When we first got Voodoo, he was food aggressive--a common trait with catahoulas. Not towards us, but towards other dogs. He would get very possessive over his food if Zeus was nearby; and would actively guard his chew bones. He would also try to steal Zeus' food and treats, sometimes aggressively.
We worked hard on it. Very hard.
Today, I bought the boys each an enormous knucklebone. I casually handed Zeus his bone first. Voodoo sat next to me and waited politely for his. As I write this, both boys are stretched side-by-side on the rug in the living room. Both are contentedly chewing bones. Such a peaceful little scene.
It struck me that a few months ago, I wouldn't have even considered giving them a high-value food item in such an uncontrolled setting. My little heathen is growing up, and we've really managed to teach him a lot.
To me, it's these little victories that make training worthwhile. When something that was such a problem has been faded to such an extent that you don't even worry about it anymore.
Hooray for Voodoo! And if you're facing a problem with your dogs...don't give up! Things turn around with time and patience.
And yes, Voodoo is still on his good streak.
Maybe someday I'll have two "perfect" dogs instead of just one.
We worked hard on it. Very hard.
Today, I bought the boys each an enormous knucklebone. I casually handed Zeus his bone first. Voodoo sat next to me and waited politely for his. As I write this, both boys are stretched side-by-side on the rug in the living room. Both are contentedly chewing bones. Such a peaceful little scene.
It struck me that a few months ago, I wouldn't have even considered giving them a high-value food item in such an uncontrolled setting. My little heathen is growing up, and we've really managed to teach him a lot.
To me, it's these little victories that make training worthwhile. When something that was such a problem has been faded to such an extent that you don't even worry about it anymore.
Hooray for Voodoo! And if you're facing a problem with your dogs...don't give up! Things turn around with time and patience.
And yes, Voodoo is still on his good streak.
Maybe someday I'll have two "perfect" dogs instead of just one.
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