Pack Power Nap

 I think all the boys are getting along nicely... don't you think? Mister loves his Petey... and Blue loves Mister

Petey came to me with 'separation anxiety' too, but his issue was he needed to be with another dog... thus Blue is Petey's soulmate! Petey was destructive (not anymore) and loud for hours with his "sad song" when he was left all alone.

Mister has a 'people-attachment' issue. When I leave the room and close a door it starts. Mister starts pacing, drooling, crying (it sounds like he is saying.... "I want my momma" when he makes his noises - it is so cute, but so sad!)... he makes himself crazy and its is not healthy or helpful. So I am trying to ease him into a normal life... I have to go back to my regular schedule next week, so I have high expectations for him! 

We are teaching him where to sit in the house and how to give us space. We are practicing the 'no look, no talk, no touch' approach with him. Which is HARD because he is so cute and I just want to hug him and love his anxiety away! But we know unearned affection encourages that exact behavior that we don't want!

In addition to the discipline and training at home we have been trying to walk/exercise the built up anxiety out of him. 

He is a WONDERFUL walker! Such a joy, possibly the most enjoyable dog I've ever walked. Always slack in the leash and he is just right there at my knee. This morning Matt ran with him too for the first time, Mister did great! He had lots of energy to run and again was perfect on the leash. Later in the morning I walked all 3 dogs for about an hour. But I also have been coupling Mister with Blue so that he starts to bond with the dogs and not so much on me. Again, he did excellent. 

I gave him and the other two affection at the end of the walk. I had some errands to run today, so I needed to leave them at home for about an hour. I feed them all, and then they all laid down for their daily slumber. I started to get my things together to go. Mister got anxious, I put him back on his dog bed and gave him a 'stay' command. We had to do this three times before I actually got out the door. But he did it! 

I snuck around the corner of the house, and nothing. No sound, no whining, no loud pacing. I wanted to be sure.... so I got in my car, and with the windows down I listened for about 5 minutes. Still nothing. I started the car and listened another 5 minutes. Most excellent silence ever! 

I did my things and when I came home, it was still quiet. I peeked in the front window.... Mister and Blue were playing and wrestling quietly! I still can't believe it! 


Progress feels REALLY good today. I really think we had a major break through with Mister here. 

Between the exercise, training, discipline, loving patience for Mister adjusting to a normal home-life, and the power of the pack he is on his way to becoming another World's Greatest Pet!