Okay, let's try this again

While doing some thinking on my own, Misty called to talk to me. She read 'The Dog Blog' and had some suggestions.

1. Continue the raw food diet but hand feed them the food. That will create a bond, put me in charge and benefit the dog's health.

2. DON'T focus on training. Focus on the behaviors that we originally went in to AB to get help with (mainly having the dogs out of their kennels and off tie down). Obedience is something separate and shouldn't be the focus. Continuing the training classes is fine, but let the dog's progress as their own rate. We are making a lot of rule changes in the house and that's a lot for the dog's and David and me to cope with.

3. Continue to support Skooter as the top dog. He's just letting Moped know that he is the top dog in the house by 'humping' and asserting himself.

4. Continue the Dog Blog.

5. When I take Moped to DDC, make sure I'm giving Skooter special time too. Don't just leave him home in his kennel for hours while Moped and I are out having a great time.

6. Consider changing vets to one that doesn't discourage the raw meat diet.

7. Continue with the rule changes at home.

8. Take a deep breath.

These are all good suggestions. I will take them and implement them (especially taking a deep breath!).

We are really fortunate that the counselors and trainers at AB are putting so much effort into helping us train Skooter and Moped. And I really appreciate them reading the Dog Blog to gain insight into the situation. I know it takes time to read it, but they are doing that. I am thrilled.

Skooter and Moped are out of their kennels right now and off tie down. They are playing with an empty Coke bottle. Moped is playing keep away from Skooter.

What progress have they made (just reminding myself again):

1. They can both be out of their kennels and off tie down!
2. They both know 'sit' and 'flat' (mostly).
3. They both know to sit at a door going out or coming in (usually Skooter has to be told to but he does it)
4. Moped is not running wild all over the house - now they both are (just kidding!). It's great to have them out playing as much as possible during the day.
5. They ride in the car relatively safely (Moped still tries to get up front once in a while, but that will quit once I get the new seat belt restraining straps).
6. I can eat a bowl of cereal while they are out of their kennels.
7. Moped will lay down for minutes at a time out of the kennel and off tie down, giving us the peace we were hoping for.
8. Moped doesn't steal stuff on the counters and tables every single time he is out, just once in a while now.
9. Skooter is gaining confidence.
10. Skooter is not afraid of the clicker anymore.

That's a lot of progress!