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Messages - Perdi's Mom

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46
Anything Non-Dog Related / Re: I have a question for homeschoolers
« on: December 17, 2005, 03:53:43 pm »
in Louisiana, where I live, there are two ways to register: as a person seeking to homeschool seeking state assisstance and as a person seeking to register as a non-public private school 'not seeking state assisstance'.  The first year I chose the first option, not realizing what it required.  They don't tell you much until when you reregister and then you have to send in a portfolio of each subject and a detailed list of what you covered that year and what you will be covering the next year.  I was like, wait a minute...I don't want them all up in my business, so when I got denied (because I didn't know about the requirements and didn't send the stuff in with the reregister), I chose the other option of registering as a non-public private school.  They require that you send in a letter with the name of your school, contact info, and the number of children you will be homeschooling.  I do keep records though and I have a box that all thier work goes into for that year, then I take a few papers out from each subjet and save it in a file folder labeled with that year.   I want to do that for my kids so that if anyone like CPS (child protective services) gets called or the Board of Education checks up, I'll have proof that we are productive homeschoolers here.  I guarantee that my kids do way more than any kid in regular schools.  Every day is a day of learning, every day is a day of growth, every day is a day of exploration.  That's the way it should be.  My kids are well adjusted.  They can talk with adults and kids alike.  They are friendly and outgoing and they love to hang out with people.  Homeschoolers are just as socialized as kids in regular schools.  I think more so though since they are able to speak and interact with people of all ages, not just a teacher and a bunch of kids their own age.  Besides...what are they always telling kids at schools: "You need to be quiet and get to work; we're not here to 'socialize'!"  I don't want my kids stifled...

47
Anything Non-Dog Related / Re: I have a question for homeschoolers
« on: December 17, 2005, 10:35:04 am »
1. Why do you home school your children?  Our schools are ranked 48th in the nation-almost half the kids at a 4th grade level can't even read, they are aggressive and the things that go on in schools now-a-days are scary.  I also do not trust the 'professionals' to protect my children from bullies, molesters, or from the teachers themselves.  I am not knocking teachers in general, but many of them are in the wrong feild of work.  I taught in schools and I was sick of the lack of parental involvement as well as the lack of teachers even knowing their stuff.  I am tired of sports being more important to them than academics.  I do not like the content taught in school.  I like to see my kids accomplishment s and know that I taught them those things and didn't miss a single milestone of theirs.  I want our family to be closer.  We like to travel when we want and homeschooling provides that freedom to do so-plus it's cheaper since we can take advantage of the off seasons when visiting places.   I don't want a school telling me that I have to drug my kids because they are just being kids that need the recesses that schools are slowly phasing out because of 'insurance liabilities'!  I don't want them to sit in a chair all day doodling while waiting for other kids to catch up to their level.  I want my kids to be involved in many things and being regulated to the hours of 'normal school' time limits us.  With homeschooling we can do what we want, when we want!  My kids love the fact that they get to go to the movies in the middle of the day (providing their work is done) to see a new movie without all the people in there.  They like that we take lots of vacations now and get to see so many places.  I don't want the government telling me how I have to educate my kids or that it's ok to present sex-ed to 4th graders, or TV's in the class that show programs contrary to the way we believe marriage, families, etc to be-One size does NOT fit all!  I don't want my kids taught to a test, just so they'll pass and the school can get their fundings.  I don't like that kids do well in their classes only to get held back because they didn't pass the said test.  I think one needs to look at the overall picture of the student and help them out in the areas needed.  A lot of times it's just a small thing needing work on.  I don't like that my Kindergartener had to sit for three hours a day for a week to take this said test and was extremely stressed out-only to find out that the test wasn't even evaluated for their grade-they were just practicing!!!!  I like homeschooling because I brought my kids in this world, it's up to me to teach them right and to raise them in the way the Lord sees fit.  I can't leave that up to some 'professional' and then complain when things don't turn out right because of so and so not doing their job.  It's my job, not theirs....  I really could go on and on!

