Manners MONSTER!

Ooooo it's the manners minder MONSTER!!! RUN! Dhali was so funny the first time I introduced him to the manners minder. He was like, "What the #&@*! is THAT!! It beeps and is weird! I don't like it!" Tibby was like, "Shut up. It's putting out kibble, but if you wait long enough chicken will come out of it too." Dhali love the MM now - he asks to play with it all the time, but it sure was funny to see him the first day LOL! Just for comparison below is a video from last year (Oct. 2011) when I bought the MM. Tibby is totally fine with the MM. Isn't it funny how my dogs are complete opposites, but they are the same breed? And remember Tibby is the dog with very low food drive and Dhali is the chowhound.

Shoot

You might remember that I have mentioned living near a baseball stadium.  Apparently it was opening night tonight.  Tibby and I were relaxing on the couch and the only warning we got about the incoming deluge of fireworks was the announcers voice yelling (yes, I can hear the baseball games INSIDE my house) 5,4,3,2,1 and then BAM! BANG! POW! 

I LOVE fireworks, but Tibby HATES fireworks.  Too bad, because they have the best, biggest, brightest, LOUDEST fireworks I have ever seen.  It's a long show too.....

Next year I'll take a video of the fireworks from my backyard.  Hopefully I will be better prepared!

It sounds like our house is being attacked.  The windows shake and it is REALLY REALLY LOUD.

I've lived here for 7 years and the stadium was built 2 years ago......most of the time I think it's an ok neighbor, but NOT when it scares my Tibby baby >:(

Stranger Danger

We had a bad walk day.  I'm disappointed in myself.  Tibby is reactive.  It's pretty decided now and I can't pretend that it's not really a problem.  I have been trying to manage it for a long time - since I brought her home at 4 months old.  Now she's 2 and it's only getting worse.  I've been doing some reading and I guess what I have been doing is not all wrong, but I just need to be more prepared.  And honestly say - this is a problem and it needs to be managed better.

Today she had level 8 reactions to - A boy in a hooded sweatshirt who rode up on his bike behind us and an old man that started following us.  She had smaller (quiet) reactions to a boy on a scooter, a plastic ball in the street and 2 small dogs crossing the street 3 blocks away. 

Right now when I see something that is a potential reaction trigger (like a bike, rollerblader, stroller, scooter, men walking alone) I have her sit and we wait for them to pass by us.  I should start carrying treats again....

I do wonder what is wrong with some people - if you saw a dog that was growling, barking, lunging and snapping at you, would you A) ride your scooter as close as possible to the dog? OR  B) Stop to ask why the doggie doesn't like you?

Ok, I'm mean and bad, but I when people see me keeping Tibby of off the sidewalk and waiting for them to pass and they don't give us any space - I sometimes think about letting her go.  Hmmm....yeah it's wrong, but I'll bet they would stay away next time.  I also wonder what would Tibby actually do?  No we won't ever find out.

I crazy thing is that I think people see a cute fluffy dog and don't realize that she (if you are on a bike, rollerblades, scooter or male) wants to rip you up.  Then they get closer and she lets them know.

The old man walking behind us - I was glad she told him off.  And that's part of the problem.  My problem.  She's alerted me to a lot of creepy people on our walks before.  Or the weird neighbor man that peeks over my fence.  Weirdo.   And I like that she tells me about those creepers.   But I don't want her to be known as the mean dog on the block any more.

So now you know.

Our secret.

Manners Monster!

The Manners Minder arrived yesterday. Tibby thinks it is great. Just like the food ball, but bigger. Catty isn't so sure.....