Pet Training Ideas

[hlothery]

Really off topic, but this is Campfire, right? I am keeping my Son's one year old Irish Setter while they are selling their house. I had a very well trained Shelty before he died several years ago, which I trained from birth. The Setter, however, has developed many bad habits over the last year, and is very difficult to get to focus, will not respond, will not come in or go in his crate in the mornings when I need to go to work, etc. He is a sweet dog, just unruly. I am considering a shock collar to get his attention. Any of you ever used one? If so, how effective were they?

TIA

[jdmetzger]

Many years ago I took my hound to obedience school. I never used a shock collar, but have used one of those "pin" collars. I used to be very against them, but after talking with the obedience people and seeing it in use, I realized the "pins" are not sharp in any way (maybe you can get them like that, but the one I have is blunt tipped).

So I started with that. Then it's just repetition:

"sit" - show how to sit. Once they get the basic idea, you just give the command - "sit". A lack of response leads to a short and basic snap on the leash (you're not trying to strangle the dog or cause it pain) followed by "no" and then "sit" again. The trick is not pulling the leash and saying "sit" at the same time, as that can confuse the dog. That was a big thing they taught us - don't have the dog associate the command with the correction. I imagine the same procedure would go for the shock collar if you go that route. This worked for me. We actually started with "heel", then "sit" and "down", then "stay", then "place" (a long-term stay the dog should do even if you walk out of the room, and up to 30 minutes or more), then the extra stuff like roll over, spin, arrest (jump up with front paws against a wall), and speak. I never was able to get my dog to do roll over with any consistency, and I'm fine with that.

The obedience people do use shock collars, though not on all dogs. I guess it depends on whether or not you think you need the extra control with that dog.

[hlothery]

Thanks for the thoughts. I am pretty good with dogs, and he does really well when I am near him, or especially when on the leash. He just occasionally gets crazy, and I cannot get to him to discipline him in sufficient time for him to make the connection. The most confounding thing is that he will not come in in the mornings. He knows I am leaving, makes a game out of being chased if I try to go get him. That is when I think the shock collar might be of use. Any other opinions?

[AKBeemer]

I have a friend who owns two young and rambunctious dogs; a lab and a German Shepard. His home is on a busy road and the dogs would run into traffic regularly. He installed an invisible fence (buried wire) that activates shock collars when the dogs get too close. He used a remote activator for the collars when he was training the dogs to learn their limits. It works very well to contain the dogs to his property and the dogs seem to have the same goofy personality as they did before.

[jforgo]

I have a couple beasts who are not exactly 100% "dog" - very smart, tough customers. Even worse, I adopted them as abused "teenagers"
Use the internal prong collars - ony! Don't screw around with any other kind. The "shock" collar may or may not become associated with you - hence may be confusing to the animal. With the prong there is no doubt it is you. Just don't leave prongs on all the time, when the dog is unattended.
Never "argue" with the dog. Each voice command - which is given only once, in the same tone,. and never yelling, should ALWAYS be followed up by action if not obeyed. If at any particular time you are unable or unwilling to follow up a disobeyed command with action, do NOT initiate a command.
The animal will snivel, howl, cry, maybe even growl, when corrected. This will subside when the animal discovers you are dominant, and not hesitant or otherwise swayed by their protests.
Consistency, dominance, affection are the keys.

[hlothery]

Thanks. Good advice.

[41077]

Used properly a shock collar is very effective. Most dogs however want to please and may just need to know what the rules are and may not need the shock treatment.
My co-worker recently got a two year old lab that had no training or social skills, a year later he is a well behaved dog. Time, effort and consistancy seemed to work.

