"Tara Green" wrote in message
...
Paul E. Schoen wrote:
"Nessa" wrote in message
...
last night after the dogs came in I got the "yummy can" (it's a can
that used to hold Animal Cracker Cookies (for humans) and so it says
"animal Crackers" on it. I'm so clever...) note that was SARCASM

the dogs both IMMEDIATELY SAT. and looked at me. I put one tiny
charlee bear treat (about 1/2 inch across and flat) in my lips and
bent down and Harley took it from my mouth... we have been working
on 'easy' and "gentle" with him as he was always very GRABBY and
teethy with his food and treats...

He is with us just over 6 months and it was like magic at the 6 month
mark (which I was told was a big deal for a rescue) he just got sweet
and loveable for my husband (who was so hurt that Harley would not
come to him for pets) and he seemed to relax about food and treats.

his seperation anxiety seems to be lessening as well.

I am happy for you and Harley that he is progressing well because of (or
in spite of) Janet's influence. Muttley, also a rescue, has always been
gentle taking treats, although he sometimes gets a little snappy when
offered a rawhide chew. He also sat nicely for treats. This was all
before I took him to obedience class, and I had always treated him with
kindness and respect. Fortunately he survived the experience with
forceful corrections and dominance based methods, even though he did not
learn to pay attention.

Muttley never did seem to have separation anxiety, and after six months
I was able to give him free run of the house. Again, without formal
training. Just be nice (and consistent) with your dog...

Paul and Muttley

And yet he just bit a lab puppy last month

Nothing new under the sun after all....

And a big, off-leash dog attacked and killed my neighbor's dear little
Papillon, Bug, with whom Muttley was playing just a few days before on Palm
Sunday. But nobody here cared enough to post their condolences upon my
announcement of the untimely demise of Muttley's little friend.

And Nessa said that her dog "would have destroyed" Muttley. So much for
nice dogs and nice people who offer to try to find out why dogs act as they
do, and work out possible solutions.

Nice try, Tara. Thanks for playing. No prize for a cheap shot...

Paul and Muttley