My new dog is having a breakthrough! [View All]

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

It has been a rough two days. First he moves to this house where his water bowl is so big he falls in it ( We have a pool, don't worry he has a real water bowl)


Then there's these five furry beasts that he wants to play with but all they do is hiss at him (except for the rag doll who likes dogs, is curious and keeps inching closer..this morning they were face to face until she decided to back off a bit..last night she laid in the doorway and stared at him while he slept..she used to sleep in the dog bed with my other retriever but this guy hasn't proven trustworthy yet)

Yesterday he learned tough love since his last owners were not very good dog trainers. He learned his new mommy means DOWN, SIT and HEEL. I have never had to train a dog with a choke but this guy was so out of control it was the only way. All my other dogs came to me as tiny puppies..this guy is a puppy in a monster's body..he is a good 70 lbs. But he is getting with the program.

He was jumping at doors and forcing his way in to the point that I had to physically wrestle him down but one day later he is practicing good door etiquette and now waits for the invitation.

Today it is raining so he is learning better cat co-existence.

He is learning that he has the run of the house except for two rooms. These are the rooms where the cat food is and I wanted the dog to have his space and the cats to have a safe haven from the big rust colored thingy. The house is 3000 square feet so they all have their space.

He is learning that jumping up and humping does not win friends and influence people although next week we are visiting Mr. Surgeon who will take the payoff out of humping anyway.

Last night I could tell he was filled with anxiety from having to learn so many life lessons so I took a little nap on the floor with my arms wrapped around him.

I could tell he was having nightmares...today he is at my feet with his chew toy...getting rid of some nervous energy but is quite content.

I was worried the last two days it wasn't going to work but he is such a fast student, I think it will turn out fine.

As soon as my sis comes over with her digital camera, I will post some pics. He has one of the most beautiful faces I have ever seen on a Golden... his eyes are amazing ...reminds me very much of my last fella who lived to be 17 years old (the dogs get better medical care than me)

I'm so relieved it is working out...it's all he ever wanted was to be included in someone's life all the time.

Next we are going to work on in and out of the car..his only experience with cars was trips to the vet and to be moved to another home...he is now going to learn that cars are good because they mean Mommy want him to go everywhere with her.

I really love this little SOB :loveya: