Tuesday, December 7, 2004
Lori sent me an email today saying that it took 24 hours for Mercy to reveal her true self, a typical young Springer. Lori said, �She is a nice girl. She has done great with having her teeth brushed and takes her vitamins well. She has not eaten all of her food any day so far, but doesn't seem sick. She potties in the same place in the yard each time. She doesn't jump, hasn't barked, and hasn't bothered the table. She rides well in the car, but we had to establish an understanding of where she should sit. She had to be coaxed upstairs Saturday night at bedtime, but by Sunday night we were having a meeting of minds about what is meant by "her bed". She stays in her bed all night and doesn't get up until we do.� Lori also said that Mercy doesn�t really do her obedience when outside, but they�ll work on it. And when they met two other dogs when walking, both dogs growled at each other. She said Mercy did fine with home alone until today, when she took some Christmas ornaments off the tree and up to her bed and knocked over a lamp. She said since it has been raining for two days and she hasn�t been able to take Mercy out walking for the past two days, she was thinking maybe it was due to the lack of exercise. I agreed with her and told her so when I emailed her back. I also told Lori that Mercy is food motivated and likes to eat and would never starve herself (like some spoiled pets would), I�m not worried about her not finishing her food right now. I also told her that Mercy does get a little cranky when she doesn�t her exercise, and besides the other dogs growled at her too, maybe it�s just their way of testing the new dog on the block. I also told Lori that when Mercy started to move things around at my place, I think it was when she started feeling she's safe at where she is. For a month, she had this thing of moving my clothes into her bed. On one hand I'm glad that she's feeling comfortable at her new home so fast, but on the other hand I'm hoping that she will leave the things alone. Lori is also a little worried about Mercy�s eye because she saw some eyelashes rolling into her eyeball. But I told her that it�s only for an hour or two a day, then it�s okay, there�s no need for surgery, because my vet said there would be more problem if she gets the surgery, but she definitely would need to keep an eye on Mercy�s eye to make sure it�s not getting worse.
Wednesday, December 8, 2004
Lori emailed to say that weather has been good today so they went for a walk. Also she said Mercy walks a lot better for her than for Erin probably because Mercy sees her but not Erin as a leader. I emailed Lori back saying to help Mercy walk better with Erin, maybe at first they can attach two collars and two leashes on Mercy, and Lori and Erin both walk Mercy together but on each side of Mercy. Then later just let Erin holding onto Mercy�s leash, but Lori still walks on the other side of Mercy. I would not recommend letting an eight-year-old walk the dog completely by herself though. So maybe if everything goes well, Lori could walk ten feet behind Erin and Mercy. Also to make Mercy see Erin more as a leader, I suggested letting Erin practice basic obedience with Mercy.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
I sent an email this morning to Lori asking her if she has decided to keep Mercy yet, and tonight Lori called to say they haven�t decided yet, because Mercy had destroyed a wooden spoon in their kitchen and several other items. I really didn�t have any suggestions for her except to exercise Mercy more and to keep her in a special room. Lori said she would call Heather to get information about crating. After I spoke with Lori, I thought maybe Lori would like to speak to Millie because they know each other better, but I knew Millie is out of state until the middle of month with very limited internet access. So I decided to leave a message on the answering machine at her home hoping that maybe she calls her machine once a day to check on messages. I was surprised when somebody answered the call, and I got to speak to Millie, who just got back from her trip a few hours earlier. Millie said she doesn�t have any suggestion either except also exercise Mercy more and keep Mercy in a crate first, then in a room, then finally let her have the run of the house if everything goes well. But Millie said she would speak to Lori about it.