Atemas
UK Tour Guide
- Location
- North Cambridgeshire
Sorry that happened as you were leaving 
Starting with a behaviorist.
- Thread starter Shamas mom
- Start date
That sounds a really positive session @Shamas mom , it’s great to hear your progress- you should be really pleased. Hope your car’s okay x
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Sounds like quite a traumatic day all round.
Hope you can relax a bit. And hope you dont have to pay out on the car.
Hope you can relax a bit. And hope you dont have to pay out on the car.
- Location
- Canada
Luckilly, the car was not harmed at all- the tow truck had no problem getting it out. and Shamas now has a positive association with the center, after that play session at the end.
Though we have decided on Saturday morning sessions from now on...so we can see our way in and out of the driveway. No street lamps out in the boondocks lol!
I'm a little unhappy about the weather--it's been -24c, and Shamas has been stuck inside. His paws hurt when we try to walk him...starts limping after only a couple of minutes out in that.
With mine and hubbys hours, we can't even manage many trips to Chapters to take the edge off the boredom. And he's needed to sleep all day so games are limited, to reduce barking. He's handling it well..but I can see he's very bored, and he's off his food a bit. Probably not needing many calories, with all the laying around.......
any tips for quiet indoor games? I've given him boxes to destroy, and he's got toys and bones...but I haven't been playing fetch, because he demand-barks. I can't wait for some decent weather......
Though we have decided on Saturday morning sessions from now on...so we can see our way in and out of the driveway. No street lamps out in the boondocks lol!
I'm a little unhappy about the weather--it's been -24c, and Shamas has been stuck inside. His paws hurt when we try to walk him...starts limping after only a couple of minutes out in that.
With mine and hubbys hours, we can't even manage many trips to Chapters to take the edge off the boredom. And he's needed to sleep all day so games are limited, to reduce barking. He's handling it well..but I can see he's very bored, and he's off his food a bit. Probably not needing many calories, with all the laying around.......
any tips for quiet indoor games? I've given him boxes to destroy, and he's got toys and bones...but I haven't been playing fetch, because he demand-barks. I can't wait for some decent weather......
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
A great game is hiding his food around the room. Put him in a sit, or on a bed (so you're working on his self control, too), and then put bits of kibble in all the places you don't mind him being - so, you wouldn't put them on a table if you didn't want him to counter-surf, for example. Then release him to go and find them. My lot love this game.
Working on husbandry is something else that you can do for calm. Getting him happy having different parts of his body being touched, played with etc. Practicing for eye drops and ear drops in a way that he doesn't have to be restrained.
Teaching him four feet in a box. Or putting his feet on different objects - so you end up with him standing with one paw on each thing (books are good). Backing up, rolling over, playing dead.... there are millions of tricks you can train
Working on husbandry is something else that you can do for calm. Getting him happy having different parts of his body being touched, played with etc. Practicing for eye drops and ear drops in a way that he doesn't have to be restrained.
Teaching him four feet in a box. Or putting his feet on different objects - so you end up with him standing with one paw on each thing (books are good). Backing up, rolling over, playing dead.... there are millions of tricks you can train
Love all of these, I'm yet to try the four feet in a box but it's a great idea for wet weather indoor entertainment.A great game is hiding his food around the room. Put him in a sit, or on a bed (so you're working on his self control, too), and then put bits of kibble in all the places you don't mind him being - so, you wouldn't put them on a table if you didn't want him to counter-surf, for example. Then release him to go and find them. My lot love this game.
Working on husbandry is something else that you can do for calm. Getting him happy having different parts of his body being touched, played with etc. Practicing for eye drops and ear drops in a way that he doesn't have to be restrained.
Teaching him four feet in a box. Or putting his feet on different objects - so you end up with him standing with one paw on each thing (books are good). Backing up, rolling over, playing dead.... there are millions of tricks you can train
We've also just started playing 'putting toys away', which involves picking up a toy and dropping it into a box. I've just started shaping it with tennis balls, we're going slowly but it's quite fun.
