phelix files: week 7

Phelix went to his very first kids’ music concert this week! He loved seeing all the kids, but started to get bored by then end, unfortunately.

Phelix insists on meeting every single person that comes into the condo. If he doesn’t get to meet someone, he barks and barks and barks.

Speaking of barking, he has been barking more and more these days. When he wants to play. When he sees us making food in the kitchen. And so on. Frustrating and annoying. We’ve taken to putting him in his crate when he doesn’t quiet down if everyone is too busy to play with him or hold him. Or we’ve given him a little freedom to run around the main area. He seems to be having fewer accidents. And as for “Keep Away”, I’ve tried to get everyone to stop falling for his game and instead do a bait-and-switch with him. That seems to work well overall.

Phelix isn’t doing well on the things he’s supposed to be learning for class, but he is doing much better at sitting and staying, especially in regards to his “elevator manners”. I’ve also managed to get him to behave much better on the leash — not as much pulling or smelling every little thing. This week he was a *superstar* at class – if only I could get him to do so well all the time! Maybe I need to start giving out more treats — which we’ve mostly only been doing at class.

Speaking of elevator manners, our elevators are both out of service at the moment, so he’s having to learn to take the stairs without tripping me. He’s doing quite well at waiting by doors instead of charging ahead — treats help.

I’ve been very reluctant to give treats to Phelix for training; in parenting, I’ve been a follower of Alfie Kohn and his “Punished by Rewards”. I have this idea in the back of my head that I want the dog to behave because he wants to, not for treats. Somehow, I don’t think that what applies to kids applies to puppies. I’m going to go buy a crate of treats!!

As for Gazoo, she now feels comfortable getting back to her old haunts. She naps on the living room chair and couch. She cuddles her dishwasher. She sits on the balcony. Phelix sometimes whines or even barks when she goes near his pen, but she’s decided he’s no threat.

phelix – 16 jan 2013