Things that just don't help me

[Debi]

You all know I'd like Hammie to be more socialized...but there isn't anyone around. I try to take him out...now he won't even come near the car and me trying to push him in hasn't been a big success. So, this weekend my sister and her hubby were coming to stay over. Cool...people. I say 'will you meet Hammie??' NO WAY. I say, 'well, he really is such a baby, BUT I'll be sure to have him securely on a leash' NO. I let them out to run a bit and my sister almost has a breakdown (now, remember me telling you she had a severe dog bite as a child). I assure her, they CAN'T come in....geez. She insists her hubby come inside. Poor Ham & Addie.......they think EVERYONE loves them. Then they leave Sunday A.M. and my kids arrive for the day. Nope, nobody wants to visit the dogs or go anywhere near them. Sorry this is long, but I've also asked some other folks......just pet him, I'll have a good hold on him. (and he isn't the least bit aggressive) NOPE. I think because he has a face that looks a bit more stern than his nature, I don't know. He's kinda big...but not HUGE. But, now nobody wants to go near him. Meanwhile, as I type this...the big baby (actually both dogs) are curled up right beside me snoozing away. Not a tiny thread of aggression in either dog. Just me....feeling a bit bummed.

 

[Debi]

Forgot to mention, last weekend I had my mother-in-law, sister-in-law & brother-in-law for dinner. My sister-in-law asked me to bring them in. I came in with Hammie first.....leashed, My MIL jumped up from the table and moved across the room. Nobody wanted near him after all...and meanwhile, he was just standing there like a boob. I had to put him back out....no pets or hellos or anything. I get leary of other people's larger dogs, BUT not if the owner has them leashed and controlled.....then you get near and find the dog to be responsive to your petting..smells you a little..all is well. I can't get anyone to even try. WELL...I've vented enough for one day, I think! LOL

 

[Renee750il]

Doesn't sound to me like Hammie was the one acting like a boob.

My take on the whole visitors thing is - and always has been - the dogs live here; this is their home, not yours and they will not be banned from coming inside their own homes for visitors. Get used to it or go away.

Fortunately, my family are all animal lovers, even my Mom who was afraid of German Shepherds for years. I have a wonderful photo of her where all you can see of her is her arms and legs because Bimmer (a pup at the time) had her pinned to the sofa licking her. I just wish it had sound with it. She was laughing so hard she had to get Bimmer off of her so she could run to the bathroom!

 

[tl_ashmore]

I don't understand why anyone wouldn't want to just pet him and play with him. He is so cute...I've looked at all of his pictures. He doesn't look scary at all. I agree with Renee. That is the dogs house too. If anyone comes to my house, they just have to deal with my dogs being inside. And most likely, laying on the couch right beside whoever is there....My dogs like to cuddle...what can I say...

 

[Debi]

Thanks you two. I guess I just love my dogs so much. AND yes...while my Addie is sweet.......you all know Hammie is somehow my second skin...I am sooo bonded to him, and he really is so sweet. I'm TRYING to get him to see people..get a little used to seeing people.........I can't win. He is so unsocialized it isn't funny. So, if I spend every day with them...and it's just us...so be it. He is my most favorite friend. (Addie has ALWAYS been Daves little girl..lol) I don't see enough people to try anymore. I adore them. That's why I have them, we keep each other company. I guess I'll just put Hammie out when someone does come. I just felt pressured from what I've read........suggestions to get him socialized. Well, I CAN'T get him out enough..........and like it or not, I live totally rural..........NO ONE IS AROUND. He doesn't want to go into the car....I just don't care anymore. I think I feel bummed cause I post on here...and you all give me advice...........AND I feel like a failure cause I can't make people appear. Oh my I just read that........and truly it isn't meant to sound to mean!!!!!! LOL I am just trying to say that I follow the advice here like a religion..........and I still feel like a failure. I just don't have the means. thanks everyone, for all advice on the socialization ..........just doesn't work for me.


