Well, Jakey boy is a changed dog. He no longer has to wear the cone, can walk (or run) off the lead and loves going to the park again. He acts like a puppy again instead of a sore old man. This means, of course, that he needs more obedience training. He took to biting and growling at hubby when he was in pain after his operation. He tried it on me once or twice, and I let him know that I'm the leader of the pack and he's not allowed to do that to me.
Bizarrely, he has developed an aversion to his food bowl and won't eat from it. This happened while I was away, so I don't know what caused it. Anyway, the chopping board works just as well, and we don't have to put cheese and pork pies in to tempt him to eat anymore. Don't worry, the chopping board gets washed and sterilized afterwards.
We have a new routine. Hubby takes him on a morning jaunt on the lead. I take him to the park in the afternoon for a longer walk. He seems to behave better for me. For example, I bought a ramp to help him get in the car (and save my back and shoulder). Before his surgery, he was a real champ at walking up it, then seemed to go off it a bit. But now he's back on form. Hubby, mouth agape, watched him do this the other day. How did you get him to do that? he asked. I just shrugged my shoulders.
Jake has gotten very strong too. And he's back to his old habit of pulling on the lead, only he pulls that much harder. All that obedience training was basically a waste of time and money since he wasn't well and we didn't get to see the true Jake. I'll have a go at doing it myself, I think.
I expect the veterinary surgeon will be impressed tomorrow when we take him for his second checkup. There's a chance he might not need the second operation. That's something to be happy about.
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6 comments:
Yay, Jake!
I had the same problem with my mastiff. He got injured right in the midst of training and it was all for naught. Wait til a 200 lb. calf pulls at your leash! I'm glad your little guy is feeling better.
Well that's good news except about the training~ but I'm sure you will lick him into shape eventually!
Don't know if you would remember Barbara Wodehouse, - animal trainer extraordinaire. She was a half eccentric older lady, very posh and with a great gift for training animals. Actually she trained the owners more than their pets. If you are going to train Jake yourself, have a look in the local library for a few hints from her. Marvellous! Glad he's on the mend though.
Poor Jakey- glad he's feeling better and fingers crossed he doesn't need further surgery. I miss being able to walk the nutter at the moment- DH has started bringing me back photos of their long walks so I don't feel I've missed out.
kaycie: Yep, he's coming along.
shania: Wow! I don't think I could handle a mastiff. You must be strong.
chrisb: I think he's licking me into shape.
expatmum: I do remember Barbara Wodehouse. She was kind of the Julia Child of the doggie world, wasn't she? I think I may have to take Jake back to the trainer though.
kelly: You'll be walking with a pram and doggie soon enough. Get your rest while you can.
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