Baxter Too Excitable
by Marie
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Normally it's just my husband and me at home, but because we're such great people to be around, our house is the gathering place for the summer (couldn't be the pool). This means kids and all kinds of activity - a lot more than Baxter's used to. Because it's normally so quiet around here, the commotion really excites him, especially the kids (and adults) playing in the pool - mostly kids in general though (all those quick movements and squeaky voices). We keep him (and Rudy) in the screened-in patio for the most part because I'm afraid he'll end up in the pool by accident. (That happened last year.) Also, when anyone is horsing around with either me or my husband, he goes after them barking and getting very upset. Does anyone else have this problem? Any solutions?
DISCUSSION:
Marie......socialize, socialize, socialize!!! He may be responding to all the excitement your guest are showing. The louder we talk....the more excited the dogs get. As for being so protective....set up a situation and reward for good behavior, ignore for bad. If you give him attention, any kind, he'll continue. You could say, "Aauunnn"...try clearing you throat very loud and firmly....it's more a 'grunt' like the mother dog makes. Means 'cut it out right now!' A "thank you" or "good puppy" should follow.
anneh
Marie, how about a couple of little life vests (or floaties....you know, those yellow inflatable things you stick on little kids arms when they're learning to swim? That way they could join in the fun.........and they would look so cute! (Sorry, I know it was a serious question but I couldn't resist!)
Deanna (Moose & Squirrel)
Marie--Can I come live with you? I don't have a pool and I am sure Cubbie would love a swim too! Ha! Cubbie is used to commotion...he loves it. But when we have a party, I usually put him in my bedroom for awhile. I am afraid someone will step on him!
Felicia & Cubbie
I agree with Deanna -- get him a little lifevest (they sell them for dogs at most boating stores) and let him join in the fun. These dogs want to be with people. He is upset you are shutting him out. How would you feel if everyone was having fun and you could only watch from a distance. I've taken my Chloe (10 mo) to many parties and social gatherings and she loves it and so does everyone else because she is so cute. The only thing I tell little kids is not to hold her as they may drop her by mistake. They love to get down on the ground with her and she plays with them on her level. I also have friends who have pools and dogs and the dogs join in when company comes and everything works out fine. Good Luck!
annie & chloe
Can't really help you, but Tasha gets so paranoid when anyone comes in the house, acts like a complete nut. She jumps and cries and just goes bonkers til they respond to her. I'm to the point, I'm telling people to swat her when she starts jumping, but guess what I get, OHHH she's to cut e to swat, so, hum, where does this leave me???
Dottie & Tasha
Unfortunately, I have no solutions, but I can share in your experience! Warrior is the friendliest, most affectionate dog I've ever had BUT, if anyone gets just a little too close to me, he lunges and nips! It doesn't even have to be horsing around - if he is on my lap and someone reaches, say, for the remote next to me, blood is drawn!! (I'm exaggerating, but he does leave his mark!) I haven't figured out how to stop this behavior so, if you get an answer, I'll benefit too!
JJ & Warrior
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