Shamas the rescue....journey of a pound dog
- Thread starter Shamas mom
- Start date
- Location
- Canada
That's the plan 
- Location
- Canada
So we had another near thing with the catalyst dog from last spring. Those who know us know the story- I'd only had Shamas couple of months and was just starting to make progress with him reacting to dogs. We saw the dog coming and sat Shamas with plenty of space, to let the go around but they walked right up to us and then screamed at me when Shamas snapped at their dog for getting in his face
Today I was walking down the street and a dog charged the baby gates at the ladies-only exercise center. I went to cross the street and saw this dog was parallel to us...so I crossed back to where the dog was behind a barrier, and just kept Shamas short leash whilst moving quickly and telling him we'd get some space. He was doing fairly well....chuffing, stressed but listening
We got to the corner and I crossed away from the oncoming dog, then tried to moved past it....all the while telling him we'd get some space..its fine we just need some space
And this guys walks RIGHT TOWARDS US
So of course Shamas starts lunging and growling as the distance closes to 20 feet and he's still oncoming as we're trying to retreat. There's no way he there there me say we need space. Ignorance.
I had Shamas calmed down by about30-40 feet and thankfully kept my own cool.
He got peanut butter cookie at tummies instead of just a tray
Today I was walking down the street and a dog charged the baby gates at the ladies-only exercise center. I went to cross the street and saw this dog was parallel to us...so I crossed back to where the dog was behind a barrier, and just kept Shamas short leash whilst moving quickly and telling him we'd get some space. He was doing fairly well....chuffing, stressed but listening
We got to the corner and I crossed away from the oncoming dog, then tried to moved past it....all the while telling him we'd get some space..its fine we just need some space
And this guys walks RIGHT TOWARDS US
So of course Shamas starts lunging and growling as the distance closes to 20 feet and he's still oncoming as we're trying to retreat. There's no way he there there me say we need space. Ignorance.
I had Shamas calmed down by about30-40 feet and thankfully kept my own cool.
He got peanut butter cookie at tummies instead of just a tray
- Location
- Buckinghamshire UK
Some people are just ignorant fools. I hope Shamas enjoyed his cookie, it was well deserved.
What an idiot. I've had similar situations and every time it amazes me how stupid some people are. Can they not see what's happening ?!?! Have you thought about getting a yellow "nervous dog" lead cover or collar for Shamas ? Of course it won't stop all idiots but at least your giving the message that Shamas is nervous as well as the big hint you give with your need space cue so nobody should be surprised if he reacts when they let their dog too close.
I've had similar situations and every time it amazes me how stupid some people are. Can they not see what's happening ?!?! Have you thought about getting a yellow "nervous dog" lead cover or collar for Shamas ? Of course it won't stop all idiots but at least your giving the message that Shamas is nervous as well as the big hint you give with your need space cue so nobody should be surprised if he reacts when they let their dog too close.
- Location
- Canada
Yes, I've actually looked at the jackets, etc. At one point I had painted a dog vest for him, but he's outgrown it now. I'm considering making another out of an old blanket, and he'd be able to wear it as the weather cools. Last years' coat wore out pretty quickly. I don't sew pretty, but I sew strongWhat an idiot.
- Location
- Canada
What an amazing day!
It's been horrible weather the last couple of days...we've been sneaking 10 minute walks between rain storms.
Today we started with a trip to Petsmart, where Shamas met a dog. My daughter had the lead, and wanted to hold him back..but I pointed out that he was doing Ok, and barrier frustration would likely cause a problem. So she took a page out of my book and gave him 30 seconds and "Ok, that's enough" I'm proud of her because with all of Shamas' problem, she's afraid to let him near other dogs at all. I then let her buy him a couple of toys-a football on a rope,a nd one of those TUFF toys, that she's been after me to buy him since we got him. Wee bought some rosy red minnows to finish up the school in my tank, and brought everything home to set up Q/T and let Shamas relax and play.
You always know when Shamas has a new toy..because he gets frustrated when the kids try to play keep-away, and he won't tug with it either. He'll sit nicely and just wait for it to be returned to him politely. With his chews, he's all in for a good game of tug or keep-away. His favorite keep away toys are the cheap squeaker chews that Petsmart usually has by the cash for like $3-5. He "throws them at you" by carrying them over and mouthing them until they drop in your lap...Those are the ones that he drops on Matt's head in an effort to get him to play too. much to Matt's ongoing annoyance lol.
This evening's walk was exactly what I always envisioned when I dreamed of having a dog. He was grinning, happy, and tail wagging. We saw a dog, but he knows this one to be older and calm...even as it crossed the street towards us, he took time to pee on a hydrant, and wagged his tail at it then smiled at me. When hubby took the lead, he really perked up...his body language was great! He was all "This is my DAD, and he's walking me! I love my dad! Hi Dad! Hey are you guys coming or what? Oh hey, what's that? I think I'l pee here. Come on Dad-over here to this bush....LOL I pulled you over! Ok let's go, I'm done" It was awesome!
