[PyrNet-L] chat: re: JOY

I want to thank everyone for all the emails-both public and private! To give a little history-JOY, as was Dallas a rescue from not a good breeder or place. And JOY was taken at 5 weeks for her own safety. The day I brought her home Dallas died and rather than focus my grief where it should have been-on Dallas, I instead focused all my attention on JOY and of course she ate it up. This was not a health start mentally for either myself or JOY. Linda made reference to her being my "best buddy" That is so true-however I would go one step further and insert significant other. It isnt funny either. I have let her become an extension of myself. Even though she did not run the house-she did dictate to me exactly when-how much-how long she was to receive affection and I think this is also the reason for the whining I posted a week ago? Velcro dog-oh yes..

When I gave attention she stopped whining. I am able to do a full body toss although had never done it with her. This morning after I posted re her situation - I had already read the alpha boot camp and had it on my computer desk it happened again. Heather(daughter)came into the room behind me and JOY was lying on the floor beside me. Heather grabbed me from behind and gave me a hug. I was startled and gave a yelp-JOY came off the floor and in mid growl I jumped up and gave a toss. She was not expecting it and was very surprised. I can see the benefits of this and we will be doing this quite a lot. Was a good first step to having a happy-well adjusted dog and daughter said she doesnt want to get into trouble!

I did get her into the vet for a complete checkup this morning to rule out anything and she is fine. Hearing is fine as are eyes so it is all an attitude problem I perpetuated out of ignorance. I also enrolled her in another basic ob course starting in 2 weeks. I feel so stupid for letting this happen-but I am very grateul for this list and PYR-net as there is a wealth of information out there and the beauty of it is it is all free. The most wonderful gift someone can give is the gift of knowledge. And you all are doing that every day. oh! As yesterday was her last therapy visit for the month-I have taken her out of the program for the next 6 weeks and will revaluate then. I think that will give me enough time here at home-and her classes to get the situation under control. I just want to thank everyone for the info and I am saving every post re this in our training notebook. OH!!! And the instructor wants to read them too! He is very understanding and was raised with a Pyrenees so he knows about the breed and training etc....