Remy is the most vocal dog I’ve ever encountered. He uses his voice frequently to let us know how he feels about things. He has thrown a few good tantrums that I’m disappointed to have missed catching on film. We never give into his tantrums so they have mostly stopped but I sort of wish he’d give me just one more so I could capture the whole spectacle on video.
He barks and throws himself all over the place and grumble-growls and barks more and generally acts like a bratty toddler. It’s quite entertaining.
The other day he kept trying to sneak into the kitchen under the gate. He couldn’t fit his giant self through there but I don’t like to let him even try. It isn’t quite the display he has put on in the past but this is Remy’s way of showing he disapproves of our boundaries.
Even when he is naughty, he’s still just the cutest! I love him like crazy.
As I said before, everything is going great with Emma. I had committed to sending her to this boarding program for 6 weeks but I’m really wrestling with what is the best thing to do with her. In a way I’m thinking maybe it was a blessing that I was so sick and unable do much of anything because I have had a chance to see just how well she is doing.
Obedience wasn’t a big problem with her to begin with. She’s always done really well listening to us other than when she would go bat-shit crazy if anyone came to the door at night or if she saw another dog. Otherwise she was just sweet as could be. Well, and that she was so ticked off about Remy – that was a problem. That was really the big problem.
So, everything is going well and she isn’t freaking when people come to the door. If she starts to bark it’s pretty easy to correct her and have her relax. She is a thousand times more relaxed than she was a month ago. So, my thoughts on this are that 6 weeks of boarding training is overkill at this point. I wanted her to be a healthy dog – I still want that. I wanted her to not be aggressive and I still want that. I wanted her to not be anxious and she’s come so far in that area. I really think we could live quite happily with her just as she is. And I believe she is happy and she’s learning how to be a dog and that’s wonderful.
I’m going to continue to puzzle over this but I am really thinking I just want to send her back for 2 solid weeks for socialization. I am looking forward to getting her our and walking with her and working with the training techniques Pamela gave me. Because she has shown anxiety issues I think training her to walk and heel and obey on a leash is a really good idea. Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to do that since I’ve picked her up because I was sick, then I went to that conference and the next day she has her spay surgery – oh, and then we had a blizzard. We’re still digging out from the blizzard – but soon. I’m looking forward to doing that soon.
I know she needs to be properly socialized and I’m confident K9 Academy is the place to do that. They have all the tools to do that for her. I just don’t know how much other training I think she needs. I know they would train her to do many things absolutely perfectly but perfection really isn’t what I went to them for. I went for her anxiety and obedience issues aren’t really a problem for us. I’m going to continue to give this thought and I’ll probably ask Nino to sit and discuss this more soon. My gut is telling me 2 weeks will get her where we want her. Two weeks are a lot more manageable as well. This isn’t about the money for me but I can see the end of the money bleed when I look at 2 weeks versus 4-6 more weeks.
I’ve been away from here for over a week and I have lots to catch up on. I picked Emma up from the K9 Academy on Saturday the 22nd. I had a good training session with Pamela and she sent us home with several things to work on. I was a little nervous about bringing Emma home knowing that it had gotten stressful between her and Remy.
I can’t say enough for the work that they, Nino and Pamela, did with Emma. She is a different dog. She was so happy to be home and to see Remy. Right away she ran up to him and wanted to play. I, for the first time in weeks, just let them out to play alone in the back yard. I just wanted to see what she would do if I wasn’t there. They played beautifully. Pamela gave me some commands to work on with Emma as far as obedience is concerned (sit, heel, walking on a leash – basic stuff). I didn’t do much with her that day because it was afternoon and she had already had training that day.
The next day, Sunday, I got really sick. I spent all day, every day in bed until Thursday. Thursday I was not well but I was out of bed. We did not get to work on those commands because they required getting outside and going for a walk. The entire week I was sick Emma and Remy played together as if they were best friends. I don’t really have issues with Emma not sitting when I ask her to or not obeying in general so I really didn’t know how to feel about not working on those with her. I was really sick and everything had gone really well that week. One time she was sleeping on my bed with me and Remy got up and she snapped at him. I think he startled her but that was it – she has been just lovely. She and Remy play constantly – it’s sweet but it’s a little annoying too. He is such a clod and when they get playing he knocks everything over. Still, I’ll take clumsy Remy and friendly, playful Emma over what I had going on any day.
