All four of my dogs backed off an injured woodpecker in our yard today. I cannot tell you how proud of them I am. Shadow, the rat terrier, and Twinkle, the boxer mix, were only too happy to go to the porch and get out of the deep snow. Tara, the black lab, had a tougher time 'leaving it', but did so fairly easily compared to Valentino, the beagle mix.
Valentino finally relented when he saw that I meant it, when he realized that I was blocking his every move, because he understands 'leave it', and most importantly, because we have a close happy bond and in the end he wants to comply.
The woodpecker had lost a few feathers and was hopping across the deep snow. He hopped into one of the dog igloos where I gave him food and water. I then sealed the entrance with a blanket to keep out the wind and snow and predators, including my dogs! Hopefully, his injury is minor and he will have the time and the warmth to recover fully.
When I allowed the dogs back into the yard they all ran over to the place where they had first discovered him. But it was Valentino only who immediately tracked him to the igloo. Fortunately, the blanket and my faithful 'leave it' were enough to redirect Valentino to other projects.
I've always been proud that I can drop food on the kitchen flooor and all 4 dogs will 'leave it'. But this was a much more sophisticated achievement and I am absolutely thrilled!
Showing posts with label dog behavior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog behavior. Show all posts
Friday, February 3, 2012
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Slinky's Separating Sojourn: Day 16 of Slinky with Misha May: Eliminating on Leash. Owner Mind versus Trainer Mind. Chained Dogs and Chewed Leashes.
Today was the day of our fund raiser A Moment for Mutts from 10am to 3pm. This was going to be a long day for those of us setting up and cleaning up. I left home about 8:30am and returned by 5:00pm. Slinky accompanied me for the day’s fun.
Because I had so many duties to attend to, others took turns helping with Slinky. Pauline, one of the Understanding Dogs Dog Trainer / Behaviorist Apprentices was the person Slinky spent most of her time with. She whined at first as I moved around the room away from her, but quickly habituated. Each time I left her side, I help up my right index finger and said ‘wait or ‘wait for me’ in a jolly voice. Each time I returned, I said, ‘thanks for waiting!’
We cautioned everyone to ignore any whining so that she would not be rewarded for that. Everyone was encouraged to give her attention when she was calm and quiet. People are initially surprised that we don’t want to comfort her while she is whining, but soon understand that this would increase the likelihood of that behavior. That may not be so serious in an average dog, but in a dog with separation anxiety, we want to extinguish any behaviors that are related to or may trigger her anxiety.
Slinky had fun and was very well behaved. She did not, however, true to form, eliminate on leash. We gave her ample opportunities but she held it until she got back to my house. This tells us something about her past history which is that she was probably not walked regularly if at all. That’s not necessarily a negative thing if the dog has a great yard and someone to interact with in it. But it does present a problem for a dog that needs to be on leash for a prolonged period. I think I remember Gina telling me that Slinky urinated one time on leash.
Another reason a dog may not eliminate on leash is if she associates doing so with a negative experience like being reprimanded or frightened. One way to counteract this would be to give her ample opportunity to do so and then be extremely excited praising her and giving her a treat. We want her to choose to go on leash, therefore we reward that behavior consistently. One could also practice using a long leash in the backyard and if she goes, be sure she sees the leash as you run toward her praising and treating.
Slinky’s only barking occurred when the Mile High Musical Tails Canine Freestyle performers began to arrive – 2 Poodles, 2 Golden Retrievers and a Doberman. She excused herself to the lobby during those performances and sat at the registration table. She just could not handle all of those dogs dancing and most likely they were grateful that she permitted them to concentrate. Slinky did not mind the belly dancers at all – I think she enjoyed them!
Discussing the concept of ignoring whining when a dog is anxious, inspires me to also discuss what I like to call Trainer versus Owner Mind. This difference is not a judgment of good or bad but more a decision of when to operate from each. I see the owner mind as more emotional and the trainer mind as more rational. Owner mind helps us love our guys and meet their needs. Trainer mind helps us teach them what they need to know.
While owner mind wants to cheat a little with extra treats and breaking training rules like letting them jump up, trainer mind sets goals and meets them. Owner mind reacts when their dog reacts. The owner feels overwhelmed by their leashed dog reacting to other dogs, while trainer mind is prepared to handle whatever arises. While in owner mind, we may feel uncertain of what our dog might do or how he may react, as a trainer, we are observing and tracking his responses to his environment for the sole reason of formulating our next steps.
It can be appropriate to be in either state. But if trainer mind is indicated for certain results, it is usually best to follow that inclination. For example, in a dog park setting, one might like to be the relaxed owner, but clearly someone in trainer mode must be present to oversee the activities. Or if your dog is meeting a new dog it is best to be confident and at ease but observant. And what if you are at a big event with many leashed dogs? It’s best to feel prepared no matter what you might encounter. Trainer mind says we can do this, my dog and I.
People mistakenly assume that taking a dog with separation anxiety to dog daycare will assuage their anxiety. It’s sometimes better than leaving him at home, perhaps to self-destruct, but unless the daycare has the specific protocol in place, and none do to my knowledge, the dog will continue to experience the anxiety without treatment or resolution. Imagine day after day in a state of panic and worry. This is terribly stressful and sets the dog up for many stress related conditions. Healing this condition is the best option.
Daycare providers report that these dogs tend to stand near the gate or door and wait anxiously for their owners. Other dogs and people do not satisfy their specific need. They are bonded to one person and only that person will do. On the other hand, dogs who are nervous but social and otherwise well adjusted, can definitely benefit from a well run daycare. They are able to play and engage in enjoyable interactions.
Buddy, the 100 pound German Shepherd with separation anxiety, came to me as a foster after having been returned to a shelter three times and was slated for euthanasia. I had other fosters at the time and was having great difficulty accomplishing even the simplest task because Buddy could not be left alone without screaming destruction. Some of the foster dogs were being treated for heartworm which meant they had to be crated and leash walked with no excitement. Other foster dogs needed to be only dogs. Friends came to help but it wasn’t enough. The only relief I had aside from friends helping was that Buddy could wait patiently in my car alone.
Judy, owner of Doggie Pause Dog Daycare, invited Buddy to spend the days there so that I could attend to other tasks. After all of the other dogs were taken care of, I would sleep in my clothes with Buddy downstairs. We awoke early and went straight to the daycare where he spent each day waiting by, or jumping, the lobby gate. We even tried having me come at varying times so that he might stop looking for cues but it made no difference. Finally Judy realized he was having a negative effect on the other dogs, teaching them bad habits, so he couldn’t go anymore.
Eventually, Buddy would no longer get in the car because he figured out that I was most certainly going to leave him there for some period of time. This happened for the first time when we were headed to the daycare. I realized I would have to take him there by foot because I couldn’t make this giant get in the car. Luckily, it was just a few blocks away. That was when I began sleeping in my clothes so that I could get him there early each morning and return before the other dogs needed to go out.
I remember the very first day I took Buddy to the daycare, parking nearby and opening his door. I grabbed the leash securely because after all he is a 100 pound dog. He jumped out and started in the opposite direction from the daycare. I held onto the leash to guide him and it was then that I realized he had chewed through the leash so that only a few inches remained attached to his collar. I was holding a nice long leash that had nothing to do with Buddy.
I grabbed the tiny leash quickly and realized that I had absolutely no leverage. I tried to steer his 100 pounds back into the car to give me some time to think or to find new leash prospects, but Buddy was in charge. He proceeded to lead me through the streets of Englewood. I hung on hoping for any solution but none manifested. This went on for quite some time, with me attempting to hang onto his little leash and his collar. I was off balance and feeling so scared I would lose him.
I knew he would escape without so much as a look back over his shoulder because he already had accomplished that the first day he was with me. He jumped my fence with me standing right next to him. I was absolutely shocked because I had naively assumed that he had been bored and alone in his previous fence jumping scenarios. But I learned that he jumped because he could and because he liked it. He took off that first day and I’m not sure why he even came back. I tried everything I knew to lure him to me. I called him. I ran after him, and I ran away from him. I said words like ‘come’ and ‘treat’ and ‘honey boy’. I performed play bows. Finally, when I ran out of ideas and stood still in failure, he sauntered over. I was so relieved that he also let me grab his collar. So I knew that if he took off right now, he would only come back when he was ready and that meant running in traffic.
One of the reasons he had been returned to the shelter three times was because he insisted on jumping every fence. Sometimes he chased livestock, and sometimes he chased cats. He was never finally cured until two things happened. The first thing that happened couldn’t have been better if I had planned it. Formerly, when he had jumped his owners’ fences he had been free. He had run and chased and celebrated. That had even happened in my previous home once. But in my new house, when he jumped the fence, he landed in the neighbor’s yard. Being trapped was his least favorite thing, and he had just created it. This jumping held no reward. When I went around to retrieve him, he was cowering and growling a little, like he was worried. My Big Buddy worried? Hurray! He was so happy to see me and never went over that fence again.
Then I discovered words that had meaning for him which could interrupt his run for the fence and redirect his attention to me. The word ‘come’ had no relevance for him. My hypothesis is that it was most likely used without the actual teaching of what it signifies and it became irrelevant. One day he showed me what I needed to know. As he was headed in the direction of the fence, I taunted ‘Are you with me Bud?’ and he turned on a dime coming right over to me. He continued to respond to those words 100% reliably!
Between waiting in my car, practicing the separation anxiety protocols, volunteer help and playing with other dogs, we made it through. He tolerated the crate and seemed calm and happy. He took the daily medication chlomicalm for quite some time. He never did destroy anything in my home, although he ate the seat belts in the car. I felt exceedingly lucky, though, because it had been reported that he had previously destroyed portions of two homes and dragged a refrigerator across a kitchen floor.
I began to wonder when Buddy would be calm enough to leave uncrated. I was just pondering trying this for a short period of time when I got my answer quite unexpectedly. I returned home to find Buddy grinning from ear to ear at the front door with the other dogs. I must not have closed the crate securely and he managed to escape to come greet me. He was so proud and nothing was so much as out of place. I never crated him again. He began to blossom and thrive, becoming the handsome, confident, well-adjusted male he is today.
Buddy will still whine today. He doesn’t like small spaces either. I could never leave him at the vet or the groomer. But he now has a new home and the transition went very smoothly. He is who he is, but without separation anxiety.
I’m aware that chewing one’s leash is a sign of general anxiety as we see plenty of dogs just out of a shelter or challenging situation who do so. But is it a specific behavior of dogs with separation anxiety? I’m not certain but so many dogs who suffer with it, destroy their leash the second they are left unattended. We finally ended up using a chain leash (not a choke or chain collar) with Kabul because he was so destructive and so sneaky and so fast. Slinky has also chewed up a leash or two as well. I can’t help wonder if being tied somewhere not only helped bring on separation anxiety but also a hatred for leashes and confinement.
Often people will ask if having a companion dog will relieve the symptoms of separation anxiety. In my experience, a dog does not replace the human with whom they have pathologically bonded. Another dog will be a friend and companion later on, but will not help resolve the situation initially.
Dogs can be excellent role models, though, for enjoying a crate, hanging out calmly and self entertaining without humans around. I have observed Slinky learning from my dogs as well as enjoying their company. If Slinky’s family wanted another dog, I think she would be very happy. She has loved all of the dogs she has met while with me. They all seem to like her too.
I believe that dogs with separation anxiety do reach a point when another dog is helpful as a companion to stave off boredom and loneliness. But they also can learn to cope with being the only dog in a home as long as the family doesn’t spend more than the average work or school day away. Dogs are extremely social creatures and we are all they have. If there isn’t another dog in the household then the dog needs us even more. Their whole lives are about waiting for us. We shouldn’t take advantage of them and force them to wait alone too much.
Dogs do best when they are included in the family adventures as much as possible. It’s rewarding for them to spend time with us. They are often best behaved when they feel valued. Dogs who are left outside will adapt but it is not the optimum situation. As a matter of fact, the dog most likely to bite is a dog on a chain. He feels trapped and vulnerable, often teased by kids or threatened by other animals or people. He may feel desperate about defending the only thing that is his, that small circle of dirt. A dog on a chain never appears happy. And since joy is a dog’s natural state, being on a chain is against nature.
Because I had so many duties to attend to, others took turns helping with Slinky. Pauline, one of the Understanding Dogs Dog Trainer / Behaviorist Apprentices was the person Slinky spent most of her time with. She whined at first as I moved around the room away from her, but quickly habituated. Each time I left her side, I help up my right index finger and said ‘wait or ‘wait for me’ in a jolly voice. Each time I returned, I said, ‘thanks for waiting!’
We cautioned everyone to ignore any whining so that she would not be rewarded for that. Everyone was encouraged to give her attention when she was calm and quiet. People are initially surprised that we don’t want to comfort her while she is whining, but soon understand that this would increase the likelihood of that behavior. That may not be so serious in an average dog, but in a dog with separation anxiety, we want to extinguish any behaviors that are related to or may trigger her anxiety.
Slinky had fun and was very well behaved. She did not, however, true to form, eliminate on leash. We gave her ample opportunities but she held it until she got back to my house. This tells us something about her past history which is that she was probably not walked regularly if at all. That’s not necessarily a negative thing if the dog has a great yard and someone to interact with in it. But it does present a problem for a dog that needs to be on leash for a prolonged period. I think I remember Gina telling me that Slinky urinated one time on leash.
Another reason a dog may not eliminate on leash is if she associates doing so with a negative experience like being reprimanded or frightened. One way to counteract this would be to give her ample opportunity to do so and then be extremely excited praising her and giving her a treat. We want her to choose to go on leash, therefore we reward that behavior consistently. One could also practice using a long leash in the backyard and if she goes, be sure she sees the leash as you run toward her praising and treating.
Slinky’s only barking occurred when the Mile High Musical Tails Canine Freestyle performers began to arrive – 2 Poodles, 2 Golden Retrievers and a Doberman. She excused herself to the lobby during those performances and sat at the registration table. She just could not handle all of those dogs dancing and most likely they were grateful that she permitted them to concentrate. Slinky did not mind the belly dancers at all – I think she enjoyed them!
Discussing the concept of ignoring whining when a dog is anxious, inspires me to also discuss what I like to call Trainer versus Owner Mind. This difference is not a judgment of good or bad but more a decision of when to operate from each. I see the owner mind as more emotional and the trainer mind as more rational. Owner mind helps us love our guys and meet their needs. Trainer mind helps us teach them what they need to know.
While owner mind wants to cheat a little with extra treats and breaking training rules like letting them jump up, trainer mind sets goals and meets them. Owner mind reacts when their dog reacts. The owner feels overwhelmed by their leashed dog reacting to other dogs, while trainer mind is prepared to handle whatever arises. While in owner mind, we may feel uncertain of what our dog might do or how he may react, as a trainer, we are observing and tracking his responses to his environment for the sole reason of formulating our next steps.
