kids, so maybe one of your great massages will feel really good to him...also give you an opportunity to have a look at the paws to make sure they are healing well. Poor pooch...not! :D
Right now I am at the computer. Max is standing next to me insisting to get petted. He has put his head on my knee, looks at me and... he started snoring! :eek: Is there a clearer way to say: "Woman, you are sooooooo boring..."
Oh well, at least his paws can heal now.
Eva
Right now I am at the computer. Max is standing next to me insisting to get petted. He has put his head on my knee, looks at me and... he started snoring!
Awww, sounds like you're both worn out from the past few days of fun. A good night's rest should be good for that.
Max's diary
The bitch is resting again. Like I have nothing better to do with my time. Woman, we could be playing now. Or you could pet me to sleep. Wouldn't that be great? But no... the selfish cow thinks only about her naps and doing something on a box. Compjutar or something? A ball sounds like a better toy. At least you can play with it together. Luckily there was some talk about 'other dogs' for tomorrow. Well, we'll see.
And I didn't even get an extra snack today! I thought it was a standard thing in the afternoon. Fish or lamb with some rice or bread and maybe some kind of vegetable. Some catmilk or yoghurt or an egg. Don't you see how hungry I am? Give that food to me! I tried the cute look many times today. Unfortunately she rarely falls for it anymore. Darned! :mad:
For the rest I am doing well. Apart from the fact that my paws got hurt of course. My goodness, is she stupid or what? Anyway, I am licking my paws to ensure they heal well. It's right between my toes. I hate that place. Every time I run and make a sliding after a ball, it hurts. Maybe that is why we didn't go out to play with the ball today? Nae, can't be. The bitch was just lazy.
Like I said. For the rest I am well. I miss my owner. I hopes he misses me too. But I can't imagine he doesn't. We have spent so much time together. This Eva woman is good to me. She is kind and praises me a lot when I do things right. She pets me and gives me dogbiscuits. I appreciate the extra afternoonmeal too. I hope I will get one every day. I sleep well here. Today I was dreaming and dreaming and I fell off my pillow! :o Please don't tell anyone okay!?
Well, I'm off to one of my big pillows now. One is next to the bed which is nice because I can sleep close to Eva and I get to watch the door at the same time. The other pillow is in the room with the compjutar. The heater is on there and I have a good oversight on things. I can see exactly who is coming in and leaving. The blanket is next to the compjutar and right next to the heater. Very nice but my pillows are softer.
Goodnight,
Max
Careful, Max! You really don't want to irritate Eva right now....you know she loves you a lot, understands that things are different until your Master comes back, but that's just the way it is. Don't be too much of a pest, sleep, take care of your paws, and let Eva get some well-needed rest! Atta boy!
Elliott
10-05-2008, 05:31 PM
Just relax Max and enjoy being a dog.... and remember, Eva likes dogs; she thinks they taste just like chicken! :eek:
Dairy day ehm... five I think?
This morning Max was the sweetest of the sweetest. And my goodness, he is starting to behave so well on the staircase and on our short walks. If I say "wait" (because we have to cross a street and there are cars coming for instance) he actually waits! :cool: It has earned him some extra cookies as you understand.
The man of the kennel just came to pick him up. Max was kind of confused I think to see him. He was happy to see him but didn't want to go with him. Then again, I looked out of the window and in the back of the car he greeted the other dogs enthousiastically. He'll be allright.
I am going to the doctor in an hour to talk about this stress and tiredness. Maybe he'll send me back to my psychiatrist. Or maybe he has other suggestions. He usually does. I intend to sleep a lot today and maybe vacuumclean somewhat. There is doghair everywhere! :eek: Max will be home early today (between 2 and 4) but I'll have some time.
Question: Max barks whenever something happens on the stairways. If a neighbour comes home or something. Well, that's fine with me. Max doesn't bark a lot anyway and barking when he hears someone nearing the house sounds quite normal to me for a dog.
However, he goes crazy when someone actually comes for me. I don't want people to be afraid to come in (even though I know Max won't bite; they don't know that) and Max keeps barking at them if he is afraid which is quite common when he doesn't know someone. Does anyone know how to teach him to ease down if I show him this person is not a threat?
Eva
A new day (I lost count)
I overslept and only woke up at 9.30 in the morning. I would have expected that Max would wake me up whining because he had to pee urgently. But nope... he was sleeping on his pillow :confused: Well, I'm glad it he was allright.
Eva
Max's diary
Yesterday was such a confusing day. First of all Eva overslept and I really had to pee. Luckily we were still on time. I didn't want to wake her up because she is so tired. But after a while it did become a bit uncomfortable. Then two people came over who I hadn't met before. Well, I had seen them on Eva's birthdayparty but we were all busy with other things then. Besides, I didn't live in Eva's house then yet so I didn't feel I had to defend it as much as I do now.
