Yesterday we did NOTHING. Dogs were in their crates much of the day too cause Alki was just driving me nuts with her barking. She seemed to be a lot calmer/quieter in her crate though (the crates trigger them to sleep I think is why), even though it wasnt covered or anything and is in the main living area here. Who knows, but, I needed a mental/emotional break. They did all get beef bones to gnaw on yesterday though--yum!
2 days ago we started the day with a 3-way fetch game. Royal was noticeably tired from a busy day the day before (fetch in am, walk in afternoon, and dog park trip in eve), Brock on the other hand was TOTALLY into fetch! It was great! We played until Alki was pooped and then headed in. I think that was mostly it for that day, but we did take Brock to a dog park in the evening. He was a total ass though. Shouldve left right away when he growled at a young enthusiastic shepherd mix for attempting to engage him in play. The dog was a little too pushy than was appropriate in the Polite Dog Handbook, which Brock abides to a T, but Brock's bigger-than-normal reaction should have been a clear sign that he was not in the mood to be messed with/knocked around, but I didnt even acknowledge it and we stayed. Then a little bit later I recalled him off the entrance gate because a yappy little dog was headed in, way too aroused, which gets Brock all worked up (barrier frustration) which can easily lead to redirection when other dogs charge up to investigate, but I had run out of bait so when Brock came running I decided to reward him with a game of chase instead. I took off running to make a game of it (and to keep him distracted away from the gate long enough for the yappy dog to get inside). Well, because I was running away from him, I wasnt watching and apparently 2 dogs started chasing Brock, one of them a young doodle (which Brock hates.) and when the doodle bumped into him (playfully of course) Brock whipped around and gave him an ear full. MUCH more of a reprimand than the dog deserved. I had to recall Brock off (usually simply by saying "Brock" he will stop snarking, but this was over the top), I grabbed him immediately and we left. I remained upbeat, but inside I was mortified. He doesnt embarrass me often, but its never fun. :P He doesnt have moments like that often either, but it is who he is. He never does physical damage (he doesnt make contact, its all noise), but it can cause psychological damage to a softer dog when he "loses his temper." Plus I feel shitty that I didn't take note of this warning sign when we first arrived, and thus put the other dogs in jeopardy. Not to mention Brock who was obviously stressed enough to act out like he did. A simple walk outside the dog park would have been perfectly fine instead. Though I will say that at least I know "why" Brock reacted. There are the very rare occasions when he has outbursts like he did the other day and there are no warning signs (or I miss them). It is a delicate balance with him though, and I have to be very aware of everything with him. We have to keep the drive to the park as low stress as possible. I have to keep him exercised between park trips so he doesnt get over aroused when we do go. And we have to go to the park often enough for the same reason. But be careful not to go TOO often because he does get tired of it and having to deal with other dogs annoying him. I also have to be careful with him around resources at the park. He also has barrier frustration which can be a problem as the dog park fences, the entrance gates, when he is leashed, on the way in and out of the park, in the car when we arrive/leave, etc. I also try to be sure he isnt starving or stuffed when we go. We also have to be careful which parks we go to and when--too busy/congested a park and he will get annoyed/stressed too easily, and/or is more likely to encounter a dog he has an issue with. Plus too small of parks make it impossible to move away from a dog or situation he isnt comfortable with. He also takes issue with intact dogs (though is greatly improving), and most doodles & some bulldogs. Its really an endless list... But to keep all these issues "in-check," he has to go to the dog park. Keeping him socialized lessens his arousal, and he does genuinely enjoy it! I can be so goofy and silly, will engage in play a lot of the time, and when we make sure all the pieces are right, he has a blast. He is forgiving of rude behavior, solicits play, accepts play invitations, visits with the people, etc. He is just very sensitive and opinionated, and when he doesnt want to talk to you, he doesnt want to talk to you, okay!? He and I are very similar in that way. lol
I adore this dog so much for everything he is.
Oh also, I made a bunch of stuffed/frozen kongs this week. Alki & Brock had 1 each 2 days ago, and Alki & Royal each had 1 this am. Plan for today: take Alki out in the eve to the park around the block to play some FRISBEE. Walk Brock & Royal.
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