Guest guest Posted October 8, 2010 Report Share Posted October 8, 2010 Okay guys, So this is weird to talk about. I don't even know how to explain it. Through therapy I guess I've come to realize that one of the things I value most in my life is the unconditional love I get from my dogs, Girlscout and Cowboy.So I've renewed my focus on them as one of the most important things in my life that is most deserving of my time and a top priority for me (and I also love Boyfriend's dog, however, he was about 11 years old when I met him, not a baby like my puppies were, and he already had someone to take care of him, also not like my pups, so the bond is a little different). So, Cowboy was abandoned as a pup and I rescued him from a kill shelter after seeing his little face on the internet. So I've zeroed in on working with him this month, thinking that if I can heal his abaondonment, I can heal my own. Make sense? So I'm just trying to spend more alone time with him. He loves it! He literaly sits in my lap and sucks my thumb when I hold him - and he is almost 6 years old! And about 60 pounds! Ha ha! The prob is that my other dog, Girlscout (or Scout) has responded by becoming very clingy and needy. She wants me to hold her from the time I get home at night until I wake up the next morning and then some. Seriously,last night I decided to comply, just as an experiment after she begged to be held for at least 45 min, and I held her in my arms from about 7 p.m until I woke up this morning with her still in my arms!!! She was laying on her back in a submissive position for all that time with my arms around her. Is that crazy? She's pretty small so it isn't as bad, about 17 lbs. Cowboy is honestly very needy. But Scout is a cocky, conifident little terrier. So its not fitting with her breed or personal history to be so needy.She is also from a breeder and has never been abandoned, or even missed a meal for that matter. I've only ever been away from her for 2 nights in her 5 years of life! Thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned over the years of having dogs, when I have a prob with my dogs, it is something I NEED TO CHANGE - not them. They are dogs after all, ha ha ha. They reflect me and my feelings most of the time. If I put a spotlight on a bad behavior, I can usually get them to change it just by giving it my focused attention. But first I need to figure out what the problem is. I've wondered if Scout is just jealous that Cow is getting a little extra love - but this seems extreme! Cuz he isn't getting that much extra. . . Does that make sense? Well, I'd love to hear thoughts or advice. Hugs, GScout Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2010 Report Share Posted October 8, 2010 They sound quite cute! I'm going to speculate that bit of sibling rivalry is going on, plus both of them needing more of your time and attention each day; its the equivalent of anxiety behavior: they're wanting you to comfort them. Human children seem to do better with a regular routine structuring their day; it makes children feel secure when their environment (and their care-giver) is stable and predictable, so if you can establish a more regular routine with their walks and playtime and one-on-one time, maybe that will help them feel more secure and less anxious. -Annie > > Okay guys, > So this is weird to talk about. I don't even know how to explain it. Through > therapy I guess I've come to realize that one of the things I value most in > my life is the unconditional love I get from my dogs, Girlscout and > Cowboy.So I've renewed my focus on them as one of the most important things > in my life that is most deserving of my time and a top priority for me (and > I also love Boyfriend's dog, however, he was about 11 years old when I met > him, not a baby like my puppies were, and he already had someone to take > care of him, also not like my pups, so the bond is a little different). > > So, Cowboy was abandoned as a pup and I rescued him from a kill shelter > after seeing his little face on the internet. So I've zeroed in on working > with him this month, thinking that if I can heal his abaondonment, I can > heal my own. Make sense? So I'm just trying to spend more alone time with > him. He loves it! He literaly sits in my lap and sucks my thumb when I hold > him - and he is almost 6 years old! And about 60 pounds! Ha ha! > > The prob is that my other dog, Girlscout (or Scout) has responded by > becoming very clingy and needy. She wants me to hold her from the time I get > home at night until I wake up the next morning and then some. Seriously,last > night I decided to comply, just as an experiment after she begged to be held > for at least 45 min, and I held her in my arms from about 7 p.m until I woke > up this morning with her still in my arms!!! She was laying on her back in a > submissive position for all that time with my arms around her. Is that > crazy? She's pretty small so it isn't as bad, about 17 lbs. > > Cowboy is honestly very needy. But Scout is a