courtnek

kids run away for a reason. It may not be a valid reason to adults, but in their minds it's valid. That's the trick here. You say he didnt really run away; he just didnt go home. It sounds like he is trying to assert some independence from his parents, but the way he is going about it is causing them much grief. It's a terible thought that your child has left you, and could be in real danger out on the road by themselves..... As his friend, you can try to find out WHY he decided not to go home.... Good parties? Fight with the parents? Just generally PO'd? Then try to explain to him that what he did caused a lot of pain, maybe suggest way's he could work with his parents instead of trying to hurt them (a lot of that hurt is intentional....) If he can prove to them that he can be trusted (by letting them know where he is, if he'll be late, etc) they may ease up on him a little. good luck

I agree - A hard stare in the eyes (shows dominance on your part) a stern NO! and then if she settles, give her a task to do - sit, lay down, stay, whatever then praise her when she accomplishes that task. and if you can, make her sit/lay down before you go to pet one of the other dogs, and if she gets up another stern NO! and go from there. she needs to see that you can pet any dog you like, and she will have to tolerate it. By giving her commands she can obey, and then praising her, she will eventually accept your role.

can someone explain "dapple" to those of us who are obviously uninformed??? and "merle"???? I dont breed, so these terms are unfamiliar to me... help?? :o :o

well, bottom line, you have to MAKE him behave. You cant take no for an answer, even if it means getting him and putting him in place in front of you. If he shows resisitance, I have found that leashing them to your belt (and forcing them to follow you around) has a wonderful training effect. They cant escape, and any command you give you can enforce. Lots of love and treats when they obey, and eventually they learn that obeying brings GOOD things, and disobeying gives nothing at all. TYPICAL TEENAGER!! I have one of the human kind. Cant belt him to me, although sometimes I would LOVE to belt him..... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I also have one of those containers with a screw on lid - I got mine at Petco. They cant get in it no matter what, so it keeps the kibble safe from "prying noses....." glad Zaph's ok....

I wonder if Betty Fisher and John Fisher are related??? :lol:

[img]http://thumbs.webshots.com/s/thumb4/1/6/40/92610640yNdaJy_th.jpg[/img] well, my two dogs, Freebee (black) and Laurel (White with brown splotches) are in my signature. This is my evil, bad tempered PushyCat - the dogs both obey him without question.... strange how that works out, since they're almost twice his weight... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[quote]They are getting these dogs because they are so tough and because they are so strong and because people are scared of them, they use barbaric traing methods to make the dogs distrustingof humans and allow the to bite and attack strays cats and dogs to let them get used to killing[/quote] and this is EXACTLY what we are fighting. The APBT, like Rotties and Dobies and GSD's, in the wrong hands, are dangerous. WE have been trying to both protect the dog from banishment, and fighting for both education of the ignorant (in how to raise and handle, and I am not being abusive when I say "ignorant". That's exactly what it means. Lack of education is ignorance) and for stiffer laws to PUNISH the macho morons who buy them to fight and train them to be vicious.

[quote]And the I want to go too look is unbearable and will hurt you in your heart[/quote] yea, she pulls THAT every morning, but so does my other dog. Those large brown circles around her eyes make her look more sad than Freebee, and while I know it's a visual illusion, she is VERY convincing.... So this is typical of hounds, hmmmm? Well, at least now I know.... Learn something new every day with this one.... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[quote]Dog More Intelligent Than Owner.... [/quote] ROFLMAO!!!! Yep. That's about it in this case!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I just realized that with the sizes of the foam padding, I can put two king size pillowcases over it end to end and be done with it. Now, to get some king sized pillow cases....easily washable too... I;m going to leave the blankets on and put the pillowcases over it. It will probably be more comfortable then MY bed..... :megagrin:

yea, she did me in. Those sad eyes, and the scared demeanor, and damn, I broke MY OWN RULES about dealing with a timid dog! It's much easier said then done, when those sad eyes are staring at you and she's standing with her tail between her legs...(I wonder if THAT'S an affectation too....hmmmmmm) I think she know's she's been caught.. Cat is out of the bag, Laurel..... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: she is acting much less hesitant now..... k - [/quote]DMITO on your vet records? [quote] DMITO? [/quote]

The reason I ask is that I make this KILLER pine soap with the needles from my blue spruce out back.....boil em in hot water until all the resin is depleted from the needles, run it rhough a sieve to get the needles out, and then add water and mix. It has to be shaken stronlgt before you can use it, but it removes EVERYTHING....you cant use it on carpet though so it doesnt work for doggie stains....it will actually remove the color....

:oops: :oops: What is biological washing detergent? Do you mean biodgradable? Or something made from like leaves and stuff?

