Keyword: Almost

You may recall from my last blog that Mom is super grumpy since her accident. Well, Macy clearly is not in tune with Mom’s emotions the way I am because she was downright rotten last week.

On Friday, Mom messaged a friend of hers that runs FurEver Friendz, a local 501c3 rescue. Mom asked her friend if she’d be willing to babysit Macy for 3 days to a week. She wanted to see if Dad was truly attached to Macy, if they would miss Macy, or if I would miss Macy. The friend wanted Mom to bring Macy to see her the next day.

When Dad got home, Mom told him what the plan was. He didn’t seem too upset. He admitted that Macy was out of control.

For the rest of the day, Mom was sick to her stomach thinking about it. She didn’t want to give up on Macy but more importantly, she was worried about Macy missing us. Dad agreed. He said he loved her and didn’t want her to leave.

A new plan was hatched. Mom and Dad sat down and brainstormed (i.e., Mom brainstormed, Dad listened). Together, they came up with a list of commands to be sure that they were using the same words for the same actions. They also agreed that no matter what, every day had to involve a minimum of 15 minutes of outside playtime and 15 minutes of training. No Noodle allowed (?!?!?!?!) Traitors…

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Mom also added that Macy needs to be brushed regularly. Even though she has short fur, she sheds worse than any dog Mom has ever seen in her whole life. Proof to come later….

Finally, Mom decided that Macy needs calming bones regularly to keep her focused.

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Note: The packaging on this product no longer looks like this. So if you are researching it, you’re likely to see a white and purple label with different writing.

The dosage is one bone per 10 lbs, no more than 6/day. So Macy is getting 3 in the morning and 3 in the evening. I’m getting 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening.

So far, Macy is doing a lot better. She is able to focus more and is not groggy AT ALL! Don’t get me wrong, she’s not being good but when Mom intervenes, she’s listening better. I mean, how could she not hear Mom with those gi-hugic ears???

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“Huh?”

So much for me being an only child….

About noodle4president

I was a discarded, lost little stray without a house or a family...until my mom found me. Now, I am the happiest, most loved dog in the whole world!

76 responses »

  1. raisingdaisy says:

    I’m glad things are starting to work out with Macy. Sometimes it takes a lot of work to settle a rescue pup into a home, but your mom and dad are giving it a super great try. I had to giggle at how Macy is sitting in that last photo! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    • You’re so right. Unfortunately, it seems that her previous owner instilled bad behavior. It’s probably why she ended up on the street. As much as I dislike her, I would never want Mom and Dad to throw her outside. I’ve lived on the street. It’s no fun.

      She’s so goofy, isn’t she?! *ear licks* Noodle

      Liked by 1 person

      • raisingdaisy says:

        Yeah those bad behaviors that are instilled from puppyhood are the toughest. She’s probably a bit confused, too, at the discipline she’s suddenly learning. But Macy’s in good hands now, and I know you’re modeling primo puppy behavior for her. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  2. colinandray says:

    If that product works ………. great, but the amount of active ingredients is almost certainly very low so be prepared for zero difference. The next step would be to start with a low dosage of an anxiety med. Ray’s the expert on those! 🙂
    Consistency both in commands, and in how used, cannot be over stressed because otherwise she will understandably be confused and subsequently frustrated. Good luck!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Noodle’s Mom here: The product seems to be working well. It’s what we give Noodle during fireworks and thunderstorms. It works MUCH better than Xanax. We are really seeing a difference since Friday since implementing everything. Thank goodness!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Well Maybe Macy will straighten up and fly right (oops…that’s for birds….I mean BEHAVE!) with some kind of regulated training time AND those calming bones. All of you are going to be nervous wrecks otherwise! I’m sure your Mom and Dad don’t want to give up on Macy……but it has to be tough on ALL of you (especially you when Macy grabs you and drags you around like a stuffed animal!!!!!)………….paws crossed THE PLAN works!

    Hugs, Sammy

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mom’s concern above everything else is me. She said that it’s bad enough she’s upset but I’m “defenseless”. They agreed that if there was no improvement in 7 days, things would have to change. Lucky for Macy, she seems to be doing better. I just want to wear my collar again! I hate being naked.
      *ear licks* Noodle

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  4. Princess Leah says:

    Your Mom and Dad are amazing Noodles, I do hope this new regime works fur all of you.
    Butts I just wondered Noodles if you could just add a few commands of your own to the list….on the lines of, DROP…as in drop that treat so that you can snaffle it up?
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

