CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: Leo0106 on November 10, 2017, 09:18:36 AM
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Hi All,
In need of a little reassurance as Leo is really testing me the last couple of days.
Now before I talk about what's going on, i would like to emphasise that we have made so much progress compared to a few months ago... I keep trying to remind myself of this but I feel that has an effect on my tolerance levels when things do go wrong.
Id also like to say I contacted top dogs last night to try and access a new behaviourist.. also planning on asking the vet to run some blood tests to make sure there's nothing underlying going on.. But if anyone could advise on the below then id really appreciate it.
Biting.. as always -
Now we used to suffer from 'puppy attacks' atleast 10 times a day, everytime we sat down, everytime I looked at my phone, basically everytime my attention isn't on him. I now only suffer s puppy attack maybe 3 times in a week but when he goes.. he goes.. full on barking, nipping, snarling etc. The triggers are random, often when he's tired and I stop him from doing something naughty. But sometimes just if you bend down to stroke him! I worry that he is a little adverse to touch at times. But he often asks to be loved and touched too. I'm trying to just barrier myself from him when this happens, I put my office chair or something in between us and avoid all eye contact until he calms down.
Growling- again.. something that I feel is relatèd to being adverse to touch, putting his harness on without a bribe or getting him out of the car after a walk often results in him growling at me, and if I don't back off quick enough he will nip. Again I'm ignoring this as much as I can and just removing myself from the situation and attempting again after a few minutes.
We are still having issues with attention seeking but this is far more manageable.
I do sometimes feel he is anxious. Which is odd because from an outside perspective he is one confident ýoung dog but is there such a thing as an anxious extrovert?!
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Its a bit of a long shot but I wonder if its worth looking into the possibility of a reaction to food additives? It does sound as if advice from a behavourist is the best way to go but sometimes food can contribute to hyper behaviour, so might be worth considering at the same time.
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Hi, you've mentioned that he has been limping and also yelped when the vet went to manipulate his back leg. I wonder whether his anxiety might be linked to pain? Jumping out of or being lifted out of the car may hurt his leg/shoulder. Similarly with outing a harness on. What's he like if you just clip on a collar? Maybe don't offer to stroke him unless he approaches you for attention and see whether this makes any difference. And perhaps get your vet to do a full body check for any painful areas. Cockers seem to suffer quite badly from a condition called IOHC (have a google for some info), and I would think that this is quite painful. Not saying that this is the issue with your dog, but may be worth excluding pain as a reason for his aggression before you get in a behaviourist.
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Checking the food is a good idea. What food is he currently on?
From what you have said he seems to be triggered from being touched. I would definitely get him checked over by the vet as this maybe his way of saying don't touch as something isn't right.
I maybe completely wrong and he might be just being a naughty pup.
Mine is a year old and he goes into his mad/naughty mode as soon as he wakes. I think mine is because he has a build up of energy and needs to release it.
After a walk he calms down.
How often do you walk him? also how old is he?
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Hi all, yes I am increasingly beginning to wonder whether pain is a trigger. Interestingly in the mornings he is the most relaxed pup in the world even though he should have loads of energy. It appears to be nearing the end of the day that he does go bitey, if he Does, as I say, it has got far better but I think it makes me realise more now that there are obvious triggers... not just being a bitey pup through play etc.
He's on wainwrights salmon and potatoes adult kibble, we've had a fair few problems with his tummy and finding a kibble that suited this took ages so I do hope it's not that haha.
Bmthmark he has 3 walks a day, these range from 30 to 45 minutes depending on how quick I need to get round! He's just turned a year old
Thankyou emilyoliver I will look into IOHC
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I would get him checked out at the vet first.
I'm not sure if it's just mine but after a long sleep he is running around everywhere, he will be like this until his walk.
Maybe he still has pain in his tummy.
It's a tricky one
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My dog doesn't bite at all. Only when we are playing. Definitely take him to the vet asap. This is not normal behaviour.
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My Milo sounds a bit similar. He’s just over one now too and he doesn’t really bite anymore but tonight he has had a late run about compared to normal and he’s kinda gone for my 4 year old daughter. When I say gone for her, he’s wagging his tail and barking and putting teeth to her, not biting, obviously I’ve put myself between them and then removed him from the room. He was making a lot of noise, He’s obviously overtired now and reacting in an unpleasant way.
He’s always been a very bitey puppy and has pretty much stopped but we do have ‘episodes’ very occasionally and it’s generally aimed at the children. Don’t know if this is because he thinks they are playmates or not.
You said hes very relaxed in the mornings and Milo is just the same, still half asleep for a quite a while whilst we get sorted and do school run.
I know I’m not much help but I think with perseverance you will get there. And like others have said if he’s in pain then perhaps a visit to the vets would be a good idea [emoji1360][emoji3]
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Hi all, thanks for all the support. We are going back to the vets on weds so will be asking them to do a full body check to rule anything out.
We had Leo's first full day of scentwork training today (9-3) I was dreading it as know he plays up when he is overtired but he has completely exceeded himself, he was a model student, had a few naps on my lap, played nicely and completed all the searches he was asked to do.
My trainer also completed a quick physical check over of him to see if he reacted and although not as severe as he reacted with the vet, he did turn to react when she touched around his back legs. Really important for me now to get the vet to triple check him over, and if there's nothing wrong, engage in some intense t-touch training to allow him to accept touch!
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Hi all, thanks for all the support. We are going back to the vets on weds so will be asking them to do a full body check to rule anything out.
We had Leo's first full day of scentwork training today (9-3) I was dreading it as know he plays up when he is overtired but he has completely exceeded himself, he was a model student, had a few naps on my lap, played nicely and completed all the searches he was asked to do.
My trainer also completed a quick physical check over of him to see if he reacted and although not as severe as he reacted with the vet, he did turn to react when she touched around his back legs. Really important for me now to get the vet to triple check him over, and if there's nothing wrong, engage in some intense t-touch training to allow him to accept touch!
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Hi all, thanks for all the support. We are going back to the vets on weds so will be asking them to do a full body check to rule anything out.
We had Leo's first full day of scentwork training today (9-3) I was dreading it as know he plays up when he is overtired but he has completely exceeded himself, he was a model student, had a few naps on my lap, played nicely and completed all the searches he was asked to do.
My trainer also completed a quick physical check over of him to see if he reacted and although not as severe as he reacted with the vet, he did turn to react when she touched around his back legs. Really important for me now to get the vet to triple check him over, and if there's nothing wrong, engage in some intense t-touch training to allow him to accept touch!
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My Archie also sounds very similar, now 9 months, he’s always been a very bitey dog and I can relate to the persistent ‘shark attacks’ which happened on a daily basis! He’ll still have his moments, usually every few days but they’re not as severe now. We also have the growling/nipping problem, which can happen when we just pat him, like you say, it’s as if he’s averse to sometimes getting touched. Very often it’s also in the evening when he’s tired. I put this down to his resource guarding though as sometimes they can guard their body. This might also be the issue with the car. Our Behaviorist said that he does this because he’s an insecure dog, which is what you were thinking. We were also advised to use the crate more so he goes into it now when we’re around just to rest as he never stops if we’re around. He also goes in it to calm down if he’s having a shark attack moment. Definitely get the Behaviorist back in for some advice. We’ve been using the training advice for about a month now, two steps forward and ten back sometimes, and soul destroying as well sometimes. I do think he’s getting better slowly! We will get there though. Remember they are still puppies, just behaving as adolescent teenagers just now. Good luck. [emoji240]
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Thankyou lynnemcnell that's very reassuring to hear. In my heart of hearts I do feel that a lot of this is down to adolescence however I never want to blame it on his age in case he never grows out of it!
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Hi, did you have any luck at the vets?
I know it's been a few weeks since you posted but just wanted to pick up on your question about having an 'anxious extrovert' dog and add a few of our experiences with Marley, as I know it helped me to know I wasn't the only one struggling when things were really bad here!
We rehomed Marley from Dogs Trust just over 2 years ago when he was around a year old and after a few months he began to have episodes of aggression - growling, snarling, snapping, making weird whiny noises and a couple of bites. We had the Dogs Trust behaviourist out to see us and offer some advice. They came up with 2 main things: firstly, he's a guarder; secondly, that he's ambivalent, which sound a bit like anxious extrovert.
With the ambivalent thing he gets very excited, gets himself right in the middle of a situation and then realises that he's not at all comfortable with the position he's found himself in and lashes out. For example - jumping up at visitors that he doesn't know that well because he's excited and then not being happy when they interact with him. We've had to do a lot of watching and learning his body language and we've tried to teach him that it's OK to take himself away from a situation he's uncomfortable with and go off to his safe space in his crate (we're lucky that he was crate trained by his original owners). He gets ignored if he grumbles and time out in the kitchen if he snarls or snaps. He's getting much better at moving away when he's uncomfortable rather than reacting and we're getting much better at spotting when he's uncomfortable and asking him to move away before he has a chance to react.
He's 3 now and we still always have to give him time out to have a nap/settle down in his crate when we are staying with friends/relatives or if we have guests. If we don't, he doesn't choose to settle and relax on his own, so he gets over excited and over tired and more likely to react badly if he feels uncomfortable.
In terms of touch, he hates being groomed with a passion. I chose to muzzle train him for this reason and he now wears a basket muzzle when he gets brushed, trimmed, bathed, and when he sees the vet (plus squeezy cheese to keep him standing still). I often carry both muzzle and cheese with me if we are going anywhere unfamiliar just in case, particularly when he won't have the option of taking himself to his crate, although I rarely need to use it.
For touch desensitisation, we were recommended the bucket game (google 'the bucket game for dogs'), which is all about the dog choosing to participate in the interaction. When we initially tried this, I didn't have much luck (hence using a muzzle and oodles of squeezy cheese) but I've since read 'When pigs fly' by Jane Killion and I might give it another go now I've got a better understanding of shaping behaviours.
Hoping you've had a smoother ride over the last few weeks!
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Hi Marley_14 (sorry don't know your name)
Many many thanks for your response, I am pleased to say with a lot of work I am finally beginning to have some success. And as you suggested. The word ambivalent completely sums up my boy. It's funny because I work with children with attachment issues and behavioural problems and when reflecting and transferring that into dog body language has made me realise how ambivalent he really is. He's not the avoidant dog that will hide away when she's, he fronts it out.
We did go to the vets and all was well however I am going to take him back in the new year to get his hips scanned as I believe he may have mild hip dysplasia after observing him closely over the past few weeks.
We have our behaviourist out and unfortunately overtiredness is the main trigger to all our problems. He is not just a dog that will sleep when tired. He's turns into a trantruming toddler! Which brings out the worst in him.
So the behaviourist knows him very well (she's been our trainer since 12 weeks old) And she has given me a tremendous amount of games to try to support his a)high prey drive and the need to use his teeth on something other than me! B) his manners c) his ability to chill out and calm down when it isn't time for play and d) his impulse control.
I'm pleased to say that, although it is still very much a working progress, we are having some real success. He now has a boundary mat which is absolutely loves using. And with a bit of support from me he is calming down when over tired far quicker than he ever did. It does tend to mean that he falls asleep in the lounge in the evening with his harness on but I know if I work hard this won't be forever.
I've just had the most successful weekend with him I think I've ever had which was a huge confidence boost!! So we are defiantly getting somewhere.
I will certainly have a look at the 'when pigs fly' book as I enjoy a good read!
Many thanks again
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What a great update! 👍
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Humbug is agitated, grumpy, barky and rude when overtired. Some days he is like that others he's ok. He is now 7. I make him 'cuddle down and go night nights'. I ignore everything else and just say this. If he lies down I praise him. Sometimes (he's never bitten) I just pick him up an out him on the sofa next to me saying n-nights and don't let him move. He often just falls asleep instantly. It's like sometimes he doesn't have an off button like an overtired child.
Keep going. He loves you. Even when he's overtired.
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Thankyou Kosig,
I must admit I've struggled today. I'm off from work with the flu, nearly 2 months into my partner being away and stressed about chrismtas! My patience has worn thin However. Rather than putting him in the kitchen to force him to chill tonight i thought' 'well if he tears up the sofa then he tears up the sofa...' , i sat relatively near the door incase he went for me and completely ignored his attempts to dig through the sofa.. It's lasted all of 4 minutes and then he crashed out. :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:
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I'm so glad to see you are making progress, it sounds like you have a fab trainer on board!
Tantruming toddler sounds very familiar to me! We've definitely found that Marley's behaviour is worse when he's over tired. (touch wood) he has gotten better at chilling out and napping as he's got older, although sometimes we do still have to tell him to go to sleep.
Also, we're very familiar with days where you wonder where all the hard work has gone. We'll have days of amazing progress where you really think you are getting somewhere and then he'll do something that makes me feel like we've gone nowhere at all. I've found keeping a, rather sporadic, journal of progress helped a bit at first. Now, I regularly get reminded by family and friends about what a nightmare (!) he was when he first came home and how much progress he's made 2 years on.
Best of luck with Leo's training and I hope you're able to get some answers from the vet about his hips.
Amanda
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Thanks Amanda, it's really reassuring to know I'm not the only one.
This week I have taken to marking down how he has been each day based on how I feel when I go to bed. Sort of like a reward chart for kids :005: I am basically putting a cross or a tick for a bad or a good day. Since Saturday I've got 4 ticks and 3 crosses. It is nice to mark it as I can see that we are making progress. 4 months ago we would have had 7 crosses haha.
I took today off sick from work as I'm suffering with nasty flu and expected him to be a live wire but I'm pleased to say he has done really well.. when I'm doing something like wrapping Christmas presents I'm choosing just to completely ignore him and today after about half hour of walking into other rooms and barking for my attention he gave in and settled in his bed. He would have never done that before but I also know my reaction is something I have to concentrate on. When he was young I would have gone to see him if he barked or spoke to him if he cried. Now I just ignore and he seems to give in...
It's very little steps but yes as you say, family and friends are a huge reassurance. Everytime they see him they are shocked with how much better he is!
He's with me and family in the new forest this weekend and I'm actually looking forward to their reactions rather than worrying about what he will do!!
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(http://image.ibb.co/g4tXs6/IMG_20171215_184831_806.jpg)
The Leo training diary:
Mum let me in the MOST amazing exciting room today..mums bedroom.... She said it was because she was coughing her guts up and wanted to lie in bed for a little while to recover...
Mum told me this picture shows that I did really well with TRYING to stay on my boundary mat (the beige blanket) even though she could clearly see my front end crawling off when I thought she wasn't looking..... I just wanted a cuddle but I tend to try and tunnel my way through the duvet when I'm in this exciting room... And I panic everytime mum coughs and lick her face non stop!
I think I did well and am giving myself a tick on the reward chart tonight regardless of what mum says :lol2:
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Brilliant, love that 👍
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Wow, he's a beauty!
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Poptart, a devil in disguise ;) most people think he is a girl! I'm bias ofcourse but think he is beautiful
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Poptart, a devil in disguise ;) most people think he is a girl! I'm bias ofcourse but think he is beautiful
Leo is a lovely boy, he’s the spit of my Archie!!! (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171215/036603152c20870801d149c32150c8ea.jpg)
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Poptart, a devil in disguise ;) most people think he is a girl! I'm bias ofcourse but think he is beautiful
Leo is a lovely boy, he’s the spit of my Archie!!! (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171215/036603152c20870801d149c32150c8ea.jpg)
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Archie is still a daily unpredictable growling snapping challenge!
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Hi lynnemcneil,
Cannot believe how alike they are! Even the freckled nose! How old is archie?
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Hi lynnemcneil,
Cannot believe how alike they are! Even the freckled nose! How old is archie?
I know!! Archie is 10 months and sounds like he also has a very similar personality to Leo....doesn’t always like being touched, growls, nips, still mouths us when he’s overexcited (with a demonic look, I’m sure you know that look!) Definitely not a cuddly dog. Every day seems to be a challenge, 1 step forward and 2 back. We’re persevering though as he’s still our puppy! How old is Leo?? [emoji16]
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Haha lynnemcneil they sound so similar. However Leo is incredibly cuddly. It's bizarre. He's the most loving dog but also the naughtiest and mouthiest!!
I sure do know the devil glare.. . Too well haha.
Leo has just turned 13 months old. I finally feel as though we are getting there but as you say, sometimes it's one step forward 8 steps back haha
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Cockers...grrr! Counting up from babyhood, I've lived with eleven dogs , sharing a pram with a bulldog , thenterriers, labs, spaniels and mongrels . The only one that had to be negotiated with, was Bobby the cocker. Very sensitive,very difficult. Sadly, the only one whose health caused an early passing.
You'll never forget your struggles with him , and that will make him really close in your heart. Like the children you work with, you know that he gets confused too, and can't help it. I called Bobby my special needs dog . Only when you get a normal dog after them,do you realise how much you put into him,and how much satisfaction you got out of any improvement. But oh yes,the red mist exists.
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Love your post Phoenix haha.
I sometimes think 'How can I love something that makes me so angry?!?'
And then I realise if he was a human child, he could throw just as much hell and I wouldn't even second guess my love.
I'm currently on cloud nine as apart from a few angry nips when I've told him not to do something he has been the best dog. .. I'm at the point where I am excited about being with him at times I would have usually dreaded. He's also sleeping a massive amount during the day... I worried at first but am now beginning to wonder whether this is actually how much he needs!
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So pleased to read such a positive post today !
It's nice to be reminded that puppy days (like everything else in life) do pass.
Delighted to hear that all is getting better now. You can keep referring back to your post as a reminder of how far you have both come.
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Thanks Penelope.. . I truly deeply hope that this is the beginning of the end of the puppy stage.. 13 months now and all appears to be calming... He's no angel yet but I havnt had a bruise in 2 weeks :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:
My partner will come home from military tour in 2 months and wonder what all the fuss was about....
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Didn't want to start a new post about this but wanted to query you all on something I've noticed the last few days.
My question: is saying no to playing with a dog all of a sudden something to worry about or just a sign of maturity?
I only ask because of the following:
On Sunday I met up with my school friends in the new forest for a dog walk. The dogs were as followed: an older lab and older terrier, a mid age cocker (not playful), a 2 year old lab, leo, and a 13 week old sprocker. To say I was nervous was an understatement, my experience of Leo and lots of dogs is overexcirment and not knowing when no means no. However we turned up and Leo and the 2 year old lab had a great time, rough playing, running around, jumping over eachother etc. After about 10 mins of this Leo chose to run up to me a number of times and sit on my lap.. Didn't think anything of it.. then the 13 week sprocker turned up. Leo had a sniff, sprocker pup tapped him on the nose and Leo refused to go near him any more. We went for a walk in the forest and the poor little sprocker followed Leo everywhere but Leo was completely avoidant of him, No agression, just wouldn't tolerate being near him.
Today he had a wonderful play with a 10 month huskey. They were having a great time. However Leo then fixated his eyes on the frisbee I was holding, chased after it but the Huskey had other ideas and kept bundling into him, again, Leo reacted really well and just seemed to tolerate the Huskey but he did seem a bit frustrated that he was messing up valuable frisbee time!
Part of me is proud of him, he's playing and then getting on with his walk rather than being the unrelenting annoyance he used to be to other dogs. However another part of me worried that this was the beginning of him becoming unsocialble?
Any thoughts? I'm not that worried.. just curious as a first time owner
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I think that sounds really positive. I’m only at the beginning of this with Harry (5 mths) but will be delighted when he knows when to stop. He doesn’t currently have an off switch and I’ve been reading your posts with great interest as they’re giving me hope that he too will grow out of his manic stage. Harry’s my second cocker and boy is he different to our old girl Missi. Sounds to me like you’re doing really well and hopefully the hard work puppy bit is over for you 😊
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Leo‘s just growing up! I noticed exactly the same with Humphrey when we used to go for group walks. As a young puppy he just wanted to play with anything and anyone but think they‘re just like us, as they grow up they become more choosy about who they hang out with! There are dogs they like instantly, others they‘re disinterested in and then those who they take a dislike to from the word go.
I‘d see it as very positive if Leo‘s more interested in you/the frisbee, it makes recall and training far easier if he chooses to follow you rather than bog off with the crowd!! ;)
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Thanks guys, I did take it as a positive to be honest and I'm proud of him for reaching that milestone without me having to do much training on his etiquette etc.
He has had a lot more full on socialization with other dogs the past few weeks, partly due to my confidence in him and partly due to planning lots of catch ups with friends over Xmas etc so I think it may have just taught him that he dosnt have to badger every dog he sees..i had to laugh when he didn't want to play with the sprocker but the sprocker continued to follow him around... taste of his own medicine haha. He has his first doggy sleepover on the 29th with daisy the labrador... that will be fun
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Many of the things you are describing remind me of our dog amber when she was young , she had a few names including crocodile as she would be very bitey .
She was grumpy ,unpredictable and we lost faith in her many a time !
We took her to a behaviourist when she was 9 months because we didn't know how to handle her.
We were advised to walk away from her when she growled or showed aggressive behaviours or to put her in another room and firmly say no !
We were told she was probably nervous nature as well as grumpy ?
Anyway she really outgrew many of her "insecurities "& well just grew up ! She is eight years old now
And a lovely dog , still a bit grumpy at times but we just ignore her and she stops I think we learnt the sort of things she didn't like and did like and built a relationship up .
Don't give up on your dog ,we nearly did quite a few times but just kept trying and I'm so glad we did ,
Good luck !
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Merry Christmas Everybody! [emoji16] these posts give me hope that there is eventually light at the end of the tunnel......the very long tunnel!! Archie was a really good happy pup yesterday our visitors and especially with my wee 2 year old nephew, I was really worried that he might snap at him but he tolerated cuddles and his toys being stolen like a normal dog, not a growl in sight! Deep down I reckon there’s a nice soft nature but he hides it well from us at times! Grumpy wee beast today though, is suspect after all yesterday’s excitement[emoji15]. All the best for the New Year, onwards and upwards with our cockerdiles in 2018! 🥂
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Merry Christmas Everybody! [emoji16] these posts give me hope that there is eventually light at the end of the tunnel......the very long tunnel!! Archie was a really good happy pup yesterday our visitors and especially with my wee 2 year old nephew, I was really worried that he might snap at him but he tolerated cuddles and his toys being stolen like a normal dog, not a growl in sight! Deep down I reckon there’s a nice soft nature but he hides it well from us at times! Grumpy wee beast today though, is suspect after all yesterday’s excitement[emoji15]. All the best for the New Year, onwards and upwards with our cockerdiles in 2018! 🥂
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171226/50febcb7cc525214fa6402262c4ca63a.jpg)
Archie was excited about what Santa left him!