But you know... strangers are such scary pople. I trie to show braveness by barking a lot and I hope they will see it as a 'stay away!' But in the end I am always a bit scared because I don't know them. Will they be nice to me? Or will they hurt me like so many people in Spain have done? Especially men. They were most cruel in Spain so as you understand I am always scared when new men come to the house.
The two people who came by didn't really get friendly with me. They didn't hurt me but they also didn't want to play or cuddle. The man obviously didn't like it if I came too close. He wasn't scared, just on his guard very much. But I am so sweeeeet! Who can not like me? Unbelievable. To calm things down Eva got me something nice to chew on. So I lay on my pillow right next to her and let her pet me while she was talking with them. These two people were called 'mom' and 'dad' and acted very dominantly towards Eva. They took possesion of the kitchen right away. It's were the food is! It confused me a bit. I mean, she is the boss here after Sees who is away now and they waltzed in in her territory and tried to take her position away. I think there will be some more borderconflicts on this one...
Not much later another stranger came over. A man this time. Eva has called in sick for work and he came to check on her. Something like that. I any case; I was really scared of him. I mean, he didn't even have a woman with him. That's usually quite comforting for me. He was all alone. But he was very nice to me. He petted me a lot and was respectful to Eva in her territory.
Later that day, after we had gotten out for my second pee, Eva and me did my favourit thing: play fetch with a tennisball on the field behind Eva's house. It's great there because there are no other dogs there who want to scare me or take my ball away. There are hardly any people who can hurt me. And I have room to run. I ran myself completely empty. I was panting and all. And covered with mud off course. Eva always wipes the mud off when we go upstairs. I don't know why. Has something to do with 'neighbours' or something. Whatever that me be.
In the evening again someone came over. A woman this time. She was confusing. She was very nice to me and wanted to play with me. And she was very nice to Eva. But she was also very, very dominant towards me. Even more so than Eva. Or in any case louder than Eva :) She played with me all evening. I really liked that about her. Eva was a bit worried and tried to calm me down. I don't know why and I wanted to play! Running through the house with my bellball or a little petbear. I just fond that one somewhere. It wasn't specifically mine. But I was so excited and all.
The thing is... if I get very excited I sometimes can't stop. That happened this time too. Add my nervousness of the day to that. And the constant running. Something went wrong... I did a big no-no on the livingroomfloor :eek: when Eva and her guest were out smoking on the balcony. I didn't mean to, but everything in me was racing. I was just nervous. I felt so guilty because I knew this was not good.
When Eva came in she was obviously not happy. She growled at me and I crouched down. I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please don't hit me. The two humans cleaned the mess up and I didn't even dare to go to them. Eva says she would never hit me. But I am just so scared if people are angry with me. I have been hit and kicked so much when I was a puppy, when I was still living in Spain. I am simply always scared it will happen again.
After a while Eva wasn't angry anymore. She tried to calm me down and wanted me to come to her to be petted. I hardly dared to go sill. I was still shaking. After a while it got better. Today the first thing Eva did after our walk and breakfast was to massage and pet me bigtime. She scratched my belly and behind my ears, massaged my paws and my shoulderblades. What a nice way to wake up. I am glad she is not angry with me anymore. Today will be better, I am certain.
Max
GodSistah
10-08-2008, 02:43 PM
But you know... strangers are such scary people.
Ain't that the truth!!!
:)
Day whatever.
Yesterday Max and me went for a nice walk around the park / lake here closeby. It was a sunny day and I had called my ex supervisor / collegue (she has been fired too some years ago) if she felt like going with us. Max was very enthousiastic and was jumping and pulling the leash. When I arrived in the park, I took out the ball and let him go from the leash. Such joy in this little dog! :) Running over the grass. He was so sweet. There were other dogs there. Lots of them. Strangely enough it's never a problem if Max / the other dogs aren't on a leash. And if they do pose a threat Max outruns them easily :D He was scared a few times and yelped and hid behind me but he slowly relaxed after a while.
He so got to like not being on a leash that it took me a looooooooooong time to catch him again. He just wouldn't come near me. Even not tempted by food (not a chance!) or his ball. In the end we lured him into the car by putting his ball inside. He circled the car several times and tried to get near to me (I was already inside) without getting too near. Once he was in the car it wasn't a problem to put his leash on. I would love to not put his leash on him at all (and so does my friend who owns Max) He reacts so well to that. But in the city and with his enthousiasm... I don't want him to get hit by a car. It has already happened once when he just ran out on the street unexpectedly. So a leash it is for now. Maybe when he is older. We'll see.
Eva
hoops
10-11-2008, 02:03 PM
every time you speak of max, i like you both even better. i think max came to you at the perfect point in your life. you are saving him and he is loving you. what a joy.
peace
hoops
The thing is... if I get very excited I sometimes can't stop. That happened this time too. Add my nervousness of the day to that. And the constant running. Something went wrong... I did a big no-no on the livingroomfloor . . .