    Liked by 1 person

  5. But you are so adorable naked. *snicker*

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Lexi’s Mom here, as Lexi obviously has a one-track mind right now. I blame it on the pain meds. Just wanted to add a note about being consistent in body language as well as verbal commands. If you haven’t read “The Other End of the Leash” I highly recommend it. It gives you tips like, when you call for Macy to come, turn and face the way you want her to go. It says dogs want to go the way you are facing so that they are with you. Hope that made sense. Anyhow, there’s tons more of really interesting stuff. Colin (and Ray) said he has read it and loves the author’s other books as well. Good luck!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Noodle’s Mom here: Good to know. As of now, I’m giving Macy both a verbal cue and a hand signal. She’s doing great already. I put her in a “stay” last night, walked about 100 feet away. Said, “good girl” but didn’t release her. She stayed. Then I gave the hand signal as I said “come” and she flew towards me. I need to work on getting her to come to me with less enthusiasm, though. LOL! Baby steps. I will look into that book. Thanks for the info!

      Liked by 3 people

  7. Murphy & Stanley says:

    We sure hope it all works out!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

    Liked by 1 person

  8. DZ Dogs says:

    Thanks for sticking it out! Bully pups are definitely a handful but worth it in the long run, lots of mental stimulation (training time, puzzle toys), and exercise to wear her out – at least 2-3 times a day of solid exercise will really help.

    Have you considered maybe taking an obedience class with her? It’d be a good way to socialize and learn some new things maybe. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Noodle’s Mom here: We definitely realize that our interaction with her plays a HUGE role in her behavior. She was not getting enough exercise. I would love to do obedience school with her but finances aren’t allowing me to do so. That’s why I’m really trying to be consistent with at-home training. The only thing that gives me hope is that Khia (pit bull/bull mastiff) was worse than Macy as a puppy. She grew up to be the most wonderful dog you could hope for. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen until she was about 3 years old. I can’t imagine 2 1/2 more years of this LOL. Thank you for your support!

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  9. fredrieka says:

    wow this sounds like our house, dadwithoutpaws getting on board with the commands and not making up his own to confuse the issue, Momwihtoutpaws says when you marry a malewithoutpaws they need to come with sticky notes you put out for them to learn..

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Glad Macy are doing better.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. We know what it’s like when you discover your new rescue doggie isn’t a good match for your family. (We had to find another home for a doggie who really didn’t like being around the hustle-bustle of four kids in the house. We did find him a better home that had no kids.) It’s heart-wrenching. But we’re sure you’ll work it out. Good luck!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. nordhuesn says:

    Oh, we hope the new regimen works for all your sakes. Training is key, even for well behaved pets so they don’t develop bad habits. They HAVE to know who is boss. It probably doesn’t help that Macy is so much bigger than you – and she doesn’t know it in the sense that we do. We have our paws crossed that things continue to go well. Stay calm and Noodle on!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Macy really dodged a bullet there, N. Your mom might want to add “Leave it.” for when Macy tries to eat you. I hope she gets better before she drives everybody crazy.

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

    Liked by 1 person

  14. corkscot says:

    It is hard to give upon a dog. Your parents have to protect you. You were there first and you should not be in any danger. We hope that everything works out right for all of you.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks guys. Mom and Dad are exploring options that will allow me to get away from Macy so I can have downtime (ie, a doggy door to the bedroom that she can’t fit through but I can). *ear licks* Noodle

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  15. maggie0019 says:

    Macy probably needs a round or two of Obedience School. As you guys know, Pitties are highly intelligent and get bored (read: mischievous) very easily. The command list is a great idea. Good luck and keep us posted! Woof!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Noodle’s Mom here: I totally agree with you about the obedience school. Unfortunately, finances just don’t allow for it right now. That was part of the reason I told my husband that we shouldn’t get a puppy. Puppies typically need obedience school and it wasn’t responsible to get a puppy knowing I wouldn’t be able to afford classes. Now look at me. Here I am with a puppy….that needs classes. Thanks for your support and advice. It’s truly appreciated! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Oh Noodle! Sounds like your peeps have it under control nows! Ma wishes that natural calming stuffs worked on ME! Since she says I’m a ‘hyperbutt’, butts since I”m gonna be seven (what???) I”ve finally started to calm a little…hehehehehe A LITTLE! BOL
    The only time I needs to take my ace (calming med) is when I gets my nails cut at the vetties. (I freak OUT!) Anyhu, I gots my paws crossed for you guys, cause Noodle, having a sis that worships you is pawsome! ..oh, and I kinda likes you nekkid..hehehe ☺
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    • You know what will make your mom realize how calm you are? If she gets a puppy. My Mom thought I was crazy until Macy got here. Now she realizes what a good boy I was/am. Ruby, I HATE getting my nails cut. It’s the WORST! Thanks for thinking of us. *blush* Stop looking!!!! ❤ *ear licks* Noodle