2. What kind of curriculum do you use?  I use a variety of items although right now it's mainly the A Beka curriculum.  I also use the library for many different lessons in science, history, reading, and general knowledge.  I also use some things from a curriculum called Kimber Academy-math/reading/history/religion, Beautiful Feet-history/reading, Story of the World-history, as well as things from the internet. 

3. What was the child's age when you started  homeschooling them? 5 and 7 years old.

This is for those who either are homeschooled or use to be homeschooled
1. Do or did you enjoy being homeschooled?  My kids answered that yes they enjoy it, but sometimes wish they were back in the 'other school'.  They say this until they realize that they'd have to sit there all day at school instead of being able to run and play and do things at their own time and pace.  They like the freedom of homschooling.

2. Did or do you ever want to go to a school?  My kids do occasionally say that they want to return, but normally it's because they are bored that day and they miss their old friends.

This is just a 'few'  ;D  of the reasons why we homeschool.

Thank you so much. It will really help with my paper

48
Rottweiler Discussions / Re: Very sad news
« on: December 12, 2005, 05:52:00 pm »
That poor woman.  I agree though, any dogs running in a group can do dangerous things.  They become a pack then and old instincts come out. 

I think it's crazy that this other dog has allowed to run free like that terrorizing people in a neighborhood.  Where I live, if a dog is on your property harassing your livestock or family, you are allowed to shoot it.  There is a leash law in our county and it's enforced if need be.  All one has to do is call and the appropriate action will be done.  I'm not one for shooting dogs just because, but sometimes I'd like to shoot the ignorant owners.  I have a neighbor right now that is one of those.  She lets her dogs (5 of them) loose all the time and one likes to come in our yard and tease my lab.  My dog is on the underground fence and he'll stay very well.  That dog runs in and out grabbing at my dog.  Makes me mad.  I told them though, that it's one thing for the dog to come and mess with my lab who's pretty friendly, but if it happens to get in my yard while my Dane is out, who is not friendly, then I am not responsible for what happens to their dog.  I haven't seen it over here in about 2 weeks.  We shall see though....

49
Rottweiler Discussions / Re: I love my dog but...
« on: December 12, 2005, 05:26:10 pm »
Boy does he have you trained  ;).  I have taught my large dane to be crated just 2 weeks ago.  She cries about it for 20 or so min now (it was real long before), but I don't let her out and she gets NO attention while in-I don't even look at her for now.  She has her toys and a nice bone that is just for her when she goes in.  After a while you'll hear her lay down, sigh, and then start on her bone.  I crate her when I leave the house (I don't leave often as I homeschool my kids, so we are here a lot, but I still go out at times) and she bites and paws at the door and trim so to keep her from damaging the house or hurting herself with wood splinters I crate her.  I crate her when people come over-she's big and they sometimes let my other dog in unknowingly and she's not real keen on him yet so...I crate to prevent incidents.  She gets crated sometimes, just to hang out or when I'm vacuuming-which she's afraid of.  I try to make the crating pleasant for her, although she fusses about it, but she's still a dog and it needs to be done for her and others safety.   It can be taught, but you've got to be consistent and strong about it.  Otherwise it's like having a 3 yr old throw a tantrum and always winning because we can't stand to see them so upset... ;)  I have kids so I know that one well, but I've learned my lesson.  Good luck!