cocky, conifident little > terrier. So its not fitting with her breed or personal history to be so > needy.She is also from a breeder and has never been abandoned, or even > missed a meal for that matter. I've only ever been away from her for 2 > nights in her 5 years of life! > > Thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned over the years of having > dogs, when I have a prob with my dogs, it is something I NEED TO CHANGE - > not them. They are dogs after all, ha ha ha. They reflect me and my feelings > most of the time. If I put a spotlight on a bad behavior, I can usually get > them to change it just by giving it my focused attention. But first I need > to figure out what the problem is. > > I've wondered if Scout is just jealous that Cow is getting a little extra > love - but this seems extreme! Cuz he isn't getting that much extra. . . > > Does that make sense? Well, I'd love to hear thoughts or advice. > > Hugs, GScout > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2010 Report Share Posted October 8, 2010 Thanks Annie, they are the cutest little muffin tops that ever lived!!! If you ever want to see pictures let me know. On Fri, Oct 8, 2010 at 10:53 AM, anuria67854 wrote: > > > They sound quite cute! I'm going to speculate that bit of sibling rivalry > is going on, plus both of them needing more of your time and attention each > day; its the equivalent of anxiety behavior: they're wanting you to comfort > them. > > Human children seem to do better with a regular routine structuring their > day; it makes children feel secure when their environment (and their > care-giver) is stable and predictable, so if you can establish a more > regular routine with their walks and playtime and one-on-one time, maybe > that will help them feel more secure and less anxious. > > -Annie > > > > > > > Okay guys, > > So this is weird to talk about. I don't even know how to explain it. > Through > > therapy I guess I've come to realize that one of the things I value most > in > > my life is the unconditional love I get from my dogs, Girlscout and > > Cowboy.So I've renewed my focus on them as one of the most important > things > > in my life that is most deserving of my time and a top priority for me > (and > > I also love Boyfriend's dog, however, he was about 11 years old when I > met > > him, not a baby like my puppies were, and he already had someone to take > > care of him, also not like my pups, so the bond is a little different). > > > > So, Cowboy was abandoned as a pup and I rescued him from a kill shelter > > after seeing his little face on the internet. So I've zeroed in on > working > > with him this month, thinking that if I can heal his abaondonment, I can > > heal my own. Make sense? So I'm just trying to spend more alone time with > > him. He loves it! He literaly sits in my lap and sucks my thumb when I > hold > > him - and he is almost 6 years old! And about 60 pounds! Ha ha! > > > > The prob is that my other dog, Girlscout (or Scout) has responded by > > becoming very clingy and needy. She wants me to hold her from the time I > get > > home at night until I wake up the next morning and then some. > Seriously,last > > night I decided to comply, just as an experiment after she begged to be > held > > for at least 45 min, and I held her in my arms from about 7 p.m until I > woke > > up this morning with her still in my arms!!! She was laying on her back > in a > > submissive position for all that time with my arms around her. Is that > > crazy? She's pretty small so it isn't as bad, about 17 lbs. > > > > Cowboy is honestly very needy. But Scout is a cocky, conifident little > > terrier. So its not fitting with her breed or personal history to be so > > needy.She is also from a breeder and has never been abandoned, or even > > missed a meal for that matter. I've only ever been away from her for 2 > > nights in her 5 years of life! > > > > Thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned over the years of having > > dogs, when I have a prob with my dogs, it is something I NEED TO CHANGE - > > not them. They are dogs after all, ha ha ha. They reflect me and my > feelings > > most of the time. If I put a spotlight on a bad behavior, I can usually > get > > them to change it just by giving it my focused attention. But first I > need > > to figure out what the problem is. > > > > I've wondered if Scout is just jealous that Cow is getting a little extra > > love - but this seems extreme! Cuz he isn't getting that much extra. . . > > > > Does that make sense? Well, I'd love to hear thoughts or advice. > > > > Hugs, GScout > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2010 Report Share Posted October 8, 2010 Awwwww, those are some lucky and loved dogs Girlscout. I've had similar issues with my cats, and I've found that if one cat gets " special " attention which could be even teeth brushing or being given a pill, the other cat notices and wants it too. I balance it by doing a shell version for the other cat - a pretend pill or something, it