please help, hubby is threatening to rehome Charlie

[ashleycat]

I thought he was pt, he scrathes at the door to be let out. 2 of the accidents were my fault. Only 2 territorial accidents. He just got neutered march 15th.

Today I left him out there and shut the door. He went potty about 5 min later and then I opened the door. He came runnin in and jumping sooo happily. I praised him soooo happily and played fetch with a toy. Which is one of my daughters toys that he loves, so I guess it's his now. But he acted like he hit jackpot when I opened the door after he pooped lol.

The toy is a round soft ducky that laughs when shaken. He goes nuts after it.

[sabies]

I think obedience training would be a good idea. I never went to a trainer with Sadie - financially it wasn't possible and she was naturally submissive so it didn't seem necessary. Fortunately the only problems I've had with Sadie are things that make cute stories but I do believe from what I've read over the years that dogs, submissive or dominant, are happier with a solid social structure. I think it would have relieved some of Sadie's anxieties if I had been a better Alpha but I always gave in to what I thought she wanted - little things that seemed harmless but probably signalled to her that hey, there's no one in charge in this house!

I think the most important thing to get out of obedience training is how to be Alpha - and that's not a lesson for the dog. I know at least for me Alpha behavior does not come naturally. Good luck!