And we've also just started learning to crawl forwards which is hilarious. As @snowbunny says, there are so many of these little tricks - I posted a few from the 'Brain Games for Dogs' book over on another thread which might have some things you haven't tried yet: Brain Games For Dogs - Claire Arrowsmith
- Location
- Canada
A great game is hiding his food around the room. Put him in a sit, or on a bed (so you're working on his self control, too), and then put bits of kibble in all the places you don't mind him being - so, you wouldn't put them on a table if you didn't want him to counter-surf, for example. Then release him to go and find them. My lot love this game.
Working on husbandry is something else that you can do for calm. Getting him happy having different parts of his body being touched, played with etc. Practicing for eye drops and ear drops in a way that he doesn't have to be restrained.
Teaching him four feet in a box. Or putting his feet on different objects - so you end up with him standing with one paw on each thing (books are good). Backing up, rolling over, playing dead.... there are millions of tricks you can train
I'm taking your advice about husbandry-nail clippers make him nervous, so I'll start there. I have a set of cat clippers, which are only big enough to take the ends. That's enough for me to work with him and not worry about cutting a quick. I never bought dog clippers, because I took him to the groomer for that. When I handle his paw, he gets very quiet, aversive techniques. Lays down on his side, looks away, puts his was under him, etc. So I let him sniff the clippers, and just bring them as close as possible. If he lets me, I'll take a sharp end off but I'm not holding his paws by force. I got a dew claw tip, and one of his back claws in his first sitting. That's enough for one go. Especially as it was after the vet reached into him while cornered and grabbed his leg and cut a claw that he growled at him. The other vet was forced to have 3 people in to gently restrain him to finish the job and file down the split claw later that day in a seond appointment. He took that better, because he wasn't cornered...but he was still pretty upset.
He's pretty good about having his ears handled, his eyes wiped, being fed liquid medication. He can be rubbed all over, and doesn't struggle much when they take his temperature. You can grab his tail, and hold it without so much as a complaint. Doesn't much like having his lips pulled back to check his teeth...so I might do some of that, and maybe start brushing them. I've been giving him bones up to now, and toys meant for dental health.
we're going to spin by the dollar store and grab some mats. His training is based on mat-work, so doing matt-work at hime will help, I think.
Oh! good news. I was working with him on his focusing, because AB pulled her Gerbil(LEGO) out of it's cage. He kind of asked for it lol....as soon as he got worked up, he went straight for the cat crate, with it's food bowl. Seems he's associated food with stress relief. so I grabbed some hotdogs, and he sat in front of me. Each time he looked over, he snapped his head straight back to me for the treat. And the accomplishment: LEGO jumped out of AB's hands, and landed on the floor. Shamas looked over, and straight back at me!!! He didn't even move
I was amazed, and praised him lavishly...to see the prey animal loose like that and not chase her! I certainly wouldn't count on a repeat, but I'm VERY happy with him! AB will have to be more careful.
on the other side...
We bought a crate for the cat today- I put Matt's food bowl in it, and let him have Tuna, to acclimate him to it. I got him a small sized one like Shamas' wire one...because he keeps taking over Shamas' crate for naps(and Shamas lets him) With the food bowl hung on the inside, Matt can have his special food without being botthered by the dog.......or so I thought......Shamas stuck his head and shoulders in and proceeded to steal Matt's food while Matt sat in the crate looking at him like "RUDE!"
So I shut the door and Shamas sulked. Matt's food is much more interesting than his.
I plan to use this crate when we move to the portion of cat training that involves having a caged cat. It's big enough, and he'll be able to see the cat but not touch it. Meanwhile, I need to finish his crate training. He uses his crate, but I never got to the point of locking him in. I had thought to have him in one crate, the cat in another- each on the opposite side of the room with a person offering treats. He's able to pass the room with the door open without issues. Can even stand in the door and greet the room inhabitants. The only time we run into a problem is when one of the cats stares too long, or hisses. I'm going to work with the cats the same technique we're using at the traier. Let him perfect them with the animals in-home. Right now, we are practicing with the gerbil in it's cage...because it's non-threatening and his only emotion is excitement, it's easier to get him to focus. He's had enough run-ins with Helen now that I believe there's a healthy fear of those claws that are her namesake(we call her "claws") and I will have to treat that relationship with the same caution as I'd treat another dog.
