STEP 1 of INTEGRATING THE TWO PACKS-Diffuse the Tension!

Please forgive my silence as I have been grieving again.  Two years ago in the spring we saw the first signs of Brut's tumor on his spleen.  Now that can only be seen in retrospect and I am remembering my dear boy and Silver.   I miss them so much.  Some days are harder than others.

With that said, their spirits haven't left me and Silver in particular guided me through this next experience.  The beginning of the integration of our two packs starts with:

  

Diffusing the tension!

Two packs of dogs, each with their own side of the house and a door that separates them. The boys, Zappa and Chance only fight/talk with each other, while the girls, Fiona and Blaze keep to each other as well. Most of the time Zappa is the instigator, but Chance has gotten many digs in as well. 

This door is the focal point for the two packs.  Most of the time they "talk" to each other, but there are other times when there are "fights."  Growling, snarling and just being nasty to each other at the door.   And mealtime was the worst!  I used to have their dinners prepared so there was no time but to bark and be happy about food.  As they've aged I've added to their menus, which takes more time which in turn has grown into an all out riot while preparing their food!

I have never known how to stop this behavior.   I could never figure out how to be on both sides of the door.  

The light bulb.... I put Chance and Blaze in their room and Zappa and Fiona in theirs and then I got their food ready.  Cutting the tension in half, theirs and mine.  They ate a little slower and I notice a huge differences in their demeanor.  All that pent up anxiety, fear and anger was diffused.  Finally!

I finally had made a breakthrough.

It was a step in the right direction.

I hadn't realize until that first time of putting them in their rooms, just how much tension there really was and the impact it was having them.  This is a sort a new thing with the food since Brut and Silver died, with each death it increased.  It's not like I am oblivious to the strain and tension between them, their behavior at the door has been going on since Chance and Blaze first moved back with us, I just hadn't found a solution.  It's not in any book I know of, so we just keep plugging along until the next light bulb goes off.

I'll tell you more about the next step of diffusing the situation in my next post and I will try to have some video too!  

Why do dogs...?

BOL!

 chew a small piece of food, but swallow a large one whole?

So how many drawers/cupboards/cabinets does your dog have?

 Aren't we about due for another drawer, Chance?

Is your dogs treats, games and toys taking over every extra storage space in the house?  My husband is a treat fanatic.  Every night the dogs have an evening snack with us and that means stocking up on and storing treats.  Half of the kitchen is dedicated to the dogs.  The dogs have TWO of my drawers and part of one cupboard. 

Then they have THEIR OWN three drawer plastic storage stacker and if that's not bad enough they rule the top of the fridge. There are also three treat containers on the kitchen island and one in the living room. But let us not forget the garage where there are jumbo bags of large crunchy bones and mini-puppy sized ones and a few secret compartments with emergency stashes.

Is it getting a little crowded in here or is it just me?

   

Silver Sparkles

I don't usually attribute a single factor to what makes a happy dog but I became very aware how much food plays a part in that when I switch Silver over from a hypoallergenic food to our current kibble of 4Health from our local Tractor Supply Company. 

It was about a year ago that I finally talked my husband into letting Silver trade foods.  She'd been on the previous one for what was assumed to be a food allergy.  She was constantly licking her paws and having ear infections.  There was some improvement, but Silver was still getting regular ear infections.

I saw such good results with the rest of the dogs, I figured it couldn't hurt to try.  I started noticing a difference with mopey, moody Silver who never wanted to do anything was getting up and going outside with Brut and staying out for a longer time.  She was playful and happy.  Her energy increased and she has a noticeable pizzazz, it's like she has suddenly come to life out a long slumber.  I don't think she would have enjoyed the dog sledding as much as she did this year and with the zest she had if I'd kept her on her other food.  Most sled dogs retire around her age and she handled it like a champ!!  And if that's not enough her ears have cleared up!

I do believe their are many other factors involved, but the difference with this new food just can't be denied.  She has finally awoke from her coma it seems and is actually living and enjoying life again.

What a difference!

Have you made a food or dietary change where there was a noticeable impact on your dogs mood or behavior?

Fun Friday-The Dinnertime Frenzy

Here's a little snippet of dinnertime with the 24 Paws of Love.

Have a Happy Friday!