[hlothery]

Appreciate the thoughts. As I said in my OP, I had a very well trained Shelty until his death. I am very familiar with, and capable in the usual techniques of training. The problem with this one year old is that he has had little training in the past, and when he runs from me in the back yard I have no means by which to apply the principles of training. I have had both knees replaced, and simply cannot run him down (although that is clearly what he wants, and he would love the chase). I fooled him at lunch, put him on the leash to go out to use the bathroom, even though the back yard is fenced. I may try that, and a dose of patience, for a while and see how he responds, letting him run in the evening when time is not an issue. My questions were more about the effectiveness of the shock collar, should I need to deploy one. Sounds like it will work if I ultimately need it. Thanks, everyone.

[Ken F]

If they are used properly and with some thought put into how and when you use it, they are the best thing since a choke collar!

I've had very good luck with mine, and have used it minimally. Read up on how to use them first, then by all means get his attention.

460

[BexBmr]

Have you tried using a Kong filled with food/treats to get him in the crate in the morning? My dog does not use the crate any more; however, every morning she brings me her Kong so I can fill it for her.

Here's the link in case you have never heard of Kong - they are available anywhere.

http://www.kongcompany.com/worlds_best.html

[ragtoplvr]

It sounds to me as if this dog has learned that if he does not come in the morning, a very pleasurable play time occurs (for him). This now has to be broken, and then re-enforced for a long time as the dog will remember.

I guess the morning is off leash while you finish getting ready.

You may have to alter your routine, so the morning is always on leash, and is fun until you call to go inside, then you have to be dominate. If you do not want to leash, then the shock collar and dominance is your only route.

It is probable the initial mistake was letting disobedience become play. You have a smart dog, and you will have to watch for him trying to turn disobedience into play everywhere he can. I have had one of these smart dogs, they are capable of very much, both good and bad, so you have to leave no doubt that you are top dog 110% of the time, or they will have you. It seems the dog has infinite patience and time, you of course do not. These traits make him very lovable and loyal, and a PIA at the same time.

Rod

[hlothery]

It is probable the initial mistake was letting disobedience become play. You have a smart dog, and you will have to watch for him trying to turn disobedience into play everywhere he can. I have had one of these smart dogs, they are capable of very much, both good and bad, so you have to leave no doubt that you are top dog 110% of the time, or they will have you. It seems the dog has infinite patience and time, you of course do not. These traits make him very lovable and loyal, and a PIA at the same time.

Rod

A complete synopsis of the problem.......exactly. He is so loveable and smart, but his owners have let him do exactly as you describe. Outsmarted by a dog.........curses!

[m0rbid45]

Hugh,

Just my 2c...

If you are going to try a shock collar make sure that you read up on its use as used improperly you can hurt or ruin the dog.

My ex-wife and I went to a trainer that showed us the proper use and after words my German Shepherd bitch would just about tear down the closed bedroom door to get to her crate when asked to go crate.

One of the things that we had employed with her and her sister when "I am going to make a game out of this" was to start a bit earlier wanting to bring them in. When they did not come in we left the door open and walked away.
Since they want to be with you and then not being able to see you they come a looking for ya.
After 4 -6 times they had it figured out that in the morning it is not play time.

Some dogs are just too smart for their own good.. :D

[John Brase]

I don't mean to offend, but... You are comparing a Shelty with an Irish Setter. Won't be the same at all. First of all, a Shelty is a smart dog while an Irish Setter is...

Well, it's an Irish Setter.

John
(I've been trained by an Ausie)

[INDAWIN]

An Irish Setter is a lot like Claudia Schiffer. It's a beautiful thing to look at, but has Schiffer brains.

[From MARS]

Hugh, we are foster-parenting an 18 month old English setter that was lost/abandoned on the streets, in a shelter, and now, here. The first three days sucked! I was ready to call the foster care coordinator and tell her that euthanasia may be the best solution for this dog. We had two alpha dog contest which, of course, I won, but not without battle scars. He had no manners, no training, and had fought for his food. Now, we've had him a week, and the improvement is phenomenal.

