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  1. #11
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    I certainly admire your strength as you are going through so much at the moment and have so much on your shoulders. Try to remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it may be a distant light but it is there.

    I can't offer advice on training or feeding or walking schedules but if you can try to lean on a friend or family member to take some of the strain off you.

    For the dogs - my sister uses doggy day care twice a week for her bassetts who are manic. it means she has 4 days of calm in the house as they are so exhausted the following day they are super quiet - this could be an option. But if it is not available or too expensive perhaps see if a neighbours child can help for pocket money - even if just playing with the dogs in the garden.

    I think you are doing a great job and you will be in our prayers tonight. x

  2. The Following User Says Thank You to Tori For This Useful Post:

    Moby and Barley's Mom (10-23-2014)

  3. #12
    Senior Dog sparky's Avatar
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    Prayers for you.
    I don't your thoughts but the prong collar but it is power steering for labs! Our trainer suggested it when we first started Mocha in kindergarten. DW had red places, almost burns on her hands from his pulling. DW was hesitant to try the prong collar until she put it around her forearm and pulled. It looks draconian but it is such a great training tool. *** You should have some training on its use and make sure it is fitted correctly*** DW can walk with Mocha without issues.
    Have faith that you can handle this.
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    Mocha:Born 7/13/14 Gottcha 9/13/14 Latte: Born 7/15/16 Gottcha 9/9/16
    Labs- "Hearts of gold, heads of stone, cast iron stomachs"

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to sparky For This Useful Post:

    Moby and Barley's Mom (10-23-2014)

  5. #13
    Real Retriever SCDoug's Avatar
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    You've definitely got your hands full during a tough time. The good news is that you've got a lot of good advice and support here. I agree with everyone regarding the feeding schedule, it's the right time to switch to a twice a day feeding schedule. If you can find a good doggie daycare center or a dog walker/runner, that would help your pup blow off a lot of pent up energy.

    Not everyone agrees, but by my wife and I believe that the prong collar was an excellent training device when Lola was a puppy and taught her to walk well on the leash. We later moved to the easy walk harness, which works for us and Lola.
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    Just another day at the beach.....

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to SCDoug For This Useful Post:

    Moby and Barley's Mom (10-23-2014)

  7. #14
    House Broken
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    Take each dog separately for walks. It probably will take less time then you struggling, being pulled, tugged and tortured on one walk with both of them. Work on a solid heel- no sniffing for the older dog until you give a release word, otherwise you will always be struggling to walk both together. Same with the pup, work on a heel, no pulling or tugging. At 5 months old the pup is more than old enough to begin learning what is expected. Reward- treats/praise when in proper heel position. The dogs will feed off of your stress- it will make them stressed and as a result they will be more likely to not listen, so before a walk take some deep breaths, think about something peasant and then with a positive attitude, knowing what you want/expect from the dog, go for a walk. Make quick turns, change directions when the dog starts to go where you don't want. Make the walk interesting and not predictable so the dog/pup HAS to pay attention to you and where you are going.

  8. The Following User Says Thank You to Lauranj For This Useful Post:

    Moby and Barley's Mom (10-23-2014)

  9. #15
    House Broken
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    I feel so bad for the stress you are going through. Remember dogs are very adaptable. They can go without "perfection" for a block of time while you are getting through this. What is important is that you are getting through it together.

    Feed the puppy twice a day. He will be ok.

    If you can afford a dog walker, do it. If not, alternate who gets a good walk, puppy one day, older dog the next. Don't try to walk them at the same time, as it is causing you too much stress and is most likely dangerous for all of you also. Whenever you can, train the puppy. He probably needs the training sessions more than the exercise at this age anyway and mental work is considered exercise also. Good luck and keep your chin up.

  10. The Following User Says Thank You to Bridget For This Useful Post:

    Moby and Barley's Mom (10-23-2014)

  11. #16
    Real Retriever Moby and Barley's Mom's Avatar
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    I am so appreciative of all your support. I so do not want to neglect the dogs while I am personally going through so much strife. It is not their fault! But, listening to your suggestions, I have been feeding Barley twice a day and walking them every other day. Maybe not ideal because they both need the exercise but I am only one person. The last two days I have spent lots of time with just Barley walking on leash. Every time he pulls,I walk him in a circle in the opposite direction. When there are distractions like crazy barking dogs, horses or pheasants, I hold a treat in my left hand and he fixates on the treat until we are past the distraction. Then I have him sit and I give him the treat. It probably doubled (or tripled) our walk time but it was the best walk we have had in a long time. I know it was better for him also as there was no choking or loose bowels. I have no doubt that he was reading my distressed sensibilities. Poor baby. He was probably just waiting for me to learn how to walk him. Thank you all for your insight during this painful time.
    Forever in my heart - Sweet gentle Moby - lover of belly rubs, bacon, and Barbara 9-10-2001 to 11-2-2015

  12. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Moby and Barley's Mom For This Useful Post:

    Lauranj (10-24-2014), POPTOP (10-24-2014)

  13. #17
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Excellent update. You are finding out what will work for you and the pups during this tough time. Having a positive walking experience sure makes both of you feel better and lightens the day.

    Having a somewhat similar problem with Archie. I've been out of commission for about 3 weeks now with a kidney stone and Archie is not getting his usual exercise and walks. I feel so bad for him. Doing what I can to keep up his out time and exercise but nearly as much as he is used to. Granted, he is 6 but he has so much energy.

    The three of you will make it through this rough time and come out even better. Hugs.

  14. #18
    Real Retriever
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    It takes time to adjust. You will figure out what works best for you, Moby, & Barley. Sounds like you're on the right track. Just hang in there. Everyday it gets better. I promise, everything will work out for the best.

  15. #19
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    Sounds like you are doing great! Remember, if you are training while walking that the pup is using up more energy than if they were tugging you along on a walk. Training mentally tires them out and that is always a good thing! Sending some more good thoughts and keep us updated!

  16. The Following User Says Thank You to Lauranj For This Useful Post:

    kimbersmom (10-24-2014)

 



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