I finished my allergy testing yesterday. I am officially allergic to mountain cedar, box elder, sage brush, rag weed, cats, and a type of mold that grows on decaying plant matter. Desensitization shots will help with everything except the cat allergy, so I start shots next week. I have to go in twice each week. Each time I will get a shot in both arms, wait 15 minutes, then get another shot in both arms. After six weeks I should only have to go in once every three months for a shot.
Shady is as adorable and naughty as ever. I have been really frustrated with some of her behavior. She pulls on the leash so hard that she is really hurting my joints, and the collar is cutting her neck. She also has barking fits now and then where she just can't seem to stop. Two different trainers told me that coonhounds are just bad and they can't be trained. They both recommended an electric collar, but I was hesitant to do that on my own. I don't want to just shock her, I want to know that I am doing it the right way in order to train her. Then I was in PetsMart a couple of weeks ago and I noticed a really well behaved boxer wearing an electric collar. I talked to the owner and she told me that they worked with a trainer in Salt Lake. The company is called Sit Means Sit. I contacted them and found out that the package with a collar, the remote, and lessons costs $600. I was very reluctant at first, but the more I thought about it I decided that if it gives me a well behaved dog for the next 10 or 12 years it will be worth it. The trainer will come to my house for hour long sessions as many times as I need him to for the life of my dog. If she trains up really well in the next month and then 3 years from now develops some really bad habit, he will come back and work with her for no charge. If he ends up not being able to train her he will refund all of the money. If I can refer people to him he will refund $50 for every person who signs up until my entire package has been refunded. She starts training tomorrow, so hopefully it will all be worth it.
8 comments:
One of the girls I used to work with had to do the allergy shots. It's kind of a pain, but worth it in the end.
And, if you have to be irrevocably allergic to something,
I thinks cats are the thing. Since naughty coonhounds and cats don't mix, you have acquired the perfect dog to keep them away. And if you happen to be assigned to visit teach someone with cats, this might be a good excuse to just say no. (Oops, did I say that out loud?)
I think $600.00 at this point is a bargain for lifetime training. Even if you just get her to quit pulling you around it will be money well spent. She's so darn cute! BAD DOG!
I think if you are a dog person, that $600 is a great investment in getting a good dog. I know people love their dogs, but I don't understand how people put up with bad behaving dogs. We have some people in our ward who have to contain their dogs everytime the doorbell rings or the person at the door will be lucky to leave there alive. How do people live like that?
Good luck with the shots, once you get to the every 3 month routine, it will all be worth it.
It is nice that you have gotten to the bottom of your problem allergies. I think it was Alyssa that said she wanted to have those tests done. Anyone that has allergies should find out what they are allergic to. It surely makes life better. That time will go by quickly, since you are also fighting a bad dog.....Your shots will be the calm exciting part of your days.....LOL
Hey we have to plan a trip to the Draper Temple now...
I wish Nate would go get allergy tested. Of course his aren't near as bad as some of the episodes you have had. But they are irritating enough when they happen that it would be nice to know if there is something he could avoid or know when to expect it. I am glad you will eventually get some relief.
Oh, Shady!! I can't wait to meet this naughty animal. I think it will be well worth the time and money in the end. I think I will take Bella to the next level of puppy school this summer. They really do need some discipline on a regular basis. On a side note she has a horrible ear infection, and it is awful to see her suffer. The Vet couldn't get her in until today and I just feel so bad for her, she is miserable!
I have to agree that the $600 price tag is a small price to pay for lifetime training. I will be very interested in the results, so keep us posted.
Poor Bella! Ear infections are no fun. Nate, they have a trainer in Pittsburgh, so if it works well that is something you could look into.
Wow, thats a good deal on the dog trainer! By the way sorry about your allergies. I hate shots, hope you don't mind them!
That is a great deal I think for training. Shock collars are expensive enough and if you get a guarantee how can you pass it up?
Brian has horrible allergies. He needs help!!!
Post a Comment