Seven years ago come April 1st (yes, can you believe it, April fools day) we adopted Buster. His name was Chuckie (should have been a clue) and he was a 3 1/2 yrs old miniature pinscher. Within the first week he had bit me several times and also a few neighbors who ventured into our yard. Within a month I established that I was the alpha but was still having a hard time controlling him so I got a remote-controlled shock collar. This little device did wonders, and by his 4th birthday he was a pretty obedient dog but still troubled by anxiety.
Fast forward 6 years and I guess I haven't been a very good pack-leader because I think he feels he needs to step up to the job. He is very territorial in our house and feels he needs to protect everything important to him, including me and Riley.
Maybe I've been watching too much Cesar Milan, but that guy is amazing with dogs. I've learned signs of Buster showing dominance that I previously thought were harmless affectionate gestures.
In conclusion, by the end of 2009 I'd like to have better control over my dog and to do this I'm going to adhere to Cesar's rules of giving Buster: Exercise before Discipline, and Discipline before Affection.
- Exercise: I've started putting him on the treadmill but I think it just makes him more anxious. I'm pledging to take him on a bike ride of the temp is 20-85 degrees. I usually take him running outside with me outside but he wants to go faster than I can go. Last weekend we went for a 3 mile ride and he loved it averaging almost 8 mph! I think with a little conditioning he can go 12 mph.
- Discipline: this will be more difficult and I have to get Riley to cooperate. I figure if he is physically worn out he will be more obedient.
- Affection: this is the easy one!
1 comment:
Go Pack Mama!
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