Chewy goes to school!

[sharon]

For those of you that know my little Chewy, you also know that the little sweetheart needs an attitude adjustment. It really came into focus when she bit my daughter a few weeks ago. I had just joined a group on MeetUp when I was looking for a group of dog folks for a little socialization for her. The group was started by a local dog trainer and the more I read about her, the more I felt that this was what Chewy and I needed. Anyway, she came to the house Tues. Of course Chewy started her hysterical barking as soon as she saw the car. Jennifer got out of her car, greeted me, and within less than 60 seconds Chewy shut up.....ok, I'm already impressed! Jennifer was trained by one of only 3 people that were trained by Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer, so I was really excited about this. So, if you've watched the show, you see the beginning, some of the middle, and the end with the happy ending. What you don't see is how it's accomplished. Well, I'm gonna tell you, I have a very unhappy baby and Mom's not really loving it either! At least 2 walks per day of at least 2 miles (walking is NOT my favorite exercise!), no more flex leash with Chewy going and sniffing and doing her doggy thing. She's on a short 4ft leash, and if she forges ahead of me, we stop, sit and wait. Needless to say, it's been a bit of a fight. More than a bit, truth be told. When at home, Chewy is attatched to my belt loop by the same leash, and where I go, she goes. Always behind or beside me. No affection for a week, no sleeping with me, she sleeps in her crate in the living room. If she's good, in a week or so, the crate can be moved into the bedroom. In other words, she has to earn all of the privalages that have in the past past just been handed to her. Kind of like when your kids get into trouble. I'm learning to be the pack leader and she's gonna have to give up that title. And she's not willing at this point to give it up without a fight. So we're gonna work really hard on this and hopefully at out next GTG, you guys will see a new, improved and loveable Chewy. And you won't have to worry about your fingers and ankles staying intact!

[Echo]

Wow Sharon! Talk about being grounded!!!! I don't envy you one bit. I can only imagine what a fight it's gonna be and the noise she is making about this upheaval! I know that should I ever lock Shade up in her crate to where she couldn't follow me or go to bed with me it would be earth shattering! He77 I put her in a crate for 5 minutes she freaks out. Heaven forbid that I should walk out of the room!!!

Much good luck and heart felt feelings are coming your way for you and Chewy!!!

[Liz]

How interesting! And time consuming, it sounds, for you. And it must be difficult to withhold the affection and other things you're both in the habit of. Best wishes for stick-to-itiveness.

[retiredhappy]

Sounds difficult BUT just think what a well behaved baby you will have at the end - a pleasure for you and others. I'm as guilty as anyone in over indulging my dogs. Fortunately they're really laid back, except for Sassy who would lick you to death if allowed.

[BarbaraRose]

Sounds like tough love! I have seen those shows and it is amazing the changes that are made in the dogs afterward. Unfortunately, the owners have to be "disciplined" as well. But it will be well worth it in the end. I have actually had to end friendships with people who's dogs were so out of control that I was afraid to go to their house, or just didn't want to deal with the unpleasant experience of being around their obnoxious dog. I love dogs, but a good dog is a well-behaved dog. Kind of like kids. No one wants to be around out of control kids either. You gotta show who's boss. Good luck and stick to it! You'll be so glad you did!

Barbie

[VickieP]

Poor, poor Chewy. Momma's being mean to that baby. Sharon, I think this will be good and Chewy will be more relaxed around all the different people you enjoy spending time with.

[Getupngo]

Maybe at the end you can change her name from "Chewy" (biter) to something more serene. LOL.

What a way to change her behavior. I'm aways aware that when I have a dog problem, I'M the
one who needs to change her ways.

[BirdbyBird]

Sharon.....Great that you are working on the issues. So many individuals don't even try especially with smaller dogs that can't physically over power them. What many people forget in working with their dogs is that they are NOT little humans. They are dogs. They have feelings but they do not interpret everything the way we do. They can be just as happy NOT being the pack leader. They DO want to be part of a pack. What they can't stand is a vacuum. If the human partner is not willing to step up and be in charge they often feel they have too. For many dogs this can create even more anxiety and fear. It is a lot of responsibility being pack leader. The other fact is that a well mannered dog has much MORE freedom in this world to go places and be welcomed. So for their cooperation/training and giving up some unpleasant behaviors...they GET so much in return. The other fact is that similar to working with human children with behavioral issues.....a dog will resist changes and the negative behavior often will escalate before it gets better...but they are very smart. A dog will continue with a behavior that works for them (read that as a behavior that gets reinforced). If we as humans keep giving in....why would they ever alter their behavior.

