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Subject: Speaking of parties...

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PamWh

Attention Starved

05/20/2008 4:59 PM
Bob always seems to pick out the visitor who least wants to pay attention to him, and just bugs that person to death by jumping up into their laps or onto the sofa beside them, etc. At the graduation party we will be having, that person will probably be my MIL. The person Bob will least want to bother him will be my granddaughter, who thinks she should be able to carry him around like a baby. Short of banishing him to another room or outside, what can I do to keep Bob from stressing out about all these people in his house?

PamWh aka Bob's Mom If your rattie ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

lynnygal

Terrier Terror

05/21/2008 10:14 AM
Our Daisy is kind of a nervous nellie around large gatherings.....we've found it best to let her "see" everyone and then if she doesn't calm down and mellow out, we just put her in her crate in another room away from the guests. I have never had to do this with any other dog I've had but this is what works best for us with Daisy. She just has a different personality and is leary of strangers. She would never go for a kid or an adult she didn't know picking her up. So I hear you on that one! Lynn

--------------------- lynnygal ---------------------------------

rattytatty

Training Moderator

05/21/2008 10:31 AM
Sorry Pam... I just saw this. Do you crate Bob? If so... that's the way I would handle it if he gets stressed out when there are multiple people in your home. Put him in his crate but leave the crate out where he can see the people coming in. I would provide him with a bully stick to occupy him and keep him content while people are entering the house. Once everyone is in and gathered... that's when I would let him out and see how he reacts. For many dogs... the actual act of people entering the house is intimidating and a dog's territorial senses surface. ("You are invading my territory!", etc.). By putting Bob in his crate... you are totally eliminating this happening, but Bob is still able to see people coming in. I don't remember if Bob is crate trained or not... ??

~Nora~ Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, NA, NAJ

PamWh

Attention Starved

05/21/2008 2:23 PM
Bob is crate trained, but cries if you put him in there and don't leave the house. I think I will try the crate thing or having him out in the backyard while everyone is arriving. He will still have to do the bumblebee dance with a toy in his mouth whenever he finally gets access to the people.

PamWh aka Bob's Mom If your rattie ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

rattytatty

Training Moderator

05/21/2008 2:24 PM
Yup... am very familiar with the "bumblebee dance with a toy in his mouth" routine. (although I've never heard it called that! LOL) I trust you'll handle this situation as calmly, collectively, and smoothly as you do everything else! LOL

~Nora~ Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, NA, NAJ

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