GiGi & Sophie
09-20-2002, 09:33 PM
Hello! I have a two year old short haired, dapple tweenie named GiGi and a one year old black longhaired mini named Sophie. But we have several problems:
1) Training has been virtually impossible. GiGi and I went through training at PetsMart--- but GiGi only comes if I have a treat on hand. Otherwise, she conveniently doesn't listen to me.
2) Sophie doesn't listen either.
3) Both of my girls are "submissive urinators" They pee out of excitement when someone greets them or when one bends down to pet and cuddle them.
This has made training them difficult because I am afraid of "scolding" them or speaking "firmly" to them and worsen their peeing problem. I've read that training helps them with the submissive urination. I never scold them when they accidently pee out of excitement as I fear that the problem will only get worse. I just do not know what I should do. I only believe in positive reinforcement (that's why GiGi only works for treats!) and I am afraid that if I take them to a trainer for a week or two that they might not be positively reinforced (maybe I'm just too paranoid?!).
I totally love my girls and cannot imagine life without their love and kisses. But I hate the fact that I'm always picking up after them and that they cannot be pet or greeted "happily" by friends and family when people come visit them. Their little tails should not have to wag in a little puddle when they are shown love.
I just do not know what to do anymore. I just want this for their own good. I hope someone has suggestions and ideas. If there is not hope then life will continue as it has been, but if the problem can be fixed it would surely be a blessing for my little babies.
1) Training has been virtually impossible. GiGi and I went through training at PetsMart--- but GiGi only comes if I have a treat on hand. Otherwise, she conveniently doesn't listen to me.
2) Sophie doesn't listen either.
3) Both of my girls are "submissive urinators" They pee out of excitement when someone greets them or when one bends down to pet and cuddle them.
This has made training them difficult because I am afraid of "scolding" them or speaking "firmly" to them and worsen their peeing problem. I've read that training helps them with the submissive urination. I never scold them when they accidently pee out of excitement as I fear that the problem will only get worse. I just do not know what I should do. I only believe in positive reinforcement (that's why GiGi only works for treats!) and I am afraid that if I take them to a trainer for a week or two that they might not be positively reinforced (maybe I'm just too paranoid?!).
I totally love my girls and cannot imagine life without their love and kisses. But I hate the fact that I'm always picking up after them and that they cannot be pet or greeted "happily" by friends and family when people come visit them. Their little tails should not have to wag in a little puddle when they are shown love.
I just do not know what to do anymore. I just want this for their own good. I hope someone has suggestions and ideas. If there is not hope then life will continue as it has been, but if the problem can be fixed it would surely be a blessing for my little babies.