Ah don't worry Max. That happens to me all the time. It's no biggie.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Emoticons/hug.gif
Ah don't worry Max. That happens to me all the time. It's no biggie.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Emoticons/hug.gif
Believe me Dee, it was a biggie :eek:
Does it happen to you often? *worried face* I'm sure the boyfriend loves you for it... :eek:
Eva
Yah, he loves me and I love him too. Love means never having to say you're sorry ya know. :p
Yah, he loves me and I love him too. Love means never having to say you're sorry ya know. :p
Yadda, yadday, yadda... I guess you do say 'ooooops' :o a lot.
Eva
Max was a bad boy today. Puling the leash, not obeying. I guess I have to wear him out before I travel with him. At leaste he stays with me for a while then.
Eva
hoops
10-11-2008, 09:23 PM
Ceasar Milan (the dog whisperer) says first exercise, then dicipline, then affection. it seems to work for him. i know it's tough to wear out a dog of Max's size and energy. i've seen a lot of people put their dogs on a treadmill cause they don;t have the time to walk them everyday. not trying to poke into your stuff, just thinkin of you
peace
hoops
Hmm... he has a point. Although usually I mix in the affection everywhere I can.
Put their dog in a treadmill because they don't have time to walk them? How about a dogdaycare or just not having a dog when one is that busy.
Eva
Poor Max. People just don't understand us.
I'll be sending you a case of these (http://www.yoyopetwear.ca/the_product/default.htm) as soon as possible.
YoYo's Dog Diaper Coats are a premium product. The unique one-piece "wrap around" design allows your dog's head to go through the collar, and it is wrapped around the body two different ways.
There are adjustable Velcro strips to ensure a comfortable fit which will not leak. This special unisex product is washable and is custom made and guaranteed to fit your dog.
Mary6906
10-12-2008, 09:15 AM
sort of like ... "Depends" for doggies.
http://meltingmama.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/07/16/depends.jpg
Sounds like Max could benefit greatly from a good Doggie Training Class! There they teach you how to make him do what you want and make him think it's his idea! He gains pride in his knowledge, and you have a manageable dog who won't run into the street!
And if he does have to wear a leash, as most cities require anyway, he won't pull on it, since he will have learned to heel and walk with you on command.
Yep, I think he would really respond well to that discipline, and become a very good dependable dog who knows his limits and works within them.:cool:
True. He has been to a dog training class before and it did him a lot of good. It also made him less afraid because he knew better what was expected of him. My friend has been thinking about a second series of classes. When he is back. Or maybe I'll do it. Depends on my time, I must say.
Eva
coffeegyrl
10-12-2008, 05:09 PM
Those dog training classes are good for the human too. It's probably more important that the human is trained than the dog!
Those dog training classes are good for the human too. It's probably more important that the human is trained than the dog!
Oh yes! They learn people to be consequent and to communicate well with their dogs. Also that dogs don't understand if their not thaught which keeps expectations realistic.
Aaaaaaaawww, Max just smiled at me! :D We've been out playing with the ball. He is exhausted and he was having a great time. Now he is all sprawled out on the floor, still panting. And he smiled. I'm happy. Damnit, I sound like a mother who sees her child smile for the first time :o
Eva
david uk
10-13-2008, 01:35 PM
Eva, I think this should become a book :D
Society's Dog- Max's Autobiography
Those dog training classes are good for the human too. It's probably more important that the human is trained than the dog!
My dad always told me you have to be smarter than the dog to train him!:p
Eva, I think this should become a book :D
Society's Dog- Max's Autobiography
BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAAAHA!
I bet he would like the attention.
'Life is like a box of dogcookies. Always satisfying when I swallow one'
An autobiography
By Max
I think I overfed him a bit today. He is too skinny so he needs a bit more sometimes. Also with the extra running he does in doggygarten. I gave him his normal meals (dry food) and I also gave him a little bit of tuna with bread. Of course that is a bit sticky so I gave him a treat that kind of brushes his teeth. Oh, and he got a lot of cookies because I tried to 'train' him a bit while we were doing our evening round. You know, so that he waits if I tell him to (for instance before crossing the street) or that he follows my lead (heel) He didn't really understand what I wanted from him but I said the command and gave him a cookie when he did it right. Give us another week and he'll be rolling on the floor burping. And he'll do as I say. At last... :D He is now sleeping and burping on his pillow. I just hope he won't puke this night or that he won't poop in my livingroom again. He has been smacking his lips all evening now. Everything was delicious I guess :o Oh, and he stinks of fish now :rolleyes:
Eva
More exciting news from Max's life... :rolleyes:
I'm going to make an appointment with the vet for his shots and other treatments of which he needs an updat. Also I want the vet to take an overall look at him if he is healthy, if his skin is good, if his ears are clean enough, if his teeth are good. Things like that.