There are special pet spot removers you can get at pet stores. Make sure you get one that also removes the scent, or the dog will continue going there. I cant think of the names right off the top, but you will be able to find them at pet stores.

Congrats on your new addition!! :D Just explain to your friend that the new pup is somewhat nervous, not used to strangers yet, and that she is a little loud for his newness. Havingher pet him while you hold him is a good idea. I had to tell my son and his friends the same thing because Laurel is afraid of them. Explain that it just takes some time that's all

the Avatar is Alex, the dog I had before Laurel. He got very sick and had to be put down, but I just LOVE that picture.

I have been working really hard to make Laurel more at home here, I put up a special bed and sleeping place for her, I've been trying to make her "more at home".... SHE'S PLAYING ME!!!!! GRRRRRRRR....I feel like a fool.... Freebee wanted to go out. I alays put them out together, since Laurel like to be outside with Freebee.... I called, and called, and she didnt come down. She's been doing that, and I end up going upstairs and guiding her down by her collar... then she looks all scared and hesitant.....so I've been trying to make her feel better by paying special attention.. SHE DUPED ME!!! I finally got fed up with having to go get her all the time... So THIS time I said FINE!! FREEBEE'S GOING OUT!! STAY THERE IF YOU LIKE!! and I went to let Freebee out - and guess what? She shows up, no guiding, no special attentions...just came down and went out... GGGRRRR....I have a strategy issue here.... :evil:

well, I cut the foam padding in two. and wrapped blankets around it that neither one has ever used.....we'll see what happens... :D

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: just make sure Pepper know's whos's boss...she needs to be corrected of her ALPHA role, and fear biting.... That's TOO funny tho... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[quote]One other thought... perhaps, if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. In other words (no, I'm not being a smartaxe), maybe they each are content with their sleeping arrangements. Maybe Laurel feels more comfortable having someplace to escape to and will come down when she feels ready. It seems like you might be more worried about it than they are. [/quote] HF, you're right. I'm ALWAYS more worried about it than they are, thats just me. Laurel is very timid, and I've NEVER had a timid dog before. I love her to death, but I have always had to deal with ALPHA dogs (successfully), not Omega dogs.... I am out of my element here...I have never had to raise a dog that cringes at the sight of other people. Maybe I just need to be patient? It just hurts me when she is up there all alone, and I want to find a way to make her understand that nothing will hurt her..... I thought this might help. If not, please let me know!!! :D

So am I, actually, but I dont have a sewing machine and hand sewing wouldnt put up with their restlessness.... I do have a 2 inch thick foam pad down, but Laurel wont lay on it, and I think it's because its "freebee's" pad....she feels like she is walking ont he Alpha dogs space. Freebee rarely uses it, she sleeps on the couch most of the time (yea, I know....but they both see ME as Alpha and obey, so I let them get away with it). I guess I dont really need two, just one for Laurel, but I dont want Freebee to feel left out..... That's why I wanted opinions. Thanks for yours!! :D I guess I want to assign them "their OWN bed" so Freebee stops growling when Laurel lays on the pad, and Laurel stops escaping upstairs to sleep... I feel bad that she's all alone up there, but I am still trying to get her over her fear of my son and his friends.... I thought this might help some. Maybe not....

For those unfamiliar, I thought K was talking about something like this.... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: [img]http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/iy/ef/d3f8fa0fa1f13c77f71aad89771e83.jpg[/img] now THAT's the closest to street-legal you can get in a tank...in the states at least....

[img]http://www.1800petmeds.com/images/products/large/10572_160.jpg[/img] Ortho Napper 26" X 38" Hunter Orthopedically designed bed relieves pressure on joints. Provides complete, therapeutic support. Made from thick, medical grade Polyfoam. Built in headrest. Washable lambswool with zippered cover. Economic and lightweight, while providing maximal comfort. Insulates from cold, damp floors. what do you guys think? I need small, easily placed beds that both dogs could use, and since they are noth getting older and I have hardwood floors I want a nice bed. opinions please? thanks. They're 50.00 each!! YIKES!!

[quote]**Disclaimer for Behle's previous posts (for those who are newer to Dogomania)** I cannot be held responsible for anything I may have posted regarding K's husband's tank. You see, it is early where I live and my husband owns a military truck and it is POSSIBLE to purchase military tanks (with the armaments stripped off, of course). So it might have been within the realm of possibility that the tank in question could have been a huge vehicle designed to crush enemy forces....... I am not a nut case although one might have reason to think so right now! [/quote] Dont feel bad Behle, I thought she meant a double-wide truck (kinda like a Hummer here in the states) that a lot of people call "tanks" because of their size........... :oops: :oops: :oops: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: