hridika

Update- Things are going quite well. She LOVES her table top bed. It is much better than a kennel, as is is more open, but still keeps her in one area at night and she is safe. She is a funny dog. Almost 2 yrs with her. She really wants more attention from my husband, which is great. But she is still weird about close face to face contact and he still can't pull her towards him (she will raise her lip if he does). I tell him to let her come to him, and she does. I NEVER force her to do anything, if I want her off the couch, i just get up and move a bit and she then jumps off and I won't let her back on. No kisses either yet, but that's ok. I noticed that if we speak harshly at Hannah, Remie will pick on her. Like a bully's back up, if Hannah is in trouble, Remie's like "YEAH LETS GET HER!!" So I never yell at them for anything anymore. (to come inside, I just wave treats). She is still very attached to me and is still ways trying to protect me. She ensures her body is always between me and the other dog, which I will just gently push her aside when she does. I really try to not encourage it. I was hoping that by now, the 2 dogs would be closer and friendlier, but they just seem to tolerate each other. They do play though, but Remie always has her eye on Hannah, and if Hannah gets attention, Remie is jealous ( we are working on that).

Remie is a strange dog. I still believe she is in some kind of pain still. I have her on CBD and Tri-ACTA. Yesterday she was on the couch laying across my husband, and then I heard her growl at him. He had started to pull her up towards his face. He froze. I said DON"T pull on her like that! I still believe that she does very much like him as she follows him around and does helicopter tail wags when get gets home. but she just has some weird issues we just don't know about. This morning still in her table top bed, my husband is getting ready for work and she's barking. He thinks it's because he work her up, but when I let her out of the area, she wanted pets from him and was so happy. but she still doesn't like it if he puts his hands in the area. I will never get a female dog again. I think she had a major bladder infection for a long time, but didn't show any signs of it. So she must have been in pain with that, then a sore hip and she chews on her one paw, and wants shoulder rubs. She didn't even want to go for a walk the other day. that was unheard of! But dispute all that I would never give her up. She has started to nose bop me like my last aussie did, I have not figured out the meaning yet. but I think it's a great sign. She also dreams a lot more now that she has her special table top bed. We made her one for the cabin as well, as we just got up there for the first time last weekend. and she loves it. Doesn't bark at all when we have to go out at night for the bathroom. It's been almost 1yr 9 months that we have owned her. She lets me do things now that I never imagined she would let me. Since her bladder infection the vet told me to clean her lady parts after every pee as her pH was very high and it would help keep the bacteria down. When she sees me with the little bottle of vinegar/ water mix, she lays down and lifts her leg. hahah She's so smart she has figured out that it helps, or feels better, who knows. The extra yummy after treats help as well. I also spend time in her mouth looking at teeth and in her ears. It just takes time and LOTS of love.

Update. Hi It's been a while since I last posted. I have been working from home for 2 months now and the dogs love it. We were having a dog behaviorist come, but had to stop that in March. The training was exhausting and stressful, but well worth it. I have found out something big with Remie, the rescue. She is a sneaky bully. If I have to yell at Hannah for any reason, Remie just jumps right in and is nasty towards Hannah. So I have not yelled or raised my voice at all at Hannah and Remie has not attacked her since. Also the training helps. However, yesterday, Hannah was digging behind the shed after a chipmunk and trying to get through a goose berry shrub, which has nasty thorns, so I was yelling at her to get out of there. Sure enough, didn't Remie try to "attack" Hannah that night. I saw it coming and was able to grab her before she got to Hannah. I have also noticed that Hannah can tell when Remie is grumpy, she won't come downstairs and gives her lots of sideways glances. On these days, I watch Remie, very closely. It's I still upsetting and I always feel bad, but they are dogs. I cannot control all their behavior and they have a mind of their own, with a past that I do not know. But overall I am still so glad we kept her, and we do not have talks anymore about giving her up. We were at 13x talking about that, and every time, it tore me apart. She would not sleep in the crate at night, she would not settle down and barked and cried, so instead, I moved a long thin table beside my bed, and block it off with a small dresser. Her bed is in there. She LOVES it, I was shocked, she does need her own safe area and it's more open than a crate. But of course, the husband, still tries to stick his hand in there to say morning, well she nipped him. But he understood that it's HER safe space and she needs that, and he should NOT be sticking his hands into her safe space. she's also very grumpy when he wakes her up and she growls and sometimes barks. But at least I feel that he and the other dog are safe now at night from her weird bedroom moods. As long as he respects her space she doesn't nip him. It's hard for him to understand, because she follows him around, and want's belly rubs and pets from him. But she needs a safe space, and has her personal space.

I really have to stop posting here. Every time I say how we are getting better, something happens. She nipped john when he let them in from outside and she ran into her kennel (door was supposed to be shut) with her slip lead still not. He reached in to take it off and she nipped his thumb. Didn't draw blood, but SIGH. But we have spoken to people who have Border Collies and I can't believe how many times they get bit or nipped. One guy said when he does agility with them, they latch onto his arm or leg when they are done as they as just so wound up. So at least my husband wasn't too upset and is starting to realize that she's not a golden! so he actually wasn't too upset, but he's still scared Remie is going to hurt hannah. But the training is working, so far. and only time will tell.

Hi, big SIGH, dog behaviorist is helping a lot. Girls are separated by crates, one in and one out, they are allowed together outside when they play, and they are walked together. I am doing several things to help Remie learn to relax and working on their relationship. Trainer states they can be helped and I don't need to get rid of Remie. Husband is happy as no one is fighting. Separation won't be forever as it's a lot of work and stressful.... but it's WORKING. i'm so happy, I can see the dogs changing already, it's been 6 weeks now, first few days were very hard, with lots of barking. Remie is super suckey now and started to dream for the first time. She sighs prior to going to sleep as well. Doesn't bark for attention either. VERY HAPPY!!

Remie, is our border collie x aussie cross that we have had for 1 year and 4 months. I finally found someone to help with her picking on Hannah. We have had one 3hr visit. The dog behaviourlist has me keeping them crated and separated. It's hard and frustrating and very stressful. Remie still growls at Hannah sometimes when she comes to bed at night, even tough Remie is separated in the bedroom from her. Husband got all upset again and demands that I get rid of Remie. We have had 9 conversations now about Remie, giver her up or put her down. Man my heart breaks and I cry so hard every time we discuss this. I want to keep trying as the behavioulist said she can help with the dogs relationship, but if the husband is not willing to help then what's the point? He says he's scared of her. Is it fair for me to keep her? I have bonded with her and she has come such a long way, but the husband is scared she will hurt the other dog. I know this is not a therapy group, and I am seeing someone for help, but she's not just a dog and I just can't give up on her. I am very scared that if I give her up, I'm going to go into a bad depression and I don't know what to do. I don't have anyone I can talk to about my options with her. We are meeting the behavioulist again today and we are going to discuss options, if it comes to that, can she even be re-homed safely? Will they love her as much as I do or will she bite someone? I will never forgive myself, how do I live with that? But at what point do you have to make that hard decision, what is best for the dog? Am I being selfish thinking I am the only one who can love her. She does not like men, or other dogs, so it would be very hard to re-home her. So far there have been 9 horrible conversations breaking my heart every time, is it better to have a bunch more little heart breaks or one big one and do what I just can't make myself do, and hope that I will be ok. I will never get another dog again.

I'm not sure if it's the full moon or what, but Remie went after Hannah all day again on Tues. I threw a blanket over them, and it made it words, Remie actually latched onto Hannah for the first time and I could not separate them right away. Thank goodness my husband was not home, as it was very upsetting. Same thing, she kept poking at her left ear and then going at her. So I bathed Hannah again. I'm really being strict with the "Leave IT" command with Remie towards Hannah, no humping, no hard playing. She's learning fast. But I FINALLY found a female canine behaviorist that uses Preception modification. She hopes to get me in asap. I will keep you updated. Thanks for all your advise, this is so hard as I know she's a good dog, but if she were to hurt Hannah, my husband would make me put her down. That would be the end of my marriage then as well. So I really hope this helps. I was so desperate Tues, that I went and got Dog CBD to hope to calm her a bit, and maybe it's the hip pain. I had her swimming for a while with massage, but I can't afford both right now.

Yeah, I agree, I have had issues with dog classes, with my red golden, I took her to puppy class and they lady would turn to me and say "Can you get your dog to stop barking?" and I'd say "That's why I'm here, YOU show ME how!!" that class didn't last long, and I"ll never go back. Same as the class I took Remie to, I was honest with them about my issues and her issues and they said that this class would be perfect, then it's a beginners puppy class? Why would they lie to me, I'm not going back! Sigh, but Remie is such a good girl and I'm not giving up on her, I'll learn and so will she!

Hi, Sorry yes, it was the other dog and I believe that Hannah rolled in something that was making Remie excited, as Remie kept poking and smelling Hannah's neck, so I bathed Hannah, and that was the end of the fights. She is great with my husband now (knock on wood). I know she's a great dog, and we have talked several times about re-homing her, but I can't. We have bonded and I know we can figure this out. She has already been re-homed a few times, and I don't want to do that to her. She is finally showing affection for the first time (14months). I was crying in bed and she jumped up laid on my chest and cried along with me and pawed at me and kept this up until I felt better. This was huge for her as she doesn't like face to face and her nose was touching my chin or cheek. So I know for a fact she's a million times better now. I have upped her exercise, as I have noticed that these fights seem to happen more when she gets less exercise. I also am doing treadmill training 2x a day now, as she's going to learn to love it. I hold a peanut butter kong and she has to walk and lick it out. I don't force her or leash her, as I want her to learn to enjoy it. It's frustrating with this new trainer lady, as after one visit and my comments, the trainer is convinced she needs a basket muzzle on all the time, but i told her that they never fight with they get a peanut butter kong, or their geenies treates, or when they eat or when I'm training them with treats. She said she has rescued Border collies for 20yrs. So I kind of hoped she would be a good fit, but i'm not sure sure. She doesn't' seem to listen either when I say that there is no contact during these fights, just lots of noise. I'm not sure what her education is, I think just obedience and lots of agility training. So maybe not a true behaviorist. But I have a feeling she doesnt' want to see me anymore, as I questioned her advise, and a lot of people don't like that. oh well, too bad, it's my dog and I have to live with her! I am starting to see Remie's signs right before it happens and know some of these can be fixed. We eat only at the table now, so my husband doesn't drop food from the coffee table. - this was the BIGGEST issue that would cause a fight. I don't play with toys or balls with them at the same time. - Found that out on Sat. I ensure no dog food is dropped (to be found at a later time by Hannah) - Saturday as well I am convinced that this can be greatly reduced with the proper training and exercise. As all I want for x-mas is to keep my dog!!

I finally found a behaviorist to help, I went to one class with her. But we had a bad day with Remie, as she "attacked" (no contact, no damage, but tons of noise and very scary) 4x in one day! it was horrible. my husband wanted to put her down right then and there as hes worried about the other dog. The behaviorist stated that Remie should wear a cage muzzle all the time. I don't feel that's necessary, as it only happens when she thinks there is food around. (or a bug). It seems excessive, and not cruel, but not nice either. I have trained her with the cage muzzle for vet and chiropractor, but not for all the time use. It also only seems to happen when I'm in the room, not sure if that's a factor, but sure seems to be. Never when it's just john, or when they are loose all day in the house. What are your thoughts about muzzling her during the evening, when this happens. I have also noticed that it only seems to happen when she has not gotten enough exercise.

Thanks, but I have not found anyone yet.

When at the Cabin this weekend, we had another incident. Hanna was under the picnic table and john went to get up and stepped on her tail, Hannah cried out and Remie, just attacked Hannah. Then not even 1hr later Hannah choked on a treat, I was training them to be laying down and quite, and Remie attacked her again. I was on her in a flash and nothing happened, either time, but this is very frustrating.

