Marley's Morning

[Marley'z Mum]

Hi all

well I'm not really posting with a problem, just wanted to let people know how today went (in regards to last post) .... ok where to start... we arrived and there was a dog there cavalier x shitzu that wasn't overly friendly to other dogs, didn't really want much to do with marley, that wasn't helped by Marley thinking he is 10ft tall and deciding to bark at him as we got in the door, anyway, they had a sniff of each other, the other dog made a really small attempt to snap toward Marley, and got told off by his owner, at that point Marley wanted nothing to do with him....

Anyway, I asked to the lady about Marley's issue with my girls (well mainly the youngest) she wanted to see what I was talking about and got her to go to pick him up, which he was fine with as always, I explained to her that in every other way he is fine with her, and she just said what most people said to me on here, for her to talk to the dog so he knows whats going on, and mostly not to move him, and to try some of the counter conditioning that was recommended...

after we had a discussion, another dog arrived, georgeous dog, deaf.... adult dog, came in casually walked over to have a sniff of Marley, and again he thought he was 10ft tall and started barking at her, she didn't even flinch obviously because she couldn't hear him..... it was a little amusing to watch, because he wasn't sure what to do, he wanted to say hi to her, he was barking and waging his tail then he would tuck his tail and bark, so he couldnt make up his mind... untill she turned to walk away from him and he wanted to chase after her, with his tail waging and barking (tough guy hey not interested till she got her back turned )

anyway all in all I think we have made some steps... baby ones, but steps all the same.... Marley hasn't been around other dogs since he left his litter mates, so I am not surprised he is a little standoffish.... I just hope the first dog hasn't upsett him so much he wont be interested in dogs again, anyway I'm gunna go back there next week and we start some obedience classes in a week or so

[persephone]

That was a good start I hope that following visits see both of you enjoying and learning

[Genabee]

Fantastic!!!

We don't have any friends with dogs so the only interaction Genevieve gets with other dogs is when I go walking. I was scared she would be anti social with other dogs, so I try hard to walk in dog friendly zones and am all for her meeting other dogs - all shapes and sizes (bigger the better, she needs to know who is boss!!).

My sister lives in Perth and has a Westi pup who is a very well socialised, well mannered dog. They live across the road from a park where lots of dogs meet (they have regular play dates). Perhaps if you would like, I could put you in touch with her and Marley could have a play date with Lily!

If you are able to walk him (maybe take it in turns in taking the kids with you), he can see and sniff more dogs around! Might help him with school (less distracted by other dogs) and maybe help his 'hierarchy' issue with the girls!