Besides that I have an appointment at the dogsalon for the end of next week. Max is starting to smell, I think. And the white on his tail and all is starting to look a bit greyish. Also I want them to cut / file his nails if neccesary. I hope he'll cooperate with all the water and all. I didn't succeed in luring him into the bathroom ("Are you kidding me? It's wet in there!") so I'm trying the salon. I'll take his favourit toy (a tennisball) with me for distraction.
So Max will be healthy and clean :cool:
Eva
Elliott
10-13-2008, 06:20 PM
maybe it was just a burp... :)
Is it just me or do you also think dogs are kind of disgusting sometimes? Roll in smelly things, stick their nose into it, eating it if they get the chance. And THEN coming over to me to be petted and pushing their noses against me. Yuck! I'm so glad Max is going to the salon. I think he will be clean for about five minutes. If he doesn't found something 'tasty' to stick his face in on the way home *sigh*
Eva
Max and I are having a problem. I think he is having the same problem with my friend. Max is a crossbreed of a galgo espagnol (runner with a lot of energy) and a border collie (intelligent with a lot of energy) The problem is that Max is bored. Bored in this house in the middle of the city on the third floor. Bored because getting walked three or four times a day and having a big walk and / or playing fetch untill he is exhausted is obviously not enough.
Coming into his young adulthood he gets more dominant and more insistent of things going his way. He asks attention ALL the time and if he doesn't get it he kind of makes you give it. Ignoring him helps, but I see it is really difficicult for him. Not just about domination.
Also he starts to get aggressive towards other dogs. Untill now he started barking if he was on a leash. Most of the time he was allright (or scared) if he got to meet them and sniff a bit. Now he growls and makes attempts to start a fight. Mock or fear or real, I don't know. But I find it a bad thing.
Going to the park with him for a walk and a run used to be fun too. Nowadays it isn't anymore. He pulls the leash and worst thing of all, he just doesn't come when I call him. He does his own thing. Today it took me 2 hours to get him to come to me to put him on the leash again. He makes a game out of it and obviously outsmarts me here.
I feel quite frustrated because I don't want to see such a smart, sweet dog turn into an annoying, dominant dog. And I don't want to see him bored. He obviously needs his mind and body to be challenged but my friend and I can't provide that constantly. We are not the sporty type, so to say. And I am a bit of a loner sometimes; I need to do my own thing too.
He goes to the doggy 'kindergarten' 3 days a week which I am happy about. He gets to frolic around with the other dogs. Being social with them (he is not a very social dog to be honest) and running and playing a lot together. We have four days left together and by Sunday he is impossible once he's outside. Well, I totally had it with him today.
Max is fast, he needs to run. Short pieces and after a ball sounds good. He also needs interaction and something to make his mind work. When I walk him I try to teach him simple commands. Like 'wait' or 'follow'. Things that come in handy in the city. He picks it up quite fast but if he doesn't feel like it he just doesn't do it. It's a constant battle for power. I am still winning, but I feel I am losing ground. My friend is a 'take it easy' kind of person and I expect the two of them to get real problems when he comes back.
Does anyone have suggestions? Can anyone recommend me a good dogsport? Obediencetraining is not enough, I feel. He needs excercise too... Thanks!
Eva
JoanM
10-19-2008, 04:06 PM
Hi Eva,
Years ago I remember our Reading Coordinator giving me a kid's book about a puppy who got a new owner and how the puppy worked to teach the boy to throw the stick to him etc. I think Max is training you. When our dogs (two dobes, Jagger and Deuce) moved down here with me they thought they were in control (and actually wouldn't let me on the couch) so I called Bark Busters, best $ I ever spent. And yes, it was training me more than training them. Here's a link to 101 tips for training dogs (http://www.101-dog-training-tips.com/Dog_Training_Tips/Tips_1_32.shtml). The tips are pretty basic and common sense, but they make a good read for you. In terms of a dogsport, I have some treat balls that Jagger and Deuce have to push around to get the treats out, that keeps them busy for a while when I'm gone for long times. Jagger and Deuce love to chase the "red dot" from a laser pointer. You could check locally to see if what is available in terms of obstacle courses, frisbee, etc. Until Max accepts you as the pack leader any game or sport will be his.
If Max runs away when he is off leash then you can't let him off leash. You may also want to check with the vet in terms of what kind of collar to use when walking him, there are several options, I found the gentle leader (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oQOVxfoxsM&feature=related) to work really well with Deuce (Jagger is older and more mellow than Deuce).