Our technique is to keep them on a leash with a standard collar, even in the house, (just let them drag it around; it gives you something to grab) until they respond to "come" every time. Bite-sized pieces of hotdog are used as the reward. It only took two days for "Jake" to get off the leash. Aside from lavish praise, the rewards are now intermittent. Negative behavior like "mouthing" is mostly ignored because, like children, dogs crave attention; even negative attention is better than none. However, when he is being good, I'll go and give him a big hug; like just for laying quietly on the floor.

Our technique is based on the philosophy that dogs only want to please the alpha dog; therefore, they get lots of loving attention and gentle guidance. If they are not following instructions, its because I haven't communicated my desire clearly or they are being stubborn. For instance, I'd tell Jake to sit before going outside. When he didn't, I'd tell him two more times before just standing there. He'd sit after a few minutes, and I'd praise him. We seldom have this happen anymore. All of the dogs we foster have in some way been abused and respond better to gentleness than to brute force. I'm not a fan of any devise that inflicts pain on or instills fear in the dogs. I want them to leave here responding to commands because they want to please; not out of fear of the consequences if they don't. Its worked with abused German Shepherds, Irish Setters, and Heinz-57's. All the animals we've taken in have responded positively.

Tom

[rspennachio]

I don't like the shock collars. A guy at work says his neighbor uses and invisible fence for his dog. The first few times he went to pet the dog, the dog crossed the line and got shocked. Now when Carl is in the yard and tries to pet the dog the dog runs away!

A kong filled with peanut butter is a dogs dream come true! Also I really agree with the Cesar Milan approch of long brisk walks especially for a high energy dog. I see it like mini boot camp. Hard, fast and intense training yealds fast results. But don't worry as soon as you get sparky minding his manners it'll be time to give him back.

I have a 10 week old Boston and a 1.5 year old Boston. We use the no-slip collar. It is sort of like a choke chain but it is made of nylon and it is not exactly a slip style. It rides real high on the neck so when you apply correction it lifts the dogs head and really gets their attention. This requires low effort for good results.

By the way, I've seen a local guy riding a Vstrom out fitted with a milk crate for his little dog. I want my little dogs to ride with me too.

[E_Page]

My family had an Irish Setter exactly as described in the OP when I was in HS. COMPLETELY UNTRAINABLE! Took two dogs through the same professional training at the same time (other dog a collie mix). The collie passed with flying colors, the setter just made friends with some of the other dogs.

A shock collar likely wouldn't have worked, he would've thought the rush of the jolt was fun.

Beautiful dog. Sweet disposition. Strong as an ox. Dumb as a rock.

Good luck.

[KGT1200]

I had the pleasure of knowing an Irish setter/Goldie cross for 15 years. During the last 8 years or so of his life, he was a pretty well mannered dog, although maintained his "independent" streak right up to the end. I can’t say he was like other dogs I had; he loved trash cans and chocolate, tried to romance my girl friends (no joke) and he personally serviced and sired my landlady's three Norwegian Elk Hounds not too long after he came into my life. Got me evicted, too!

He was impossible to train, but could behave when he wanted, sit, stay, steal the steak off the table, roll over, speak! He knew all the tricks!

Outdoor Jazz concerts in Breckenridge to backpacking with no leash hundreds of times, this dog was more than man's best friend! I think it was the setter in him.

I have never had a dog with the intelligence of that dog. You just had to have patience for five or six years...

