In western Oregon, we consider ourselves lucky to get no more than a few snow days each winter. Some winters we get NONE! We had about 8-9 inches in early December and with the cold weather, we had snow on the ground for over a week. I know, those of you in Missouri and points north are laughing at us – a WHOLE week, you ask hahahaha!! Anyway, we got our unusual second dose of the white stuff today – about 3 inches so far and temps in the low 20s. Not too bad overall, just unusual.
The new pups have sure enjoyed the white stuff. It was just too darn cold to take any pictures, but they ran and jumped and chased balls and did the “snowplow” with their noses. Too funny. Maybe it will warm up tomorrow and I can get some pictures of them. They are sure loving the back yard.
We did manage to get out and take the pups to an appointment we had made with a local dog trainer, Debbie. Ollie has been exhibiting a bit of fear aggression and has snapped twice at Russ and once at my sister. It was due to our error in startling him and I won’t bore you with the entire story but it is a worry. Debbie had us bring each dog into her facility separately and Jewel was just fine with meeting her and her big stuffed dog. Jewel wagged her butt (no tail!!) and smiled and was ready to make friends and play. When it was Ollie’s turn, Debbie could not get within 35 feet of him without him going berserk and he was terrified of the stuffed dog.
We talked with Debbie for quite a while and I really liked her philosophy and training methods. Since Ollie did not break the skin with his snaps, she feels he is not really aggressive, just timid. We will be taking him to classes starting next month to learn how to work through this behavior. We could send him back to his previous owner but we don’t want to do that. When we adopt, it is for life. Sarah (other mom) has done a lot of work with both dogs and they are very well behaved except for Ollie’s fear. We are committed to helping him through this and I think we will have two great dogs when we are finished. Ollie is devoted to me and shows no fear or aggression towards me. In all other aspects he is a great dog.
We finished off our busy and cold day with a big bowl of homemade 4 bean chili and hot corn muffins. I was out of Tabasco but it was still good. Although the chili was good, it wasn’t quite right. When I was putting away the leftovers I discovered what it was. I always put just a bit of green bell pepper in my chili and somehow I had totally forgotten to do that! Geez – I must be getting old! Oh well, the chili warmed us up and filled our tummies so I guess it’s all good.
Stay warm everyone – especially those dealing with the cold and snowy conditions.
We've got about 6 in I would guess, some drifts in back yard. have to shovel off areas for Luci to do her thing as she does not want to lower herself (belly) down into the snow ;0.. have swept things off 3x now today... Brian been called for work, probably about 3am to shovel snow.. sounds fun huh???
ReplyDeleteThat would be very sad to have to separate those too. Glad you both are willing to get him the help he needs. Be sure to let us know how he does.
ReplyDeleteThat would be very sad to have to separate those too. Glad you both are willing to get him the help he needs. Be sure to let us know how he does.
ReplyDeleteI know with your love and patience with Ollie you'll be able to help him get through his fear. It sounds like he is going to be your dog and needs to learn to share you with Russ. Our Skitz would not have anything to do with a big stuffed dog. She would be in a panic and bark and run and hide. Even if I held the big dog she wouldn't come near it. I'm glad the pups like all that snow. If it were our girls, Jim would be out shoveling a spot for them to run out and then run back inside.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good plan. I'm sure that with training and time Ollie will make great strides. Little different situation, but Ollie's behavior still reminds me of some friends of ours who adopted a dog who had been treated poorly by men in her past. Was very comfortable with the woman but would have nothing to do with her husband. Took quite a few months, but they were patient and now the dog goes to him, gets up in his lap etc etc. Looking forward to hearing how it goes with Ollie.
ReplyDeletePatience is the key word. Ollie will need patience & understanding to work through his problem but in the end all should be well. So unfortunate what happens to innocent young pups sometimes. Our border collie Checkers came to us with issues from a tough puppyhood & teen years as well & we had to be patient & understanding with her. She was a loving dog that had just not been loved. We had to teach her that & in the end she understood & returned the love we gave her.
ReplyDeleteAl is right...it takes a lot of time and patience. You and Russ are doing all the right things!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure with your love Ollie will settle down. Russ do not snap at the dogs and they'll come around.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll be able to turn Ollie around, you certainly have the greatest, loving attitude to see the training thru.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can train the fear out of Ollie, because it's sure no fun for him, either. When Katie bit the dental tech out of fear of the wire cage he was trying to get her into, she wasn't being mean, just afraid, so I know how you are feeling. I have a good history with Katie and you don't, yet, with Ollie. If he seems like a good, friendly dog otherwise, I'll bet you will be able to train him. Or keep him away from the situations that scare him. Good luck. I'm glad you guys are sticking with him.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that you are going to work through the problems Ollie has. It would be so sad to know the pups were being separated and one wouldn't be able to stay. That would be so sad indeed.
ReplyDeleteYep, I agree with everyone, patience. Those two pups are so lucky to have a home with lots of love.
ReplyDeleteI had another thought, that some of Ollie's fear could be coming from the transition. He's experiencing a lot of new stuff right now and he might not adjust as easily as his sister.
ReplyDeleteYou can always tell when a puppy has been subjected to less than ideal conditions before they get to you. Patience will be the key. The training is the best course of action, since the hope would be that the trainer has that whole "doggy psychology" figured out. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteSo, what exactly is the problem with Ollie 'snapping' at Russ? Seems perfectly normal to me! Maybe Russ should carry around some nice dog treats for Ollie to show that he's not really all that scary! I'm sure Ollie will forgive Russ and be his best friend real soon.
ReplyDeleteMy high coming to work this morning in Indiana was -9. It is suppose to warm up this week to the 20s and then dump more snow on the 8" I have now. I have to clear a path for the "low riders" (basset hounds) to do their job.
ReplyDeleteA good owner with a lot of time and patience can do wonders. I you are careful with him and don't put him in circumstance he isn't ready for without careful control, you will be able to help him. Remember Poppy's need to be in the tub in bad weather? That took some understanding.
ReplyDeleteI had one sweet dog that would go bezerk when I picked up a brush. She had been hit with a brush as a puppy. Rather than stress her we let her be a tangled mess in the winter and had her clipped very short in the summer. The groomer had to put a muzzle on her to do it, but at least she was not guilty of biting that way.
It sounds like you have assessed the problem with Ollie and have determined a positive course of action. Sounds like quite a snowfall that you got and are getting. Everything is closed in Portland/Vancouver!
ReplyDeleteGood job you two, good luck with the pups
ReplyDelete