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Millie emailed to say that when she called Lori last night, the line was busy, but when she went out later, Lori left her a message saying that they were out looking for a crate. When I took Brenna to the vet this morning, I talked to Dr. Marine about Mercy. He said that his 4-year-old male Black Lab does the same thing. He exercises him by taking long walks in the woods and some retrieving. But on the days that he can't exercise him (weather or time limits), then he would have to leave the Lab in the crate also. He said actually last week he forgot to do it, and the dog ate half of their Christmas tree. So he thinks definitely crating would help. I also sent a long email to Lori about what Dr. Marine said, and all the different ways to keep Mercy occupied when home alone, such as playing soothing classical music on the radio on low volume, and put some of her dry kibble in the Treat N Twist toy if Mercy is finishing all her food at mealtime. I also warned her that crating should not be a substitution for exercising, and that even with crating, she probably would still need to walk Mercy at least one mile a day. I also told her that for the long term, I would recommend getting an invisible fencing system because they don�t have a fenced-in yard. When Mercy was walked two miles a day when she was here, and I�m thinking that if Mercy is walked one mile a day with Lori, then the other mile would be substituted by letting her play in the yard for 15 minutes. With invisible fencing, she'll be able to run leash free and get more exercise. However, invisible fence does not work exactly like real fences, because it does not prevent other animals from coming into your yard, and I�ve heard that if the dog decides to chase a squirrel, sometimes the drive is so strong that they would disregard the shock and leave the yard. So Lori would have to be out there supervising Mercy when she's out there. However, I would not recommend installing an invisible fence until they have decided to keep her, because all but one brand of invisible fencing systems use shock collars. And I think by using shock collar any time this week on Mercy would destroy the trust that she has established in Lori. Lori emailed us this afternoon saying that they did speak to Heather about crating last night, and the pet stores were closed by the time they got there so they didn�t get a crate last night, but Ron would bring one home tonight. She said they will need the crate anyways when they foster a new dog, which Heather said will be at least a month after they adopt Mercy, so they can bond with Mercy first before bringing another dog into the picture. Lori also said Millie told her Mercy does some of the things because she�s smart, but she would rather have a smart active Springer than a dog who follows without questioning. I�m so glad that she likes Mercy for who she is, because that�s kind of adopters whom I�m looking for all my foster dogs, someone who appreciates them for who they are. Lori said they were able to get a Kong from Target last night though, and Mercy was fine when home alone today. And that Mercy�s eye looks a lot better, but she will still take Mercy to see the vet just for a check up. I hope Lori will keep us updated, especially when there�s a problem, so we can find a solution together, and not wait until she couldn�t deal with it anymore. She thinks Mercy is getting exercise with them already, and she thinks crating will probably help, but she�s hoping that it�s a temporary setup, because she still likes the idea of eventually letting the dog have the run of the house. But she reassured me that they would definitely not substitute crating for exercising Mercy. Heather also emailed all of us with crating information for Lori. She also thought installing invisible fencing in the yard would be a good idea, and she has lots of information about it when Lori decides to have one installed.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
I got another email from Lori today:
�I was holding off a few days telling you so I could be sure I was actually seeing what I was believing, and until I remembered to spy on her (not done yet). Crating is going well! It has not been a substitute for exercise or attention at all. When we first got it, she went in and took a nap without any coaxing other than putting in a few liver treats. When I leave, she goes in (with a Kong and toys) with no resistance and lies down. When I come home she is lying down, not chomping at the bit for me to take her out, although she exits promptly. She even ate in there and later rested while we had dinner there yesterday. I have it right where the family room meets the breakfast area, so she has a window seat. It is a relief to not worry about her being hurt while I'm away. I have been off part of the week so crating has only been for short periods.
I don't believe I ever answered about keeping her. You can't have her back! We love her. I can't imagine myself giving up on a dog unless we learned that it was a biter. Yes, she is peppy and needs attention, but these things are what I find appealing about this breed. I am again thankful for the work you have done with her.�
Mercy is a very special dog in that we went through a lot of things together in the three months she lived with me and that she reminds me so much Penelope. I�m so glad that I had been there on Mercy�s journey of finding a forever home. This is very happy beginning to another part of Mercy�s life, and hopefully Mercy�s new family will keep me posted about her for many years to come.