doesn't have to be equivalent but symbolically equal and that calms them down a lot. So Scout might need a special 15-30 minute playtime with a toy that is only hers with just you alone to balance the time you spend with Cowboy who sounds like a love too! > > Okay guys, > So this is weird to talk about. I don't even know how to explain it. Through > therapy I guess I've come to realize that one of the things I value most in > my life is the unconditional love I get from my dogs, Girlscout and > Cowboy.So I've renewed my focus on them as one of the most important things > in my life that is most deserving of my time and a top priority for me (and > I also love Boyfriend's dog, however, he was about 11 years old when I met > him, not a baby like my puppies were, and he already had someone to take > care of him, also not like my pups, so the bond is a little different). > > So, Cowboy was abandoned as a pup and I rescued him from a kill shelter > after seeing his little face on the internet. So I've zeroed in on working > with him this month, thinking that if I can heal his abaondonment, I can > heal my own. Make sense? So I'm just trying to spend more alone time with > him. He loves it! He literaly sits in my lap and sucks my thumb when I hold > him - and he is almost 6 years old! And about 60 pounds! Ha ha! > > The prob is that my other dog, Girlscout (or Scout) has responded by > becoming very clingy and needy. She wants me to hold her from the time I get > home at night until I wake up the next morning and then some. Seriously,last > night I decided to comply, just as an experiment after she begged to be held > for at least 45 min, and I held her in my arms from about 7 p.m until I woke > up this morning with her still in my arms!!! She was laying on her back in a > submissive position for all that time with my arms around her. Is that > crazy? She's pretty small so it isn't as bad, about 17 lbs. > > Cowboy is honestly very needy. But Scout is a cocky, conifident little > terrier. So its not fitting with her breed or personal history to be so > needy.She is also from a breeder and has never been abandoned, or even > missed a meal for that matter. I've only ever been away from her for 2 > nights in her 5 years of life! > > Thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned over the years of having > dogs, when I have a prob with my dogs, it is something I NEED TO CHANGE - > not them. They are dogs after all, ha ha ha. They reflect me and my feelings > most of the time. If I put a spotlight on a bad behavior, I can usually get > them to change it just by giving it my focused attention. But first I need > to figure out what the problem is. > > I've wondered if Scout is just jealous that Cow is getting a little extra > love - but this seems extreme! Cuz he isn't getting that much extra. . . > > Does that make sense? Well, I'd love to hear thoughts or advice. > > Hugs, GScout > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2010 Report Share Posted October 8, 2010 I believe it is all about their position in the pack, or in the case of cats, the pride. Not so much jealousy, a human emotion, as a noticing that their pack member is garnering more attention from the alpha and this could affect the dog's place. So yes, extra attention can reassure pooch. I am also going through this with two of my cats One who joined our pride several years ago but was rather aloof (I suspect grieving her former owner who died) suddenly decided I was her best friend. She is on my lap, on the bed, always hanging out with me and one of the older cats is acting in ways that suggest she is feeling displaced. So of course she is getting extra cuddles while she learns that there is room for two on lap and bed. Your doggies sound like sweethearts. Em Sent from my blueberry. On Oct 9, 2010, at 12:39 AM, " climberkayak " wrote: > Awwwww, those are some lucky and loved dogs Girlscout. I've had > similar issues with my cats, and I've found that if one cat gets > " special " attention which could be even teeth brushing or being > given a pill, the other cat notices and wants it too. I balance it > by doing a shell version for the other cat - a pretend pill or > something, it doesn't have to be equivalent but symbolically equal > and that calms them down a lot. So Scout might need a special 15-30 > minute playtime with a toy that is only hers with just you alone to > balance the time you spend with Cowboy who sounds like a love too! > > > > > > > > Okay guys, > > So this is weird to talk about. I don't even know how to explain > it. Through > > therapy I guess I've come to realize that one of the things I > value most in > > my life is the unconditional love I get from my dogs, Girlscout and > > Cowboy.So I've renewed my focus on them as one of the most > important things > > in my life that is most deserving of my time and a top priority > for me (and > > I also love Boyfriend's dog, however, he was about 11 years old > when I met > > him, not a baby like my puppies were, and he already