[hlothery]

I continue to appreciate all the replys and opinions. Have had him for 5 days now, today is the 6th. His behavior has improved in the house. He sleeps next to our bed, but still occasionally tries to get in bed with us (my son allowed that). He behaves when he knows the "alpha dog" can get to him, responds to most verbal commands, rarely needs to be disciplined for not doing so. He gets a very brisk walk each day when I come home from work, but is almost uncontrollable if another dog barks, or another person walks by. We use a muzzle leash, which turns his head if he pulls.....he is impossible to control (70 lbs) with the neck leash. I started taking him out in the backyard in the morning and at lunch (if I get home) on a leash. He does not like this, but so far has used the bathroom when he needs to and has had no accidents. However, if I let him out without the leash (backyard is fenced) and he knows we are leaving, he will not come in. Have tried patience and the open door thing.......fagedaboutit. He also continues to sneak his snout on the counters and table.....any food we are preparing or eating is at risk, and that is not acceptable. I'll keep working with him, but a shock collar is probably in his immediate future. I'll get advice from a local trainer about how to use it, and read all I can find before hand. If anyone has a written reference, I'd appreciate a link.

Thanks, again.

[ragtoplvr]

Leave him some food laced with hot pepper out for him to sneak. One time may cure him. If not he will smell anything carefully, this will give you a bit of time to detect and correct the behavior before the dog gets the reward.. It will not physically hurt him, but he will learn that not everything is tasty on the counter, it is a good lesson.

Dogs can not be allowed to forage in the house unless you want to "kid" proof the house and keep it that way for the life of the dog. Same for sharing your food with them, they have theirs and you have yours. A friend of mine lost a dog when it snatched a prescription pain killer of the counter, chewed thru the plastic and ate the pills. They see you taking a small "treat" that must be so good you will not share it with them. She did not have kids, never thought about the dog. It was a sad time for all. Proper training is easier, and less annoying. Undoing improper training is possible, but more of a challenge.

Rod

[hlothery]

Just to let you know. Tom's reply above has really got me wondering. I've read all morning about E collars (apparently "shock collars" is too shocking), clicker training, etc. Think I'll give him a few more days, and try a little less negative and more positive reinforcement. The clicker training sounds very interesting. As to the failure to be able to recall if we are leaving........I'll keep using my interim solution of the leash for now.

Thanks again for all the help.

[jforgo]

The "clicker" idea can be duplicated without having the device. I make a certain noise for such a purpose, and my boys readily recognize it. This also makes it more "personal" to them, which I consider important.

While I have never hit them, they are keenly aware I will make them listen to me by other means, as soon as I give them that "tone', or even "look". I think, especially in the beginning, a willingness to use some force in order to be minded, is required to establish some initial credibility. The certainty of this reduces the need for it in the long run.

In my prior post, I may have come across as relying too much on force. I emphasized it only because people tend to be unwilling, intimidated, and/or inconsistent about it, which tends to establish uncertainty and therefore negative behavior early on. And I live with some canines who are potentially extremely difficult, to say the least. They simply have little respect for humans as a species.

The other side of the coin is really all the bonding and affection. This is something they have always gotten 100%. The trust I have been given by these abused, smart, powerful animals is amazing. My relationship with them is far more based on their own desire for peace, cooperation, and harmony in the household, than on any specific fear about me, which they may or may not even possess. Yes, I am the alpha, but it is more like a first among equals; there is a lot of willing consent in how I live with them on a daily basis. Never underestimate the power of bonds and affection.

[From MARS]

The "clicker" idea can be duplicated without having the device. I make a certain noise for such a purpose, and my boys readily recognize it. This also makes it more "personal" to them, which I consider important.

While I have never hit them, they are keenly aware I will make them listen to me by other means, as soon as I give them that "tone', or even "look". I think, especially in the beginning, a willingness to use some force in order to be minded, is required to establish some initial credibility. The certainty of this reduces the need for it in the long run.

In my prior post, I may have come across as relying too much on force. I emphasized it only because people tend to be unwilling, intimidated, and/or inconsistent about it, which tends to establish uncertainty and therefore negative behavior early on. And I live with some canines who are potentially extremely difficult, to say the least. They simply have little respect for humans as a species.