Last Friday, the 28th, I left for a conference. I still wasn’t really feeling great but I was on the mend. I was vertical and that was huge progress. I was completely unable to work with Emma then because I wasn’t home. Everything went well and the dogs did great. I came home realizing I was still not quite recovered and spent Sunday lying low.
Monday Emma had her turn at C-Snip for her spay. I was really a little nervous about how Emma would react to all the animals at C-Snip. We showed up near the end so she wouldn’t be completely overwhelmed. The first dog she saw she barked at but a quick correction pretty much worked. She did very little barking and a lot more observing of all the animals going in and out. This was HUGE progress for her. A month ago she would have been freaking out by all those dogs and strangers milling around outside of our car. She even sat and watched the pit bull in the car next to us almost casually. She wasn’t snarling or growling or anything. In the beginning after her correction she made some guttural sounds, maybe frustration, but they weren’t overly anxious or angry sounds. This was a big test for her because she had become, prior to spending that week and a half with Nino, aggressive at the sight of another dog.
She was naturally a little anxious going into C-Snip when it was her turn. Her tail was tucked between her legs but I noticed that almost all the dogs were like that – it was a strange environment with so many pets everywhere. She was shaking when they took her away but there was no aggression. Phew! Pick up went so well, she walked out happily with her nurse and the report was that she did great.
Monday Remy also went in to his vet for his last set of boosters and worming. He is still a touch under weight but his vet wasn’t overly concerned. He has been gaining and we are just upping his food slightly. He weighed in at 35 lbs and he turned 5 months old on Saturday. He has grown so much and we expected he would be closer to 40 lbs. We suspect he didn’t get fed as well by the boys while I was sick and that might have something to do with his low weight.
I’ve got quite a bit more to post about Emma’s rehab, Remy’s potty training challenges and the Pet Head shampoo I finally had an opportunity to use. I’ll also be posting more I’ve been learning about grooming a goldendoodle and hopefully I’ll get Remy to sit still enough so I can snatch a picture of my little (big) snowball. Remy loves to play in the snow and he comes inside covered in it. It’s just the cutest.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m feeling better – finally – so hopefully I’ll be all caught up by next week.
I know I owe an update on how things are going since picking Emma up from the K9 Academy. Unfortunately, I am sick and writing that is just too much. Very quickly, everything has been great. Emma is a different dog and she and Remy have been playing like they are best friends.
I don’t know what to make of it and I think even Nino and Pamela would be surprised. This is an answer to prayer.
I called Nino this afternoon to hear how Emma is doing. The K9 Academy runs a doggie daycare and during rest times the dogs have crates they rest in. Nino told me he wanted to rest Emma in a crate in the room with the daycare dogs so she could get comfortable with all the dogs playing around her.
I thought that would be a great idea but she must not have. She is such a little monster and she acted like a beast whenever any dog came near her crate. She will never make friends that way! It is a shame because outside of her anxiety she is a super sweet dog.
I think it is a little funny because Emma is now hanging out in Nino’s office. She is having to learn to deal with dogs coming in and out and that can only be a good thing. I’m sure she is happy as a clam hanging out with Nino and not having to save to world from all of those horrible dogs. But, seriously, what a stinker!
Emma was becoming really possessive about her crate at home too. I would understand it more if anyone bothered her crate but no one did. She was just being a brat.
This is where I admit we failed our girl. When we adopted Emma she was fearful and was anxious around dogs. I think I have discussed her background more in other posts. Short story is that Emma was extremely timid, coming from a home where she was bullied by the enormous dog she lived with. I worked with her diligently and she relaxed quickly in our home. Within 6-8 weeks she had become comfortable here. She was happy and content and loved to play – something she didn’t know how to do when we got her. We had one cat, Jack, when Emma came home with us. Emma was gentle with Jack from day one, 4 months later we brought home our kitty Clover. Emma was fond of Clover right away, showing gentleness and interest. Clover would sleep with Emma and it was very sweet.
