Just a little Bonnie update-GROWLS

[Madderoos Mom]

Everyday has been better and better with the growl situation.  Miss Bonnie is really GETTING IT and she is responding to discipline.  Bonnie is very sensitive to loud voices so it works well with her to use a low, FIRM tone.  She is also GETTING IT that mommy is the alpha dawg.  Papa being alpha?  He doesn't respond quick enough during relapses but will help if I ask him to.  :D  Once in awhile, we have a bit of a relapse, usually when we are all on the couch and Maddie decides to switch laps, which her traveling over, brings her into Bonnie Growl zone.  Here's what really works:  Bonnie gets a "HEY!"  or a "AHCHH".  She is then removed immediately from the couch and set down at the opposite side of the room.  Of course, she immediately pads over and jumps back on the couch, but the point is, in the time that she is removed to the time that she returns, her focus for growling has been short-circuited and she no longer feels like engaging.  She'll just settle in and usually start giving Maddie a bath.  I just wanted to thank all of you for your listening ear and advice with our FIRST foster dog turned adopted dog.  The two girls really are bonding and we've seen MUCH improvement.

[PattyInAK]

Sounds like you are handling the situation really well, and Bonnie seems to be settling in.  Keep up the good work.   

[Kathleen]

That's terrific!  I'm so glad everything worked out.  I would love to see some photos of Maddie's baths though 

[TerriL]

Great news! I just knew that this was going to work out in time.  Glad to hear that the girls are bonding!   :thumb:

[cheryl186]

AWESOME!  Glad everything is working out wonderfully