The other side of the coin is really all the bonding and affection. This is something they have always gotten 100%. The trust I have been given by these abused, smart, powerful animals is amazing. My relationship with them is far more based on their own desire for peace, cooperation, and harmony in the household, than on any specific fear about me, which they may or may not even possess. Yes, I am the alpha, but it is more like a first among equals; there is a lot of willing consent in how I live with them on a daily basis. Never underestimate the power of bonds and affection.

I agree with your statement about force being necessary sometimes. With a bigger dog, sometimes you just have to grab him by the collar and set his butt down for a good chewing out. I use facial expressions and tone of voice to express my displeasure with his behavior once I have his attention. I've had to take a couple of them down to the floor just like an alpha dog would, but I use the collar twisted fairly tight and not my jaws.:D Once they settle down and the incident is past, I'll give them loving strokes and speak to them in a gentle voice to reinforce the relaxed behavior. After awhile, a lowering of the voice and a stern look gets them to stop and think about "it". Its always better to prevent a behavior than to punish after the fact, IMO.

The food thing is one that soooo many people screw up. Never, ever feed the dog while sitting where you eat! If you want to give them a "treat", get up and walk a few feet away before making them sit for their treat. Never give them a treat immediately when they ask for it. If you do, they'll make your life miserable; make them sit before giving them anything. If you control the food, you control the dog! I'm not there, yet, with this dog, but eventually, I'll be able to leave food sitting on the counter and he won't touch it. Stare at it, yes; touch it, no.

What breed of dogs are you working with? My favorite is the German Shepherd, extremely loyal, but there's nothing sweeter than an English Setter.

Tom

[KGT1200]

I agree with your statement about force being necessary sometimes. With a bigger dog, sometimes you just have to grab him by the collar and set his butt down for a good chewing out. I use facial expressions and tone of voice to express my displeasure with his behavior once I have his attention. I've had to take a couple of them down to the floor just like an alpha dog would, but I use the collar twisted fairly tight and not my jaws.:D Once they settle down and the incident is past, I'll give them loving strokes and speak to them in a gentle voice to reinforce the relaxed behavior. After awhile, a lowering of the voice and a stern look gets them to stop and think about "it". Its always better to prevent a behavior than to punish after the fact, IMO.

The food thing is one that soooo many people screw up. Never, ever feed the dog while sitting where you eat! If you want to give them a "treat", get up and walk a few feet away before making them sit for their treat. Never give them a treat immediately when they ask for it. If you do, they'll make your life miserable; make them sit before giving them anything. If you control the food, you control the dog! I'm not there, yet, with this dog, but eventually, I'll be able to leave food sitting on the counter and he won't touch it. Stare at it, yes; touch it, no.

What breed of dogs are you working with? My favorite is the German Shepherd, extremely loyal, but there's nothing sweeter than an English Setter.

Tom
The most difficult dog I have ever dealt with is our rat terrier. He's now 14, but what worked (works) is the grab on the collar, upside down on his back with me, Mr. Alpha (Mrs. Matriarchal’s husband) in his face. Let him up, love him, and all is forgiven, but the respect/manners return. Come to think of it, this works for me too!

I NEVER feed dogs at the table, which can't be said for other family members :>(
And you are correct sir; the dogs (all three of them) never bother begging with me...go figure....

We have several whistles that range from "happy song", were going for a walk to the "so sad we got to go" to come here, you’re in trouble (Star wars theme song). The dogs have learned these and react appropriately. Bad song results in all three come up on a tails down low slouch to get whatever kind of mostly verbal punishment is to be dispensed for the infraction".

We Never hit dogs. or horses, or come to think of it, hit anything. I was a wrestler in High School..If it comes to a fight, I prefer a double leg take down and a quick full nelson to throwing a punch any day.

[JimmyC]

Stealing food or "Counter Cruising" as it is sometimes refered to can be controled with a 16 oz. plastic bottle with a few coins in it. l use 5 or 6. When he goes for the food or any thing else you never want him to have shake the bottle and give a stern command "Leave It!" I had one trainer tell me she actually would throw the bottle somewhere in the direction of the dog, not at the dog, if it was perticularly stubborn. The element of suprise is important and time it so it is just as he starts to move to the forbiden object. It souldn't be long and all you will need is the command.

