YIKES! They're turning on each other!

[MrsBeez]

Thanks everyone.

The behaviorist called. She listened to everything that's been going on, confirmed that it could take 4-6 months for things to settle and the pack order has been disrupted. She also talked to me about working really hard to establish a human as The Pack Leader. Period.

We're going to meet with her on Saturday with all three dogs. I'm hopeful she'll be able to detect the dynamics and help me with an action plan.

It is definitely in the back of my head that this may not be Bismarck's forever home. I'm equally worried about what would become of this sweet little guy if he had to be re-homed again, but I can't sacrifice the beautiful relationship we had with Otis and Luna Mae.

No more on the bed, either until this gets sorted out or maybe that's just the way it's going to be. Yes, it could have been how I was picking Otis up initially that caused him to snarl. I shushed him and he stopped, so that's why his sudden bite was so startling.

NILF has been mentioned before, and I've meant to look it up to see how to implement it. Thanks for the reminder. Tonight we're going with minimal interaction to try to get Bismarck to be less clingy and work on his SA.

Thanks everyone!!!

[Jespah]

Glad that the behaviourist has spoken with you and you have a little bit of head start with things now.

You will know how long you can keep trying - and I think you are very right - that you can't sacrifice Otis and Luna Mae's relationships with you and each other. If, Birsmarck had to be rehomed, I'm sure that it would be a good one.

Hang in there - if you know you have done everything possible for all of the dogs to make it work and it doesn't, then you will have no regrets. I hope that you can all make it through a few months to become a successful family unit, er pack.

Deb

[Jespah]

Hey Melissa,

I was wondering how the gang is doing now? Have things calmed down a bit? What happened with the behaviourist?

Deb

[Anniesmom]

I also have been wondering how your group has been doing...

[MrsBeez]

Hi!
Thanks for asking! We're doing much better. I've been really busy at work (when I usually visit C2BC...) so I haven't had time to report in.

I'm trying really hard to follow NILIF, and it does seem to be helping. We met with the behaviorist last week finally. We took all three to her place. From their interactions she felt we have a good group, no seriously worrisome tensions - probably just figuring out the pack order. And again - I wasn't helping the situation, so I have to take responsibility for that.

We all agreed that Luna Mae and Bismarck should both be in the same obedience class, but there is only one opening. I start tonight with Bismarck, since he arrived without any knowledge of basic commands.

FRAPs are still infrequent and only last 15-20 seconds, but I still believe it will happen.

[Jespah]

Thanks for the update - we worry you know.

Good to hear that things are progressing and that the behaviourist feels the group will eventually be fine.

I'm sure it must be tough at times to follow NILIF, but it will be well worth the effort if it means that Bismarck will intigrate into your family successfully.

Keep up the good work - and let us know how you all are doing every now and then.

Deb

[CorgiMum]

Thanks for the update, sounds like things are moving along well, and good luck with the obedience classes.