The boys continue to do great! We had a training session that went terribly but we have recovered. The only reason I thought a trainer would be a good idea is that it’s a been a while since I’ve had two dogs and even then, Max was at the end and Melvin was a banshee so it’s not even an apple to bananas comparison. I just wanted a 101 on what was normal dog noises and behavior (between the two) and what needed my intervention. (Sidenote: Rough play is not allowed in this house so that was never going to the be the issue). But any-who, the trainer actually set us back a few days (and set me back one furry, lovely throw that Jake raped with poop during the session). Ahhhhhhhhh, living and learning.
Christmas was awesome. And challenging. It’s a full house, gifts galore, food dropping on floor (and being thrown by an adorable two-year-old) and a perfect abundance of holiday chaos. I spent most of the time a tad on edge being sure Melvin didn’t eat anything and making sure Jake wasn’t overwhelmed, being taunted or causing trouble. It all went well but it was a bit like being in a mosh-pit with eggs taped to you. Still, being with family is the icing on awesome so I’d go back and do it all over in a heartbeat.
Now that we are home, we start on project, Let’s Lose the Tie-down! I’m excited to see how this goes. I still feel like I’ve disrupted Melvin’s life and that causes me guilt. I know that having Jake on tie-down has helped Melvin acclimate as much as it has helped Jake settle into life here. I also know taking Jake off tie down is probably going to be more positive for Jake than Melvin. Oh, there it is, more guilt. But it’s time. And we’ll figure it out!
“I think tie-down should last forever.”
Jake’s first minutes off tie-down were spent like this.
Sorry to hear the training session was a bust but it seems that you are on the right track with your boys. I can’t wait to hear more about their acclimation to one another!
I still feel so terrible that my suggestion of a training session went so horribly awry. It sounds like you are doing much better on your own, so hopefully your transition to no-tiedown goes smoothly. 🙂
Nooooooo, do not feel guilty! The idea was great, the trainer I choose was just not for us. I’m just going back to you being my virtual trainer!
Ha ha….well, maybe THAT job is better left to Aleks (the actually trained trainer)! 😉
Ah, I am feeling guilty even STARTING the searching process for a second dog, haha. I totally feel your pain 🙁 Spoiled dudes.
I am also super curious to know what the heck happened during your training session! If it’s something you’d rather not talk about, I totally understand but it sounds like a freakin’ disaster.
I’m glad the boys are slowly beginning to accept each other. Maybe they’ll even love each other one day!
I will post about the session for sure, I just needed to get to the point where I was laughing about it. Every time I try to ‘make it right’ with Melvin (over my sin of bringing Jake into the home), I think of you and how I wish we were doing it at the same time! I need a support group.
Aw, well I’m with you in spirit! I think it’s so awesome you made the jump and added Jake to your family. Here’s hoping I work up the courage/find the right match soon!
I also think we as humans tend to over-think just how “angry” our dogs are with change. Sure, it’s an adjustment but I do think the benefits far outweigh all of the negatives we may see in the beginning. Can’t wait to hear more!