Although Sofi isn't to the point where she is fully trusting yet (and I think that point is a ways off), I do think it's time to start working on some basic expectations with her. She's doing fantastic with house training and is willing to have an errant sock or towel replaced with a toy, but there are some skills we really need her to learn sooner rather than later, e.g., walking on a leash, having her feet wiped off, and just having things done to her in general. She won't allow us to touch her anywhere but her face unless she is lying down. She is very fearful of being "caught." So I have no idea how we are going to get her to the vet next week!
Also, she is peeing and pooping on the concrete, sometimes right outside the door. We have just been happy that she is doing it outside, but it would be great if she would venture over to the newly discovered viney groundcover area to do that stuff, so I'm not constantly out there with the scoop and hose. On the other hand, if she has a big surgery, she will need the convenience of just stepping out the door to go. So I'm torn on whether to work on that issue.
The issue that is bothering us the most is occasional short bursts of really loud, confrontational barking that is causing us to just about jump out of our skin each time it happens. It's really unnerving and not an acceptable part of our quiet household culture. We are dealing with this behavior by turning our backs to her until she stops and lays down, then praising her. Hopefully that is enough to discourage it, because the other methods I've been reading about are a lot more complicated (teaching them to speak first, then teaching them to be quiet....not practical at this stage).
I did put the leash on her this morning and let her run around with it on. She freaked at first, but only for about 30 seconds. Then she settled in to chew on it.
So all you dog trainers out there, feel free to weigh in. I'm trying to carefully balance trust-building with creating structure and expectations, and I don't want to neglect or go too far on either.
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HI. This is multi. I used to have show dogs. I strongly recommend putting a temporary fence around the concrete area, with a gate for her/you to get in and out of. If you walk her out to it each time (especially now, gives you more time before winter!) then she 'has' to be on the grass to potty. No playing until she does her duty..then she can either come onto the concrete or back inside. The fence barrier is a very good training tool.
I haven't had time to keep up with the blog, but wonder what 'big' surgery you are talking about. A spay is a fast recovery time. Incisions are vertical, no muscles are cut. Depending on your choice, she can either come home the same day, or you could leave her overnight. The vets I used and or worked for, waited until the dog was fully able to walk before calling the owners to pick them up. Instructions were to provide a quiet place for them to rest for that evening. In other words, no romping or them having to put up with other rowdy animals/kids that night.
By morning, they are good to go.
If she is having something more than that done, she's either going to be fully walking, or you'll be carrying her, and if she's used to the grass-potty routine, well, you'll just have to walk a few more steps. Once she recognizes the concrete as "living space' she won't want to go there. The sooner that happens the better for all of you.
Hi Multi-thanks so much for the tips. We are challenged by lots of concrete in our immediate backyard, but I will definitely start working on getting her out the the preferable area.
And for the surgery, we haven't even talked about spaying her yet, due to her low weight and the more pressing need to deal with her dislocated rear leg. We will find out on Monday which course is best to pursue, surgery-wise. Thanks again for your suggestions.
Libby also does the really confrontational barking. I use the distraction method. I "Sist" (make a noise ) at her to snap her out of it and say no. I would not ignore it..she is just using the wrong side or part of her brain. Giving her something else to think about will help her relax and come out of that state of mind.
If she is going to have surgery can it wait...I would wait if she is getting around alright and not in pain. Your vet will give you more info on that. I would make sure he/she understands all of the problems you are having.
Libby is at the vets and I am waiting on that phone all to tell me she is alright. I also saw "Cooper" and his family at the vets. Cooper is one of the Golden Retriever puppys that was from the mill. He was getting fixed also.
Good Luck to you, Susan
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