I've been sitting way too much, just still exhausted and overwhelmed from that work trip.
I know Ziggy needs more exercise and I've been so wiped out and the heat is miserable.
And then this morning I sat at the kitchen table with my coffee and suddenly my back seized up. Good god. I managed to get to a bed and stretch myself out, and Ziggy - who had been watching to see if I was playing or really in pain since she's never seen me like this - got up and laid down right beside me in the same position. Lots of gentle kisses. She is such a good dog.
She's been a jackass the past couple of days, since feeling better from whatever messed up her stomach. NOt wanting to listen, being pushy and belligerent, etc. Three steps forward, two steps back. IN another teething phase, acting like a naughty teenager.
But the good thing is - I know how to respond. I'm tired of it, but I have a young Catahoula. Be calm and consistent. Even when she refuses to obey a command she knows very well, expect that she will. Make it worth her while. Play games with her, go outside with her. Every time she mouths say no and redirect.
And today she is the sweetest possible dog ever. So very attentive and obedient. I don't even have to give her commands, she just knows what she needs to do.
This Catahoula is a handful, and all my friends and the trainer marvel at how patient I am with her. But what's my other option? If I were to beat her (which I would of course never do), it simply wouldn't work. This is not about dominance or any of that Cesar Milan nonsense, this is about an intelligent dog who's been traumatized and is still very young. Maybe a year and a half now. OF COURSE she pushes boundaries. If she didn't, I'd be bored because she would be stupid.
Shit, I can't have back pain. I was just thinking I can ask a friend to walk Ziggy, but I have a house to vacuum and a yard to mow. NO, this will not work. So, we'll still do the walk and see how it goes.
I love the look she gives me when I say, "Where's the rope?" when she just dropped it below me on the floor. I can't see over edge of the couch, can't reach, but she looks at me like I'm ridiculous. And then she humors me, picking it up and handing it to me.
My sweet, sweet little smarty pants.
I know Ziggy needs more exercise and I've been so wiped out and the heat is miserable.
And then this morning I sat at the kitchen table with my coffee and suddenly my back seized up. Good god. I managed to get to a bed and stretch myself out, and Ziggy - who had been watching to see if I was playing or really in pain since she's never seen me like this - got up and laid down right beside me in the same position. Lots of gentle kisses. She is such a good dog.
She's been a jackass the past couple of days, since feeling better from whatever messed up her stomach. NOt wanting to listen, being pushy and belligerent, etc. Three steps forward, two steps back. IN another teething phase, acting like a naughty teenager.
But the good thing is - I know how to respond. I'm tired of it, but I have a young Catahoula. Be calm and consistent. Even when she refuses to obey a command she knows very well, expect that she will. Make it worth her while. Play games with her, go outside with her. Every time she mouths say no and redirect.
And today she is the sweetest possible dog ever. So very attentive and obedient. I don't even have to give her commands, she just knows what she needs to do.
This Catahoula is a handful, and all my friends and the trainer marvel at how patient I am with her. But what's my other option? If I were to beat her (which I would of course never do), it simply wouldn't work. This is not about dominance or any of that Cesar Milan nonsense, this is about an intelligent dog who's been traumatized and is still very young. Maybe a year and a half now. OF COURSE she pushes boundaries. If she didn't, I'd be bored because she would be stupid.
Shit, I can't have back pain. I was just thinking I can ask a friend to walk Ziggy, but I have a house to vacuum and a yard to mow. NO, this will not work. So, we'll still do the walk and see how it goes.
I love the look she gives me when I say, "Where's the rope?" when she just dropped it below me on the floor. I can't see over edge of the couch, can't reach, but she looks at me like I'm ridiculous. And then she humors me, picking it up and handing it to me.
My sweet, sweet little smarty pants.
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