[Brightelf]

Well, after months of struggle, we have secured a trainer and a very kindhearted angel of a

donor

has very kindly and generously offered to help support costs. Grimm leaves next Wednesday for his 3 weeks of send-away training at a facility with a German pet dog trainer. The type of training is off-lead obedience, and an emphasis on correcting leash-reactivity around other dogs. (no agression or fear basis-- he lunges/barks due to frustration at wanting to initiate a party with the other pooch).

Why send-away? Because I have spent 15 months trying, and am too disabled to be effective in breaking Grimm's habit-- and a habit is exactly what it has become-- of trying to start a party with the other dogs when on-lead. After a concussion, damaged retina, being dragged on my back out into traffic, and several falls, it is time to admit I need professional help.

Fortunately, Grimm loves everyone, there is no aggression behind this, he is simply an enthusiastic, outgoing, supersocial dog at heart who is also pushy (yet truly not all that dominant). "Why can't I start a party with every dog I meet?"

Anyway, positive training methods and a Halti have made things improved, but I am still in serious danger in this congested, traffic-filled, dog-crowded city with Grimm. Moreso as of last week.. the lens capsule in my left eye is clouding over

and I am losing sight. The right eye is also starting to develope the same issues. Surgery may be an option for me, or not-- my doc and I will be discussing it.

Next week the trainer comes for Grimm. He has a guarantee for his work. He will work Grimm 3 times per day for 3 weeks. Next, for 1 week DH and I go to the facility, and the trainer helps both DH and I to work with Grimm correctly. Then, the trainer brings Grimm home and works with DH and I again with Grimm in our own environment for 1 or 2 weeks more, until he is sure we are working well with Grimm.

I am nervous. I can't ask all I want of this trainer, my language is limited in such complex themes in German. Ulrich's (DH) English is limited. I want to be sure that a perfect sit is not taking precedence over addressing the main danger, the lunging-barking habit onlead. The man seems competent, calm.. good things. He comes highly reccomended by a purely positive trainer who works for the shelter. (he is not a purely positive trainer, though. I myself will always continue using mainly positive methods with Grimm at home

I like what it does for our relationship)

Okay. I miss Grimm already. I'm anxious. That's all for now. Please go back to cuddling your dogs.

 

[Vinnie]

Oh Patti I miss Grimm just reading your post but you know it's better in the long run. For both you and him.

 

[Brightelf]

Thank you Vinnie-- you always seem to know just what to say.

 

[DancingCavy]

This really sounds like it will be a blessing for all three of you. I'm so happy to hear that Grimm's training isn't just about training him, but that the trainer is willing to take a couple weeks to train YOU as well. Especially in your own home. I think this will be exactly what you guys need. I know you're crushed about having to send him away. I wouldn't want to have to send my best friend away for a month if I could avoid it. But for your safety, I think this is what needs to be done.

*HUGS* to you and *chest scritches* to Grimmi. Keep us posted.

 

[Brightelf]

Thanks, Jamie. You really do understand. I am kinda always jealous that everyone here gets to go to classes with their dogs. Maybe that will be a possibility for us after this concentrated training addressing Grimm's longstanding barking/lunging habit? I am having a hard time envisioning success with this, although he says this is the main issue most folks bring their 'problem dogs' to him for, and that the shelter trainer reccomends him. (shelters here hire trainers to rehab any rambunctuous, untrained, reactive, anxious, aggressive, etc dogs before and even after placement) Anyhoo, I am really hoping Grimm is able to walk safely down the street with me... and that I maybe could take him to classes too, as a possibility, would be a bonus.

 

[tracyc]

I know you'll miss him--but just think that he's gone away at summer camp.

As for the language barrier between you and the trainer (which would also concern me)--is there anybody else that can help translate the details of what you want to say? That seems so key to success here that you can communicate clearly the intricacies of the issues and your goals.

good luck.

 

[Kayos and Havoc]

I think this is a good decision for you guys and it s so sweet someone is helping with the expense. I know you love Grimm and want the best for him in his life with you.

 

[Maedchen]

Oh Patti,
I'm sure you'll miss Grimm a whole lot! But you're doing what's best for him & you to have a more harmonious relationship. Esp. given your situation, Grimm needs to learn what's expected of him and how to behave appropriately. You guys are faced with a lot more challenges then the regular dog owner. I'm sure the trainer will do a great job, esp. since he comes so highly recommended.
You'll prob. feel quite alone for the next couple weeks (no man can replace a dog right,

), maybe it would help to establish a plan how to keep yourself busy (and distracted)- like with painting the apartment or doing some daytrips (maybe into the village you're planing on moving to) with Ulrich. And before you realize the 3weeks are over and Grimm will be home.

 

[bearlasmom]

Hi Patti, im back from the hospital and this was the first thing i read. im not sure you got my pm or not. i had comp probs.
Grimm will do fine with the trainer, and if you need help with any translations let me know (german/english). i am here als always for you. With the love that you give to grimm and the love he feels for you, he will do fine so he can get back home super fast. the time spans you have written here, are they combined, back to back or part of the three weeks that he will be away? you are so lucky to find a trainer to be willing to come to your home to help you. i will be pming you about the suburban locations that are safe for you to move to later on today or tomorrow. one of my relatives is a real estate agent which comes in handy.
i know you will miss him, and he will miss you but in no time, he will be back in your arms. give ulrich a hug for us.

 

[Brightelf]

Thank you Tracy, Kathy, Mädchen and Joanne!

I am missing my fella already. Tracy, you are right, I need clarification on the deeper points with the trainer.

Kathy, you are right. We feel humbled and honored that someone would help us with the training costs. We are more grateful than anyone can know!

Mädchen, thanks for the encouragement. You are right, Grimm needs to be aware of some limits, fr his safety as well as mine.

Joanne, thank you for being such a sweetheart about everything. Wanna come visit after we move to wherever woodsy spot in Germany we find?

 

[Amaruq]

Patti, I think we are ALL going to miss Grimm while he is off to school but three weeks will FLY right by and then you will have the joy of being reunited with your SnugglePig and give him all sorts of belly scritches. In the long run I think these three weeks will help you and Grimm become an even better and more efficient team. I too love the fact that he will work with you guys on his AND on your "turf" to ensure that what Grimm learns will be "converted" to everyday life.

I am sorry to hear about your vision issues. Perhaps you can get that taken care of while Grimm is on vacation?

 

[Brightelf]

Thank you Amaruq for the support. It really helps.

I am hoping to get the vision issues looked into before SnugglePig returns home. Training info, raw diet info, health issues info for dogs-- amazing how much we depend on our eyes for research.

Thank you everyone. I will miss my Grimmi!