Quote:
Originally Posted by MillisMomma  Thanks for your reply!
As far as treats go, the answer would be 'no'. We're the only ones that give her treats. I try to keep treats limited and consistent so that they're more useful in training.
Yes, she does get excited. Typically it's a 'happy' excited. Like when Daddy comes home and she greets him...tons of licking and tail wagging and snorting and just all around excitement. That excitement, however, can certainly be affecting her digestive system. She also has periods of excitement through the day when she plays with her doggie sister. They run through the house chasing and tugging and otherwise acting silly until the two of them wear out. I wonder if that contributes to the problem?
Can you give me some words for the training you're thinking of - to keep Milli from being physically stressed? If I know what to search for, I can look through the forums or elsewhere to see which training exercises we should be focusing on.
Thanks again!
Sabrina |
Milli sounds like such a happy girl! The running and playing with her sister are great. I'm sorry to sound vague about training, and I can't think of where to direct you in the training forum.
The training that helped me with Teddy is first, establishing a daily routine. It's great to do different things or to have surprises as long as there is a basic schedule. For instance, it's comforting to the dog to know when to expect a meal, a walk, bed time.
Second, I make sure not to fuel Teddy's energy when we do things that are exciting, or things that may cause a little anxiety. I maintain a calm, confident demeanor. You don't have to be dour like a funeral director, just happy calm.
Third, I trained Teddy to do tricks. Following instructions like sit, stay, down, shake, and more can focus a dog and have a calming effect. When we have company, I focus Teddy by having him do his tricks.
Like your Milli, Teddy is a very happy, confident boy. However, he is still more sensitive than my older boy, and that sensitivity usually manifests itself in his digestive system. I think being young and thin also contributed to his problems, because maturity and a little of weight have lessened the episodes.
How old is Milli? What food does she eat? Sounds like you are really good with monitoring intake and consistency, and you did a really good thing having the vet check her stool sample. Overeating can also cause loose stools, and heat can be a factor too. The heat has been unbearable this year.