I sent Lori three bottles of ear cleaners that I found work on Mercy, her CGC certificate that finally arrived, and also some treats for Christmas. Lori emailed to say that, �I had to put the box up in the closet because she was very intrigued by it. She found the presents I had for her yesterday while wrapping too, and I think she is as excited for Christmas as kids. Crating is still going great for all of us. What a blessing. She has been a major counter surfer during cookie baking. The chocolate is well out of her reach by the way. She is very good with the kids, even walking better, and has really warmed up to Ron in the last few days. She really just started playing with toys again I am very glad that the worst of her adjustment period is behind us. We changed her name to Lexi. I kind of liked Mercy, but think the kids feel more ownership if they have some say on her name.� I like the name Lexi a lot. I always thought that she should have a "ballerina" name, because she's active, and she's so pretty (long legs and perfect markings, even Virginia, who is not a dog person, says so). I think Lexi fits her perfectly. Lori also mentioned Lexi was diagnosed with kennel cough. I can't believe Lexi has kennel cough. All the dogs she met here appeared healthy, and she had the vaccine too. I guess one just never know. Actually she did cough once the last week she was here, but I didn't think anything of it because of the above reasons. And Brenna was coughing and throwing up saliva within one week of getting here. I took her to the vet and she just finished her medication, but the vet said it wasn't kennel cough because her lungs sounded clear. Now I wonder if Lexi got it from Brenna. But kennel cough is a very treatable disease, Dudley had it and got it from the humane society shelter when he first came. I'm sure Lexi will feel all better by Christmas. I'm glad that she's all settled in and getting along great with Ron and Erin and Ethan. Lexi counter surfs because she's food motivated. I see it as a good thing because that means she can be trained with treats. Lori also asked me about how to give medication and supplement to Lexi, because Lexi would spit them out even when they are wrapped in cheese. I told her that for giving medication, I just shoved it down her throat just like I did with the fatty acid capsules. But with bitter tasting medication, I usually gave a treat to her right after. Lexi was always very good with taking supplements and medication, not like Brenna, who bit me the first few days I had to give her medication. And I'm glad that she's okay with having her ears cleaned, even though she doesn�t like it (who would?). Lori said they forgot to ask the vet to check Lexi�s left eye for entropion, but she said the vet did look at Lexi�s eyes, because the vet remarked that she doesn�t have the usual eye symptoms associated with kennel cough.
Wed, 5 Jan 2005
Lori wrote, �Eye is fine, kennel cough is lingering in spite of upgrade to Baytril. Vet wants me to give it more time and keep her inactive-hah! She is still adjusting to Ron. She doesn't mind sharing the couch with him, but refuses to potty with him. She doesn't care for men in general either, barking (tail not wagging) and leaning on me for protection. We could try harder with this; it's just been an unusual few weeks where I've had far more opportunities than he has to exercise her and take her out. That said, he tried to take her out with kids a few days ago like I always do, and she opted for the crate! Shoving medicine down her throat is working just fine. Come see her anytime you are in Atlanta. I am positive she would love it.� I totally understand how hard it is to keep Lexi calm. I had to do that when she was undergoing heartworm treatment, and Millie had to remind me a few times not to let Lexi run around inside the apartment, which was hard to do. I told Lori that one bad thing with long term antibiotic use in Springers is that they might develop fungal infections in their ears. So I hope she's letting Lori clean them with no problem. And I told Lori that I learned from ESRA that to give them some plain yogurt after antibiotic treatment, to replenish the good bacteria in their stomachs. It sounds like Lexi�s getting a little better with Ron around. I wonder if she barks at men outside not �for� protection, but maybe getting dominant and trying to protect Lori.