We all get a trained dog just not always the behaviors we wished for but the behaviors that we have reinforced. Some of the dogs have trained us better than us them. And as you noted, to change them we do have to change our behavior, also.

[sharon]

Thanks to all of you for the encouragement. I know that a lot of Chewy's behavior stems from fear and insecurity. I want her to enjoy the camping and outings as much as I do, not be stressed by the whole thing.

Echo, the crate is not a problem. I'm a firm believer in crate training, always have been, always will be. All of my dogs have been crate trained. Chewy slept and spent time in a crate since I got her, and she didn't start sleeping in the bed until she was 8 months old. When she's at the granddaughter's when I can't take her with me, she sleeps in a crate. All of the GD's dogs sleep in crates. She's not happy about not being in the bedroom, tho. In fact, I leave the crate out all of the time and she'll crawl in there to nap during the day.
I'M the one having a problem with the crate, I'm used to that warm little bod snuggled up to me at night.

Janice, her name is Chewbaca, from Star Wars, 'cause that's what she looked like when she was little. Maybe if I had given her a girlie name she might have lived up to it? Actually, I've never had a problem with her chewing stuff up, started her young on substituting toys for destructive chewing and she learned that one really well. She's actually pretty smart for a Chi.

Yeah Liz, the no affection is actually turning out to be the hardest for me. I've slipped up a couple of times....sigh. Found out today when I took her to the vet that she highly recommends Jennifer as her trainer of choice. Whew! Glad to hear that!

So after a bite to eat, we're headed out for a walk.

[Nasoosie]

CONGRATS, Sharon, for teaching little Chewy how to be loved and accepted in all kinds of company! I think it's so wonderful to see the changes in dogs who have been professionally 'adjusted!' Both the poochies and their owners need training, yes, for sure, and both will be so much happier at the outcome of the lessons!

For years I have been trying to get my mother-in-law to get professional help with training her little spoiled-brat dogs over the years, but it's been to no avail! After all, she raised her son in the exact same manner, and he has always had trouble 'fitting in' anywhere! Some people just believe that any discipline is mean and cruel, and, as a result, their 'kids' (whether they have two feet or four feet) turn into creatures nobody can stand to be around. You are to be encouraged to stick to your guns, and you will be so pleasantly surprised when Chewy becomes the sweet little dog we all wish we could have and be around!

[Marslet]

For those who might not know, Emma went to part one and part two of dog training at Pet Smart. I have not regretted it at all. Was it work??? YES!! But worth every minute spent with it. Emma is very social and being a Chihuahua is a necessity as far as I am concerned. Had one that was hell on four paws and didn't want another "chew them up and spit them out". She was crate trained and although she now sleeps in the bed with us, anytime I put my hands on my hips and go Ohhhhhh, she heads for the crate and zoom in she goes. Also I just have to say "Get in your crate, Emma" and in she goes. This comes in handy when someone she doesn't know comes in the house. Now Emma can be rough when she needs to. There was a cat in "her" backyard and she smelled it the minute she went out the door. She looked like a rubber ball, bouncing into the air on all four legs. Her ruff was standing up around her neck and right down the center of her back. It was standing up so high she looked like a porcupine. Never seen anything like it. And the growiling and barking, you would have thought she was a rottie.
Keep up the work and before you know it Chewey will be so good you will want to throw a party and invite everyone over to see her progress.

[mitch5252]

..

Sharon, that's cool that your trainer is Cesar trained! It'll be worth all the hard work, and the walking will be great for the two of you!

..

[WickedLady]

There were some minor problems when I adopted Monty (no aggression or biting) but it only took my "God" voice to let him know he was in deep doo doo and he has never repeated any of the things that brought it on.
As stated; if you are not the leader your dog will take that position.

[mtngal]

I'm so glad to hear you and Chewie found someone help you get back on track. She is such a little cutie all ready, I can't wait to see her after her 'make over'!

[Echo]

There were some minor problems when I adopted Monty (no aggression or biting) but it only took my "God" voice to let him know he was in deep doo doo and he has never repeated any of the things that brought it on. As stated; if you are not the leader your dog will take that position.

God voice? I call it my MOM voice! Kids are 27 and 29 now and they still sit up and take notice when it's used. Shade too knows that Mom voice and will go hide and lay down if she's done a No No or is being rude.