I need a vacation.....................................Bahamas perhaps???? LOL

 

[Debi]

OK..I tried to edit..and that post should read.....Bahamas, or the virgin Islands....for a maybe needed vacation......... don't have a clue why I couldn't correct it . hahaha...........not a big deal.



Can we all meet for a vacation..........doggie friendly place, of course!! My pups would like anything ....warm, water...........treats nearby. LOL Me, food, drink...........................food, drink...........................food, drink........Ok, I think you get what I'm about. LOL

 

[Renee750il]

That would be fun, Debi! Can you imagine poor Hammie? After finally growing up enough to be the big dog - bigger than Addie - meeting Shiva and Kharma? The poor boy would never be the same again! And Bimmer would HAVE to take everyone out to learn to hunt, then how to sit down when asked where their manners are. Kharma, of course, would just HAVE to herd everyone. Shiva would undoubtedly give Tambra's poor Beulah a complex, too, although I can see Beulah and Kharma ganging up on Shiva. And I can see Dixie trotting around under Shiva taunting Beulah. Bet Addie would spend her time trying to dodge people with cameras, but all she'd have to do would be walk behind Shiva the Photo Op Diva.

 

[Debi]

Truly Serena...IF I got my boy in the car.......I could possibly drive around to a large gas station (25 mi. away) to see people.....so, no...there really isn't anywhere to go. I like it. LOL...........just not good for dogs to become socialized. I always worry that he'll bite someone just because he is afraid..not aggression. You know...........some awful scenerio like the UPS man or something. So now my thoughts are just centered on keeping him controlled.......IF that UPS man does come around!! At least he is my sweetheart.

 

[Renee750il]

You know, Debi, if you don't have any significant traffic at your house, the socialization isn't really the issue it is for most of us. You probably do want to get him acclimated to the car trips though since it will make it a lot easier on you when he has to go to the vet. If he figures out the only time he gets in the car is to go see that nasty person who sticks needles in him and has a rectal thermometer . . .

It's funny, most dogs seem to hate the UPS trucks! Charley did have one, Odd Job, a Bull Mastiff/Rottie cross who absolutely loved the UPS man though. While Charley lived on the beach, he looked out the window one day to see a UPS truck parked in the neighbors' driveway, rocking violently. He heard Odd Job barking and went to investigate and found two UPS men in the back of the truck, clinging to the top shelves, with Odd Job romping below wondering why his nice friends wouldn't come down and play with him! Can you imagine what was going through those poor men's minds? I guess it's a good thing the uniforms are brown!

 

[Debi]

LOL, Renee!!! Our UPS man brings dog biscuits...I think that's a good thing..AND a bad thing. I understand his thinking, but on the other hand..now the dogs go bonkers when they see that truck!! They are thinking 'treat time', and the UPS man is now frantic. I told him maybe to not hand out the biscuits anymore...not a problem since he runs to the door, drops the package, and is back in the truck faster than any athletic track star I've ever seen! lol (that's with the dogs in the house!) At least I've done my part keeping that man in shape.


(gotta love a dog named Odd Job)

 

[Renee750il]

Charley named him for the character in James Bond. The litter he was from was a complete accident (he had the female Rottie, Cherie put up while he had his old Bull Mastiff, Joe, out in the yard with him - but she got out). Cherie was too young (9 months) and they lost all of the six pups but one. Charley was bottle feeding the last one every two hours 'round the clock and had him in a warm box on top of the washing machine, thinking that a 3 day old puppy couldn't possibly get out. WRONG! While watching a Bond movie - the one with Odd Job - he heard noise, went to check, and found the puppy out of the box, fallen down between the washer and dryer on its head. He figured it was a goner since it hadn't whimpered or made any noise at all. Charley moved the washer, got the puppy, and was amazed to find it alive and well. He pronounced its name was henceforth Odd Job - for being so tough and impossible to keep down.

I always like it when dogs get a name that fits so well.