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Post by happypuppy on Jul 22, 2013 20:09:27 GMT -5
Poor sweet, sensitive (soft) Ruby takes it personally when my neighbor, who is her primary dog sitter (maybe 4 times a year) goes aggro and screams at her family... She still lives at home at 55 and since menopause has gotten worse and more frequent with her rages: screaming, breaking things, cops being called multiple times a year, etc. I've told her to get counseling and move out but it won't happen. But I'll find Ruby cowering on the bathroom floor and right now she just climbed under me to get under my desk as I type... I sometimes coddle and pet her and other times I ignore her but I'm wondering what might be the ideal way to deal with Ruby's reaction to this. It breaks my heart and I've told my neighbor that it upsets Ruby when she hears the screeching screaming but that obviously doesn't change anything. Is there a general protocol for this type of thing?
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Post by suziriot on Jul 22, 2013 21:08:09 GMT -5
Wow. Obviously this woman needs profession psychological help, but if she's refused your suggestions so far I doubt that will change. If she cares about Ruby at all, then maybe take some video of how much this behavior impacts Ruby? I doubt she'll care enough to do anything about it, but it's worth a try. No offense meant, but I don't think I would trust this woman to petsit Ruby. I'd be concerned if she got upset at something and freaked out while with Ruby, not to mention if she actually got upset at Ruby. Yikes.
As far as helping Ruby cope, turn on music, tv, fans etc. to cover the noise. Try to engage her in some of her favorite games or toys. You can't reinforce fear, so don't hesitate to comfort and pet her. Positive reconditioning, just like you would with fireworks or other upsetting noises.
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Post by RealPitBull on Jul 23, 2013 7:27:40 GMT -5
^What Suzi said! Really sad, poor Ruby  |
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Post by michele5611 on Jul 23, 2013 9:35:27 GMT -5
Feel really bad for Ruby. Also agree with everything Suzi said and would for sure be a bit hesitant to let her watch Ruby.
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Post by happypuppy on Jul 23, 2013 11:31:38 GMT -5
It's tough because Ruby loves her and pines for her so when she hears her screaming (or her mother with similar sounding voice) --- (I just heard it start up again this morning...lovely!), I think Ruby takes it personally... This is my only real potential dogsitter on the rare occasion we can't take Ruby with us and I always hope nothing will erupt during that time. It has worked out because she can spend nights here with Ruby and still go home to get some stuff done... Not ideal by any means! I shouldn't have to deal with this - get a grip, woman!!! What mid-70s parents put up with this kind of thing (mine most defo would not tolerate any of it).
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Post by michele5611 on Jul 23, 2013 12:26:53 GMT -5
Well at least you can maybe explain to her that Ruby is very bothered by the screaming. The good thing is that Ruby is able to stay at home and the woman is not there all day and you use her very rarely.
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Post by megan on Jul 24, 2013 18:03:56 GMT -5
Ugh. Definitely take Suzi's suggestions. I wish I had other ideas on how to address her but honestly, my dog skills are better than my people skills  |
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