It can be appropriate to be in either state. But if trainer mind is indicated for certain results, it is usually best to follow that inclination. For example, in a dog park setting, one might like to be the relaxed owner, but clearly someone in trainer mode must be present to oversee the activities. Or if your dog is meeting a new dog it is best to be confident and at ease but observant. And what if you are at a big event with many leashed dogs? It’s best to feel prepared no matter what you might encounter. Trainer mind says we can do this, my dog and I.
People mistakenly assume that taking a dog with separation anxiety to dog daycare will assuage their anxiety. It’s sometimes better than leaving him at home, perhaps to self-destruct, but unless the daycare has the specific protocol in place, and none do to my knowledge, the dog will continue to experience the anxiety without treatment or resolution. Imagine day after day in a state of panic and worry. This is terribly stressful and sets the dog up for many stress related conditions. Healing this condition is the best option.
Daycare providers report that these dogs tend to stand near the gate or door and wait anxiously for their owners. Other dogs and people do not satisfy their specific need. They are bonded to one person and only that person will do. On the other hand, dogs who are nervous but social and otherwise well adjusted, can definitely benefit from a well run daycare. They are able to play and engage in enjoyable interactions.
Buddy, the 100 pound German Shepherd with separation anxiety, came to me as a foster after having been returned to a shelter three times and was slated for euthanasia. I had other fosters at the time and was having great difficulty accomplishing even the simplest task because Buddy could not be left alone without screaming destruction. Some of the foster dogs were being treated for heartworm which meant they had to be crated and leash walked with no excitement. Other foster dogs needed to be only dogs. Friends came to help but it wasn’t enough. The only relief I had aside from friends helping was that Buddy could wait patiently in my car alone.
Judy, owner of Doggie Pause Dog Daycare, invited Buddy to spend the days there so that I could attend to other tasks. After all of the other dogs were taken care of, I would sleep in my clothes with Buddy downstairs. We awoke early and went straight to the daycare where he spent each day waiting by, or jumping, the lobby gate. We even tried having me come at varying times so that he might stop looking for cues but it made no difference. Finally Judy realized he was having a negative effect on the other dogs, teaching them bad habits, so he couldn’t go anymore.
Eventually, Buddy would no longer get in the car because he figured out that I was most certainly going to leave him there for some period of time. This happened for the first time when we were headed to the daycare. I realized I would have to take him there by foot because I couldn’t make this giant get in the car. Luckily, it was just a few blocks away. That was when I began sleeping in my clothes so that I could get him there early each morning and return before the other dogs needed to go out.
I remember the very first day I took Buddy to the daycare, parking nearby and opening his door. I grabbed the leash securely because after all he is a 100 pound dog. He jumped out and started in the opposite direction from the daycare. I held onto the leash to guide him and it was then that I realized he had chewed through the leash so that only a few inches remained attached to his collar. I was holding a nice long leash that had nothing to do with Buddy.
I grabbed the tiny leash quickly and realized that I had absolutely no leverage. I tried to steer his 100 pounds back into the car to give me some time to think or to find new leash prospects, but Buddy was in charge. He proceeded to lead me through the streets of Englewood. I hung on hoping for any solution but none manifested. This went on for quite some time, with me attempting to hang onto his little leash and his collar. I was off balance and feeling so scared I would lose him.
I knew he would escape without so much as a look back over his shoulder because he already had accomplished that the first day he was with me. He jumped my fence with me standing right next to him. I was absolutely shocked because I had naively assumed that he had been bored and alone in his previous fence jumping scenarios. But I learned that he jumped because he could and because he liked it. He took off that first day and I’m not sure why he even came back. I tried everything I knew to lure him to me. I called him. I ran after him, and I ran away from him. I said words like ‘come’ and ‘treat’ and ‘honey boy’. I performed play bows. Finally, when I ran out of ideas and stood still in failure, he sauntered over. I was so relieved that he also let me grab his collar. So I knew that if he took off right now, he would only come back when he was ready and that meant running in traffic.
One of the reasons he had been returned to the shelter three times was because he insisted on jumping every fence. Sometimes he chased livestock, and sometimes he chased cats. He was never finally cured until two things happened. The first thing that happened couldn’t have been better if I had planned it. Formerly, when he had jumped his owners’ fences he had been free. He had run and chased and celebrated. That had even happened in my previous home once. But in my new house, when he jumped the fence, he landed in the neighbor’s yard. Being trapped was his least favorite thing, and he had just created it. This jumping held no reward. When I went around to retrieve him, he was cowering and growling a little, like he was worried. My Big Buddy worried? Hurray! He was so happy to see me and never went over that fence again.
Then I discovered words that had meaning for him which could interrupt his run for the fence and redirect his attention to me. The word ‘come’ had no relevance for him. My hypothesis is that it was most likely used without the actual teaching of what it signifies and it became irrelevant. One day he showed me what I needed to know. As he was headed in the direction of the fence, I taunted ‘Are you with me Bud?’ and he turned on a dime coming right over to me. He continued to respond to those words 100% reliably!
Between waiting in my car, practicing the separation anxiety protocols, volunteer help and playing with other dogs, we made it through. He tolerated the crate and seemed calm and happy. He took the daily medication chlomicalm for quite some time. He never did destroy anything in my home, although he ate the seat belts in the car. I felt exceedingly lucky, though, because it had been reported that he had previously destroyed portions of two homes and dragged a refrigerator across a kitchen floor.
I began to wonder when Buddy would be calm enough to leave uncrated. I was just pondering trying this for a short period of time when I got my answer quite unexpectedly. I returned home to find Buddy grinning from ear to ear at the front door with the other dogs. I must not have closed the crate securely and he managed to escape to come greet me. He was so proud and nothing was so much as out of place. I never crated him again. He began to blossom and thrive, becoming the handsome, confident, well-adjusted male he is today.
Buddy will still whine today. He doesn’t like small spaces either. I could never leave him at the vet or the groomer. But he now has a new home and the transition went very smoothly. He is who he is, but without separation anxiety.
I’m aware that chewing one’s leash is a sign of general anxiety as we see plenty of dogs just out of a shelter or challenging situation who do so. But is it a specific behavior of dogs with separation anxiety? I’m not certain but so many dogs who suffer with it, destroy their leash the second they are left unattended. We finally ended up using a chain leash (not a choke or chain collar) with Kabul because he was so destructive and so sneaky and so fast. Slinky has also chewed up a leash or two as well. I can’t help wonder if being tied somewhere not only helped bring on separation anxiety but also a hatred for leashes and confinement.
Often people will ask if having a companion dog will relieve the symptoms of separation anxiety. In my experience, a dog does not replace the human with whom they have pathologically bonded. Another dog will be a friend and companion later on, but will not help resolve the situation initially.
Dogs can be excellent role models, though, for enjoying a crate, hanging out calmly and self entertaining without humans around. I have observed Slinky learning from my dogs as well as enjoying their company. If Slinky’s family wanted another dog, I think she would be very happy. She has loved all of the dogs she has met while with me. They all seem to like her too.
I believe that dogs with separation anxiety do reach a point when another dog is helpful as a companion to stave off boredom and loneliness. But they also can learn to cope with being the only dog in a home as long as the family doesn’t spend more than the average work or school day away. Dogs are extremely social creatures and we are all they have. If there isn’t another dog in the household then the dog needs us even more. Their whole lives are about waiting for us. We shouldn’t take advantage of them and force them to wait alone too much.
Dogs do best when they are included in the family adventures as much as possible. It’s rewarding for them to spend time with us. They are often best behaved when they feel valued. Dogs who are left outside will adapt but it is not the optimum situation. As a matter of fact, the dog most likely to bite is a dog on a chain. He feels trapped and vulnerable, often teased by kids or threatened by other animals or people. He may feel desperate about defending the only thing that is his, that small circle of dirt. A dog on a chain never appears happy. And since joy is a dog’s natural state, being on a chain is against nature.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Separation Anxiety: Day 13 of Slinky with Misha May Foundation
Slinky was with Gina this morning and here is her report:
“I thought you would be happy to hear that I'm in my kitchen (out of sight) and Slinky has been sleeping in the living room in her crate for the past 45 minutes :) Initially, she wasn't paying any attention to the crate, so I dropped a few treats in there. She eventually walked into the crate and pulled them out to eat them...came into the kitchen to make sure I was still here...rounded back into the living room and into the crate she went!”
Again, Gina demonstrates her understanding of what needs to happen to help Slinky develop a positive relationship with crating. She is even choosing the crate when mom isn’t in sight. This training is about continuing to plant the seeds and allowing enough time for them to grow. We can’t hurry the development of a positive association any more quickly than the dog can accept it. If we push, it can become a negative pretty fast! I always say that you can‘t go too slow when it comes to training.
The question of dog parks for Slinky has come up. I have a lot to say about dog parks but will limit my remarks to addressing a few specific concerns. Dog parks can be a wonderful experience if everyone there is doing their part and acting responsibly. Too often, common sense guidelines are ignored and instead of further socialization, negative associations with other dogs are formed.
Dog parks are not places to socialize dogs. They are places where already socialized dogs go to have fun. A simple definition of socialization is when a dog is having enjoyable experiences which create positive associations with his world. This results in a more relaxed sociable creature. Placing a dog in a situation for which he isn’t ready or suited, decreases the likelihood of him developing more confidence and sociability.
Most dogs do best one on one. Setting up play dates with one nice dog at a time and allowing the dogs to practice their meeting and greeting skills along with play manners is the optimum route. Each situation can be a building block toward a dog savvy dog. You can’t expect your dog to learn what he knows amidst the chaos of a dog park or sometimes even a dog daycare.
Good dog daycares screen each dog for any problem behaviors. This is for a very good reason. Some dogs are refused admittance because they may have an unpleasant or stressful experience themselves or cause such for other dogs. Every dog is not suited to play in a group setting, especially when it involves so many unfamiliar dogs. Well run daycares understand this and either refuse admittance to dogs who need more individual training, or provide separate appropriate areas accompanied by supportive behavior modification.
Unfortunately in most dog parks no one is supervising play or screening entrants. There are bullies and aggressive dogs as well as fragile and sensitive dogs. There are dogs who play rough and those who would rather not be roughed up. There are dogs of all sizes and strengths, which can lead to challenging situations.
Often there are no guidelines regulating human behavior either. People gather and chat instead of supervising. Parents bring children and food which is a recipe for disaster. People bring dogs who are not appropriate candidates.
Good dog parks have rules posted and participants adhere to them themselves and require others to do so as well. The best dog parks have citizen committees, self-appointed or otherwise, who oversee play. They have learned about dog body language and canine behavior. They know something about appropriate play and interactions. They are committed to making their park fun and safe and educational. And they are not shy about standing up for the rules if someone breaks them. They know that the success of the park depends on each of them advocating for the highest standards possible.
One side effect of going to the park is that a dog can learn bad habits either from other dogs or from the humans. For example, people have different expectations for their dogs. Some people allow their dogs to jump up especially if they are on the small side. If you don’t want this behavior encouraged in your dog you can request that others ignore it and not reward it. But how do you handle the situation when someone replies "Oh, I don't mind! I have a much bigger dog and he jumps, too!"
Clearly this person does not understand canine behavior science. Jumping up is so difficult to modify because it is a natural behavior for dogs to want to smell our mouths and be near our faces. We have to be 100% consistent in not giving it any attention. Yes, it might be difficult, but is it fair to a dog who is going to be confused or even punished for their behavior? If just one person rewards your dog for jumping up, you’re now starting over because what your dog has learned is that no one will reward him for 10 times but on the 11th someone will. And he will wait and try, and wait and try, as long as there is a chance. Not fair!
One of the bad habits that dogs learn from each other is rough play that ignores calming signals from some of the participating dogs. When there is too much stimulation from running and chasing and playing, manners can be forgotten. Just like children on a playground or partiers in a bar, feelings get hurt, relationships damaged or even fights can break out. Some dogs shake this off as if it were nothing but more sensitive dogs can be scarred for life from what they perceived as an attack.
And then there are real attacks. This is not only a tragedy for the dog involved but for the future dogs that he might now fear and proactively attack. I see so much dog reactivity among my behavior cases because dogs are worried about what the other dog will do. In the majority of cases, the owner and I inevitably uncover a time in that dog’s life when he was terrified of another dog. He may have actually been physically injured or just deeply threatened. It’s so important that dogs like each other and are set up for successful fun experiences together.
No matter where you are taking your dog, leash walking, daycare or park, be prepared. Find out who goes there and how the dogs get along. Know what behaviors are permitted and be certain that you are comfortable with them. Protect your dog from bullies just as you would your child. If you have a bully, get help because he is most likely insecure. He needs to know that you are in charge and will keep things safe for him. He doesn’t need to make up the rules – you already have. A great book regarding this philosophy is Leader of the Pack by Patricia McConnell.
And if you are thinking I mean leadership like dominance, here is a link to a great article by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior which dispels this out of date erroneous way of thinking. The philosophy which we utilize at Misha May Foundation and recommend is Learning Theory, which is discussed favorably in the same article. http://mishamayfoundation.org/dominance.pdf
Gina had Slinky from 11 until 3:30 today. We were prepared for a smooth transition knowing that if I took Slinky and drove away, she would be distracted and not miss Gina as much. I decided that going for a coffee would be great idea. And off I went with Slinky who did indeed become quickly transfixed upon the car windows.
Slinky and my 3 dogs were all loose in the living room area and were very relaxed and playful with each other. Our gradual introduction process has worked very well and Slinky seems well integrated into the group. She is always excited and pleased to greet them upon her arrivals.
I enhanced our separation training today by moving the car from the garage to the drive and then to the front of the house and back again. She is excited to see me each time I return but not distressed. I have worked up to this by helping her relax around cues of leaving: keys, coat, shoes, purse. I picked them up out of the typical order and placed them in unfamiliar places. They soon had no meaning for her instead of causing her to panic.
And the separations have grown from infinitesimal to short. I am so proud of Slinky and her progress. I’m thrilled that any of my movements around the house or in the yard or out the front door don’t cause her any alarm. And now we are adding the garage, car and driving sounds.
I know that having my relaxed dogs around help her too.
“I thought you would be happy to hear that I'm in my kitchen (out of sight) and Slinky has been sleeping in the living room in her crate for the past 45 minutes :) Initially, she wasn't paying any attention to the crate, so I dropped a few treats in there. She eventually walked into the crate and pulled them out to eat them...came into the kitchen to make sure I was still here...rounded back into the living room and into the crate she went!”
Again, Gina demonstrates her understanding of what needs to happen to help Slinky develop a positive relationship with crating. She is even choosing the crate when mom isn’t in sight. This training is about continuing to plant the seeds and allowing enough time for them to grow. We can’t hurry the development of a positive association any more quickly than the dog can accept it. If we push, it can become a negative pretty fast! I always say that you can‘t go too slow when it comes to training.
The question of dog parks for Slinky has come up. I have a lot to say about dog parks but will limit my remarks to addressing a few specific concerns. Dog parks can be a wonderful experience if everyone there is doing their part and acting responsibly. Too often, common sense guidelines are ignored and instead of further socialization, negative associations with other dogs are formed.