Good luck with Max. One of the things I learned was that Jagger and Deuce really WANT me to take control, it makes their life easier when I'm the pack leader...or is it Leader of the Pack?
jm
Elliott
10-19-2008, 06:26 PM
I think it's time for Max to pack his kibble and go home.... I get tired just thinking about the energy you are putting into this dog. I don't want you to get doggie burnout and not get a pup when you are ready for one. Are there any other friends that might give you a break from good old Max? Regardless, I have so much respect for you for all the love and caring of this animal seems to need. Are we sure Max will be going "home" after the holidays? Love, Elliott
Two questions, Eva: Is Max a Teenager, and has he been neutered?
Teenage dogs need to have strong discipline whenever they do not obey a command...they are pushing their boundaries like a teen (or a two year old), and trying to establish themselves in the pack. You have to make him mind a command, or don't give him one if you don't mean it.
I remember telling my pup, Kookie, to go 'out'...she knew very well what that meant, but instead of going out, she headed under the bed. I simply got the broom, poked and swept her out from under the bed and swatted her (with the soft end of the broom) all the way to the door, all the while stating (loudly) 'OUT! OUT! OUT!' You'd better believe that after that, when I said 'OUT', she headed for the door, and never tried to defy me again!
I also taught her to 'whisper' instead of barking loudly. I would pay just as much attention to her if she said 'wuff' as if she had said 'WOOF!', so she wasn't noisy, still got her point across.
Joan, you're right about the trainingmethods and I know them all. Thing is that I have trouble putting them to practice in a concrete situation. I am investigating obediencetrainingschools to teach me and Max what to do.
Elliott, actually there is nobody else to take care of him during the hollidays. And yes, Max does go home after the hollidays unless something happens to my friend. In which case Max is mine. He is a traumatised little dog and we don't want him moving around from owner to owner. It is alreay very hard to bond with him and win his trust. He keeps acting like he is all alone in the world. I put energy in him because I want to. Even though I get very tired and very frustrated sometimes.
Bat, Max is 2 1/2 we think. He could be a little bit older but that is the official age in his passport. And no he is not neutered. If he were mine I would have him neutered right away. Also because he meets a lot of dogs here in Rotterdam. Chances are some are bitches in heat. I must say he seems excited just about all the time (you know what I mean) and he licks it just about all the time. Disgusting. I tell him not to all the time too, by the way. He stops then and five minutes later he continuse.
Actually it's like that with a lot of things. I give commands and reward him when he does it right. When he does it wrong I just pull him after me by the leash, block his way (I go first) when he wants to walk past me, etc. After a while he gets it what I want and he does it. I give him treats when he does it right. Only slowly building down to pets.
Thing is that when the commands stop or when we walk in a direction he expects he jumps back to his behaviour he had before. For instance... when we walk on the street he pulls the leash. I want him to follow me instead the other way around. So I unexpectedly turn around or go somewhere he doesn't expect me to go and say 'follow'. Once I stop saying 'follow' he runs ahead of me again. And we can start all over again. I think that on some walks I say 'follow' about a 1000 times. I try to make the pauses a litlle longer every time but still...
Joan, Max has a harness around his chest. Both my friend and me liked that solution best. We don't really like the collars that go around the neck. And knowing Max, he would probably hang himself. Maybe that headleash is working well. But I don't think it is THE solution. Once he listens, he does that on any leash. I think he has to learn to listen. And I think I have to learn to make him listen.
Joan, I feel very sorry that I can't release him off the leash anymore. He needs to run and it makes him so happy. Besides, he used to react much better to other dogs too when he wasn't on a leash. But yesterday I got so angry with him! He stayed just out of reach so I couldn't just get him either. Aaaaaaaargh! Once he came I didn't want to punish him but believe me I was boiling on the inside.
Eva
hoops
10-20-2008, 06:28 PM
Eva, just a thought. it's still early in your relationship with max. it may take a couple weeks before he understands that you are in charge now that mommy is away. try not to get discouraged and give it time. i know you will win him over. and i know he likes you a lot and wants to please you.
peace
hoops
JoanM
10-20-2008, 10:22 PM
Eva,
Even trained dogs have times (like yesterday) when they just HAVE to be dogs.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00754-1.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm275/jgmaute/DSC00752-1.jpg
diggin' in the dirt...
jm
Hoops, you are probably right. I guess it's a lot of things coming together.
Joan, that's cute :D You should have seen Max this morning after playing fetch with the ball in the field when it is raining :eek: His fur was darkgrey and grey and not black and white anymore :D
Eva
hoops
10-21-2008, 09:07 PM
dogs are almost always adorable when they are dogs. very cute pics
peace
hoops
I bet some of you have greyhounds, border collies, whippets etc. Dogs that need a lot of excercise to keep them happy. If you live in the city, how do you provide it for them without spending your entire day walking the dogs? I would looooooove some insights. Thanks! (please no treadmill ideas :rolleyes: )
Eva
Max was SO good today. Coincedence or is my patient simple training actually helping? I hope so... :)
Eva
hoops
10-24-2008, 08:16 PM
Great news Eva, I'm sure it's a bit of both.
peace
hoops
I was all happy with Max today. He had been running in the park next to my bicycle and did that so well. And we had a good time doing it together.
