22/02/2024
Sweet Lucus came from a difficult background and recently found his way into a new, loving home. He is wonderful with his new owners, but new strangers are scary for him and he is easily startled by any guests moving about the home.
For our first session, we worked on creating predictable elements in his environment, such as giving people a way to give him treats as they moved around and showing him ways to relieve social pressure on his own by walking away. In the beginning, I just ignored him completely. After a little time if he was curious about me, I would subtly show the palm of my hand and, if he was brave enough to get just a bit closer or even braver, actually *touch* my hand, I would get up, continuing to ignore him, drop some treats in a bowl and walk away. He was leery of the game at first, running away anytime I got up. Eventually, he didn't fully flee and felt okay enough to hop up onto the couch by me and take a short snooze. ☺️ I can't wait to watch this guy find his confidence!