[rogermansfield]

I have taken 4 dogs through obedience school and used the clicker each time. It normally gets almost immediate results if done correctly. I have a rat terrier and a german shepherd mix from the pound. They both can be headstrong, but like to work. If you make it a game with rewards and are consistent and patient, you will succeed most of the time. They like to work and it helps to practice every day at the same time. They also need excercise. ( A good dog is a tired dog.) A dog park is a great place to let them run and socalize. They want to be part of a pack (your family). I suggest the book by "The Dog Whisperer". I've never put my dogs on their backs and got in their faces like he does to some of his, but he does advocate structured excercise and being the pack leader. They will "test" you for weakness. I would never let them in my bed.

[Pat Carol]

A lot of praise and petting will go a long way when the pooch listens. I have a 5 year old yellow lab that has not grown up yet. She is just now learning that rolling in deer dropping's will get her in trouble.
I have always used a stern voice with her. That gets her attention right away.She also has seperation disorder. If I happen to go out of the house, she will hunt my shoe's and chew one of them up. So far she has chewed up 14 pair's of house slipper's and 7 pair's of tennis shoes.
Even though she gets in trouble, I love her just the same. Basically, I spoiled her and created a monster at the same time. I got her 3 cat's. They are all best of friends.
Good luck with the Irish Setter. They are nice but, can be a handful.

Take Care
Pat Carol

[From MARS]

Hey, Pat..... eerrr..... Mr Ambassador:bow, have you tried "conditioning" your lab to your absence by leaving her in the house for very short periods of time (start with 10-15 seconds) and gradually working her up from there? I had a Lab/Doberman cross that would chew anything and everything I had touched when I left him at home. We started with simply walking out the door and getting out of sight before returning and progressed to getting in the car and driving around the block before returning. They just want to know that you are coming back; after all, you're their sole provider! (I know; bad pun!)

Tom

[Ken F]

Some of you have seen or heard this before, but it deserves posting....

"Beau"
by Jimmy Stewart

He never came to me when I would call
Unless I had a tennis ball,
Or he felt like it,
But mostly he didn't come at all.
When he was young
He never learned to heel
Or sit or stay,
He did things his way.

Discipline was not his bag
But when you were with him things sure didn't drag.
He'd dig up a rosebush just to spite me,
And when I'd grab him, he'd turn and bite me.

He bit lots of folks from day to day,
The delivery boy was his favorite prey.
The gas man wouldn't read our meter,
He said we owned a real man-eater.

He set the house on fire
But the story's long to tell.
Suffice it to say that he survived
And the house survived as well.

On the evening walks, and Gloria took him,
He was always first out the door.
The Old One and I brought up the rear
Because our bones were sore.

He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on,
What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were out,
They created a bit of a stir.

But every once in a while, he would stop in his tracks
And with a frown on his face look around.
It was just to make sure that the Old One was there
And would follow him where he was bound.

We are early-to-bedders at our house--
I guess I'm the first to retire.
And as I'd leave the room he'd look at me
And get up from his place by the fire.

He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs,
And I'd give him one for a while.
He would push it under the bed with his nose
And I'd fish it out with a smile.

And before very long
He'd tire of the ball
And be asleep in his corner
In no time at all.

And there were nights when I'd feel him
Climb upon our bed
And lie between us,
And I'd pat his head.

And there were nights when I'd feel this stare
And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there
And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.
And sometimes I'd feel him sigh
and I think I know the reason why.

He would wake up at night
And he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things,
And he'd be glad to have me near.

And now he's dead.
And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between us,
And I pat his head.

And there are nights when I think
I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair,
But he's not there.

Oh, how I wish that wasn't so,
I'll always love a dog named Beau.