50
Bullmastiff Discussions & Pictures / Re: Bull Mastiff/Beagles - Will they ever get along?
« on: December 12, 2005, 11:24:31 am »
I'm having the same issue.  I will say though, males with males is a hard thing to deal with.  Everyone has that testosterone of who's better than who and to show them all that they are the best.  I have a female dane and a male lab mix.  She is mainly having the issue that my lab is insane and she has to put him in his place periodically.  It's not acceptable to me at all though.  She is too big to be grabbing him and shaking him around, plus I have younger kids and she could hurt them when she's not paying attention to what she is doing.  It's getting better, but we monitor it and watch.  She's still on trial here per se...I can't have aggressive dogs so we shall see if she calms down.  I keep a pinch collar and long leash on her while the two are together in the house and they are not left alone in the house together at all right now.  At night we separate them: he sleeps in our bedroom on his bed and she has a large kennel that she goes into (we don't shut it unless we leave).  She is constantly praised for when our lab can come near her/me and she acts nice.  Mainly her problem is that she is pretty protective of me and when he comes near, she would act as if he was a threat.  It's a pain, but she's coming around.  I'm not sure what all you could do for your situation...I guess I wanted to relate that I know how you feel.  I also feed them separately; Duke eats outside and Perdi inside.  That keeps down a lot of issues.  Just know that it's going to take a while for your boys to understand each other.  I have noticed that being outside together running around and playing (even though they are playing separately with me while both are there) has helped my two.  It burns off energy, but also mine realize that they are not there to fight, but to have fun.  I hope it works out.  I know it's hard to always be on your guard with them...hopeful ly they'll work it all out and be best buds!

51
General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws / Re: Fun after the party---doggy style
« on: December 10, 2005, 07:49:28 pm »
I was just waiting for the elusive POP!  and then seeing a dog shoot across the house!  My Lab did it one day and we about peed our pants laughing so hard at him.  He didn't know what to think poor guy!

52
Behavior, Housebreaking, Obedience / Re: What to do about dog aggression.......
« on: December 08, 2005, 09:52:06 am »
I would love to make sure that she isn't over Duke (and she is never over me), but Duke is all of 65 pounds and is half her height.  She got him again last night, but they broke as soon as I saw her jump at him and I yelled 'enough'.  She almost jumped at the cat this morning as it walked by her food and of course I watched it closely and she crouched down a little like she was getting ready to pounce and I just sharply said, 'No' and she swung round at me and hung her head...I'm just not sure it's going to work...maybe she needs to be in an only animal home...I told my husband that I'd give it a few more weeks and see, but if it's becoming a daily occurance then there's not much I can do...it's too dangerous around my kids.  She has her own place to sleep in the kennel, it stays open all day and she goes there a lot to relax.  This is just frustrating.  I'd love to for it to work, but I'm not all that hopeful...It's just a shame that the owners never socialized her properly.  They kept her with them all the time and never let her play with dogs...UGH! 

53
Behavior, Housebreaking, Obedience / Re: What to do about dog aggression.......
« on: December 07, 2005, 11:04:42 am »
She is a 'rescue' of sorts...the people did not socialize her well and I knew that, although they assured me she was good with other animals...she had not had obedience training which is what she is getting now.  I have been able to break up all the fights, but not just with verbal commands.  Duke definitely gets "Duke" time and I've had to put her up on occasion just so we can do that.  He is my little wild man and we've had him two years....he's not going anywhere and I don't want him feeling bad in his own home either.  She actually stays on leash when we are outdoors as I don't have a fenced in yard yet.  I do correct the behavior when I see hackles raising on her.  I'm sure she wants to be top dog, but she's not sure how to go about it and is attacking him instead...  I am the alpha here and have no problem asserting myself in that position.  She knows it too.  I don't give her attention right now when she begs or pushes for it, she must do a command to get a 'pet' or 'treat'.  She was allowed to think she was human for the last 3 years and I think for her it was not a good thing....it's like she doesn't know how to be a dog, how to play-although that one is getting better, how to hang out, how to be around other dogs...

When I'm training her she gets very 'nervous' after a few minutes.  She starts to want to be next to me and tucks her tail between her legs almost the whole time.  She will pretty consistently do a sit, down and a stay.  We work almost 4 times a day and of course every time we go outside, or get food, or get love, or whatever, she has to do a command for me.   I hope this starts looking up soon.  I have always rescued dogs and are willing to work with them and give them time to learn and adjust to our home, but aggression is such a hard issue to resolve I think...thanks ya'll for your replies. 