Dog parks are not places to socialize dogs. They are places where already socialized dogs go to have fun. A simple definition of socialization is when a dog is having enjoyable experiences which create positive associations with his world. This results in a more relaxed sociable creature. Placing a dog in a situation for which he isn’t ready or suited, decreases the likelihood of him developing more confidence and sociability.
Most dogs do best one on one. Setting up play dates with one nice dog at a time and allowing the dogs to practice their meeting and greeting skills along with play manners is the optimum route. Each situation can be a building block toward a dog savvy dog. You can’t expect your dog to learn what he knows amidst the chaos of a dog park or sometimes even a dog daycare.
Good dog daycares screen each dog for any problem behaviors. This is for a very good reason. Some dogs are refused admittance because they may have an unpleasant or stressful experience themselves or cause such for other dogs. Every dog is not suited to play in a group setting, especially when it involves so many unfamiliar dogs. Well run daycares understand this and either refuse admittance to dogs who need more individual training, or provide separate appropriate areas accompanied by supportive behavior modification.
Unfortunately in most dog parks no one is supervising play or screening entrants. There are bullies and aggressive dogs as well as fragile and sensitive dogs. There are dogs who play rough and those who would rather not be roughed up. There are dogs of all sizes and strengths, which can lead to challenging situations.
Often there are no guidelines regulating human behavior either. People gather and chat instead of supervising. Parents bring children and food which is a recipe for disaster. People bring dogs who are not appropriate candidates.
Good dog parks have rules posted and participants adhere to them themselves and require others to do so as well. The best dog parks have citizen committees, self-appointed or otherwise, who oversee play. They have learned about dog body language and canine behavior. They know something about appropriate play and interactions. They are committed to making their park fun and safe and educational. And they are not shy about standing up for the rules if someone breaks them. They know that the success of the park depends on each of them advocating for the highest standards possible.
One side effect of going to the park is that a dog can learn bad habits either from other dogs or from the humans. For example, people have different expectations for their dogs. Some people allow their dogs to jump up especially if they are on the small side. If you don’t want this behavior encouraged in your dog you can request that others ignore it and not reward it. But how do you handle the situation when someone replies "Oh, I don't mind! I have a much bigger dog and he jumps, too!"
Clearly this person does not understand canine behavior science. Jumping up is so difficult to modify because it is a natural behavior for dogs to want to smell our mouths and be near our faces. We have to be 100% consistent in not giving it any attention. Yes, it might be difficult, but is it fair to a dog who is going to be confused or even punished for their behavior? If just one person rewards your dog for jumping up, you’re now starting over because what your dog has learned is that no one will reward him for 10 times but on the 11th someone will. And he will wait and try, and wait and try, as long as there is a chance. Not fair!
One of the bad habits that dogs learn from each other is rough play that ignores calming signals from some of the participating dogs. When there is too much stimulation from running and chasing and playing, manners can be forgotten. Just like children on a playground or partiers in a bar, feelings get hurt, relationships damaged or even fights can break out. Some dogs shake this off as if it were nothing but more sensitive dogs can be scarred for life from what they perceived as an attack.
And then there are real attacks. This is not only a tragedy for the dog involved but for the future dogs that he might now fear and proactively attack. I see so much dog reactivity among my behavior cases because dogs are worried about what the other dog will do. In the majority of cases, the owner and I inevitably uncover a time in that dog’s life when he was terrified of another dog. He may have actually been physically injured or just deeply threatened. It’s so important that dogs like each other and are set up for successful fun experiences together.
No matter where you are taking your dog, leash walking, daycare or park, be prepared. Find out who goes there and how the dogs get along. Know what behaviors are permitted and be certain that you are comfortable with them. Protect your dog from bullies just as you would your child. If you have a bully, get help because he is most likely insecure. He needs to know that you are in charge and will keep things safe for him. He doesn’t need to make up the rules – you already have. A great book regarding this philosophy is Leader of the Pack by Patricia McConnell.
And if you are thinking I mean leadership like dominance, here is a link to a great article by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior which dispels this out of date erroneous way of thinking. The philosophy which we utilize at Misha May Foundation and recommend is Learning Theory, which is discussed favorably in the same article. http://mishamayfoundation.org/dominance.pdf
Gina had Slinky from 11 until 3:30 today. We were prepared for a smooth transition knowing that if I took Slinky and drove away, she would be distracted and not miss Gina as much. I decided that going for a coffee would be great idea. And off I went with Slinky who did indeed become quickly transfixed upon the car windows.
Slinky and my 3 dogs were all loose in the living room area and were very relaxed and playful with each other. Our gradual introduction process has worked very well and Slinky seems well integrated into the group. She is always excited and pleased to greet them upon her arrivals.
I enhanced our separation training today by moving the car from the garage to the drive and then to the front of the house and back again. She is excited to see me each time I return but not distressed. I have worked up to this by helping her relax around cues of leaving: keys, coat, shoes, purse. I picked them up out of the typical order and placed them in unfamiliar places. They soon had no meaning for her instead of causing her to panic.
And the separations have grown from infinitesimal to short. I am so proud of Slinky and her progress. I’m thrilled that any of my movements around the house or in the yard or out the front door don’t cause her any alarm. And now we are adding the garage, car and driving sounds.
I know that having my relaxed dogs around help her too.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Separation Anxiety: Day 12 of Slinky with Misha May
Slinky ate her breakfast just inside the crate, door still open. Placing the food in or near the crate, as each dog can tolerate, is a great first step for acclimating the dog to any crate training. If you place it all the way in and the dog won’t eat, then it needs to be moved forward or just outside or far enough away that the dog feels comfortable eating. The point isn’t to make a dog eat in a certain place, but to have the dog enjoy where she is eating, thus creating a positive association with that spot.
If you want your dog to learn ‘go to bed’, you can feed her near the bed so that will always be one place she will choose to go and go there easily. If you want to help a dog feel more comfortable with a certain member of the family, you can feed your dog near ‘his chair’ or even have that person feed the dog more often.
My refrigerator died today so I need to go get a new one. Slinky will be spending the day with Gina and Gene and returning in the evening. They will continue to help Slinky love being with them but not necessarily receiving direct attention. They will be engaged in other nearby pursuits and Slinky will be praised for calmly hanging out.
Slinky is attached to both Gina and Gene but seems more distressed about losing Gina. For whatever reason, dogs with separation anxiety will often pick one person out of all of the ones they love, to hyper bond with. That person has the major training responsibility of balancing their love and distancing. Gina has to support Slinky in being alone, turning to others and learning to self-soothe while letting Slinky know she loves her and isn’t leaving her. This person affords the dog the opportunities to learn from and with others.
The person to whom the dog is less bonded needs to encourage more interaction perhaps through feeding or play. In this case, for example, Gene can hand feed kibble, go on walks, or give special treats. He is also the support for Slinky when Gina practices leaving, renders departure cues irrelevant and eventually actually leaves. Gene will feed a special treat or use the anxiety reduction techniques mentioned previously.
The following are Gina’s updates from the car ride and crate training. Gina is tracking Slinky’s response to each part of the training process. Slinky already has a new relaxed relationship with the wire crate that she was videotaped in (see the before video: Introduction to Separation Anxiety). Gina keeps in mind our goals and thinks through her training decisions.
Hi Lorraine,
…Slinky did extremely well in the back seat and only attempted to get back into the front seat once. She kept herself busy the entire time looking out each of the windows in back. She had very minimal whining once she got into the back seat and grew excited as we pulled into my driveway.
Not long after we got into the house, I found Slinky by her wire crate sniffing around - she did not enter. I wanted to wait to put the sheet and nylabone (Editor’s Note: these were from the crate at my home so that Slinky would have the familiar smell of these dogs she likes in her crate at her house) into her crate until she wasn't so focused on me. I was able to do so, but Slinky did not approach the crate again; I was unsure that she realized that the sheet and bone had been placed into the wire crate. I have the wire crate and her plastic crate in the same location in the house, resting side by side. After being home for over an hour or so, I casually got up and sat on the plastic crate with my computer on my lap, ignoring Slinky altogether. This peaked her curiosity enough to approach the wire crate again, at which time she started to sniff the sheet from the outside of the crate and licked it a couple of times. She then found her way around to the door of the crate, sniffing, and slowly entered the crate and laid down. I continued to sit on the plastic crate for another few minutes and then casually got up and arched myself around the wire crate with her inside and went to sit on the couch where she could still see me. She continued to lie in the crate for another minute or so and then got up and sat by me on the couch. It was still a big accomplishment!
All in all, Slinky did really well today, but did seem to be following me around a bit more often than she did the last time I brought her home. There are times, however, that she lies on the couch or floor and ignores my movement. She still gets up and comes running anytime I venture anywhere near the front door. She always wants to make sure that she's not left behind.
We fed her in front of her crate today and she gobbled up all of her food.
~ Gina
This was a very successful day of transitioning the exercises from the trainer to the owner. This information helps me to plan the next series of exercises.
Gina and Gene brought Slinky to meet me after Misha May’s Understanding Dogs class at Doggie Pause. As they walked away, she began to sniff the ground and explore. They were able to leave quietly and she didn’t notice since she was sufficiently distracted. I let her continue to sniff until she finished. Then we got in the car. She looked out the back seat windows all the way to my house, but maybe whined only twice! When we arrived at my house, she was happy to see the other dogs. They all played in the yard. Wonderful transition - I'm very pleased.
If you want your dog to learn ‘go to bed’, you can feed her near the bed so that will always be one place she will choose to go and go there easily. If you want to help a dog feel more comfortable with a certain member of the family, you can feed your dog near ‘his chair’ or even have that person feed the dog more often.
My refrigerator died today so I need to go get a new one. Slinky will be spending the day with Gina and Gene and returning in the evening. They will continue to help Slinky love being with them but not necessarily receiving direct attention. They will be engaged in other nearby pursuits and Slinky will be praised for calmly hanging out.
Slinky is attached to both Gina and Gene but seems more distressed about losing Gina. For whatever reason, dogs with separation anxiety will often pick one person out of all of the ones they love, to hyper bond with. That person has the major training responsibility of balancing their love and distancing. Gina has to support Slinky in being alone, turning to others and learning to self-soothe while letting Slinky know she loves her and isn’t leaving her. This person affords the dog the opportunities to learn from and with others.
The person to whom the dog is less bonded needs to encourage more interaction perhaps through feeding or play. In this case, for example, Gene can hand feed kibble, go on walks, or give special treats. He is also the support for Slinky when Gina practices leaving, renders departure cues irrelevant and eventually actually leaves. Gene will feed a special treat or use the anxiety reduction techniques mentioned previously.
The following are Gina’s updates from the car ride and crate training. Gina is tracking Slinky’s response to each part of the training process. Slinky already has a new relaxed relationship with the wire crate that she was videotaped in (see the before video: Introduction to Separation Anxiety). Gina keeps in mind our goals and thinks through her training decisions.
Hi Lorraine,
…Slinky did extremely well in the back seat and only attempted to get back into the front seat once. She kept herself busy the entire time looking out each of the windows in back. She had very minimal whining once she got into the back seat and grew excited as we pulled into my driveway.
Not long after we got into the house, I found Slinky by her wire crate sniffing around - she did not enter. I wanted to wait to put the sheet and nylabone (Editor’s Note: these were from the crate at my home so that Slinky would have the familiar smell of these dogs she likes in her crate at her house) into her crate until she wasn't so focused on me. I was able to do so, but Slinky did not approach the crate again; I was unsure that she realized that the sheet and bone had been placed into the wire crate. I have the wire crate and her plastic crate in the same location in the house, resting side by side. After being home for over an hour or so, I casually got up and sat on the plastic crate with my computer on my lap, ignoring Slinky altogether. This peaked her curiosity enough to approach the wire crate again, at which time she started to sniff the sheet from the outside of the crate and licked it a couple of times. She then found her way around to the door of the crate, sniffing, and slowly entered the crate and laid down. I continued to sit on the plastic crate for another few minutes and then casually got up and arched myself around the wire crate with her inside and went to sit on the couch where she could still see me. She continued to lie in the crate for another minute or so and then got up and sat by me on the couch. It was still a big accomplishment!
All in all, Slinky did really well today, but did seem to be following me around a bit more often than she did the last time I brought her home. There are times, however, that she lies on the couch or floor and ignores my movement. She still gets up and comes running anytime I venture anywhere near the front door. She always wants to make sure that she's not left behind.
We fed her in front of her crate today and she gobbled up all of her food.
~ Gina
This was a very successful day of transitioning the exercises from the trainer to the owner. This information helps me to plan the next series of exercises.
Gina and Gene brought Slinky to meet me after Misha May’s Understanding Dogs class at Doggie Pause. As they walked away, she began to sniff the ground and explore. They were able to leave quietly and she didn’t notice since she was sufficiently distracted. I let her continue to sniff until she finished. Then we got in the car. She looked out the back seat windows all the way to my house, but maybe whined only twice! When we arrived at my house, she was happy to see the other dogs. They all played in the yard. Wonderful transition - I'm very pleased.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Separation Anxiety: Day 9 of Slinky with Misha May Foundation
Slinky is happy to sleep in the crate off and on. I would love to see her have this as a safe and comfortable area. Certainly my dogs are modeling that for her. Every one of my current dogs took to the crate naturally – I never even had to train them. They saw them – they went in!
Shadow, my 12 pound Rat Terrier, uses his crate in the funniest way. He doesn’t destroy his toys so he has a quite a few in his crate. It’s the only place they are safe from the other dogs who would destroy them. When he is in there, he is growling and talking, and swinging the toy around so that it hits the side of the crate. It sounds like a war going on. You can just tell how ecstatic he is to have this opportunity to get it all out!
Shadow’s crazy playing reminded me of something my Rena used to do out of anxiety. She was a dog who chewed things up when you weren’t looking. But her favorite thing was money. If anybody forgot and left money sitting out, it went into Rena’s stomach. Our proof was in her poop. The humans needed training to take care of their money better. I remember one day returning to the living room from the kitchen just in time to see her approaching a stack of bills. Prior to that, the damage had been about $25. This would have been quite a bit more. That was the last time we left our money out and vulnerable.
Slinky is great at copying other dogs, thus I’m hoping the crate training will happen easily. Today she copied something that her friend Canyon had done last night. Since I had never seen Slinky do this before, I’m hypothesizing that she had fun and wanted to re-create the game. Canyon always drags a blanket around her house. She chews on it, naps on it and gets rough with it. This morning Slinky dragged a blanket out of one of the crates, took it in the living room and played with it.
Slinky is adorable at feeding time. When I go to the food closet, she lies down, watching and waiting politely. Aside from being anxious when alone, she is not an anxious dog. And fortunately, she doesn’t have the separation anxiety symptom of drooling.