Didnt even react to a dog on the other side of the road. I gave him a peanut butter cookie when we got to the Timmes, in a bag to carry home...but we then waited so long for our son to gt his order through(only 3 minutes lol) that he had to shift his grip and discovered the cookie in the bag...so he stopped to eat it XD
We added another two blocks to our evening walk, to prolong the mood
It's been horrible weather the last couple of days...we've been sneaking 10 minute walks between rain storms.
Today we started with a trip to Petsmart, where Shamas met a dog. My daughter had the lead, and wanted to hold him back..but I pointed out that he was doing Ok, and barrier frustration would likely cause a problem. So she took a page out of my book and gave him 30 seconds and "Ok, that's enough" I'm proud of her because with all of Shamas' problem, she's afraid to let him near other dogs at all. I then let her buy him a couple of toys-a football on a rope,a nd one of those TUFF toys, that she's been after me to buy him since we got him. Wee bought some rosy red minnows to finish up the school in my tank, and brought everything home to set up Q/T and let Shamas relax and play.
You always know when Shamas has a new toy..because he gets frustrated when the kids try to play keep-away, and he won't tug with it either. He'll sit nicely and just wait for it to be returned to him politely. With his chews, he's all in for a good game of tug or keep-away. His favorite keep away toys are the cheap squeaker chews that Petsmart usually has by the cash for like $3-5. He "throws them at you" by carrying them over and mouthing them until they drop in your lap...Those are the ones that he drops on Matt's head in an effort to get him to play too. much to Matt's ongoing annoyance lol.
This evening's walk was exactly what I always envisioned when I dreamed of having a dog. He was grinning, happy, and tail wagging. We saw a dog, but he knows this one to be older and calm...even as it crossed the street towards us, he took time to pee on a hydrant, and wagged his tail at it then smiled at me. When hubby took the lead, he really perked up...his body language was great! He was all "This is my DAD, and he's walking me! I love my dad! Hi Dad! Hey are you guys coming or what? Oh hey, what's that? I think I'l pee here. Come on Dad-over here to this bush....LOL I pulled you over! Ok let's go, I'm done" It was awesome!
Didnt even react to a dog on the other side of the road. I gave him a peanut butter cookie when we got to the Timmes, in a bag to carry home...but we then waited so long for our son to gt his order through(only 3 minutes lol) that he had to shift his grip and discovered the cookie in the bag...so he stopped to eat it XD
We added another two blocks to our evening walk, to prolong the mood
- Location
- Buckinghamshire UK
I love this. He is really coming along nicely isn't he? Well done!
- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Wonderful, I'm very happy for you all.
@Shamas mom just wonderful to read. It's great isn't it when they behave like a "real" dog. I bet he was so happy when he found the cookie at the bottom of the bag Super Bonus. Well done Shamas.
I bet he was so happy when he found the cookie at the bottom of the bag Super Bonus. Well done Shamas. 
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Such progress!
Well done all of you x
Well done all of you x
- Location
- Canada
Rough day today. Not at all Shamas fault...just had bad weather keep us in. I hope for enough of a clear break tomorrow to take his back yard tether out to a field and let him roam a bit.....he could use some exercise
Shamas is getting peevish being shut in. Time for bed now, hopefully tomorrow will have some decent
weather
Thankfully son did play with him in the yard a bit whilst I made supper..... took the edge off his bad mood.
He's upset now because Helen cat started with him and I told him to go lay down when he charged at her cat door. And he growled at the neighbours too. Poor boy, all shut in....
Shamas is getting peevish being shut in. Time for bed now, hopefully tomorrow will have some decent
weatherThankfully son did play with him in the yard a bit whilst I made supper..... took the edge off his bad mood.
He's upset now because Helen cat started with him and I told him to go lay down when he charged at her cat door. And he growled at the neighbours too. Poor boy, all shut in....
- Location
- Canada
We managed two walks so far. First time he didn't want to go far because of weather so I just let him lead me around the grassy areas by the train tracks this morning
Just got back again. He reacted to a dog coming down around a corner but Not badly...more jumping and pulling. I had enough control over him that I was able to apologize to the owner cheerfully and point out that he's a tad dog reactive. Hers was wagging and Shamas wasn't aggressive.....She said her dog isn't much better lol. On the way home we saw the again from the other side of the road and we were just sitting having cookies and coffee....so we increased his attention as they passed and he didn't pay any mind.
We also ran into the man from Tim Hortons who has two friendly dogs and always wants to bring them over. Shamas was so busy trying to steal the box of cookies that he didn't care about the two dogs only a few feet away lol.
Usually I tell this guy to stay back but with Shamas unbothered, today I told him that if Shamas was up to it, I would allow a meeting~~as long as he understands that Shamas IS reactive and therefore is unpredictable
Shamas wasn't interested with cookies around lol
Just got back again. He reacted to a dog coming down around a corner but Not badly...more jumping and pulling. I had enough control over him that I was able to apologize to the owner cheerfully and point out that he's a tad dog reactive. Hers was wagging and Shamas wasn't aggressive.....She said her dog isn't much better lol. On the way home we saw the again from the other side of the road and we were just sitting having cookies and coffee....so we increased his attention as they passed and he didn't pay any mind.
