Friday, October 05, 2007

Two Unrelated Things

Number One: If anybody anywhere has any advice on how to get Masala to walk on the leash, I will be eternally indebted to you. He is the most stubborn dog of all time and insists on pulling, on sitting/lying down, and/or on sniffing anything around him rather than following me. I have searched the internet and tried it all.

I've dragged him down the block. Repeatedly. He doesn't care. I cannot do this anymore because I'm fearful I'm going to hurt him if I haven't already.

I've bribed him with treats. There aren't enough treats. He will only walk as far as the treat, then he goes back to his other behavior.

I've tried getting on my knees calling him playfully. He stares at me, at best.

The fucking Dog Whisperer tells me that if I'm the pack leader, he will want to follow me. Well shucks, Cesar, thanks. But how in the hell do I become pack leader - I'm doing all the other things you tell me to do, and that's going fine, but Masala still won't budge (unless we're heading toward the house, then he's very excited to get back. Lazy bones.)

Number Two: South American Mango Recipe - try this at home!

sliced mangoes
chili powder
lime/lemon juice
salt

Mix as much or as little of all the above together in a bowl/plastic bag/some other container. Eat it. Scrumptious!

Update: Thanks for the suggestions on the dog. I have no idea what a choke collar is, so I'm guessing I don't have one. Definitely will look into it.

As for the recipe, I'm sorry to report that I couldn't give you measurements if I tried. I was able to try this delicious treat at the dog park. In the same park are soccer fields, and on the day we went, there were Latino people selling mangoes from the back of their SUV. You just got to put as much as you wanted. (I just put enough for a light coating of chili powder, squeezed a lemon/lime slice or two and shook the salt shaker.) The chili powder isn't really that spicy - just adds flavoring.

If you really can't stomach the adventure of no measurements, I found this recipe on the internet. (Please note this recipe calls for water and use of an oven, which I did not experience, nor did I soak the mangoes for any time, as this recipe dictates - this seems soupy and warm; my mangoes were just chunks, like watermelon and super easy.)

1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 pinch salt
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 mango - peeled, seeded and sliced


Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in chili powder, salt, and lemon juice until smooth and hot. Add sliced mango and toss to coat; allow to soak up the chili sauce for a few minutes before serving.

5 comments:

Ruby said...

As much as I crave to have you eternally indebted to me, I don't know if this will do it or not:

Apply pressure on the leash just until he moves towards you. Slack off and reward him with praise. Then just keep doing it, over and over and over again until you are about to drive yourself nucking futs. Supposedly he will learn to yield to pressure and get the damn gist!

Your recipe sounds interesting, although I don't know if I would trust myself to gauge how much of each ingredient! Give me measurements, woman!

tempe & chris said...

Megan is the new Dog Whisperer. I wouldn't have known what to tell you if my life depended upon it!

And I agree with Megs - send measurements on that yummy recipe!

Andria said...

what kind of collar/leash are you using? You may be against it, but the choke collars worked well once we learned how to use them properly - it takes a little bit of training both of you, but you have the dog on your left side, holding the leash in your right hand (which feels awkward for a while) and you give the command "Heel" or whatever you want to call it and start walking and when they go off track or don't follow, you snap the chain (quickly pulling it out to your right side - it sounds bad, but it's really not about pain, but just getting their attention and being consistent) and say firmly and even loudly (a bark if you will!), "No!" and then calmly reiterate the command, "Heel" (don't yell it in the upset voice, keep the dog's name and the command in even tones) and it will seem like you are constantly saying 'no' and snapping rather than walking anywhere, but eventually, they learn. In theory. If you are consistent. maybe?

And I think the other girl's are just being whimps! Figure out how much you want -- some people like mangoes a lot and would want just a kick of spice or a hint of the lemon/lime, but some might like lots of kick or lime or salt - so I'm with you on leaving it up to people to experiment with how they like it! Or in my case, I don't like mangoes or spice, so would probably just drink a Sprite instead. ;)

ashley said...

My sister bought her dogs full body harnesses that clip where the leash clips on in the back of the shoulders. I think it's easier to control them - and when you pull, it pulls on their legs and not their necks!

Anonymous said...

i also hear that if you put the lead on the dog inside, play with it's favourite toy outside in the garden or something (still on the lead), and stop while he still wants to play some more (you keep and control the toys, promoting your role as pack leader) helps. when you go out you should take this toy with you and show it to him while your walking..dont let him have it, and don't have it on view all the time, tease him a little. if he's walking, and you find a safe spot you could reward him with a little play or a treat...


treats work well as well, but i guess it all depends on whether he's more food or toy orientated.

hope its working out for you.