I'm starting to HATE my boyfriend's dog?
She's feeling like her home has been invaded and that your boyfriend doesn't show her as much love as he did before you moved in. She's jealous. Try having your boyfriend spend some quality time with her to show that, just because you moved in, doesn't mean she is being replaced. YOU also need to be more open towards her. I'm sure that you are giving off a very negative vibe towards her and dogs pick up on body language and energy very well. Try having some bonding time with her, one on one. When boyfriend is out for a bit, sit down with her and just get to know her. Pet her, give her treats; if you make an effort to bond with her, then she'll bond with you and not see you as someone that is trying to take away attention from her, but as someone who will give her more attention. Since she is a door bolter, try putting up a baby gate a little before the door. Make sure you have enough space for your guests to enter the home and close the door behind them comfortably. They have ones that have a built in door that you just push a button so you don't have to jump over it. This way you can open the door, have your guests enter, and then shut the door. Then you go through the gate. You should never have a problem with her bolting since she will always be behind the gate. Do try and talk to your boyfriend again about obedience training though. It has so many benefits and does not turn a dog into a skittish dog. In fact, it does the opposite. Obedience training makes for a more confident dog who will be more independent and a joy to have around the house and in the community. Dogs that have been trained are much happier than those that have not been trained. Dogs WANT stability in their lives and if you just let them have the run of the house, you are not providing them with the stability they long for. I have NEVER seen a dog that has not enjoyed pleasing their owner (which is what training practially is).
Any ideas for america-themed games?
Hi, my family is going to America for the summer in July but we are hosting an America-themed BBQ before we go. We have sorted out food but now we need some ideas for entertainment.. Does anyone have any ideas for family-friendly (ages 2-50!) america-themed games? Preferably some games that aren't too expensive to arrange and complicated to set up! Thanks for any ideas :) x