Not a problem as such, but a question.

Murf is nearly 3 and allegedly male :rolleyes: bit of a tart is an understatement, he follows me everywhere, will fight to lie by me, toilet, bath shower, bed.......you name it, he is always by my side.

Yet whenever I go to fuss him, about a million times a day, he just does not want to know :rolleyes:

It's almost like he says, I want to be with you, never let you out of my sight, but don't whatever you do, expect to stroke, kiss or make any attention of me whatsoever Ocassionally, on his terms, he will climb up for love, or nudge me in the ribs for attention.

Callia, 8 months and very definitely a bitch, on the other end of the scale, cannot do enough to get my attention and be as close as is physically possible. If I take my eye off of her for one minute she's acting up. If she could, she would be my shadow. I don't encourage this as she is so "in your face" and the more attention she gets, the worse she becomes. Barking is a good one, I ignore it.........and she gets louder. I then distract with a toy or game and she still won't let it go until my attention is 1000% on her.

In my simple mind I've worked this out to be favouritism. I have never made any secret of the fact that Monsterman is my world and although I love Calli, I don't always like her.

knowing that dogs are very astute and the dynamics have changed since I lost my last bitch at the end of April, I would just like your personal analogies on how I can get Calli to not be so attention seeking.

She probably gets more attention than Murf because of her needy personality.  Although she's needy, she's also very strong willed and I know will be a wonderful dog.

Because of personal circumstances since she's been a pup, she's not had any where near what I originally had planned for her. She's had basic socialisation, no classes as we didn't get a chance to continue with them, but plenty of walks, love, attention and food.

Murf didn't go to classes but was bought up in a more emotionally stable enviroment.

Now starting to go on a guilt trip as to her life so far because of things that have happened since we have had her and wonder if I ever can put the past right.

Just wanted to say to those that don't know my circumstances, if I had ever known what the future had held, I would have delayed getting a pup. I would never be without her now but who knows how life can change.

Teri, Teri...........where are you when I need your sound, mentally calming advice???

off on the dark side, I'll bet :D :D

COME BACK please :P

Hi Hairypooch, i did read your other post and felt like i was going through your horrible loss with you.  I'm sure Callie loves you very dearly, and she probably feels that you need her to be in your face, she can probably sense and has gone through those hard times with you.  If only we could all see what was going to happen in the future we'd never make any mistakes, you sound like a nice person and i bet Callie is glad to be with you through the ups and downs of life. All my dogs are in your face constantly, i can't do anything without them behind me but i love it and i wouldn't have it any other way.

warm regards susan

Thanks Susan :)

You are so right.......... >>If only we could all see what was going to happen in the future we'd never make any mistakes<

Crystal ball time, me thinks :D

My last bitch who was taken FAR TO soon was so intuitive and instinctive, I am really feeling her loss :( I've lost a best friend and can't quite get used to the "new best friend" :(

My last bitch, Ella, was a rescue, but came to me at a time when I needed her most (my Grandmother who virtually bought me up, died very suddenly & in the most horrendous of circumstances) I'll just call myself the grim reaper now :rolleyes: She, albeit a different breed, seemed to "know" how to behave and dare I say it, not be so "in your face" :P More down to my state of mind at that time, I know.

My OH always calls me the Pied Piper because I've always had a trail of dogs behind me. I too wouldn't have it any other way, they really  are "sanity keepers" ;)

Hi Honey, I'm home :P

(not original I know, borrowed from an unidentifiable coven source who has the initials JG :rolleyes: )

Sound and mentally calming, eh?   I think you've either read me all wrong or it's possibly a case of mistaken identity/typo and should have read "kayc" :D

What can I say - your dogs sound exactly like mine, past and present, and I can't for the life of me see anything wrong with that!  Males being super hero's have to "be there" 24/7 but none of the mamby pamby cuddly stuff.  Murph likes it just fine being a man - he keeps an eye on you, gets comfy beside you when it suits him, but is inclined to grunt or complain if you initiate contact - that immediately jeopardises his street cred  ;) 

