2 weeks after the training

So how did we fair over the past 2 weeks?

I am horse through "barghing", but it works. No peeing, people can enter with out being hijacked and pounced upon. though They are now disturbed by me charging about shouting "bargh" and chucking a chain on a piece of string about. Understandable really.
The boys now sleep in a crate in the living room all tucked away safe and sound. They occupy this at night to sleep and if I go out anywhere. The theory behind this is that they feel insecure in a large space as it is allot to guard for a small dog, so by cutting the space down to a manageable size they can cope and relax. It works.I was set against these crates, they look awful, I don't like caging animals at all, but if it would find some peace for Tommy and Tetley I was going to try it. If I leave them out of it Tommy starts to pee everywhere again so, it shows he pees as a result of stress as 'Lady' suggested. They don't like to go in it though, I have to round them up and Tetely can pick up some real speed in darting away from me, and Tommy dashes behind the sofa to his safe place, I retrieve him by lassoing him with his lead and coaxing him into the crate. Treats suitably placed are not an encouragement for them, even for the forever hungry Tetley. So gentle encouragement is the key.

Geoff took up the water bomb challenge yesterday. He waited with baited breath upstairs, I went shopping. I came home to the boys still outside Geoff fast asleep on the bed. Must have worked a treat I thought? Geoff woke to say he thought I'd been home ages as he heard me "barghing" at the boys. I had to confess it wasn't me and the mystery was solved when a neighbour said how the "Barghing" hadn't worked for her in the afternoon. So thank you to Sue for trying to train them not to bark in the garden, and shame on you Geoff for leaving your post.

Sleeping is a joy. now I am back to struggling for space with just Geoff and not Geoff and Tommy. No dog hairs on and in the bed for me to get an itchy nose and anything else with and, no wet nose to have to swerve my tush away from several-teen times a night. Bliss.

All in all a recommended experience and would not hesitate to advise anyone to get in someone who knows what they are doing. Even if it is costly, the option isn't worth considering. Tommy would have no chance having bitten twice and his growling etc. as well as the peeing would not make him first choice for any adoptee. He is incredibly loving too, he's just nervous and not a natural leader.

Saying that, I did have awobble this week, when I wasn't feeling too well, I left them to wander the house whilst I slept in bed on morning. I got up to a tide of pee everywhere. Doors, windows, cat litter tray, water bowl yo name it he had marked it. At that point I did mention it had all got too much and he had to go. Geoff's sorry little face said it all along with his heart felt plea " I don't want to let him go". In truth neither do I. He can't be held responsible for his leaders not leading him.I returned to him with more love and understanding. We also decided that as he retreats to a space behind the sofa when he's stressed we ought to make it comfortable for him. So I go him a new little throw for him to lay on and he has now got a little retreat away from the world when he needs it. He always has his little yellow american football with him too, and last night a stolen lump of garlic bread. I know we should encourage him to use the crate but he has allocated his own safe place and We think that should be respected.
I also made the embarrassing purchase of a t-shirt for him. It's a blue polo shirt, with white trim. as butch as I could buy. Why? I saw on TV someone say if you have a nervous dog try a tight fitting t-shirt either a doggy one or something you can make yourself. Off the pets at home I went and was joyous to find the aforementioned t-shirt on a sale at £2.99. I did think I would struggle to get it on him - no way, he loves it! No problem getting it on, but he was mad as heck with me for trying to take it off him. He growled and held onto it with his little teeth gripping for dear life. I did show I was his Pack leader and got it removed to a sulking little man who looked embarrassed like he wanted to try and cover his nipples - if he should have any. Bless him. He looked uncannily like Phil Mitchel from Eastenders, all rippling muscles and big neck. This weekend - the weekend before bonfire night and lots of early fireworks - saw Tommy contented on his little rug, behind the sofa, american football and garlic bread beside him and his lovely new t-shirt on. What bliss.

Tetley, due to his deafness amongst other things is happily in his own world, content to the high teeth and trotting merrily around the house wagging his tail. A s long as he can scratch his bum on your foot every now and then and you feed him he has all he seems to want. Oh man of simple means.