- Location
- Canada
Tomorrow's session is cancelled-Melissa's been called off for a couple of weeks to work on another movie. rescedule is for Feb 15th in the morning. Tonight we're watching Show Dogs one of the movies that Melissa was involved in training animals for. AB's excited to see some of her work
Poor Shamas is still house-bound, but is making great progress with the gerbil. He's now coming to me when he gets excited. Looking for treats. We re-arranged the Cat room the other day, and he was pretty happy to be allowed into the rooom while the cats were gone down in the basement. The cats are happy with the re-addition of the tall cat tree, and a high-sided litter box. They feel safer eating higher off the ground, without the shadow of the dog under the door. Helen's stopped hissing every time we open the door and looks more relaxed
We're going to Chapters so often now that they are greeting us at the door lol. Shamas got his first "puppachinno" the other day...sow when I go into the Starbucks, he sits politely at the line-you-may-not-cross and waits to see if he will get another. I also discovered that they sell cheese sticks, so I've been getting him those. Makes it easier to wait for me if he knows a treat is coming....less "seperation anxiety" and the new girl in Starbucks absolutely adors him...he likes her too, though with his anxiety, "I like you" looks different than other dogs. He hangs behind me a little and wags his tail a LOT, while stretching his neck towards her but not getting too close.
Poor Shamas is still house-bound, but is making great progress with the gerbil. He's now coming to me when he gets excited. Looking for treats. We re-arranged the Cat room the other day, and he was pretty happy to be allowed into the rooom while the cats were gone down in the basement. The cats are happy with the re-addition of the tall cat tree, and a high-sided litter box. They feel safer eating higher off the ground, without the shadow of the dog under the door. Helen's stopped hissing every time we open the door and looks more relaxed
We're going to Chapters so often now that they are greeting us at the door lol. Shamas got his first "puppachinno" the other day...sow when I go into the Starbucks, he sits politely at the line-you-may-not-cross and waits to see if he will get another. I also discovered that they sell cheese sticks, so I've been getting him those. Makes it easier to wait for me if he knows a treat is coming....less "seperation anxiety" and the new girl in Starbucks absolutely adors him...he likes her too, though with his anxiety, "I like you" looks different than other dogs. He hangs behind me a little and wags his tail a LOT, while stretching his neck towards her but not getting too close.
- Location
- Canada
Good thing we had tomorrow's lesson rescheduled- the car froze stiff yesterday. We seem to have suffered some brake damage, and are taking it in in the morning to be fixed. Looks like the previous owners had foreign parts on there, and they couldn't stand up to arctic winds.....scoring on the brake indicates warping of the metal.
We'll get solid Canadian-made parts on there in the morning
Shamas missed out on his Chapters trip....we played with him in the house instead. He discovered the excitement of baloons-you know when they are blown up and let go? Loves it. He did catch one and popped it(looked very unsure for a minute and sat behind my chair. I gave him "fun pets" and some normal tone talk but not much comforting, lest I convince him it's scary) menawhile, I gave P instructions to not tie any closed. Only blow and let loose. I want him exposed to noise, but not given another thing to fear. After watching a few balloons fly, he jumped back into the game. If he gets one before P, he brings it to me for a swap...swapping is fun!. All balloons accounted for. I love that Shamas doesn't gobble things It makes it easier to play games with him
Next, I think I'll try cat toys-bells, rattles, etc. see if we can put those noises into fun mode
I'm thinking along the lines of what horse trainers do with a timid horse..leaving blankets around to flutter, hanging buckets, etc. Get the animal used to the sounds whilst in a positive frame of mind. Let them explore at their own pace.
We'll get solid Canadian-made parts on there in the morning
Shamas missed out on his Chapters trip....we played with him in the house instead. He discovered the excitement of baloons-you know when they are blown up and let go? Loves it. He did catch one and popped it(looked very unsure for a minute and sat behind my chair. I gave him "fun pets" and some normal tone talk but not much comforting, lest I convince him it's scary) menawhile, I gave P instructions to not tie any closed. Only blow and let loose. I want him exposed to noise, but not given another thing to fear. After watching a few balloons fly, he jumped back into the game. If he gets one before P, he brings it to me for a swap...swapping is fun!. All balloons accounted for. I love that Shamas doesn't gobble things It makes it easier to play games with him
Next, I think I'll try cat toys-bells, rattles, etc. see if we can put those noises into fun mode
I'm thinking along the lines of what horse trainers do with a timid horse..leaving blankets around to flutter, hanging buckets, etc. Get the animal used to the sounds whilst in a positive frame of mind. Let them explore at their own pace.
