Smokey Goes to Rehab

Smokey!  He's our wiener dog.  Approximately one year ago, we found Smokey at the Buda Wiener Dog Races.  From the moment Andrew laid eyes on Buddy Boy (as he was named at the time), he knew that we had to have him.  Within a week, we paid the adoption fee, signed the papers and were proud parents of a tweenie dachshund.  We share many joyful moments with Smokey and some stressful too.

Joyful:  doing tricks for treats, furiously shaking his "squirrel" until he nearly gives himself a concussion, rolling around in the grass immediately after getting a bath, the classic running to greet us at the door when we get home, cuddling on the couch, licking us when we're trying to exercise on the floor, Andrew and I making fun of his quirky noises.

Stressful: enduring separation anxiety whining every time we would leave the room, cleaning up countless "accidents" both when we're home and not home, and most recently his incessant barking at other dogs from "fearful aggression."

I'm so happy to state that we began rehab on Sunday!  We are enrolled in "Barking & Growling."  In just one session, we learned many tips that will quell both our stress when walking him and Smokey's stress towards other dogs.  By the end of six sessions we hope to be able to take Smokey on a walk in the neighborhood, and take him out to friends houses, dog parks, and dog friendly bars without him going bonkers barking defensively and pulling/lunging at other dogs.  I never thought that I would pay good money to take my dog to a psychologist, however I am confident that this will be money well spent.  I'll report back how we're doing!