Samson, Misha May’s 5 year old Aussie Shepherd mix, was a drooling dog. He needed help with anxiety and is now crate trained and loving it. But when he first came to us, he cried and drooled. The foster thought he had urinated in his crate, because the puddle was so big, but she figured out from the lack of smell and through observation that he was actually so nervous he was drooling a river.
For Samson, being in a foster home was great and was the reason he was cured easily from a slight case of anxiety. In a shelter situation, dogs are often rewarded when they are whining or jumping or barking. It might be time in the schedule for dinner or a walk or a visit, and the dog receives the positive attention no matter what he was doing. Whereas, in a foster home, the meals, walks and attention can be appropriately given when the dog is calm and behaving.
Although it may seem counterintuitive and even mean, it is important not to reinforce the whining of an anxious dog. Comforting during whining will let the dog know to continue to whine as comfort will arrive. Ignoring might be indicated if the dog is not too distressed. Then you can give attention as soon as the dog is quiet. Or, using techniques like Tellington Touch or Reiki are helpful but don’t support the anxiety.
Having a clear routine and expectations helps anxious dogs settle in and know what to expect. They learn how to get what they need, including your attention, and that can calm them down considerably. Slinky is paying attention to me and to the other dogs. It’s obvious that she wants to know how things work around here. She gives a joyful jump or relaxes as soon as she figures out where we are going – outside to play! Or she lies down when she realizes ‘we’ are going to read.
Slinky has realized something else even more important. Her primary caretakers are returning for her. They are part of the plan and part of her life even though she is spending so much time with me. Their coming and going reinforces her attachment to them in a healthy way. Soon coming and going will become normal and she won’t have to worry.
I’ve discovered that if I can initially distract her when her owners are leaving, that she has a much calmer transition. It’s best if we get in the car and move away from them. After a fun walk in the park, Gina went in the opposite direction from our car. Slinky jumped right into the car with me and was ready for the ride. She looked in her mom’s direction but was not distressed. She whined two quiet little cries. Then she became interested in her surroundings and seemed okay with the separation.
Her walk in the park had also been relaxing. Previously she had been reactive to other dogs. Our approach was to say in a fun voice ‘oh look it’s puppies’. Because the human is relaxed and knows there is no danger, the dog can relax. Slinky followed our cue and accepted that there would be other dogs around. At the end of our walk, Gina and I both fed Slinky treats. Gina gave Slinky to me as if to say I trust Lorraine, no need to worry. Then I brought Slinky back to Gina letting her see that I am trustworthy. When it was time to go, Slinky tried to follow Gina but came with me with very little encouragement.
We ran several errands and mostly Slinky was relaxed and tolerant of my comings and goings. I have to continue to work according to her tolerance. The key is to keep her from having another panic attack so that she is present to learn that she is safe. She had a few whiny moments here and there which I ignored. Then when she laid down I would pet her and praise her.
I was very happy that by the time she got to my house she had recovered. I let her into the yard, and let the other dogs out to join her. They played. When we all went in she was fully settled. Right now she is in a dog bed in the office. So each transition has been better.
When the dogs come inside from the yard, they receive a treat. Tara likes to run to her room and eat it there. The three little ones eat theirs quickly wherever they are. Slinky accepts hers, runs off to eat it on the couch and then comes back to try for another! She’s workin’ it!
Shadow, my 12 pound Rat Terrier, uses his crate in the funniest way. He doesn’t destroy his toys so he has a quite a few in his crate. It’s the only place they are safe from the other dogs who would destroy them. When he is in there, he is growling and talking, and swinging the toy around so that it hits the side of the crate. It sounds like a war going on. You can just tell how ecstatic he is to have this opportunity to get it all out!
Shadow’s crazy playing reminded me of something my Rena used to do out of anxiety. She was a dog who chewed things up when you weren’t looking. But her favorite thing was money. If anybody forgot and left money sitting out, it went into Rena’s stomach. Our proof was in her poop. The humans needed training to take care of their money better. I remember one day returning to the living room from the kitchen just in time to see her approaching a stack of bills. Prior to that, the damage had been about $25. This would have been quite a bit more. That was the last time we left our money out and vulnerable.
Slinky is great at copying other dogs, thus I’m hoping the crate training will happen easily. Today she copied something that her friend Canyon had done last night. Since I had never seen Slinky do this before, I’m hypothesizing that she had fun and wanted to re-create the game. Canyon always drags a blanket around her house. She chews on it, naps on it and gets rough with it. This morning Slinky dragged a blanket out of one of the crates, took it in the living room and played with it.
Slinky is adorable at feeding time. When I go to the food closet, she lies down, watching and waiting politely. Aside from being anxious when alone, she is not an anxious dog. And fortunately, she doesn’t have the separation anxiety symptom of drooling.
Samson, Misha May’s 5 year old Aussie Shepherd mix, was a drooling dog. He needed help with anxiety and is now crate trained and loving it. But when he first came to us, he cried and drooled. The foster thought he had urinated in his crate, because the puddle was so big, but she figured out from the lack of smell and through observation that he was actually so nervous he was drooling a river.
For Samson, being in a foster home was great and was the reason he was cured easily from a slight case of anxiety. In a shelter situation, dogs are often rewarded when they are whining or jumping or barking. It might be time in the schedule for dinner or a walk or a visit, and the dog receives the positive attention no matter what he was doing. Whereas, in a foster home, the meals, walks and attention can be appropriately given when the dog is calm and behaving.
Although it may seem counterintuitive and even mean, it is important not to reinforce the whining of an anxious dog. Comforting during whining will let the dog know to continue to whine as comfort will arrive. Ignoring might be indicated if the dog is not too distressed. Then you can give attention as soon as the dog is quiet. Or, using techniques like Tellington Touch or Reiki are helpful but don’t support the anxiety.
Having a clear routine and expectations helps anxious dogs settle in and know what to expect. They learn how to get what they need, including your attention, and that can calm them down considerably. Slinky is paying attention to me and to the other dogs. It’s obvious that she wants to know how things work around here. She gives a joyful jump or relaxes as soon as she figures out where we are going – outside to play! Or she lies down when she realizes ‘we’ are going to read.
Slinky has realized something else even more important. Her primary caretakers are returning for her. They are part of the plan and part of her life even though she is spending so much time with me. Their coming and going reinforces her attachment to them in a healthy way. Soon coming and going will become normal and she won’t have to worry.
I’ve discovered that if I can initially distract her when her owners are leaving, that she has a much calmer transition. It’s best if we get in the car and move away from them. After a fun walk in the park, Gina went in the opposite direction from our car. Slinky jumped right into the car with me and was ready for the ride. She looked in her mom’s direction but was not distressed. She whined two quiet little cries. Then she became interested in her surroundings and seemed okay with the separation.
Her walk in the park had also been relaxing. Previously she had been reactive to other dogs. Our approach was to say in a fun voice ‘oh look it’s puppies’. Because the human is relaxed and knows there is no danger, the dog can relax. Slinky followed our cue and accepted that there would be other dogs around. At the end of our walk, Gina and I both fed Slinky treats. Gina gave Slinky to me as if to say I trust Lorraine, no need to worry. Then I brought Slinky back to Gina letting her see that I am trustworthy. When it was time to go, Slinky tried to follow Gina but came with me with very little encouragement.
We ran several errands and mostly Slinky was relaxed and tolerant of my comings and goings. I have to continue to work according to her tolerance. The key is to keep her from having another panic attack so that she is present to learn that she is safe. She had a few whiny moments here and there which I ignored. Then when she laid down I would pet her and praise her.
I was very happy that by the time she got to my house she had recovered. I let her into the yard, and let the other dogs out to join her. They played. When we all went in she was fully settled. Right now she is in a dog bed in the office. So each transition has been better.
When the dogs come inside from the yard, they receive a treat. Tara likes to run to her room and eat it there. The three little ones eat theirs quickly wherever they are. Slinky accepts hers, runs off to eat it on the couch and then comes back to try for another! She’s workin’ it!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Separation Anxiety: Day 8 of Slinky with Misha May Foundation
I’ve been changing the order in which I perform cues which signify my departure such as picking up the keys, donning my coat, or moving the car from the garage. Slinky is taking note but not reacting. I have especially found it useful with cases of separation anxiety to move the car around from garage to driveway to street and around the block on separate days, returning after each move. Since I return quickly, the dog gets used to my departures and returns.
Joan Ogner, Professional Organizer and owner of Very Organized, was here today helping me sort through years of stored Misha May ‘stuff’. My home is no longer the ‘shelter’. I am dedicating my time to teaching dog training and behavior to owners, fosters and apprentices in Misha May’s Community Education program. Misha May will continue to rescue as many animals as we can find foster homes for, including a maximum of 3 at my home! Joan is a fantastic coach, a hard worker and she really listens to what you want. Contact Joan to get organized:)
Email: veryorganized@mindspring.com (303) 618-1723
Before & After Photos!
Joan Ogner, Professional Organizer and owner of Very Organized, was here today helping me sort through years of stored Misha May ‘stuff’. My home is no longer the ‘shelter’. I am dedicating my time to teaching dog training and behavior to owners, fosters and apprentices in Misha May’s Community Education program. Misha May will continue to rescue as many animals as we can find foster homes for, including a maximum of 3 at my home! Joan is a fantastic coach, a hard worker and she really listens to what you want. Contact Joan to get organized:)
Email: veryorganized@mindspring.com (303) 618-1723
Before & After Photos!
Slinky spent the day assisting us and being off on her own. She was very independent exploring the basement and first floor, and checking in with us. She seemed to be very relaxed knowing we were there but not attentive to her. This is an important step for a separation anxiety dog. She understood that just because we were not directly engaged with her, it didn’t mean we were not available to her. You can understand how this understanding can expand to include those times when the person is not physically present either.
Some dogs with separation anxiety salivate so much that they are in a pool when the owner returns. Slinky doesn’t have that symptom, but Samson did. Samson, a 5 year old neutered male Aussie Shepherd mix, is a foster with The Misha May Foundation and needs an adoptive home. When he was returned to us after having been adopted for three years, he exhibited quite a bit of fear and anxiety.
His foster reported to us that besides vocalizing and being distressed when they left him alone, he also was urinating. However, upon closer inspection, they realized it was saliva filling his crate, not urine! Samson did not have severe separation anxiety and was fairly easily convinced that his crate would bring great things and that his kind foster would indeed return. He is currently crate trained and much more relaxed.
I simply directed his foster to practice separating from him when home, and to reward him for calm behaviors. This home had no children or other dogs and was quite quiet. This was exactly what he needed to relax and not develop more phobias. Often, when dogs are sensitive to one trigger, like being left alone, they will develop additional phobias. It is crucial to afford them sanctuary to unwind and heal.
Slinky and I visited a friend and her dog this evening. Canyon is an adult spayed female setter who is very friendly, well adjusted and playful. Slinky and Canyon became almost immediate best friends. They soon were in rhythm with their play bows, alerts to birds and squirrels, and attention-seeking from the humans. They were two absolutely joyful dogs, which I can’t show you since I forgot my video camera.
I took two bully chew sticks along even though Slinky had shown no interest previously. Suddenly when she witnessed Canyon’s intense chewing, Slinky decided to see what all of the excitement was about. Soon, the 2 girls were lying side by side enjoying their treats. Dogs learn from watching each other.
Some dogs with separation anxiety salivate so much that they are in a pool when the owner returns. Slinky doesn’t have that symptom, but Samson did. Samson, a 5 year old neutered male Aussie Shepherd mix, is a foster with The Misha May Foundation and needs an adoptive home. When he was returned to us after having been adopted for three years, he exhibited quite a bit of fear and anxiety.
His foster reported to us that besides vocalizing and being distressed when they left him alone, he also was urinating. However, upon closer inspection, they realized it was saliva filling his crate, not urine! Samson did not have severe separation anxiety and was fairly easily convinced that his crate would bring great things and that his kind foster would indeed return. He is currently crate trained and much more relaxed.
I simply directed his foster to practice separating from him when home, and to reward him for calm behaviors. This home had no children or other dogs and was quite quiet. This was exactly what he needed to relax and not develop more phobias. Often, when dogs are sensitive to one trigger, like being left alone, they will develop additional phobias. It is crucial to afford them sanctuary to unwind and heal.
Slinky and I visited a friend and her dog this evening. Canyon is an adult spayed female setter who is very friendly, well adjusted and playful. Slinky and Canyon became almost immediate best friends. They soon were in rhythm with their play bows, alerts to birds and squirrels, and attention-seeking from the humans. They were two absolutely joyful dogs, which I can’t show you since I forgot my video camera.
I took two bully chew sticks along even though Slinky had shown no interest previously. Suddenly when she witnessed Canyon’s intense chewing, Slinky decided to see what all of the excitement was about. Soon, the 2 girls were lying side by side enjoying their treats. Dogs learn from watching each other.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Separation Anxiety: Day 7 of Slinky with Misha May
Slinky got her name because when they tried to put a leash on her at the shelter, she slinked across the floor. That says to me that although she was almost one year old, she seemed to have been deprived of some common and necessary experiences. Perhaps her separation anxiety was caused at least in part by neglect. The result of this was her feeling insecure when she was left alone, knowing it was very possible she would not get her basic needs met.
She no longer needs treats or any special cue when I exit through a door. I can go down to the basement, out to the back yard and out the front door without her being triggered. I do return in a matter of seconds or minutes and am increasing the length of time as tolerated. She hasn’t had any intense vocalizations since the first evening and those were nothing compared to the crate video.
In the beginning, my Rena used to vocalize when I was standing even just a few feet away. It was heartbreaking and was frustrating and irritating and tragic. I felt that I was being controlled by her. It took quite some time of miniscule absences until she could tolerate distance. She was damaged beyond just separation anxiety and was clearly an anxious dog even when the particular behaviors were extinguished.
She always accompanied us to work. Within a few days of her adoption, a group of us was purging and cleaning the offices. We were right there in the hallway outside of her room and she could see us. But she could not tolerate being ‘alone’. She sounded to me like the Three Stooges all expressing themselves at the same time. It was difficult in those beginning days to attend to her and get anything done. Sometimes I felt resentful that so much accommodation had to be designed for her. But I soon realized just how terrifying this was for her and concentrated on feeling elated at each inch of her progress.
In comparison, when Nancy came to drop off her artwork and quilt donations for our Moment for Mutts auction coming up on November 12, Slinky was behind a gate and looking into the living room, so that we could go in and out of the front door with the dogs safely contained. She was happy and twirling and seemed to feel a part of our enterprises. This is an important aspect of designing a rehabilitation program. Even though dogs may share the condition of separation anxiety, each is an individual dog with particular strengths and fragilities that need to be addressed in order to be successful.
Professionals do not agree on one theory regarding the exact causes of separation anxiety but contributing factors may include extremely social dogs being left alone, associating a negative or frightening experience with being left alone, or being left alone for the first time without preparation. Dogs who have been abandoned, traumatized, or abused may find it difficult to face not having someone to comfort them. And some dogs may be genetically predisposed to the condition.
