Bailey the Little Monster...

I have to admit this; I chose a rather dominant puppy. I am nit sure how much this is going to cost me in the future, but I am working very hard to curb Bailey’s dominant traits. The breeder had warned me that she was the bully in the litter and she has all of her mother’s characteristics. My dad was pleased to hear that!

Being left alone for almost 10 hours a day, it’s probably why Bailey developed the nipping problem. I got a bit annoyed when she started to nip my hands at times, despite yelling No Bite! Stop It! It fell on deaf ears! I hit her on the rear with a rolled up newspaper but she attacked the newspaper. I complained to Mike, he told me to give Bailey a nice hard slap once she bites & yell No Bite! He claims she’ll learn it quickly. Well, one morning she disturbed my sleep with some awful noises so I went down to check on her, she jumped on me & left a nice long scratch… I got upset & left her there.

The next morning I surfed through Forums & websites to seek advice on the problem. There was a guy in a forum who advised using this method; as dogs are pack animals, hence the pack leader will usually correct a misbehaving dog swiftly. He suggested pinning the nipping dog on the ground, one hand on the stomach, the other on the throat. Hold it down till the tail goes in between the legs. I tried that after I got home when she started to nip again & she yelped! I let go. she was alright after that. That stopped her nipping for awhile.

I stopped by Borders on Friday & got this book called “How to be your dog’s Best Friend” by the Monks of New Skete. I was curious! It costs me RM103.80! I’m halfway through the book, so far so good, but they completely advised against the pinning down method. No alpha-rolls hitting either. Instead they use a chin cuff. I have no idea what’s that & a neck shake (advanced! for older dogs!!). It left me kinda confused! So to hit or not to hit? I don’t think I will lean fully on positive enforcement. Sounds like total crap to me.

I had wasted buying a lot of unnecessary products too. Like the walking halter! Ha Ha… Bailey hated it! I used her own kibble to leash train her. She walks perfectly now. I even read through Cesar Milan’s blogs for advice. I might get his book (Cesar’s Way) next month after I get my salary. His idea is simple; a tired dog is a good dog! The hierarchy is like this; 50% is exercise; 25% feeding ritual & remaining 25% is affection.

So I make it a point to get up at 6.30a.m. EVERY morning; 7a.m. on weekends and give Bailey a good run 10 -15mins around the garden! According to Cesar, a dog need to learn the Nothing comes for free in life; so it needs to work (the exercise) to obtain food. I make it a habit to snatch the bowl while Bailey is eating halfway. I let her watch me mix the food with my hands. I make sure she obeys the Sit & Down command before I set the bowl down. So far so good. I’m teaching her the Stay command now. I had a good laugh last week when I introduced Apple Cider Vinegar into her food. I poured one small cap while she was eating! She swallowed and paused immediately looking confused, she back away from her bowl for few minutes, then resumed eating again! That stuff smells awful! But apparently its got loads of benefits! I was rolling on the floor laughing and Bailey just looked on…. :-)