Mon, 10 Jan 2005
Lori emailed to say that Lexi is coughing less, but still coughing. However Lexi is pretty good about letting her clean her ears. Also Lori said Lexi is due for grooming, but she wants to hold off until Lexi's better so as not to spread the kennel cough to the other dogs at the groomer�s. But she has been using the same vet and groomer at the same place for 11 years, so she�s sure that the groomer will be extra nice to Lexi if she gets freaked out by the electric clipper. Lori also mentioned that Lexi �doesn't get an A+ on housebreaking. We are having trouble with both types of pottying in the house-she'll even do it after I take her out. Tips welcome for this behavior. What I am trying to remember to do is keep her tethered to me when I go up to fold laundry, since her m.o. is to go down the hall and do it in private if I am occupied. If I do that, I have success, but I have to remember to do it. And since I'd eventually like her to be out of the crate while I work, I'd really like to stop this habit. Not to say she isn't willfully accepting crating-she really does well there. (Just might want to use for another dog some time.) I wrote Lori back with Baytril�s possible side effects: Rare: decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea; CNS excitement in animals with CNS disease; allergic reactions; crystals in the urine with dehydration; and dizziness. So it seems like Baytril definitely has an effect on the urinary tract. I'm not saying Lexi is getting crystals in her urine, but that might explain why she can't hold her bladder for very long, or maybe it hurts a little when she goes, so she only urinates when she absolutely has to. Anyways, I'm hoping she won't have to take the drug for long. But otherwise I think Lori�s doing the right thing by keeping Lexi tethered to her. Also I'm hoping Lexi's eating well, since all antibiotics tend to decrease appetite. I suggested to Lori that one option for the future might be taking her to a vet who practices complementary or holistic medicine, so she won't have to take any drugs that have urinary side effects. Or ask the vet about possible urinary side effect of the drugs, so Lori'll be prepared, and your vet won't prescribe it unless absolutely necessary. And I told Lori that when I groomed Lexi, I would put a strip of petrolatum ointment on her eye after baths in case there was clipped hair or soap that got into her eyes that would cause irritation, and maybe she would want to ask her groomer about that.
Wed, 12 Jan 2005
Lori wrote, �I am thinking the potty issue is more behavioral than physiologic because it is half pee, half poop. I would LOVE to be wrong because it would be so much easier to fix if medical. I will discuss with the vet. In the meantime I have a new Bissel steam cleaner that I wonder why I didn't have with other dogs all along.� Whatever the cause, I hope Lexi gets all well soon. I was worried that I was sending her too many emails, but I also had been on the other side of adoption, so I think I understand when she said "any suggestions welcome". Also another thing about kennel cough treatment, I was reading an ESRA MidSouth health link about kennel cough, and it was talking about cough suppressants. When I took Brenna to the vet for her cough, the vet said they have a really good cough suppressant for dogs, but the manufacturer is backordered until the end of January, so he gave Brenna some prednisone (steroid) to stop the cough. If Lexi was given any steroid to stop her cough, it definitely would increase her urine production. Also about Baytril, if Lexi's having diarrhea, it might be a little hard for her to hold it too, and that might be the reason she's pooping in the house. But I said whatever the reason, it might help that Lori praises Lexi a lot when she goes potty outside. Also I transferred the microchip registration to Lori.
Wed, 26 Jan 2005
Lori wrote, �Well, maybe you are thinking about her because I have been meaning to type out a message from her about her adventure last Thursday. We had a second 2 yr old female springer (neighborhood escape artist) in the house for a few hours until she was reclaimed. Lexi was outstanding with her. Now I know you are not surprised to hear that part, but it surprised me since she typically goes crazy over the neighborhood dogs, pulling and barking. They played tag on the lead for awhile (I introduced them outside and away from the house), then came in and followed each other around like best buddies. I was very sorry to see the other one go. I can't believe she was so sweet with another young female.
Other than that, I am somewhat frustrated with and have anxiety about her. The vet ruled out a UTI this weekend and up until today I was having success with tethering to avoid potty accidents. Today she peed when she was with me (in a new place, she doesn't have a favorite place), so I am waiting to hear from vet (who suspects behavior-related) about follow-up action. She did it after having been on a long walk less than 1 hr before. The only thing I can think to do is crate her. If I need to hang up my clothes after work or put towels away (it happens that fast), but I don't know if her being crated while I am home would be understood as punishment. This is the only idea I can think of-she likes her crate but I want to keep it that way, so I don't want to take this approach if it's wrong.
She still isn't crazy about Ron. I was in bed sick on Monday morning and she growled at him when he tried to take her out, so he let her be. She will not accept him putting the lead on her. When I am not home, she crates herself. So on one hand I am glad she has a place to feel safe, but on the other I am very worried that she is unhappy with her circumstances. I feel like a failure. She will take treats from him and let him pet her when I am around. She doesn't like any of the adult males in the neighborhood.