Charlie, the only male pup of terrier Sugar in a litter of six, exhibited some behaviors early on that might have led to separation anxiety even though none of his littermates or mother did. He seemed a likely candidate for preventative measures. Foster pup Charlie was first separated from his littermates and mom at about 13 weeks because it was believed that he was a bully picking on his sisters. When he came to my house, where he spent a week prior to adoption, he seemed more anxious and demanding to me than aggressive.
I had brought a crate with me to transport him home and he began to scream the second he was inside. The foster told me that he had had that same reaction each time he was placed in a crate. He would have benefited from gradual crate training, but it wasn’t possible seeing as how he had to be transported to vet appointments safely in the car with all of the others. Unfortunately this happens – dogs need to be crated but there hasn’t been time to acclimate them to the idea. The best case scenario is to continue to work on gradual crate training in addition to necessary trips. Eventually, a natural affinity for the crate will most likely emerge.
When Charlie arrived at my house, he followed me around, which is not that odd for a pup. But when I went out of his sight and he couldn’t follow, he screamed and wailed. Charlie seemed to have little tolerance for being alone or controlling his impulses. He went from hanging out to completely frustrated very quickly. I focused on rewarding polite behaviors and ignoring what I could ignore such as jumping up and barking. I taught him that waiting patiently would earn him attention and a reward. He learned to ‘wait’ at a closed door as if it were the most important job on earth. He seemed to feel so proud and confident as I praised each little step.
I reminded myself that he had been living in his foster home with 9 other dogs, 2 adults and 4 children, not to mention neighbors, friends and additional family. He was extremely well socialized but he lacked the capacity to be alone and happy and to self-soothe. The week at my house was a successful transition time for him. He now lives with 2 adults and another dog and we hear he is very well adjusted. No one knows for sure if he would have developed into a more anxious dog, but preventative measures can decidedly impact a dog’s future behaviors.
She no longer needs treats or any special cue when I exit through a door. I can go down to the basement, out to the back yard and out the front door without her being triggered. I do return in a matter of seconds or minutes and am increasing the length of time as tolerated. She hasn’t had any intense vocalizations since the first evening and those were nothing compared to the crate video.
In the beginning, my Rena used to vocalize when I was standing even just a few feet away. It was heartbreaking and was frustrating and irritating and tragic. I felt that I was being controlled by her. It took quite some time of miniscule absences until she could tolerate distance. She was damaged beyond just separation anxiety and was clearly an anxious dog even when the particular behaviors were extinguished.
She always accompanied us to work. Within a few days of her adoption, a group of us was purging and cleaning the offices. We were right there in the hallway outside of her room and she could see us. But she could not tolerate being ‘alone’. She sounded to me like the Three Stooges all expressing themselves at the same time. It was difficult in those beginning days to attend to her and get anything done. Sometimes I felt resentful that so much accommodation had to be designed for her. But I soon realized just how terrifying this was for her and concentrated on feeling elated at each inch of her progress.
In comparison, when Nancy came to drop off her artwork and quilt donations for our Moment for Mutts auction coming up on November 12, Slinky was behind a gate and looking into the living room, so that we could go in and out of the front door with the dogs safely contained. She was happy and twirling and seemed to feel a part of our enterprises. This is an important aspect of designing a rehabilitation program. Even though dogs may share the condition of separation anxiety, each is an individual dog with particular strengths and fragilities that need to be addressed in order to be successful.
Professionals do not agree on one theory regarding the exact causes of separation anxiety but contributing factors may include extremely social dogs being left alone, associating a negative or frightening experience with being left alone, or being left alone for the first time without preparation. Dogs who have been abandoned, traumatized, or abused may find it difficult to face not having someone to comfort them. And some dogs may be genetically predisposed to the condition.
Charlie, the only male pup of terrier Sugar in a litter of six, exhibited some behaviors early on that might have led to separation anxiety even though none of his littermates or mother did. He seemed a likely candidate for preventative measures. Foster pup Charlie was first separated from his littermates and mom at about 13 weeks because it was believed that he was a bully picking on his sisters. When he came to my house, where he spent a week prior to adoption, he seemed more anxious and demanding to me than aggressive.
I had brought a crate with me to transport him home and he began to scream the second he was inside. The foster told me that he had had that same reaction each time he was placed in a crate. He would have benefited from gradual crate training, but it wasn’t possible seeing as how he had to be transported to vet appointments safely in the car with all of the others. Unfortunately this happens – dogs need to be crated but there hasn’t been time to acclimate them to the idea. The best case scenario is to continue to work on gradual crate training in addition to necessary trips. Eventually, a natural affinity for the crate will most likely emerge.
When Charlie arrived at my house, he followed me around, which is not that odd for a pup. But when I went out of his sight and he couldn’t follow, he screamed and wailed. Charlie seemed to have little tolerance for being alone or controlling his impulses. He went from hanging out to completely frustrated very quickly. I focused on rewarding polite behaviors and ignoring what I could ignore such as jumping up and barking. I taught him that waiting patiently would earn him attention and a reward. He learned to ‘wait’ at a closed door as if it were the most important job on earth. He seemed to feel so proud and confident as I praised each little step.
I reminded myself that he had been living in his foster home with 9 other dogs, 2 adults and 4 children, not to mention neighbors, friends and additional family. He was extremely well socialized but he lacked the capacity to be alone and happy and to self-soothe. The week at my house was a successful transition time for him. He now lives with 2 adults and another dog and we hear he is very well adjusted. No one knows for sure if he would have developed into a more anxious dog, but preventative measures can decidedly impact a dog’s future behaviors.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Separation Anxiety: Day 6 of Slinky with Misha May
Slinky joined 3 other dogs, Shadow, Twinkle and Valentino, in having a great time in the snow. She seemed a little fragile at first, affected by the cold. But once she got running and playing and investigating, she loved it. Shadow, on the other hand, never enjoys the cold unless I am carrying him in my arms. He prefers to do what he has to, and then scurry back inside. He is always standing by the door waiting for everyone else.
http://youtu.be/huc40JARdn8
It doesn’t seem to bother Slinky to be outside without me, even if the other dogs come in. She fixates on squirrels. She doesn’t bark or chase them as they are usually in the adjoining yard, but she stares. When the most courageous squirrels do run along the fence of our yard, she joins the other dogs in hot pursuit. For a little seventeen pound dog, she is really quite athletic and hearty.
I set up another crate today specifically to see if Slinky will take ownership of it. I transferred some of the bedding from the other crate into this one to make it seem familiar and friendly. This one is Great Dane size. I like using the largest crates possible, as long as there aren’t any house training issues. The spaciousness can be quite inviting and allows them to have their own little apartment where they can play or share, sleep or eat. I want her to be able to move from crate to crate and generalize that they are all good, whether wire or plastic, here or at her house. I had intended to put the crate in my living room where there is more space, but I realized if I put it in the office with the other ones, she might accept it more easily at first.
Slinky did go right into the new crate as the others were occupied. When I am here typing, 4 dogs are usually with me in crates. The doors are always open unless it is meal time, as two of them like eating in their own crates and not being disturbed. Slinky and Twinky (Twinkle) were in the large crate today resting as seen here.
http://youtu.be/n3qXXKwBwHI
Tara, my 11 year old black Lab mix has now joined Slinky and her buddies Valentino, Twinkle and Shadow in playing in the yard. Tara really loves the snow too. Slinky seems to understand that Tara is an older female and greets her with slower and more deferential movements. Her puppy respectfulness is quite endearing. Perhaps their play will be livelier when they have known each other longer. Tara can still run around the yard, chase balls and squirrels and throw an inviting play bow.
A milestone in crate training happened today. As I was retrieving office items from the bookshelf behind Slinky’s crate, I inadvertently gently bumped the door to the crate which adjusted its position. She had no response as it swung toward her to the closed position. This was really the first time that the crate had been manipulated with her inside. I had been walking near it and interacting with her while she was inside it, but I had not moved the door. I was very pleased to see that her comfort level is quite high and ever increasing.
Slinky accompanied me to the Arvada Understanding Dogs meeting for our dog trainer apprentices. She loved all of the attention from the trainers and was often off by herself exploring. This was good because she was acting independently in an unfamiliar place. What was not so good was that she chewed her leash and chomped on some of the toys – for children, not dogs – in the bins. Nothing drastic thank goodness.
Slinky met Liz’s dog Boo, an adult neutered male blond cocker spaniel. They didn’t play or interact much but tolerated each other nicely for the evening. Slinky also helped with a leash walking demonstration. Yukari had attended the national Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference in San Diego and was sharing some of the highlights with the rest of us. The technique has the handler and the dog on the move in a fluid dance-like motion. No jerking or sudden stops are involved. The dog learns that as long as she moves with her handler, treats and praise will be forthcoming. It seemed like a very pleasurable experience for both.
At the beginning of the demonstration, Slinky was not absolutely certain that she wanted to help Yukari. I got up and walked beside Slinky while Yukari continued to hold the leash. Soon, Slinky was invested in the exercise and didn’t need me as a transitional support anymore. I hadn’t said anything to her; I was with her and she knew it.
While I unloaded my teaching materials for the class, Slinky waited in the car. This was probably the longest time she had been left with me going out of sight into a building. I think I may have heard her cry a little, but she was calm when I returned. She is not as comfortable and relaxed waiting in a car as many other dogs I’ve known with separation anxiety. She rides in a car beautifully though. She is calm and gazes out the window.
http://youtu.be/huc40JARdn8
It doesn’t seem to bother Slinky to be outside without me, even if the other dogs come in. She fixates on squirrels. She doesn’t bark or chase them as they are usually in the adjoining yard, but she stares. When the most courageous squirrels do run along the fence of our yard, she joins the other dogs in hot pursuit. For a little seventeen pound dog, she is really quite athletic and hearty.
I set up another crate today specifically to see if Slinky will take ownership of it. I transferred some of the bedding from the other crate into this one to make it seem familiar and friendly. This one is Great Dane size. I like using the largest crates possible, as long as there aren’t any house training issues. The spaciousness can be quite inviting and allows them to have their own little apartment where they can play or share, sleep or eat. I want her to be able to move from crate to crate and generalize that they are all good, whether wire or plastic, here or at her house. I had intended to put the crate in my living room where there is more space, but I realized if I put it in the office with the other ones, she might accept it more easily at first.
Slinky did go right into the new crate as the others were occupied. When I am here typing, 4 dogs are usually with me in crates. The doors are always open unless it is meal time, as two of them like eating in their own crates and not being disturbed. Slinky and Twinky (Twinkle) were in the large crate today resting as seen here.
http://youtu.be/n3qXXKwBwHI
Tara, my 11 year old black Lab mix has now joined Slinky and her buddies Valentino, Twinkle and Shadow in playing in the yard. Tara really loves the snow too. Slinky seems to understand that Tara is an older female and greets her with slower and more deferential movements. Her puppy respectfulness is quite endearing. Perhaps their play will be livelier when they have known each other longer. Tara can still run around the yard, chase balls and squirrels and throw an inviting play bow.
A milestone in crate training happened today. As I was retrieving office items from the bookshelf behind Slinky’s crate, I inadvertently gently bumped the door to the crate which adjusted its position. She had no response as it swung toward her to the closed position. This was really the first time that the crate had been manipulated with her inside. I had been walking near it and interacting with her while she was inside it, but I had not moved the door. I was very pleased to see that her comfort level is quite high and ever increasing.
Slinky accompanied me to the Arvada Understanding Dogs meeting for our dog trainer apprentices. She loved all of the attention from the trainers and was often off by herself exploring. This was good because she was acting independently in an unfamiliar place. What was not so good was that she chewed her leash and chomped on some of the toys – for children, not dogs – in the bins. Nothing drastic thank goodness.
Slinky met Liz’s dog Boo, an adult neutered male blond cocker spaniel. They didn’t play or interact much but tolerated each other nicely for the evening. Slinky also helped with a leash walking demonstration. Yukari had attended the national Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference in San Diego and was sharing some of the highlights with the rest of us. The technique has the handler and the dog on the move in a fluid dance-like motion. No jerking or sudden stops are involved. The dog learns that as long as she moves with her handler, treats and praise will be forthcoming. It seemed like a very pleasurable experience for both.
At the beginning of the demonstration, Slinky was not absolutely certain that she wanted to help Yukari. I got up and walked beside Slinky while Yukari continued to hold the leash. Soon, Slinky was invested in the exercise and didn’t need me as a transitional support anymore. I hadn’t said anything to her; I was with her and she knew it.
While I unloaded my teaching materials for the class, Slinky waited in the car. This was probably the longest time she had been left with me going out of sight into a building. I think I may have heard her cry a little, but she was calm when I returned. She is not as comfortable and relaxed waiting in a car as many other dogs I’ve known with separation anxiety. She rides in a car beautifully though. She is calm and gazes out the window.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Separation Anxiety: Day 5 of Slinky with Misha May
Slinky has one broken canine which happened during the one and only time she was crated in a wire crate. Injuries similar to this are common. These injuries confirm that the dog is in a panicked state, unaware of the self-infliction of pain. My dog Rena once flipped her wire crate on its side and managed to squeeze through without injury. She then pried open a heavy restroom door and proceeded to greet all of the clients in the building. Buddy and Kabul also both managed to escape from wire crates uninjured. Sadly, many dogs do sustain injuries from jumping off balconies, through picture windows and nosing through crates.
Slinky really has the’ wait’ at the kitchen door. Sometimes she just stays on the couch as I go out – doesn’t even get up when I leave or return. At first I took a treat to the couch to reinforce her calm, but then I started just saying ‘wait’ and closing the door behind me. She is making terrific progress in and around the house and yard.
This girl wakes up joyful every morning. You can see her continuing to relax and look forward to whatever the day brings. No worry, no dread, no anxiety! Still dancing and prancing as she eats! She eats almost all of her food now.
Our next transition session with her adopter will be a walk in the park together. I expect an easier transition back to my house since she will not be leaving me fully and then having to return. I have an exercise planned for building trust.
Kabul, a young dog rescued from Afghanistan, who received help from Misha May with separation anxiety, resource guarding and having lived in the wild his entire life, never had any transition problems. He went smoothly between his rescuers and Misha May. He did however, have a problem being alone and did not want to be in a crate. His rescuers had built him a big enclosure which he escaped from enabling him to come close to chewing his way through their garage door.
When Kabul arrived in the USA, he went to live with two older female dogs. They got off to a rough start when he decided he better fight for the precious food. He also had no manners or understandings for living in a home. He chewed and destroyed anything he could. He had no comprehension of ‘walks’ on a leash. Most of the time he would simply sit or lie down in the shade and seem to be saying ‘I’ve walked around wherever I’ve wanted to my whole life. Why are we following this limited linear path?’
Through Misha May’s program, Kabul is now crate trained, over his separation anxiety, and spending his days at home with a midday dog walker. He is not crated and enjoys the company of the two other dogs. Kabul has many dog playmates, in addition to which, he always makes a favorable impression on the humans he meets. If you want to see an Afghan Koochie Dog, Kabul, or K, is featured in many videos on Msha May’s youtube channel.
