Thursday, September 20, 2012

Lesson 136: How to out stubborn a pug part II


We are still in the process of having a dog free bed. I have come to the conclusion that both Max and Ruby are fully aware the rules have changed... they just don't care. But we are staying strong :) Sometimes I miss my furry heated pillows, but then I remember how I can stretch out as much as I want and the feeling drifts away as I drift away into my full night sleep.

I did read a sentence describing pugs today that I thought was fitting.

They can be a bit will full if they sense they are stronger than the humans around them.

(The picture below is on the couch which is still ok for dogs. Ruby is sleeping on the back of the couch with one of the three musketeers.)




Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Lesson 135: 1 AM is not the best time to change up the rules

The dogs have shifted. Ruby and Max have been sleeping in the double size bed with Ty and myself. It has been fine. I even bragged that these pups were perfect bed dogs. Ruby slept up by our heads and was just like a bonus pillow. Max took the space down in between Tyler's legs. Maybe Tyler did not like this, I don't know, but since Tyler can sleep in virtually any position and does not move once he is out, this arrangement worked nicely.

In the past few nights the dogs have shifted to my side of the bed. They both sleep at the bottom where my legs go. Unlike Tyler I DO move around. If I can't move my legs I go crazy. And THAT is just what happened.

Last night at 1AM, completely incoherent and ready to flip the bed, I went downstairs and grabbed the large Costco dog cushion. I threw it on the floor of our bedroom along with both dogs. Thus began the endless night of keeping the dogs off the bed. Apparently, what I did not take into account was that NO ONE kicks Max and Ruby off the bed. They would jump up, I would throw them off. Max would jump up and at the exact moment I was tosses him to the dog bed below, Ruby would leap up. I must have fallen asleep at some point but only for short spurts. There would come the thud of a dog leaping onto the bed. Before I could snatch them up they would make a dive for under covers. NO SIR! Back to the dog bed you go! Poor Tyler. He just lie there as I waged war against my furry rivals. After hours he did take it upon himself to help in throwing the dogs off the bed.

And that was my night :)

Here is a funny picture. I was walking the dogs last night. Max stopped for a sniff and I looked up to see a cat trying to blend in with the dead grass. Can you find the cat?

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Lesson 134: How to out-stubborn a pug

Ruby Kinkaroo is a ball of endless energy. Tyler and I have taken on the challenge of being more assertive with her wildness. She is always excited to go out to potty. When she sees you make your way to the door she begins jumping and dancing around. Then come the high pitched barks. Finally she will, for no apparent reason, attack Max. She also takes on this crazy attitude around dinner time.

In line with Cesar Millan's methods, we are becoming our own pack leaders. She is no longer allowed to go out or eat dinner until she has gone into a submissive state. This can take quite a while as we are attempting to out-stubborn a pug. Both Tyler and I can be stubborn people. I think we are up for the challenge. We are only on day two but I have noticed it is starting to help. Along with being assertive, it is important to be consistent. :)