had someone > to take > > care of him, also not like my pups, so the bond is a little > different). > > > > So, Cowboy was abandoned as a pup and I rescued him from a kill > shelter > > after seeing his little face on the internet. So I've zeroed in on > working > > with him this month, thinking that if I can heal his abaondonment, > I can > > heal my own. Make sense? So I'm just trying to spend more alone > time with > > him. He loves it! He literaly sits in my lap and sucks my thumb > when I hold > > him - and he is almost 6 years old! And about 60 pounds! Ha ha! > > > > The prob is that my other dog, Girlscout (or Scout) has responded by > > becoming very clingy and needy. She wants me to hold her from the > time I get > > home at night until I wake up the next morning and then some. > Seriously,last > > night I decided to comply, just as an experiment after she begged > to be held > > for at least 45 min, and I held her in my arms from about 7 p.m > until I woke > > up this morning with her still in my arms!!! She was laying on her > back in a > > submissive position for all that time with my arms around her. Is > that > > crazy? She's pretty small so it isn't as bad, about 17 lbs. > > > > Cowboy is honestly very needy. But Scout is a cocky, conifident > little > > terrier. So its not fitting with her breed or personal history to > be so > > needy.She is also from a breeder and has never been abandoned, or > even > > missed a meal for that matter. I've only ever been away from her > for 2 > > nights in her 5 years of life! > > > > Thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned over the years of > having > > dogs, when I have a prob with my dogs, it is something I NEED TO > CHANGE - > > not them. They are dogs after all, ha ha ha. They reflect me and > my feelings > > most of the time. If I put a spotlight on a bad behavior, I can > usually get > > them to change it just by giving it my focused attention. But > first I need > > to figure out what the problem is. > > > > I've wondered if Scout is just jealous that Cow is getting a > little extra > > love - but this seems extreme! Cuz he isn't getting that much > extra. . . > > > > Does that make sense? Well, I'd love to hear thoughts or advice. > > > > Hugs, GScout > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 Aw,Girlscout,your pups sound just absolutely darling! And clearly they love you very very much and are so lucky to have you as their Mom.I love it--a thumb sucking Rottie (that is such a cute image) and a Welsh Terrier on her back with her tummy up (really sweet mental picture there)... I agree with Em that it's all about pack mentality.I personally think that Scout is following your lead as the alpha since you have communicated by cuddling with Cowboy that what we do in this pack is hug and cuddle.I think she's just following your lead by begging to be held,which shows that she sees you as the alpha.By holding her for such a long time,you are reinforcing for her as the leader that what this pack does is cuddle.If her neediness concerns you,I'd suggest giving her some confident hugs then putting her down and as suggested giving her some one on one quality play time with a special toy that you've bought just for her (something new,I know she already has lots of toys!) and establishing as the alpha that what Mommy and Scout do instead of cuddle for hours is bond through playing--or give her a stuffed Kong if she likes them or a chew treat all for her away from Cowboy.Maybe give Scout her own special Mommy time ritual that redirects her away from wanting to cuddle for hours.Since she sees you as the alpha,I think she will follow your lead if you redirect her.I think from what you said that Scout is happy,all she's doing here is following your lead with wanting to be held and if you confidently give her an alternative like treat or play time that's all about Scout she'll readily accept your leadership. Just my two cents > > > > > > Okay guys, > > > So this is weird to talk about. I don't even know how to explain > > it. Through > > > therapy I guess I've come to realize that one of the things I > > value most in > > > my life is the unconditional love I get from my dogs, Girlscout and > > > Cowboy.So I've renewed my focus on them as one of the most > > important things > > > in my life that is most deserving of my time and a top priority > > for me (and > > > I also love Boyfriend's dog, however, he was about 11 years old > > when I met > > > him, not a baby like my puppies were, and he already had someone > > to take > > > care of him, also not like my pups, so the bond is a little > > different). > > > > > > So, Cowboy was abandoned as a pup and I rescued him from a kill > > shelter > > > after seeing his little face on the internet. So I've zeroed in on > > working > > > with him this month, thinking that if I can heal his abaondonment, > > I can > > > heal my own. Make sense? So I'm just trying to spend more alone > > time with > > > him. He loves it! He literaly sits in my lap and