Episode 16: 23 weeks: Too Powerful?

Amy Shackelford
Jun 14, 2021
5 min read

Updated: Jul 4, 2021

Bonnie

Staffordshire Terrior

Color: white with brown spots

Red Nose

Expected size: about 70-80 lbs

Current weight: 42 lbs

Clyde

Staffordshire Terrior

Color: Lilac

Red Nose

Expected size: about 80 lbs

Current Weight 50 lbs

TOO POWERFUL?

We ventured to the dog park again this week. My huge concern was that the puppies were a lot stronger than many other breeds of dog and would be unknowingly too rough. When they wrestle with Moxie, Penny, or Nico; they are the lesser of the five. So, we have never seen how they act with less powerful breeds.

Moxie and Penny came by as well, which increased their comfort level along with their willingness to be aggressive. Now was the time, would they play rough like they are used to, or would they take it easy on a different breed or puppy? I’m happy to see firsthand what many other dog owners probably already knew. They met all sizes of dogs; the puppies instinctively adjusted to the smaller dogs and gave every ounce of energy they could muster to keep up with the bigger dogs. They adjusted to fit each situation.

Bonnie, being higher energy, did show a little aggression. Bradley addressed it on the spot (quick tap to her side when harsh tone), she responded immediately. Her bark changed back to play. It was perfect that while she is little and less intimidating, she is accepting of correction.

This was easily the longest, most physically demanding trip Bonnie and Clyde have had yet at the dog park. Overall, all four dogs had a great time and were worn out for the entire drive home. They collapsed for a much-needed nap.

PROUD PAPA!

This week Bonnie and Clyde got to go on a walk mostly “off-lead.” It was a rainy day and there was no one around in the park, so Bradley took advantage of the opportunity. Bradley unhooked them and started walking (like he does Moxie).

The goal was to be able to walk while they played and explored but stayed within eyesight. It took them a few minutes to realize that they were off, and of course, Bonnie figured it out first. Both puppies wrestled and enjoyed their limited freedom but came running to stay close to Bradley. They handled it beautifully. SO PROUD!!!

TOTAL TRUST

Bonnie and Clyde got their nails clipped this week. Their nails were too thick to use the regular clippers, so we switched to the dog clippers. They were exceptionally good. Ashley has worked with them many times on “upside down” time and Tori, our vet tech daughter, taught us how to hold them down harmlessly and effectively.

Bradley let them smell the clippers, then stroked them with the clippers (connecting clippers to soothing touch), put them in “upside down” time, held them, praised them for being good, clipped while calming verbally, gave treats, then gave physical praise. Amazing!!!

MOMENT TO REMEMBER

At the dog park this week, they finally became comfortable enough to drink from the water fountain. As you can see, they were extremely comfortable.

(1st pic: If elected, I promise to put a water fountain on every corner!)

POTTY TRAINING UPDATE

Thankful to be far enough along to get oureating area back!

Cottage cheese to solidify (hopefully)

TRAINING

I’m not a professional trainer but I thought I would share what I learn while trying to train these pups.

MAKE NOISES NOT WORDS (WHEN POSSIBLE)

If you think about it, when a second dog barks, the first dog must determine if it was a greeting of excitement or a warning. The same goes for growling, pouncing, and body language. They are taught by other dogs when it is play time and when they’ve had enough.

Transposing to how we are affected… instinctively, dogs learn to read the room. So, your dog knows your emotions. He will know if you are fearful, anxious, or irritated (even when you try and hide it). We can use this natural reaction to our benefit. Dogs can make us aware of the feeling we are portraying to others. If we can notice their reaction, we can in turn control our emotions better.

This is the instinct that protects us from intruders. As soon as someone enters their space, they go into protect mode. A balanced dog will sniff and become aware of the energy the newcomer has. If they intend to do harm, the dog knows and will act accordingly. Penny, for example, lets out a few growls and mean looks, then stays close enough to the intruder to pounce if he steps out of line. She gives you fair warning to behave yourself but stays alert until you leave. We nurture (praise) it but hone it to fit our lifestyle. We encourage them to be the protectors that we need but discipline them to respond to commands. It is a great balance that Bonnie and Clyde will soon master as well.

Dogs are forced to live in a world without words, so why wouldn’t we speak their language as much as possible. Use this to train them (that’s what Moxie does to Bonnie and Clyde)

Use a high pitched, sharp “aaa aaa” (disapproving tone) to warn them to stop.
Use a sharp pinching motion on their side (to simulate teeth- like Moxie) to make them stop an unwanted behavior.
Make sure you don’t approach them fearful. Be in charge! Be the alpha!
Use your body language to claim your space instead of the dog taking whatever he wants.

CUTEST MOMENT

Bonnie rarely does this, but Clyde regularly digs through the toybox to find the toy he is in the mood for. I never think of a dog thinking having preferences but when he is in the mood for playing with a ball, he looks for it. Too cute!

WHY... JUST WHY MOMENT

It has rained all week at the grass has been perpetually “wet.” Bonnie, I guess, has decided that she no longer wants to step in wet grass (I think she has been taking “Diva Lessons” from Moxie). She tip toes through or darts as fast as she can to the nearby dirt path. For several days we have had to pull her into the grass to go potty. Once, she even squatted and peed on the patio concrete. Why Bonnie… just why?

MOXIE AND PENNY

GOTCHA DAY

Three years ago today Penny came from the pound to be with us forever. At the pound, when I first saw her, she looked as though she was going to kill me and enjoy eating my organs. After all, her resting face can be intimidating. But a moment after I walked past her to look at other dogs, I realized that she had no control over what her eyes looked like. So, we took her in the “Meet and Greet” room.

She was easy to fall in love with. Ashley wanted her, Moxie tolerated her (you know how Moxie is) and she gave me enough sweetness to set my mind at ease. The only problem was that she seemed to dis-trust men (so Bradley had his work cut out for him).

Ashley rescued her, Moxie adapted, and Bradley won her over (he endured three weeks of death stares and growls). Even Hanna, who was afraid of all dogs but Moxie, fell in love with her. She entered a life of long walks in the park, “critters” to chase, fields to run in, LOTS of family, and Moxie (who would grow to be her best friend). She is pampered, spoiled, and doted upon with two full time houses where she is comfortable staying at any time.

She watches over this family and uses that death stare and growl to tell everyone who and what she is protecting. She loves us back and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Happy Gotcha Day, Penny!