Little Bear (LB) is my Miniature Schnauzer. A handful and a half, when he was a pup I sought help from a recommended local trainer whose aversive methods made his unruly behaviour 100 times worse.
From those dark early days we quickly emerged into the bright light of positive reinforcement and we’re never looking back.
Now ten, he has made amazing progress and is learning to overcome the fears that used to rule our lives. Trying to find solutions to his issues, my world was turned upside down with most of my free time devoted to dog behaviour courses and various forms of training and learning. We’ve both come a long way over the last decade but every day he teaches me something new.
Six years ago we adopted Annie as company for Little Bear and to fulfil my dream of a two dog household. A beautiful soul, Annie the Labrador has issues of her own both medical and behavioural but she lights up our lives every single day. I could easily write another blog just about her but for now she’s happy to guest on Bear’s.
Together we live with my wonderful husband and, until a very dark day in May 2015, the true lady of the house, Camden Cat in Berkshire, England. Cam’s passing left a hole in our hearts you could drive a truck through, but the dogs do their best to heal it a little more every day.
This blog is my way of talking dog all day without seeing my friends eyes glaze over. If it can help other people with reactive dogs realise that they’re not alone then I’m doubly blessed.
To be honest I never expected the blog to be read, but am always delighted and humbled when it is.
“Sianny” from the Schnauzer Forum here. I’ve just read most of the first page of your blog and have thoroughly enjoyed it, I can relate to some things!
My mini, Ralphy HATES his harness. When you’re putting it on, he keeps very still and gulps loads..once it’s CLIPPED on he’s fine!? Strange eh?
The Gentle Leader sounds really good. Must find a way to get more money!
I love your writing style, if you wrote a “dog novel” – I would buy it. Hell, I’ve bought every other one that’s in the bookshops! :$
Sianny x
Hi Sianny,
thank you SO much – that’s so lovely of you to say. That made my day! I like the sound of a dog novel – with a happy ending of course.
🙂
I’m glad it’s not just LB with strange habits! Does yours freeze when you put a dog coat on him? There’s another mini around here who freezes if the hood on his coat is put up, but he’s fine again once it’s taken down. Funny little dogs!
E 🙂