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  17. Mrs P says:

    Hi Oscars Mom here,
    As you know we have had our ‘adventures’ with his behaviour !! he is very slowly improving – two steps forward one step back, it sounds like you are doing everything you can, it is exhausting, we went right back to basics with clicker training, have introduced a muzzle (the soft ones are BRILLIANT) when Oscar jumps up people/ counter tops we had to change the command to ‘paws on the floor’ as we use ‘down’ for lie down so no wonder the poor guy was getting confused, on the mouthing front we ‘try’ to completely ignore him which isn’t always easy as he comes in at a whopping 120 lbs and I have to say he’s doing really well on that front.
    How old is Macey ? is she heading for adolescence ? as we have noticed his behaviour took a nose dive then BUT after watching HIS body language and noticing when his behaviour deteriorated ie being put on his lead half way through a run about / being made to sit if we are talking to someone we think he’s having a teenage strop!!!!!!! try to tire her out mentally, hide a treat inside a package so she has to hunt for it, have you tried kongs ??
    Sorry for the essay and you probably are trying all this stuff already , I figure having someone who knows EXACTLY how you feel does make it easier, lets us know how things progress
    PS Those ears !!!!! they are uber cool – oh and big LOL

    Liked by 1 person

    • Noodle’s Mom here: Thank you for taking the time to leave these suggestions for us. It DOES help to know I’m not alone. I, too, was worried about the confusion between ‘down’ and ‘lay down’. ‘Paws on the floor’ might be good. I actually suggested something similar to my husband when we were coming up with these things but he said HE was getting confused LOL Macy is 7 months old now. After reading everyone’s comments/suggestions, it looks like I’ll be going and buying some Kong’s this weekend. Those ears are TRULY her saving grace! Thanks again!

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      • Mrs P says:

        Hello again, Oscar was around 8 months when he threw himself headlong into adolescence, so that could be part of why Macey’s is full on ..and it’s true time does improve things so hang on in their…this comes from the woman who was really teetering on the edge of giving up,
        Another thing to try – when she runs off with something you want/need – tea towel/ socks/anything in Oscars case don’t give it any value, we just ignored him completely… this was after chasing him round the table for a few weeks !!! now even though he still *steals* before long he brings it to us as if to say “You can have it back I don’t want it now anyway ”
        You will get there, just not today, at least that is what I keep telling myself, and over the last few weeks looking back we ARE heading in the right direction 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you so much for giving me hope!!!! Now I just need to figure out how to get her to listen in-between training sessions.

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      • Mrs P says:

        When you figure that one out please let me know your secret LOL

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Three Pups and a Couple of Kitties says:

    Hey Noodle, Mom and Dad,
    I don’t remember how old Macy is but I do know from our three Golden girls that adolescence is a challenge. Regardless of whether or not Macy is in adolescence just dealing with the other challenges you are right now on top of Macy’s behavior is rough.

    I know you are very experienced and probably know the following tips but some of the things that have helped us is to praise them when we “catch” them doing something good. Yesterday I praised Bess (1 year) for playing with a toy then turned around and caught her chewing on a pen…yep we’re still learning. But I know from our older pups it works, it just takes time.

    The other thing we do when they have a bad case of the squirrelies is to give them a kong, ours like them filled with cheese and/or peanut butter. We were told by our trainer that 1 hour with a kong is equal to 2 hours of outside activity.

    I also swap out their toys so they discover “new” toys that they have in their toy tub.

    It also seems like when we have a lot going on their behavior gets a bit more challenging, ours just want to remind us they are there so they act out.

    Our first trainer went from teaching obedience training to specializing in helping people and their pups with more challenging behaviors and works one on one with them.

    I’m not trying to act like a know- it- all because even though we have been a multiple dog family for over 30 years we still have a lot to learn. Example: Bonnie pup (3yrs) just brought me a washcloth from the dirty clothes basket twice while I have been writing this…

    You guys have a great plan in place and the want to, plus love to make it happen.
    Sounds like you are already seeing results.

    Love and cuddles
    Margret

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you for all of the wonderful advice, Mrs. Margret. It seems Mom and Dad really need to invest in some Kongs as that is the one consistent among everyone’s advice. Macy does what Bess did yesterday. If Mom praises her for being good, playing by herself, she immediately gets up and does something bad. *sigh* At least it’s starting to get better. Thanks again! ❤ *ear licks* Noodle

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  19. Me says:

    Oh god I love her 😀

    How old is Macy? Is she an active girl? If so plenty of time running / walking, several short training sessions a day and tiring games are a good idea. Kasper is 2 years older than Zoey but he needs more exercise as he’s stoopidly energetic. He gets 2 hours walking a day and then lots of play and training.

