They say in the adoption/rescue/shelter world that a dog placed into a new home often gets “three-month-itis,” moving from good behavior at his new place to testing the waters. Well, this wouldn’t hold true for me, mind you, because I never had good behavior to begin with. Well, maybe sort of. As you know, I came with issues.
But the three-month-attack on Rex crept up on all of us. Oh, I’d attacked Rowdy and Tanner—the dogs at my foster home, and Rex after that horrible outing at the big pet store, but I think these new peeps thought I was over all that. Not so. After I lunged at Rex’s neck one day, I heard them talking that night.
FEMALE PEEP: “What do you think this is all about?”
MALE PEEP: “You ever notice he only goes after Rex when we’re all in the same room?”
FEMALE PEEP: “Yes, and when I’m here alone with both of them they’re very good dogs. I’m sorry to say, when you’re around, Charlie Bear gets extremely possessive.”
MALE PEEP: “We’ll have to watch them carefully. And I’ll be sure not to give either of them too much attention in front of the other.”
Female peep was right. I liked to dominate, even though I’m only one-quarter the size of Rex. But then she got smart and remembered how she used a squirt bottle when Rex was a pup. She filled one with water and if I lunged at the screen door, looked cross-eyed at Rex and growled at him, or bit at the throw pillows on the sofa, she squirted me. I didn’t like it and tried to bite at the stream of water.
FEMALE PEEP: “Tough love, Charlie Bear. You have to learn the rules around here. Besides, this water won’t hurt you, it’ll show you when you’re over the line and what you’re not to do.”
Funny thing is, she was right. I did say I’m smart, huh?
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NOTE: If you want to catch up with what happened in LBA (Life Before Adoption), you can look under “Charlie Chat” on the right. All the posts are there, and these new ones about LAA (Life After Adoption) will be there too. Watch for more of Something to Chew On by me, Charlie Bear, in the weeks ahead.
Thanks for stopping by. We love your comments, so feel free to make some. Woof!
Oh, Charlie Bear. The dreaded water bottle. That’s even worse than having your nose blown on. Your peep’s got your number. But just think, once you really learn the rules, no more surprise showers and everyone will be happier – even you.
Tiger (for Clue who can’t type)
Clue,
Tell your female peep “thanks” for helping you type a message to me. I’m learning the rules pretty fast now. One squirt of water and I’ve got it. I don’t think I’ve had the nose-blow thing. Male peep blows at me sometimes to see my fur ruffle, but that’s it so far. Will keep you posted.
Woofs to you,
Charlie Bear
Charlie Bear, you remind me of my two older furbrothers who I never knew because they lived with my lady before she ever adopted me. She told me once how Teddy and Tyler fought like two cats, and my lady and her hubby had to separate them by pulling them apart by their tails. They only did that when they were both cozying up to my lady or too close to a yummy bone they both wanted. So, I guess you certain furkids have a mean streak that goes with the “territory.” Yours truly, Honey Bunny
Honey Bunny,
Thanks for writing! I think I got my territorial attitude from when I lived on the streets before being rescued. I had to fend for myself and make sure no other dog took whatever food I found or my good sleeping place. It was rough. I shouldn’t react to Rex that way, but old habits die hard. I’m working on it though and getting better. I still guard a yummy bone though!
Wiggles and squeals,
Charlie Bear
Oh, we do love constraints, don’t we, Charile Bear? All of us, people, horses, dogs… That’s why you like the water squirts. Glad you’re learning, Charlie. Not easy but worth it. And your Peep loves you enough to show you the boundaries. Lucky dog, Charlie Bear!
jhs.
Hi Jean,
I don’t like the squirt bottle, but the water doesn’t hurt me. And it is good for me to know my limits. I think my female peep really does love me, or she wouldn’t do so much to teach me things.
Have a great weekend.
Woofs to you,
Charlie Bear
Ohhh, Charlie Bear; gone from running to snapping, ugh?! i never do that to other dogs, just cats, & peeps when they reach down and mess with my napping, i give them a little “Love Bite” to let them know that i don’t want to be bothered; that did not work though so i got to where i’d try to hide, got under a LOWWw table, they found me though and when they did and reached under to get me; my ‘Snapping Turtle’ bite just got worse & i bit some blood out of my “OTHER” peep mom’s hand; she didn’t get no squirt bottle; she gave me a whallop across my back side, i looked at her as if to say!! Hey ‘YOU’ do that again & i’ll report you to the NAPAAC, (hey don’t mind my Lettering for i know who to call; just don’t know the proper letters to use) but anyway the next time when she tried to get me out, even though i was asleep i came right out for i was afraid it might be worse on me next time. So i guess, Charlie Bear we have some more habits to work on. You know its funny how you and I can send messages from one ‘Sea Shore (Pacific to Atlantic) To Another’.. Be good Charlie Bear & i’ll talk to you on “The Flip Side”.. Love ye, Charlie, Beaugie..
Dear Beaugie,
It really is cool to connect with you from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Amazing how this Internet stuff works. If I had thumbs (that Enzo dog in that book The Art of Racing with the Rain always said he wished he had thumbs), then I could type instead of asking my female peep to type for me. But, alas, she willingly does it, just like yours. Nice of them, huh?
Yup, seems like I’m always working on something. Seems that’s my lot in life. Wonder if I’ll ever grow up?
Catch you on the flip side, Beaugie. Always nice to hear from you!
Woofs,
Charlie Bear