LOL... Yeah... I attack a problem like this head on with a regimented plan. Her brand of training is essentially nonexistant, but I'm assuming it's because she doesn't know how and is also ebarrassed. I just think we need to be on the same page and consistent because anything else is confusing him. He's probably confused enough thanks to the cat. At a minimum the dog needs out every 3 hours and to be rewarded when he's good. If she wants to breed him then she needs to get on board with restricting his movement too.
I'm at my wits end, but as important as this is to me she needs to make it important to her too. I know she loves her dog, but I need help and not just with the fun stuff.
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Originally Posted by TOY  I have learned several tricks from reading this site and one of them may help your concern about the Yorkie's whereabouts...
Have you thought about putting a collar with bells on him? I prefer the breakaway kind that are generally considered a cat's collar. I plan to use a harness for walking so the collar witll simply be for the id, bell(s), and proof of rabies vaccination (required by state law).
Just from the outside looking in (from the descriptions you have provided), it appears that your girlfriend and you have totally opposite views on housekeeping. (For instance, clutter doesn't bother me but odors are a totally different story.) She sounds much more lax in her tolerance of uncleanliness than your military training is going to accept. Again, from the outside looking in, it seems to me that the training of the Yorkie is merely a symptom of a much bigger problem.....
You might also examine the way you are trying to "encourage" her to change. Since she is an educated, professional adult, she may be resisting your "training" methods. Your girlfriend, I mean......just a thought. (You sound very frustrated and I would suspect she feels she is being judged and criticized much like a child. The normal reaction? Rebel and/or do nothing. You might want to refine your approach and show a little of your "softer" side. In her apartment, you are not the highest ranking officer.)
And, by the way, one of the easiest ways to escape a situation you don't want to deal with is to fall asleep.
I think you are (more than likely) a well-intentioned guy who is forgetting to leave the military bearing at work. Just my view from the outside looking in based on your descriptions... Change your goal from a war to be won to a cooperative peacetime and I think you'll see a major improvement. |