2012-02-22 23:12:43 +0000 #1
hiya, bit of a follow up from my previous thread about the dogs forums.petlovers.com...owthread.php?t=54824
we got a 'dog whisperer' in (a friend of a friend who is studying dog psychology at askham bryan in york. she qualifies in may. instead of payment, as she's not qualified yet, she just asked for a reference when she does qualify. which is awesome coz we're skint!).
she really helped me learn what i was doing wrong and how to be assertive and show the dogs who's boss! we literally noticed the difference within hours, and 3 weeks later the difference has been amazing, we've had a few slip ups (like yesterday barking at a fella on a bike on walkies). but overall the dog's are fantastic, happier and calmer. I was particularly starting to worry about sprocket, as she became really ridiculously clingy, like i couldn't even go to the loo and shut her out of the bathroom without her pacing and crying outside the door. i knew i would be starting work again soon and didn't want her suffering seperation anxiety and becoming upset and (not that she's ever been destructive before) destroying the house or something. but i'm pleased to report that i had my first shift back at work yesterday and she was absolutely fine.
i've also read afew books, like cesar milan's books, and he mentions stimulating games like 'scent games' (?) and stuff, which i think would help sprocket in particular as she's quite hyperactive, i walk them at least once but usually twice a day, but she still has tonnes of energy. so i was wondering if anyone can suggest some games and activities that i could try to keep her stimulated (and tired!) she's not one for playing fetch, even though bindi loves it. she's a terrier so i'd like to try some games that might suit her hunting instincts, without actually hunting! any ideas or links to websites please? x
we got a 'dog whisperer' in (a friend of a friend who is studying dog psychology at askham bryan in york. she qualifies in may. instead of payment, as she's not qualified yet, she just asked for a reference when she does qualify. which is awesome coz we're skint!).
she really helped me learn what i was doing wrong and how to be assertive and show the dogs who's boss! we literally noticed the difference within hours, and 3 weeks later the difference has been amazing, we've had a few slip ups (like yesterday barking at a fella on a bike on walkies). but overall the dog's are fantastic, happier and calmer. I was particularly starting to worry about sprocket, as she became really ridiculously clingy, like i couldn't even go to the loo and shut her out of the bathroom without her pacing and crying outside the door. i knew i would be starting work again soon and didn't want her suffering seperation anxiety and becoming upset and (not that she's ever been destructive before) destroying the house or something. but i'm pleased to report that i had my first shift back at work yesterday and she was absolutely fine.
i've also read afew books, like cesar milan's books, and he mentions stimulating games like 'scent games' (?) and stuff, which i think would help sprocket in particular as she's quite hyperactive, i walk them at least once but usually twice a day, but she still has tonnes of energy. so i was wondering if anyone can suggest some games and activities that i could try to keep her stimulated (and tired!) she's not one for playing fetch, even though bindi loves it. she's a terrier so i'd like to try some games that might suit her hunting instincts, without actually hunting! any ideas or links to websites please? x
