That's right, baby sitting.
It was crazy. The new one, Jewels, is not such a jewel. She's a sweetheart, really, but girl has got to start behaving or my blood pressure is going to be through the roof. I know a lot of it is my own temperament and how I am reacting to her. But time and time again, she tests my patience and my ability to remain calm.
Before we even got Jewels, Sadie had decided there is something to be staring at between the washing machine and the wall in the laundry room. Now, Chris and I have inspected time and time again and have found nothing but a wadded up rag stuffed in the corner that maybe Sadie is mistaking for an animal or stuffed animal. But it never moves and is actually acting as some insulation within a huge wall flaw in our house (I'd have to show you; it's hard to explain.). Either way, Sadie has convinced Jewels that there is something back there and they like to hover in the laundry room with the anticipation that something will come out. They have even barked at said nothingness a few times. I will apologize if a mouse comes crawling out of the laundry room, but until then, it's starting to get a little annoying and obsessive.
But that's not even the gist of the problem. Jewels came to us with a HUGE jumping problem. She can't stand to be looking at you and not have her paws on you at all times. On top of this, we can't put her in the fenced area in the back yard because she'll dig. Sadie used to dig but would actually dig up stuff. The kid found wire, a floor mat, glass, plastic pieces, toys, etc. At first I thought she was just bored but every time she did it, we'd find something. Jewels, however, is digging because she's so freakin' hyper she can't stand still or just run around and be satisfied. So yesterday, I caught her digging and punished her for it. Then about five minutes later, she starts digging again. I tell her "no" and she stops, only to start again about 10 minutes later. I gave her a kong with treats in it to occupy her. Then, with muddy paws, she starts jumping on me. I wasn't in great clothes, so no biggy, but she always seems to have dirty paws when I'm in dress pants for work. And she HAS to jump.
We try to clean her feet now before she gets through the door, and I've tried EVERYTHING to make her stop jumping. We've done the turn and walk away deal and the knee-then-in-the-chest thing. Telling her "off" or "no" only works sometimes. It's crazy!
Basically, after a weekend at home, my nerves are shot! And poor Chris isn't much better. He's afraid if we have kids he won't be able to control when he wants to spank them because of how he is with Jewels! So, the most calm, patient person I know is questioning his discipline abilities because of Cujo for a dog (she's not mean, just stupid)!
I'm sure this sounds mean. And I never really thought breed mattered so much with behavior until now. She is a pit bull/terrior mix and is not vicious at all - like many might think with the pit bull. But girl is dumb as a frickin' rock! With Sadie, you tell her something twice, and nine times out of ten, she's got it. Jewels has been told not to jump about 300 times now, and she still doesn't get it. But then yesterday, Sadie decided she didn't need to come when I called her. I swear if the brat is rubbing off on Sadie, I'm going to kick some ass!
We've already spent enough on the initial adoption fee, vet bill and "stuff" for her, but after another month or so, if she doesn't straighten up, we're going to some serious training. If that doesn't work, I might be finding another home for Miss Jewels.
I want to love her, but a dog isn't suppose to stress you out! They are suppose to be the one constant that makes you feel better and relaxes you! I knew Sadie was close to perfect and this dog wouldn't compare, but I apparently have little to no tolerance for stupidity. Our German Shepherds growing up never had this much problem.
I'm at my wits end! HELP!
(this kind of sounds like a Dear Abby and I didn't mean for it to!)
8 comments:
Aww, man. That sucks. I thought Sadie was supposed to rub off on Jewels, not the other way around.
I just sat for an hour through lunch listening to people's dumb pet stories. As in dumb pets, not dumb stories. And now I read this. All I can think is how well behaved our fish is.
Are you sure it's a lack of intelligence and not just stubborness? Terriers are known for being stubborn and needing strong owners and more training than most breeds despite being more intelligent on average. I don't know much on the pit bull area, but breeds make for huge differences in disposition. Golden Retrievers are easy to train because they want to please. Bulldogs are hard to train because they're stupid. German Shepherds can be hard to train because they are aggressive, but they're smart. Jack Russells are about as smart as they get, but they're a pain in the ass to train because they always think they're the boss and you have to constantly remind them that you are in fact in charge and reinforce training.
Of course there are always exceptions, but breed is a great determinant for behavior and ease of training.
I hate that what was meant to be such a great thing has turned out to be such a pain. I have heard,in reference to children, that you if you get one great child, you should stop reproducing because the next one would end up being a hell raiser...it may apply to dogs as well...just kidding..lol..
I used to have a beagle, and he was hard to train but that's because he was just stupid. He was kind of a naturally good dog, though -- never barked or jumped.
Sorry about Jewels!
Interesting note about Golden Retrievers wanting to please you: I don't think Sadie has any retriever in her, but that describes her disposition perfectly.
Jewels is far more interested in food, play, sleep and trying to chase small animals outside (despite being on a leash). Jeez, if she were sex-crazed I'd say she was just a typical male human.
Thankfully, she is not sex-crazed, although she does like to lick herself.
I guess that's why they call dogs "training kids." They have to break your will so that you are ready to raise a child of the human variety.
i just got a puppy recently and I am right there with you, he is a ball of hell. Nothing like a puppy to make you realize you're not ready for kids. Ever.
I forgot how much sleep we lost with our last puppy...but we just took in a puppy that showed up at my mom and dad's house and are excited that she's moved up to being taken out twice a night and not four!!
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