Canesisters 2023 journal - turning my Disasters into Delights

[SageHill]

Wow -- interesting - I hadn't thought of the "kiddie energy" - but that makes sense, especially if either she's never or rarely had contact with kids, or there's something in her past (bad kid experience or even a good one and she misses them). I'd look for something more "boring" - soap operas?? , I'd say news but last I watched news (long ago now) there was a certain level of hysteria. PBS??
Yeah - radios aren't what they used to be .
PS -- on the fence - remember that if she gets out of the electric area, she will get shocked trying to come back in. Sadly it works both ways - shock on the way out may have her not wanting to come back. I've never used one because of that as well as it doesn't prevent bad critters from coming in.

 

[Baymule]

Poor Birdie! Howling because her new best friend abandoned her! Sadly, you can’t explain to a dog that you have to go make dog food money. Maybe in time she will figure it out.

 

[canesisters]

Wow -- interesting - I hadn't thought of the "kiddie energy" - but that makes sense, especially if either she's never or rarely had contact with kids, or there's something in her past (bad kid experience or even a good one and she misses them). I'd look for something more "boring" - soap operas?? , I'd say news but last I watched news (long ago now) there was a certain level of hysteria. PBS??
Yeah - radios aren't what they used to be .
PS -- on the fence - remember that if she gets out of the electric area, she will get shocked trying to come back in. Sadly it works both ways - shock on the way out may have her not wanting to come back. I've never used one because of that as well as it doesn't prevent bad critters from coming in.

My intent on the invisible fence is that it will create a 'buffer zone' around the physical fence. If she gets the warning buzz 3' from the fence, and gets a shock 1' from it, it's much less likely that she will go over or through a gate. Of course, not going to stop her if she's panicked or hard-core determined.... but under average everyday circumstances it might allow me to leave her in the yard during nice weather - AFTER we get past this anxiety.

 

[canesisters]

I was reading last night about triggers, how the fear starts before I leave & desensitization. So 1 thing I've started doing today is carrying my keys around & jingling them, alot.
Keys jingle = dishes get washed
Keys jingle = call a friend
Keys jingle = BYH a while
Keys jingle = absolutely nothing happens

We'll figure this out. I just hate it now that I know she's not just "pitching a fit" but really, really is upset alll day long.

 

[SageHill]

If she gets the warning buzz 3' from the fence, and gets a shock 1' from it, it's much less likely that she will go over or through a gate. Of course, not going to stop her if she's panicked or hard-core determined....

Buffer zone is a great idea. I don't know her, but if it was one of mine, like say Ree and she saw a rabbit she'd blast right through and not notice until she was on the other side. Obi on the other hand would just look at the rabbit.

 

[SageHill]

We'll figure this out. I just hate it now that I know she's not just "pitching a fit" but really, really is upset alll day long.

It's only been two weeks, yeah I know it's tough. In two weeks she's gone from homeless, ownerless, loveless to a good life. She's probably just wondering if this is only a vacation. You'll both get there. AND you're doing everything to show her this IS her new life.

 

[canesisters]

LOL... Took Birdie & went allll the way to the store for THREE things : chicken feed, calming collar, ck prices on radio fence wire. Practicing being good, quiet & well behaved on a lose leash.
Saw an unruly rottie come through the door & she suddenly had trouble focusing (...go figure) & I completely forgot what I was there for - BUT... still did great walking next to the cart with a mostly loose leash
Came home with: chicken feed, gate latch (that I didn't need), & treats. Didn't even remember that I'd forgotten the collar & wire till hours later.

Maybe another trip is in order.
THIS TIME including drive through!!

 

[Mini Horses]

Take a LIST....

 

[SageHill]

Take a LIST....

Ha - I write lists out and then take a pic with my phone - because I’d lose the paper list!

 

[Ridgetop]

Howling from loneliness may be what got her to the shelter in the first place. Use calm television shows of underwater stuff (NOT lions killing gazelles), or try a baby tape of calming sounds. Leave a dirty T-shirt in her bed for her to curl up with.

Since you are far from neighbors, other than the howling upsetting you it won't cause complaints from neighbors. I am not in favor of electric shock collars because the dogs learn quickly that you have no control when the collar is off. And they do learn that quicky. My old Weimaraner was an Am/Can champion, and had a shooting dog title. I also trained him in obedience which he loved. He knew the difference between the thin show lead and collar, the choke chain and 8' leather obedience lead, and his leather field collar. He showed different levels and types of excitement for each one. Granted I trained him and showed consistently, but he definitely knew each one. He also could open doorknobs. Al our doorknobs had been pressed into an oval shape and had tooth marks top and bottom. He also was not allowed on the furniture except the bed. Instead, he would take a throw pillow from the sofa, lay it in the floor, and stretch out with his head on the pillow!

You could try a calming drug, although I am not really in favor of drugs over training. Maybe invest in a voice activated tape player. Record your voice saying "That's enough" or calming things you routinely use with her, so when she howls it triggers the recorder to automatically come on and reassure her in your own voice.