When we adopted Emma it was or plan to get 2 dogs. We actually wanted to get a protective breed dog but knew that wouldn’t be good for Emma. Large animals intimidated her.
Emma was doing so well that we thought the time was right. We discussed our options at length and were certain a puppy would be perfect. We considered how sweetly she treated our little kitty and our 4 children. We considered how much she loves to run and play. We wanted to get a dog that would fit her well but would grow to be a good sized dog, hopeful she would bond in a healthy way with a larger dog. We thought we did everything right by her and we were primarily considering a puppy from a litter at a local animal rescue. I wanted to eventually have a goldendoodle but they are quite expensive and I didn’t see that happening.
I truly believe it was a God thing the way Remy became available to us. It was an answer to prayer I didn’t see coming. He is a wonderful dog and I love him up to the moon and I’m not sure if it is good or bad overall but Emma has had a terrible time lately. She just hasn’t been herself and anxiety we never anticipated has surfaced. With that anxiety has come some aggression.
Maybe this is a blessing because we see the problem and maybe we wouldn’t have otherwise and now we are trying to help Emma deal with something she needs to deal with. Ultimately, this is probably good but I hate that she has been out of sorts and that I know we failed her in some way. It is our responsibility to help her through this do that she can be a whole and healthy dog.
I read extensively and determined that I could help her to a degree but she needed professional help. Emma needs to be properly socialized and that will be best done by someone who has a better understanding of dog communication and in an environment where many stable dogs are available.
I researched dog trainers in our area who specialize in working with aggression and I was most comfortable with Nino, owner of K9 Academy International. On Wednesday I took Emma and Remy to his facility for a temperment test. They actually did quite well together. Nino explained to me that I shouldn’t allow Emma to hog toys and treats. He recommended a change in how their crates are set up and some tips for how I need to correct Remy’s bad puppy manners because he was a bit of a pest. The aggression I was concerned about between them didn’t concern Nino as much. He explained that Emma had to set boundaries for Remy and I had to allow a healthy amount of that. I felt much relief about all of that. However, Emma does has a problem with other dogs and for her to be a healthy dog we need to work through that.
I trust that Nino is the best guy for the job and I chose to start a lengthy boarding training and behavior modification program for her. It is recommended 6-8 weeks of boarding training. The cost is $240 a week and the very thought of that makes me cry. It will take ages for us to get through this but I want her well… and thankfully our kids love peanut butter and jelly! We will send her one week at a time as often as we can afford it. I wonder if Nino needs a cleaning lady? Too bad bartering has gone out of style.
So, Emma is away until the 19th and I have so far resisted the urge to call and ask about her. I’ll probably break down today. I know this is what is best for her but it is a significant financial bleed. I homeschool 4 boys – I don’t have a job and I can’t get a job. I am trusting that God will provide a way and possibly that Emma will progress quicker than expected. I am daily praying for her and I have full confidence that God can bless this process and if He so desires she will heal sooner. Either way, we are in it for the long haul.
I will post regularly about this experience, what we are learning, how Emma is progressing and what works and doesn’t work as we rehab our anxious and fearful girl.
So, today I started reading Cesar’s Way in hopes of gaining some insight into Emma’s issues. By page 5 I was thinking I might die trying to exercise her into a better frame of mind. Cesar spends 4 hours in the morning exercising his pack of dogs. After 2 hours for rest and lunch he rollerblades them for a couple of hours. After another rest they play fetch. I have to believe my Emma doesn’t need that much exercise or we are doomed! I do think Emma and Remy (and certainly myself included) would benefit from more exercise. I got tired just reading about it. It is hard to get out in the winter with icy sidewalks. I wish I still had a treadmill.
Our vet visit went really well last week – other than when she told me Cesar is the worst animal trainer in the world and that his methods are abusive and she might think he is the devil. I believe I understood where she was coming from and I really listened to what she had to say and the why of it all. She did give me some good thoughts to chew on with regards to Emma. Specifically she told me I need to make Remy a positive for Emma. She pointed out some specific examples that both Steve and I felt were really logical and that we hadn’t thought of. I will elaborate more in another post about those specific issues.