sucks my thumb > > when I hold > > > him - and he is almost 6 years old! And about 60 pounds! Ha ha! > > > > > > The prob is that my other dog, Girlscout (or Scout) has responded by > > > becoming very clingy and needy. She wants me to hold her from the > > time I get > > > home at night until I wake up the next morning and then some. > > Seriously,last > > > night I decided to comply, just as an experiment after she begged > > to be held > > > for at least 45 min, and I held her in my arms from about 7 p.m > > until I woke > > > up this morning with her still in my arms!!! She was laying on her > > back in a > > > submissive position for all that time with my arms around her. Is > > that > > > crazy? She's pretty small so it isn't as bad, about 17 lbs. > > > > > > Cowboy is honestly very needy. But Scout is a cocky, conifident > > little > > > terrier. So its not fitting with her breed or personal history to > > be so > > > needy.She is also from a breeder and has never been abandoned, or > > even > > > missed a meal for that matter. I've only ever been away from her > > for 2 > > > nights in her 5 years of life! > > > > > > Thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned over the years of > > having > > > dogs, when I have a prob with my dogs, it is something I NEED TO > > CHANGE - > > > not them. They are dogs after all, ha ha ha. They reflect me and > > my feelings > > > most of the time. If I put a spotlight on a bad behavior, I can > > usually get > > > them to change it just by giving it my focused attention. But > > first I need > > > to figure out what the problem is. > > > > > > I've wondered if Scout is just jealous that Cow is getting a > > little extra > > > love - but this seems extreme! Cuz he isn't getting that much > > extra. . . > > > > > > Does that make sense? Well, I'd love to hear thoughts or advice. > > > > > > Hugs, GScout > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 hI GScout, I understand on focus on dogs, their behavior, their issues, trying to zero in on trying to get them to a peaceful state of mind........kind of like all us KO's! I've been grooming dogs for 26 yrs. Have owned them for many more than that. Presently we have 2 maltese and one female keeshound. the male maltese is a rescue that I got for my parents, at their request (more like begging). He's 8 yrs old, and when my parents left our home, they left the dog behind. (kind of what they've done to me my whole life!) The poor little guy has already gone thru neglect and abuse in his previous 'life'.....the whole story is not totally clear, but he's had a rough go of it. This is his 7th home. I feel connected to him because of the neglect he's endured. He's got aggression issues with feeding time and if a stranger walks in our house. He's also been aggressive with my 2 dogs several times and I'm really not happy about it, and DO reprimand him for it verbally. He's bitten a couple people and now has a criminal record (with Domestic Animal Services) because one person reported a bite. I feel compelled to give him extra attention and care because he's never had it. I will say, however, I think it's important to give my other 2 dogs just as much attention or you could be facing some depression issues with the other dogs. Be careful not to reward (with treats or hugs) fearful behavior or it will increase. Do reward for wanted behavior. It's tricky with rescues because you'll never know their whole story. All I do know is this poor dog is probably so confused as to what a secure life is he's not sure what is good behavior and what is bad behavior and it's up to us to make that clear to them. Laurie In a message dated 10/8/2010 11:21:01 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, girlscout.cowboy@... writes: Okay guys, So this is weird to talk about. I don't even know how to explain it. Through therapy I guess I've come to realize that one of the things I value most in my life is the unconditional love I get from my dogs, Girlscout and Cowboy.So I've renewed my focus on them as one of the most important things in my life that is most deserving of my time and a top priority for me (and I also love Boyfriend's dog, however, he was about 11 years old when I met him, not a baby like my puppies were, and he already had someone to take care of him, also not like my pups, so the bond is a little different). So, Cowboy was abandoned as a pup and I rescued him from a kill shelter after seeing his little face on the internet. So I've zeroed in on working with him this month, thinking that if I can heal his abaondonment, I can heal my own. Make sense? So I'm just trying to spend more alone time with him. He loves it! He literaly sits in my lap and sucks my thumb when I hold him - and he is almost 6 years old! And about 60 pounds! Ha ha! The prob is that my other dog, Girlscout (or Scout) has responded by becoming very clingy and needy. She wants me to hold her from the time I get home at night until I wake up the next morning and then some. Seriously,last night I