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Old 08-16-2005, 05:48 AM   #1
Ashantay
Donating Yorkie Yakker
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: England
Posts: 117
Default On the lighter side of things...

Hey all got this off a jack russell website but thought it worked for yorkies and it is just SO CUTE!!

Dear Jasper,
I fear I'm just not living up to the hard-earned Jack Russell
reputation for training people. For example, so far I've been
unsuccessful in securing a place in the bed (her hubby usually
kicks me out), and I am being treated like a dog! They've gotten
me a little "bed" of my own, but you know, it's just not the same
and quite frankly, it interferes with my sleep as I'm ever watchful
for an opportunity to get back into the bed. All my JR friends tell
me I'm not being assertive enough. Still I'm hesitant, wondering
just how forceful I should be. I mean I sure don't want to wind up
in the crate for the night! What do you suggest I do to gain my
rightful place -- in the bed, and gain back my self respect?

Sleepless in Chicago



Dear Sleepless:
Don't worry Jack! If you'll just follow my instructions you'll
be right where you want to be and sleeping just like a pup in
no time at all. Obviously it's the Husband that is exhibiting
undesirable behavior. You'll have to correct this before it gets
entirely out of paw! First, we must introduce the "Buddy System"
(remember: we're going for long term here). Now, to initiate the
Buddy System, begin by hovering around The Husband during
TV Time, and especially when He's involved in watching sports.
Show some interest in his beer. He'll let you have a lap or two
(and you must pretend to really like the stuff). Whenever his
team scores and he hoots and hollers and leaps out of his chair,
you must leap as well and give a few loud yaps. Showing some
enthusiasm is the key here and this comraderie will be to your
advantage in phase two of his training . . .

next comes the Bedtime Scene. Since you don't mention getting
any resistance from the female, I assume that she has nearly
completed Her training, and requires only confirmation from
her male counterpart to put the finishing touches on. We must
continue to focus on the Male. At bedtime, nonchalantly jump up
lightly into the bed and lie down at the same time that he does
(but take care not to pounce on his "private" parts, which could
trigger his aggressiveness and seriously impede your progress).

When asked to leave the bed, play dead. This will force him to
take some sort of assertive action, and give you the opportunity
to further his training. If he simply picks you up and places you
on the floor, simply repeat the process, and repeat it as often
as necessary until he gives up. Your goal could well be achieved
just this easily, assuming of course that he is well bred.

On the other paw, if he kicks you out of the bed, be prepared to
go into immediate action by screaming and yelping as if you've
been hit with buckshot! Keep this up as long as possible, being
sure that the Female hears you. Get under the bed and continue to
scream. After a few more minutes of this, take it down a notch, and
gradually soften the effect to a whimper. Then suddenly go quiet.

She will look under the bed first. Look back at her mournfully for
a few seconds and then slightly, but just slightly, curl your lip. Now
immediately look away and ignore her, no matter how badly you want
to accept her fussing over you. Her anger at Him will be increased by
your action or lack thereof. This will become apparent by her sharp
vocal tones and the sounds that she makes at him and the fact that
she may even start to cry. Whatever, just continue to ignore her...
don't worry, you can make it up to her later, after you're in the bed!

Now He will look under the bed, and then try to redeem himself by
calling you out (the order of the training procedure has now been
reversed). Ignore him. After this sets in, you must try to look
mournful as possible, but do not use the lip curl. Just continue
with the mournful bit. When you hear Her sobs reach a full pitch,
slowly start to work your way towards him from under the bed. It's
important to hesitate mid-way, just long enough to trigger a fear
of failure on His part, and then proceed again, but slowly. Then,
come to a full stop just short of his reach, and now STAY there!

Have patience. Eventually He will become frustrated with this and
will lie down again, more than a little confused. But soon, your
earlier efforts to instill the Buddy System will take effect, and
he will try again to coax you out. It is important that you are
aware of this and have positioned yourself during this critical
moment so as to be within reach at His side of the bed. Be ready!
Be sitting with your head cocked and one ear slightly askew, and be
sure that you look him in the eye and tilt your head slightly in
the opposite direction. You will be back in the bed in no time!

Remember however, that since this is still, for practical purposes,
in the early stages, you must take care not to undo His training.
It helps to avoid situations where, for example, he might awake
to find your tailend next to his face on the pillow in the morning!
Also I would resist the urge to rush to mark some of his territory
as your own, for a while anyway. You should also "reward" Him with
that good old Buddy enthusiasm frequently, and make the attempt to
reinforce the Buddy System periodically. Once you have accomplished
this goal, He will be prepared to undertake Phase-II, which includes
frequent morning romp & run sessions followed by breakfast.
Just give me a howl if you have any more questions . . .
go get 'im Jack!

Jasper
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