I think we had a break through?

Taqroy

Active Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2009
Messages
5,566
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
Colorado
#1
Maybe? Mu and Tipper used their words (ok, maybe they were snarls) instead of their teeth last night. Matt picked up a toy, Mu went after it, Tipper went after Mu, Mu told her to EFF OFF, Tipper was like "Oh ok then" and took herself downstairs to lay under the Christmas tree.

I'm glad it turned out the way it did but I almost had a heart attack. :eek:
 

stardogs

Behavior Nerd
Joined
Jun 13, 2009
Messages
4,925
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
NC
#2
Yay for possible breakthroughs, but yea I bet your heart stopped for a good minute there! Eek!
 

Doberluv

Active Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2004
Messages
22,038
Likes
2
Points
38
Location
western Wa
#3
As long as "words" work, that is fantastic. It can become a balancing act...when to step in when dogs take it to the next level. It sounds like they're working out a system. Let's hope it stays that way...that they keep on working on their "system." LOL.

My two have always been able to work things out very well. First, they rarely have an issue at all in the first place. They're really crazy about each other. But if they do, it's all on Chulita. Jose` is so completely sweet, so soft and meek, and wouldn't dare do anything on purpose to bug her. But if he inadvertently steps too close to her when she's lying comfortably and afraid she might get stepped on... or gets too close to a bone, even though he has no thought in his head of trying to get it from her, she will sometimes snarl at him. And he invariably gets away further from her, then all is well. Neither of them ever dream of taking something from the other and show no real competition between them.

The only time I've seen Jose` growl at another dog is when he's guarding "his" Dremel. :D The other dog (s) (Chulita or Toker) have no interest whatsoever in getting the Dremel, but if it's on a low table or on the floor, he'll lie by it and woe to the dog who comes too close. That's the only "possession" he really worries about. LOL.

So, here's to your dogs' continued success at working out a civilized, conversational solution to all their future disagreements.:p
 

Taqroy

Active Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2009
Messages
5,566
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
Colorado
#4
Yay for possible breakthroughs, but yea I bet your heart stopped for a good minute there! Eek!
It was actually the second snark fest of the night - Murphy thought Tipper needed a strong talking to during dinner also. I don't think my heart can take much more. LOL.

As long as "words" work, that is fantastic. It can become a balancing act...when to step in when dogs take it to the next level. It sounds like they're working out a system. Let's hope it stays that way...that they keep on working on their "system." LOL.
The behaviorist said we'd probably hit this point, where we need to decide when to step in and when to let them work it out. Up til now we've been stepping in pretty early but I didn't even have a chance last night. It was 1 to 900 back to 10 in about 15 seconds.

Tipper has been getting told off a lot lately, and I can definitely see a difference in her behavior. She's being a lot less obnoxious and pushy. And she's giving way to the other two where she didn't before. I've been documenting their behavior changes since we started the behavior plan and it's been really interesting.

I'm laughing at the thought of Jose guarding his Dremel from all the other dogs. "NO only my nails will be trimmed!!!" LOL
 

HayleyMarie

Like a bat outa' hell
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
7,058
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
Beautiful British Columbia!!
#6
YAY!!!

Thats a huge accomplishment for you and Tipper and Mu. You should be very proud of your efforts. Most people would give up or rehome one of their dogs, although us Chazzers arn't "normal"

I am hoping for continuing progress for your puppers!
 

Dogs6

Plus One
Joined
Jun 26, 2009
Messages
2,118
Likes
0
Points
0
Age
28
Location
Northern Ireland
#7
That's amazing!! My dogs are very good at using "words" but I'm not sure how a situation like that would go down! You should be very proud that they've come so far .
 

Taqroy

Active Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2009
Messages
5,566
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
Colorado
#8
Thanks guys! I'm super proud of them - it used to be that they'd just lay into each other and there was no backing them off verbally. They really have come a long way.


YAY!!!

Thats a huge accomplishment for you and Tipper and Mu. You should be very proud of your efforts. Most people would give up or rehome one of their dogs, although us Chazzers arn't "normal"

I am hoping for continuing progress for your puppers!
Thanks Hayley. You should have seen me at the vet after the last big fight....I was almost in tears and she was like "You've done so much more for these girls than anyone else would have and you're going to fix it, I know it," and then I WAS in tears. But hearing that makes me feel better about all the fights we've had because if I can fix it in the end it's all worth it. If I can't....then I've put us all through hell for no reason and that thought breaks my heart.
 

Members online

Top