[hlothery]

I want to thank everyone again for all the help. Using Tom's methods, I think we had our "lightbulb moment" yesterday. Simple patience and persistence, combined with intelligent planning to eliminate the possibility of disobedience and a lot of positive reinforcement, and he is a changed dog in the last 24 hours. Last evening, he slept on his bed, next to ours, until our alarm went off. He was very well-behaved all evening, except for the wildness during his evening walk (which I will work on this weekend). He accepted recall this morning, and went into his crate without a fuss. Suddenly, he is a great dog! :clap

BTW, I've read Dog Whisperer. Nothing which had worked for me with other dogs was working with him for the last several days, but it all came together yesterday. Probably, he just needed a little more time to adjust to his new surroundings. I really did not want to use a shock collar, have never done that before. Glad that is not an issue anymore.

Thanks.:D

[rspennachio]

I think this post should go into the "Best of the Forum" Hear are my supporting reasons.

A member had a problem that he was having trouble resolving so he posted and was provided lots of good tips and encouragment.
The OP provided lots of feedback which resulted in a great dialog. In this case it looks like positive things are happening.
Most importantly, this thread once and for all refutes the stereo type that women have where "men never ask for help or direction!"


Can I get an amen to that third one?
:D

[Weasel]

My next door neighbor has a well-trained Irish Setter. They got the abused dog when it was about 2 Years old. They did take it to obedience school. They don't need a leash when they are out in front washing their car. No electric or pin collars were ever used. The dog won't go beyond their property except to walk over and say "hi" to me. Then again, there's the subject of my beagles...

[From MARS]

Beagles require a whole new thread!:D

Tom

[Pat Carol]

I had never known about this poem until now. That says is all about mans best friend. Even though my yellow lab constantly gets into trouble, I will miss her dearly as I miss other dog's that allowed me to live in the house and pay the bill's.

Thank You for the Poem
Pat Carol



Some of you have seen or heard this before, but it deserves posting....

"Beau"
by Jimmy Stewart

He never came to me when I would call
Unless I had a tennis ball,
Or he felt like it,
But mostly he didn't come at all.
When he was young
He never learned to heel
Or sit or stay,
He did things his way.

Discipline was not his bag
But when you were with him things sure didn't drag.
He'd dig up a rosebush just to spite me,
And when I'd grab him, he'd turn and bite me.

He bit lots of folks from day to day,
The delivery boy was his favorite prey.
The gas man wouldn't read our meter,
He said we owned a real man-eater.

He set the house on fire
But the story's long to tell.
Suffice it to say that he survived
And the house survived as well.

On the evening walks, and Gloria took him,
He was always first out the door.
The Old One and I brought up the rear
Because our bones were sore.

He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on,
What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were out,
They created a bit of a stir.

But every once in a while, he would stop in his tracks
And with a frown on his face look around.
It was just to make sure that the Old One was there
And would follow him where he was bound.

We are early-to-bedders at our house--
I guess I'm the first to retire.
And as I'd leave the room he'd look at me
And get up from his place by the fire.

He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs,
And I'd give him one for a while.
He would push it under the bed with his nose
And I'd fish it out with a smile.

And before very long
He'd tire of the ball
And be asleep in his corner
In no time at all.

And there were nights when I'd feel him
Climb upon our bed
And lie between us,
And I'd pat his head.

And there were nights when I'd feel this stare
And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there
And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.
And sometimes I'd feel him sigh
and I think I know the reason why.

He would wake up at night
And he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things,
And he'd be glad to have me near.

And now he's dead.
And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between us,
And I pat his head.

And there are nights when I think
I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair,
But he's not there.

Oh, how I wish that wasn't so,
I'll always love a dog named Beau.

[tommcgee]

Try the shock collar on yourself first. If you do, you prolly wont want to put it on your dog. Much better to carry SMALL treats in your pocket...