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After reading your post this morning I feel that everything will be fine for you,I forgot to mention
That amber was very nervous around my small grandchildren when she was a puppy so in the end we decided to separate them when they came round at the risk of amber being jealous!
But I couldn't risk the children getting hurt or making them frightened of dogs (. I looked after them twice a week) Amber would just bark at them and look very nervous if they approached her so we got a stair gate in the kitchen so she could still hear them but wasn't threatened by them.
It paid off because as they grew older we started to mix them together letting them throw balls and taking them out on walks etc they now are fine together.
Amber still doesn't particularly like being petted by them so they just talk to her and sit with her and she is fine with that , they are all 8years old amber and the children , we now have another grandchild who we have done exactly the same with she is now three and just getting used to amber.
But you sound as though you are leaps ahead of things regarding children and dog situations so I think you will be fine x
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Hi both,
Your recent posts have made me feel very reassured also, we're currently on day 4 of 11 away from home visiting various family members. Chrismtas at my mum's (a familiar place to leo) was pure bliss.. aside from trying to steal food out of people's hands he was pure amazing.. He slept the majority of Xmas day... with 4 uncles, his aunty and his 'grandparents ' around he was absolutely zonked. Today has been a little more testing, we are visiting the in laws in Plymouth, he's never been here before and he also had a 5 hour car journey!! Never the less, aside from some frustrated nipping he actually settled down to sleep in the lounge and is now sleeping soundly.. the only problem I have really found is that he has refused to sleep alone since being away from home. He has insisted on sleeping in the same room as me, my parents living in a terraced house has meant my tolerance in letting him cry it out has been minimal. he has been a star compared to how I thought he would be... anyone got any hints on how to stop him jumping up to snatch food out of people's hands??! I know it's been a huge temptation because of chrismtas snacks etc but I feel it is my next training adventure!
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Hey everyone.
My dog is fixed!! Cured of all beastiness, a dream dog, a little Christmas angel .....
Ok he's not perfect yet but I thought I would let you all know that hard work pays off.. Leo has just dealt with 11 days away from home. He's travelled 700 miles in the car, he's been to 4 places he's never been before and he's lived in a house with other dogs for the first time in his life.. And he's been a joy to be around.
I've thrown so many new experiences at him and he's taken it all in his stride.. ok so he stole a few sausage rolls, He refused to drink water unless it was out of the Christmas tree base and he wanted to help open everyone's presents but I cannot be more pleased with how well he has done.
We are now 2 months into 4 months of his much loved daddy being away so the next battle will be settling back into having both doggy parents home in a couple of months but I am so ready for the next challenge.
the support and reassurance you guys have provided has got me through one of the toughest times I've ever faced...thankyou all so much
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Such brilliant news to hear! His twin Archie has also shown there’s some light at the end of the tunnel! Still not quite there yet, the growling still occurs and we’d like to pet him much more than we do (without fear of growling or a snap!) The kids are much less scared of him now though which is progress[emoji15].
Keep us updated with how he’s getting on as it also reassures me that we’ll get there!
Happy new year!
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180102/fab1a2779e7b9c76f86ea34b56fb6ca6.jpg)
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Happy New year to you too Lynne,
Sounds like you are having progress too which is great,
With regard to the growling and snapping when he's touched, will he let you groom him?
When Leo was adverse to touch my trainer told me to try some grooming activities to let him know touch is rewarding.. I didn't think it would work because Leo is so scared of his brush but within 5 minutes she had Leo eating treats out of one hand while she brushed him with the other hand. The idea was, every time he turned his head away from the treats, the treats AND the brush were stopped.. so he quickly learnt that the brush meant treats.. I feel like this then stopped his aversion to touch in most other aspects.. Leo wouldn't let me stroke his head, and now he moved his head to you to have his face stroked.
Just a thought!!
Love and hugs to Leo's twin. I'll be sure to keep you updated
(http://image.ibb.co/fPNV1b/IMG_20171229_WA0000.jpg)