Dear baby girl Calia is being, basically, girlie - I have one just like her too!  It's all "me, me, me, meeeee Mum! Look at Meeeee!" and that's 24/7 too :rolleyes:  She's fully aware that your body, heart, mind and soul are governed by "the Murph man" but hopes her over zealous attempts to capture your attention will pay off and, even for a short while, she will be your centre of attention ;)

How to change it? - frankly, dunno :)  Whether to change it ? - that's personal but me, I'm comfortable with accepting that these idiosyncrasies and plenty more besides are but part and parcel of their different genders and different personalities too.  I don't go in for the big training this and teaching that - a reasonable (moderate) level of obedience is all I need in order that they don't impose their personal scatty ways upon anyone outwith the household nor do they annoy other dogs.  In short - they know their names and when I call them they come back.  Oh, and titch/witch/bitch can do a perfect "high 5" :P

My philosophy - life's too short.   Some people, for whom I have the greatest admiration, put in the work and time to fixing goals, achieving them, setting new ones, etc etc.  But that's not for me.  My dogs are my friends, the boys I've had have all been like Murphy and the girls are all like Callia ;)  They're happy because they get to spend so much time with me, I enjoy chatting to them, laughing with them, taking long walks to clear my head with them and if I've got flu, a hangover, just feeling like hiding for a while I'm cuddling them up beside me in bed.    I don't absent mindedly pat them while engrossed in a book, TV programme or even Champ Dogs - I stop, give them my FULL attention - make every cuddle, ear rub or tummy tickle mean something special and occasionally I've been known to play at "annoying" the boys by giving them giant, lingering and totally unwanted hugs round the neck.   So, sorry to ramble, but what's the question again :P    Teri

I've had a dog that would look like he didn't care if you were with him or not but whenever you go upstairs he'd follow slowly , we knew he wanted to be with us!

-- James blunt hot in the UK? my wife just played some of his stuff and he's not bad!

James Blunt, Manny........not bad?? Hot in the UK? He's scolding :D

Well it's the only thing that's scolding in my geographical area at the moment.............

>He's scolding  

Has decidely seedy undertones - Manny will be blushing at the blatancy of your fantasies HP !!! 

Phwoooooarrrrrr - got the picture Manny?   Teri :P

My bullmastiff last year past away under general anthisetic, which really rocked my world especially when i assumed i was going to pick her up only to find out the vet was ringing me telling me she had past away which was a great shock to my household.  The worse thing was i felt like i'd taken her to her death, she was so happy in the morning, and she was nervous around different situations so i had to comfort her in the vet, i know thats wrong to do but at the time you just react in a human way and comfort.  I loved her dearly she was such a little cheeky one.  Same things happening now though you come so attached to dogs it's unreal.

Hi Teri what gender are you if you dont mind me asking?

Warm regards Susan

Teri is most very definitely female ;)

As to what species, well, ummm, will Teriatism do? :D :D

Yep, I'm a lady, well a woman, OK a mature girl - heck, put it this way, I'm not selfish, never lift the loo seat except when armed with bleach and have no interest in remote controls - draw your own conclusions !   Teri :)

I control our remote so does that mean I am a boy :D

Lucy
xx

Our TV doesn't have a remote - it's too old! My dad bought it for us in 1986 ...
:)

That is good going that it still works :) They don't make them now like they used to ;)

We have at least 10 remotes in our house for TV, videos,dvd player, Hifi's. And yes we are always loosing them :rolleyes: Normally me sitting on them :D :D

Lucy
xx

(still confued on my gender though :D )

Sound and mentally calming??? me????  Teri, put the ribena down and off to bed with you woman. :D

Oh Jo, just wish I could be there with a great big {{{{{hug}}}}}, it seems this what Calli knows you need, even if she is a little zealous in giving her love.  Bailey is a bit like Murf, the typical male, protector and looks for guidance only, and always there for comfort in a 'I dont do the touchy, feely stuff' way ;) In his own quiet way he makes is presence felt.

