I think Marley has a hot spot

[MarleysMama]

Originally Posted by AngelBunny

Enough is enough.

Take Marely outside (so he doesn't pee on your floor), put a leash on him, have someone hold the leash, muzzle him if you have to, and get on with the job. Be firm and adopt a "Stop-fussing-and-carrying-on" tone.

I have a dog who would be a fear biter. She had a seizure at our vet's office the first time she was there because she's so high strung and nervous. Tula would no sooner bite me than she'd think of flying to the moon. If I want her to do something, she does it. The End.

I think you're mamby-pambying Marley too much. Yes, he's frightened, yes he's nervous, but he's your dog and you want him to do something. Which is He's to stay still while you cut away his fur. Make him listen to you so you can get on with the job.

If I could put a leash, let alone a collar on him, I would have taken that route when I first found out he needed to be shaved. His collar sits directly on his hot spots, and if I were to put the leash on ..then any tension would make it impossible for me to get too. I am not trying to pussy-foot around this, I want to get it done, it NEEDS to get done...but I am trying to figure out how in world I am going to be able too.

Also, I have read in quite a bit of your posts how your dogs wouldn't dare not listen to you, and perhaps it's because we have only just started training, but how did you get to that point??? Is it from consistant training and b/c they are adult dogs...or is it things in particular you do that they like/ don't like?? I am trying to undertstand b/c I want Marley to listen to me how your dogs seem to listen to you. I am unsure how to 'disapline' my dog, I only know positive reinforcement,. When he gets up, I demand he sits back down, but its a never ending cycle.. he stays until I get right there with the clippers, panics and then we are right back to getting him to sit again.

I am really getting frustrated b/c I am trying to get this done the best that I can, and it's obviously not enough.

[MarleysMama]

So, after taking your advice, I got a no nonsence attitude and got it done. I did use the benadryl that the vet recommended, and it definately made him more managable, but he still tried to fight us...but he quickly learned i was not going to back down this time. I suppose I didn't realize how my stop and go attempts were sending mixed messages...after he was shaved (which we did end up doing with him laying on his side, and then had him roll to the other side) I had to wash and apply the gentamicin spray and he tried to run away but I just stayed just as sturn and told him come, and he complied. He stayed completely still as I washed, rinsed, dried, and applied his spray...all with no muzzle, no collar, strictly listening.

So I think I have answered my own question to you before, angelbunny....stay on top of them, stay in control, and they know who's in charge.

I am very proud of him, and myself. Thank you for all of your help, I am glad to know it will only get better from here.

[AngelBunny]

Good for you!!!

You put your foot down, you did what it took to get the job done, and voila! the job wasn't that hard!

One of the reasons for this was because Marley sensed your resolve. He's a dog. Dogs have infinite respect for leaders and defer to them. Sure, the meds helped--but not nearly as much as your taking the leadership role.

Good for you.

Long term, you've done an excellent thring for you and Marley by putting your foot down. This incident will make you a more confident dog handler and it gave Marley confidence in your leadership ability. You both have a clearer understanding of who's in charge.

You have every reason to be proud of yourself and your dog.

Kudos.

[MarleysMama]

Thank you so much :D

I think I over analyze things and this was definately one of those things... I will remember how just DOING IT works so much better. LOL

Oh I hope this doesn't sound as silly as I think it's going too..but I feel closer to him...I will always take care of him and never let anything bad happen, and he knew that and trusted me. This is my first dog, and I just feel a bond with him and this sounds so looney but it was enough to make me tear up. I have two children and they know I take care of them and I love them, but there are still just those moments that get to you. LOL I think I might have lost it.

[AngelBunny]

Doesn't sound in the least bit silly. I know exactly what you mean. Any dog person understands what you mean. The bond between dog and owner is an extraordinary thing. It's difficult to put into words, but what a thing it is!

BTW--how is Marley's hot spot?? Is it too soon to say?

[MarleysMama]

It's actually looking MUCH better!! I didn't expect it to look so much better so soon. It's not as raw and beginning to scab up a bit.

And being that he has long hair, I shaved off what looked like a small cat, so I am certain that will help as well, so much more air will be able to get to it and really dry it out.

[Nishasmom]

Good job!! I am glad you were able to do it yourself! Marly will be feeling better in no time .

[AngelBunny]

I found hot spots respond quickly to treatment and air--and not being scratched by the dog.