Simply Grand

Thanks for the replies everyone. I was interested to hear what might be motivating the behaviour, and I see it could be a whole range of things. Neither of these owners was actively trying to stop the behaviour so from what I could tell it wasn't something they saw as a problem and were trying to stop. I wasn't planning on complaining to the owners either, if they find it acceptable for their dog to do it, and they don't cause any harm to my dog, then it's really just something I find annoying, and in that case I will just move away. As Sax is only 8 months old, he probably still has lots of new behaviours ahead of him, so if he starts barking like this I'll now know that it could be because of lots of reasons. I'd still work on stopping it though. Thanks again!

In the last month or so I have experienced a couple of different dogs (at a couple of different dog parks) barking persistently at other dogs, including mine. In both cases the dogs were small to medium sized and they would approach Saxon (or another dog) a number of times and just stand looking at them going "woof woof woof woof". Saxon isn't particularly confrontational or defensive and he never barks at other dogs so he seemed to just be a bit unsure what was happening and would then try to move away and play with other dogs - while still being barked at. It didn't stop until I called him and we moved to the other side of the park. The owner of the first dog that did it laughed about it and said something like "oh he's doing it again, haha!" Others I've spoken to have experienced this dog doing the same, to dogs both smaller and larger than he is. In all cases, the owner didn't stop it and the other owners had to take their dogs right away or leave to get it to stop. The owner of the other dog told me that her dog was saying "run run run" to try and get Saxon to run away so he could chase, but when Saxon did run, or other dogs did, he didn't seem too interested in chasing. Again, the only way to stop it was to move far away. Also, both owners had a second dog of the same breed (the first had two terriers of some kind, the second two beagles) who didn't bark and seemed less interested in other dogs. Personally I don't think it's appropriate to let your dog do this and if Saxon had done it and wouldn't stop when I told him I would take him and leave the park. I found it really irritating to hear the constant barking, and felt like it was aggressive towards Saxon, although no fighting or anything followed. What do others think - why might the dogs be doing this, and would you try to stop it if it was your dog?

What does apple cider vinegar do?

I have a water bottle for Saxon that has a fold out plastic tray bit for the dog to drink out of. The bottle has a valve thing so the water only comes out when you squeeze it. It's pretty handy

What an absolute a$$hole for putting you in that situation! Like everyone else has said, you're definitely better off without him.You're obviously a caring person willing to do whatever is needed for your dog, you've shown that with everything you've done for Charlie, and shame on him for trying to take advantage of that, especially after denying you access to your dog I hope your husky girl lives the rest of her days happily, whatever he ends up doing about the surgery, and I know you'll continue to have a happy family with Charlie

Yay, puppy pictures! Thanks JaxD They're all soooo cute. Bluefairy, how sad for you to have to go back to the hospital where you lost your son I'm glad things are ok with your heart. Keep the stories and pics coming, even those of us not getting a new puppy in the near future love to hear it!

Heheh, bedazzled, so teenage boy dogs get interested in cars just like teenage boy humans! Thanks for the advice everyone. Seems like distraction is the way to go. He's very responsive to me (and to treats!) so I will work on keeping his attention when cars pass. Like you say Tilly, I guess I have to make continuing to walk with me more exciting than the cars. And Tassie I think you're right about never taking it for granted, I think I will always keep him on leash around roads, no matter how well trained he seems to be. Any more advice very welcome!

Excuse me everyone, more photos please!! I need my baby puppy fix

Hi everyone, Over the last week or so Saxon seems to have decided that cars driving past are very exciting and tries to run after them. He's always on leash (unless we're in an enclosed area) so he can't get to them, but I'm worried just in case he slips his collar or the leash breaks or something. I don't want him to hurt himself pulling on the leash either. I've been walking him along footpaths next to roads for months so I don't know why this has suddenly started (he's 8 months old). Anyway, what do you think is the best way to manage it? Thanks

I don't have any advice, sorry, but little Mischa has to be ok! Best of luck and I'm sending positive thoughts your way. Keep us updated, looking forward to good news.

How scary for you! Poor little pup. Sending positive thoughts, and hope she is all better soon

Hi kated, how are things progressing with your pup?

Happy Birthday Darcy! What a gorgeous boy. I love the sandy photo

A round bag?! Sorry couldn't help myself! What a funny thread! I was very confused for a while, I've never seen Bonnie and did think you were all talking about the packaging I was thinking it would be very cute if the packages were heart-shaped, like little Valentine's presents, couldn't figure out how it would work though Makes much more sense that the BISCUITS are heart shaped... and I assume in a regular bag...