54
Behavior, Housebreaking, Obedience / Re: What to do about dog aggression.......
« on: December 07, 2005, 10:23:35 am »
bumpin up....

55
Great Dane Discussions / Re: I need to vent! (Uh Oh.....)
« on: December 06, 2005, 11:01:27 pm »
I homeschool my kids and there is no way I'd put them back into the system here in Louisiana....y ou go NoDogNow!  I can't stand poor parenting...it's rediculous the things kids get away with just for sports and other things...

56
General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws / Re: I can't believe this woman has to deal with this!!
« on: December 06, 2005, 10:50:34 pm »
When will people get a life and worry about something more important...my mother always says that stress shortens peoples lives so choose your stresses wisely!  ;)

57
Behavior, Housebreaking, Obedience / What to do about dog aggression.......
« on: December 06, 2005, 10:42:15 pm »
My new Dane Perdi is really starting to lay into my other dog Duke...she is mellow, he is hyper, so I can see that sometimes he gets on her nerves...BUT, she is attacking him for what seems like to me no reason...I'm sure she has her reasons, but it's getting rediculous and I don't see them.  Today for example, my friend came over, Duke (my Lab mix) ran in behind her and they both came back to my room.  Duke was sniffing around the room and then Perdi came in behind my friend and hurried over to Duke and jumped on him and grabbed him by the back of the neck and really started shaking him hard; this time really scared me and he was shaking like a leaf trying to crawl under the bed...this is the 5th attack in almost 3 weeks-my friend was even taken aback by the attack.  Most of the time they are not completely together because I was letting them slowly adjust over gates and also during play time outside.  She is way possessive of me I believe since she has done it when he is near me and he does not instigate the fights; normally he stays away from her.  He actually stays away from me out in the yard if she is near me and is scared of her.   She constantly raises hackles at him if he comes near and I correct her on leash with a verbal stern "no".  A few times she didn't even warn him, just BAM, grabbed him.  Now he is a very submissive dog and will cower down, but she doesn't give him a chance and he has started to try and fight back and I don't blame him.   My poor dog is scared to death and I think is getting a bit depressed since he seems to think that he can't play with us and that is a big part of his existence, to Play!  I just don't know what to do.  My biggest worry is that what if they happen to go at it and my kids are nearby and they get hurt.  I can stop her, but they can't...we just got her and she has had a bit of a traumatic life these last 3 months or so-a hurricane evacuated dog previously owned and evacuated with, but multiple moves and such has made her a bit nervous.  I also do not think that she was ever properly socialized with other dogs and we do have Saturday socialization sessions coming up this weekend with a trainer.  I want her to be a good dog, but I don't know what to do about her attitude.

Any suggestions?  I just don't want anyone hurt, but I don't want to have to rehome her either...she's been through enough already...

58
General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws / Re: Video of the 5 pack playing in the snow....
« on: December 06, 2005, 11:22:18 am »
Too cute!  I wish we had snow!  Two days ago it was 79 here!

59
Rottweiler Pictures / Re: Bowling mommy over
« on: December 06, 2005, 11:09:57 am »
My Perdi came over to the computer and just kept cocking her head left and right trying to figure out where all that talking was coming from!  It was a hoot to watch her!  Thanks for the giggle this morning!

60
Great Pyrenees Discussions / Re: I got snapped at this morning
« on: December 05, 2005, 11:31:22 am »
I'm late on this, but I know that my Dane hates to be grabbed by the collar...she gets really offended I think, but I found that when I snapped a leash to it and made her do what I wanted to do, then all was well.  I'm glad this morning was better for you both.  We just got our Perdi crate trained.  She is 3 and had never had crate training...she is sleeping in there now as I type-it keeps her safe though when we are gone since she has anxiety and chews the trim on the doors when we leave.  She knows that no one is going to bother her in there though.  That it's her safe place even from my rowdy kids. 

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