There are some mighty big HUGE changes going on here at the ranch. Some that we have known about for a bit and some that are totally unplanned all of Arts kid’s fault.
The big change that happened today is we brought home Sunny. Let’s give a big MG Home welcome to Sunny….
Sunny (or Sonny, depending on whom you ask) comes to us from Art’s X. She was moving and didn’t want to take him with her, so we offered to give him a home. What could I say? Art’s daughters grew up with the beast dog.
He
- is huge, at least 100 pounds
- is old and set in his ways
- has a heck of a lot of fur, way more than MG.
- has always been an outside dog
- is terrified of fireworks and storms
- comes with a large wood dog house of his own
Most importantly-Doesn’t want one single thing to do with Murphy Grace or I.
It is bad. He growls at me through the sliding glass door and goes ape when Murphy so much as looks out the window.
Any tips for introducing an old dog to some new tricks? I am all ears, just share them loudly, it is hard to hear over the growling.
14 comments:
I have no wisdom to impart. No wait. How about a juice steak to make him your friend?
That was supposed to juicY steak not juice. Sorry. I'm illiterate.
No wisdom here either. It was great of you to take him in. I imagine all the change must be very hard on him. He'll come around. :)
I'm sure it will just take some time for everyone to get used to the new living situation, good luck!
Well Sunny sure is beautiful and you have a big heart! I LOVE dogs, but would be scared to leave my home with a 100 lb dog growling at me and my inside baby.
I would recommend Art introduce Sunny on a leash inside, on MG's territory, if she seems more neutral. Obviously he has claimed outdoors for his own. And obviously MG will have to go outside for business purposes at least. Maybe he will feel less threatened on her turf. Allow them to sniff one another out. And have a spray water bottle ready to "shoot" them with if their egos get the best of them.
Also, maybe you can stake him on a long run and allow MG to approach him at her comfort...as well as you!
Best of Luck!
I wish I had words of wisdom. He looks like a sweetie, but it sounds as if he has issues. Time and patience??? That is hard when he comes onto MG's and your territory and growls. Keep us posted...
Living it up at Lakewood,
Cindy
Oh crumbs, what a handful. I'm surprised Murphy Grace isn't going nuts about the impostor. Frankly I'd give Sunny some time out there in the cold and see if he mellows a bit. Echoing the above, it's very good of you to take Sunny in.
Remember that he is likely very upset and off-balance at his new living situation. To him, it feels as if it's life-or-death. Thus the overprotectiveness of what he sees as his only safe haven (the yard).
I would suggest doing a Google search to get information from professionals such as "The Dog Whisperer."
There is going to be an attempt made by him or by MG to be the Alpha dog. YOU are the alpha dog. DO NOT let them start fighting it out for Alpha...
Good luck and you sure have a good heart...
What a wonderful gesture on your part, giving this dog a home. I'd imagine it'll take some time for both of you to adjust. Maybe if there's a local humane society around, they have someone on staff who can give you some advice? Best wishes.
No tips, but I am sure that you and Murphy Grace will both win him over with your charm.
I always try what Ceasar Millan says, he is sooo good! I see lots of long family walks in your future.
Have you ever worked with a training (pinch) colar? I know some people will have a cow about them but let me just say they are great when used correctly and do not hurt when used correctly. Sunny and Oreo both go nuts when I get the training colars out because they only mean good things to them.
I paitently waited for Sunny (my Sunny!) to turn 4 months old so we could start obedience school. Problem was by 4 months he could pull me anywhere he wanted! The trainer suggested a pinch colar right away. A gentle tug and release lets them no what they need to do, like momma dog would do.
When we adopted Oreo she also pulled terribly on the leash. When she saw me get out Sunny's colar she made it very clear she knew what it was and wanted in on whatever fun was going to happen. Someone had obviously used one with her before and I was so surprised because she had been picked up on the street and no one had claimed her.
Anyway, I know you and Art can do this. You two are in charge and Sunny will be happier when you let him know it. You may be able to rent Dog Whisperer videos by now if you haven't seen him. Good luck friend, keep me posted!
Dawn
But he looks so cute in that picture!
Mary Lou
hows it going with Sunny?
I really think you need to check out the Dog Whisperer. It sounds as if you need to establish yourself as the one in charge somehow. Good luck to you and Murphy Grace. It was very generous of you to take in Sonny, but he is entering your household, and he has to adapt to YOU!
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