    Tiring tricks are awesome…teaching Macy up and off furniture, leg weaves, and we’ve found the touch game is brill – sit on the couch, have her touch her nose to your palm, then lob the treat across the room. And repeat until she’s tired…the human doesn’t even have to move!

    Things that keep her quiet and calm are useful too…Nylabones, antlers, stuffed Kongs (can be frozen to last longer) etc. Any resource guarding (you might not have this problem but I’ll throw it out there after dealing with it here!) and you can separate into different rooms or use a playpen to begin with, until you teach the dogs to stay on their own bed / couch etc.

    Finally have a gander at Kikopup on YouTube, she has lots of videos on teaching calm behaviour etc etc.

    Apologies if you already know all this…I haven’t been following your bloggy long 🙂

    I empathise with the shedding. Zoey’s a super Staffy shedder…at least her hairs are short though, unlike Kasper’s…he is moulting so much that if I could knit I’d have made dozens of jumpers by now XD

    Hehe Noodle you’ll be horrified to hear our dogs always play nekkid. One time, back when they wore collars, they were playing and Zoey’s jaw got stuck under Kasper’s collar, choking him. Very scary so they are permanently nekkid other than on walks…how embarrassing for them 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you SO very much for all of this information. The touch game sounds fabulously perfect. I am very protective of food and treats so Macy and I do have to be separated. Macy almost choked me, too!!! That’s why I’m nakey. It is quite embarassing. Hopefully, Zoey and Kasper are chipped? Mom is always nervous now that I don’t have my collar on, even though I’m chipped. Thanks again for taking the time to share all of your knowledge *ear licks* Noodle

      Liked by 1 person

      • Me says:

        No worries 🙂 Oh yeah, we absolutely *love* the touch game…it’s Zoey’s favourite thing to do, and when it’s raining we rely on it to tire her out – Zoey won’t walk in the rain *sigh*

        We bought a playpen when Raiden came home. It’s about 5ft x 3ft and is sooo useful. We were planning on having Rey sleep in there but we really use it if we want to give the dog Kongs; one goes in the pen, the other has it free and Raiden goes in his large dog crate…Kasper is a guarder and thinks everything is his 😀

        Oh my bob I’m so sorry Macy choked you, it was really scary when it happened to our pups 😦 Yes our two are chipped, and they have their ID tags on their harnesses when they go out, but they are nekkid house dogs 😀

        Liked by 1 person

    • I forgot to answer your question. Macy is 7 months old!

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      • Me says:

        Aw I’ll bet she’s a little live-wire then 😀 Still waiting for Zoey to settle down and she’ll be three next month *sigh* Kasper has settled down…ish…now that he’s five XD

        Liked by 1 person

  20. gahlearner says:

    Someone’s recommended The other end of the leash, I can second that. And Ian Dunbar’s books and videos, many of which can be found (some free) here: http://www.dogstardaily.com/taxonomy/term/183
    Maia has very short fur and sheds like mad, too. Come to think of it, she also has huge ears and a heart-shaped nose. Maybe she’s Macy’s sister in spirit. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  21. PigLove says:

    Sounds like mom has a plan and that’s the best thing. It’s difficult not being the only ‘child’ anymore… just ask me. I mean heck, we had two purr things but I still felt like I was the only child until Houdini came along. But now, things are cool. It takes time to adjust as well as determination and scheduling the same things – We love routines. Good luck my friends. XOXO – Bacon

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  22. that’s a good plan and I cross my paws that it works very well. you can use such a grooming glove for short furs, I have one with small rubber thingies on one side and on the other one is a special fabric what holds efurry hair. it works pawsome and it’s done in some minutes, my fur is as shiny as a new penny now :o)

    Liked by 1 person

  23. stella rose says:

    Oh our mom knows just how you feel, and she wants you to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Before us three came to live here, mom and dad had a well behaved min pin, then he passed away and mom somehow fell into puppy mill rescue…so we all came to her with no training, never been out of the cage, never walked on grass…never did nuffin but sit in the cage. WE weren’t ever in foster care so we basically had been exposed to nuffin. It was CRAZY at our house and mom thought a few times about finding different home for us, but she knew in her heart this is where we needed to be. She has saved 5 pugs from those rotten places and now she knows the tools to help….usually, she still has her days though. Taking Gussie to puppy classes helped him a lot. I know it can be expensive, maybe if you have a friend whose dog is well trained you could work with her and your new puppy……..good luck….stella rose and momma