I have given much thought and discussion to our vet’s training approach. What it boils down to, for us, is that though some of it is very practical, a lot of it doesn’t line up with our way of thinking. Her approach is strictly positive reinforcement, and she explained, that goes for all animals and children. We have 4 children – 4 boys with lots of energy. We wouldn’t raise them ignoring the bad and only rewarding the good. They thrive with structure, discipline, love, affection and boundaries. Our home is happiest in that way and my instinct is that our dogs will be their best in the same environment.
I can hardly wait to meet with Nino @ K9 Academy on Wednesday. I am eager to hear his thoughts.
As I read Cesar’s books, his approach makes sense to me. I need to be more consistent and I need wisdom, which is why I am looking into professional help. However, I am confidant again that we will find our way and that both Emma and Remy will be great dogs.
An observation my husband made was that things we’re going pretty well until I changed things up, after talking with our vet. I think that might have confused me and the Emma and led to my feeling of being overwhelmed.
Nino made some great comments about signals Emma has been sending that Remy isn’t grasping. Now I know what to watch for and we have had some successes as they play appropriately together. Remy needs to learn manners and I am working with him on that. For example, he jumps all over her, chewing on her, and she doesn’t like it. I dismissed her subtle growls assuming they were playful noises and basically was telling her through my actions that she would have to control the situation herself. I want her to trust that I will handle problems a they arise. The past couple of days when I take the dogs out together I put Remy on a leash and monitor their play more closely, not allowing him to overwhelm her. Today she really wanted to play with Remy and I allowed it but made sure to end it on a positive note, before Emma was sick of his energy.
We are learning and today I plan to read more. I can hardly wait until Wednesday when we meet Nino. I’m really thankful for this outlet to process the figuring out of this all.
Thank you, Ann, for your thoughtful comments, advice and links!
I admit, I thought Emma and Remy would become friends much quicker than they have. I’m feeling a little defeated today. We have good days and bad days and there doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason as to why some days Emma is irritated by Remy. I feel so badly for her and I want so much to help her be the best dog she can be.
I think I’ve written about Emma’s history before. She didn’t come from a good situation and she was extremely timid when we got her. Right away I started working with her and she was doing so well. She had become so comfortable and happy in our home. She was sweet and friendly and gentle and obedient. Now she is anxious again, very similar to how she was when we got her. Some days are better than other days but what it boils down to is that she is just not herself.
I’m overwhelmed and I feel like I have to spend all of my time trying to work with her. I feel like I’m the only person here who is really trying to understand her and the whys of why she is acting the way she is. I feel like I just can’t do it all myself. I *might* be a little hormonal because I’m really weepy about it all today. I just feel overwhelmed.
I want Remy to have a great home and a good friend and example in Emma. I want the same for Emma. I called and made an appointment to have them temperament tested next week. Remy just needs to learn manners as he is only 4 months old, he has a sweet temperament. However, the trainer wants to evaluate them together. I’m perfectly willing to spend money on our pets and their needs but I’m really anxious about what this could cost. I have a feeling that Emma would respond really well to the residential boarding and training program. In that program she would receive really good, consistent training/behavior modification and socialization with a variety of dogs at the hands of a skilled trainer. I want to do whatever is best for her but the whole idea of it is quite overwhelming. I am almost sick at the idea of what it might cost to help her through this anxiety.
I’m just not having a very good day as a dog owner today. I feel like I’m failing miserably somehow and I’m working so hard to do it right. Hopefully I’ll have a more positive post soon.
We have had several good days with potty training Remy and just as many accidents. We have probably made many mistakes because I keep hearing how we should have been able to do this in 3 days. I’m trying but its starting to wear on me.
We dont have a fancy house or such nice things that I get too upset about them being ruined. I do, however, have a large wool rug that I want to keep nice for many years. Remy has peed and pooped on my rug countless times. It started when we first brought him home and he was going behind the tree. I didn’t catch that right away.