We also ran into the man from Tim Hortons who has two friendly dogs and always wants to bring them over. Shamas was so busy trying to steal the box of cookies that he didn't care about the two dogs only a few feet away lol.
Usually I tell this guy to stay back but with Shamas unbothered, today I told him that if Shamas was up to it, I would allow a meeting~~as long as he understands that Shamas IS reactive and therefore is unpredictable
Shamas wasn't interested with cookies around lol
- Location
- Canada
What a good boy!
we actually MET the two dogs from Tim Hortons this evening
He didn't react as they came over, and the owner tied his dogs up where I usually put Shamas. I moved him over a few feet. He sniffed noses...his tail had the stiff wag,a nd his head was high...unsure...but he went on his own. A few seconds, and a little growl, so I called him to me and gave treats,a nd he went back and said hello again. Then he came back for another treat, and sat by me with his back to the dogs while I talked to the owner. This guy has waited almost 9 months for Shamas to be calm enough to meet his dogs
I could feel the fear building in me, waiting for the snap...but I left the leash slack, and he did really well!
On the way home, he jumped at a small dog with a little growl..but his tail was wagging too...so I think that was a barrier frustration? I still crossed the street with him because of the growl but I didn't correct him. I did tell him he wouldn't make friends by growling at them.
we actually MET the two dogs from Tim Hortons this evening
He didn't react as they came over, and the owner tied his dogs up where I usually put Shamas. I moved him over a few feet. He sniffed noses...his tail had the stiff wag,a nd his head was high...unsure...but he went on his own. A few seconds, and a little growl, so I called him to me and gave treats,a nd he went back and said hello again. Then he came back for another treat, and sat by me with his back to the dogs while I talked to the owner. This guy has waited almost 9 months for Shamas to be calm enough to meet his dogs
I could feel the fear building in me, waiting for the snap...but I left the leash slack, and he did really well!
On the way home, he jumped at a small dog with a little growl..but his tail was wagging too...so I think that was a barrier frustration? I still crossed the street with him because of the growl but I didn't correct him. I did tell him he wouldn't make friends by growling at them.
- Location
- Wellington, NZ
All this talk of Tim Hortons is killing me - have a donut for me next time
And excellent work to you and Shamas, you've had some amazingly positive interactions.
And excellent work to you and Shamas, you've had some amazingly positive interactions.
- Location
- Canada
LOL sorry- It's the one place that I can get him to go. Poor boy is terrified to cross main roads, but I can get him to cross one main road via one crosswalk....which lets me buy coffee lol. It costs me a fortune each month in coffees, but dogs on this side of the main road are not friendly, and the neighbourhood on the other side is nicer.All this talk of Tim Hortons is killing me - have a donut for me next time
And excellent work to you and Shamas, you've had some amazingly positive interactions.
Every time we have a negative interaction, it's between here and the crosswalk.....a distance of only a block and a half. Cross at that light, and it's a flip- responsible owners, nice houses, friendly dogs. we're almost literally on the wrong side of the tracks(2 houses away from the tracks lol)..... mean dogs, irresponsible owners who chain them outside, fence fighters, the works. I even step outside before every walk for a smoke, and to scout the block, to make sure there's no dog running loose because two small dogs keep getting out to run around the neighbourhood.
Gosh, my street sounds horrible when it's out in text 0_o
Anyway, Shamas is coming along really well now. The morning walk sets the mood for the day. I've taken to letting him lead me down to the tracks, so he can sniff and scent track. We're only out for about 10-15 minutes. Second walk, about 12-2 is a full walk, about 45 minutes from here to Tims and back, then an evening walk about 9. I try to get in an afternoon walk too for a total of about 5-6kilometers/day for optimal mood. If I walk him less than 3km he's peevish. More than 5 and he's totally happy and sleeps well.
Since I got Shamas, I've actually OUTGROWN a pair of jeans lol! They were snug to start, being jeggings...but now the muscle development in my legs means that I can't bend my legs so I had to cut the knees to let out some pressure lol! If I put on any more muscle I wont even get them on.....
Oh...funny thing today. Shamas found something by the shed today, in the bushes. I don't know what, but he wasn't tangling with it. He barked once and high-tailed it back to the house LOL
- Location
- Canada
Poor boy
It's a full blown thunder and lightning storm complete with power fluctuations
I kind of wish he still slept on the bed and could take comfort in proximity but at least I know he has the security of his solid crate. He probably feels less exposed with a nice plastic cave around him.....curtains don't keep out the flashes and banging
It's a full blown thunder and lightning storm complete with power fluctuations
I kind of wish he still slept on the bed and could take comfort in proximity but at least I know he has the security of his solid crate. He probably feels less exposed with a nice plastic cave around him.....curtains don't keep out the flashes and banging
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Hope the storm didn't last too long.
Have you access to a desensitization CD or something? Another "project".
Have you access to a desensitization CD or something? Another "project".