SO! What is this BOGART? The terrible 2's?

[lindamarie]

A DOG IS A DOG IS A DOG!!
Yes, Bogart is a great Service Dog and wonderful Therapy dog who beings smiles ans joy to so many including myself!
BUT! He is still ALL DOG!!

As with us, we all need a break from work, right? So, when Bogart's vest comes off......OFF he goes!
Last night was NOT cool at all. It is a reminder to us that no matter how trained, a 2 year old needs to be continually trained and worked with. My husband and I stopped by the pharmacy last night. Bogart was WONDERFUL! Once again, I allowed people to "visit" and he obeyed.
BUT THEN!!!!
As I had him approaching the door to leave.........there stood.....OUTSIDE a white little, waggly tail dog staring at him as the automatic door opened on our approach. So, this little dog starts yapping and wanting to play!
He was about 20 feet away and Bogart bolted for him. HE wanted to play too!!
UH-UH!! NOT GOOD!!

Then 2 days ago, I was sitting for my sick little 7 year old neighbor, Chloe.
I took him outside on his leash as they don't have a fence.........and there stood in the yard kitty-corner this little speckled dog.
I was standing in clogs with snow and slush under my feet and Bogart took off after the dog to PLAY again!!
There was a telephone pole on the property line which I was heading for as I snow skiied across the property.
I almost crashed into it but managed to brace myself intead to stop me from my collision course with either IT or the fence!

The terrible two's or getting loosey-goosey!??
I don't like this at all! But, it IS a reminder to get focused again and back on track. It's OUR FAULT! .......and I'm disturbed about it.
I guess I'm just happy that he doesn't do these insane things at hospitals or places I take him......UGH! The pharmacy really shocked me...........
It makes me want to CRY!!

[SamsonsMom]

I'm sorry Linda! Bogie is a terrific dog though, like you said. Sounds like he may just need a little training with how to react when strange dogs are present.

BOGIE - you start listening to your MAMA!

[Jac]

No, Linda, don't cry...this is very natural. As time goes on you will always find things that Bogie needs to work on. He is a Doodle, after all, and he loves to play!

He needs to learn "leave it" with other dogs...tough thing to teach...but if you can get him to focus on you all the time, it will help.

When he is allowed to be a therapy dog, he is very social and is able to relate to people...he likes that...and does it well...but he is, as you said, a dog...well, more like a Dood...they are very playful and energetic...

I suggest that you start looking for training opportunities with dogs...maybe even "create" opportunities for him to be distracted and use that time to train him...you will need your yummiest treats!

Good luck!

[lindamarie]

Thanks for the condolences, I need them.
I go back to the fact that Bogart has 2 jobs now. He was so much better when he only had one as my Service Dog. Now that he is a Therapy Dog too, I think there's confusion going on in his 2 year old brain. It makes me sad because I want him to do Therapy as well. In fact, he's going to the hospital shortly for his weekly visit with Kevin and the rest of the kids.
He really behaves well!
Last week, Walt took him and this lady said........"Did you see what your dog just did?" Walt didn't so she told him........."He picked up a piece of paper and threw it on the waste paper basket!"
Silly Walt.......he said, "Yeah. He does stuff like that!"

At 2.....he just loves other dogs so much and wants to play so bad! With the crusty, icey snow, he doesn't get the chance to do so very much as I could see this ripping up paws of any dog! So...........he just gets all excited.
We are starting steps to bring this back to normal. I know it's possible and maybe he's just hit a temporary slump.

[MaxandMe]

sometimes a dog just has to be a dog.............LINDA he's still young in many ways, when he's working he's awesome
but then he sounds like how MAX used to get (but around small dogs) turbocharged. it takes time but believe me
BOGIE will calm down it just takes time and practice.

hang in there!!

[lindamarie]

Thanks annmarie!
I'm working hard on this on daily walks. He's getting back to normal. Although yesterday, this old, OLD man on a cane was walking down the street with his Husky.
I was wondering how in the world he would control that dog!
He asked me from across of the street if they'd like to meet as his dog was friendly. Bogart LEAPED in the air! It's like he understood the guy!
I got that under control fast and told him it wasn't a good idea.
The vision I had in my mind of what could go on was a tad scary!