Thank you to everyone who responded to my problem with Ava's potty
training! I hadn't thought of it as her way to get attention, but now that it
was mentioned that does make a lot of sense.
Last night when I found a piece of poop on the floor I made a bigger deal
than I usually do and used a very stern voice (not yelling) and said, "Very
BAD dog Ava!" and she immediately responded with a yelp - like she was talking
back to me! ... it was very cute. Chi's are like little
toddlers!
My friend told me that I am too easy on her, that I need to use a sterner
voice so she'll know she's doing something wrong. It's so hard to me to do
that! I can't help but use my "baby talk" voice to her. But, after her
response to my very stern voice lastnight, I can see that she got the point
that I was upset at her.
I'm going to put her on the timed schedule for going outside in the
evening and see how that works. And also use a stern voice when she goes
inside... I'm hoping that might work. If not, I'll take that advice to keep
her on the leash and make sure she's by my side at all times while at home
until we get this problem worked out. She is very much a people pleaser, so I
have high hopes!
One wonderfully cute thing that Ava does is fetching... Wow is she good!
I've never known a dog who is so adept at retrieving! And I never would
have guessed a Chi would be so good at this! She is just obsessed with
bringing her toys to me (and shoving them at my hand, when I'm doing something
other than paying attention to her). I will throw the toy, she will chase it
down - growling and snarling at it (so cute!) - and then fly back over to me
with the toy.
My friend was over and she was trying to play fetch with Ava, but instead
of bringing the toy back to my friend, Ava brought the toy to me when I was
even in the other room.
I've only had her a little over a month now and I can tell what a strong
bond she has with me! I just adore this dog!
Being a member of this group has just been wonderful as well. I greatly
appreciate all of the advice I've received and really enjoy reading about all
of your little angels too :)
Thank You!
~Christina
