Nervous
Today, Randy, Gar, Simon and I went shopping. I needed some new collars for both dogs and I wanted to pick up some slip collars for them. First we went to Petco(where the pets go) and I found regular collars for both boys..they didn't have slip collars. What has me concerned was that both dogs were VERY nervous. Darting this way and that way. Not sure of themselves. We bought the regular collars and left for another pet store still looking for the slip collars. We went into the next store and I headed right for the scale because I wanted to see how much they weighed(the scale was wrong unless Gar weighs 69lbs...NOT). Again the dogs were VERY nervous. Then I noticed that Simon was shaking and he was pulling me to the door. He wanted out of there. On Sunday, Simon will have his first run-thru for Agility. If he's getting nervous at a pet store what is he going to do in a place full of people and barking dogs. I've never seen them act like this. We never found the slip collars. |
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The noises & the smells (of just the bagged foods & the treats in the open bins) in a pet store can do strange things to dogs. One reason I never bother to take mine into one. Not to mention that Mariah would think she died & went to heaven with all the open treat bins at her level  And I can't imagine me handling even 1 of my dogs while pushing a cart & putting the multiple 38# bags of food in it. When you get your guy to the agility site he'll probably do fine. Although it might not be exactly the same as where he trains it will be similar. Mine always perk up a bit & tend to get a bit more powerful on the end of the lead the first time in a building they haven't been in before. If I am going the night before to set up & save space I take them with me then. If not, I make sure to go plenty early so I am not rushed & I can give my dog plenty of time to sniff around & feel comfortable. |
I have taken Heart to the pet store since puppyhood...picture me walking around with Heart in the shopping cart....  just for the socialization aspect.
I took her all by herself instead of taking Pearl with, so I could concentrate on her AND also I didn't want Heart to think we went places as a pack...and I didn't want her to expect Pearl would be there to 'protect' her all the time. I made sure I had great treats and I would ask strangers to pet her and give her a treat so she could see that everyone was ok. When she got older and wasn't able to fit in the cart, I did have a couple of problems with her taking the eyelevel bones and treats, but I used it as a learning tool and the "leave it" command, which she learned quickly. I have no advice, just wanted to relay my experience..maybe if you begin again, and go slow...taking her to the petstore and just stand outside to 'greet' the people...then the next visit, go in right inside the door and do the same thing~~ Maybe with getting treats everytime will make it a more positive adventure!!! Just remember to bring your own treats....  |
| One more thing about the slip collars...I had a horrid time with both the sheepies and the regular slips since they tend to matt the hair on the neck...When I began therapy classes the instuctor gave me a slip with bigger more oval links and it works GREAT!!! No matts.. |
| there is no comparison between the pet store and a run thru. I know there is a huge temptation to socialize at these things and watch the other runs, but at the run thru your goal should be making sure you are observing how the dog is reacting - and if he hates being in the facilty - crate in the car. I often crate in the car with Marley becasue she is much more relaxed and will tolerate walking through the crazy dogs better.
Oh and if you are nervous, they are nervous, so deep breaths go and have fun and assume you will learn something about your dog. |
Quote: Oh and if you are nervous, they are nervous, so deep breaths go and have fun and assume you will learn something about your dog.
Were you projecting some harried emotions, "gotta do this quickly, wonder what the dogs will do, NO don't touch...etc??" Your emotions might have played a part in this. |
| Pam - what time are you planning on going? They picked Millie up early so I can go whenever.
The boys will be fine. Kristine |
| We plan to be there 12ish |
Simon's Mom wrote: We plan to be there 12ish
Sounds good. Hopefully see you there!
Kristine |
| Updates needed! How did it go?
You are doing the right thing - get out, find what works, what doesn't and learn from each other! |
got sheep wrote: Updates needed! How did it go?
You are doing the right thing - get out, find what works, what doesn't and learn from each other! It went great. A good time was had by all. Hopefully Pam will update later. She even took some pics. Kristine |
Mad Dog wrote: got sheep wrote: Updates needed! How did it go? You are doing the right thing - get out, find what works, what doesn't and learn from each other! It went great. A good time was had by all. Hopefully Pam will update later. She even took some pics. Kristine That's good news! Pictures - amazing!  |
| Its late, I have to get up for work in the am.
Waiting for admin approval...and there's a story.  So NO PEEKING!!!
I will say that Kristine is being nice...it was NOT a roaring success. |
Simon's Mom wrote: Its late, I have to get up for work in the am.
Waiting for admin approval...and there's a story. So NO PEEKING!!!I will say that Kristine is being nice...it was NOT a roaring success. I don't know. We all did a lot of roaring... 
And I do mean on behalf of all of us
Since Mace and Sybil were both in season, I threw Liz in for fun and Dazz in mostly for the socialization aspect. My expectations were that they have a good time. They succeeded. As did Bear, Simon and Sadie. Ergo, success!!! OK, so Simon had a GREAT time (Sybil and I wouldn't know anything about that ) But that's OK. A very busy run-thru, crowded, loud, the fact that they all handled the commotion very nicely was a great thing.
Looking forward to the pics. It was fun! We need to do more of these. Kristine |
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