I am frustrated because I am running out of ideas. She has only missed 2 days of walking. We do about 1.5 miles daily, although only about .25-.5 when weather is bad, which it hasn't been. We have lots of outside trips and she even comes out with the neighbors and goes on errands with us. I feel strongly that she isn't being ignored. Up until today, I might be satisfied with a "just be patient" explanation, but I can't figure out why she peed in front of me.
So I hope you are not sorry you asked about her, but I just got the email late last night from the follow-up volunteer and I've been thinking a lot about how to summarize the situation, and have done introspection too. It would be great if someone could tell me what wrong thing I am doing so I can stop, or what right thing needs to be done so I can start!� And also Lori said Lexi was never on prednisone for her coughs.
I wrote Lori back saying that if the potty accidents are indeed behavioral, then I think it's okay if Lexi is in the crate when she�s doing laundry. Sort of start housetraining all over again. If the kids are around, maybe have them throw a chew treat into the crate, so the treat won't come from Lori (she'll probably need the treats to get her used to around adult males and other dogs, as part of desensitization/counter-conditioning training), and she'll have something to concentrate on while she's in the crate. And Lori'll be around in the house, so it's not like leaving a chew treat in there when she's home alone (choking hazard). If it's just Lori in the house, probably throw some of her toys in there. I think it'll probably work with just the toys in there, since Lori said Lexi goes into her crate pretty willingly. Then put the toys away when she's not in the crate, so when she does get the toys when she's in the crate, it won't seem like punishment to her for being in the crate. And then just like housetraining, slowly let her out of the crate when Lori�s doing laundry. Also, about training in general, I think if she barks and growls at adult males because she's trying to protect you, probably the best and fastest solution is to for Lori and Ron and Erin to attend obedience school with Lexi (I think Ethan might be too young to sit through an hour of class. Or maybe Lori and Erin go one week, and then the next week Ron and Erin go. Or if the classes are at a park, maybe Lori or Ron could sit with Ethan near the class, then switch during the middle of the class). Kathy and I have several conversations about obedience training. Both Kathy and I have attended obedience classes with our older dogs when they were younger, but definitely the techniques have changed, that now we stress positive reinforcement (no choke chains, no yelling, no excess force), and main thing is leadership and listening skills with distraction, and not so much about the actual commands (but when the dog does the command for you, it means they are seeing you as the leader). There are a lot of good obedience schools in Atlanta that use positive reinforcement methods and not choke chain. However, I also do understand if Lori doesn't have the time to do obedience school. In that case, I highly recommend her watching a National Geographic program called "Dog Whisperer". Even after only three or four shows, it's clear that almost all of the dogs have dominant issues, and almost all the dogs developed dominant issues because they were being spoiled rotten by their families. From Lori�s descriptions, it definitely sound like she and Lexi are very attached to each other. I'm not saying she should love Lexi less, but definitely Lexi needs some sort of training to get her more friendly toward adult males. But one advantage we have over the dogs in the show is that people in that show usually waits years before they do something about it. I just hope we can come up with a solution soon. I do take my "Auntie Phyllis" role pretty seriously. So I do worry about them when something comes up.
Mon, 31 Jan 2005
Lori and I talked on the phone on Friday night, and it definitely sounds like Lexi�s acting dominant over Lori when they are outside of the house. I had written to Lori before saying that when a dog puts his paw on another dog�s shoulder, that means he/she�s showing that he�s dominant over the other dog. Lori replied that when she puts the leash on Lexi before they go out, Lexi would put one of her front paws on Lori�s shoulder! Also, I told Lori that I read in Brenna�s Petco training manual that when the dog puts his/her head on the owner, then that means the dog�s claiming the person as his/her property and that the dog�s dominant over the owner. Lori said she now feels that�s what happens when Lexi puts her head on her lap when they are sitting on the couch. I think it�s okay for the dog to snuggle right against the owner, but I definitely think the dog�s trying to be dominant when he/she puts his/her head on the owner�s body. But I told Lori that it�s okay to allow Lexi on the couch and on the bed, as long as she could tell Lexi to get off when she wants, which Lori said Lexi always does when she tells her to. Lori also mentioned that Lexi is wonderful with her crate. She could even tell Lexi �Go to your crate� and Lexi would go in by herself. Also Lori said with all her kids� activities, she really doesn�t have the time to take Lexi to obedience classes. I told her that�s totally fine, that�s why I told her about the �Dog Whisperer�. Besides, Lexi�s already obedience trained, now she only needs some fine tuning to realize that she doesn�t need to be in charge. I also suggested maybe Lexi has potty accidents because she�s trying to be dominant inside the house too, marking her territory. And maybe she doesn�t have accidents when Ron�s around because she definitely sees Ron as a leader. Lori said Lexi is so different from Charlotte, their old dog, who was too old to rebel. But she understands that each dog is different, just like each of her kids is different and needs different ways of discipline. Lori said that Lexi loves to play fetch and would do it for 30 minutes as long as they are willing to throw the ball. It sounds like Lexi is very happy there with Lori, as she never really played fetch when she lived with me for three months.
