Ernie One Step Forward Two Steps Back

I’m Discouraged

Just when I think Ernie is getting better, we experience a setback.  He got out of his halter this morning and ran up to a dog. Which ordinarily I wouldn’t mind because he’s friendly with dogs. But normally he meets dogs on his leash. He loves other dogs, but this morning for some reason he went bezerk. Growling and circling around the dog. He crossed his threshold and went crazy.  Gary was with me and so was Sally. Sally didn’t do anything while Ernie went crazy. I felt so bad for the dog's owner. I told her I was so sorry I’ve never seen him react like that. Normally he is good with other dogs. I am not sure if it was because he was loose, or the fact that Gary and Sally were with us. It was very confusing and embarrassing. The entire episode depressed me.  We walked until he did his duty then I was done walking him. If he cannot behave he doesn’t get to walk.

We returned home. Gary is fixing the shock collar, it’s too loose on him now. The next time he misbehaves he will get shocked. We have tried all else and his behavior cannot continue. Some days he’s good and some he is not. He is unpredictable and it scares me. Teeth or no teeth. His attitude is not good. 

Continuing With Training

I feel bad for him but that doesn’t help him. So back to his training. It may take up to a year for him to improve but if we want a well-behaved dog we need to continue. I get discouraged but I NEVER give up. Above photo is of Ernie's training treats. These are peanut butter banana. I love the tray I purchased off Amazon. Both Ernie and Sally love the treats.

A New Day

Tomorrow is another day. I have ordered a more secure halter for Ernie, one hopefully he cannot get out of. I do not want a repeat of what happened this morning. He acted like a dog out of control, and I had to make him stay still until he calmed down.  I know he is a work in progress. We cannot fix him in one day. He’s seen 12 years of a life where he just existed. So, it will take us some time to correct him. I wish it was an easy fix but it isn’t. Me still being sick with the flu doesn’t help one bit. The day did not get started on a good note. Let’s hope it gets better as it goes along.

We will still stick with the training. Dogs respond to positive reinforcement so that’s what we will use. Growling is unacceptable, so if he growls we will use the muzzle. He needs to learn who is in charge. He doesn’t get to do what he wants to do whenever he wants to do it. 

My husband needs lessons as well. I try to use him for lessons with Ernie also, he helps reluctantly. He needs to be on board with me otherwise this will not work. Our whole household is a work in progress. Who said owning a dog is easy? Especially one who has seen abuse. I may think twice next time. I love Ernie but he is a lot of work. In Ernie’s defense he never received attention, so our house is an attention overload for him. Turning him into an uncontrollable little monster dog. Not all the time but he certainly has his moments. We need to put an end to the monster part and have a happy well behaved little dog. Fingers crossed.

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Put your hands together for us. We need all the help we can get over here. 

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Side note: Ernie has an appointment at a reputable groomer on May 23rd. Let’s hope the second time's the charm.

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