Taffy's in training

[corgimom]

I hope it works out for those two. Jack has lots to work on

Linda

[Cardiguy]

Michael, maybe a follow up call to Jack in a couple of weeks to see if Jack is following any of your suggestions might be a good idea if you were not already planning it. If you get a sense that Jack and Taffy have regressed back to their old ways maybe you could ask Jack to give up Taffy to the person online who wanted to take him if the offer was still on the table. Just a thought but keep us posted.

[corgimom]

Cardiguy, great idea!

Linda

[Michael Romanos]

I've been in contact with Jack three times since Taffy went home and Jack is happier, Taffy is apparantly happier and I have reinforced several things. Jacl's spending a lot of money on Taffy in following most of my suggestions. For instance he is now giving Taffy a mixture of food plus a cereal with goat's milk for breakfasts. Taffy will keep Jack busy - that's for sure.

[glencorgi]

This is good news for both Jack and Taffy. I followed this thread with interest and it was often like - welcome to my world. For someone like Jack, a little older more settled dog would have been a better choice than a puppy <imo>. I'm not sure it would be accurate to describe Taffy as hyper - I have two just at a year old I picked up last Thursday that I'm sure some would describe with that word. What they are is highly energetic youngsters that have never had any direction, mental stimulation or time spent with them.

The improved diet will definitely be beneficial and it some ways it could help calm down Taffy some. While spending the money is okay, spending time with Taffy on walks, in play and teaching/training are going to be somewhat more important. That Jack is open and willing to learn is the best hope of Taffy having a full and active life with him. Good news!

Debbie

[Michael Romanos]

Debbie - It is your world, that's for sure. I've given Jack the contact number for a local training centre for him and Taffy to get into puppy training classes- only a few minutes drive from his house. I've reinforced to Jack the mental and physical things that Taffy needs. I can only hope that these things will occur regularly and not just not on occasions

[Jane Austen]

For my "two cents worth" I am going to say that Jack is now more aware of Taffy's needs thanks to Michael's concern for the dog. Because of Michael showing an interest in Taffy this in turn impressed Jack with a renewed appreciation for his pet. It may not last but so far it looks to be a positive change.

[Michael Romanos]

Jane - that is spot on. Did I say that only last week while he was away on holiday, Jack was awarded a national (NZ) medal for services to the community - I did say to a few people something like 'what's the use of a medal when the guy can't even properly look after the needs of a pup.'
So the man isn't unintelligent - just well past his prime and not ideally suited to raising a puppy. But he is now trying more than he ever did before and with a bit more understanding and able to fall back on me, I suppose, if he has problems he wants to confer with someone about. We'll see.

[Cardiguy]

Good job Michael!!

[ChloeLouise]

I just caught up on this thread...So glad to hear that Taffy's future looks brighter than when she arrived, Michael. I believe that there are a lot of people out there who (regardless of the dog breed) think that dog "ownership" is (no pun intended) a walk in the park. Not unlike raising children, it is HARD WORK to raise a well-mannered and loving (canine) citizen - the benefits reaped (for both the dog and the person) are in direct proportion to the effort exerted. And CONSISTENCY is the key word here! Dogs, but especially Corgis, are clever and intelligent and will certainly seek to have their own way at every opportunity!! Every time Chloe and I go for a walk there is an initial a test of wills (Linda, of Corgimom, and I have discussed this at length!) - nothing seems to change even tho we cover the same ground every day - so I have to establish that I am the Alpha Wolf and she is my buddy and then we have a pleasant time!! And POSITIVE REENFORCEMENT is what Chloe responds to best - praise praise praise!!! If Jack and Taffy can come to some equilibrium due to your efforts and assistance, Michael, you will have done a great thing!! My kudos for your efforts!!

Margo

[corgimom]

Margo,

You are so right. Cody's walking has gotten much better, but sometimes
initially, right before we exit the driveway, he will put on his "brakes" and I let him know that I am in charge and it is time to "walk", once he gets going and understands that I will not carry him, or give in to him, he is now happily starting to move along at a good pace. I always make it a positive and use a happy voice which helps tremendously - I do not scold him during our walk. He has made great strides in this area, but will test me occasionaly to see if I will give in to him.

Last week at puppy class, as soon as I walked in, the instructor commented how cute Cody was and than proceeded to say - that she sometimes wonders why people choose to pick this breed for a family pet. She made that comment because she thinks they would be happiest living in the country "having a job to do" - There is also an Australian cattle dog in his class and she made that comment refering to "herding dogs" in general and talking about their willful nature. I was somewhat put off by her comments, because Cody does not misbehave there, but figured that maybe she has worked with some very difficult Corgis - not sure.

Linda

[Fluffypants]

I'm sure there are lots of people out there that don't devote the same time and energy into making sure their corgis are fulfilled. Imagine those smart, creative minds with no guidance or structure . . . I'm sure it would not be pretty! I have heard the comment from lots of people that Jackie looks like a stuffed animal . . . well, she SURE doesn't ACT like one! I shudder to think of the chaos she could cause if left to her own devices!

[Michael Romanos]

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement.

I agree with Debbie that Taffy being hyper - or full of misguided energy - is through being neglected and not stimulated enough. The sad part of it is he will only get about 50 percent at best in meeting his needs. Jack doen't have or seek the kind of support he needs (eg through his daughter and his grandchildren) to give Taffy the extras that will satisfy a Corgi.

Linda - just tell your instructor that Corgis are one of the most adaptable of all breeds and that their days as straight farming dogs are all but gone all over the world. Like a mulitude of breeds, Corgis are able to participate in many of the 25-odd dog sports. They love being part of a family and if they can be kept active in participating in sports and recreation and at the same time be considered an important member of a family, then they are well contented with their lot.