I do crate them to eat, but this was later and Hannah threw up a bit of food. This did happen after a 3hr drive and only a short walk, so boredom could have been an issue. Usually they get 3 walks, 20 min, 20 min and 45-60min a day. They do have many brain stimulating games, and are separated when they get them. When I go to bed early, I shut the door, no dogs in the room, that way when husband comes to bed, they all come together, so I have eliminated her ability to protect me this way. I have not been able to find any behavior professional in my area. You had sent me 2 links, but I live in Ontaio, Canada and they were for the States. I have asked around and found out who NOT to go to, and the only promising one is too booked and not taking new clients. Hugging treats, sounds good, I will try. I have muzzle trained her for the Chiropractor lady (once a month) and the vet, and would use for training if I can find someone. Thanks for more great advise

Hannah is the Golden Remie is the BC

Things were going great. Then out of no where, at the cabin, in the large area, Hannah spit up a piece of food and Remie just launched onto her. Grabbed her neck and was growling. I had glasses in my hands, so I couldn't do anything right away. It only lasted a heart beat, then it was over, no one hurt. but poor Hannah is becoming more scared and always looks for Remie before she does anything. Remie won't let her come down the stairs, won't let her in the bedroom. Always humps Hannah (which I always break up), but this is getting worse. Even trying to pet Hannah, Remie barks, even when i hug my husband. How do I make this stop?

I have signed up for a training class for Remie our border collie rescue that hates men... I was very clear to the teachers about what her issues are and what she knows. We went to the first class and it was full of puppies and young dogs, and we did basic, sit, down, watch. My husband was furious as he thought it was a behaviour class to help with her issues. and so yet another fight over the dog. When I e-mailed the trainer stating this isn't what I signed up for, they stated, basics are always good and to provide more info, which I did and they never responded back. Is this a load of crap? There are 7 dogs in this class, and it was very hard as Remie kept lunging at the dogs if they got too close. We asked everyone to keep their dogs away from us, but.. not everyone listened. I am hoping that just being there with the dogs and strangers she will eventually learn no one will hurt her and start calming down. We had walked her for 1hr prior to class as well. (along with her morning and lunch walk) I talked to a Dog Behaviorist and he stated a few things, and I said well she hates men..so..he said, I never give up, look at all my scares from bites. I thought WTF?? I wouldn't be bragging about being bit all the time. So I asked him about only positive training, and he went on and on about nature and how that's not always possible. and I thought WTF?? This is a rescue dog that was obviously beaten and abused (which I told him) and he still thinks it's ok to be too rough and negative? So needless to say, I was hoping classes would help. I can't afford to pay $200- $300 per hour for someone to do one on one training, when I doubt their abilities or if it will even help. What kind of classes should I be looking for? With her bad hip I can't do agility or flyball, I'm hoping a trick class opens soon as she loves to learn tricks, but any other ideas, we don't have a lot of options here, and I'm finding that finding a good training class is hard. I went to one with my golden puppy to puppy class, and at the first class she kept telling me to get her to stop barking, and I said THAT"S WHY I"M HERE!! and she didn't help at all, so we never went back. So I really don't like training classes much either, for a few reasons, but I'm at wits end.

I'm not convinced it's working 100%, she is ok with it on, and I try to train her with it by putting it on her when everyone is relaxed, or she's tired after a long walk. She is ok in it, but I don't really notice a difference. But I think it helps a bit, sometimes, at the cabin location.

I got the thunder shirt and did training. I also brought a shirt I slept in all week for her to lay on. I also got a chew for both dogs that lasts longer than a few seconds. I think it worked. We left the cabin, and NO noise, when we got back to the cabin, no noise. She didn't finish her chew, but she seemed ok. I'm not sure the shirt works all the time though.

