So, I'm dog sitting for one of my wife's brothers; spitting image of Annie, my Aussie shepherd that passed away a couple years ago. But this doggy is a miniature. My last Aussie was a rescue whose first owner abused her. Anyway, guy is going to New Orleans to get married.

Shortly after she got here, she was exhibiting the same signs my dog did. She's generally frightened of men; every time I put the leash on her for a walk, she'd pee on the kitchen floor. She was shaking and cowering, and if my son walked in the room at the same time, she would run and hide in her crate. Pretty sure signs of abuse, to me. I called my bro and asked him if this family member treated his animals any better than he used to; he said no, he's a lousy pet owner.

So I get a call from him asking how she's doing. Well, she keeps peeing on the floor. He's angry, and says "Well, I hope you whupped her ass." No, that's not how you train dogs, nor treat any animal.

It's been three days of getting her to trust me, First thing I did was buy a bag of good treats, used positive reinforcement to get her to stop peeing inside, without even scolding her or raising my voice. Walked her down to the playground four times each day. I was told this dog gets crated each night and barks all night long. I let her stay out and she's been quiet and ladylike.

I really hate it that some people can complain about a pets behaviour, when it's a natural reaction to negative treatment. Only hear from this family member when they need something, but I do see the rest of the family. Anyway, felt like ranting….