How to teach independence?

[Caro]

He stopped playing with Tully last year, that's why I got the kitten for Tully. I am thinking now it could have been the arthritis - so maybe if he stops trying to get me to play he might try Tully.

It is so hard to ignore the scratching and the moaning, he is really persistant (and cute). I think I will have to learn to ignore them more - they are getting way too much of my attention, and yet they still want more.

Toffee's mum - I would kill for some warm weather, so sick of cold hands, even poor Deska is feeling the cold (he still doesnt have a winter coat). We dont get snowstorms though so I am a bit of a weather wimp too!

 

[Lovely]

Or the 3 months of 100 degree heat with 90% humidity

You are telling me! Our only saving grace is indoors classes and the fact that the sun sets directly in front of our house, meaning the back gets some good shade earlier rather than later. I'd say there is a good 10 degree difference in shade and sun. It's those pesky bugs that drive us indoors at night.

 

[KarenCurtis]

Yeah, I agree too. Ignore the attention seeking behaviour - as hard as that is!

TBH, Cadbury likes to be with me all the time. He'll stuff his nose in my lap when I am on the laptop! But I have taught him to lay at my feet and either sleep or chew on a toy or bone.

But he won't leave me, even if I get up to go to the bathroom he comes too and waits outside!

If I don't close the bathroom door all the way, Sandstorm barges in and watches (you know what I mean), he is very rude.
Karen

 

[RonandJan]

Actually, I love the little sheltie face as it peeks around the shower curtain. He's like, "Hi, I like the water too, but do you really like all that soap business?"

These pups really like to keep up with where you are though, don't they?

 

[Katniss]

You can have our 113 degrees today!!! LOL

Kai'a is the same - besides the 17 year old cat (who is so over her by now) it is really just us to occupy her. She has to follow us everywhere which means she is always under foot. I have sustained 2 sprained ankles and 1 broken toe in the past 6 months, trying to avoid her furry little body weaving through my legs.

Since she is young, she finds small things to amuse her, but the only way I can every get a moment of peace is to ignore her. I say, "My time, Kai'a" or "It's My Time" and if I only say that to her, and I don't reach down to give her a fluff or some scratches behind the ears, after about 15 minutes she gets the point. I said it yesterday and once was all she needed -she darted right off to jump up and nap on the "fancy" couch she is not allowed on.

Looks like I still have a lot of work to do. Give Deska a hug from me.

 

[take4roll10]

Actually, I love the little sheltie face as it peeks around the shower curtain. He's like, "Hi, I like the water too, but do you really like all that soap business?"

These pups really like to keep up with where you are though, don't they?

Bailey does the same thing. All of a sudden, I'll see the shower curtains moving and then a little snout will be peering through. I think it's funny, but I usually kick her out of the bathroom. I don't want her licking up soapy water.

These shelties are super nosey. Bailey is always in my business. She has to know everything I'm doing... What I'm reading, what i'm watching, what I'm eating, who am I talking to.

 

[Calliesmom]

Bailey does the same thing. All of a sudden, I'll see the shower curtains moving and then a little snout will be peering through. I think it's funny, but I usually kick her out of the bathroom. I don't want her licking up soapy water.

These shelties are super nosey. Bailey is always in my business. She has to know everything I'm doing... What I'm reading, what i'm watching, what I'm eating, who am I talking to.

what you're posting about

 

[Fergusmom]

Yup! does this look at all familiar? You can't see him but my 3 yr old nephew is in the tub.

 

[Caro]

Yup! does this look at all familiar? You can't see him but my 3 yr old nephew is in the tub.

How cute - that bath is exactly Sheltie height! My two wont get within 3ft of the bath in case they end up in it.

I'm ok with being followed around (most of the time) but its the whining and pawing that gets irritating - plus I just dont think its healthy for him to rely on me that much. I'll try the 15min 'me' times, even if I just lock myself in the bedroom and read (I've got a cold right now so staying in bed is a good option) and let him sort himself out, altho he will probably just lay in front of the door for 15min

 

[Calliesmom]

I've never really thought about it but all my dogs are content to do their own thing when I'm busy. Cranpup does play by himself or try to get the others to play with him, Callie doesn't play but likes to lay near me and Happy loves his bed and will go to it when I tell him to.