Zinnia was the perfect d0g yesterday, quiet and sweet as she acclimated to her new home. The true Zinnia emerged this morning, not shy or stressed in any way, but demanding loudly and dramatically to get out of her crate and join the rest of the gang.
There wasn’t a single whimper out of her last night, her first night away from her mom and siblings in a crate far away. Today she was raising hell, inaugurating what I think of as one of the most exciting chapters in the long and complex story of a dog’s training.
I call it Phase Two: The Battles That Must Be Won. Housebreaking, staying silent in a crate, no teeth on human bodies, no jumping on people, coming when called, staying when asked.
Whining and barking in a crate means the dogs is ignored and the dog doesn’t get out or spoken to until he or she is silent for at least three minutes. Then I praise the dog for being quiet, rather than yell at her for barking, or losing heart and letting her out before she’s quiet.
She is a strong and spirited dog, she yowled and barked and shrieked for more than an hour before falling asleep in the wider fenced area we put her in after exercise and training.
This will go on for a day, perhaps two. She will lose this battle. I am nothing if not stubborn, at least as stubborn as she is, just not as loud.
On the other hand, I am happy to report she is responding to her name, beginning to come when called, and seems to be totally housebroken already. No accidents in the crate, no accidents anywhere else.
She is profoundly sweet and very sharp. She misses nothing and is clever. She will be a great dog, as many Labs are, but you have to survive the first year with your patience and humor intact. I already hissed at her with my Pet Corrector when she tried to chew on my hand, and she backed right off and chewed on a toy instead.
She is neither delicate nor sensitive. I’m happy to wait a couple of weeks for the Love tour, but I have no doubt that she is more than ready to encounter the world, she is practically screaming at me to let her do so.
She played with Bud outside this morning before his feet got cold. Fate is still growing and nipping at her in disgust, this will go one for a few weeks.
Zinnea is charmer, as Lenore was, and she’ll wear Fate down, as Bud did.
I’m still using Maria’s laptop, my new computer is waiting for some part to be delivered by UPS, which seems unenthusiastic about delivering it on time. So I’m still in some disarray, and getting frustrated.
I want to get on with my life, photos, writing, blogging work with the Mansion and Bishop Maginn. I am no good at waiting. Today, I’ll get a winter jacket over to the Mansion for Georgianna and Nancy.
I’m still collecting funds for Wal-Mart gift certificates for the Mansion aides if you wish to contribute – I need $700 – you can do so via Paypal, [email protected] or by check, Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. Thanks for bearing with me.
On one machine or the other, I’ll have some more Zinnia photos this afternoon or tonight. She’s a wonderful dog, we are very happy with her. I’ll love her, even more, when she stops yowling to get out of her pen.
The Battles That Must Be Won Will Be Won. I’m not waiting for her to be a 60 lb dog to train her to behave. It’s a dignity question.
My Golden puppy is one on Monday. Spent the last ten months fighting those battles. Have one most but still working on one or two. Good luck with Zinnnia. You’ve got this??
Dogs want to be with us and to please us.
Is there no way to capitalize on this rather than stress the dog out.
Not sure what you are asking Peg, my dogs are with me all the time and I am delighted when they get to please me and when I get to please them. But they are animals, not stuffed toys, and they sometimes need help learning how to live safely and lovingly in our world. Yes, sometimes it stresses them out and sometimes it stresses me out. They are animals and I am a human. I don’t know if that answers your question or not..training helps dogs, it doesn’t harm them done well..
Very well said Jon ! I agree 100%
I like that..”I’m not waiting for her to be a 60 lb dog to train her to behave!” I wish a lot of my clients thought like you..so much harder when they are adolescent or adult, not that it cannot be done, but way easier when a puppy. Just no slacking and stick with it..if people looked at them as dogs and not “furbabies”..perhaps there would be many more happier dogs in this world and probably less work for me to do..lol
Oh, how I am enjoying this! The dam of my hopeful puppy is due to whelp in about 10-14 days. Reading about Zinnia makes me even more excited to bring a puppy into my home. We’re just hoping that Maizey delivers a black female or two. If not, then I guess I’ll be waiting a little longer.
What is your Pet Corrector? I too am struggling with a puppy biting my hands. I am open to any ideas to discourage this behavior.
I certainly wish that my 50 pound Airedale had been taught to behave when she was a puppy! I got her when she was 2 and am having to fight those battles now – not at all an easy job. She’s a very sweet dog and extremely smart, but also bull-headed. Fortunately, I’m more bull-headed than she is.
What a joyl I know how much your and Maria will love Zinnia, even the whining and barking. She is more than adorable, she is beautiful with such a sweet face and loving expression.
What is the Pet Corrector? I have a Labradoodle puppy and he has some of the issues you mentioned that Zinnia has at this age. Jumping on people, pulling on clothes and teeth on things that they shouldn’t be on. Maybe a “Pet ‘Corrector would help Oliver. Unless of course, you are the pet corrector. I’ve been reading your books for years and every time a new one comes out I’m waiting patiently. I’ve learned so much from you and Maria.I’m curious about the Pet Corrector. I will enjoy every word and photo you share on this journey with Zinnia. Thank you so much for being a model/mentor to both humans and dogs. Stay warm and toastie with all those you love and who love you in return.
Jane Mintz Los Angeles
I agree with your training methods. Getting them young and start training early is easier (or at least I have found) I also am not sure of the question Peg is asking. Anyone who ever has raised a dog does use their positive and negative drives to train them well. Your example was perfect, negative, don’t respond when the pup is being a bit over vocal, positive let her out and praise when quiet. Your right Labs are smart and love to please making training easier. Starting them young makes it even easier.
My son and I bought a puppy a week and a half ago (Australian Labrador mixed with Labradoodle) I can relate to everything you said above . It has been a long time since we had a puppy in the house. We did rescue for the past many years. I am taking everything you say about training and using it here. Hope you don’t mind me picking your b rain.