Kim M

Bear offers his paw, too (usually with the big, brown, don't-you-think-I'm-too-cute-for-words, eyes). It's sporadic, but it seems like he does it when there are other things going on and the attention has shifted from him to something else. Because it's so hot here in Arizona I'm usually in shorts and that's when he decides to, not only offer his paw, but offer with enthusiasm. I tell him "off" and make him stop. I wait a few seconds, tell him sit, then shower him with attention. Pawing at me, just like jumping on me and mouthing me, is not ok. I must admit, I do play a game of "nice to meet you Mr. Bear" and shake paws with him and then after a while I tell him "that'll do" and walk away. Kimberley

Kristine and Speedy, Congratulations on your very big day!! That's wonderful news!! Kimberley

How did the younger black lab pup do? Were the results similiar to Molly's? Trust your insticts. Sometimes the teacher is not a good fit to the student. Do you have other training school choices were you are? Good luck and keep us posted Kimberley

The baby gates are a wonderful invention!!! I do have a couple of tension mounted baby gates that I've experimented with the "best" placement for in my house and have made such a difference. I should probably pick up a couple more of them to have on hand. Everyone is so helpful on this board!!

What's a scat mat? The first week after I brought him home from rescue he would be crated either in the am or pm; I would either crate him in the morning and come home at lunch and then leave him to free roam in the house or leave him out in the morning then come home at lunch and crate him for the afternoon. He does very well crated. I didn't think he "needed" to be crated the whole day, but it looks like he does need to be crated periodically when I'm gone...very easy solution since he does well in the crate. But, since it seemed like he was settling into his forever home well I didn't thing it would be necessary so often...I was wrong. Thank-you everyone for your help and suggestions. Bear is a great (!!!) dog and I can not imagine my life without him Kimberley

I need some suggestions on what to do with Bear... He has started taking stuff off the table or counter (mostly when I'm not home, but once when I was in the other room). I try to keep stuff put away as much as possible. But he's started taking stuff, my digital camera and case, the other day the hand helf can opener was in the living room (it was kind of funny though), or the hand towel off the counter and this morning when I got home from marathon training he had taken the plastic bag with my clothes and training schedule off the kitchen table and shredded my papers. He gets into the laundry hamper and taken out clothes (that's been moved to a room he can't get into. I gave him one of my "dirty" t-shirts thinking he wanted to have me "around" but he was still getting into the hamper. He doesn't take stuff everyday but it's happening more and more often. I was not pleased but didn't yell at him and calmly put him in his crate so I could clean up the mess. It's funny how pleased with himself he always seems Since I don't see him doing it I can't correct his behaviour...Basic training classes start in about 2 weeks and I do some basic stuff here with him, sit stay leave it etc. I do take him for walks, dog park, we play catch and fetch in the back yard everyday but I keep wondering if he's still not getting enough excercise (either mental or physical). He has lots of toys that he plays with, carrys around, chews on. Any help or ideas would be wonderful. Thank-you, Kimberley

Here's some info on clicker training I got from someone's post a few days ago...http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/index.htm I also picked up a book named The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training by Pamela Dennison. It has a lot on clicker training. I picked up a couple of clickers for $1.49 at PetSmart... http://amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_e/103-909594...ve+dog+training FWIW: I have been finding that tossing a ball or frisbee or rope with knots in it for my dog Bear in the backyard for 10 minutes does more to tire him out than walking or hiking for 1/2 hour 2x per day or more does. Good luck, Kimberley

I don't know if my answer will help, but: I live with 3 cats, 10yr old (Silver), 3 yr old (Denali), and 2yr old (Sitka). Bear, my BC mix moved in 3 1/2 weeks ago. About 2 weeks ago Denali took out her switch-blades for front claws and "sharpened" them across Bear's muzzle (he did back her into a corner for Pete's sake) but she didn't understand he only wanted to play. Bear went running out of the room with his tail between his legs. I am not kidding Sitka and Denali attempt to eat his food everytime I put it down. I have to push them away every time. Silver has taken over his blanket and tries to eat his cookies if he takes too long. If that doesn't give one reason to be afraid... I do think that Bear is somewhat afraid of my cats. So I do think it's possible your dog is afraid of the new feline. Like Woobie's Mom said, it's probably temporary and likely nothing to worry about. If nothing else, it will make for some good stories to post on this board. Get your camera out Kimberley

*LOL* I love it when he sets his head on my lap and looks up at me with those big brown eyes...

All the feedback is reasuring. It is comforting to have him by my side. I suppose it could be worse and he doesn't want anything to do with me or won't hang out by my side. Bear is a love and he does seem so glad to see me when I get home, or scratch his head, or give hugs & treats or...

I was wondering if this was typical rescue dog behaviour or just typical of bc in general: Bear follows me everywhere he can or is allowed to go and plops himself right at my feet (sometimes right on my feet). If I get up or move around he's right there, just like a shadow. After awhile he will move to the tile floor (must be cooler) but as soon as I make any noise or give attention to my cats he's right back over, head in my lap or pawing at me. Most of the time it isn't bothersome (except the pawing, that's gets an "off"), but sometimes I can't even get my shoes on without him wanting to help out. He was in rescue about 3 months and I don't know how many foster homes he was in before I got him. He also snores pretty loudly! Is this normal? Sometimes I nudge him a tad and call his name if he gets really loud or starts barking in his sleep. Thanks for your input, Kimberley

Kaylee is so pretty! Sounds like she is a very happy dog!

Tobi is beautiful! Yes Sitka is a torti - sometimes the smudge under her nose looks like half a mustache *s* Bear's ears are tipped (I think that's the right term). They only looked straight and tall in the picture because he was playing with a toy and I called his name and when he threw his head back the momentum made them stand up straight. lol.

Thanks so much! Let's hope I did this right: This is Bear This is Sitka This is Denali This is Silver

I am just as amazed as you! Now the "outside" neighborhood cats are a completely different story. If he sees them in our yard he starts barking like crazy (he doesn't bark at our cats) and if we are out walking and sees cats he wants to tear after them! I must look like a crazy women some days out walking because if I see a cat before he does we cross the street or turn around quickly so he won't go bonkers.