This is a short video of Slinky hanging out in the crate. It is so great to see her following along with what my dogs do. Dogs really do help each other so much.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQZwJog2QiU
Slinky and Shadow have really taken a liking to each other and have developed an enthusiastic rhythm in their play. They are featured in this video, with Valentino and Twinkle looking on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3dxHIRW9po
Slinky has learned a lot in the mere 1½ weeks she was with her adopters. One thing is, she remembers to lift her leg as she is getting into her harness. I know dogs who still don’t do that after years! I got confused about how it strapped on, and she showed me how.
Another milestone with the car happened today at the library. Instead of parking at the drop box, I had to park in the lot and go all the way inside, out of her sight. I was prepared to abort the mission if she didn’t seem as confident as I thought she would be. But she simply sat quietly as I walked off saying ‘bye-bye’ cheerily. I dropped books off, hurriedly self-checked new ones and was back in a flash.
Often dogs with separation anxiety find comfort in the car, even while waiting by alone. I’m not sure why, but I imagine they think of being in a car as being in a safe haven, a mobile den big enough to accommodate their person too! A car isn’t stationary like a crate where they are certain to be left behind. When Buddy, the 100 pound German Shepherd who destroyed a few homes, came to Misha May for treatment for separation anxiety, he would only stay in the car alone, nowhere else.
Slinky accompanied me to Misha May’s Understanding Dogs class last night. When we were working with the other dogs, she waited patiently with our dog trainer apprentices for about an hour. Some dogs with separation anxiety, Slinky included, need to be with one person in particular to feel safe. Since she has begun this training, she feels safe with an ever increasing number of people. Our goal is for her to remain bonded deeply with her adopters, but to have trust for other deserving humans. This enlarges her world and her opportunities, and decreases her anxiety and apprehension.
Surprisingly, upon arriving home, Slinky went right into the crate! Sometimes she will leave the rest of us in the living room and go lie in the crate in the office. Her natural denning instinct is growing stronger.
Slinky really has the’ wait’ at the kitchen door. Sometimes she just stays on the couch as I go out – doesn’t even get up when I leave or return. At first I took a treat to the couch to reinforce her calm, but then I started just saying ‘wait’ and closing the door behind me. She is making terrific progress in and around the house and yard.
This girl wakes up joyful every morning. You can see her continuing to relax and look forward to whatever the day brings. No worry, no dread, no anxiety! Still dancing and prancing as she eats! She eats almost all of her food now.
Our next transition session with her adopter will be a walk in the park together. I expect an easier transition back to my house since she will not be leaving me fully and then having to return. I have an exercise planned for building trust.
Kabul, a young dog rescued from Afghanistan, who received help from Misha May with separation anxiety, resource guarding and having lived in the wild his entire life, never had any transition problems. He went smoothly between his rescuers and Misha May. He did however, have a problem being alone and did not want to be in a crate. His rescuers had built him a big enclosure which he escaped from enabling him to come close to chewing his way through their garage door.
When Kabul arrived in the USA, he went to live with two older female dogs. They got off to a rough start when he decided he better fight for the precious food. He also had no manners or understandings for living in a home. He chewed and destroyed anything he could. He had no comprehension of ‘walks’ on a leash. Most of the time he would simply sit or lie down in the shade and seem to be saying ‘I’ve walked around wherever I’ve wanted to my whole life. Why are we following this limited linear path?’
Through Misha May’s program, Kabul is now crate trained, over his separation anxiety, and spending his days at home with a midday dog walker. He is not crated and enjoys the company of the two other dogs. Kabul has many dog playmates, in addition to which, he always makes a favorable impression on the humans he meets. If you want to see an Afghan Koochie Dog, Kabul, or K, is featured in many videos on Msha May’s youtube channel.
This is a short video of Slinky hanging out in the crate. It is so great to see her following along with what my dogs do. Dogs really do help each other so much.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQZwJog2QiU
Slinky and Shadow have really taken a liking to each other and have developed an enthusiastic rhythm in their play. They are featured in this video, with Valentino and Twinkle looking on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3dxHIRW9po
Slinky has learned a lot in the mere 1½ weeks she was with her adopters. One thing is, she remembers to lift her leg as she is getting into her harness. I know dogs who still don’t do that after years! I got confused about how it strapped on, and she showed me how.
Another milestone with the car happened today at the library. Instead of parking at the drop box, I had to park in the lot and go all the way inside, out of her sight. I was prepared to abort the mission if she didn’t seem as confident as I thought she would be. But she simply sat quietly as I walked off saying ‘bye-bye’ cheerily. I dropped books off, hurriedly self-checked new ones and was back in a flash.
Often dogs with separation anxiety find comfort in the car, even while waiting by alone. I’m not sure why, but I imagine they think of being in a car as being in a safe haven, a mobile den big enough to accommodate their person too! A car isn’t stationary like a crate where they are certain to be left behind. When Buddy, the 100 pound German Shepherd who destroyed a few homes, came to Misha May for treatment for separation anxiety, he would only stay in the car alone, nowhere else.
Slinky accompanied me to Misha May’s Understanding Dogs class last night. When we were working with the other dogs, she waited patiently with our dog trainer apprentices for about an hour. Some dogs with separation anxiety, Slinky included, need to be with one person in particular to feel safe. Since she has begun this training, she feels safe with an ever increasing number of people. Our goal is for her to remain bonded deeply with her adopters, but to have trust for other deserving humans. This enlarges her world and her opportunities, and decreases her anxiety and apprehension.
Surprisingly, upon arriving home, Slinky went right into the crate! Sometimes she will leave the rest of us in the living room and go lie in the crate in the office. Her natural denning instinct is growing stronger.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Separation Anxiety: Day 4 Slinky gets treatment with Misha May
Currently, Slinky is on chlomicalm which is usually the first choice medication for anxiety. It has to be prescribed by a veterinarian and must be accompanied by behavior modification.
Slinky was adopted from a local kill shelter after having been transferred from another kill shelter. We don't know any more of her story. The first day that her adopters left her alone in the house, she destroyed many things. Someone recommended kenneling her, which, of course, is dangerous with SA cases because they often hurt themselves trying to get out and find their owner.
Her adopters followed this unwise advice because they didn't know about her condition. The next day she was crated in a plastic crate but escaped, again destroying many things. When the adopters returned, she was absolutely distraught.
They then purchased a wire crate thinking that she would like the open style. Thank goodness they had set up the video cam that day and captured Slinky’s panic attack complete with destroying the blanket on top. They immediately sought a diagnosis and help for her.
Rena, my first dog with separation anxiety, progressed fairly well as I implemented tactics to help her feel good about being alone. She was my first experience and I definitely didn’t know then what I know now. One of the mistakes I made, was leaving her too long before she was ready. I left her in her wire crate, covered with a blanket, for what I thought would be 3 hours. Unfortunately, I was held up and it resulted in a 5 hour absence instead.
When I returned and stepped into the room, the silence was unnatural. My attention was first drawn to the floor where there had been numerous rugs and floor coverings to catch the dirt and mud from our mountain yard. All I saw was carpeting. As I lifted my gaze, I saw my poor baby cocooned not just within the wire crate and outer blanket, but literally immobilized within all of the floor coverings she had dragged into her crate. It was hilariously tragic, and it took me awhile to free her from her twisted prison. She seemed fine and miraculously continued to like her crate even after that.
You probably want to know how I initially created such a strong positive association between Rena and her crate when she refused to even enter one then. Motivation is always the answer. Because she loved stuffy toys, I started by throwing her favorite one into the crate as we were playing and she was on the move. She followed it right in, picked it up and came towards the gate. I let her come out, but as she did I took the toy. I continued playing the fun game of throw the toy in the crate and taking it when she exited. She astutely realized that the only time she could lie down and play with her toy was in her crate. That did it! Eventually I was able to close the door.
For some dogs, crate training is successful with meals or special treats, friendly smelling bedding or just time and patience. The key is to go as slowly as needed, always having it accessible and filled with something irresistible to your dog.
Slinky waits at the door beautifully now while I attend to other animals. Her time increased today because I included feeding the cats and scooping their litter boxes.
Slinky decided she liked the durable dinsoaur nylabone she found and and chewed happily for quite some time. Like many dogs, Slinky appreciates items that wear the slobber, saliva and smell of other dogs.
Slinky is integrating seamlessly with the resident dogs. They are all roaming, playing and resting during the day. Here she is with, playmate Shadow.
Another milestone in her treatment was her calm response to my moving the car out of the garage with her in the house. This can be an enormous trigger for dogs who have separation anxiety as it predicts departure. I was not actually leaving so I came right back in. I found her hanging out with Shadow, pictured below. I moved the car because based on her behavior, I was 99.99% certain that she would not react. In treatment, our goal is to change predictors of abandonment into irrelevant happenings.
Her mom came and picked her up in what would be their first visit since treatment began. It is important to widen Slinky’s circle of trust while maintaining the bond with her adopters. We want the transition between and among them to be stress-free. Gina was given a list of things that I had already introduced that she would now practice today and in future visits.
1) All greetings and farewells are low key
2) Ignore half of her approaches.
a) Reward all distance. If Slinky is sitting away from you, say softly ‘good girl’. If she comes to you, nonchalantly acknowledge her with a quiet good girl. We don’t want to discourage the ‘come’.
b) Try to walk by her when she is lying down somewhere. Pet her calmly - keep going half of the time, join her half of the time.
3) Imagine a line across an inner doorway. When she is behind it and you are on the opposite side, say ‘wait’ as you throw a small treat just past her, being sure she can see it. As she turns to get it, say ‘yes’. As she nears the imaginary line coming toward you, say ‘okay’ before she crosses so that you are actually giving permission to cross. This builds a ‘wait’ cue along with independence and confidence, while giving her a job to do in your absence.
Buddy, a 100 pound German Shepherd rescued by Misha May, suffered with separation anxiety. He had been returned to a shelter three times for destroying homes. The notes claimed that he had even pulled a refrigerator across a kitchen to get to the loaf of bread on top – had he been tied to it? In looking for his perfect adopter, we needed someone who would be sensitive to his need for a transition between his foster home and his forever home. He is doing terrific at home all day now, but we began with hours, overnights, and weekends. His adopter even went home each day for lunch to make her absences shorter.
When Slinky first returned from her play date with her mom, she greeted me and the dogs with joy and ran into the yard to play. Then as the distractions lessened, she realized mom was gone. She whined and searched restlessly for about an hour, much less than the first evening. Again, I wanted to help her but not reward the anxious behavior. Rescue Remedy came to the rescue again. She lay down in one of the crates and relaxed. Here she is crying softly.
http://youtu.be/bTRSLsW5Tcc
I am very happy to report that she soon discovered another toy which kept her busy and soothed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwa3KwuQy9U
Slinky was adopted from a local kill shelter after having been transferred from another kill shelter. We don't know any more of her story. The first day that her adopters left her alone in the house, she destroyed many things. Someone recommended kenneling her, which, of course, is dangerous with SA cases because they often hurt themselves trying to get out and find their owner.
Her adopters followed this unwise advice because they didn't know about her condition. The next day she was crated in a plastic crate but escaped, again destroying many things. When the adopters returned, she was absolutely distraught.
They then purchased a wire crate thinking that she would like the open style. Thank goodness they had set up the video cam that day and captured Slinky’s panic attack complete with destroying the blanket on top. They immediately sought a diagnosis and help for her.
Rena, my first dog with separation anxiety, progressed fairly well as I implemented tactics to help her feel good about being alone. She was my first experience and I definitely didn’t know then what I know now. One of the mistakes I made, was leaving her too long before she was ready. I left her in her wire crate, covered with a blanket, for what I thought would be 3 hours. Unfortunately, I was held up and it resulted in a 5 hour absence instead.
When I returned and stepped into the room, the silence was unnatural. My attention was first drawn to the floor where there had been numerous rugs and floor coverings to catch the dirt and mud from our mountain yard. All I saw was carpeting. As I lifted my gaze, I saw my poor baby cocooned not just within the wire crate and outer blanket, but literally immobilized within all of the floor coverings she had dragged into her crate. It was hilariously tragic, and it took me awhile to free her from her twisted prison. She seemed fine and miraculously continued to like her crate even after that.
You probably want to know how I initially created such a strong positive association between Rena and her crate when she refused to even enter one then. Motivation is always the answer. Because she loved stuffy toys, I started by throwing her favorite one into the crate as we were playing and she was on the move. She followed it right in, picked it up and came towards the gate. I let her come out, but as she did I took the toy. I continued playing the fun game of throw the toy in the crate and taking it when she exited. She astutely realized that the only time she could lie down and play with her toy was in her crate. That did it! Eventually I was able to close the door.
For some dogs, crate training is successful with meals or special treats, friendly smelling bedding or just time and patience. The key is to go as slowly as needed, always having it accessible and filled with something irresistible to your dog.
Slinky waits at the door beautifully now while I attend to other animals. Her time increased today because I included feeding the cats and scooping their litter boxes.
Slinky decided she liked the durable dinsoaur nylabone she found and and chewed happily for quite some time. Like many dogs, Slinky appreciates items that wear the slobber, saliva and smell of other dogs.
Slinky is integrating seamlessly with the resident dogs. They are all roaming, playing and resting during the day. Here she is with, playmate Shadow.
Another milestone in her treatment was her calm response to my moving the car out of the garage with her in the house. This can be an enormous trigger for dogs who have separation anxiety as it predicts departure. I was not actually leaving so I came right back in. I found her hanging out with Shadow, pictured below. I moved the car because based on her behavior, I was 99.99% certain that she would not react. In treatment, our goal is to change predictors of abandonment into irrelevant happenings.
Her mom came and picked her up in what would be their first visit since treatment began. It is important to widen Slinky’s circle of trust while maintaining the bond with her adopters. We want the transition between and among them to be stress-free. Gina was given a list of things that I had already introduced that she would now practice today and in future visits.
1) All greetings and farewells are low key
2) Ignore half of her approaches.
a) Reward all distance. If Slinky is sitting away from you, say softly ‘good girl’. If she comes to you, nonchalantly acknowledge her with a quiet good girl. We don’t want to discourage the ‘come’.
b) Try to walk by her when she is lying down somewhere. Pet her calmly - keep going half of the time, join her half of the time.
3) Imagine a line across an inner doorway. When she is behind it and you are on the opposite side, say ‘wait’ as you throw a small treat just past her, being sure she can see it. As she turns to get it, say ‘yes’. As she nears the imaginary line coming toward you, say ‘okay’ before she crosses so that you are actually giving permission to cross. This builds a ‘wait’ cue along with independence and confidence, while giving her a job to do in your absence.