Calli on the other hand sounds so like my Megan, who I dearly miss. A vibrant zest for life, with personality and makes her presence felt to the point of suffocation. P**s'd me off endlessly with her in your face attitude (literally). She never barked when ignored, but if I were sitting on sofa watching TV or reading a book she would throw herself at me and jam her whole body into my face, and it took some strength to remove her. But I loved her so much it never mattered. I just accepted that was who she was. She was maybe treated slightly differently to the rest of my lot, but on the whole there is little difference, as with Calli it was her personality.  Megans moods changed with mine, she always knew, dont ask me how. The rest of my lot just meander through life.  Maybe Calli has this 6th sense.   She is young and has not worked out the signals yet, and is trying the best she can to take your mind off bad times, and doing it the only way she knows how.

My dogs were there for me when I was going through major surgery and Chemo, but it was Megan who was my constant. Calli is being there for you too, even though her 'ettiquette' is a little iffy. ;) Dont change her, just allow her to mature :)

Jo, you have so much on your shoulders at the moment, and being pulled in a million different directions. You are strong and you will find your way. Life has this wierd and really crappy way of putting us through things no-one should have to suffer, and you, my dear friend are taking the brunt of it. It will get better, I promise ;)

Have just confiscated Teri's Ribena and passed to Jo, ...... I like to share :D

hmm this coming over to the dark side, it ain't working is it :P

Edited, feel like a complete pratt now, ah well, living up to my usual image then (now wheres that bludy blushing smiley)

Kay, now crawls back under stone ;)

Great post kayc - hard to fault it - (except it's HP - or Jo - not Margot)  ;)

Methinks that ribena - sod it - wine should be confiscated asap and I'm just the one to do it :D

Edited Teri, they put something in my Tea .....honest ;)    Only had a tiny sip of ribena before passing to Jo :D

Feeling decidely left out now - and I was briefly invited onto this thread :( 

Red stuff gives me headaches anyway - I like the matured glowing amber stuff myself (no mixer, no rocks!)  :)

Its the witches nose Teri, I keep poking it where its not requested :D :D  Will stick to eavesdropping in future :P

No, my gran used to say "an eavesdropper never hears any good about themselves" :D   You get right back on here and keep a degree of order!   I don't do order too well as a general rule (pick yourself up - I know that's a shocking revelation, particularly after the ribena) :P

If it's any consolation HP, I've had a few probs of late and look how well adjusted I am :rolleyes:  perhaps best not take much from that ;)

pssst I think we've cracked it kayc - HP is either suitably content enough to settle down to a full nights sleep or she's so totally sozzled she's forgotten her problems for a while ;)

>pssst I think we've cracked it kayc - HP is either suitably content enough to settle down to a full nights sleep or she's so totally sozzled she's forgotten her problems for a while

Either that or Margot & JG sneaked in and sprinkled some 'chillout dust' while our backs were turned. ;)

"In all the Peach Schnapps joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine" :P

Mistaken identity?? If I'd wanted really good advice from a non-coven member I'd have asked for it :D I know that Kay is a witch in training *wink wink* and she's far too busy to listen to me "greet", 'specially from an amatuer witchette  :D

Am now holding my sides, picturing Monsterman being a "superhero" :D He who can't ablute, dream, exist without assistance, has never learned to "lift his leg at the grand old age of nearly 3" but when, having a bad dream has to refer to "witchette" :P :D :P

S'pose I'm getting there, when they hear their names, they appear. Calli always thinks that there is more deep seated reason as to why she's being called :rolleyes: Monsterman knows it doesn't mean anything but................come here, I want you for something.

I annoy my boy, very frequently, but then................this is my mission in life ,all my previous boys used to work on the assumption "your wish is my command".

