I know I'm off on what week it is, and on finishing a topic. I'm trying to be disciplined about the topic of Discipline, but I have found myself unable to get to a computer, and even if I could, I've been in the tired realm of unable to think straight. This schedule is working us over. I'm not complaining, but I am stating that I'm strung-out over-tired. Luna and Foster are feeling it too. I'm looking to June to have an easier rhythm. Until then, I'm going to be a little off, and I'm going to be unable to post May 21-31. You'll be missed!
I have one more thing to mention about being disciplined. At times, I have felt overwhelmed and so tired that it seems like it would be easier to open the mudroom door and let my dogs run out into the yard and around the neighborhood and just assume that they would come back. All the time, I hope I am smart enough to know this just isn't safe or good for my family. When I am this tired, I find it even more important to follow through with the same rules I always employ in our life.
Luna has known for a long time, and Foster has learned, that dogs must receive permission before climbing into bed. Jason feels it is acceptable for our dogs to be in our bed without us. While I don't love this, it's not a deal breaker for me, and as long as our dogs continue to wait for permission, I'm ok if they are in bed even if I am not. But they are never to hop up into bed just because they want to. I know Foster has done this now and then in his learning process, and Luna has caught onto the fun of that, and I have caught BOTH of them being in bed without either of them having permission! When overly fatigued, I could just say, "Oh forget it. I'd like to be there too," but I don't. They each are told to "Get out of that bed!" and they jump down. Is it that they know I'm so tired? Is it that they think I should be in bed and they just couldn't wait any longer? I think dogs know when you're not on your A-Game, and they test the rules a bit. So far, The Bed Permission Rule is the only one they've tested.
There are lots of rules to our day though, and I don't let them slide just because I'm tired and extra busy. My dogs still have to wait in a particular spot while I prepare their meals. They still have to stay on the porch when a car engine is on in the driveway. They still have to have their nails filed and mouths Listerined and ears cleaned. They still have to wait until a house guest wants to be greeted before greeting them. They still have to follow me on a walk. We are still a pack and we still follow our pack values no matter how tired, crabby, sleep-deprived, hungry or irritable the humans may be.
My dogs make me so happy, and I love that our time together is rejuvenating. It has been mentioned to me frequently lately that, "You don't have to be so strict! Your dogs are soooo gooood!" and I say, "It is because I am so strict that my dogs are so good." I can be strict and fun, strict and loving, strict and kind. I want to be everything my dogs need, and I want them to know that no matter how strained my schedule may be, they are always a priority and their safety and happiness are non-negotiable!
1 comment:
Hi Leanne! I'm just getting caught up on I'm a D.O.G. after some overscheduling at work and travel that has kept me from my computer. I love all the detail you're giving. You and I have many doggie things in common. I too have a "tutorial" for when I'm not able to be with my dogs. I am not quite as strict as you, but then my dogs are not as well-behaved either. I am finding that as my senior dog ages, I have to go back to basics like having her wait for her food instead of stepping all over me as I prepare it. I also have to go outside with her (even though I have a fenced yard) because she is unsure of herself since her hearing is failing her. In some ways it's like having a puppy again, in terms of behavior. I have new (used) furniture that needs repair so I'm trying to keep her off of it. How I wish I had instilled the "seek permission" rule for jumping onto furniture!
I have a question about coming into your home to visit. I notice you want your dogs to wait until invited to greet visitors. I am always unsure how long to prolong the greeting ritual. I don't want to sabotage your training. Is it up to me when I want to greet them, or do you want them to wait until you give the signal? I've wanted to ask this when I've visited since Foster came to you, but I keep forgetting.
Keep up the wonderful posts. I really love reading them.
Love, love, love,
Julie
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