- Location
- Sydney, Australia
I love reading this....keep it up @Shamas mom
Shamas the rescue....journey of a pound dog
- Thread starter Shamas mom
- Start date
Such brilliant progress. My posts are getting a bit repetitive I just keep using the word brilliant 
but it is brilliant well done. I know what you mean about feeling it building up inside yourself waiting for the bark. I find it difficult to keep leads slack I must admit. The morning walk will set the mood for the day due to the chance of trigger stacking, possibly why he jumped and grumbled a bit at the little dog as he'd just had to deal with the Tim Horton dogs, but the more positive encounters he has the easier he will cope. Hope the storm has gone and Shamas got some sleep in his safe den.
but it is brilliant well done. I know what you mean about feeling it building up inside yourself waiting for the bark. I find it difficult to keep leads slack I must admit. The morning walk will set the mood for the day due to the chance of trigger stacking, possibly why he jumped and grumbled a bit at the little dog as he'd just had to deal with the Tim Horton dogs, but the more positive encounters he has the easier he will cope. Hope the storm has gone and Shamas got some sleep in his safe den.
- Location
- Canada
No, I had't thought about it. I have been putting on plenty of shows, etc with dogs barking, and growling...to get him used to the sounds of dogs. but not thunderstorms. Generally with those we just don't make a deal of it, and we keep him calm. This is the first really big one,and the first time he went off his food. Had I thought of it then, i might have put on his light winter jacket-it used to calm him when we walked him last year at Petsmart and Chapters to expose him to dogs and people in a safe environment.
The weather is still rotten, but we got in a quick walk in the rain before the thunder hit us. Shamas did well.
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Just a word of advice: noise sensitivity tends to get worse without treatment, so if Shamas is showing signs of it now, you need to be prepared for it getting worse in the future, and maybe generalising to other noises. I'm not saying it will happen, but according to Amy Cook (who specialises in treatment of shy and nervous dogs), it's incredibly common.
Her way of dealing with it is by building value in a "counter conditioning party" which I have outlined in my post here: Willow's confidence journal
I have to say, it's very effective and from now on, I will always use this protocol with new puppies (even before there is any sign of noise sensitivity) and with any dog that is showing any anxiety with noises.
Her way of dealing with it is by building value in a "counter conditioning party" which I have outlined in my post here: Willow's confidence journal
I have to say, it's very effective and from now on, I will always use this protocol with new puppies (even before there is any sign of noise sensitivity) and with any dog that is showing any anxiety with noises.
- Location
- Canada
Thanks for that link- ill give it a read in the morning
We definitely don't want new problems and fears cropping up now that Hess finally making waves on the original ones!
Speaking of which, a dog barked at us this evening and instead of perceiving as a challenge, Shamas used what I would call level one social skills, peeing on a pole and not responding to the dog itself. That's progress?
My son thought he was just being a jerk but I explained that its the equivalent of telling the dog that he's no threat. It's a chance for the dogs to measure each other up from a distance without making a challenge. Or at least that's how I understood it when I researchers interaction
We definitely don't want new problems and fears cropping up now that Hess finally making waves on the original ones!
Speaking of which, a dog barked at us this evening and instead of perceiving as a challenge, Shamas used what I would call level one social skills, peeing on a pole and not responding to the dog itself. That's progress?
My son thought he was just being a jerk but I explained that its the equivalent of telling the dog that he's no threat. It's a chance for the dogs to measure each other up from a distance without making a challenge. Or at least that's how I understood it when I researchers interaction
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Peeing is a great way of defusing a potential situation. Good boy, Shamas
- Location
- Canada
So guess who walked off leash few seconds before either of us noticed he'd become un-clipped this morning?
this guy lol
I've been experimenting with a carabina clip on the shoulder of his pet smart harness, to decide if that's the way I want to go. His new out to one is only 2 months in and I don't like the wear on the front clip. There's a local boutique selling a shoulder clip design that I'm taken with- keep him close and have the benefit of not tripping.
