On another note, I now have all EIGHT dogs in different stages of kennel cough. *cry*
Rock and Fifi got into a scuffle yesterday. Fionn has no doggy manners at all and continues to run right up into the face of another dog. Rock had enough after she did so outside near a ball he was going to pick up. Fortunately it was a short fight and they were out by themselves (I don't want to think about what would've happened if all of the dogs had been out, btdt NEVER AGAIN.) She has a small area on her left ear that he got a hold of, and she didn't get him at all. When he let loose, she ran. By then I had the pool gate open, Rock looked at her, looked at me, and went for the pool area (no he did not get to go into the pool, that would have been a reward!) Me thinks he was just trying to say "Enough woman, get out of my face!" I kept them separate for the rest of the day. This morning she is behaving far less obnoxious (much more submissive) and they are doing fine.
She made eye contact with him and he barked. This is all natural responses to a lack of manners, Rock seems to be the one taking it the hardest though. Keenan has really settled down since Odin died. Pooka has a thousand buttons to push before he will snap at another dog. I do watch her with Banshee and Cailly, but so far she seems submissive with them. She really needs to learn about 'personal space' and admittedly, Rock has truly lived up to his GSD potential and become the guardian. He is doing what he is bred to do. I just need to find him a different outlet, it hasn't helped that he hasn't been able to swim, play ball or frisbee in two weeks. :(
Of course, once the girls are spayed, things may change, hopefully for the better.
Considering two weeks ago she wanted nothing to do with us OR the other dogs she is doing so much better. Although I've not been able to take her in for a weight check, she appears to be putting on a little weight. I'm slowly moving her over to a MUCH higher quality food.
Mentally she is more of a puppy. No self-confidence, no doggy manners and no training. We have had to teach her how to sit. She still doesn't like her rear touched, grooming gets her upset if the comb goes to her rear she will try to bite at it. Seriously, she's that bad off and she's approx 3-4 yrs old? I really don't even like to think of what her life had been like. BUT, the truth of it is, it doesn't matter. She lives now, with us, and we'll do our best to change it. We both adore her. We just have to integrate her into a pack environment. The big question is whether we're up for the challenge. Because it IS a huge challenge to do this. Even though I'm home all day, I have all of these different personalities I have to work with. Even if I take only 15 min a day with each dog that's 2 hours. It takes 45 min to an hour to fix meals, meds and clean up (hopefully THAT time will change for the better!) Add in play time for the pack, I'm supposed to be working somewhere in here. When you add in new dogs it takes even more time, and the stress is definitely in abundance!
Our Gracie is definitely all puppy! We're working on a schedule of what we need to work on with her most. So far she has shown a severe prey drive towards cats, and she does NOT like crates. Typical of a GSD, she wants mommy and daddy in her sight at all times (and throws a yapperhead fit when we are not!) So we need to work on her understanding that we will come back. Those seem to be her biggest obstacles, along with basic obedience training needed.
Also, she and Connor play well, but due to her size she occasionally gets the upper hand. That is not good and could become life threatening for Connor as she grows. Rock seems to think he must referee all interactions (we're still working on that) so he tends to get involved. This can start a dangerous chain. Things can go from play to prey very quickly.
All dogs need exercise and discipline along with the love we give them. Unfortunately, my guys have not been getting any exercise due to the kennel cough. I'm hoping that as they overcome the illness and are able to get back into daily walks, and playtime, it will assist more with the integration. After all, a Tired Dog is a Happy Dog!
ttfn...
Uni & the Underdogs
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