Buddy, a 100 pound German Shepherd rescued by Misha May, suffered with separation anxiety. He had been returned to a shelter three times for destroying homes. The notes claimed that he had even pulled a refrigerator across a kitchen to get to the loaf of bread on top – had he been tied to it? In looking for his perfect adopter, we needed someone who would be sensitive to his need for a transition between his foster home and his forever home. He is doing terrific at home all day now, but we began with hours, overnights, and weekends. His adopter even went home each day for lunch to make her absences shorter.
When Slinky first returned from her play date with her mom, she greeted me and the dogs with joy and ran into the yard to play. Then as the distractions lessened, she realized mom was gone. She whined and searched restlessly for about an hour, much less than the first evening. Again, I wanted to help her but not reward the anxious behavior. Rescue Remedy came to the rescue again. She lay down in one of the crates and relaxed. Here she is crying softly.
http://youtu.be/bTRSLsW5Tcc
I am very happy to report that she soon discovered another toy which kept her busy and soothed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwa3KwuQy9U
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Separation Anxiety: Day 3 Slinky gets treatment with Misha May
For the first time, I was able to exit through the back door into the yard to check on my dogs while Slinky waited just inside. I threw a treat to Slinky and said ‘wait’ and she did. Not only that! When I came back in she wasn’t hovering at the back door as I expected but was in one of the bedrooms being curious. She was pleased to see me but not frantic.
I gave her treats, said ‘wait’, closed the kitchen door, and went down to get Teddy. She waited quietly while I took Teddy outside. The same was repeated when I brought him back in and also fed the cats downstairs.
The next time out, she went with Valentino. They greeted each other like trusted playmates and explored the yard. When they came in, he got a treat and she took her meds in the kitchen. While I am in this room typing, Slinky and Valentino are in the living room. They have been exploring. Now she is alternating between chewing on a tennis ball and investigating her adopter’s shirt. Intermittently they engage and throw play bows.
I am very pleased with her progress. There has been no triggering since she came that first evening. She is happy and relaxed and enjoying each moment. She is acclimating well to being distant from me physically as well as my not paying attention to her. She is waiting patiently and quietly when I shut a door between us.
It is 9:30am. Everyone has been fed and all is quiet. I am in the office with 3 of my dogs. Slinky is in the living room curled up in her bed on the floor. She is content to know that we are near.
10:30am Video #1 Slinky & Valentino in the yard:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyXh9eXVKMA
Slinky and Shadow met and went outside together. Seems like a good match as they are about the same size.
I’ve also been leaving Slinky loose in living room as my 4 dogs go in and out. She has met each one individually and got acquainted over the room gates. So now she is part of the group inside.
When she is outside, she watches the bird and squirrel ‘sanctuary’ through our dividing chain link fence.
My afternoon rest time was on the couch with Slinky and Shadow, my 3 year old Rat Terrier. They are doing beautifully together.
Slinky went on her first car ride with me to the library to drop off books and Starbucks drive through to buy coffee beans. She was very calm in the back seat watching as I walked the short distance to the book drop. At Starbucks she was curious.
She spends time lying in her bed in a very relaxed fashion. She also played with a tennis ball and the clothing that her adopters left so she would have their familiar smells nearby. She seems very at home.
I spent the evening at home. Everything was very quiet as we read, watched a movie and hung out. Slinky is very relaxed and already knows the routine. I couldn’t be more pleased with her progress of transitioning into the program.
Slinky and Shadow met and went outside together. Seems like a good match as they are about the same size.
I’ve also been leaving Slinky loose in living room as my 4 dogs go in and out. She has met each one individually and got acquainted over the room gates. So now she is part of the group inside.
When she is outside, she watches the bird and squirrel ‘sanctuary’ through our dividing chain link fence.
My afternoon rest time was on the couch with Slinky and Shadow, my 3 year old Rat Terrier. They are doing beautifully together.
Slinky went on her first car ride with me to the library to drop off books and Starbucks drive through to buy coffee beans. She was very calm in the back seat watching as I walked the short distance to the book drop. At Starbucks she was curious.
She spends time lying in her bed in a very relaxed fashion. She also played with a tennis ball and the clothing that her adopters left so she would have their familiar smells nearby. She seems very at home.
I spent the evening at home. Everything was very quiet as we read, watched a movie and hung out. Slinky is very relaxed and already knows the routine. I couldn’t be more pleased with her progress of transitioning into the program.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Separation Anxiety: Day 2 of Slinky's treatment with Misha May Foundation
Slinky continues to be a joyful sweet dog. She is friendly to my dogs who are behind their gates. I continue to carry her as I tend to the other animals. My approach to meets like this which involve multiple dogs is to allow them so much friendly access and positive associations that by the time they actually meet, they feel like old friends.
Slinky ate her breakfast in the living room at the same time as the other dogs ate in their spaces. She ate most of it dancing lightly around in between bites. She really is quite the little dancer.
Understanding Dogs apprentices Pauline, Desarae and Mary came for a meeting and Slinky enjoyed the extra attention. She is very relaxed and friendly. She engaged some of the time and rested on the couch some of the time. I left her with them when I went outside and they said she looked toward the door but didn’t seem distressed. She whined slightly. We are building her family of folks she feels safe with.
Slinky has investigated each of the crates. I have not set hers up in the living room yet. I will include bedding from the other dogs’ crates to make it more familiar and enticing. All of the crates are wire like the one she freaked out in prior to diagnosis and treatment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE6Vpm1U7LM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL. I’m pleased that she doesn’t have a completely negative association to them. She went into Tara’s crate and found her chewed bully stick – that is a good association! Then she went into Twinkle’s and found a toy which she played with. Another great situation! When all of the other dogs were outside, she laid in Twinkle’s crate while I typed. I am very pleased with her choice to do that. One of our goals is crate training so that she will have that option to feel safe and for travel.
I let Slinky meet and play with Valentino, a 3 year old neutered male beagle mix, as I thought they would be a great match. And they were! They ran around the yard like crazy. It was so beautiful to watch. They both like to chase and be chased so they alternated. It seemed that they had boundless energy and joy.
Slinky & Valentino playing in the yard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyXh9eXVKMA
Slinky then met Tara, Twinkle and Shadow individually as they walked outside to go to the yard. Slinky did very well with each, smelling and greeting and following along like a puppy. Twinkle was her sweet self; Tara avoided and offered claming signals as usual; Shadow ran at her and way from her vocalizing as usual. She accepted each interaction matter-of-factly. I was impressed. This is great because now I don’t have to carry her. I’m not ready to have them all in the yard together but I will most likely let her experience each of them separately in the yard today.
Slinky napped with Valentino and me on the couch. I know Shadow, my 3 yr old neutered male rat terrier, is missing the closeness with me and I with him (right now he is behind me in the chair as I type). Soon we will all be napping together again but my slow methodical approach to integrating Slinky with my dogs will help avoid issues of jealousy or feeling overwhelmed.
Slinky ate her dinner more routinely. She seems to enjoy that everyone else is eating in their spots too. She runs from her dish to each gate at the entrance of rooms to create camaraderie. She dances and wags that long tail in a celebratory manner.
Now that I am not carrying her and she is not accompanying me every second, I am teaching ‘wait’ at the door between the living room and the kitchen in order to tend to the other animals. As I said ‘wait’, I threw a few small treats at her and when she turned to get hem, I closed the door. She was kept busy finding the treats and had no time to worry. When I returned in two minutes, she was dancing expectantly on the other side of the door. She was not distressed but was happy that I had returned. I kept our reunion low key and pleasant.
Slinky began paying with a tennis ball that was lying around. I am pleased that she is initiating self-soothing practices such as lying on the couch and diversions such as choosing toys to play with. When feeling safe and relaxed, she seems a well adjusted dog.
I don’t see signs of abuse. I wonder why she was brought to a shelter. Was she already exhibiting separation anxiety behaviors such as destruction and her owners didn’t know that she could be cured, or didn’t want to try? If so, how was this condition created? How was it first triggered? Maybe her family loved her and dropped her at a shelter for financial reasons. This would explain why she felt so abandoned and is now pathologically bonding to her new owner. The abandonment experience can be like death to dogs both literally and figuratively. Sometimes they end up killed in overcrowded shelter; sometimes their hearts break and their souls fade without the love and security they were accustomed to having.
Slinky ate her breakfast in the living room at the same time as the other dogs ate in their spaces. She ate most of it dancing lightly around in between bites. She really is quite the little dancer.
Understanding Dogs apprentices Pauline, Desarae and Mary came for a meeting and Slinky enjoyed the extra attention. She is very relaxed and friendly. She engaged some of the time and rested on the couch some of the time. I left her with them when I went outside and they said she looked toward the door but didn’t seem distressed. She whined slightly. We are building her family of folks she feels safe with.
Slinky has investigated each of the crates. I have not set hers up in the living room yet. I will include bedding from the other dogs’ crates to make it more familiar and enticing. All of the crates are wire like the one she freaked out in prior to diagnosis and treatment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE6Vpm1U7LM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL. I’m pleased that she doesn’t have a completely negative association to them. She went into Tara’s crate and found her chewed bully stick – that is a good association! Then she went into Twinkle’s and found a toy which she played with. Another great situation! When all of the other dogs were outside, she laid in Twinkle’s crate while I typed. I am very pleased with her choice to do that. One of our goals is crate training so that she will have that option to feel safe and for travel.
I let Slinky meet and play with Valentino, a 3 year old neutered male beagle mix, as I thought they would be a great match. And they were! They ran around the yard like crazy. It was so beautiful to watch. They both like to chase and be chased so they alternated. It seemed that they had boundless energy and joy.
Slinky & Valentino playing in the yard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyXh9eXVKMA
Slinky then met Tara, Twinkle and Shadow individually as they walked outside to go to the yard. Slinky did very well with each, smelling and greeting and following along like a puppy. Twinkle was her sweet self; Tara avoided and offered claming signals as usual; Shadow ran at her and way from her vocalizing as usual. She accepted each interaction matter-of-factly. I was impressed. This is great because now I don’t have to carry her. I’m not ready to have them all in the yard together but I will most likely let her experience each of them separately in the yard today.
Slinky napped with Valentino and me on the couch. I know Shadow, my 3 yr old neutered male rat terrier, is missing the closeness with me and I with him (right now he is behind me in the chair as I type). Soon we will all be napping together again but my slow methodical approach to integrating Slinky with my dogs will help avoid issues of jealousy or feeling overwhelmed.
Slinky ate her dinner more routinely. She seems to enjoy that everyone else is eating in their spots too. She runs from her dish to each gate at the entrance of rooms to create camaraderie. She dances and wags that long tail in a celebratory manner.
Now that I am not carrying her and she is not accompanying me every second, I am teaching ‘wait’ at the door between the living room and the kitchen in order to tend to the other animals. As I said ‘wait’, I threw a few small treats at her and when she turned to get hem, I closed the door. She was kept busy finding the treats and had no time to worry. When I returned in two minutes, she was dancing expectantly on the other side of the door. She was not distressed but was happy that I had returned. I kept our reunion low key and pleasant.
Slinky began paying with a tennis ball that was lying around. I am pleased that she is initiating self-soothing practices such as lying on the couch and diversions such as choosing toys to play with. When feeling safe and relaxed, she seems a well adjusted dog.
I don’t see signs of abuse. I wonder why she was brought to a shelter. Was she already exhibiting separation anxiety behaviors such as destruction and her owners didn’t know that she could be cured, or didn’t want to try? If so, how was this condition created? How was it first triggered? Maybe her family loved her and dropped her at a shelter for financial reasons. This would explain why she felt so abandoned and is now pathologically bonding to her new owner. The abandonment experience can be like death to dogs both literally and figuratively. Sometimes they end up killed in overcrowded shelter; sometimes their hearts break and their souls fade without the love and security they were accustomed to having.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Slinky in Separation Anxiety Treatment with Misha May Foundation
10/30/11
Nothing is more tragic than a dog with separation anxiety. These dogs are not only terrified of being alone, but are certain they will be abandoned. Unfortunately, the ones who find themselves in shelters were correct. These dogs are usually sweet and sensitive and make great pets, except that, when left alone, they can vocalize incessantly, destroy possessions and hurt themselves trying to get to their owner. They cannot be left alone without great risk to themselves and their home.
Separation anxiety has a favorable prognosis if the protocol is followed. This typically needs to be designed by a trainer or behaviorist who has had first hand experience with the condition. Reading a book will not suffice as there are nuances and flavors and layers of complexity with each individual dog and household.
My own experience began with a dog I rescued from a shelter. Rena was already deteriorating in that environment and was soon to be deemed unadoptable. She vocalized so you wished you were deaf, frantically pawed at the kennel door and on everyone, shredded and ate toys feverishly, and refused to come in from the outdoor play area when her turn was over. She was truly a heartbreak. I wasn't certain then that she had separation anxiety, nor did I know the scope of the condition. I just knew I wanted to save her because she was a bright, endearing lab mix suffering unbearably. I assumed that with time, patience, love and some new information, I could help her have a great life.
She certainly came by her anxiety honestly, having been in a shelter in New Mexcio and then transferred to Denver. She had also been adopted once and returned, and although having tested successfully for a law enforcement progam, she was never claimed. She was a statistic waiting to happen. I decided to change her life. And ultimately she really changed mine!
Our stressful all-consuming relationship of the upcoming months could have easily been predicted by the events that occurred within hours of her adoption. When I took her to say good-bye to the staff who knew her, they seemed extremely relieved to see her go. She jumped on them, knocked over the 'poop' waste can (ugh!) and jumped to the top of the toy shelf to grab what she wanted - all on leash!
I had planned toys and treats for our 20 minute ride to work. Little did I know that those most likely saved my life and the lives of many others on the highway that day. Rena wanted to sit on me desperately as I drove, but she surrendered to the delicious rawhides and shreddable stuffy toys that I kept tossing in the back seat. That short ride cost me about $50 in pacifiers!
When I arrived at work, I was going to hand Rena over to my partner while I saw my client. This is when I became educated about pathological bonding. He was unable to manage her as she determinedly screamed and writhed her way back to my office. I will always remember this session with a client who disliked dogs and whom I did not charge.
Rena screamed and writhed her way into our hearts. She became the fourth dog in our home even though I had told my partner that she would be adopted out as Misha May's first rescue dog. It is to these four dogs - Bella, Zeb, Tara, Rena - that I owe my career as a dog trainer and behaviorist. If they had not come into my life, I may not have found my calling. I was ferociously protective of them once they joined my life and so I had to learn to deal with all of their problems. I knew that issues like resource guarding, aggression, escaping, fear and trauma, and separation anxiety could all be considered tickets to euthanasia. I was going to figure out what to do no matter what it required. And I did.
This was the really the basis for The Misha May Foundation. I use what my dogs taught me to help other dogs daily. In 2010, we began to use the slogan Contact us FIRST for training so you won't need us later for rescue. In 2011, we ranked 5th in Denver 7's A*List Best Dog Training!