CW, I just read through your threads from last year where you were trying to figure out what was wrong with Charlie. Here, for anyone who would like to read: http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...=181502&hl= http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...=183282&hl= What a difficult thing to go through for you, Charlie and the whole family. Sounds like you all handled it with great strength, especially Charlie , and you are continuing to be positive and do everything you can. I really hope Charlie recovers fully, but I'm sure he will have a lovely, long, life with you regardless

Ooooohhh, this just reminded me, Saxon escaped up the hallway with a preloved tampon once I think I'd blocked that out. Now he is NOT allowed near the bin in the bathroom. Eeeeeuuuuuwwww.

Hi kated, welcome and congrats on your little boy! I know what you mean about the obsessive mother, I often find myself sticking my fingers in Saxon's mouth to check out what he's chewing on, in case it's dangerous I'm definitely no expert and I'm sure others will have more info for you but I'll give you my two cents. Re. your first questions: is there anything outside the gate he could be scared of? Other dogs/cats/birds/cars/noisy machines? Is there another way you could take him outside (front door/back gate), to check if it is something specific to the gate area? If he's ok going another way maybe you can then work on building his confidence around the gate you want to take him out of. Otherwise, maybe you could try putting him on a long leash and letting him stay inside the gate if he wants, while it's open, and you and your partner go out and pretend to be playing and having lots of fun but basically ignoring him (you might look a bit silly ) and see if he'll come out to you, then lots of praise and treats... that's all I've got on that one. Re. biting - so know what you mean! Sax was a little terror. I found the most effective thing was for me to give a high-pitched help any time he bit then stand up and turn my back on him for a few moments. It took quite a while for him to get the message but he's much better now. There are lots of other methods that work for people though so if you think what you're doing is working I'd stick with it rather than switching around - like with all training, consistency works! Re. the whinging when he's in his pen - you could be right and he's missing your partner. Or he could have figured out that if he cries he gets attention and doesn't have to stay alone in his pen. See what those more knowledgable than me say on this. And the white stuff on his "thing" I'll leave that one to the experts too!

Good news Poppy! Hope the nights are continuing to go well for you

The first time my (60 year old) mum met Saxon she did that with him. After a while she realised that she looked silly and got all embarrassed Saxon thought it was fantastic though and now she's his favourite person (besides me, hopefully!) and he goes nuts whenever he sees her!! ETA forgot to say, congrats Spottychick that's great news!

Chops (cat) - I "adopted" her (I bought an apartment and she was left there by the previous owner) when she was 7 and I think she'd had rough life, she would bite any chance she got when I first got her, hence Chops. Charlie (cat) - I wanted a "Ch" name to go with Chops and he was such a happy little kitten that Charlie seemed to suit him. With Saxon (poodle x maltese), I wanted another "Ch" name and did all sorts of searching through pet and baby name websites, checked the dictionary and asked everyone for suggestions, but couldn't find anything I liked. One night I was in bed nearly asleep and the name Saxon just popped into my head. Then I had a dream that he was called Saxon so that cemented it... I can't imagine him being called anything else so I think it was just meant to be his name

I did use earplugs with Charlie - I could still hear him

Yep. Her crying and yelling is a way of her train you to do things for her. Her way of controlling you. Even though it will be hard, make sure you do stay strong with ignoring her yelling and crying, it won't take too long for her to give up if she learns it won't get her what she wants. But if you give in at all, even when it seems like she'll never stop, she'll learn that if she persists, she'll win. And they can be way more stubborn than us! I haven't actually had problems with my dog crying, but when I first moved into my house my cat Charlie decided to sit outside my bedroom door and meow NON-STOP from 4am to 6am (he's not the brightest cat and I reckon he just forgot how long he'd been there). Anyway, I knew that if I opened the door he'd think his meowing had worked so I didn't open it until he'd given up and gone away - even when I actually needed to get up to go to the toilet! It took a few nights but eventually he gave up and stopped trying. I told this to a friend when she was trying to teach her puppy to sleep in the laundry and she was surprised that I had let it go on for two hours non-stop, but a couple of nights of that was better than him whinging whenever he wanted something for the rest of his life! So, as long as you know she's safe, DON'T go to her. Good luck, I'm sure you'll have it worked out in no time!

I know I might get laughed at for this (my friends think it's ridiculous!) - but you could try a (human) baby/toddler rashie. I got one for Saxon coz he has fine, light coloured fur and I was worried about sunburn, especially if he's wet. Saxon fits size 00 but he's only 4.5kgs. He looks really cute in it

Don't forget this bit: The Cat's Answer: "Cats do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs. So, the real question is: How long will it be before I can expect some light, some dinner, and a massage?"