And now tonight I petted him and he growled at me. Twice! I have no idea why and even if there is a reason he should not growl at me. I told him that he was really bad (yes, I raised my voice) and now I feel a bit fed up with him for today.
I'll have to walk him one more time today. But it's going to be a short walk. I really don't feel like spending time with him now. I did my job today; gave him food, attention, sports and what does he do? He growls at me; even showed me some teeth! Stupid dog :mad:
Eva
hoops
11-10-2008, 09:08 PM
I'm sorry eva,
but if he did a lot of running today he may have hurt himself slightly, that may be why he growled at you, cause he hurt. see if you can slowly gently run your hands over him and see if you find a tender spot. it's probably not serious, but it's good to know if he is in pain.
peace
hoops
coffeegyrl
11-11-2008, 12:46 AM
Maybe Max is just crabby today.
This will pass, Eva, I'm quite sure about this. I have similar experiences with the cats I had. Sometimes they scratched me all of a sudden while petting them and later on I discovered that they had an injury under the fur resulting from the fight cats have...
Mimi
He had an injury on his front paw. Not from running but from running after sticks on terrain covered by leaves. He probably stepped into something or bumped into something. I checked his paw but couldn't find anything. And he did not pull back. Last time when his hindpaw hurt so much he allowed it too, even if he was very much in pain and very afraid. This time it seemed to be nothing serious because 10 minutes later he was running again like nothing had happened.
When I petted him he had a bone. Maybe that's why he growled because he maybe thought I want to take it away. But this is the first time he would growl for that reason. And in such a vicious way; even showing some teeth! He understands very well that I have a right to his food (in dogterms) so this surprised me a lot.
Thing is Mimi, when a cat scratches it usually doesn't have all that much to do with hierarchy. Cats treat all beings as their servants (I'm definately not a catperson as you can see) but they won't fight over the principle of it. Dogs do. When a dog growls at it's owner it does have to do with hierarchy. The dog is trying to get up in the hierarchy and that's never a good idea. If I let that pass he won't listen to me in more things. So the consequences are a bit bigger than when a cat scratches it's owner. And this seemed like a serious warninggrowl. He can do a lot of damage with those teeth of his you know.
At that moment we were sitting (he was laying) on the floor together and I was not in a position to fend him off if he would bite me. I couldn't really move around well. So I stood up so that I was much taller than him and it would be easier to move around. I was shocked that he growled at me this viciously. Yes, I know... a very human emotion. The dog doesn't seem to take me seriously and he hurt my feelings in the proces :rolleyes: But hey... that's how it is.
Max in a crabby mood? I don't know. It's made me crabbier though. I notice I am much more strict towards him and I only give him attention when I feel like it. I don't want to take it out on him. But he has to know that I decide and not him. I took away his bone too. I'll give it to him when he behaves.
Eva (still in a crabby mood)
Elliott
11-11-2008, 07:48 AM
to let Max watch "Old Yellow". That seems to work with Buddy once in a blue moon.... The movie speaks for itself; tell me you have seen it. It's a classic.
I haven't seen in. I guess it's very sad and all? I think I won't be able to look at it. Well, as long as he doesn't watch 'Cujo' or Carpenters' 'the Thing' (remember those dogs?) I will be okay.. :o
Eva
hoops
11-11-2008, 10:02 AM
you'r probably right eva, he is crabby and feeling dominant and that just isn't allowed. i think you did well in taking away the things he wants till he deserves them.
peace
hoops
Elliott
11-11-2008, 03:30 PM
I have so much fun showing Old Yellow to small children..... But it's a life lesson everyone has to learn one way or the other. On the bright side, They Shoot Horses Don't They? is a dance movie.... go figure.
When I petted him he had a bone. Maybe that's why he growled because he maybe thought I want to take it away. But this is the first time he would growl for that reason. And in such a vicious way; even showing some teeth!
I get like that when I'm eating too. Touch my food and you might lose a finger! :eek: :p
Hoops, today he behaved well... barely allright but hey. Then again I had visitors today for several hours and that usualy makes him feel as if things are a bit unusual. Tonight I gave him back his bone. I'm going to bed soon and it's good that you remind me: I'll take the bone away for the night. I'll be back to tell you about the state of my fingers... :eek:
I get like that when I'm eating too. Touch my food and you might lose a finger! :eek: :p
LOL Then again I have no desire to be your pack alpha. So you may growl at me as much as you want and I will never touch your food without permision. Only to scoop some more on your plate. Do not worry... :D
Eva
hoops
11-11-2008, 10:48 PM
I'm glad he was better today Eva
peace
hoops
Yeah, AND I still have all my fingers :D
Eva
Cats treat all beings as their servants.