The following video is of of Slinky left home alone a few days after being adopted. This video helped the owners to diagnose her separation anxiety and to seek behavior modification help with Misha May. Turning the sound down or off makes it easier to watch. Slinky is safe and sound now. She is doing very well in her training:
Monday, October 17, 2011
Letter to Potential Adopters with Invisible Fence
Dear Potential Adopters,
Thanks so much for your application and interest. Unfortunately, although you seem like good pet parents, we do not adopt to homes with invisible fences.
My own beautiful and perfect:) Golden came to me through his invisible fence still wearing the activated collar. Why would he have returned to his yard to be shocked again going in? His owners gave him to me - hurray!
The Misha May Foundation's rescue experience has shown us, to cite a few examples, that dogs escape through the fence if they are adequately motivated, that this punishment-based tool can make dogs anxious, that dogs are sitting ducks (prey) for any other animals (coyote, etc) not wearing collars, and that otherwise nice dogs bite nearby humans when shocked.
We know that sometimes the fences are successful without mishap, but we aren't willing to take the chance. We believe that if someone trains their dog to stay in the yard and they never get shocked, they didn't need the fence in the first place. If the dog gets shocked more than once or twice, this is more like abuse than actually learning anything. There is also a perceived false confidence, sadly proven incorrect, when an extremely interesting animal or person or smell goes by.
We recommend real fences although we know that some areas forbid those. We recommend living in dog-friendly areas that allow proper fencing. We recommend long leashes for play and companionship. We recommend long term off-leash training and 100% recall training for appropriate dog candidates.
Hope that was helpful,
Lorraine May, Executive Director
2011 Denver 7's A*List Best Dog Training - 5th Place!
Thanks so much for your application and interest. Unfortunately, although you seem like good pet parents, we do not adopt to homes with invisible fences.
My own beautiful and perfect:) Golden came to me through his invisible fence still wearing the activated collar. Why would he have returned to his yard to be shocked again going in? His owners gave him to me - hurray!
The Misha May Foundation's rescue experience has shown us, to cite a few examples, that dogs escape through the fence if they are adequately motivated, that this punishment-based tool can make dogs anxious, that dogs are sitting ducks (prey) for any other animals (coyote, etc) not wearing collars, and that otherwise nice dogs bite nearby humans when shocked.
We know that sometimes the fences are successful without mishap, but we aren't willing to take the chance. We believe that if someone trains their dog to stay in the yard and they never get shocked, they didn't need the fence in the first place. If the dog gets shocked more than once or twice, this is more like abuse than actually learning anything. There is also a perceived false confidence, sadly proven incorrect, when an extremely interesting animal or person or smell goes by.
We recommend real fences although we know that some areas forbid those. We recommend living in dog-friendly areas that allow proper fencing. We recommend long leashes for play and companionship. We recommend long term off-leash training and 100% recall training for appropriate dog candidates.
Hope that was helpful,
Lorraine May, Executive Director
2011 Denver 7's A*List Best Dog Training - 5th Place!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Misha May's Grey puts his heart into playing!
Grey was rescued several years ago from a local shelter. He needed rare expensive heart surgery which neither his owners nor the shelter could/would provide. Fortunately Misha May was able to assemble a team of veterinarians and donors who made it happen.
Grey has been happily adopted for several years. Many of us see him and his family often.
Every time we see his beauty and grace; every time we see his happy life in a caring home; every time we think of what could have become of him - we are so grateful to have been a part of his story and others like it.
So many sweet animals find themselves in precarious situations through no fault of their own. The answer is not to dispose of them in shelters but to work harder to get them the medical care or behavior training they need to live within human society. Misha May's goal, through rescue and education, is to render the shelter system unnecessary, except for its founding purpose, which was to reunite lost dogs with owners. And every now and again there might be a truly dangerous dog who is a public menace.......every now and again, not daily.
Monday, November 1, 2010
A Sudden Behavior Change in Your Dog Often Indicates Pain or Illness - Meet some terrific owners!
Dear Misha May Volunteers,
Thank you, in advance, for all you do for animals and for being here when my family needs you. I don't know where to turn!
Years ago, my daughter felt that a dog was being mistreated in her apartment complex. One night, she heard screeching and screaming that sounded like a person. She called the manager who helped her investigate. The dog’s family had moved out and left the dog behind. The dog was in bad shape and was snapping at everyone. My daughter knew that if she took her to a shelter she would have likely been put down.
We have had her for almost 3 years. We have worked hard to rehabilitate her. We have been through 3 rounds of obedience training and she is a little star at it. We had felt like she had come around. Unfortunately, out of nowhere, she bit my 10 year old son today. He was just walking by her on the stairs. I was following right behind him, so I saw that this came completely out of the blue and unprovoked. What do I do????
My son is distraught and crying because he thinks he is going to lose the family dog and it will be all his fault. My husband will not even think of keeping her here (as sad as it makes him feel) because he feels like it is choosing a dog over our son. I have to be honest with any future owners, but any future owner from Craig's List etc. doesn't have to be honest with me about themselves or aware of their limitations in dealing with a dog like this. If I take her to a shelter, info about her bite history will be the first question they will ask.
Please, please, please call me or reply back with advice.
Bless you and thank you!!!
Worried Parent
Response to Worried Parent from Lorraine May, Executive Director and Head Trainer:
First, let me say how wonderful it was that you took in this poor abandoned dog. She is probably traumatized from that experience and not completely over it.
ALL dogs will bite under the right circumstances. I'm not condoning, just saying that something triggered this bite. Most bites happen in this age group. In general kids scare dogs.
If it is truly out of the blue, you need a vet evaluation for possible pain or illness issues.
Please write back and describe the bite: where on the child, bruise, broke skin, stitches required?
You are correct about taking her to shelter - she would most likely be put down. You are correct about Craig's List - creeps follow that list for free animals to resell for experiments and fighting.
We have no foster homes open at this time. We have no facility unfortunately.
Here is what we can offer:
1) We do in-home behavior evaluations if you are in our service area. We can assess the situation and help you avoid a repeat.
2) We can post her on our website where potential homes are screened through application and home visit. You would have to keep her in the home or pay to board her.
Also I am letting someone know about this from her Breed Rescue group. Perhaps they will have an idea but I know they just took in many dogs from a puppy mill situation. I will let them know I would help with her rehabilitation.
Dear Lorraine,
Thank you very much for getting back to me and for supporting us through this. Saturday, after I emailed you, I took our dog into the vet to have her checked out for perhaps some physical cause to her aggression. Unfortunately, we found that she has advanced liver disease.
We have decided to keep her and treat her as best we can for as long as she is with us. Perhaps with treatment she will improve in temperament, but the vet we saw was not optimistic. Even if she doesn't improve, we are committed to giving her every chance possible and loving her through this next challenge in her life.
Thank you, and the Breed Rescue folks, for being there for people and animals like us. Your understanding support kept me from making a snap decision that we would have regretted forever.
Best regards
Lorraine’s response:
Thank you so much for updating us. Bless you. I know how scary it can be when the dog we know and love suddenly doesn't act like the dog we know and love! I'll forward your note to the Breed Rescue people as well. All the best to your family and pup - she's lucky to have you!
Thank you, in advance, for all you do for animals and for being here when my family needs you. I don't know where to turn!
Years ago, my daughter felt that a dog was being mistreated in her apartment complex. One night, she heard screeching and screaming that sounded like a person. She called the manager who helped her investigate. The dog’s family had moved out and left the dog behind. The dog was in bad shape and was snapping at everyone. My daughter knew that if she took her to a shelter she would have likely been put down.
We have had her for almost 3 years. We have worked hard to rehabilitate her. We have been through 3 rounds of obedience training and she is a little star at it. We had felt like she had come around. Unfortunately, out of nowhere, she bit my 10 year old son today. He was just walking by her on the stairs. I was following right behind him, so I saw that this came completely out of the blue and unprovoked. What do I do????
My son is distraught and crying because he thinks he is going to lose the family dog and it will be all his fault. My husband will not even think of keeping her here (as sad as it makes him feel) because he feels like it is choosing a dog over our son. I have to be honest with any future owners, but any future owner from Craig's List etc. doesn't have to be honest with me about themselves or aware of their limitations in dealing with a dog like this. If I take her to a shelter, info about her bite history will be the first question they will ask.
Please, please, please call me or reply back with advice.
Bless you and thank you!!!
Worried Parent
Response to Worried Parent from Lorraine May, Executive Director and Head Trainer:
First, let me say how wonderful it was that you took in this poor abandoned dog. She is probably traumatized from that experience and not completely over it.
ALL dogs will bite under the right circumstances. I'm not condoning, just saying that something triggered this bite. Most bites happen in this age group. In general kids scare dogs.
If it is truly out of the blue, you need a vet evaluation for possible pain or illness issues.
Please write back and describe the bite: where on the child, bruise, broke skin, stitches required?
You are correct about taking her to shelter - she would most likely be put down. You are correct about Craig's List - creeps follow that list for free animals to resell for experiments and fighting.
We have no foster homes open at this time. We have no facility unfortunately.
Here is what we can offer:
1) We do in-home behavior evaluations if you are in our service area. We can assess the situation and help you avoid a repeat.
2) We can post her on our website where potential homes are screened through application and home visit. You would have to keep her in the home or pay to board her.
Also I am letting someone know about this from her Breed Rescue group. Perhaps they will have an idea but I know they just took in many dogs from a puppy mill situation. I will let them know I would help with her rehabilitation.
Dear Lorraine,
Thank you very much for getting back to me and for supporting us through this. Saturday, after I emailed you, I took our dog into the vet to have her checked out for perhaps some physical cause to her aggression. Unfortunately, we found that she has advanced liver disease.
We have decided to keep her and treat her as best we can for as long as she is with us. Perhaps with treatment she will improve in temperament, but the vet we saw was not optimistic. Even if she doesn't improve, we are committed to giving her every chance possible and loving her through this next challenge in her life.
Thank you, and the Breed Rescue folks, for being there for people and animals like us. Your understanding support kept me from making a snap decision that we would have regretted forever.
Best regards
Lorraine’s response:
Thank you so much for updating us. Bless you. I know how scary it can be when the dog we know and love suddenly doesn't act like the dog we know and love! I'll forward your note to the Breed Rescue people as well. All the best to your family and pup - she's lucky to have you!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Heidi, adopted through The Misha May Foundation, loves reiki
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TfY_6o8JU8
Heidi was dropped off at an animal control as a 3 month old pup. They called Misha May Foundation because they wanted to get her help, but knew they could not adopt her out. Heidi seemed a likely candidate to bite someone as she had been pushed beyond her tolerance level. She was so terrified, that she had backed into the corner of the cage, growling and showing her teeth.
As you can see, Heidi has come a long way with time, love, patience and training from a great owner through Misha May's training programs.
You can set a reiki or behavior appointment through mishamayfoundation@gmail.com. You can study training in the Understanding Dogs class or become Reiki Certified as an Animal Practitioner in January, 2011. http://www.mishamayfoundation.org/.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
When Dogs Jump Fences
by Lorraine May, Executive Director
Any part of this blog is not a substitute for a private behavior consultation or training class. Please seek the professional help you need. I do not give advice for dogs or to owners that I have not met. The information contained within is merely a guide for those who feel that this information might be useful, relevant or user-friendly.
Two jumping tails!
Buddy, a 100 pound German Shepherd, came to Misha May from a shelter where he had been returned by 3 different adopters. Besides separation anxiety and a high prey drive, he cleared six foot fences. Poor thing was a mess. Today his separation anxiety is cured, his prey drive is managed, and he hasn't jumped a fence in years. Since the right home never came along, Buddy has settled in as an affectionate uncle / teacher to all of the foster dogs.
When Buddy first arrived, I assumed incorrectly that if I were with him in the yard he would not be bored or lonely and, therefore, would stay. He did not. He jumped the fence on the second day as I stood right next to him. I am still not sure why, except that he knew he could, and he quite enjoyed the freedom of running around. Eventually he came back to me - I do not know why he chose to, but I was extremely grateful.
I identified my priorities and worked on them simultaneously:
1) to make it impossible for him to jump again - this was a behavior that needed to disappear from his repertoire.
2) to make his time in the yard more fun than his escaping
3) to train him to come to me no matter what
I always went out with Buddy and kept him on a long, long, long leash. I didn't want to tie him out since that wouldn't be much fun and would not encourage him to stay. Tying out is also a way to create an aggressive dog since he can feel so vulnerable and trapped. I did not consider an electric fence, not only because I dislike the idea of shocking the dog, but because if a dog really wants to go through, he will. Misha May has rescued dogs who have escaped such a fence, or who have bitten a nearby person, since the shock can establish a negative association with whomever is near.
With Buddy, I found that I could drop the leash when he wanted to play with the other dogs, but remain close enough to grab it. He only jumped one more time, going after those pesky squirrels. I missed his cues of starting to get overstimulated and then learned the hard way that we still needed to work on his coming to me no matter what. Fortunately, he ended up in the neighbor's yard and felt trapped by our shared 6 foot privacy fence. He was very happy to see me and has not jumped again. I discovered that the words that attract Buddy to my side are, "Are you with me Bud?"
Why did Buddy jump? High prey drive, history of success, it was fun.
Why did he stop? The opportunity was taken away; he received attention and experienced fun in the yard; he learned that coming to me was rewarded.
Do I trust him completely? No, but I give him more freedom after the squirrels have gone to bed.
Flash's owners grew tired of him jumping the fence and then playing keep away. Misha May rescued him from a local shelter when his family decided not to come and get him. Then Flash jumped the fence at his first foster home and again at his adopter's. He found himself back at my
house for more training.
Flash has never jumped the fence at my house. As in Buddy's case, I made a decision to make it impossible for him to do so. Like Buddy, he jumped because he had fun. But unlike Buddy who enjoyed running free, Flash enjoyed the attention of people chasing him. He never went far, just annoyingly out of reach.
My most important observation of Flash was that he started thinking about jumping when he became anxious and worried, not because he wanted to chase something. He began to whine and pace when he heard unfamiliar sounds. When I attached a leash to his collar, he relaxed and was able to focus and play. The other dogs are of great comfort to him.
Flash, a young border collie mix, is a very adoptable dog. He needs a home where someone will enjoy being in the yard with him and give him attention. Then he can completely relax, feel at home and realize it is more fun to stay in his yard. For awhile, he will need to go out on a long leash. If he never jumps the new fence, then he will lose his connection to that behavior choice. The longer he can go without jumping, the better the prognosis for the future. In a new yard, he will have a clean slate and can be taught to stay at home.
Why did Flash jump? He became anxious in the yard alone and sought attention outside; he created a game of keep away; he was successful in at least 3 locations.
Why did he stop? No opportunity to jump was afforded him; his needs were met in the yard by human and dog friends; he is becoming less anxious in the unfamiliar surroundings.
Do I trust him completely? No, but the future is hopeful since he is so young and sweet, and has responded so well to attention and guidance.
Each individual dog is different, so please adapt this information to yours. Please email any follow-up questions or requests for consultations to Lorraine May, M.A. at mishamayfoundation@gmail.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