Over the weekend, I sent several emails to Lori about techniques to make the dog realize that the owner�s the one in charge, like practicing obedience both inside and outside of the house. I told her that it�s important that Lexi realizes that she and Ron are the alphas of the pack, and Erin and Ethan are the betas, and Lexi herself as the gamma. Personally from what I saw on adoption day, it seems like Lexi �knows� Ethan is more dominant over her. So he really doesn�t need to practice obedience with Lexi. I think Lexi sees Ron as a leader also, but it might help to have him feed her treats, not necessarily making her do obedience, to get her to like him more, and maybe have Lori and Ron and Lexi all walk together, so she would learn that it�s okay to walk with him, that he would bring her back to her house too, in case that�s why she wouldn�t walk with him. Lori had mentioned in the phone call that Lexi�s wonderful with the kids, not just with Erin and Ethan, but neighborhood kids who come to visit, and Lexi would go into her crate by herself when the kids get a little noisy. So I think probably Erin doesn�t need to do obedience with Lexi if she doesn�t want to. The important thing is to Lexi remain liking kids. And besides, since she�s okay with Erin now, she�ll probably see Erin even more as a leader as they both get older, when Erin acts and looks more like an adult, and when Lexi becomes less active and cares less about she herself should take care of the family or not. So it�s pretty much just Lori who should practice leadership with Lexi. I really don�t think Lexi�s trying to rebel (not like Brenna, who tries to be dominant just because), but more like Lexi�s confused about whether or not she should take care of the family. When she was living with me, I had the feeling that she just wants to be Mommy and Daddy�s Little Girl. Also about Lexi�s pulling when she�s walking, I warned Lori that some people might suggest her to get a head halter like Gentle Leader, but I've used Gentle Leader twice, one hour each time, on Lexi before, and she really didn't like it, and the way the halter fits over the muzzle, it pressed down on her eyelid muscles too, making her eye uncomfortable. So I would not recommend a head halter for her. If she still doesn't walk perfect in two weeks, maybe we can try the front-clip harness.
Lori emailed back to say that she watched Dog Whisperer for the first time, and that she thinks that Lexi�s really good on walks, except when other dogs are around. So she has doubts as to whether or not the potty accidents are associated with trying to be dominant. Lori wrote, �I think she doesn't have accidents w/Ron because I take her out before I leave, and she hangs out in the crate when she is with him for the most part. Sometimes on the couch. He is more sedentary than I am, so less opportunity. She won't allow her leash to be put on if he tries to take her outside for some fresh air with kids. He hasn't forced the issue, hoping she'll come around in time. One other thing I think I could have explained better (and maybe we'd focus less on dominant behavior???) is that I get a feeling her stress comes from not being the center of attention. This means she steals objects and pees when she is not the center of attention. She gets LOTS of attention, but eventually I need to make dinner, give baths, etc. I sincerely don't feel like she isn't getting enough attention because plenty goes undone so I can love her, just like with my kids, which is just fine. Does she need a companion? Because I'm thinking if she didn't pee when your cat was around, maybe a four legged friend would be a good substitute for me. I keep thinking I am waiting to foster until I get Lexi flying right so as not to set her up for a spiral of failure, but maybe the opposite is true.�
I emailed Lori to say that I have no doubt that she spends a lot of quality time with Lexi, especially with all the walks, that's part of the reason why I said Lexi is being spoiled. But it doesn't sound like Lexi when Lori said Lexi wants to be the center of attention. All my three foster Springer, I have this feeling that they wanted me to get rid of Anastasia and keep them instead. But with Lexi, I wouldn't call that wanting to be the center of attention. Even though Lori said that they probably don�t get as many toys as I had, I feel that Lexi would take attention over toys any day, as most kids would. I really don�t think another dog at this time would help, especially if Lori ends up with a foster dog who�s not potty trained yet, then she would have TWO dogs who have potty accidents on her hands. Besides, Lexi and Anastasia were never really friends, but they tolerated each other. I was really out of ideas, so I asked Lori maybe Heather or I could come over to see Lexi to make more accurate diagnosis about the situation, because it�s a little hard to give suggestions about behavior problems when we are not actually there.
