Sometimes I just wish I had a 'normal' dog!

Wellyboots6

He is doing an agility class now, I have found one where they are happy for him to be the opposite end of the arena to the other dogs, and where everyone is aware of his 'issues'. He is actually almost joining in the class now which I am impressed with, as long as he is focussed on an exercise we are doing we can now be within about 10 meters of another dog.

You are right, it is draining having to be so on top of things with his walks. I must admit that I do cheat though when I am feeling too tired and just drive him down to the park where he can go off his lead straight away, to avoid all the lead issues.

His pranks are self-taught unfortunately. His favourite one at the moment is taking the bank cards out of my purse and scattering them on the lawn.

http://www.mikkipet.com/?mikki_training=mikki-anti-pull-harness this was the harness, but it doesn't look overly comfortable, and also like it may pull his fur

Person_one

The up all night thing would send me to the edge of insanity.

Is he getting enough exercise and stimulation? I know its hard, I know it takes far more effort than with most dogs, but that's surely the key to getting him to 'settle' and rest at night?

Wellyboots6

Excercise is not really the issue. He does get plenty of physical exercise, only no amount of running and chasing would tire him out. The problem really is mental exercise. He gets bored so easily and so the challenge is to constantly come up with ways of keeping him entertained, and ideally ways he can entertain himself.

We have been recommended to do working trials, only there are a couple of dog-reactive dogs at the place we would go, and he isn't ready to cope with that just yet.

Imagine a genius kid who lives off vimto and haribo? This is what we are dealing with! And it isn't his food as he is fed better than me!

Dimey

When he can manage to get closer to other dogs, I bet he'd enjoy Flyball. Have you heard of it. Its like dog relay running.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtaAams3j9g

I've seen Flyball clubs do exhibitions at our local fete. It was really exciting.

Person_one

You've really got your work cut out for you. Well done for not giving up where so many would, I really hope he makes progress and you can start to enjoy him a bit more soon.

Wellyboots6

He'd love flyball, you'd just never get the ball off him!

I couldn't give up on him, I am his 4th home and he is 3 tomorrow, so he hasn't settled anywhere for long. Not sure anyone would be stupid enough to take him on anyway!

I do enjoy him, when he is asleep :rotfl:

I am quite lucky in that it is just me and him, so I have the time to put in with him. I can imagine he would be a bit OTT for anyone with a busy family however.

How could you not fall for that stupid face?!

libra10

He's a handsome fella katy, definitely worth persevering!

Good luck

Caroline_a

elsien wrote: »

Edit - what sort of headcollar is it? Gitdog is getting very quick at removing his halti so I'm considering alternatives.

Oakley used to have a halti and got really good at the 'one bite and I'm free' thing, so on Halti number 7 I think I gave up and got a Dogmatic. The first time I put it on him he gave a sort of sigh, and never tried to bite it or get out. Walks beautifully on it, and even the Village Idiot only does the quick nose along the floor for 2 seconds then walks well too. 100kg+ of dog walked in one hand!

skintandscared_2

Oh my he is gorgeous! Now I've seen him, I'm laughing at myself for suggesting a baby gate... :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Dimey

Oh yes, he's handsome. You can see the cheekiness in those eyes. He's his own man.