Re: [pyrnet] Re: AnnMarie

[Oliverslb@aol.com]

I have a four and one-half feet high solid wall around the perimeter of my 
property, save for the gates over sidewalk and driveway.  Bobo, my two year 
old rescued five months ago, had no qualms just going right over...which was 
frightening.  I live in the city limits of West Palm Beach and there are 
cars, trains, and even the intracoastal waterway all within two blocks.  I 
made it absolutely necessary to be out there with him every time they were 
out and would tell him "no" when he approached to one place where he could 
climb the bougenvalia and exit.  Or else, I would keep him on cable for the 
times in the morning when I would let them out and be getting dressed for 
work.  He does not even attempt to go over anymore.  I know he can but I am 
gaining trust in him, but still never let him out of my sight.  For this 
reason, his barking is good, because at least I know if I can hear him, he is 
still in the yard...(mixed blessing)  I put the fifty feet cable away and 
have not had to restrain him at all.  His barking was real bad when I first 
got him.  He had been left chained to a pumphouse for two and one-half weeks 
to die and must have spent that entire time barking.  My neighbors on one 
side even told me he would be barking in the house all day when I went to 
work.  (fortunately it did not bother them)  I kept correcting him when he 
would bark with a "no" and when he was not barking I would always reassure 
him to reinforce the good behavior...He still barks at the gate at anything 
that passes and even seems to be getting better at that...but that's his job, 
he thinks.  I often go to the gate to reassure him when he does that, too and 
the duration of his barking is now shorter - before he would still be barking 
five minutes after a car passed...
Good luck.  Try using alot of positive reinforcements, even if you have to 
correct every once in awhile - you'll be surprised (I hope) at the results.
Regards, Lisa, Bobo, Jojo, and Ru, too...