Dal & Mad's Mom Posted March 14, 2009 Report Share Posted March 14, 2009 We recently got a great home for a dog who was in our rescue for 10 months since he came nursing his mom. The people love him and he's great but, he's suffering some typical bc depressive traits. I'm planning to go over and see him this weekend if they wish hoping that will help him but, right now he's making them carry him outside and one day during the week he refused to eat. What can I do to help I dont want them to give up on him and they dont have small kids so I doubt they will. How can i help them give him a good chance ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy Chittenden Posted March 14, 2009 Report Share Posted March 14, 2009 Awwww, poor boy. Is this the first time he has been living without another dog? How about having them work on some toy drive/play therapy with him - have them do whatever it takes and I mean whatever it takes - being super silly, coating toys with peanutbutter, running away, running around, anything to get him up and going to take his mind off of whatever fear he may be experiencing at the moment. It's winter and dry, could a static shock have gotten him at the door making him fear the area? Rub him down with a dryer sheet once in a while just in case? Many, many, many of our fosters will not go out ALONE at first. Are they going with him and if not have them go out with him and remain with him until business is done. Feeding - have them feed only at set times, no free feeding, and if they are using treats throughout the day his appetite will be down - I find sometimes that the "not eating" really is just "not eating the meals 'cuz I've been snacking all day and not really hungry thank you very much." He should be much better in a couple of weeks - sometimes change is so hard on them! Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbc1963 Posted March 14, 2009 Report Share Posted March 14, 2009 My dog wasn't that bad, but he's only recently (after nearly 4 years) gotten to see being outside by himself as a fun thing. Early on, he wouldn't go out unless I was with him. Even now, he seems to want to be back inside ASAP: once he makes up his mind, he will not remain outside. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dal & Mad's Mom Posted March 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2009 I'm asking a ton of questions but, one of the key things is he's attatched to the daughter who resembles me. They are saying that once they are outside with him he's comfortable enough to wander and go but, the getting there is the problem. I suggested some really high value treats and he is a player so I think that will be the key but, right now it isnt working. On the food thing he actually got them to feed him right on the couch. They held the bowl and he ate every bit. I think people are in the back round saying well if you do that once you'll have to do it everytime. I know that isnt the case and I'm reinforcing it for them. they tell me he is starting to behave quirky like when he's tired he goes into his crate and closes his own door and hiding his toys like there is another dog there. This is the funny dog I know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flrpwr52 Posted March 14, 2009 Report Share Posted March 14, 2009 Have they tried walking him from another room with a lead on and not hesitating but going right out an open door? As soon as they get on the other side of the door give treats and have a party. After a storm I had to do this with one of my dogs. You can't hesitate for a second and you have to come from another room where the dog can't see the door walking with a purpose. It might take a couple times but it's worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue_Deutscher Posted March 14, 2009 Report Share Posted March 14, 2009 I'm no professional dog trainer but I can still give free advice. Give it time. One trick we used to do trying to get a horse in a trailer: lead him towards it and back him up. Lead him forward a few more steps, then back him up. Repeat. He gets closer and closer without realizing it. When he balks, just get him to take one more step, maybe with a carrot, then back him up or take him for a little walk away for a bit. Come back, repeat. Even once he is all the way in the trailer, back him out and do over. I'd say get him to go towards the door, then away from it, and give a big reward, treat, praise, whatever. Repeat as above. And once he is outside, reward and come back in. Wait an hour and do over. Stay out for another few seconds, then another minute, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dal & Mad's Mom Posted March 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2009 Good news a second weekend was all he needed. They had friends bring over dogs who were waiting in the yard and out he went. He also ran out to greet the next door neighbor. Yeah I knew he was smart but, we had to out think him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue_Deutscher Posted March 16, 2009 Report Share Posted March 16, 2009 Yeah! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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