Cats are free and autonomous beings and that's what I've always loved about them. Never felt like a servant!
Mimi
hoops
11-12-2008, 09:55 PM
Mimi, noticing your Lion avatar reminds me of my love for cats of all shapes and sizes. and it always amazes me that no matter what their size they all act, move, and seem to think similarly. i remember watching some 2 year old tigers romping around and it was to me as if they were the same little 10 lb cats i watched romping around the house wrestling every day. you just have to love them
peace
hoops
ps, of course it could be because i'm a leo
Cats are free and autonomous beings and that's what I've always loved about them. Never felt like a servant!
Mimi
Ooops... :o I didn't want to offend you by saying something bad about your beloved felines. Sorry Mimi.
Eva
It's ok, Eva! Do not worry!
Mimi
Well... it's almost christmas. Max is almost going home. Pity, because we get along very well. I have adapted some rules. When I invite him he can come to sit on the couch with me. That way we can cuddle without me having to bend over all the time because he is laying on the floor.
And he is such a good boy nowadays. He actually stops before crossing the road when I say 'wait'. He waits and waits untill I say he can go. This is so nice because now I can walk him in the morning and the evening without a leash. Usually I just take his ball with me and then he'll stay close anyway. I think I can get a fine for this, but who cares. We love it. I also bought a little lamp to put on his collar so if something happens he is visible in aby case. But he simply shook it off and I have no idea where the lamp went... :confused:
Anyway... our time together is almost over. The house will be so empty. I can probably get him for a day per week or something. That would be nice. I am thinking about a dog of my own. But I don't think I have time when I work. And I think I will miss my freedom i the long run. No, I'll just be Max's 'godmother'. I would like that :) And I am pretty sure my friend will be okay with it.
Eva
hoops
12-13-2008, 07:45 PM
Eva, good news and better news huh. i'm glad you and max get on so well. and if you ever feel lonely you can either call your friend to have max back for a day or so, or you can adopt one of your own. you have done a wonderful job with him, if you can keep him to wait when you ask. congratulations
peace
hoops
Thank you Hoops. I'm quite proud of us too :)
Eva
It sounds like you've done a wonderful job in civilizing him, Eva!
As far as the leash...or lack of one...I had a dog who would stick to me like glue and was a wonderful walker. For the sake of the law, I had a piece of heavy string that I tied to his collar, just enough that a tweak would let him know I was there, but he felt free and always was very good. It was heavy enough that I could pull him back if he ever got the notion to run into the street suddenly, but he never did. Great pup! His name was Mozart.
Sometimes when I come in he sits on the couch. Then he looks up at me like he is saying: "I swear I have no idea how I got up here!" :eek:
He is such a sweet and funny little boy :D
Eva
I just hope his owner is as well trained and responsible as Max seems to be.
Good luck to them both!
I just hope his owner is as well trained and responsible as Max seems to be.
Good luck to them both!
Well, my friend's brother got an e-mail and he wrote that he hasn't been drinking anymore. So there is hope that he will get in his regular rhythm again when he has to take care of Max.
I do notice Max is less neurotic with me than with him. Maybe because I am a woman (he is not so scared then), maybe because I set stricter boundaries to his behaviour (and I am really not all that strict) Or maybe it's simply because I can take him running (so he can do something with his energy) where my friend has some healthproblems. I hope Max will stay like this or relax even more (if that is at all possible for him because of his past)
Eva
Latest news...
My friend (Max's owner) is in the hospital. He was not well when he came back from India & Thailand. Everything hurt and he was very weak. He had trouble climbing his stairs (3rd floor) He only got worse. He hardly had the strength to get out of bed to walk Max for 5 minutes. His doctor had him sent to the hospital right away today. They did some tests (in the evening!) and he has to stay. He will get a bloodtransfusion to begin with. Also he is storing water in his body in all kinds of places where he shouldn't. They want to check his heart so he is in cardiology now. We don't know how lomng he has to stay. It depends on what they find and how long treating it will take. I am worried of course. But not as much as the other times. I don't know why.
In the meantime...
I was actually worrying about Max too. He didn't really get attention because my friend was sleeping a lot. And more than that: he didn't get to run enough. This usualy makes Max very sad and a bit crazy. He starts running around the house like a caged animal. When my friend called tonight to ask me to pick up Max for a few days I could convince him to leave Max with me untill my friend really feels better again. He agreed so... Max is back! I walked him, went running with him, played in the house with him... He hasn't stopped running for the past 3 hours. I think it's enough for today. We'll have a long walk in the park tomorrow.