Tue, 1 Feb 2005
Lori wrote, �Lexi would welcome either of you. I am afraid to tempt fate by telling you, but she has had an accident-free run for 3 days (today will be 4 if we make it), so maybe we are on our way.�
About the potty issue, I'm thinking it's less related to dominance too. Maybe it's just simple as re-housetraining. When I was reading ESRA Forum yesterday, I came across something that reminded me of what Millie told me when Lexi start having accidents after heartworm drug injection. They said some dogs are "double dumpers", which means it would take them two or more tries to empty their bladder each time. So the solution is just letting them 5-10 minutes to go potty each time, instead of 2 minutes or less. But based on my experience with Lexi, she's not a double dumper. But other than that, I really don't have any suggestions about the potty issue except to just retrain her. I suggested to Lori that for the next two weeks, crate Lexi whenever she can't keep an eye on her, like when Lori�s in the bathroom, cooking, going from room to room putting away laundry. And let her out potty every three hours when she�s at home. I think it would be okay to tether Lexi to her when she�s on the computer. And probably Lori could let her out when Ron's home, since she never had an accident when Ron's home. And after two weeks, maybe let her out for an hour right after each potty, and within the two hours until the next potty time, Lori might still have to crate Lexi whenever she can't supervise her actively, for two weeks. I'm pretty sure it won't take more than a month to retrain her.
Fri, 4 Feb 2005
Lori wrote, �We are celebrating 7 consecutive days of being potty accident-free! The only thing I can think that changed is that I make a fuss after she potties in the correct place and I try a little harder when we are out to tell her to make peepee. You can imagine how excited I am about this. She also FINALLY stopped coughing. Vet had told me last weekend that she is probably recovering, but still just sore from being sick. We are hooked on the Dog Whisperer. I can't believe how many problems seem to be solved just by the dog getting enough exercise, and by establishing pack order. He makes it look so simple.�
Wed, 16 Feb 2005
Lori emailed to say that her parents came for a visit, and Lexi �really, really took to my dad, maybe because he got down on her level with treats right away. She went walking with him with no resistance. Blew my mind. She is doing well (mostly), A+ on potty training being the most important thing. Kennel cough is back and being treated with Baytril. She will have a more aggressive follow up if not cleared up this time. Symptoms had disappeared for about 10 days. Oh well... She went to the beauty parlor last week and is so pretty! The groomer did the gel in the eyes, and told me she was a good girl, but scared. Heather will visit this weekend to evaluate her man issue and also offer pointers on alpha behaviors around other dogs. Man issue improving over time. Heather did tell me that she gets aggressive around other dogs because I allow too little distance between her and other dogs (I thought if they sniffed each other she'd settle down). Well, today at the bus stop we kept our distance from the poodle and she laid right down instead of the usual pulling and barking. There's something new to share just about every week lately-all good!� I can�t wait to see Lexi and her professionally groomed haircut. I had waited and waited until I thought when I go, I don�t want her to be confused whether or not she has to leave another home again, but I want Lexi to tell me, �Thank you for coming to visit, Auntie Phyllis, but this is my home and Lori and Ron and Erin and Ethan are my family now, so please don�t take me back with you.�
Fri, 4 Mar 2005
Lori wrote, �L is a wonder(ful) dog! She is more loveable with the passage of time. She still likes me the best, but is still great with the kids and better all the time with Ron and male neighbors. She definitely prefers Ron to me with a vacuum-even over her crate. She will sometimes lay down at the crowded bus stop, even belly up sometimes. Kind of waiting on Heather for some dog-dog interactions-she's been sick or our schedules have conflicted. We have resumed a course of Baytril and cough suppressant, and will have a follow up visit to the vet. I think we might beat the kennel cough this time though since her symptoms improved faster this time. No eye problems, no ear problems. No potty problems!!!!!!!!! I don't even get nervous anymore if letting her out isn't the first thing I do, but on the other hand I don't tempt fate a whole lot. She is good on a lead except for when she sees other animals. She has spent the last few nights trying to get in bed with us, but complies when we enforce the "no bed" rule. The truth is, I'd love to cuddle with her all night but I am too old and stiff to enjoy this as an all night experience.
