
'moanin, Voltizens.
They look like they get along well, Lizzie, and look pretty good, too!
Leo went to his first "basic obedience" class yesterday and, WOW, is it a "tad" different than the last class. There were thirteen other dogs there, no "toy" sizes, and only four of them were puppies. He was so excited to see all of them, the first time he's seen more than two dogs at a time. Actually, he behaved fairly well and we managed to keep him quiet and sitting through the lecture. The first class is more lecture than actual training to cover their rules, insurance rules and introduce the trainer. He seems more practical with his approach to training, which I hope is a good thing. He started with two commands to learn, "look" which means look at me the owner, and "collar" to get them used to being held by the collar.
The class is later in the evening so when we got home, he plopped in his crate, started snoring both within about five minutes, and stayed there until this morning. I'll try to get a photo or two next week.
'moanin, Volties.
Winter has arrived, again, but since it hasn't actually ended yet we can't complain too much. It won't get over about 35 today and tomorrow, but there is some warmer temps predicted for next week those predictions can be relied on (NOT!!!!). What, me skeptical???
Leo has started a new behavior that we need to stop immediately, if not sooner. He has growled at me several times when feeding him. He did it this morning and was immediately put into a "submission" and held there until he calmed down. We need to get this one fixed, completely, before he gets too big and strong. Since that happened, he's been sticking to me like glue so maybe it has had an effect already. I'll see what happens at lunch.
Lot's of ways to deal with that. The alpha roll is one of them but I think I'd ask the instructor at obedience class. Jeb tried to pull that on me a few times when he was a puppy. He doesn't anymore.'moanin, Volties.
Winter has arrived, again, but since it hasn't actually ended yet we can't complain too much. It won't get over about 35 today and tomorrow, but there is some warmer temps predicted for next week those predictions can be relied on (NOT!!!!). What, me skeptical???
Leo has started a new behavior that we need to stop immediately, if not sooner. He has growled at me several times when feeding him. He did it this morning and was immediately put into a "submission" and held there until he calmed down. We need to get this one fixed, completely, before he gets too big and strong. Since that happened, he's been sticking to me like glue so maybe it has had an effect already. I'll see what happens at lunch.
Quite agree. You should be able to pick it up and put it down with him wondering what you're doing instead of protesting it. Since he's made it an issue if I were you I'd continue picking it up a few times a month just to make sure you maintain your alpha status. He'll probably challenge you again during his "teen years" if you don't and he'll be a lot bigger then. I'm not a fan of the alpha roll but did have to use it on Jeb, largely due to his wolf breeding. In a pack animal it's almost their obligation to challenge the alpha at some point no matter how good the relationship is.We did talk to the assistant instructor, couldn't get to the instructor due to class size and another class arriving as we were departing. She mentioned the alpha roll as did the breeder. It does seem to have had a very fast effect, no problems at all at lunch or dinner. If it stays the same tomorrow at breakfast and lunch, we'll start pushing into his "space" as he eats. It will take time, but has to be pursued to point where we can have hands n the bowl while he eats without any problems.
On first thought, this is probably the origin of the problem. He may not have been alpha among his littermates. I have read Cesar Millan's criticism of the alpha roll, and I agree that it could have dangerous consequences. Just helping him understand that you are not going to deprive him of his food should do it. Maybe more frequent smaller meals would help. He is a growing boy, and the gnawing of an empty stomach may be a trigger.He is exhibiting signs of "food worry", eating fast as well as the aggression. I think that's a holdover from before we got him when he had to "compete" for food with his brother and sister.
Let's be honest. If you have a well, say one with a 2hp, 220v, motor on it, do they really think you could pump that much water? The two acre foot limit, by itself, is ludicrous. There was a "rumor" that NJ was going to require a meter on a well, too. There was almost a riot at the State House based on that rumor and it went away. I'm amazed that out "west", where freedom has always been championed, stuff like this even enter the heads of the government. To me, it's all based on getting their hand in your pocket no matter how they do it. Follow the money and I'll bet I'm right. They'll either make money directly off a program like this, or by "contributions" from companies and individuals who will make the money.