We have been working hard on building Loki's confidence and restoring his trust in us these last few months.
Other than some planned outings with small puppies we have avoided anywhere where it was likely he would encounter off leash dogs or really more than a passing jogger with a dog.
It was nearly 70 degrees today so we got to the park and play, I decided to take Loki. He had on two collars leashes, and I had a first aid kit in my bag just in case.
HE DID FANTASTIC!!!
He totally ignored most of the other dogs, and when he got nervous instead of growling and hackling he just sat facing away from them and leaned up against my leg.
We did not approach any of the other dogs, and I made it clear that we were just watching and did not want to play.
I also kept a picnic table and the playground equipment between us and the other dogs until I could get a feel for how they behaved.
After the dogs left we went over and he sniffed every inch of where they had been playing and stayed relaxed and happy.
Then as we were leaving there was an elderly Golden retriever who just exuded sweetness and friendliness. Loki saw her and was all wagging tail and play bows so we very slowly headed their direction in a round about way.
The closer we got the more wiggly Loki became, so we stood just out of leash range for both dogs and talked for a minute or two and Loki stayed calm and friendly the whole time. He even sat down next to me.
I wasn't brave enough to get any closer, god forbid he should go after someone's elderly dog .
I also have no intention of him ever playing loose with strange off leash dogs, but I still think it was a very big step.
I really want to visit schools and/or Nursing homes with him, but he has to be able to be neutral around other dogs for that to happen.
When he turns around and avoid looking at whatever he is nervous about should I just ignore him?
This is a common coping strategy with him, not just with other dogs, but also with my mom's psycho cat, or any mess he might have made, thing he has chewed up etc.
Congratulations on the progress Jennifer!! It's a great feeling
Quote:
When he turns around and avoid looking at whatever he is nervous about should I just ignore him?
In the book "Control Unleashed" they suggest rewarding the dog for looking at what stresses them - pretty much the dog glances, you mark and reward. It is supposed to reshape how the dog views it. Instead "oh no" it becomes "goody! I get a reward".
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