Mon, 7 Mar 2005
Lori wrote, �I missed a great photo tonight. Lexi had stayed in the kitchen to "help" with dinner (she's a great packer of lunches too...). Ethan likes to play vet with her. She was on her side in an extremely relaxed state, with a bandage around her foreleg, getting an oral temp and a shot. Miraculously, she did not get up to follow when I went for the camera, but Ethan did, and I couldn't re-create the scene. I thought the cough was going away, but to me it got worse again right about as she was finishing the rx.�
Sounds like Ethan and Lexi are good buddies, just like Hayden and Dudley. I emailed Lori saying that back in January, I looked in books at the vet school about cough, and they said if suspected kennel cough is not cured in a couple weeks, the vet should check for heartworm, because heartworm infestation can cause coughs. If the test shows negative, the vet should do a chest x-ray to make sure there's nothing lodged inside the trachea, or the cough's not caused by lung cancer. But also back in August when Lexi started her heartworm treatment, I looked in books at vet school, they said recheck in three months, but my vet said six months. So I would recommend asking the vet to do a heartworm test on Lexi. Most vets think it's safe to give Heartgard, even in heartworm positive dogs, as long as the dog�s not severely infected like Brenna was. Actually we did give Lexi Heartgard at the same time she underwent heartworm treatment per Debbie Kersey (TN coordinator) request. Also in September, Millie Christopher and I did talk about what if Lexi turned out to test positive again. She said over 100 ESRA foster dogs in the Southeast underwent heartworm treatment, and only three times they tested positive again after adoption. She said ESRA will pay for second treatment if the owner can show they did not miss any Heartgard each month. Anyways, this is kind of a long stretch from where we are right now with Lexi. But if she tests negative for heartworm, I would suggest asking the vet to do a chest x-ray.
Sun, 13 Mar 2005
Lori emailed, �Lexi has some residual lung and trachea inflammation from the heartworm infection. Her heart looks fine on the xray. She is on prednisone (high dose this week followed by 3 more weeks of reduced dosages) and pepsid. Upon follow up visit, if improvement is not shown, they will do some flushing out technique. The vet is optimistic about her recovery due to her age and mildness of her infection. I am not terribly excited about the prospect of prednisone-I swear she started drinking lots more water after only one dose-worried about potty accidents. On the other hand, I am relieved to finally move forward on addressing the right medical problem. Otherwise, she had a great weekend-perfect walking weather and lots of together time.�
Mon, 21 Mar 2005
The day finally came! Brenna and I went to Atlanta on Saturday. After leaving Brenna in a crate at Heather�s (Brenna wants to be the center of attention all the time, and I wanted to focus on spending time with Lexi when I�m there, not having to deal with Brenna), Heather and I went to Lexi's. This is the first time Heather had seen Lexi since adoption too, and both Lori and I were excited about Heather going with us to give some training tips, so I couldn�t have to play the trainer, and just concentrate on spoiling Lexi. Lexi sniffing the goodies I brought her. She sniffed and sniffed, and picked out her favorite treat in the world, beef trachea.
