Dog Daze

[wyocowgirl1]

I was acquainted with 2 Bichon Friseh?, Maggie & Gus. They were delightful! Congratulations!

Sadie will be happy when I tell her.

[cambrensis]

You are all so kind. I have only one problem with these girls. If they decide to go into the garden to "spend a penny", when that is over they are so happy that they play "chase" until they are exhausted - then they come in and go to sleep. It's a lovely, natural thing to watch....but

They get me up at about 4 am every day and perform the same ritual while my feet are freezing! I am a little less enamoured of them then!!

[madelaine]

Yes, that would be a disadvantage, to put it mildly.

Can you tempt them in with treats?

[cambrensis]

Can you tempt them in with treats?

I thought of this as it solves many problems, however...they ignore the proferred treats until they are in and will then ask for extras by sitting in front of the kitchen cupboard designated for their shelter! I can't win! Or perhaps I'm too soft! LOL

[madelaine]

The (genius) dog trainer I know would tell you to try different treats. My best results are with dry cat food. I had a neighbour who had a dog which ran faster away when called. They never understood why she came when I called (I decided that I couldn't bear their children to be upset if the dog got run over, so I "trained" her to come when I called!).

[cambrensis]

The (genius) dog trainer I know would tell you to try different treats...

Also, he/she would point out that the real problem is at 4am and not ten minutes later....

[madelaine]

I was just aiming for the easy target

[cambrensis]

I was just aiming for the easy target

Which is exactly what I do when I try to get the blighters back in! I take them into the garden before I turn in....they still wake me!! (I want my mummy!!!)

[madelaine]

I didn't suggest the "last thing at night walk" because, as an experienced dog owner, you will already be doing that.

We always did that - until our retired guide dog was the only dog. The evening after his companion dog had gone, he just looked at us and shrugged his doggy shoulders. "I don't do that!" he said.

[cambrensis]

I didn't suggest the "last thing at night walk" because, as an experienced dog owner, you will already be doing that.

....

Absolutely correct. However, a new development has made me set this aside.

We went through the 4 am ritual last night and, having settled them I went to bed again. At about 5:15 am, the girls started to whine and yap so down I went to calm them. It took me several minutes to catch on to the problem as the yipping was drowning it out. Eventually I had the sense to follow their gaze. The batteries needed replacing in my carbon monoxide alarm!

Thanks girls! I shall pay much closer attention!