bugging me

 I think it's really easy to be in over one's head with a pup....and to sound like it.  She probably also only posts when she's frustrated, which possibly adds to the effect.

I sympathise, though....and I know you've "been there" as it were...it's pretty much a given that Bugs is some kind of dane mix, right?  

There's a lot of people I'd like to verbally shake sometimes haha.  I sit on my hands and go for walks a lot.  I really hope she's not in over her head and just does things differently than you would, or I would...I know getting Gibson was a huge step for her after losing Bubby and I think a big part of it is being unfamiliar with puppies (she adopted Bubby as an adult, I believe)....so fingers crossed and hopefully the advice she gets here is helpful.

 Kate I was really happy for her when she made the decision and then got him and yes it is easy to be in over your head.  And yes Gibson sounds like a headstrong male dane and yes I believe Bugsy has inherited those traits.  I suppose that's what has me nervous, if she remains timid and afraid to do stuff with him he is going to be a nightmare.  I look at a huge dane rescue site regularly and the amount of male danes who get dumped at about 8 mos is horrifying.  They are big and strong and they know it - and gorgeous too!

I posted this here as a vent and a deep concern, DH & I are both STRONG individuals and we had our hands full with Bugsy and he is 'only' 105lbs of self confidence.  Full grown Gibson is going to be 140+lbs of 'it's my world'. 

I so wanted for it to go smoothly for her but it isn't, people here are trying to help her but she seems to be choosing to do otherwise.

I am sorry if I shouldn't have posted it but I am just worried for her and DH and for Gibson.   I just want her to take on that he clearly needs STRONG leadership and cannot dictate to her and DH.

I've added them to my prayers 

You absolutely SHOULD have posted here if you needed to vent Karen...I do it all the time LOL.   I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt but at the same time I haven't been there in the way you have.  Ben is big and strong but not THAT big and strong.  Diety-of-your-choice help me when there's a maremma in the house tho! LOL. 

I see no reason why contacting her privately to voice your concerns would be a bad idea....if you're comfortable doing that. 

Benedict

I see no reason why contacting her privately to voice your concerns would be a bad idea

Benedict

Ben is big and strong but not THAT big and strong

But he isn't mine and that is that.  I really really hope though that she at least gets to a class and that it improves soon

As for you and a maremma - ha ha ha you get what you ask for 

I did think the other day that in many ways the highly biddable lab to the not so interested LGD will be quite the jump!

kpwlee

I did contact her early on when she was struggling with crate and potty issues and I did it in the most supportive, non-confrontational way (successfully) but she gets tons of advice and chooses to not try it.

OK, yes, I can absolutely see why you're frustrated in that case!

kpwlee

It's not just the size and strength there is a definite belief that they are in charge.  Each time you are thwarted by them you further confirm it.  Gibson already has a long list of 'wins', it really needs attention now.

That's true.  Ben has tried this often in the past and I just have none of it.  That's not because I'm "tough" or an amazing dog owner or anything....it's from my newbie-ness at owning a dog of my own (as in, not belonging to my parents).  I have Views about a dog's place in the house lol and as stubborn as Ben can be, I am 5000x worse LOL.  

kpwlee

As for you and a maremma - ha ha ha you get what you ask for 

kpwlee

I did think the other day that in many ways the highly biddable lab to the not so interested LGD will be quite the jump!

Oh, Karen, vent away!! Anytime. I'm actually really glad to see it! hahaha  I feel like I'm always venting.

People who ask for advice and then can't take any and have reasons why not this or that won't work... DRIVE ME INSANE. Sounds like you went out of your way, too.  Ugh.

Benedict

Biddable?  Ha! 

And thanks for letting me know it's OK - I really am sorry that the road isn't easy for her and it isn't going to get easier. Fingers crossed it all works out

 OK so poor Gibson is horribly small for his age and she posted about it (finally) I have been trying to get her to feed the poor guy some more and she has resisted.  He is smaller than Bugs was at the same age and no way a full male dane should be .............anyway.  She talked to some of the other owners of littermates and they are feeding nearly 2x as much as she is.

Gibson bless you, as suspected you have been bloody starving for months.  Hopefully she'll feed you properly now and you can grow into the big strong guy you are meant to be.

Sorry really needed to get that off my chest 

Oye, I see what you mean Karen.

SHEESH!  She's in way over her head.

The whole puppy thing kinda came outta left field to me. I had seen several posts from her, on various rescues etc. I was kinda surprised she went the puppy route. A adult rescue seemed like such a better idea?

I wish Dyan the best but she does sound completely overwhelmed and it's a shame the pup isn't getting enough to eat!

 I am really sad about it all - I just keep hoping that she relaxes some - and that this will happen before irrevocable damage is done. Physically and emotionally.