3ofakind

Humping is not [b][u]always [/u][/b]dominance!!!! When dogs are playing and having fun, they release adrenaline and endorphines just like us. Humping can be an involuntary reaction to a stimulus. The dogs often dont even understand what or why they are doing it. It isn't embarressing to them and we should respect that. It is part of canine communication. I wouldn't worry about it, you can discourage it but dont get too concerned with it. Daisysmom - I honestly think it sounds like puppy behavior. If he isn't seriously out to do harm, then it is just play. That is how pups play. If Chelsea wanted him to stop she would put him in his place. I dont think you have anything to worry about. He is a puppy and they have nothing but play on the brain.

Yes it is true except I had been told 4-6 months. Whether or not it will calm him down depends on how old he is and how long he was displaying the behaviors.

I have the same problem with Mary as soon as it starts to get cold. I use Derma Dream by Halo, it is a holistic balm that helps heal. It is great stuff and I use it on myself quite often as well!

I am so ecstatic. We moved into our first house about a month ago, it is fantastic and we couldn't be happier. Only thing it didn't have was a fence. We had it installed on Monday and it is soooooooo fantastic. No more standing out in the cold, no more worrying about them running off. If you dont have a fence let me tell you it is VERY much worth the investment. It may take me a while to pay it off but I dont care!!! Here's a few pics. [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SwASAx8WNjjlecE3UUEJZDtVOJiPJXj4OOCgXrxQzbreECMMpp32yNoVRDS0PleSMXF*e*vs0l4D8Zbas*xIWQ40ENjTx6fzOpnsG0CrPwft1kI1dP6uYg/Img1723.JPG?dc=4675442936984865333[/img] [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SwAAACAWeTjlecE3UUEJZGxURkbkVThyLCFu5SVImGdOEnFg3FzuneVmTlcGIa4sy4vpN1YsDOg6f!*Csjz1Qo0SJ00wxpDB287tEtAhHGFhCqPyxKr7tA/Img1724.JPG?dc=4675442936987622065[/img] [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SwDbAiEWvDjlecE3UUEJZDLwnNCzjpB92p2wqGmoR43T8SfCHFedpA8Jzi*xzPMXsgsTAZY6gp3pT22PlAYyA7UroUEWn5U1xyQ2viZ9WfCapG4nayGlxg/Img1725.JPG?dc=4675442936990601500[/img]

My nephew is 5 (soon to be 6) and he is currently learning how to act with the dogs. What he can and can not do kind of thing. Well you know children they will leave stuff laying everywhere. I have been telling him for weeks, if you dont want the dogs to get it make sure you dont leave it where they can get it, so far I had been able to avert disaster by being diligent. I remind him that it is their house and they think anything on the floor is a toy. Of course it goes in one ear and out the other until........they ate his homework. He had his book bag open on the floor, we left the house for a short time to return to this.... [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SwAAABsWKTemVcvVQQbOA8Sf!bCO1BPGgeicZSZEE9NeRJCfht7bSnWtGYtnaWheBnE9bADQm62LKuU2j3ZV99RnvtzIheom280PWbGAlD*W8c9PRuw6XA/Img1710.JPG?dc=4675442936981927257[/img] I felt awful of course, but he has learned a valuable lesson and is now very mindful of where his things are. We took the pictures so his teacher would believe him. Just can't help but laugh that the old saying can in fact be true.

No worries Debbie. Its your house and you make the rules, dont worry about what anyone says or feels.

I understand that all too well. I dont think it is your fault. My Mary is very similar and I dont believe it is anything I did. I have tried all the techniques to "fix" it, but nothing has helped. It is just who she is, part of her personality. However, it is never too late to start training. Find a good school in your area and go to a beginner class, age certainly doesn't matter. Maybe it will help give her some added confidence. I know Mary loves going to class, she is very smart and loves the attention. Good luck to you and I think Manchesters are soooo cute!!!

Just a side note. There is a new food out called Blue Buffalo, which should not be confused with Blue Seal. The former is actually a relatively good food, being carried by petsmart in an effort to get into the premium food market. Interestingly, it has no buffalo in it LOL. The later is, as you all saw, less than desireable. Just thought it would be good to let you all know they are not one in the same.

I think you need a clicker. First you have to get her accustomed to the clicker, to know that when you click she gets a treat. But then you can start using it to "mark" the behavior you are looking for. So when she does "down" you click and treat, she then knows exactly what you want her to do to get the click/treat. You could also try using a key word, such as yes, just like the clicker. You essentially need to give her a better idea of what it is you are looking for so she can repeat it.

do you all have petsmart in CA?? They have a new food called Blue, it has decent ingredients and so far folks seem to like it. There is also natural balance. Good luck. I know alot of Canadian folks have trouble finding good food.

JMHO But I really do think you are taking this too personally. When I first started coming to forums I was sensitive about things too, but I learned that people are not attacking, they are trying to educate and help me. I dont know about you, but I certainly dont know everything. I value all the information and opinions that are shared here. We all have one thing in common, our love for our pets and animals in general. I think that if you can learn to look at the information given in the manner it is intended instead of reading into it, you will greatly benefit from all the highly experienced and knowledgable members here. Take everything with a grain a salt. I know I did not intend to make you as upset as I did. I know when I was first told about the lights, I was so grateful to learn about the dangers, I just assumed you would be too. I know you want to take the best possible care of Zoe and Cody that you can. You have every right to leave, but I think you owe it to Zoe and Cody to stay and continue to learn with the rest of us.

Canidae But have fed Wellness and Solid Gold Mmellinia.