Dog with landscaping issues

[mamabear]

Judy just to let you know and I know this will be hard for you dear and for your husband....Your dogs know your scent and know when you are happy/sad/safe/ill..just about everything. An alpha walks with pride, knowing she is the top dog and "shows" the others that there need not be any fear or sorrow. Very hard when you are mourning one of your babies but if you show this they will follow you. Consistancy is key and is with your dh as well. Read, research and ask questions here and we will help you. Alpha dogs are calm and strong.

Example....when our dogs were puppies there was a period from 7 weeks till they were 17 weeks that they are shown different things to soicalize them. One of those things are storms, this is in my book the #1 reason why dogs hate storms..it is because their owner didnt "teach" them that the storm was harmless. During a good storm we had one night while Max was a pup I threw a storm party...I called it big booms. I ignored the thunder and went about my business throwing this party for Max. Max is almost 6 years old and can sleep through any storm. So can my younger boy Sgt.. When kids are aloud to be upset during a storm and the parent coddle them and there is a pup in the house or worse yet when the storm comes and the person is scared and in turn tries to comfort the pup that has no clue that just teaches them that the storm is bad. I have 4 kids and 3 of them still think that the storms are great here. We still call them big booms are coming.

Sorry this was a long example, but just wanted to give you an idea of how a dogs mind works. You are a great woman and loving and caring and right now hurt and upset and you have every right to be because you loved Kujo. If your girls dont respond to you right away trying to be alpha, it does not mean you have failed. Remember they know you better than you know you and they know every scent that you make and why you make it. So if you are upset and try to be alpha and just dont have your heart in it they will know and they will try to push you down...YOu have to show them that you are serious and just go with it. Again I will say that the alpha basically rises to the occasion and just goes with the flow. Your girls need you and you will do fine, just remember though it is still ok to cry in front of them. Besides they will know if you were going to before you do anyway. LOL Ahhhh gotta love em!

Hugs to you and warm wishes to you, dh and girls!

[JUDY S]

Again, thanks for the advice. I ordered that book you recommended and I'm looking forward to learning from it. I have to make these two my new complete pack and I know that right now they aren't. I'll do whatever I can to make it happen.

[mamabear]

If you have questions just ask and i'll help go over it or explain anything you need.

May the wind remind you that God hears and loves you!