Buffering?

[Shamas mom]

What does it mean when a behaviorist says they'll want to buffer angel against the effects of living with a maladaptive dog?

I'm still waiting for a response from her....she was on the way out the door and couldn't talk properly. I'm confused about the language used?


Is that socialization and impulse control?

 

[SwampDonkey]

They don't want her learning his behaviours as she would she them as an example of normal behaviour? Monkey see monkey do? Is that a possibility?

 

[Shamas mom]

That's what I think. And to unlearn any she might have picked up, by getting her in with we'll adjusted dogs?

 

[Ashley]

Along with what @SwampDonkey mentioned, I think that dogs can also pick up on the extreme emotions of other dogs in the household and can develop reactions/responses they wouldn't otherwise (if the dog is extremely fearful, or reactive for example) -maybe something like that too?

 

[Shamas mom]

Shamas was always fearful and reactive. Because of this, we avoided dogs, walked a set path, and didn't go near strangers.

So far, Angel has begun to show:

- a dislike for rain, refusing to go out in it---This I think has a lot to do with her short coat. I'm teaching her about rain coats during this current rain.
-Concern at the sound of dogs barking if she can't see them
-some minor cat-chasing

We start her in puppy socialisation classes on November 1st, where she will learn about friendly dogs, how to walk nicely on a leash, basic impulse control, etc. Pawsitively specialise in dogs who have reactivity issues, so if she develops any, we can add private sessions to address them

 

[Ashley]

- a dislike for rain, refusing to go out in it---This I think has a lot to do with her short coat. I'm teaching her about rain coats during this current rain.

I read that you should make going out in the rain fun for puppies so they don't develop a dislike (esp hard if still potty training if they refuse to go out). I can get Prim outside in heavy rain for a pee (I use my puppy voice and tons of treats, play a bit out there). Quinn hates rain, but she can hold her pee so I don't make her. Both are fine walking in the rain, and Prim doesn't bat an eye. This of course could change as she matures and lots of dogs hate rain.

-Concern at the sound of dogs barking if she can't see them

We have this too - I think it's normal and a loud bark can be intimidating to a puppy. She was barking back most times, and we've been working on focusing on me, U-turns and/or asking for a sit with lots of treats whenever another dog is barking behind a fence/from a window and this is starting to settle down now.

 

[Natalie]

A lot of what you describe sounds like basic puppy behaviours, so please don't be too worried. There are also the two fear stages they go through when they can get a bit clingy and more sensitive.

From what you've described in your posts over the last few weeks, I honestly don't think there will be much that has affected Angel in a negative way, and you've been so on the ball with putting in boundaries and food and space management plans.

 

[Natalie]

Quinn hates rain, but she can hold her pee so I don't make her. Both are fine walking in the rain, and Prim doesn't bat an eye. This of course could change as she matures and lots of dogs hate rain.

Yep, absolutely- walking in the rain, yay, yes please mum! Weeing in the rain- no thanks mum, I can defo hold it in a bit longer.

 

[Shamas mom]

I'm more worried at this point about making sure she gets proper socialisation. Both vets were ADAMANT that she not be around other dogs until after her vaccination.....that means she's out of her best socialisation window.

The only dog she's known is shamas.

HOWEVER....it also means she's going to think all other dogs are really nice, and she'll likely bounce back right away if she meets crotchety old dogs that snarl at her. After all, shamas is a crotchety old dog. so that's normalised to her. she just works harder to make him like her.

From here, she'll meet friendly puppies, followed by friendly adults as we move into beginner classes. She'll learn manners---no one likes it when you stand on their back and lick INSIDE their ears and mouth! Impulse control, leash walking, recall, etc.

 

[UncleBob]

I'm more worried at this point about making sure she gets proper socialisation.

I know that you aren't a first-time dog owner so you probably know all of this anyway but, just in case it may be useful, I did a blog post on socialisation a while ago. I think this part in particular is worth thinking about: Socialisation and Vaccination

 

[Shamas mom]

I know that you aren't a first-time dog owner so you probably know all of this anyway but, just in case it may be useful, I did a blog post on socialisation a while ago. I think this part in particular is worth thinking about: Socialisation and Vaccination

This was a concern that I had, and as such I did still walk angel from the time she had her first shots. She has seen other dogs from across the street, but not met. She has been on the front lawn to watch the neighborhood dogs walk by, and has visited the pet store in arms. She also met my dad's dogs for a walk and her siblings came to play

What she has not had is proper exposure to multiple, friendly dogs in a neutral setting. The puppy socialization class will focus on providing her with this setting and the behavioral therapist will help us to mitigate any effects of her late start.

Unfortunately, kennel cough is going around right now so we did listen to the vet regarding physical contact with unknown dogs before full vaccination. We didn't want her getting ill

 

[Shamas mom]

We'll have to work on her barking at people who ignore her.....she's gotten so used to "awe, it's a puppy!" That now she's getting bigger she's getting frustrated at people not stopping to say hello