I took him out often and he would go in the yard but he still had accidents inside. We have good and bad days where this keeps happening. I’m frustrated and went searching to see what I’m missing.
I think he is being given too much unsupervised time outside of his house (crate). I was reading yesterday that if I’m not able to watch him closely, he should be in his house. I also read that it might help to keep the water off the floor and only offered at mealtimes.
Today I got up early, feed the dogs and Remy pooped within minutes. Then I took him out for a walk. The dogs were home with my husband and the boys while I was fine for several hours. They did well and so far we have been accident free today. We are about to have dinner and hopefully potty issues won’t be a problem the rest of the evening.
I’m also thinking too many of us have been trying to do a job that would have been better done by just one person. So, I’m going to make a sincere effort to do the bathrooming, feeding andu walking this week in hopes that I can be more consistent and effective than we have been thus far.
I’m in search of some enzyme spray that should help get rid of pee smells. I am grateful for any recommendations you might have.
My husband brought Remy home as a Christmas gift on December 13th. I found Remy through a local goldendoodle breeder. I fell in love with him and knew without question he would be the perfect puppy for our family. We were in the process of adopting a puppy through a local no-kill rescue but Remy changed everything. I was at a friend’s house for our annual baking day when I received a video text from my husband titled Merry Christmas with a video of Christian and Remy playing in our back yard. I don’t think I thought much about cookies after that. I left, headed straight to Pet Smart (my favorite local pet store) and then home to meet my new puppy.
We had been watching Dog Whisperer DVDs since we adopted Emma in August and I knew I needed Cesar’s wisdom for how to raise Remy to be his best. The next day Steve picked up How To Raise The Perfect Dogby Cesar Millan. I love how simple Cesar’s methods are. Anyone can implement his strategies – even our kids are learning.
One of the first things that really resonated with me was that it is a good idea to crate a new puppy and mostly ignore them for the first few days. I had never heard of that and we didn’t do it because I hadn’t gotten to that part of the book quick enough but it makes a great deal of sense. Cesar explains that their crate should be placed in a far corner of the main living space so that they can acclimate and feel part of their new “pack” without feeling the need to respond to all the excitement around them. This is key for powerful breed dogs. He also said that new puppies should be isolated to a small section of the house, preferably an area that you aren’t too “proud” of, so that if an accident occurs owners aren’t inclined to respond in anger. A puppy given the freedom to explore the entire house will often come to think it owns the entire house and become out of control. Puppies raised by their mother’s and conscientious breeders are self-assured in a world with limits and boundaries that represent comfort, safety and security.
Cesar says, “If freedom equals peace of mind, then, as it turns out, structure actually makes up the foundation of a dog’s freedom.”
We have a modest size home and we allow Remy to spend most of his days in the kitchen and the living room. He sleeps in his bed in the little boy’s room and is only welcomed upstairs as a rare treat if we are all up together.
Cesar also writes about how puppies need nearly 18 hours of sleep a day during their peak growth period. I had no idea and I suspect he was nothing short of exhausted the first days he was in our home. We now put him in his crate at least 2 times a day for naps. He also usually naps out of his crate at least once a day.
I also learned that all training sessions should be short and must, no matter how long it takes, end in success for the dog. We usually only spend 2-5 minutes working with Remy at a time. Any more than that and he becomes frustrated. Did you know yawning is a sign of frustration and not boredom? I had no idea and I now recognize that in Remy. Remy mostly yawns when we put him in his crate for a nap and use our “Ehhh” sound to silence his barking/complaining. He usually stops the whining, yawns a couple of times and lets out a series of groans and whimpers before lying down and resting.
I have learned so much from Cesar Millan’s book and his many DVDs and I know are dogs are better for it. I can’t recommend his resources enough. Our local library has Dog Whisperer DVDs and all of his books. I’ve also seen his DVDs on sale for $5 per season – such a great deal. You can also learn more about Cesar and purchase his many materials here.
And, just for fun, here is the only photo I was able to snatch of Remy today. He isn’t really the best at sitting still so I can take a picture of him. He’s so indecent, sprawled happily on my bed, while I wrote this post. Have I mentioned how much I love him? He is too sweet for words.
