a problem i never thought I'd have

Share your experience and tell us how using positive reinforcement training methods has changed yours and your dogs' lives.

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Shalista
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Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2015 10:04 pm

a problem i never thought I'd have

Post by Shalista »

I never thought id say this but i need to start teaching Bax manners about not hopping into EVERYONE'S lap. I'm so smug this is even an issue. My 3 aunts and my cousin came over and Bax of course started barking. i whisked him outside while they were coming in and we went for a walk till he calmed down a little. then i brought him back in and while he was a little tentative some treats were distributed and suddenly he was everyone's best friend! its the second day and hes STILL everyone's best friend. thank god they're all dog lovers because he is in everyone's lap and putting his paws up mooching for pets from everyone constantly. I never thought my terrified little anti social pup would be the star of the show and asking for arm pit scratchies from total strangers(to him). I'm so excited!

.... but yes, must work on jumping up ONLY when asked :roll:
Baxter (AKA Bax, Chuckles, Chuckster) Rat Terrier, born 01/16/13
JudyN
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Re: a problem i never thought I'd have

Post by JudyN »

Well done both of you :D
Jasper, lurcher, born December 2009
Shalista
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Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2015 10:04 pm

Re: a problem i never thought I'd have

Post by Shalista »

all done with positive only =) goes to show A) its never to late to socialize and B) with time, love, and treats even the scardiest of dogs can blossom

i was honestly worried that id missed his socialization window, that he'd NEVER be a social dog, that he was somehow irreparably broken from his miserable puppyhood. watching him yesterday and today though really showed me just how wrong i was, how resilient he is. he wasn't just tolerating being pet he was enthusiastically groveling for affection from total strangers, even while i was in the other room!
Baxter (AKA Bax, Chuckles, Chuckster) Rat Terrier, born 01/16/13
Ari_RR
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Re: a problem i never thought I'd have

Post by Ari_RR »

Nice.
And "every dog lover" is not the same as "everyone".. I am not sure that interacting with the dog lovers in the room, even if jumping in their laps, would worry me too much at this stage.
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Nettle
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Re: a problem i never thought I'd have

Post by Nettle »

Well done both of you!

Remember - "socialised" does not mean loves every person, every dog, every situation. Bax has made some good choices with people who know how to behave around dogs. You have enabled him to make those choices. You set him up for success by taking him out first, plus all the groundwork you have put in since you first came here..
A dog is never bad or naughty - it is simply being a dog

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
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