Bubitty Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 (edited) Sorry this is going to be a long, ranting and very odd post! I have two dogs, an 8 month old Bitty and a 4 yr old Bubby. Bitty and I have a great bond and she’s my training buddy. She and Bubby LOVE each other but she still prefers me to him at this stage. Bubby likes to dive into the bushes to prowl after rats/possums and is always trying to get Bitty to come out with him at night. Bitty prefers to stay inside and play games with me and do some training and won’t go out with Bubby if I am inside playing with her. Thing is after we spend time together Bitty doesn’t mind going outside to rat with Bubby. What I’m worried about is, and this sounds very silly, if I keep letting her outside to rat with him (after she and I hang out), will it come to a point where Bitty will enjoy ratting with Bubby more and then will not want to play and train with me and will just want to go ratting with him? Right now she’s not particularly into ratting so I can just keep her inside with me and it doesn’t phase her. Should I just squish the ratting part and keep her inside? Bubby does really want her out with him and he’s REALLY happy when she comes out so I feel a bit slack but she is my “training” dog so I don’t want her to be like Bubby, who is very independent. I dont mind this trait in him but I did get Bitty with a view of hoping for a different dog (which she is). Or does it not really matter? If she views me as fun and enjoys training she always will? Edited January 14, 2010 by Bub Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 I think in life balance is a good thing. If you were training Ditty to be the next agility champion of the world, then maybe I'd have a differnt reply. Spending time with Bubby "just being a dog" is a very good thing for her. It will make her appreciate her training sessions even more. If her only joy comes from training with you she will get very worn out very soon. Even the top ability dogs have breaks. In fact, I'd encourage her to go with Bubby and stop playing just so that she doesn't miss out on the fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 (edited) Should I just squish the ratting part and keep her inside? Bubby does really want her out with him and he’s REALLY happy when she comes out so I feel a bit slack but she is my “training” dog so I don’t want her to be like Bubby, who is very independent. I dont mind this trait in him but I did get Bitty with a view of hoping for a different dog (which she is). You have absolute control over your dog's movements Bub. I don't see this as an either/or decision. Why can't she do both? You've got a more people focused younger dog because you got her as a pup and raised her that way. Bub had a different start. Let them enjoy their hunting together - on your terms. You can still train her when you want to. You don't really want a dog with Stockholm Syndrome do you? I'm not in favour of training that sees the only enjoyment a dog gets coming from the handler. She's a pet, not a working dog. Unless you separate them they'll always have a bond for each other. Let them be dogs together and enjoy themselves. Edited January 14, 2010 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubitty Posted January 14, 2010 Author Share Posted January 14, 2010 Thanks guys for the great advice! I think you really hit home with “She’s a pet”. She is a very much loved pet and sometimes I get pushy and perhaps forget that a bit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Thanks guys for the great advice! I think you really hit home with “She’s a pet”. She is a very much loved pet and sometimes I get pushy and perhaps forget that a bit! Just be prepared to be presented with their "prize" if they catch one Bub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raz Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Just be prepared to be presented with their "prize" if they catch one Bub. Little tearies. Have you seen The Godfather, Bub? You might jump into bed one night only to discover a strange dismembered bedfellow under the donna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 (edited) Just be prepared to be presented with their "prize" if they catch one Bub. Little tearies. Have you seen The Godfather, Bub? You might jump into bed one night only to discover a strange dismembered bedfellow under the donna I found one carefully stored under a lounge cushion once - complete with maggots. I'm pleased to say other prizes have been left for me in the back yard. Edited January 15, 2010 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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