So anyways we were walking this morning and a dog was oncoming the other side of the road. I wasn't worried because his face was still loose and he was wagging his tail in its direction. As we pulled parallel, he made a just, along with a play growl and tail wag. I didn't let him go over because he wasn'strictly under control(jumping,etc,) as we walked off I realised I was holding a loose leash and the clip had opened. Shamas didn't even realize. Good thing too because the other dog was still in sight. I tapped his tail to get his attention, snapped his leash on the back and pretended nothing happened lol
Ill be heading for the army surplus store to grab a 200lb clip
this guy lolI've been experimenting with a carabina clip on the shoulder of his pet smart harness, to decide if that's the way I want to go. His new out to one is only 2 months in and I don't like the wear on the front clip. There's a local boutique selling a shoulder clip design that I'm taken with- keep him close and have the benefit of not tripping.
So anyways we were walking this morning and a dog was oncoming the other side of the road. I wasn't worried because his face was still loose and he was wagging his tail in its direction. As we pulled parallel, he made a just, along with a play growl and tail wag. I didn't let him go over because he wasn'strictly under control(jumping,etc,) as we walked off I realised I was holding a loose leash and the clip had opened. Shamas didn't even realize. Good thing too because the other dog was still in sight. I tapped his tail to get his attention, snapped his leash on the back and pretended nothing happened lol
Ill be heading for the army surplus store to grab a 200lb clip
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
What a good boy he is , making wonderful progress , thanks to your dedication xx
- Location
- Canada
So we still have the small dog thing...lunged at a shitzu walking across the road
But he didn't fall apart a couple minutes earlier with the young(pit mix?) dog that passed us not once but twice and kept making eye contact and holding it for 10 seconds at a time.
Perhaps he was still a bit stressed from the first dog when he saw the smaller one and needed to let it off.
On the way home a baby cried and Shamas dragged my daughter a good 20 feet in retreat. He remained stressed for a few blocks, and I had to take the leash after a block because he was pretty worried looking. Never seen him react like that before......He was in a hurry to get home
But he didn't fall apart a couple minutes earlier with the young(pit mix?) dog that passed us not once but twice and kept making eye contact and holding it for 10 seconds at a time.
Perhaps he was still a bit stressed from the first dog when he saw the smaller one and needed to let it off.
On the way home a baby cried and Shamas dragged my daughter a good 20 feet in retreat. He remained stressed for a few blocks, and I had to take the leash after a block because he was pretty worried looking. Never seen him react like that before......He was in a hurry to get home
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
We used to look after my in-laws black lab years ago, but as soon as I had my son, we had to stop, as she was really distressed every time he cried.
I guess when they aren't used to it, that is quite a strong stimulus for them.
- Location
- Canada
And its pouring again
Luckily I've logged about 4.8 km today and most of that was with Shamas....So if it keeps up all night he's had his minimum.
I also walked Chance around the block twice today, as his owner had to go to the hospital. Chance is the German shepherd that I walked twice a day from age 2~4, until I got Shamas. Poor guy has missed me so much that he climbed in my lap and rested his head in my shoulder. I had to stop walking him because he gets possessive of 'his people' and tried multiple times to go after Shamas when I walked anywhere near his house.
Luckily I've logged about 4.8 km today and most of that was with Shamas....So if it keeps up all night he's had his minimum.
I also walked Chance around the block twice today, as his owner had to go to the hospital. Chance is the German shepherd that I walked twice a day from age 2~4, until I got Shamas. Poor guy has missed me so much that he climbed in my lap and rested his head in my shoulder. I had to stop walking him because he gets possessive of 'his people' and tried multiple times to go after Shamas when I walked anywhere near his house.
- Location
- Canada
Oh look, more storms :/
We didn't quite make it home before the rain, but we got in before the thunder and lighnting. I'd better get started on Shamas' coat if this is going to keep up...seems like an early fall
I did buy him a 3-in-1 last year, but it wasn't very good coverage, and the velcro wore out before the winter was over. I was thinking I'd make my own this year, and bring it right under his belly. He's got a low tolerance for cold. I HAD considered boots, but we get wet, sloppy snow and he'd lose them in a heartbeat. Half-tempted to pick up a Petsmart step-in harness, and design and sew his coat onto that, so I only have to dress him once- have it close with Velcro along his spine, and clip at the back. Can't walk him at my side through a foot of snow anyway......something to think on
We didn't quite make it home before the rain, but we got in before the thunder and lighnting. I'd better get started on Shamas' coat if this is going to keep up...seems like an early fall
I did buy him a 3-in-1 last year, but it wasn't very good coverage, and the velcro wore out before the winter was over. I was thinking I'd make my own this year, and bring it right under his belly. He's got a low tolerance for cold. I HAD considered boots, but we get wet, sloppy snow and he'd lose them in a heartbeat. Half-tempted to pick up a Petsmart step-in harness, and design and sew his coat onto that, so I only have to dress him once- have it close with Velcro along his spine, and clip at the back. Can't walk him at my side through a foot of snow anyway......something to think on
- Location
- Canada
I knew Shamas needed more of a walk this evening, he was still hyper after getting home from Petsmart. So my daughter and I took him down to the tracks after dark.....and he dragged the lead out of her hands and went after a rabbit.