Eva
Darlene
12-30-2008, 07:46 PM
Wow Eva, I am really sorry for your friend...I really am, but I am so happy for Max and I am especially happy for you. I think that you and Max are good together. :p
Darlene
Elliott
12-30-2008, 09:12 PM
Eva, Max is now your dog.... I saw this coming miles ago, and I think it's wonderful for you and for Max. As much time as he takes and as much love as he requires, you have to give him. Welcome to the wonderful world of being owned by a dog.... Max is a lucky boy. Of course, I could be completely wrong.... I got this information from Buddy, but he's usually right about these matters. I usually pay attention to him when he wears his horned rimmed glasses and smokes his pipe. He likes Prince Albert in a can! Love, E
Mary6906
12-30-2008, 09:15 PM
Elliott, I think you've been smokin' what is in Buddy's pipe! :p
But he's a wise dog nonetheless.
hoops
12-30-2008, 09:58 PM
sad news and wonderful news Eva. I hope your friend does get well soon and i hope you have max for a good long time
peace
hoops
DaveM
12-31-2008, 01:10 AM
I actually had a Max (very large yellow Labrador) for all of three days before it became obvious that he just didn't fit in my small house. He was blind, and I felt sorry for him, and he took to me right away and didn't seem to mind at all making his way around by scent and hearing (the cat, being THE CAT, had other ideas, mind).
"My" Max went to live in a big house with a big fenced yard, which is far more than I could give him. So he is happy as can be now. Even though he only visited for three days, a couple of months ago I was walking past his new home and he came rushing to the fence, barking and wagging his tail. I swear he must have recognized me somehow.
Thank you all for your sweet comments. And for still reading this neverending thread :confused: I too have the feeling that Max thinks he is my dog. And he came in here yesterday, looked around if all his beds, bowls etc were still in the place where he had left them and made himself right at home. Of course, my nicely cleaned floors are not so nicely dirty already :rolleyes: I think hasn't been eating and drinking enough either in the last few days so I made him some nutricious puppymilk as an extra on his daily food and water. He loved it. I'll be calling my friend again today.
Dave, that's a really touching story. So nice that he seemed to recognise you. Dogs can be really smart that way :) This Max is maybe also a bit big for my small appartement. But it will have to do for now. I'll just run with him often. That helps in his case. Elliott, is Buddy smoking your painkillers or something? :confused:
Eva
The story continues. Max is with me (again) and we just don't know for how long. His owner / my friend is not doing well. Healthwise and financially. And he drinks again and has serious problems with stopping again. This trip was not a good idea if you ask me but he wanted to go one last time. I hope it won't kill him :( I am taking care of Max. In any case untill I find a job. Then we must make a new deal. My friend realises this and he is very okay with it. He doesn't seem to miss Max now. Not being responsive is usually a sign things are very wrong in his life. He sees taking care of Max as a burden right now actually. He feels he can't do it. He can hardly take care of himself right now. I am staying away from his problem a bit because I find it very hard to deal with. And besides that, I can't rescue him. I take care of his dog, I love him, I want the best for him... but he has to do it. I can't do it for him. And I don't want to either. To be honest, I have my own problems right now. No job, financial problems, feeling trapped, feeling down, feeling lonely, not having energy for anything, being nervous, having the feeling that I don't have the right experience or education, not knowing what it actually is that I want to do. I'll get there but it takes a bit. And it's a big mountain of **** I feel I have to move fro my path.
Anyway... enough with the complains. Over to my question.
I feel like Max is terribly bored. He is a very smart dog (border collie crossbreed) and loves to learn things and figure things out. Als he needs to walk and run a lot. I walk him four times a day and three times perweek I go to the park / lake for a two to four hour walk. I'd say he can do with that. However, I don't know any ways to make his brains work. I don't have money for going to all kinds of courses with him or flyball etc. Do you know any games that I can do with him that challenge him a bit. Do you know of any games he can do without me? I notice he sticks to me like glue when he is bored. And after a while he gets a bad mood, doesn't listen well anymore (like when we cross the road: very dangerous!) and growls at any dog that comes his way during walks. Last time he got in a fight with another dog which he normally would have avoided.
Do you have some ideas for me? And dogowners: how do you keep your dog from getting bored while you also have a life to lead that's not about the dog? Sheesh, I know now why I never wanted children *sigh*
Eva
Sorry Eva. I had a dog who, when bored, would take a tennis ball up the street a way, drop it, and let it roll downhill, then chase after it...he'd play this way until he got really tired, and he made it up all by himself...smart dog.
I know why I have cats!!
hoops
01-15-2009, 10:38 PM
hiding things is something i've always found dogs like to figure out. you put something with a snack somewhere where he can roam free and won;t break anything and let him search it out. if you have a long cardboard tube like you would mail posters in, you can put a ball in and tape up both ends. he'll have a blast trying to makee the ething make noise,if you put a bell in it even better. my brother has a dog who loves the squeaky things in dog toys or kids toys and will beat the toy to death till he gets the squeaky out...then he'll go find another. just some thoughts. good luck my friend...rudie vibes
peace
hoops
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