Lisa
Moderator
- Location
- Alberta, Canada
Wow my heart was in my mouth with the balloon story! Between the popping or the fear of inhaling, I couldn’t take it. Glad it went well for you...I guess I am paranoid of balloons as a little girl in our town was playing with one at recess and inhaled it and died. 
- Location
- Canada
I have to admit I was a bit nervous myself at first. If he'd been interested in the balloon as a "ball" I'd have flat out refused to let him play. Tied balloons break in smaller bits and he could easily choke on one. The game they played was to blow air in and let the ballon go- so Shamas caught it as it was about empty and carried it to me in his front teeth(except for the time he jumped on P and it popped as he was blowing it up) Ballons are generally on my list of objects that are not allowed in the house. along with yarn, string, etc(Matt will eat them) and un-supervised stuffed animals(Shamas de-stuffs them every time) and cooked bones of any variety. P bought them at the grovery storeWow my heart was in my mouth with the balloon story! Between the popping or the fear of inhaling, I couldn’t take it. Glad it went well for you...I guess I am paranoid of balloons as a little girl in our town was playing with one at recess and inhaled it and died.
Lisa
Moderator
- Location
- Alberta, Canada
Glad all went well at any rate!
- Location
- Canada
I went to watch "A dog's Way Home" today. Seeing the confusion, terror as the dog was on the highway really opened my eyes to what Shamas experiences when he's around roads. He was found along a highway, then went to the pound. Being in the pound is scary enough...but the two experiences together must have been horrifying! and then there's whatever he went through with other dogs to make him so afraid of them.....
it really give one a new perspective to see these things from a 4 legged point of view
it really give one a new perspective to see these things from a 4 legged point of view
- Location
- Canada
I'm beginning to come to the conclusion that This trainer is too busy to be doing private lessons. I started just after Christmas and have seen her only 3 times. Last session was Feb2nd and it will be March 29 before I can see her again.
She's great...so great that shes often called on to train for movies. Shamas needs someone regular
So I'm looking at two options:
Option1 Red Rover(husband/wife)
$375 for 5 sessions.
Private sessions with controlled environment. Two dogs available to decoy as needed. Can move out to street walking as Shamas is ready. Will cover leash walking, dog reactivity, leadership
Option2 BarkBusters(corp)
$625 for lifetime of dog(ouch!) paid upfront
comes to house
before addressing the dog issue, will work on smaller things, like dog psychology, leadership, behavior in the home, greeting guests. 4 weeks of homework..then hit the pavement for training in walking, handling problem leash behaviors, dog reactivity.
I'm honestly on the fence here. Red Rover is willing to split the cost for me, and I can more easily pay $70/session than $625 upfront...even if it IS for the whole life of the dog
She's great...so great that shes often called on to train for movies. Shamas needs someone regular
So I'm looking at two options:
Option1 Red Rover(husband/wife)
$375 for 5 sessions.
Private sessions with controlled environment. Two dogs available to decoy as needed. Can move out to street walking as Shamas is ready. Will cover leash walking, dog reactivity, leadership
Option2 BarkBusters(corp)
$625 for lifetime of dog(ouch!) paid upfront
comes to house
before addressing the dog issue, will work on smaller things, like dog psychology, leadership, behavior in the home, greeting guests. 4 weeks of homework..then hit the pavement for training in walking, handling problem leash behaviors, dog reactivity.
I'm honestly on the fence here. Red Rover is willing to split the cost for me, and I can more easily pay $70/session than $625 upfront...even if it IS for the whole life of the dog
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
I had a quick look at BarkBusters and there are several things on their website that make me slightly uncomfortable. I didn’t do the same for RedRover because there are lots of companies with that name and I wasn’t sure which they are.
- Location
- East Sussex
I wouldn't go with Bark Busters as I've heard they sometimes use aversives, and that comment about 'leadership' bothers me.
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
The fact that they are saying they can cure SA "without the need" for meds sits badly with me. What if meds are in the dog's best interests? 
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
Bark Busters training used to be adverse, don't know what it is like now though.