I think her mistake was pulling him up to a short lead, to try and walk him past, when he was so hyper-he just sort of tripped off and went "no, NOT happening-I want that rabbit!" So off he went!
The good thing is, when Shamas gets off-lead, he isn't a runner...he just wants a good game. So he chased the thing in 16 different directions, and one of them took him too close to AB, and she pounced him. And he just looked at her like "haha! you got me-wasn't that fun? Oh hey mom! Ah crud..you got my leash" And we came home with him looking very pleased with himself.
I didn't bother getting him in trouble. because he could have made a run for it and I'd have been in deep trouble with a black dog on the loose in the dark...but he didn't stray more than 20 feet from me at any point during his game, even if he DID ignore our recall attempts. Anyway, getting him in trouble wouldn't get him to come back-it would make him less likely to return. I want him to WANT to come back when he gets loose.
I think her mistake was pulling him up to a short lead, to try and walk him past, when he was so hyper-he just sort of tripped off and went "no, NOT happening-I want that rabbit!" So off he went!
The good thing is, when Shamas gets off-lead, he isn't a runner...he just wants a good game. So he chased the thing in 16 different directions, and one of them took him too close to AB, and she pounced him. And he just looked at her like "haha! you got me-wasn't that fun? Oh hey mom! Ah crud..you got my leash" And we came home with him looking very pleased with himself.
I didn't bother getting him in trouble. because he could have made a run for it and I'd have been in deep trouble with a black dog on the loose in the dark...but he didn't stray more than 20 feet from me at any point during his game, even if he DID ignore our recall attempts. Anyway, getting him in trouble wouldn't get him to come back-it would make him less likely to return. I want him to WANT to come back when he gets loose.
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Absolutely. You did well.
And Shamas had fuuun!
!
And Shamas had fuuun!
!
- Location
- Wellington, NZ
I'm sure that you can find good quality coats in Canada (there must be stuff made for Canadian weather?) but maybe you could look for something like this?
Dog Coats - Swanndri Hunter Oilskin Dog Coat
It's a top quality brand.
Oooh, the Mark Todd waterproof dog rug looks nice too, and much cheaper!
Mark Todd Waterproof Dog Rug
Dog Coats - Swanndri Hunter Oilskin Dog Coat
It's a top quality brand.
Oooh, the Mark Todd waterproof dog rug looks nice too, and much cheaper!
Mark Todd Waterproof Dog Rug
- Location
- Canada
I love that Mark Todd one.
I've seen some nice jackets at a good price on amazon.CA. One was actually reviewed by an owner who wore it on her dog in Wistler BC during the olympics-that's at least in the right country lol.
Now if I can find one that's reviewed well by someone from the Praries, or Alberta, I'll be buying in a heartbeat! We average -15 to an extreme of -25 in January-Feb
On a less frigid note, it's raining again
Oh yes, and his new clips will be in, so we can use his other harness again soon. I'm getting a tad nervous about the Kurgo one. It's only a couple of months old and he's worn 1/3 of the way through the strap that holds the front clip. Bad design that, to have a buckle basically held by a piece of folded leash, and that being pulled sideways constantly. Should have installed the buckle sideways on the harness
I've seen some nice jackets at a good price on amazon.CA. One was actually reviewed by an owner who wore it on her dog in Wistler BC during the olympics-that's at least in the right country lol.
Now if I can find one that's reviewed well by someone from the Praries, or Alberta, I'll be buying in a heartbeat! We average -15 to an extreme of -25 in January-Feb
On a less frigid note, it's raining again
Oh yes, and his new clips will be in, so we can use his other harness again soon. I'm getting a tad nervous about the Kurgo one. It's only a couple of months old and he's worn 1/3 of the way through the strap that holds the front clip. Bad design that, to have a buckle basically held by a piece of folded leash, and that being pulled sideways constantly. Should have installed the buckle sideways on the harness
- Location
- Wellington, NZ
- Location
- Canada
Shamas just went off on the younger neighbour, stepping out of his front door as we came up to ours.
