Poor Bernese Mountain Dog was a puppy mill dog and paced constantly. The dog also lived on the bed in the guest room because she was scared of the rest of the house. She would pull and try to get back to the guest room. The dog's human contacted me for help because she was at a loss. Within a day, the dog was lying on the floor, calm, in the family room next to the person.
I didn't do obedience with this dog. I didn't teach the dog place. Note that the dog was already on trazadone without any positive effect. I helped the humans make the dog more comfortable by walking the perimeter of the rooms, doing nose-centric activities, and spending time out of her crate practicing the behavior that would benefit the dog and human in the long run. I was so happy for the dog when the client sent me the photo of the dog relaxing and hanging out with her family. (see comments) The work isn't over, but this is a big step in helping the dog feel safe. #fearfuldog #hart2heartcanine #nosecentric
Simple way to help your fearful dog feel better on walks
Checking the environment for safety, WITH your dog helps them know you are aware and they can trust you more.
Feral Chihuahua x following me without leash
To prevent fearful dogs from creating a habit of hiding, I use a leash to guide the dog around the house with me. Here, I take off Baylee's leash and see if she still follows me #fearfuldogs #feraldog #hart2heartcanine
Fearful dog sniffs for the first time outside
Starting to have some breakthroughs with Baylee. She is using her nose more. Dogs that are fearful don’t use their nose and this can actually cause depression fear and anxiety (studies have shown this with rats and humans that can’t smell). So then it snowballs into more fear cause the dog doesnt use its nose. Today Baylee joined Shiloh in sniffing something interesting on our walk. This is a very normal thing to do for well adjusted dogs. But for Baylee this is the first time she has done sniffed on a walk. This sniff is super fast but it’s there. I have to be careful not to accidentally move towards her, look at her, or tighten the leash during these brave acts. Lack of using the nose keeps a dog in fear. Get them sniffing and they start to break out of fear. I have been doing some olfactory encouraging games in the house with her as well. #hart2heartcanine #nose-centric #fearfuldog #feraldog
Feral dog climbing
I know this little girl is a climber cause she goes on hikes with Kelly Engel and climbs all over hoodoos. So to give her something she enjoys doing, Tipton is helping me out today by climbing on his platforms and Baylee is following his lead. First time she was not too keen on the idea but third time is a charm.
Tipton previously feral dog celebrates pooping at a truck stop
Tipton has gradually gotten better about pooping on road trips. he was previously feral and can pinch it in if he doesn’t feel safe. (To the detriment of everyone in the car). He prefers the privacy of some bushes away from people and would often wait for such a place to poop. Today was a huge milestone as he pooped at a Loves Truck Stop. He was out in the open albeit in a fenced area. He also feels comfortable to do a little happy dance and butt wipe despite the commotion. Tipton is an amazing dog and everyday I am@glad he entered my life. #hart2heartcanine #feraldog #feraldogtraing #fearfuldog
Starving dog doesn’t guard food.
So many times I hear people excuse@resource guarding if the dog is starving. I have not found this to be the case. I have rescued many hungry dogs and they don’t guard their food. They may want to keep eating or keep the chew item, but they don’t get tense and indicate they will bite. This dog shows how this is possible. Note - after I test the dog I don’t keep pestering the dog and I always give the item or food back. #hart2heartcanine
Dramatic stair protest from dog
The drama! This sweet dog has some kind of neurological or structural issue with her legs. But she can walk! Watch her reaction when I ask her to go down the stairs!
PS. I walked her back up in the yard and then asked her to go down the stairs again and she did just fine.
Ex-feral dog Tipton still has his street-crossing skills years later. See how Tipton looks left and right before crossing the street. I assume he learned this skill from other dogs, but maybe he figured it out himself. What a smart boy!
Snow play is all fun and games until…
I forgot that snow + Tipton = jerk. This year is different because Char isn’t here. I am still navigating how just these two dogs will interact, without Char. They have always liked each other. In fact Shiloh was quite smitten by Tipton when he first arrived. Today, Tipton and Shiloh start by playing, with Shiloh initiating (pre video). But Tipton quickly gets too amped and has to be told to chill out by me. No humping allowed. I need to stick up for Shiloh because Tiptons behavior is out of line. Char would have intervened as well so I am following her lead.
The death stare - This is all it takes for Annie to communicate to Olive. I am going through some files and found this forgotten gem of a video. Annie, my first dog, is seen here with a subtle warning to Olive, the chihuahua mix, not to bother Annie while she is eating. If you can't see it or don't know what to look for, you can't stop it. Annie was the queen of the death stare, and all dogs respected her. Dogs are allowed to communicate civilly, so I allowed Annie to communicate this warning, but I was always at the ready to back her up. In my house, dogs ate in the kitchen with generous space between them. When done eating, no dog was allowed to go and bother dogs still eating. They could wander around but give respectful space to slow-eating dogs like Annie. This is the subtle communication people miss from dogs ALL THE TIME. If I wanted to disagree with Annie or Olive, this would be the moment to do so. I can intervene easily at this time. If Olive hadn't listened and I waited, I would have missed the opportunity to set the boundaries myself, if I felt the need. If boundaries are set when the dogs are at a low level, it is easy to do and can be done verbally or simply by shooing Olive away. Annie died years ago, but her legend lives on.
