Bugmom..haha! my kind of humor, tho I was thinking -for a split sec- that Cody would be very unhappy if I used tape! - I swear I can be so dense.....
Anyway, Souraya, believe me, you are so NOT alone. I didn't know what Alpha meant when I got my dog. It was some kind a Greek letter. I learned pretty fast though. I let Cody have his puppy way cause it was just so darned cute, but quickly learned that 1 time is cute, 2x is a bad habit. I spent a fortune on dog psycologists and trainers..here it was ME not so much the dog. I was so in love with Cody that I was blinded to what was good for HIM. My stern voice was a soft NO (ok you all- I have a big mouth but I'm not a screamer)Finally one night, I was laying on the floor and he growled in my face. Needless to say, I finally, suddenly got so POd, I took control, admonished him and that was it. From that point on, I could do almost anything to him. He needed and wanted discipline from his wimpy, kissy, emotional owner. Ok, he is NOT perfect. For some reason, he is not very social unless he knows you (ie; hates strangers, plumbers, the dreaded mailman)as I didn't socilaize him enough (unlike you).And I still make excuses. When he barks at people, I blame the fact they stared at him or he was protecting me...when in reality, I do not have him under control at that moment. I admit it, and really, thanks to Carrie and Steno and many others, I am still working on Cody after 9 years. And he's a Golden Ret/Lab mix. Like you, I love my dog so much, with all my heart, that I will continue to do anything at all to make him a better K9 citizen and I appreciate all the help and comments. Live and learn, like a first child. I think you are awesome for caring so much to get a trainer so far away!!! and leaving work early for Drake's sake. You can't show your love and devotion any better! KIT..Karen