Calli is now being analysed, much to "his lordships" disgust and contempt...........never know, one day, he might just realise how much he's worshipped :P

Just another random thought Jo ;) Although your youngster may well be wearing you down right now in some small way, conversely (or even perversely) she may be switching your "main edge" off for a brief period and even although she makes you frustrated or guilty or querying whether having got her when you did was poor timing, she may actually be helping you retain a little sanity :)  Sometimes when in full stress it takes stress in another form to keep us going rather than a break from stress altogether.  There's a tiny bit of logic in my madness (not always easy to grasp I know) but think of the saying "a change is as good as a rest" and you may see more clearly where I'm coming from :)

If ever you want to chat (and I know you have closer friends than me ;) ) just pm me and we'll swap either regular email addys or phone numbers.  I can listen too.

Teri x

ps. about that pot plant, spiders of any shape size or colour have no place in my house but as you can't bear the thought of consigning it to the neighbour's bin, why not lend it to a local dentist until it's fully recovered :P  Can't think of two better suited,  perverse and grotesque creatures to put together ;)   

Psht , he must be scolding when my wife decides to blast it on the hi fi while im zzz on the sofa! I felt like running over their and cracking the CD over my knee!

James blunt is ruining my marriage! :D

>James blunt is ruining my marriage!

I believe that we have a "therapy heading" for that here Manny.........come over to the dark side, sure I can swing it so that you can join the "coven"  :D

My worst fear since childhood was to wake up with black lipstick and nailpolish on , HELP!

Oh Manny - it does suit you! ;)

Welcome to the coven!!

Jo - your Callie sounds just like my Vinnie - I do think it is girlie thing

Hi Jo. Having never owned a bitch (and never will ;)) I cannot comment on their 'typical' personality traits but I do have to second (or possibly 3rd, 4th etc; haven't read all the other posts) what Teri has said.

I have got three colliewobbles, all very different, with very different needs. One will act the tough guy, will stand and shout at fireworks to go away but I know he needs and loves me really but I do suspect he was a human lager lout in a previous life. Hugs and stuff on his terms only. The second one needs me and my presence like he needs air and fireworks will have him hiding his face under one of my chins. :p The last one demands my attention 24/7 but doesn't always get it. Fireworks? Look Mum, aren't they pretty. :rolleyes:

My mum has classed them in human terms as the following. University drop-out, longs to bum it round Ibiza; Sensitive art student, growing his dreads, will fight for his rights; primary school boy, intelligent but sits at the back and mucks about, loved by everyone for his cuteness and charm.

I do not allow them to follow me everywhere because I like my personal space and besides, if they were kids I wouldn't allow it so why should I with dogs? That is a completely personal thing to which I believe there is no right or wrong opinion. If it is ok with you then it's fine. Your dogs have been better looked after than some and ok so you haven't done the socializing that you planned with Callie but hay-ho, s**t happens, she still has a lovely home with ppl who love her, she'll be fine, I promise.

So, in short (yeah right, an essay later :rolleyes:) I would stop worrying, love them for who they are because believe me, they certainly love you. Sending positive vibes and virtual hugs your way. :) 

>My mum has classed them in human terms as the following. University drop-out, longs to bum it round Ibiza; Sensitive art student, growing his dreads, will fight for his rights; primary school boy, intelligent but sits at the back and mucks about, loved by everyone for his cuteness and charm.

PMPLOL :D :D That's a good way of looking at them. Monsterman would be the one in the remedial class, lazy, extremely clumsy and slow witted, a complete oaf, joker with a brilliant sense of humour, but is the mummys boy still living at home into his 40's. Always think there's something slightly dodgy about men like that.

Callie would either be Prime Minister or in clink for GBH or even murder. She's the type that is an addict and be stuck on everything illegal :rolleyes:

And Ella would have been the soothsayer, mother of all wisom, agony aunt but fiercely protective of her family and god help anybody that threatened them. ;)