From "no kisses for you" topic to a nip, to an actual kiss! I can't believe it, Remie nipped husbands nose when he tried to hug her on Sept 10th, but yesterday when I got back from the cabin by myself and he got home, she was so happy, she jumped up and kissed him on the chin! she's one confusing dog

Thank you for the info and it is really sad how this happens soon after my "no kisses for you" post. I have warned him NOT to do this, but he is the kind of person that grew up with Goldens and loves kisses and cuddles. He just can't seem to understand she is a working dog (and was abused) and not a golden. He was trying to show her affection, and he just doesn't understand her. I need to remind him that he can show affection other ways. I know that if she wanted to bite him she could have, so this was a warning and she didn't want to hurt him. But when he moved out of the room, she followed him and tried to get him to pet her, she knew he was upset with her and she tried to fix it. So she doesn't hate him, and isn't scared (most of the time) it's just she has triggers and boundaries. He has agreed to do training classes with her (but they start in 2 weeks), and I need to enforce that HE feeds her, and HE needs to do training as well. Since I am usually the do all dog person in our house. Both dogs see me as top person and my husband is not. Back to the can MEN be trained??? Can I send my HUSBAND to a trainer?? shock collar therapy?

So Remie, my border collie rescue that is around 3-4 yrs old and I had for one year. The other forum I state how she does not like face to face anything. My husband went to hug her this morning beside the bed and she nipped his nose, didn't break the skin. But now what do I do? We have had this conversation 5 times now, do I get rid of her. My poor husband has tried and she has barked and lunged at him. The rescue never told me she hates men. We have worked with her and she has bonded with me. I am so heart broken, as she is so good with me, but now my husband doesn't trust her and is scared of her and that's no good. But he knows that if I get rid of her I will resent him. I'm sure this is way over your pay grade, but I'm so lost. I can't force him to train her or spend time with her if he doesn't like her. Do I re-home her breaking my heart in the hopes that someone will love her more? What is the risk she may bite them, or she gets put in a worse home. They would have to be a single woman who is VERY good with dogs, what are the chances of that? I am so heart broken, but can I really put a dog over my husband? Can I force him to let me keep her while not liking her?

Since this is about Thundershirts, I just got mine for you rescue Remie a few days ago. I walk her, then when she's relaxed I put the shirt on her with a peanut butter Kong. But I am worried that when we move to the cabin where she barks, it won't work, do I proceed with leaving for 1 min, then back, treats when calm, wait, leave for 2 min, back, treats.. etc. with a slow build up to leaving for 1 hr? Does the thundershirt either work or not?

Hi, She is crate trained, but I only crate them for eating, when they eat or when we eat. They are left out all other times. The cabin should feel like a big crate as it is 20feet by 20 feet, which is bigger than our living room that they hang out in during the day at the house. Another issue with the cabin is that the windows are higher and they can't look out at all, where as at the house, they have a big one they can look out. So how can I make her feel safer here? I'll try the thunder shirt first

I video taped the dogs and got 3hrs of footage and when I left for work (from the house) they just laid down, and didn't move at all. Not a single bark, the windows were open and everything. Not one single bark! So it seems like she only barks at the Cabin. I got a thundershirt, and then took it back and got the right size. So I'm planning on using this. I put vests a lot like that one on them when I walk, so cars can see us, so it will be an easy train. It's just tighter and I'm going to ensure it's all good stuff when she puts it on. I'm going this weekend to the cabin, so can try it out.

My border collie x aussie mix rescue is around 3 yrs old, we have had her 1 yr now. She HATES face to face anything. Especially when you try to give her kisses. I know they aren't people, but humans feel a connection when you receive kisses. Our other dogs always gave kisses. But I believe she was abused and shy's away when your face gets too close to hers, even when putting on the collar, bending to tie my shoes, petting her chest, as soon as you get a certain distance she turns away. I understand this is her showing she's not comfortable, but is there anything I can do to help this? Other than patience? I am sure she knows she's safe now and is not getting hurt in anyway, and gets fed, water and lots of training and walks. Is this normal for some dogs to not want the face to face contact? I know it's quite an dominant move. I also make sure I don't smile when that close, so she doesn't see my teeth and take that as a threat. Any ideas? I got one very tiny quick kiss on the chin ONCE when she was super crazy excited to see me. But she does to show us "affection" (?) by sniffing our faces instead, when we aren't paying attention.