decided to comply, just as an experiment after she begged to be held for at least 45 min, and I held her in my arms from about 7 p.m until I woke up this morning with her still in my arms!!! She was laying on her back in a submissive position for all that time with my arms around her. Is that crazy? She's pretty small so it isn't as bad, about 17 lbs. Cowboy is honestly very needy. But Scout is a cocky, conifident little terrier. So its not fitting with her breed or personal history to be so needy.She is also from a breeder and has never been abandoned, or even missed a meal for that matter. I've only ever been away from her for 2 nights in her 5 years of life! Thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned over the years of having dogs, when I have a prob with my dogs, it is something I NEED TO CHANGE - not them. They are dogs after all, ha ha ha. They reflect me and my feelings most of the time. If I put a spotlight on a bad behavior, I can usually get them to change it just by giving it my focused attention. But first I need to figure out what the problem is. I've wondered if Scout is just jealous that Cow is getting a little extra love - but this seems extreme! Cuz he isn't getting that much extra. . . Does that make sense? Well, I'd love to hear thoughts or advice. Hugs, GScout [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 Lots of exercise , I agree! Relieves anxiety. Again, Annie's advice is great. Laurie In a message dated 10/8/2010 12:53:23 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, anuria-67854@... writes: They sound quite cute! I'm going to speculate that bit of sibling rivalry is going on, plus both of them needing more of your time and attention each day; its the equivalent of anxiety behavior: they're wanting you to comfort them. Human children seem to do better with a regular routine structuring their day; it makes children feel secure when their environment (and their care-giver) is stable and predictable, so if you can establish a more regular routine with their walks and playtime and one-on-one time, maybe that will help them feel more secure and less anxious. -Annie > > Okay guys, > So this is weird to talk about. I don't even know how to explain it. Through > therapy I guess I've come to realize that one of the things I value most in > my life is the unconditional love I get from my dogs, Girlscout and > Cowboy.So I've renewed my focus on them as one of the most important things > in my life that is most deserving of my time and a top priority for me (and > I also love Boyfriend's dog, however, he was about 11 years old when I met > him, not a baby like my puppies were, and he already had someone to take > care of him, also not like my pups, so the bond is a little different). > > So, Cowboy was abandoned as a pup and I rescued him from a kill shelter > after seeing his little face on the internet. So I've zeroed in on working > with him this month, thinking that if I can heal his abaondonment, I can > heal my own. Make sense? So I'm just trying to spend more alone time with > him. He loves it! He literaly sits in my lap and sucks my thumb when I hold > him - and he is almost 6 years old! And about 60 pounds! Ha ha! > > The prob is that my other dog, Girlscout (or Scout) has responded by > becoming very clingy and needy. She wants me to hold her from the time I get > home at night until I wake up the next morning and then some. Seriously,last > night I decided to comply, just as an experiment after she begged to be held > for at least 45 min, and I held her in my arms from about 7 p.m until I woke > up this morning with her still in my arms!!! She was laying on her back in a > submissive position for all that time with my arms around her. Is that > crazy? She's pretty small so it isn't as bad, about 17 lbs. > > Cowboy is honestly very needy. But Scout is a cocky, conifident little > terrier. So its not fitting with her breed or personal history to be so > needy.She is also from a breeder and has never been abandoned, or even > missed a meal for that matter. I've only ever been away from her for 2 > nights in her 5 years of life! > > Thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned over the years of having > dogs, when I have a prob with my dogs, it is something I NEED TO CHANGE - > not them. They are dogs after all, ha ha ha. They reflect me and my feelings > most of the time. If I put a spotlight on a bad behavior, I can usually get > them to change it just by giving it my focused attention. But first I need > to figure out what the problem is. > > I've wondered if Scout is just jealous that Cow is getting a little extra > love - but this seems extreme! Cuz he isn't getting that much extra. . . > > Does that make sense? Well, I'd love to hear thoughts or advice. > > Hugs, GScout > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 Awwww you guys are awesome!!! Scout did it again last night, but I put her in the crate and she went to sleep. Then later I got her out and we played snuggle.I talked to her