Thursday, November 21, 2013

Hi Again

We're still here. Rob and I have been literally tied up for the past week. Each of us has had a small black and white spotted dog tied to us at almost all times. It makes it hard to type on the computer or do most anything else, but this is important so we're doing it.

Dr B suggested trying pheromone spray as a first step. I have to admit that I have little faith in this stuff. I tried it with Monty years ago when he showed some early signs of aggression and it had absolutely no effect. Dr B said that he wasn't a believer either until a colleague talked him into trying it. He found that it works on about 60% of the dogs he tried it with.  Guess what! Syd seems to be in the 60% group.
We spray it on the collars of each of the girls twice a day. It had an immediate effect on Syd. She calmed down and slept all evening the first time we used it. Mac showed less of a response to the spray but she's not the one with the problem. It's been a week now and the girls can be in the same room together without growling and posturing. We can walk them together but we feed them in separate rooms. I don't feel that we're at a point yet where they can be together off leash but that may happen someday.

We're also working on the training that Dr B told us about. Right now it's simple stuff, coming when called, and sit-stay. Both girls are doing well on that but we're not rushing it. If Syd is going to continue living with us, she needs to be able to handle her stress and feel safe and relaxed around the other dogs. I know this will take time and a lot of work but it's worth the time and effort.
On a happier note, Miss Morgan wants to thank everyone who sent her birthday wishes. She also wants to show off her new line of designer fringed toilet paper. This one was completed this morning.
She says that she can also do paper towels as she showed us yesterday. We went out feeling smug about closing all the bathroom doors, but forgot about the paper towels on the table. Morgan didn't forget.

12 comments:

Pippen said...

Morgan,

You should start selling those on Etsy or eBay! We are sure you'd make tons of money!

Keep up the good work, Syd! We have our paws crossed for you.

Sam and Pippen

Anonymous said...

Barharhar, a paper artist in the family, she does awesome work. Ohhh that in family fighting is the worst. Hope that stuff works.

The Mad Scots

Tammy said...

I've been wondering how it was going! Hope that it continues to work. Those little gals need lots of energy burners I image, but hopefully in time Syd will learn to channel her stress to other (and more positive) outlets.

I know my kitties would be better behaved if they had more interactive (and tiring) play time, but it's hard for me to even find the energy to get what I have to do done.

Fingers crossed that things will continue to move in a positive direction.

Tammy

Molly the Airedale said...

Keep up the good work, Syd! Our paws are crossed for you!

Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly

Marjie said...

I'm happy to learn that Dr. B's spray seems to be working with Syd.

And has Miss Morgan contacted P&G about that designer line of fringed TP? They are about 10 miles from my house; she can stop by here on her way to make the sales pitch. With her artistry and their marketing skills, Morgan has a surefire hit!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

that is so good to hear that you are seeing some progress. We hope all continues to keep moving to the positive side.

Morgan, we expect to see your new paper on amazon.com. Just think of all the treats you will be able to buy with your profits.

Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

Dexter said...

Whatever works. Momma tried tying herself to a puppy once. Let's just say the experiment didn't last long. I sure hope everybody can find a way to get along.

Kisses,
Dexter

Taffy said...

So happy that things are improving. I love that toilet paper!

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Morgan, at your age you can shred anything you want! That's our opinion.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & roxy

Hope the girls continue to be peaceful!

booahboo said...

Hope the spray works for Syd... and everybody will be happy. I am sure over time.. Syd will grow up to be a very good girl with your patience.

We are working on the sit and stay command too.. LOL! This new girl.. have loads of energy. She only comes if i have the treats in my hands.

Morgan the toilet rolls hero. She sure has a lot of playfulness still in her. Still a lil puppy inside.

Have a great weekend Sue!

Kari in Alaska said...

um thats some fancy art

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

SissySees said...

So wonderful that the spray is helping and things are improving a little bit.

Morgan is quite the designer. Sissy wants the rolls when the humans are finished with Morgan's decorative papers though...