I've been following this entire thread closely and guess it is now time for me to toss my hat in the ring.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luvdogs2  Don't worry all, I won't be proactively looking to further arguments. People who are short sighted with noses stuck in the air are making themselves apparent and finding the ignore list. |
First, um, these two sentences are incongruous. You can't genuinely set the intention of the first sentence, and then follow it up with that second sentence. My recommendation would be to stick with your thought in your first sentence and then, truly chuck the urge to make statements such as the latter one.
If you want support and kindness - one way to find it is to offer it (and,
only it).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luvdogs2 Another thing I left out and I can't believe I did is she will get pissed if you take out the trash or do something quick like run out to the car to get something you left in it. If the fiance walks out and leaves her loose while she goes to put laundry in the washer, she will come back to a mess. If you take her for a ride, you better pay at the pump because she will mess in the car if you leave her in there for less than a minute. I consider this behavior as vindictive...am I wrong? (that is a serious question) |
Dogs are not vindictive. A dog will pee bc it has to go (
where it goes depends on potty training), it wants to mark territory, or it is in great fear (ie, 'soiling itself' in human equivalent). Which do you think she is doing when she has her 'messes'? If she is soiling the area out of fear, then it'd be clear that this kiddo is EXtremely anxious, fearful, confused, traumatized.
Just a few suggestions (as others have already given good ones):
--Forget the crate; if she is a puppy mill dog - a crate will just recreate that living situation for her, over and over and over and over
--If she needs an 'area', use something like
this, which fits a bed, water, some toys, a pee pad
--Do not ever hit a dog; not only is it wrong, it will end the line of communication which you are trying to establish. Remember that dogs descend from the wolf; an alpha wolf doesn't hit, or even need to bite to mitigate behavior. Rather, a wolf would perhaps place their mouth/jaw at the top of the other dog's neck, and push down
--Re-frame the mind: there is no 'bad' behavior in dogs. Rather, think of it as preferable and non-preferable. That may sound simplistic, but it does help take emotion out of the way you view the situation and helps prevent a negatively focused viewpoint
--Call a local rescue, ask them who they'd recommend (as a trainer) for dogs who have been abused, neglected, and are former puppy mill dogs. Tell them you want someone who uses positive reinforcement ONLY, no negative.
--Btw, are you playing with her? I.e., being goofy with her? Getting down on her level and just being plain silly with her can create great bonds
That's all I can think of right now, it's early. Best of luck.