breeder about it, she knows everything about Welshies! The breeder teased me for the way I have allowed her to have whatever she wants (ha ha ha), if Scout wants to snuggle for 12 hours, we snuggle for 12 hours. And her advice was to use the crate. We haven't used it much in the last few years, except for time outs when the play times get too rowdy. You are right, we DO cuddle a lot in our pack. And we play. Scout is the only one that is allowed to have toys (her rule, not mine). She is the youngest and the smallest, and she TAKES THE TOYS if the boys get one, with a little bounce and a GRRRRR.She's the boss. Ha ha ha. I love your suggestions, thanks you guys so much. Its SO CUTE TO Me that a a kitty would get jealous over another kitty getting a pill or teeth brushed Awwwww. I love my pets On Sat, Oct 9, 2010 at 6:40 AM, christine.depizan < christine.depizan@...> wrote: > > > Aw,Girlscout,your pups sound just absolutely darling! And clearly they love > you very very much and are so lucky to have you as their Mom.I love it--a > thumb sucking Rottie (that is such a cute image) and a Welsh Terrier on her > back with her tummy up (really sweet mental picture there)... > > I agree with Em that it's all about pack mentality.I personally think that > Scout is following your lead as the alpha since you have communicated by > cuddling with Cowboy that what we do in this pack is hug and cuddle.I think > she's just following your lead by begging to be held,which shows that she > sees you as the alpha.By holding her for such a long time,you are > reinforcing for her as the leader that what this pack does is cuddle.If her > neediness concerns you,I'd suggest giving her some confident hugs then > putting her down and as suggested giving her some one on one quality > play time with a special toy that you've bought just for her (something > new,I know she already has lots of toys!) and establishing as the alpha that > what Mommy and Scout do instead of cuddle for hours is bond through > playing--or give her a stuffed Kong if she likes them or a chew treat all > for her away from Cowboy.Maybe give Scout her own special Mommy time ritual > that redirects her away from wanting to cuddle for hours.Since she sees you > as the alpha,I think she will follow your lead if you redirect her.I think > from what you said that Scout is happy,all she's doing here is following > your lead with wanting to be held and if you confidently give her an > alternative like treat or play time that's all about Scout she'll readily > accept your leadership. > > Just my two cents > > > > > > > > > > > > Okay guys, > > > > So this is weird to talk about. I don't even know how to explain > > > it. Through > > > > therapy I guess I've come to realize that one of the things I > > > value most in > > > > my life is the unconditional love I get from my dogs, Girlscout and > > > > Cowboy.So I've renewed my focus on them as one of the most > > > important things > > > > in my life that is most deserving of my time and a top priority > > > for me (and > > > > I also love Boyfriend's dog, however, he was about 11 years old > > > when I met > > > > him, not a baby like my puppies were, and he already had someone > > > to take > > > > care of him, also not like my pups, so the bond is a little > > > different). > > > > > > > > So, Cowboy was abandoned as a pup and I rescued him from a kill > > > shelter > > > > after seeing his little face on the internet. So I've zeroed in on > > > working > > > > with him this month, thinking that if I can heal his abaondonment, > > > I can > > > > heal my own. Make sense? So I'm just trying to spend more alone > > > time with > > > > him. He loves it! He literaly sits in my lap and sucks my thumb > > > when I hold > > > > him - and he is almost 6 years old! And about 60 pounds! Ha ha! > > > > > > > > The prob is that my other dog, Girlscout (or Scout) has responded by > > > > becoming very clingy and needy. She wants me to hold her from the > > > time I get > > > > home at night until I wake up the next morning and then some. > > > Seriously,last > > > > night I decided to comply, just as an experiment after she begged > > > to be held > > > > for at least 45 min, and I held her in my arms from about 7 p.m > > > until I woke > > > > up this morning with her still in my arms!!! She was laying on her > > > back in a > > > > submissive position for all that time with my arms around her. Is > > > that > > > > crazy? She's pretty small so it isn't as bad, about 17 lbs. > > > > > > > > Cowboy is honestly very needy. But Scout is a cocky, conifident > > > little > > > > terrier. So its not fitting with her breed or personal history to > > > be so > > > > needy.She is also from a breeder and has never been abandoned, or > > > even > > > > missed a meal for that matter. I've only ever been away from her > > > for 2 > > > > nights in her 5 years of life! > > > > > > > > Thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned over the years of > > > having > > > > dogs, when I have a prob