    Liked by 1 person

    • Holy macaroni! I had no idea that you were all puppy mill rescues!!!! I am SO sorry you had to live like that but even happier that you get to live free now. How long did you live at the puppy mill? Oh, Stella Rose…my tiny heart is hurting. I know it shouldn’t because your story has a happy ending but still! 87 million *ear licks* Noodle

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      • stella rose says:

        I lived there until I was 6 months old, I had to live in a cage with 4 bigger dogs, and that is why even at 5 years of age I am very food aggressive, mom did not know when she took me that I was almost blind, but the next day at the vet they told her, …I was a demon pug for about 4 months and then the icky puppy mill woman called mom to see if they wanted my new born baby brother who had bad scars on his legs, and scratches on his eyes, the puppy broker would not take him, so mom said yes, and he came to live with us at 8 weeks old, and then I started to learn to love and trust mom and dad more. Sammy J. always loved them from the start and he did not have as many issues as me, except he loved to run, and one foggy night he jumped out of mom’s arms and ran right over the rainbow bridge, mom was broken into a thousand pieces, we also had our aunt trudie living with us, who was 6 years old, and she had lots of puppies for the EVILS until she just could not so she came to live wif us also. She adored our momma and would only eat her food from mom’s hand. She lived with us for almost a year, but she had bad bad breathing problems, and we all had to say goodbye to her just a month before Sammy left us. Then there was just me. Mom was crushed. A few months later, the same puppy mill contacted us cos they know is a sucker and they had a fawn pug from Missouri that was a reject and wanted to know if mom wanted her, mom actually did not want to take her but dad did so off they went, and brought home the ever-anxious Maggie mae………..we were sorta buddies, but she was just the happiest puppy, then a few months later along came Angus Mac who is my brother, from the same mom and dad. We all came with eye issues, mine the most severe, and of course some behavior….Maggie is anxious and nervous if things change but Angus (gussie) is very well rounded. Potty training has been super hard, but mom says through it all, it has made her a much better person. Please stay strong, and just ask for help, cos that little doggie needs you. stella rose and momma

        Liked by 1 person

      • I’m speechless. Such awful memories. I am so happy you live with your Mom and Dad now. I bet you get away with lots of stuff. BOL. I was found wandering the street so I get special treatment. Like sometimes, when I’m curled up on the couch, Mom tucks me in with a fuzzy blanket and her and Dad will pet me and Dad will say, “This is much better than the scary street, huh buddy?” If Dad yells at me for something, Mom says, “Don’t talk to him like that. He’s just a little baby.” Then she picks me up and coddles me. 😀 I’m happy for all of us that we have safe, comfortable homes now. ❤ *ear licks* Noodle

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  24. Macy is adorable beyond words! Regular and consistent training will turn the wild child into the love that hides behind those fabulous ears. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Awe thanks for not giving up on Macy.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Nylabluesmum says:

    Mee mee-you Noodle looks like thee Macy doggie iss theer fur good! So there are calmin bones fur doggies??? Mee has head To Tail Calmin Treetss fur mee outburstss!
    Mee iss beein assessed by a Homey-o-pathick Practishuner……not sure what it iss all about butt mee hopes sumfing can bee dun fur mee!
    An mew mew mew “Gi-hugic’…that iss a pawsum werd Noodle mee Moodle…..
    ~~~head rubsss~~~ an **ear licksss** Siddhartha Henry Middhartha Penry~~~

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Nylabluesmum says:

    Mew mew mew a gi-hugic seeleckshun!! Wee must check thee linky out Noodle mee Moodle!! Fankss mee BFF ❤
    Yur thee best!
    **ear licksss** an ***nose bumpsss*** Siddhartha Middhartha Henry Penry xxxxxx

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Nylabluesmum says:

    Maybee yur Mumma should check out thee list an find sumfing ‘speshell’ fur Macy, mew mew mew…… 😉
    **nose bumpsss** Siddhartha Henry xxxx

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Nylabluesmum says:

    Berry clevurr Lady Samantha…..berry clevurr!!!!
    Noodle mee Moodle yur Mumma iss thee BOMM!!
    ***ear lickss*** Siddhartha Henry Penry xxxxx

    Liked by 1 person

  30. hello noodle its dennis the vizsla dog hay wow i see i am not the only wun koping with a noo wild child sibling!!! i am glad macy is settling down a littel!!! and stay owt of the boks springs macy no gud kan come of beeing in that part of the bed!!! ok bye

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