Hi all - Just hought I would check in and give you all a Willow update

[brigid67]

Willow went to the vet today.  She is 6mos and 70lbs.  Doing good and looking good.  Those of you in chat this evening have already heard.  The only thing the vet said was that if she were picking a puppy she would not have picked Wilow.  Awwww...that makes me sad...  She said that she doesn't pass the "PUPPY TEST"  She doesn't like to be stared down - according to the vet.  I haven't really noticed.  She is also very skittish at the ts.  But at home she is pretty ok.  We don't have problems with her on walks or meting people.  Sometimes men she gets scared but she is so much better.  She does not challenge dogs or growl at people.  My daughter says at night when she is walking her-  she will growl sometimes.  Anyway, She eluded to some possible aggression problems.  But I don't see it yet.  We are starting with a trainer to learn some manners and maybe help Willow and Iriye getting along.

Otherwise, everything else is good.  I hope everyone has been well and kept safe.  i have thought a lot about everyone.
Timmie

[Good Hope]

Well it's about time you checked in!   Thought you got lost in one of those casinos out your way. Haven't been many people posting petfinder dogs either, I guess they were waiting for you to return.

Don't worry too much about what the vet said. Vets can be good and still make an incorrect assumption. (After all, they spend 15 minutes with a dog, ask some questions and lump it into a category?) Work with the trainer and get his/her opinion. We have had people tell us that Sapphire has fear aggression, and others say no, she's going through one of those fearful periods. The girl is getting better about adults in the house and beginning to listen to commands with "stangers" around. She was able to walk the neighborhood last night with many many people on the street in costume and minimal barking, no shying away.

There's hope for Willow too!

Deena

[brigid67]

Hi Deena - Yep lost in a Casino - thats it!!!  Willow is even good when people come to the door.  I tell her to sit and she does and usually just waits.  Even with the pizza guy.  Then she made another comment about "well at last she doesn't look like she is gong to get very big"  This was in th context of her being aggressive.  Actually her mom was about 150lbs and her dad weighed almost 200lbs.  And i think 70lbs at 6 mos is normal not to little.  Oh well, I am going to stop obsessing.  I will just work with the trainer and I know she will be good. She is a sweet baby.  I just hate comments like that.

[BabsT]

The vet is a very stressful area for a dog...remember they see, smell and hear sick and anxious dogs...Also, dogs dont like to be stared at...that is a threat and a dominant move against them...

Your dog is fine and beautiful...pa y little mind to the vet LOL

[patrick]

And shame on your vet for trying to stare down a dog!  Staring is a BIG threat to a dog and she really ought to know this - really basic stuff

[Kiahpyr]

I'm happy to hear that Willow is doing very well. She's still a puppy yet. Kiah is going through a shy stage right now. I'm sure she'll get better. I've been told that Kiah is small for a pyr. I hate when people say that. I alslo know that they know very little about the breed.

[brigid67]

Thank you everyone for the welcome and the positive thoughts.  I am sure Willow will be fine. You know I really liked that vet till yesterday.  oh well.  I hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Timmie

[ZooCrew]

Glad to see you popped back in for a bit.

I also agree (I think it's unanimous) about the vet.  A stranger should never try to stare down a dog.  How odd for a vet to even try.  And the comments made were a bit off as well.  Hopefully she was only having a bad day, and unfortunately took it out on you.

I would tend to listen to a trainer more than a vet when it comes to behavior anyway.  Good luck with Willow's training and don't be a stranger.   

[jabear]

Glad to see that you pooped in and that Willow is healthy and happy. Seems like things are going well with you. Post some new pics too so that we can see how your little girl is growing up!

Ditto on what everyone said about the vet. They can be so heartless and insensitive sometimes. Grrr....But have fun with the trainer. I'm sure you'll learn lots of valuable techniques.

[brigid67]

thaks again for all the nice comments and advice
Timmie

[Gypsy Jazmine]

Hey Timmie!!...Good to see ya' here!...You are taking the correct steps to ensure that Willow is a good dog...Don't worrya bout the vet's comments...I am 110% certain that Sammy wouldn't have passed the puppy test...His 2nd trainer said he had serious issues & my vet thought he'd be biting before he was one...Phooey!...I knew when I picked him that he was a mess...I also knew that my love for him was bigger than his issues!...After much socilaization, patience, love & training he is an absolute joy!!!...Both my vet & his trainer can't believe he is the same dog!...The "experts" are just that...experts ...You are Willow's mama...Love can overcome almost anything my dear!

[Anky]

TIMMIE!  Hey Honey!  Welcome back!  I missed seeing Willow's smile.  And just to reiterate what everyone else says the vet is dumb.  I would've said "Well I wouldn't have picked you but the voices in my head insisted!"  Anyways, Willow is awesome.  Sanity doesn't like strangers to come up to him at all.  He does everything he can think to avoid them, not because he's scared, but he's a momma's boy and doesn't need anyone else.  If you leave him alone he'll eventually come to you, but most people don't want to wait that long. 

Ang

[brigid67]

Yes it is nice to be back.  Lol ang - you are funny.  I know Willow is a good girl.  She will be fine.  Sammy is a sweet boy what do other people know.
Timmie

[Icerotti]

The vets is a scary place for them. It amazes me how a vet thinks they can access a dog in all of 15 mins. You spend more time with her everyday in ALL situations.
Puck still hates the one vet and takes about 10 mins before he is comfy with her. Why....b/c she was the one who took his temp one time

[brigid67]

well I am not worried too much anymore. She is just a baby and I have had no problems.  I am still geting a trainer but all in all she is too bad