with my dogs, it is something I NEED TO > > > CHANGE - > > > > not them. They are dogs after all, ha ha ha. They reflect me and > > > my feelings > > > > most of the time. If I put a spotlight on a bad behavior, I can > > > usually get > > > > them to change it just by giving it my focused attention. But > > > first I need > > > > to figure out what the problem is. > > > > > > > > I've wondered if Scout is just jealous that Cow is getting a > > > little extra > > > > love - but this seems extreme! Cuz he isn't getting that much > > > extra. . . > > > > > > > > Does that make sense? Well, I'd love to hear thoughts or advice. > > > > > > > > Hugs, GScout > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 Laurie, I wish you were close enough to groom my dogs! That is great advice! Thank you. I know your maltese appreciates you for giving him a home. I'd love any info you have to offer on rescues - Cowboy is my first resue. I've had him for almost 5 years. He is a very good boy. He growls at his brother and sister, and tugs on the leash. Other than that, his only prob is that he always seems kind of down and upset. He does cheer up when he plays with his sis, Girlscout, or gets to go on a walk. Scout is another story - confidence, they name is Scout ha ha ha. Thank you again! > > > Lots of exercise , I agree! Relieves anxiety. Again, Annie's advice is > great. > > Laurie > > > In a message dated 10/8/2010 12:53:23 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, > anuria-67854@... <anuria-67854%40mypacks.net> writes: > > They sound quite cute! I'm going to speculate that bit of sibling rivalry > is going on, plus both of them needing more of your time and attention each > > day; its the equivalent of anxiety behavior: they're wanting you to comfort > > them. > > Human children seem to do better with a regular routine structuring their > day; it makes children feel secure when their environment (and their > care-giver) is stable and predictable, so if you can establish a more > regular > routine with their walks and playtime and one-on-one time, maybe that will > help them feel more secure and less anxious. > > -Annie > > > > > > Okay guys, > > So this is weird to talk about. I don't even know how to explain it. > Through > > therapy I guess I've come to realize that one of the things I value most > in > > my life is the unconditional love I get from my dogs, Girlscout and > > Cowboy.So I've renewed my focus on them as one of the most important > things > > in my life that is most deserving of my time and a top priority for me > (and > > I also love Boyfriend's dog, however, he was about 11 years old when I > met > > him, not a baby like my puppies were, and he already had someone to take > > care of him, also not like my pups, so the bond is a little different). > > > > So, Cowboy was abandoned as a pup and I rescued him from a kill shelter > > after seeing his little face on the internet. So I've zeroed in on > working > > with him this month, thinking that if I can heal his abaondonment, I can > > heal my own. Make sense? So I'm just trying to spend more alone time with > > him. He loves it! He literaly sits in my lap and sucks my thumb when I > hold > > him - and he is almost 6 years old! And about 60 pounds! Ha ha! > > > > The prob is that my other dog, Girlscout (or Scout) has responded by > > becoming very clingy and needy. She wants me to hold her from the time I > get > > home at night until I wake up the next morning and then some. > Seriously,last > > night I decided to comply, just as an experiment after she begged to be > held > > for at least 45 min, and I held her in my arms from about 7 p.m until I > woke > > up this morning with her still in my arms!!! She was laying on her back > in a > > submissive position for all that time with my arms around her. Is that > > crazy? She's pretty small so it isn't as bad, about 17 lbs. > > > > Cowboy is honestly very needy. But Scout is a cocky, conifident little > > terrier. So its not fitting with her breed or personal history to be so > > needy.She is also from a breeder and has never been abandoned, or even > > missed a meal for that matter. I've only ever been away from her for 2 > > nights in her 5 years of life! > > > > Thoughts? If there is one thing I have learned over the years of having > > dogs, when I have a prob with my dogs, it is something I NEED TO CHANGE - > > not them. They are dogs after all, ha ha ha. They reflect me and my > feelings > > most of the time. If I put a spotlight on a bad behavior, I can usually > get > > them to change it just by giving it my focused attention. But first I > need > > to figure out what the problem is. > > > > I've wondered if Scout is just jealous that Cow is getting a little extra > > love - but this seems extreme! Cuz he isn't getting that much extra. . . > > > > Does that make sense? Well, I'd love to hear thoughts or advice. > > > > Hugs, GScout > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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