FOR CARRIE

[jackiesdaisy1935]

O.K. Carrie I got it. Don (my husband is Alpha) I am next right? Then comes Perry and Daisy almost on a even level Right?
We are going to have to work this out with Daisy sleeping with me, I can try everything else but I can't give that up. I will tell her I am Alpha, maybe she will listen ( American humor) Seriously you have given me a lot of great information and I will take it one step at a time. Just don't give up on us o.k. I'm trying, I read all these posts to Don so he will understand you just keep prodding us.
Carrie, just thought I would add this one picture to make your day



[ August 13, 2001: Message edited by: Jackie ]

[carrie]

I love it! (The American humour, not the sleeping in the bed bit! Although I have to admit it is a very cute picture!!!)
Thanks for starting my day off with a smile!!

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Carrie, we are working on it. Perry used to screech when I put my shoes on, now I have him sitting and he is doing well, after, I give him a treat. I am putting Perry's bowl down first then Daisys. I'm trying to let Perry in the house first and I hold Daisy back, but he won't come in until she does.
Haven't figured that one yet. So we are trying one day at a time. Thanks for your advice.
Jackie

[karen israel]

I finally caught up with the both of you!!! You both are so fabulous! Jackie, I just LOVED Don's picture, I just laughed and laughed! As for YOU Carrie, whom I love so much, so glad you're back!! Missed you terribly! AndYES, Ms. Daring here, located the BOLDUBB code!!!
While we're on the subject, Carrie, C does not sleep on my bed but will lay on it when I'm dressing (humpf...fresh!)or cleaning....I do lean down and smush his face and kiss him etc..is THAT(sorry)considered Alpha???? Also, when I stare him in the eye, I usually wind up getting kissed on the nose. Am I FINALLY(damn!) Alpha?????

[ August 15, 2001: Message edited by: karen israel ]

[carrie]

Hi karen, you babe you!

It really isn't so much if a single dog is allowed on the bed that makes him consider his position - it's under what circumstances.
If the dog just jumps onto the bed whenever he feels like it and sees it as a his right to do so that's not so good. If, on the otherhand, you use the fact that you don't mind him being there and it has become a bit of a routine to give his mind some excersise that's VERY good. Just before he jumps onto the bed, you could get his attention, ask for a sit and then tell him he can go on the bed as his reward. Nobody has given up anything that they enjoy, the dog will very quickly learn to sit without any prompt (or just with another one of those fantastic looks) and some very subtle signals are sent.
Once the dog has the hang of this try it with a down before the dog is allowed up on the bed, then with a sit and a speak (bark)....the possibilities are limited only to your imagination! By Christmas you could have Cody cooking breakfast for you every morning, warming up the car and making the bed! This is the "enrichment" you hear zoo keepers and behaviourist talking about all the time.

The looking in the eye is all dependant on the kind of eye contact you start with....try this one - when Cody is relaxed but not asleep start to give him very quick glances four to five seconds apart with soft eyes. Let me know what he does about it but I will say that some dogs, Paddy included, will ignore it or go to sleep - I will tell you why next time. Watch closely to his reaction.

[K9karen]

LOL! As long as Cody doesn't touch my wine or smoke my ciggies, I'm down with that!! By the way, I need to tell him I like my eggs over easy!! Thx sweetie, I will definitely let you know what happens with the beast.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

WOW Carrie, you have your work cut out for you now!!!!
Jackie

[carrie]

Yeah, I think you are right!! Maybe teaching a dog by remote learning to cook a full English breakfast was a step too far? Time to give up dog training, me thinks!!

It wouldn't be such a problem if only Karen would settle for scrambled eggs!!!!