yellowgirl

Sabre's Mum ... Thank you for letting Chester's friends know of his passing. I am just lost without my best boy, the grief has caused a few physical reactions ... rashes, hair loss, stomach cramps, etc, but I expect once I stop crying these will settle down. Thank you to everyone for your kinds words and support. I'm just shattered at losing him this way. He was my special boy. We only had Madeline for 3 days before losing Chester. Madeline has been a comfort to me, letting me cuddle, kiss and cry on her for hours at a time. I finally had a shower and got dressed yesterday and took Madeline out for a walk. I need to concentrate on her now. She is a 3 year old rescued Chinese Crested girl who was kept in a crate, overfed & had a litter. She also had a terrible eye infection and consequently has since had her eye removed. She is also quite insecure and needs a lot of love to build her confidence up. But I adore my little tubby, one eyed girl. She was meant to be here. Thank you again for your kindness. My darling boy is running free now. RIP Chester, my best boy.

Just a suggestion that worked for my own litle 'prince'. Chester had the same problem, jealousy of other dogs talking to me. I take a squirter water bottle with me to the park and if his manners slip around other dogs I give him a squirt and a reprimand 'ahhh, manners'. It's working really well and his manners are continuing to improve. He even lets other dogs sit on my lap now! I always give him a pat and praise for good behaviour and he seems to know my praise words 'good manners' which I say as soon as he comes over and acts appropriately. I prefer to use positive re-enforcement as much as possible, but the squirter bottle works beautifully as a reprimand/deterrent. I'd be interested to know what other DOLers think about this method. By the way, I ONLY use water, never lemon juice, vinegar or other horrid irritants. Jo