Fred Friend

They're starchy. That's all I can say. Fred and I prefer the orange, sweet ones. Fred didn't even know he liked them until I gave him one of the skins. YUM!

Fred and Winnie have a new found love for each other. When we had visitor kitties here, Fred guarded his cats. When the visitors would try to attack Mouski and Winnie. he would chase the visitors off with snarls and barks. Winnie has started bumping Fred like she's asking for pets. It's adorable! Fred seems a little confused and a lot happy. I think everything will be great between the kitties and their doggie from now on.

That is adorable. Fred has turned into such a GOOD DOG!! I know the start was rocky.

He is getting very good. Still has some things to learn, and I think he will always be banished at people food time, but that's a small thing. A chewy and a comfy bed isn't a bad banishment.

No, not that's not a bad banishment.

He has learned "up the stairs," which means he goes to his isolation chamber with a chewy. He bounds up the stairs and sits pretty in the room. Yippee for Fred! He's learning to be a good pet.

What a good boy.

Fred had a "moment." There is a dog in the neighborhood that he HATES. Whenever we see it and its owner walking, Fred goes into attack mode. The owner and I have chatted and we just cannot figure it out since our dogs have never met - and never will. But, now we know to stay on opposite sides of the street and pretend we don't see each other.

I have started taking some training treats with me and making Fred sit facing me when I see the dog. This seems to be working well. He is very frightening when he is snarling and lunging, and I worry that I might get bit. Not because Fred wants to attack me, but he is in full attack mode and doesn't realize who he is nipping at. So... Sit. Look at me. Treat. SIT. STAY. SETTLE. It seems to be working.

WOW!!! That is scary. Sounds like you've found the best tactic. You're the best parent ever.

I don't have any idea why he's that way with the dog. Neighbors say that no dog in the neighborhood likes that dog. Poor thing. I'm sure he's just scared of something and giving off weird vibes. But... We're trying. It's all we can do. At least that dog's owner is understanding.

That's sad. Still, y'all sound great pet parents. All you can is keep everybody safe.

Well I figured it out yesterday. The dog was walking by our house and Fred was barking at the window. Very weirdly, a person stopped her car to get out and talk with the owner. The dog went ballistic and lunged, barked, tried to bite. The owner, thankfully, kept a tight hold. The stupid person from the car kept approaching. I think Fred's telling that dog to just stay away or he'll defend me.

JEEZ!!! That's scary. And the fact the person kept approaching, well stupid doesn't even begin to cover it.

Right??!! I haven't seen the dog/owner since then, and I'm glad. I will definitely be trying to keep Fred away and crossing the street if I'm on my own too.

Hopefully they are getting training for the dog.

Poor Fred had to wait to walk until after sundown yesterday. It was far too hot to take him once I got myself up and moving. (Saturdays start slow!) I worried that the pavement would be way too hot as well. So, we set off right as it was getting dark, and the thunder started threatening. I don't think I've ever seen Fred walk so fast. He hates thunder and lightening. Poor guy.

The late Rachael hated them too. Bud doesn't seem to mind. It's been unbearably hot here too.

We cooled down and are right chilly now. The highs have been in the 60s for the past 3 days. Rain and drizzle too. The tomatoes miss the heat. I wonder if the pool water will be warm enough for the kids this weekend.

Fred saw his nemesis dog today. He barked a couple times, but was good overall. I have been bringing treats and reward him when he is good.

Fred's mom

The heat is coming back on here. The cool and the thunderstorm were nice while it lasted.

good boy Fred. How did the nemesis behave?

Nemesis ignored Fred. The owner and I just know to go to opposite sides of the street and pretend like we don't see each other. His dog makes stink eyes at Fred, but doesn't say anything. Fred is much more vocal. Overall, it's way better than it was though. Fred doesn't try to drag me or go attack. He just voices his displeasure.

Much better, still happy that things have calmed down.

I think going to play care has helped Fred a lot. Even though he grew up in a kennel, being a hunting dog is very different with hanging out with other pets. He is even learning about toys!

That's wonderful but also sad. No toys, just nothing.

It's so neat to see hunting dogs fine their inner puppy. Fred has learned to wag his tail, roll over for belly rubs, and to completely relax. He is still a little unpredictable, but I hope it will get better the longer he is not a hunting dog.

I think he will. There will still be triggers but I don't the reactions will so over the top that they're scary.