The benefit to living next to a guy who retrained aggressive pit bulls is that when my lab tries to be aggressive his reaction is among the lines of "haha...you're funny"
He just looked at Shamas and chuckling said "I thought we went over this before. You're not scary" Shamas just sort of stopped and sat down grinning. Hubby scolded him. And sent him inside but he was still grinning. Probably because Scott had already dismissed his behavior as irrelevant
It's unfortunate that our two front doors are only about six feet apart.....it almost guarantees a reaction if the neighbours are out when we are
The benefit to living next to a guy who retrained aggressive pit bulls is that when my lab tries to be aggressive his reaction is among the lines of "haha...you're funny"
He just looked at Shamas and chuckling said "I thought we went over this before. You're not scary" Shamas just sort of stopped and sat down grinning. Hubby scolded him. And sent him inside but he was still grinning. Probably because Scott had already dismissed his behavior as irrelevant
It's unfortunate that our two front doors are only about six feet apart.....it almost guarantees a reaction if the neighbours are out when we are
Lisa
Moderator
- Location
- Alberta, Canada
Well, I’m not really a good one to ask about dog coats for winter. In almost 30 years of dog ownership in a cold climate I have never bought one
And my dogs have been perfectly fine. But they are not outside for long periods of time when it’s really cold anyway. If they were to be outside for long periods of time when it’s cold without me (like in a back yard or something) I would make sure they had a shelter (ie dog house for example) to get to, with a heat source and good insulation in it. But for taking my dogs for a walk when it’s really cold I’ve never used a dog coat.
And my dogs have been perfectly fine. But they are not outside for long periods of time when it’s really cold anyway. If they were to be outside for long periods of time when it’s cold without me (like in a back yard or something) I would make sure they had a shelter (ie dog house for example) to get to, with a heat source and good insulation in it. But for taking my dogs for a walk when it’s really cold I’ve never used a dog coat.
- Location
- Canada
And your dogs are a healthy weight? not beefy or anything? I ask because this winter Shamas is a good healthy weight-about 65-75lbs depending on the day(my scale is horribly inacurate, and he's not been vetted recently. I'll find out when we go in in October for sure.Well, I’m not really a good one to ask about dog coats for winter. In almost 30 years of dog ownership in a cold climate I have never bought one
And my dogs have been perfectly fine. But they are not outside for long periods of time when it’s really cold anyway. If they were to be outside for long periods of time when it’s cold without me (like in a back yard or something) I would make sure they had a shelter (ie dog house for example) to get to, with a heat source and good insulation in it. But for taking my dogs for a walk when it’s really cold I’ve never used a dog coat.
When I got him, he was only 55lbs...no insulation, and no cold tolerance whatsoever. I couldn't have him out more than 10 minutes without a coat. He was as bad as my dad's English Field Setter for cold tolerance. His conformation has improved a lot since then.
On training front:
We had a rough walk tonight. we tried to walk to the store, which means going a way that shamas doesn't like. he was doing well, but that yellow lab was on our bock for some reason(usually it's on the other side of tha main road) and it lunged on sight. I had my son take Shamas around the perimeter of a parking lot accross the street, telling him to put a good hundred feet betweeen them...most dogs have a threshold of a hundred feet. He did this and Shamas did well, seeing that he was being removed from the situation. The other dog DID calm down at about 90 feet until the owner barked at him to shut up and go THAT WAY ->. Then he grumbled again. If she'd treat him better, maybe he'd be nicer :/
Anyway, after that start to the walk, Shamas was dog reactive, with a threshold of about 40 feet. We had to change directions about 4 times, and by the end my son was getting annoyed at the constant interruptions. We did parralel another dog(it was a little behind us) for a little while, and my son demanded to know why I did that. I pointed out that for an unsocialised dog, that's first level socialisation. That owner heard us, and then followed us down the next street for half a block, about 30 feet behind. Shamas handled it really well. He reacted a bit to three dogs in a row passing on the other side, and I put my son betweeen us and them-the pug made pug noises at us( I dont know what else to call it, no other breed makes those noises because no other breed has the facial "feature" getting in the way of breathing and communication), which wound Shamas up a bit.
Overall, it was not the relaxing walk I was looking for to wind him down at the end of the day...but it was mentally exhausting, and he's chilling now.